What I Want To Wear

Just a few street style snaps of some outfits that I would love to wear, but due to a baby budget, baby bump, or ankle hardware, I can only covet from afar and share with you!

(Click the italic links to shop the look)

Look #1: Wide brim hat, white maxi, black Birkenstocks, leather satchel

Look #2: Oversized jean jacket, floral pencil skirt, peep toe mules

Look #3: Jean shirt, high waisted white trousers, ankle strap heels, red cross body purse, statement necklace

Look #4: Vertical strip blouse, mirror print pencil skirt, white pumps, statement earrings

Look #5: Blush tank, dainty necklace, colored lace skirt, neon minibag, neutral low heel sandals
Look #6: Plaid blouse, navy culottes, neon ankle strap heels, quilted chain purse, oversized gray trench

All images via Pinterest

Crush of the Month: Damsel in Dior

While I know how much I am inspired by the many, many personal style bloggers whose sites I visit on the reg, you might not be. Therefore, I'm showcasing one fashionista every once in a while to broaden their influence and help with your daily inspiration. My next installment of the series (see the others here) is about Jacey Duprie of Damsel in Dior. 

Jacey states that the name of her blog is symbolic of her lifestyle - to never feel like a damsel in distress - and based on her simple, chic, and understated outfit choices, she never is. Her style has been featured in publications like Huffington Post, Vanity Fair, WhoWhatWear, Refinery29, and QVC in addition to appearing in ad campaigns for Gap/Old Navy, Saks, and Levi's. She appeals to all aspects of my style at the moment, which most notably is minimalism. With nary a print mix, color block, or arm party in sight, this damsel is showcasing the shape of her pieces as the trend. This simplicity is how I see myself dressing throughout the summer months. 

To you, Jacey! Xoxo

All images via Damsel in Dior

Street Style Trend: Bomber Jackets

As some of you may know, I am a blazer aficionado - bright, boyfriend, cropped, or pastel, I wear 'em all with gusto. I have less investment in toppers of the printed variety, but that doesn't mean they aren't on my radar, especially if it's in the bomber style.

It's the perfect in between for work & weekend as it is just as functional with cut offs and a boyfriend tee as it is with a button down and ankle pants. Plus there's nothing better than a tropical floral, watercolor, or paisley print to will warmer temps into staying put for a while!

Check out my current favorites:

Boho Icon Quilted Jacket; Amour Vert Art Bomber Jacket; Maison Scotch Silky Feel Bomber; ASOS Reclaimed Vintage Bomber Jacket

Crush of the Month: The Marcy Stop

While I know how much I am inspired by the many, many personal style bloggers whose sites I visit on the reg, you might not be. Therefore, I'm showcasing one fashionista every once in a while to broaden their influence and help with your daily inspiration. My next installment of the series (see the others here) is about Lauren Gould of The Marcy Stop.

Lauren hails from L.A., but resides in Brooklyn and even if I didn't tell you that, you would likely surmise it from her style. The laid back slightly boho flare from the west melts into the buttoned up, black, and boots only rules of the east. In this in between weather that Chicago is experiencing, I can appreciate her mix of current trends, like cobalt, fringe, jumpsuits, and sheer with tried & true pieces regardless of the season like wide brim hats, flowy floral, suede pumps, and moto jackets. 

Thanks for the inspiration & cheers to you, girl!

All images via The Marcy Stop

Street Style Trend: Mules

 It may be due to my right ankle being forever swollen because of the "I shattered all my bones" hardware, but I'm over ankle straps. My cankle needs room and my request has been answered in a update to an old classic - the mule.

 I know we are all familiar with the elastic slip on platforms by Steve Madden from 2000 and this is not a battle cry to pull those out from the attic or basement. The mules of 2014 are sleek, chic, and above all else, flattering. 

Instead of looking like a clog, the mule is taking a cue from booties this time around - it's a wider piece of fabric atop your foot, a higher heel, and no platform! See how these street style stars wore this trend and shop some for yourself.

