uniform

here



While I try to mentally plan out what I'm wearing a day or two in advance, there are days when I fall behind and I don't have the time or the wherewithal to do anything more than to put some clothes on with the sole purpose of avoiding indecent exposure. On those days, I reach for my uniform - dark skinny jeans, a basic tee with an interesting detail (i.e. stripes!), a go-to pair of shoes (pumps if I need to dress up, ankle boots if I need to be mobile), sunglasses, and a structured, semi-large bag (it needs to be large because I carry a lot with me, but the structure is crucial if I ever want to find anything). I almost always wear a watch (I hate to be late, and I've never gotten in the habit of checking my phone for the time), and if I can eke out the time, I throw on simple studs and a delicate necklace to look a little bit more put together. 

What's your uniform?

dreaming of fall

 It's one of life's greatest ironies that when in the dead of winter, summer can't come soon enough but as soon as the first beads of sweat form in high summer, we start wishing for the cooler temperatures of fall and winter. I blame it on the always anticipatory nature of fashion. Case in point, madewell came out with its fall preview today, and now I can't wait for sweaters and leather and boots (I love boots). My favorite look from the collection is above - so easy and sporty, yet still put together. My other favorites are below. I've already mentally earmarked those cognac oxfords in look 3 and the fantastic boots in looks 4 and 10, as well as all of looks 7 and 13 (and let's not forget all of look 12). You hear that? That's the sound of me dropping coins into my wish list piggy bank right now.

all photos from madewell

zip it up

here


Clutches/zip pouches were made for warm, carefree summer days. Why not pick a pretty one? Stripes and polka dots are classics, but I'm leaning towards the pineapple/cherry or spiky fauna print myself. 

Available at Madewell.

dress me

here


Warmer weather brings out the more feminine side of me. When the sun is shining, all I want to do is wear dresses. Whether it's a casual, perfectly draped maxi or a more dressed up blue and white stunner, the thing I look for in summer dresses is comfort and ease, because when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, things are simple and uncomplicated - why dress differently?

dresses: grey maxi :: b & w stripes :: red jersey :: blue & white :: print :: pink & coral

What's your warm weather uniform?

pssst...

madewell's having a sale!

here


my picks: shirt :: skirt :: shirt

currently loving

here 

Just a rundown of all the things I'm loving right now. Loving, as in, full on obsessed.

These candles are little jars of pure luxury. I'm not thrilled with the price tags, but the scents? They're amazing. 

I've also worn these flats every day for the past week. They're so comfy - I think my feet have molded to them. The heel height says 'practical' but the leopard says 'fun'.  

Speaking of fun, how fabulous are these headphones? I'd be lying if I said I wasn't drawn to them because of how they look, but the sound quality was the tipping point - waaay better than my old Apple earbuds.

It may be rainy and gloomy here still, April notwithstanding, but I'm determined to go on pretending that Spring has arrived anyway...starting with my nail polish. This pink and this blue are so cheery and bright that the rain is a little less gloomy. Of course, you can't have nail polish without nail polish remover. This nail polish remover has changed how I feel about nail polish removers. Seriously, it's hands down the best I've ever tried, and I've tried quite a few. Bonus: it actually smells kind of good - less acetone, more soft powdery floral. 

If you're looking for good quality, inexpensive brushes, Sonia Kashuk is always a good bet. I recently picked up this brush at Target. I love the pattern and the way it lets me apply my face powder with a light hand. 

Lastly,  after hearing so many things about this primer, I finally caved in and bought it. OH MAN. HOLY GRAIL product. I wasn't really a face primer convert until this, and now, I'll never look back. 

What are you currently loving?

shoe love: pick three

here


Even though it snowed all day today in Chicago, I am adamantly holding on to my belief that spring is right around the corner. I can't wait to be able to wear cute shoes again! After scouting various websites' spring shoe offerings, I've narrowed it down to these three groups: the sexy dressy sandal, the cute flat sandal, and the cool city wedge. 

