Nothing Like The Lion King

If you live in or around Chicago and haven't seen "The Book of Mormon," please, please, please do so. It's incredibly heart warming and not at all anti-religion. Don't believe me? Read this review.

Recreate my look:
Worthington skirt, top via Crossroads (similar here and here and here), Target belt and shoes (similar),
J.Crew tote (similar here and here), Old Navy cuffs (similar), Stella & Dot earrings, OPI Samoan Sand

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 Downtown Date

To galavant around the city and its museums, dark pubs, shops, and fine dining establishments, you need to dress for the possibility of anything, which admittedly, can be hard to accomplish. The foundation of this look is a pair of cuffed jeans, graphic tee, blazer, and comfy yet chic flats; however, the add ons are what make it go from day to night with ease!

1. Scarf | We are in the Windy City after all and the temperature from waiting on the "L" platform to entering American Apparel or even while walking on different streets can change drastically. 

2. A cross body bag with handles | This allows the ability to passionately talk with your hands about Picasso's paintings and sculptures during your day at the Art Institute, while the handles can be utilized later when you are led to the quiet corner table of a seafood restaurant on the river.

3. Statement Jewelry | Once you have your first glass of wine at Elephant & Castle, it's time to roll up the cuff of your blazer and tuck your hair behind your ears to showcase your bracelets and earrings. Also, consider putting on some lipstick!

H&M blazer (similar here and here), XXI tee (similar here and here), Gap jeans, Steve Madden purse (similar), vintage bracelets and ring, leopard loafers, purple scarf, Stella & Dot earrings

Hey Red

American Apparel collared blouse, Gap sweater (similar), Akira skirt (similar), JC Penney belt (similar), Gap sequin clutch (similar), Old Navy cuffs (similar), Nine West leopard sandals

Sh*tkickers

I've been searching for a pair of army boots, but wasn't sure I could justify paying full price for some, considering I have these motorcycle boots that fill the same purpose. But then I was in Crossroads in Wicker Park, and I spotted 'em...for $25. Welcome to the family, sh*tkickers.

Nine West Vintage American boots via Crossroads (similar), Francesca's skirt (similar), leopard sweater via Crossroads (similar), Benetton clutch (similar), Tory Burch polarized sunglasses, bracelets from Akira, Charming Charlie, and Pandora

Neon Streak

If my mom can pair neon with non-neutrals, well gosh darn it, so can I!

Anthropologie denim jacket, J.Crew sweatshirt (similar), Old Navy flannel, Gap boyfriend jeans, Old Navy oxfords (similar), Charming Charlie purse, Tory burch polarized sunglasses, Make Up Forever lipstick

Travelin'

I've become quite the traveler this past year. My work now includes it on at least a monthly basis. It's necessary to be comfortable when flying; however, I usually have to go into work before or after my flight, therefore, it's still necessary to be business casual. I always dress in light layers like a chambray shirt, utility jacket, and fur vest. No matter the temperature in the cabin, you'll be ready for it. I also wear a loose fitting or stretchy dress/skirt rather than pants that will wrinkle or a tight waistband that will dig in while you're sitting. And to ensure that I'm not walking around barefoot through security, tights in the winter or ankle socks in the summer with booties are my pick. Lastly, this tote has completely changed my traveling experience since it expands to the size of a carry on, thereby still making it acceptable with my Samsonite to not require any checked baggage!

MNG for Mango dress, Bisou Bisou faux fur vest, H&M jacket, Target chambray shirt, Hue sweater tights, Steve Madden booties, Charming Charlie purse (similar here and here), Limited chandelier earrings (similar)

Erranding

Errands is a noun meaning a short journey undertaken in order to deliver or collect something on someone else's behalf. The "errands" I did yesterday were all on my own behalf...DSW, Marshall's, Ulta, Target, and Kohl's. So, that would make what I did on Sunday a..."mision?" Yeah, we'll go with that. A mission for sales and deals on spring shoes and apartment stuff.

XXI stripe tee and bomber jacket, a.n.a leather jeans, Steve Madden wedge sneakers, Charming Charlie purse (similar here and here) and earrings (similar), New York & Co necklace (similar), Stella & Dot bracelet, Tory Burch sunglasses

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

South by Southwest

I picked up this cardigan on major sale at Zara a couple weeks ago and immediately thought of how perfect it will be to wear for a music festival, street fest, flea/antique market...essentially, any outdoor warm weather activity. If I was going to South by Southwest in Austin this month, you better believe I'd be wearing this with a graphic tee, jean shorts, and gladiator sandals. But for now, I'll pair it with some cold weather earth tones and dream of sunshine!

Zara cardigan (similar), Gap henley and leather jacket (similar), LOFT cords (similar), Franco Sarto booties (similar), Stella & Dot Leona pendant, Gap snood (similar hereand here), leather quilted purse via Crossroads (similar), Tory Burch sunnies

Black Out

Rachel by Rachel Roy shirt dress (similar here and here), Mango blazer (similar here and here), Nine West boots (similar here and here), Hue sweater tights, Stella & Dot earrings, Kohl's tiger ring (similar), Tory Burch sunnies, Essie Sure Shot

Sweater Coat

After seeing a few aztec, plaid, and other patterned coats around this season, I was on the hunt for one. That is, until I realized that wearing layers underneath my own aztec sweater would fit the bill! I started with a my tank maxi dress under a crewneck sweater and cinched the waist with a belt (otherwise the blanket sweater is pretty shapeless, but oh so cozy). After topping it off with a fur stole, I achieved the look I was going for...and stayed warm.

Old Navy sweater (similar), XXI sweater (similar), Gap maxi dress (similar), Clarks boots, NY & Co faux fur scarf (similar), Fossil belt, B. Makowsky purse (similar), Target earrings (similar here and here), Tory Burch sunnies, Revlon Red Lacquer lipstick