dainty

here

 There's something so elegant and effortless about dainty jewelry. I love statement necklaces as much as the next girl, but thin, delicate necklaces seem so much more intimate. They're like little, subtle clues about who you are at your most basic. I find that when I want to feel the most natural, I reach for simple chains, bracelets, and rings. 

star necklace || solitaire (have it in the rose gold and love it) || heart.beat necklace || bangle 

snake ring || nail ring || bracelet || pave bar necklace (newest favorite)

gifted

An early Easter present. This necklace is a little bit more than I usually go for bling-wise, but it's lovely and the delicateness of the flowers despite the overall wow-factor is what won me over. 

P.S. How beautiful does the First Lady look?

make a statement

top row left to right: J. Crew (old, thrifted!)/BaubleBar/J. Crew (on sale for 25% off)/J. Crew (old)/Musana (for a good cause)

bottom row left to right: Express (old)/pearl necklace from James/J. Crew Factory (old)/Zara (old)/Express (old)

I find that the easiest way to change up your look from day to night without changing your entire outfit is to change up your jewelry and your shoes. For day, I opt for flats or low-heeled shoes for practicality and comfort, and simple, delicate necklaces. For night, I switch to higher heels and chunkier necklaces. My most-reached-for statement necklaces are displayed in a little window-box and hang on my bedroom wall next to my vanity. It's a win-win combination of jewelry storage and jewelry-as-art.

Speaking of making a statement, the Tukula necklace from Musana is the newest addition to my favorites. I saw it on Jentine (whose blog I read and love) back in December, loved it at first glance, and purchased it then as a Christmas present for myself. Aside from the fact that it is lovely and has the Bears' colors (it photographed red, but it's orange) 100% of profits from its sale and the sale of all the other beautiful jewelry from Musana goes to help women and communties in Uganda. 

spring bling

here

one: Juliet and Company/two: BaubleBar/three: t&j designs/four: Banana Republic/five: J. Crew/six: Forever21/seven: J.Crew

 Today may be the first day of Spring but Chicago didn't get the memo. It's sunny but cold, which isn't springy in my book. Until the weather decides to get on board, I'll tip my proverbial hat to spring by ogling pretty necklaces. They're shiny, pretty, and allow you to inject a little spring in your outfit without having to give up your thick winter coat and its warmth. I tell myself that if I have to wear boots and a coat one more time, I'll scream, but I like being warm too much. I'll just have to compromise by keeping my boots and coat but buying a new necklace...or two. That's what it means to compromise, right?

ring, ring

UO Love Bunnies ringholder

Rings are a great accessory, whether it's a fantastic statement-making cocktail ring or a thin, delicate band, stacked or by itself.  I tend to favor the more delicate pieces for my day-to-day, but a bold ring is my go-to piece of jewelry for a night out. 

left to right: BR (old), BR (old), Forever21 (old)

pink: thrifted; blue: BR (old); white: Nordstrom Rack (old)

orange: from Pakistan, gifted; silver: Nordstrom Rack (old); turquoise: Forever21 (semi-recent)

my top two: my first Christmas present from my guy in 2008, my engagement ring

Do you favor statement cocktail rings or more delicate pieces?

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.

white bubbles

ILY Couture bubble necklace in bright white

Took advantage of a Living Social that had these ILY Couture necklaces for $16 each. Bought two vouchers and claimed them for a black one and the bright white one above.

Because you can never really have too many statement necklaces...especially when they're this fun.

art deco

I braved Fashion's Night Out on Michigan Avenue last night to make some returns: the Gap oxblood jacket, the BR burgundy panama hat,the Zara flats, and the red biennial satchel, painter tee, and peach cabochon necklace all from J. Crew, all seen in this post. The jacket was too broad in the shoulders, and I realized that I wouldn't wear the hat enough to justify the cost, no matter how much I got it on sale. The Zara flats were half a size too big, not-yet-in-stores (I bought them online), and just didn't seem worth the price. The biennial satchel was a lovely red color, but it was too big, even with my love for big bags. I felt like I should be going on an overnight trip every time I carried it. Plus, it came out of the box smelling foul, as though the leather coloring process had gone awry. The painter tee was a boatneck, and predictably made me look even bustier than I already am. I know boatnecks will do this for me, but I have to try (and fail) and try (and fail) anyway. The peach cabochon necklace wasn't exactly a return - the boyfriend had bought it for me as an early anniversary gift, but then it went on sale for an extra 30% off online the day after we bought it in store, so I returned the in-store one and am awaiting my package in the mail. 

And while I was mostly good last night with returning and not purchasing, I succumbed to temptation at J.Crew, as is often the case. I saw this necklace on the display and had to try it on. I did, had them ring it up, and wore it out of the store. 

J. Crew crystal cluster necklace

when the leaves start changing...

1. Gap black leather jacket (couldn't find this exact one, but similar) 2. Fitzwell brown leather riding boots 

3. butter London in Royal Navy 4. Gap light chambray shirt 5. Dolce&Gabbana the one

6. Michael Kors gold watch 7. Donna Karan Woman

Autumn is my favorite season. I love everything about it, but especially the smell of crisp, cool air, the explosion of color as the leaves change, apple picking and pumpkin pie, my birthday, our anniversary...and of course, great fashion. 

I'm really trying to buy investment pieces for the upcoming season: a leather jacket, well-made riding boots, a timeless over-sized watch, oh-so-versatile chambray. In addition, I'm looking forward to switching to a deeper, more sensual perfume for the cooler weather. I love Dolce&Gabbana the one, (and the rose version, too ), but I smelled Donna Karan's new perfume, Woman, and I was intrigued (and the bottle is like a mini sculpture). As for my nails, I love the darker moody colors - stormy greys, rich hunter greens, and vampy purples. Now I'm looking to add a saturated navy blue to my polish collection. It's classic yet edgy, and a surprisingly versatile and softer take on black. 

What's on your fall wish list?

currently eyeing

J. Crew Marquess fleur necklace

J. Crew's fall campaign is calling my name, and the piece above is part of the conspiracy.

My wallet is hiding because it knows me too well: a statement piece in a classic yet intensely modern color and cut is irresistible.

currently eyeing

Hiromichi Konno for Skagen watch

I'm a fan of Skagen watches. Like when it comes to furniture, I like my watches to be sleek, classic, with a little bit of a clean modern twist. I love the irreverent yellow second hand against the simple square face with rounded edges.