Mayday

The term mayday literally translates to "come help me," and that's just what I tried to do this past week. Due to the tornadoes in Moore, OK, two companies that we work with requested on-site trauma counseling for affected employees and their families. I was asked to go and immediately accepted. To see the destruction and listen to stories of loss and helplessness but also hope and love was inspiring and allowed for a much needed perspective adjustment of what is important. While I wasn't able to give a big donation or reconstruct a building, I was able to listen and give some hope.

All outfit details here 

Double Denim

I recently came upon a new to me fashion blogger - Wendy of Thankfifi - and I'm enamored! She lives in Glasgow, which I visited in my semester of studying abroad in Manchester, England. I've already been inspired by quite a few of her ensembles and can't wait to get our own dog that can become a model in my outfit pics. 

Have a great Memorial Day weekend and I can't wait to share the details of our trip to Traverse City with you next week, but follow me on Twitter & Instagram to stay up with our fun adventures!

Denim shirt, Worthington peplum top (similar), Gap legging jeans, Jessica Simpson flats (similar here and here), Stella & Dot Lilith Fringe necklace

Pantone on Tone

In revisiting my own archives, I stumbled upon this post where I discussed "tone on tone" via Diane Von Furstenberg's pre-fall 2011 lookbook and introduced the idea of using Pantone color charts to find which colors to wear to achieve the look. Now, almost two years later, I'm inspired all over again! Whether it's shades of pink, purple, red, or blue, it's safe to say that this escalation of color blocking is a sure fire way to ring in spring! Do yourself a favor and pile on pastels, neons, and brights in one color family from your ears to your toes.

Green wide leg trousers (similar here and here), American Apparel tank, Worthington cropped blazer, Hobo clutch (similar and on sale), BaubleBar necklace (similar here and here)

What to Wear for Memorial Day

The fiancé and I are heading up to Traverse City for the weekend. The weather promises mid 60s and partly sunny, which is perfect for a day of walking and sunning at Sleeping Bear Dunes on Saturday and stopping by a few wineries and breweries on Sunday. Dan and I have a habit of not making any meal reservations or solid plans and just seeing what we feel like in the moment, so if you have any recommendations, please share them! 

For a day of hiking (aka sauntering up and down hills ensuring to never break a sweat):

Cut off jean shorts, Tom's, striped tee, utility jacket, & fedora

For a day of wineries/breweries (aka day drinking):

Maxi dress, gladiator sandals, denim jacket, & scarf

For a romantic dinner (aka stuffing our faces and returning to the hotel to fall dead asleep within minutes): 

Mixing patterns with a skirt and blouse, ankle strap heels, & a blazer

For the ride there or back (aka napping while Dan listens to sports radio):

Printed "pajama" pants, oversized thin sweater, & flat ankle booties

Be sure to check back next week to see how my outfit plans panned out! 

JennyGrams

Stripes and stripes with a knot at the waist

Pendant necklace & chevron wide leg pants

Black lace, black leather, and pointy stilettos

This rose Urban Decay eyeshadow in Freelove is great for blending with bronzes and golds.

Prabal Gurung for Target blouse with bright accents

Double denim, Stella & Dot necklace, and a striped cardi

Gerbera daisies always make me smile.

Stella & Dot and polka dots

Vintage rings from Randolph Street Market

Pink & gold

Mixed greens, feta, cucumber, edamame, red onion, and avocado

Homemade beef carnitas on Cinco de Mayo

Nude ombre mani

Strip steak, mashed cauliflower with mushroom gravy, and asparagus is this Midwest girl's favorite meal.

Leopard pumps & trousers with polka dots

Lilacs are my favorite...I just wish they lasted longer indoors.

Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals - I am officially a Blackhawks fan!

Baby blue and bright orange is my new favorite color combo. 

Rocker tee and tuxedo blazer

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A Weekend Date

Now that it's Friday (phew), you and your honey or group of gal pals will be likely heading out to the newest BYOB, gastropub, or sushi joint and therefore need something a little fancier than the other two types of dates (seen here and here). I never tire of working a high/low look for a date night - a little casual and a little fancy. A striped tee is the perfect cute & casual top and will make that special skirt that you wore last Christmas (think lace, sequins, jacquard. or any other embellishment) very appropriate for spring. The finishing touches? A jean jacket, bright clutch, and leg lengthening nude sandals. Have a great weekend!

American Apparel tee and belt, Akira skirt (similar), Old Navy jean jacket, Adrienne Vittadini sandals, Bennetton clutch (similar), Tory Burch sunnies

Soon Enough

I swear that on Monday this outfit was appropriate! It's hard to imagine having an overcoat on (even just over my shoulders) with the sun blazing in Chicago today. This is the kind of day that I wish I could go Oak St beach with a gin & pineapple in one hand, a good book in the other, with my fiancé by my side. Soon enough, Jenny. Soon enough.

Loft skirt, Timing blouse (similar), Silence & Noise blazer (similar), Jessica Simpson pumps (similar), NY & Co cape (find similar here), Givenchy lipstick, vintage bracelet (similar)

Lately (May Edition)

I'm a sucker for a sale. $5 off $25? 30% off? Free shipping with minimum purchase? My credit card is in hand faster than you can say, "Are you aware of our return policy?" At times, I realize that a new piece just isn't going to be as versatile as imagined, so back to the store I go for a refund or merchandise credit, which occurred with this purchase. Other times I realize that I unknowingly bought something similar to what is already in my closet. If that is the case, I head to the nearest Crossroads Trading Co. to consign the older and less loved piece (which happened with this blouse) and give way for the newer and better - it's Darwinism, people!

Here's what I've bought this month, so stay tuned and see how I will style the pieces.

Apt 9 Striped Blazer and American Apparel Stripe Long Sleeve Boat Neck shirt

Adrienne Vittadini Prim Platform Sandal and American Apparel Basic Leather Belt in lilac 

Jennifer Lopez Chevron Wide Leg Pants and Simply Vera Wang Jacquard Skinny Pants