Clockwise from top left: French Connection Open Toe Mule Slide Sandals; Eris by Belle by Sigerson Morrison; Merciie by Steven; Vince Kasia Mules

Street Style Trend: Light Pink

Despite it being the dead of winter, there is a light at the end of the tunnel…and I'm not 

talking about the fact that there are 38 days left until spring. My light is in the form of pastels 

of all shades showing up on street style shots and fashion bloggers posts during these cold months.

The fun about seeing my favorite of the pastels - light pink - is that it's being used to 

add femininity to menswear shapes and textures, like leather, boxy sweaters, and 

wool overcoats. Similarly, if it is showcased in a pencil skirt, lace dress, or silk blouse, it's being 

paired with motorcycle jackets, combat boots, army green, distressed denim, 

or a puffer vest. Top it all off by adding studs and chains, not pearls, and a red lip.

All images via Pinterest

Crush of the Month: Collage Vintage

While I know how much I am inspired by the many, many fashion bloggers whose sites I visit every day, you might not. Therefore, I've decided to showcase one stylish fashionista per month to broaden your scope of inspiration and their influence, because they deserve it! My next installment of this series (see the others here) in giving credit where credit is due is about Sara of Collage Vintage.

This Madrid-based blogger was introduced to me by WhoWhatWear (thankyouverymuch) only a few months ago. While her "about" sections on social media are sparse, she clearly has a  knack for exemplifying the type of "street style" that is all the rage around the world: mix of high & low, clean lines, lots of black, and enviable accessories (including her mane with the on trend "flip" included). 

All photos from Collage Vintage

Crush of the Month - Eat. Sleep. Wear.

While I know how much I am inspired by the many, many fashion bloggers who I visit every day, you might not. So, I've decided to showcase one stylish fashionista per month to broaden your scope of inspiration and increase their influence, because they deserve it! My next installment of this series (see the others here), in giving credit where credit is due, is about Kimberly Pesch of eat.sleep.wear.

If there was a definition of the "weekend warrior" style, this girl would be it! She has the ability to put together a cold weather ensemble that is just as appropriate for brunch as it is for dinner & drinks. The key items she uses are statement jeans (tattered, embellished, patterned, colored, or coated), oversized sweaters and an overcoat with leather accents. Also, she never forgets the functional yet chic accessories, like a beanie, glasses, a fur or wool scarf, and bright lipstick. This fool proof outfit will be your new go-to for every weekend from now until May.

To you, Kimberly!

All images via eat.sleep.wear

Dressing the Turkey (What to Wear for the Holidays - Part 2)

When I noticed flurries out my window, I suddenly had an "aha" moment that the holidays are here! Since the post outlining what to wear for the holidays last year (see it here) was so well received, I figured I'd do another. This year, I am going to focus the post on fancy ensembles that you might wear to any party or event through the holidays - be it a dinner, cocktail hour, evening at the theatre, or good ole date night. 'Tis the season to dress a bit inappropriately for the weather…I mean, that's what valet parking and taxis are for, right? I have been featuring enough casual ensembles to wear for shopping, road trips, opening presents, or seeing a movie, and I have no intention of slowing down, especially since I'll be approved to start walking this week - yippee!

Be sure to click the bold links to shop my picks!

A slip dress with an overcoat and calf hair stilettos

:: extra points for a metallic clutch and berry lips ::

Image via WhoWhatWear

A floral dress with polka dot tights and metallic pumps

Don't forget button earrings and a braided updo!

Image via Glitter Guide

A midi tulle skirt with a striped crop top and ankle strap stilettos
:: adorn your wrists with gold cuffs ::

Image via Atlantic-Pacific

A faux fur vest with brocade trousers and strappy pumps
Accessorize with a bejeweled belt and chandelier earrings!

Image via Pinterest

A black jumpsuit with one standout accessory…

like a tuxedo jacket, open toe booties, or a bib necklace.

Images via Pinterest