Friday, June 28, 2013

Friday Fancies: a LBD

Happy Friday friends! This has been the weirdest weather week ever in Chicago. It's been hot every day and the rain just keeps on coming. I love the heat! But we can do without all of these torrential downpours everyday. Not cool!

black dress

Anyway it's the weekend! What better way to start it off than with this dress from Splendid. I love how easy and breezy it is and literally can be dressed in any direction. I didn't really know too much about the brand until they opened their first Chicago store at Westfield Old Orchard yesterday. Everything is butter soft! The prices are a little high for me for basics, but the feel is absolutely amazing and they have really cute items there! I stopped in and caught up with Danielle, Alaina, and Liz (who all looked fabulous sporting Splendid!) and ate a cake pop on my way out, though I could've had about 4 more of the delicious cupcakes and doughnuts they had there! It was a fun time and the store is beautiful. and right next to the J.Crew and Nordstrom (aka danger territory. Just kidding!)

Hope you all have happy weekends!!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

BLACKHAWKS!

What a game! This was one for the books, a game to remember. I didn't get nearly as much sleep last night and my voice will probably be gone. We stepped out to celebrate on the streets and it was so fantastic to be a part of this energy, a part of this place. This is our city! What a celebration! Fireworks, lanterns, street poppers, flags waving everywhere. A night to remember for sure! Did you watch????

GO HAWKS!!! 2013 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!

image found here

Friday, June 21, 2013

Friday Fancies: Summer's Here!

Happy Friday friends! I'm so excited that today is officially the first day of summer, and fortunately, the temperatures say it's so. Now let's just get rid of this rain!

Summer's in full swing: volleyball has started (I love it!), summer lessons have been rearranged, work is summer camp which is really fun and we've been celebrating my mom's birthday this week (feel better Mom!). What I love about summer is the easiness of the clothing. Everything I wear in the summer has to be easy, cool, and just fun to wear. Enter reasons why I love linen! This dress hits everything here. I would love to have another linen fave in my closet. I love this panama hat and don't you just love these Maya Brenner necklaces? I love my country and my state and to be able to put them together? How fun! (Plus perfect for my favorite holiday that's right around the corner!). What's your summer staple? What's on your summer wishlist? Do tell!

summer wishin

I'll be cheering loud and proud for the Hawks tomorrow night! It's going to be a good one!

Friday, June 14, 2013

Friday Fancies: Black, White and Scalloped All Over!

Happy Friday everyone! Can't believe we've finally made it here, but it's been a good week so far! Summer camp has started at work, so I've got a new bunch of kiddos and they are really super sweet. I finished up my stay with my two favorite pups and now it's the weekend! I can't wait to get a hair cut, watch the Blackhawks hopefully take another win, and enjoy Father's Day and the U.S. Open with the best dad I know.

But now it's fancies time! With this house sitting stay, I decided to take my hard-earned earnings and treat myself a tad. I already had an Anthro gift card leftover from Christmas, and when I saw this skirt in the store, I couldn't say no. You really have to see it to appreciate how fantastic it is: it's scalloped, it's striped, it's heavy-ish, and it flares out. It's truly a timeless piece and when I saw how fast it was going, I decided it was worth spending the rest of that gift card! What I love about it is how many different ways it can be styled, and for different seasons too. That's when you truly know you're getting the most bang for your buck: when a piece can take you from season to season, being used multiple different ways. I love the way that it's styled here on the model, but here's how I'd style it for a casual weekend dinner with friends.

black and white skirt

I usually never buy an item from Anthropologie that's not on sale first, but couldn't pass this up. And that blouse? Target! Right? It's too perfect and now I may have to run over to Tar-get and pick one up!

Have wonderful weekends everyone!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

It's Thursday {randoms}

Hey everybody! I've been literally running from place to place this week like nobody's business. I've been dog sitting for my two favorite little dogs and from going to work, to piano lessons, to babysitting, to downtown for play, it's been a busy week! But here's some random assortments of what's going on over here:

I've been taking advantage of the cable at the house I'm staying at! Episodes of Ina Garten have been on repeat! Have you seen her Barefoot in Napa episodes? She's genuis, right?

Speaking of that, her raspberry bars are one of the best desserts I've ever had!

I've been spending more time riding my bike with the warmer temps! I absolutely love my easy rider, taking it all over town. We even rode to the Baha'i Temple the other night and spent some time just sitting and reflecting. Ever visited? If you're in the North Shore, it's worth the trip!

The Blackhawks WON 4-3 in 3OT! Though I went to sleep after the second one, seeing the replay was worth staying up for the 2 other OTs!

I'm still drinking this smoothie. Seriously, I'm telling you if you haven't made it already, you're missing out. It's delicious!!

Neil Patrick Harris, I love you. I really do. I completely missed the memo on the Tony Awards last Sunday, but of course I had to catch up on the Opening Number. NPH, you never disappoint.

Peonies are back! Seriously, next to Black Eyed Susans and Sunflowers, they're one of my favorites!

What's been going on in your neck of the woods?

image found here

Friday, June 7, 2013

Friday Fancies: Serious Sunnies

So I have this thing about sunglasses: there is only one style that really looks good on my face. I envy those who can pull off multiple styles! So I finally found the one that works for me, and these Tory Burch are similar. Big frame, dark color, and so comfy, I just love them. What's your go-to pair of sunglasses? Do you go with cheap ones, or invest in a nice pair?

sunnies

And plus, to me, this outfit is perfect for summer! I'm loving these sleeveless blouses that keep showing up and this chambray is no exception, it goes with everything. And I don't know about you but I love these YSL heels that Grace is always wearing in her style posts. I'd never be able to put them in my closet, but I love the look! and that floral necklace needs to come home with me. End of story!

I have a busy weekend ahead, starting with a celebration for my friend who is halfway done with med school. With piano lessons and a Cubs game ahead, it's sure to be a great weekend. Also, I'm studying for the GRE. Did anyone take it? Any survivors out there?? I'd love to hear!

Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Inspiration Station

For me, I'm inspired by things I see in new magazines and catalogues, whether it comes to new ideas for my bedroom, or new updates for my style. But I have to say, there is something to be said about tumblrs. They're just piles of different types of inspiration all into one. I've told you all before about my talented sister Ellen. She recently started a tumblr called Sun is Free and personally I just love seeing all these images melded into one spot! If you're an Anglophile, sweet addict, lover of the Midwest, want a few laughs and are mildly obsessed with the Royals, stop over and check it out!

Here's a preview!


all images found on Sun is Free. All original sources are sourced there.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Laced to Perfection

Ahh June has arrived!

and then I woke up this morning and it was 43 degrees.

June has arrived!! (Maybe the more I say it, then Mother Nature will take a hint!)

But anyways, with the start of summer comes the new summer catalogues for all of my favorite stores, including Anthropologie, which always has the best summer items, and then the best summer sales at the end of the season. But I couldn't put down the catalogue this time. Everything was just so gorgeous: maxi dresses galore, colors colors colors, and feminine lace everywhere! I've definitely developed a love for lace. It's just so timeless and could go forward for many summer/fall occasions to come.

Jardim Lace Dress
This was the stunner in my book. And the fact that it's paired with that gorgeous necklace that looks like black eyed Susan's (they say it's daisies, but I still think that it looks like MY flower!) is just perfection. I'd take it in a wink! Did the catalogue arrive at your house yet? See the rest of the new arrivals here.