Sheer and Presently Pregnant

My newest obsession is a sheer hemline. 

Oh, and wearing dark lipstick in the summer - it feels even more chic than during the apropos winter months.

Recreate my look:

Kohl's Apt. 9 Striped Maxi Dress, Levi's Classic Denim Trucker Jacket, Stella & Dot The Switch in Natural Snake, Steve Madden booties (similar), similar fedora, BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie lipstick in Lead the Way

Dressing for the Lil Bump

Well it happened, I'm dressing for the bump. 

For now, it includes oversized blazers & vests atop roomy shirts with leggings or elastic waist trousers finished with a scarf or statement necklace. Now, that's not to say that pencil skirts, fit & flare dresses, and boyfriend jeans won't be in my rotation - I just need to purchase a few that are a little roomier since I look like I have a "food baby" that doesn't go away. Once I officially "pop" you better believe I'm  investing in some maternity gear!

Recreate my look:

Gray tee (similar & maternity), UO sleeveless blazer (similar, but pricey), Topshop leather leggings (via Crossroads), Steve Madden Area bootie (in black), Stella & Dot Zabala necklace (on sale!), Stella & Dot snakeskin tote, Stella & Dot renegade cluster bracelet, nugget wrap bracelet, odeon stretch bracelets, Stella & Dot Odette ring, Stella & Dot Lakin teardrop earrings

Cold Red

At a "feel like" temperature of -20, I should have worn fleece-lined or sweater tights, 

but the polka dot ones were just so much more fun! I've had to sacrifice all heels for comfortable flats to continue the healing of my ankle, so I have to hold up my end of the bargain that fashion is (sometimes) painful.

Recreate my look:

Free People coat (similar), LOFT dress (similar), Corso Como boots (similar), American Apparel tights, Charming Charlie purse (similar), Ally + Zoe earrings (similar), Revlon 'Cherries in the Snow' lipstick

That Dress for Weekend

So back to that dress...
At this point you have either purchased one or, maybe already have one. It might be the one that you wore the crap out of during the spring and summer months, but are unsure about how to make appropriate for fall (without those wedges). Or, it could be the one that you've worn to a birthday party or two last year and only styled it for a night out with your signature smokey eye. Regardless which category you fall in, that dress can be worn and reworked to accommodate brunch, then errands, then watching the football game. All it takes is some light layering, like a chambray and a cardigan finished off with a pair of ankle boots.

Recreate my look:

Joe Fresh dress, I Heart Ronson denim shirt (similar), LOFT vest (similar cardigan), J.Crew tote (similar), Steve Madden booties, snakeskin bangles (similar here and here), beaded necklace, Tory Burch sunglasses

Sepia

When you get your hair freshly dyed, there's less need for color in your outfit. 

Well, maybe just one color, but it must match the hue of your new 'do.

LOFT shorts, Narcisco Rodriguez for DesigNation, Worthington blazer (similar), Bacio 61 sandals, multi-strand necklace, Stella & Dot clutch, snakeskin cuff

All Natural Style

When I think of "all natural style," I immediately think of neutral tones, simple accessories, and clean lines. While I usually am adding on the layers and accessories with my clothes, my skin care routine is simple and natural, so when Lucky Community offered up the a free sample of boost serum for a challenge, I was all in! Seventh Generation Skin Serum is plant based and free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. After a brief survey, I was matched with the hydrating option that uses jojoba oil. It's a common misconception that oil begets an oily face -- an oily face actually means that your skin is dry. They recommend using the serum in conjunction with your daily moisturizer and so far I have noticed a significant difference - less oil, and more luminosity  As a freebie newbie, I sure hope that any product I'm asked to review is this awesome!

Recreate my look:
Zara trousers (similar), Equipment blouse, H&M blazer (similar), Sam Edelman pumps (similar), snakeskin wallet

Bear Down

For me, August means the last days of summer yet brings the excitement for fall colors and textures. For my man, it's the start of the Chicago Bears season. You wouldn't be able to tell from my navy & orange ensemble, but I'm a "take it or leave it" football fan. Since Dan got me to be a genuine Blackhawks fan this year, let's see what his passion does for my interest in this sport! 

Recreate my look:

Zara trousers (similar), XXI blouse (similar), Xhiliration jacket (similar), Steven sandals (similar), J.Crew tote (similar), wood bangle

Sunshine Day

Today, I give you a bright combo to brighten your mood. Actually, who am I kidding? No one in Chicago should need help to get in a better mood, but in case you did wake up on the wrong side of the bed, I'll give you a few reasons about why I'm happy today:

1. The sun is shining.

2. It's Friday.

3. Our wedding shower is in one week.

3. Today is THREE MONTHS until our wedding.

4. Dan & I are doing a juice cleanse and it's day two. I'm proud of us for committing to this and supporting each other in making healthier choices. Hopefully this positivity shoos away any impending headache related to the detox process...

5. I'm rockin' out to a new playlist showcasing bands from this year's Lollapalooza. 

What are your five reasons?

Recreate my look:

Xhiliration dress (similar), Anthropologie jean jacket (similar), BaubleBar necklace, Steven sandals (similar), Lulu by Lulu Guinness Crossbody (similar), Revlon Persian Melon lipstick

Slit to There

After some memorable slits during last night's Golden Globe awards, I figured I'd join the ranks! Even though my favorite looks were more demure - I'm looking at you Kerry Washington, Emily Deschanel Carla Gugino, Rosario Dawson, and Jennifer Garner! I also noticed that I was drawn to those that resembled wedding gowns (Catherine Zeta-Jones, Megan Fox, Amy Adams, Helen Hunt, and Amanda Seyfried)...I wonder why?!

I Heart Ronson blazer (similar), XXI skirt, Zara tank (similar), Nine West booties (similar), Stella & Dot and Akira jewelry, Loft belt (similar), similar tights