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

Overalls

I've been wanting overalls forever, but never really took the time to search for them to try on in person. They became my Great White Buffalo, so to speak. I pained to own them, but thought that with a growing stomach, I was forced to only observe them on others. Then, on Mother's Day, my mom and I were shopping and there they were, in my size, reasonably priced, boyfriend fit, and with button sides to accommodate my middle for at least the rest of the spring & summer.

 Recreate my look:

H&M overalls (maternity style), Liz Claiborne striped tee (similar), vintage scarf, Stella & Dot Tia crossbody, Steve Madden Aria bootie (in black), denim cap, Nars Heat Wave lipstick

Winter Layers

I've said it before (here) and I'll say it again...

There is a necessity for warmth during these Chicago winters. Are you all screaming, "Duh!" to yourself right now? But who says it can only happen by wearing a down filled sleeping bag with sleeves? Exactly. Try layering a few thin items with a few thick ones and of course, sweater tights and Hunters.

Recreate my look:

LOFT skirt (similar), Cuddl Duds long sleeve tee, denim shirt, LOFT sweaters (similar), J.Crew vest (similar), HUE tights, gray Hunters, Uniqlo beanie (similar), Tory Burch sunglasses, Nars Red Lizard lipstick

From Where I Sat & Stood

As you have noticed, I've been slacking on the outfit posts. I promise I'm still getting out of bed and dressed every day, but I've been much more focused on other things, like physical therapy for my ankle, surviving the Chi-beria winter, training Walter, and recovering from our wedding and the holidays. Plus, we leave the house and return from work in the dark, so there's no light for outdoor/optimal picture taking - talk about feeling the winter blues!

I've still been posting to Instagram and here's what's been caught on my iPhone:

Winter Blues

As a mental health counselor, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone about self-care, especially during the winter months. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a subtype of depression caused by the lack of sunlight and colder temperatures. A less severe form of SAD can impact up to 10% of the population and is commonly referred to as the "winter blues." The continued involvement in social activities and exercise as well as healthy eating, drinking, and sleeping habits can help, but if you're struggling, here are some apps that can help or reach out to a doctor or therapist.

Recreate my look:

Madewell sweater, striped boyshirt, paisley trousers, J.Crew peacoat, leopard loafers, Michael Kors watch, vintage rings, Charming Charlie bracelets

Happier Than a Camel on Wednesday

Even though I wore this ensemble for Black Friday shopping, it seems only appropriate that I would post it - complete with a camel coat - on hump day.

Give yourself a giggle by watching the commercial.

Recreate my look:

Vintage men's sportcoat, Gap sweater, American Apparel striped tee, Gap legging jeans, Merona boots, olive purse, green gloves, triangle earrings

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

Napa Stripes

We're back! 

San Francisco and Napa were everything that we wanted for our honeymoon - relaxing, indulgent, and fun! To say that these past two weeks have been the best of my life is certainly putting it mildly. Dan and I have been completely overwhelmed and humbled by the love and well wishes of our family and friends during this joyous time. While any pictures from the wedding festivities or honeymoon will be posted in no particular order (case in point - these are from our last day in Napa, CA during our wine tour), I hope you enjoy 'em.

Rutherford Grove Winery :: Phenomenal zinfandel and an earthly Merlot that changed my mind about both varietals. Also, boasts a beautiful spot to eat lunch outside, especially when it's 65 and sunny.

Hess Collection :: My all-time fave is their Allomi Cabernet - buttery, smooth, and soft tannins. While it's in mass production, the vineyard is still worth a visit for the art gallery and the smaller batch wines. 

Hopper Creek :: This boutique vineyard, with a great view, produces 2,500 cases so there is a commitment to quality that you can taste. I couldn't pick a favorite, but the Chardonnay surprised me.

Recreate my look:

Madewell sweater, Gap jeans, Stella & Dot purse and bracelets, vintage scarf, Tory Burch sunglasses, Circus by Sam Edelman loafers

The New Mullet

While I love the concept of high-low fashion, I'm getting a bit tired of using the phrase. The mixing of casual and fancy pieces can be done in numerous ways and I've done my fare share of (trying to) rock this trend. Historically, it's been popular to wear your casual item on the bottom (i.e. jean cut offs or boyfriend jeans) and the fancy, be it sequins, beading, or a statement necklace on top. However, recently, I've been more drawn to having my statement piece on the bottom with jacquard pants, a mini skirt, or metallic pumps and pairing it with an understated striped tee or a jean jacket (see here, here, and here). I consider it an outfit mullet - business on top, party on the bottom. 

Can you get on board with rocking a mullet?

Recreate my look:

Princess Vera sweater (similar), Liz Claiborne tee, Worthington jacquard pants (similar), vintage scarf (similar) and clutch (similar here and here), Sam Edelman pumps (similar)

Remix: The Long Sleeved Stripe Tee

The long sleeved stripe tee is one of those things in my closet that I always want to wear. Whether it be part of a print mixing ensemble, with skinny jeans for errands, or atop sweatpants after a long day, this multi-tasker fits the bill. However, it might be easy to forget the versatility due to it's comfort. It can add depth and be a key layering piece. Normally, I would put on this leather peplum and trouser combo  with a blazer for the workday, but instead, I turned to my trusty tee and added a playful spin.
How do you remix your striped tee?

Recreate my look:

ASOS trousers (similar), Worthington leather peplum (similar), American Apparel tee, Francesca's pearls (similar), Stella & Dot purse, Givenchy lipstick 

Fuchsia

As far as brights go, fuchsia would have to be considered my most versatile. After purchasing this linen jacket from the Zara sale, I have wanted to wear it every day. And as you can see from Instagram, I have done almost that! It compliments primary colors, moody darks, and soft pastels. Although I have to credit my Nars Schiap lipstick with broadening the influence of the color "fuchsia" in my daily life. 

Have any lipsticks helped your color combining skills?

Zara blazer, J.Crew blouse via Crossroads, Gap boyfriend jeans, Nine West heels, Stella & Dot Bahari necklace, vintage rings