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?

sweet caroline

 

You know that scene from 10 Things I Hate About You when Bianca's discussing the difference between like and love ('There's a difference between like and love. Because, I like my Skechers, but I love my Prada backpack.')? Well, this bag is my Prada backpack in that analogy. As for the Skechers? About 50ish items I sold to two resale shops on Sunday. The 50ish items I purged almost painlessly from my closet. The 50ish items James was so happy to see go because it meant less packing. As I watched the buyer go through my things, I kept wondering how I ended up with so much stuff. Oh, I liked them for sure, and perhaps even thought I loved some of them when I bought them, but I had no particularly big qualms about watching them go. Right then and there, I made a very big mental note to once again, recommit to only getting what I love.

Which begs the question, what do I love? Not really, really like, not that would be so cute with x and y and z, not that's the best I've seen, not it will do, not but it's such a great price!. I mean, unequivocally, undoubtedly, 100%-and-then-some love. When I saw this bag, I knew it. Everything about it made me smile inside. You know that feeling? I'm a neutrals girl at my core, and the mushroom taupe color was spot-on. I didn't want it any greyer or browner than it actually was. I adore silver hardware, and against the taupe (Coach calls it 'ash'), it made the bag so sleek and modern, yet classic all at once. I loved the longer strap for on the go and equally approved of the shorter straps for a quick grab or to perch on my elbow. The lining is a lovely teal color. The middle has a '40s-esque valise opening that I find ingenious. The only thing I didn't love was the price tag. I had never bought anything close to what the tag said (computers/iPads don't count), so I put it back, knowing it was impossible. But to my surprise, James said, "You should really get that bag. It's absolutely you, and your face lit up when you saw it. You just sold a whole bunch of stuff you didn't love. Use what you made from that to get something you do love." In the almost 5 years we've been together, James has never, not once, been so adamant about a purchase I'd been contemplating. 

I went home and slept on it, talked with James some more. He was still adamant. I went back to the store the next day and made my purchase, paying for it in full from the profit I had made from selling/consigning. I used a coupon to bring down the price considerably, even though in the end, it was still the most expensive thing I've ever bought. But you know what? There was not even an inkling of buyer's remorse, not then and not now. Now when perusing things online or in catalogs, everything's put up against the "Caroline test".  It's like seeing everything with fresh eyes. There are things I like (sometimes a lot) and now I'm content to put them down and walk away. There's no hemming or hawing, no double-guessing, just a clear cut yes or no. It feels sweet.

P.S. In a continuing process of analyzing how and what I buy, it's great to finally hone in on what I love enough to love for years to come. In today's fashion world, everything is ever-changing and replaceable. But I find that exhausting. There were times when shopping was overwhelming - too many choices, too many colors, too many different proclamations of what was "in" and what was "out". I don't follow trends blindly, but I was aware of them, and that awareness sometimes took me away from a piece that was timeless and very me to a piece that was hotter at the moment. Cue the internal debate, cue the hemming and hawing. I'm grateful for this fresh breath of clarity. Of course, just because I truly do love something doesn't mean that I have to get it or that I can get it. I'm a girl with a very real budget. My overall quality of life is the priority, and sometimes, things I would love to buy are just not in the cards. That being said, I also believe that living well means doing the things that make you happy, which sometimes means buying some things. The "Caroline" experience just has made me ever more convinced that it's worth it to wait for a really great piece. I think about mindless purchases more and avoid making purchases I can do without. My bank account is happier, and my closet is happier, too - less filled and more loved.

Tell me - what's your "sweet Caroline" moment?

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?

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  

 

way to go, Coach!

Is it just me, or has Coach upped its game lately? I've always been a fan of they're classic aesthetic highlighted by their supple yet durable leathers. I still have a classic, all-leather bag I received from my mother for my 20th birthday. It's Americana at its refined, minimalist best. But I was turned off for awhile when Coach began coming out with questionably bedazzled designs. The brand's clean lines had been replaced by a riot of chunky Cs and less-than-stellar textiles. I'm so glad to see it come back to its old glory with timeless designs in modern colors for a really nice blend of traditional meets modern. For the craftsmanship, design, and quality of materials, the prices are more accessible than similar brands who offer the same services but at considerably higher price points. 

