Love in an Elevator

I would definitely call myself an Aerosmith fan. Even though my favorite songs are "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" and "Walk This way" (with Run DMC, of course), there is something to be said for the idea of "lovin' it up when I'm going down." However, please be clear that the idea I'm referencing is not Steven Tyler's inspiration for the lyrics, which he claims were from an experience he had at a hotel of making out with a girl in the elevator and they started having sex as the doors opened, but rather more from the concept of the song, which came from researching famous battleships. Now, why Steven Tyler was researching famous battleships is anybody's guess, but thank goodness he was. Specifically, he used an instance on the Russian Battleship Navarin for motivation. One of the crew was famously quoted, as the ship was going down, "Мы должны жить вверх, в то время как мы теперь идем вниз," or when translated, "We must live upwards now, for it is downward we head." As I approach my 29th birthday (in one month), it can be said that I am beginning to head downwards as the years of irresponsibility, debauchery, selfishness, and frivolity (also known as one's 20s) are over. So, here's to livin' it up in the best way I know how - fab friends, loving family, and a meaningful career!

MRKT shoes, Steve Madden tights, vintage skirt, Gap turtleneck, J.Crew coat, Ann Taylor Loft and NY & Co necklaces, Giovannio hat via TJ Maxx, gloves unknown via TJ Maxx, Revlon Raspberry Bite lipstick

Turquoise...

...is my favorite color. 

NY & Co jeans, leather jacket, and blouse; Allen B. tweed jacket; vintage scarf, earrings, and ring; Via Spiga suede wedges; Steve Madden Luxe bag

The master of colored jeans is Brooklyn Blonde, so pop on over to her blog and get schooled...because she's awesome!

A Midsummer Night's Dream

 I feel very much like a fairy from Shakespeare's play of mistaken identities. The shades of green, rose, cream, and brown could have come straight from the stage production. You better watch out though, since I might be the type of fairy that drops a love potion in your eyes forcing you to fall in love with an ass, or even turn you into said "ass," or possibly mimic your voice and lead you astray from your countrymen in the forest! Despite all the confusion that could erupt from those tricks, it all works out - you'll end up with a good looking Athenian by the name of Hermia, Helena, Lysander, or Demetrius. You're welcome.

Loft sweater, Apt 9 by Kohl's blouse, Forever 21 dress & brooch, Target tights, Steve Madden boots, Francesca's earrings

City Lights

There's no competing with the nighttime sights of downtown Chicago, so I'll keep my colors neutral but my lips and nails merry & bright. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Gap hat, NY & Co sweater with fur collar, Simply Vera dress, J.Crew coat, XXI earrings, Revlon Certainly Red lipstick

Starburst

I have what one would call a "sweet tooth." My preferences for sweets are not of the chocolate variety, but straight up candy. Think sprinkles, gumballs, licorice, gummies (Sour Patch Kids, bears, & worms), and chewys (jelly beans, Mentos, Mike 'n' Ikes, Skittles, & Starburst). Although I'll eat all colors and flavors in most of those categories equally, I literally abhor the yellow and orange Starburst - give me pink and red all day long.

Vintage skirt and blouse, Topshop sweater (old), NY & Co cape, Nine West shoes & gloves, Forever 21 flower brooch

Adapting Style from...Emma Arnold of Tres Awesome

Photo courtesy of Mallory Talty

Emma Arnold is the woman behind the lens of one of the most visited and popular street style blogs out there (Tres Awesome), and she snaps right out of sweet home Chicago. Needless to say, this girl sees her fair share of beautiful compilations and is at the forefront of exposing the blogosphere to new trends, but she clearly learns from what she sees, has the confidence to pull off unique combinations, and should be the feature on her blog more often. Like the outfit shown above - wild print blouse, cropped fur vest, leather skirt, and glitter booties? Swoon. I'll be recreating this as soon as I can buy a less expensive remake of the Miu Miu version. Feel free to add some black opaque or polka dot tights once the winter actually arrives in Chi City, although here's hoping that the mild weather lasts a bit longer!

