Houndstooth

With all the focus on menswear looks for the ladies, it was refreshing to find such a quintessential flirty & girly shape in a historically "reserved for the boys" print. In addition to leopard, houndstooth might become the other printed neutral of my winter wardrobe. 

Recreate my look:

Joe Fresh sweater, American Apparel skirt, LOFT coat (similar), Stella & Dot purse, Corso Como boots (similar)

I Walk in the Rain

Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet. Which type are you?

Recreate my look:

American Apparel tee, J.Crew shirt (similar), Simply Vera mini (similar), Hunters, similar purse

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)

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

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

Not So Fast

Unless you are a Chicagaoan vacationing somewhere warm like me, you're still experiencing frigidness - thank goodness for Florida! While the calendar promised spring, it seems that the mumblings and grumblings about the cold wil not dissipate for a bit yet. Therefore, keep your sweater tights, wool coats, and gloves in close reach.

NY & Co leather jacket, American Apparel sweater, XXI blouse, Charming Charlie brooch, vintage plaid skirt, Audrey Brooke booties

What to Wear this Weekend

Jack by BB Dakota fur vest (similar), American Apparel "Chicago" sweatshirt, Old Navy plaid shirt (similar), Gap jeans, Clarks boots (similar here and here), purse via Crossroads (similar), Stella & Dot necklace (similar, if wrapped twice), Tory Burch sunglasses

Da Bomb

It is no secret that I'm a fan of jackets, so it was only a matter of time before I branched out from blazers to the bomber. I saw this one on the Forever 21 website and knew it would make a nice addition to my closet. With the graphic yet subtle pattern, it will mix beautifully with other patterns and textures. Plus, the thin and silky material can transition into the warmer months when I still have to wear sleeves inside the office. To really drive home the purchase? I saw this article on Who What Wear. On trend and on budget? That's da bomb!  

XXI bomber, American Apparel tank, Ark & Co trousers (similar here and here), Target belt (similar), XXI earrings (similar), Nine West pumps

Lincoln Square, Chicago

Last weekend, the man and I spent some time in our soon to be neighborhood of Lincoln Square - we are moving in together on April 1st! We had a Christmas present for a knife skills class at The Chopping Block (highly recommend, by the way); however, even after our class, we stayed there for lunch and then went back the next day for dinner and a movie. I guess that's a good sign that we are going to be moving to the right area since we couldn't stay away. Plus, I can't wait to become a regular at an apothecary that's been open for 138 years!

Longchamp Expandable Travel Bag, American Apparel Chicago sweatshirt & collared blouse, Gap legging jeans, Steve Madden high tops, NY & Co fur stole (similar), Tory Burch sunglasses, Nars Heat Wave lipstick

Longer Lengths

After holding up my new green skirt (scored with an American Apparel Groupon) to the "tops" section in my closet, I decided to wear it with this watercolor tee. Normally I would wear a cropped jacket with a maxi skirt to ensure that my waist is defined rather than pair long with long; however, the colors in this tee (green, mustard, brown, burgundy, and peach) were begging to be worn with my peach boyfriend blazer! So, why not add a wide brim hat and fur vest to really work the boho chic look? Why not indeed.

Club Monaco fur vest (similar), H&M peach blazer (similar), Simply Vera tee, American Apparel skirt, Gap hat (similar), Fownes Brothers gloves, Franco Sarto booties (similar), Hue sweater tights, Tory Burch sunnies

Snakebite

American Apparel blouse, BB Dakota vest, Akira skirt, Target belt & booties, XXI earrings, Francesca's cuff