Which three (one from each group) would you choose?

group 1: Sam Edelman Abbott in peach + gold or white + silver or Coach Leighann in white snakeskin

group 2: Madewell boardwalk sandal in white, navy + green, or brown

group 3: Sam Edelman Sutton in leopard, nude, or black

spring wishlist

here

 The weather in Chicago has been ridiculous lately. In the past week, we've had snow, freezing rain, and fluctuations of 20 degrees in temperature. Today is 45 and drizzling, tomorrow will be 62 and storming, and by Thursday will be at 19 and possible snowing. Needless to say, I have no idea how to dress appropriately much less presentably, and I am truly, truly earnestly waiting for spring to arrive. Which explains why I've been aimlessly perusing the web for anything spring related and why I now have a spring wishlist:

1. cognac colored tote + crossbody

2. chambray shirt

3. simple, bold watch

4. pretty, soft nails

5. warmer season, lighter scent

6. animal print flats

7. chic flip flops

8. nude wedges you can dress up or down

9. classic, flat sandal

10. timeless shades

11. delicate earrings, necklaces, and bracelets  

 

currently eyeing

 polyvore set here

1. a delicate necklace I can wear every day

2. black moto boots to take me through winter

3. adorable red flats (the bow is icing on the cake)

4. a necklace that makes a statement

5. a luxe perfume that has an underlying note of leather

6. navy + green + elbow patches + merino = great sweater  

As the weather keeps dropping, I get more and more into things that are comforting and luxurious at the same time, whether it's a warm perfume or a warm sweater.

inspiration (solange)

All photos from Madewell

I find Solange Knowles's style inspiring because of the fact that it's so different from what I usually go for - her use of color, her hair, her choice of prints, etc. are so bold yet on point, eye-catching yet not costume-y.

I find her style a reminder to go ahead, infuse some color/print/crazy sexy hair in my everyday routine; I find her outfits powerful and fun. And, really, isn't fashion about having fun? Otherwise, what's the point?

Whether you stick with the classics or go for the new and bold, it should be about having a good time and dressing in a way that makes you feel good. No matter what she's wearing, she always looks like she's loving it. 

Good clothes can make you look good, but wearing clothes that make you feel good make you look better every time.

seeing red

polyvore set here

one: NARS nail polish in Jungle Red 
two: OPI nail polish in Red Lights Ahead...Where?
three: J.Crew Tippi Sweater in Heather Burgundy
four: MAC lipstick in Russian Red
five: NARS lipstick in Autumn Leaves // six: Madewell Suede Sidewalk Skimmer
seven: Zara Basic pumps // eight: Topshop Alvin boots
nine: Dannijo cameo-crystal drop earrings // ten: J. Crew Biennial Satchel 
 eleven: Coach Legacy Crossbody // twelve: Current/Elliot Rider legging jean



I am loving the slew of red for fall. Whether siren red or deep burgundy, it's such a rich, versatile color that's a perfect match for fall's cooler temperatures. On nails, go with moody crimson (1) or watch-me red (2). For the perfect fall sweater, pick a saturated hue in a simple cut (3) and pair it with an equally saturated pair of jeans with a little equestrian twist (12). Lips can be coppery (5) or showstopper (6) red. Pick an attention grabbing bag, either large (10) or small (11). Zara makes a great red pump (7), but if boots are more your thing, Topshop has these buckled boots (8) in a deeper oxblood. Meanwhile, Madewell has some suede flats in a rich red (6). Lastly, I think the most glamorous way to wear red this fall is through a pair of statement earrings, perhaps like this Dannijo pair (9).


Are you seeing red and loving it?

currently eyeing

Madewell sheepmeadow sweater

I know the sheep are a little kitschy, but that's exactly why I love this sweater. We all had that dorky sweater as little kids. Why not be intentionally dorky now?