I want the entire look above - the bag, the shoes, the short trench. 

Other designs that have caught my eye:

Legacy Perforated Leather Romy bag

Nala pump

 Legacy Minnie Duffel

And for my guy:

Crosby business card case

Legacy passport cover

Bleeker Legacy weekend tote

Has Coach been catching your eye lately?

birthday weekend

polyvore set here


I am turning 24 on Monday, and this weekend is jam packed with activity. Tonight I'll be eating delicious noodles at Slurping Turtle with my coworkers and then seeing Skyfall with my boyfriend. On Saturday, I'll be heading home to spend a day with my parents and sister, and once James arrives from work, we'll all go out to eat. To round out the weekend, on our way back to Chicago, we'll be stopping off to do some leisurely shopping and checking out holiday displays, and then to a just-the-two-of-us birthday dinner. Bonus: the Bears are on Sunday Night Football!

I've been incredibly lucky and blessed with a good job, good health, a great boyfriend, a wonderful apartment, and lots of loving family and friends. The wish list above would just be icing on an already delicious cake. 

I would also be remiss if I didn't take the time to thank our friend Jesse for cooking a wonderful pre-birthday dinner last night. Any dinner that I didn't have to make would have been great as yesterday was a long day, but he hit it out of the park: asparagus risotto with some fennel and leek (so creamy!), blackened scallops, and shredded brussels sprouts with bacon and shallots. Topped off with several glasses of dry Riesling, I was in culinary heaven.

Have a great weekend!
 

holiday dressing (LBD for less)

polyvore set here 

The LBD, at a more democratic price point. Full disclosure: I just bought it.

I would switch out the attached belt or go without one entirely. The devil outfit is in the details. Bring out the red in the statement necklace with a nice, dressy cardigan that can be left open or buttoned and cinched in with a complimentary belt. Add some texture with lace pumps and a classic clutch with a little edge. 


Old Navy dress (apparently now sold out, but similar or try in store)

J. Crew cardigan

J. Crew necklace

House of Harlow 1960 for goop clutch

Zara pumps

holiday dressing (LBD)

polyvore set here


There are usually two ways to go about holiday dressing: you either take it literally with sparkles, red/green, bows, etc., or metaphorically with less traditional colors but just as luxurious details. I switch between the two as my mood fits, but I love taking the classic LBD and making it appropriate for any occasion, including the cheer of the holidays. 

The LBD, with the right cut and design, can be as festive and statement-making as its cousin, the little red dress. Play against its simplicity with standout accessories: leopard print pumps, an intricate necklace, and a sleek clutch in cool snakeskin. Finish the look off with a bold red lip and an equally bold attitude. 

Now, this dress (and the shoes and the necklace and the clutch!) is waaaay out of my price range, but one of the best things about fashion is that there are similar options in almost every price point - I'll do a much more affordable version of this collage next. But, a girl can (virtually) dream, right?

Victoria Beckham dress 

J. Crew pumps

Oscar de la Renta necklace

Kotur clutch

recent buys - october

polyvore set here


J. Crew oversized merino sweater in heather blue - $75.22 (after 25% off sweaters + 15% off student discount)

Essie "Don't Sweater It" nail polish - $5

NARS Autumn Leaves lipstick - $24

NARS Rajasthan duo eyeshadow - $34

JustFab Magnate handbag - $19.96 (first purchase promo for new members + free shipping)

J. Crew pave link bracelet - $93.37 (after 25% off coupon)

H&M oxblood leather gloves - $24.95

ShoeDazzle Liv gold flats - $29.96 (after 20% off first purchase for new members promo + free shipping)

Old Navy Rockstar Jeans - $19 ($19 Rockstar Jeans promotion)

Total - $326.06

all prices before tax



This is a lot more than I usually spend in a month but I think I gave in to the temptation of shopping for my birthday early. I initially bought the J. Crew oversized merino sweater above in grey and then promptly went back for the heather blue version (it also comes in a tomato red). It has pockets, is oversized, and super comfy in oh-so-soft merino wool...what's not to love? I think I'm going to live in this sweater between now and March.

red tips

There are some "holy grail" items that are so basic and classic yet seem impossible to find: i.e. the perfect red lipstick, the perfect pencil skirt, the perfect silk blouse, the perfect black bag, etc., etc., etc. 