Topshop Amethyst Glitter Boots

Steve Madden Hasstt Black Glitter Booties

ASOS Pencil Skirt in Leather

Aeropostale Faux Fur Vest

Topshop Feather Print Blouse

Topshop Rose Shirt by Boutique

Typecast

This skirt caught my eye in the numerous piles and racks and I immediately thought of Nicole Richie. I could see her wearing it while strolling around L.A. with a fedora, oversize sweater, and suede booties. Of course, the skirt she'd be wearing would undoubtedly Winter Kate, and I'm sure those who designed this skirt being were inspired by her style, which we'll call "edgy hippie." I think this skirt can also be made into "holiday prepster" (think Ralph Lauren) by tucking in a white button down with a vintage brown belt, oodles and oodles of pearls, and satin pumps. Even consider the option of going "vintage rocker" with a beaten up Tom Petty concert tee, leather jacket and motorcycle boots. The possibilities are endless, my dears, which makes this gem what my mom likes to call, "versatile." I think I'll call my first attempt at this velvety sheer skirt "boho business," since I wore it to work and wasn't told to go home and change. Score! I encourage you to try out new options with that seemingly too cute or too festive item in your closet as well...what type of style can you create with it?

XXI skirt, I Heart Ronson blazer, Target tee, vintage necklace, Matisse boots, Gap hat

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes...

Sparkled, sequined, glittery, and bright are all ways that I want to feel and look throughout the holiday. My favorite thing (hands down) is all of those things, but I'll also add in versatile and flattering.

Images via People.com

Images via People.com

The sequined skirt is one of the most quintessential holiday items around. It's perfect for an office Christmas party, cocktail hour during December, or Christmas Eve festivities because you can imagine how well the twinkling Christmas lights will bounce of of this material! As you can see, a slue of celebrities has worked this trend for events not necessarily holiday related. Therefore, you can too! Similarly, while they all have worn this piece with definite "nighttime" accessories, tops, and jackets, the sequined skirt can be day time appropriate. Helena of Brooklyn Blonde and Audrey of a lovely escape school us on how it's done.

Try it out for yourself with something other than a black turtleneck, lace cami, or v-neck sweater.

Zara.com

Forever21.com

All in One

The first interaction with a new trend, especially actually wearing it yourself, can be quite anxiety provoking. You wore your first color-block, neon item, mixed metals, thigh highs, or paired two patterns together. Or even you showcased an ombre hair color, bright lipstick, or glitterized a nail. You might have looked around at those you encountered on the streets wondering what your on-lookers are thinking about you or perhaps, you just said to yourself, to hell with it! Regardless of which category you fall in, I support you...and your confidence. As you can see, I've color blocked and mixed patterns all while creating a peplum highlighted with a statement lip. Clearly, my anxiety has dissipated.

P.S. Have fun clicking on all the links to old blog posts!

'Tis the Season

Remember this post about red jeans? Well, I finally got around to buying my own...just in time for Christmas! Not only are they going to look amazingly festive with my horribly, adorable, bad, holiday sweater, (wow, that was a lot of adjectives), but it also pairs beautifully with my two unarguably favorite patterns of the season - plaid and leopard.

XXIscarf, Loft brooch, Express blouse, J.Crew belt, NY & Co jeans, Loft suede booties, Revlon Fire & Ice lipstick

Winter Shminter

 Yes, those are open toe sandals with tights. Yes, the temp was below freezing by the time I was headed home. As much of a wuss as I can be with hot weather, (i.e. if I'm sweating, I'm unhappy), I am much stronger in cold weather. I'll forgo comfort for fashion any day in the winter. Unless I'm trying to sleep and my feet are cold - that is a no go. I mean, I'm not saying I'll go to cut down a Christmas tree in stilettos and a skirt, but for a few blocks walk to and from work and maybe over the lunch break to pick up some warm soup or a Chipotle burrito...I am game to minimally cover my legs or toes. I can also make up for lost coverage, such as topping off this look with a hat, gloves, scarf, and cape upon stepping outside. I mean, all that with of a Shetland wool blazer is cozy enough, right?!

Paul Smith for Target blazer via Crossroads, H&M blouse via Crossroads, XXI pencil skirt, Spanx tights, Target shoes, Francesca's jewelry, Revlon's Raspberry Bite lipstick

Downtown Romantic

To call myself is a romantic, is a drastic understatement. Favorite movies? Notting Hill, The Notebook, Love Actually, Sleeping Beauty, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Cry Baby, Pride & Prejudice, Romeo & Juliet (the one with Leo), The Twilight Saga, and Wall-E...to name a few, or many. Regardless of my cinematic preferences, I usually incorporate one element of bad ass, be it in leather, plaid, or jean, but today, I went with it, and wore layers and layers of flowers, lace, pastel, and pleats. I actually feel very Keiko Lynn, and I'm lovin' it.

American Apparel lace tee, Ny & Co pink flyaway cardigan and belt, Target kimono, Francesca's Skirt, Hue tights, White Mountain booties