Before yesterday, I had found only one of those hard-to-find perfect-for-me classics: my perfect matte red lipstick is NARS Cruella. Yesterday, I found my perfect red nailpolish: OPI Kennebunk-port. It's just dark enough to satisfy my tendency to pick moody/vampy colors, yet red enough to still show through as red without venturing into undertones of brown. Plus, it's a little infusion of color that's still work appropriate. Win-win.  Now if I could find a silk blouse that's petite and busty friendly...

What are some of your "holy grail" products?

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.

cobalt

J. Crew Edie purse in casablanca blue

 

After surveying my bag collection, I realized that I didn't have a single,  small lady-like bag. My lifestyle demands that I carry a little bit more so most of my bags are satchels or hobo-esque shoulder bags, often with the option of a longer strap. When I do get the change to carry less, I go to the opposite extreme and opt for miniature clutches or small cross-bodies. But a true lady-like structured handbag - bigger than a clutch but smaller than a shoulder bag -, I just didn't have...until my new Edie purse arrived today.

 

The blue is rich and saturated, the minimal metal accents are perfect, and the structure is exactly what my closet was missing. The best part? The length of the shoulder strap (not shown) - it's long enough to be worn on one's shoulder but not long enough to drag on the ground should one choose to carry the bag on the arm instead. Alternatively, it can also be detached from the bag itself for a handbag option.

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.

beauty buys

from top left going clockwise: NARS nail polish in "Storm Bird", Smashbox Full Exposure mascara sample, Givenchy Rouge Interdit lipstick in black plum, Smashbox lipgloss sample, Estee Lauder nail polish in "Viper", Estee Lauder Pure Color High Gloss lipgloss sample in "Coral Chic", NARS lipstick in "Autumn Leaves", Smashbox Bronze Light sample, Estee Lauder nail polish in "Blue Blood", Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light sample

Updated my make-up collection with some fall-friendly pieces: vampy nail polish from Estee Lauder (as lusted after here) and NARS, a serious moody berry lipstick from Givenchy and a burnt orange one from NARS that really does look like autumn leaves, and a handful of Smashbox samples courtesy of my Sephora points, including the brand's famous primer. I also asked for a sample of NARS' primer with SPF and am eager to compare the two to see which I like more. 

Any primer recommendations? I'd love to know!

vamp

Estee Lauder Beyond Black Collection

I'm a vampy nail polish kind of girl, and Estee Lauder's Beyond Black collection is definitely right up my alley. I'm seriously craving the two colors singled out,  Blue Blood and Viper.  At $20 a bottle, they're a definite splurge, but I've heard that the colors are amazing and that the formula wears like iron.  

A new fall manicure is sometimes all the retail therapy you need.

sweater weather

From top to bottom: J. Crew Tippi sweater in burgundy and purple, J. Crew classic merino long cardigan in forest green, Tippi sweater in blue, kelly green, gray, and black, Gap Studio sweater in white, ASOS "Bonjour" sweater in cream/black, J. Crew Factory "heart me" sweater in acorn/black



 I could not be any happier that the weather is finally getting cooler. Case in point, my sweater collection has grown exponentially these past two weeks, and particularly this weekend. The boyfriend and I strolled down Michigan Avenue and enjoyed a great fall weekend of good eats, good wine, and good shopping.

Enjoy the cooler weather!

 

inspiration (black & fuschia)

via Stockholm Streetstyle

Caroline Issa, London.

weekend snapshots

plaid + neon

 lazy Sunday: mani + manicure (I'm on an essie and butter LONDON kick)

 September = fall

 loving all shades of green this season

this kate spade note card I received in my package was so pretty, I had to stick it on my vanity mirror!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

girl crush (caroline issa)

 via J. Crew

I've mentioned Caroline Issa's style countless times on this blog before, but her recent ad campaign for J.Crew requires that I mention it again. Her unique features and knack for making memorably unique yet classic outfits make her my ultimate girl crush.

J.Crew 2013 S/S

J. Crew's new collection has me wanting badly. Some of my favorite looks:

All images via style.com

Images #1, 3, 6, 8, and 10 are at the very top of my list. I love the great colors yet very clean, classic lines that somehow feel new all over again.