Live in Leggings

Did you have a good weekend? We're back at it with a Menswear Monday, and this weekend we have something great to look forward to:  Chinese New Year! 

Nothing makes me happier than a pair of comfortable and WARM leggings. These Zella leggings are fantastic. They are great to throw on for a weekend, and fun to pair with boots. How are you staying warm?

Thanks for reading!

Shirt:  Tunic, Merona | shop

Leggins: Zella Live in Leggings, Nordstrom | shop

Boots:  Melissa Button, Frye | shop

Scarf:  Animal print | shop similar

Necklace:  Vintage | shop similiar

Domes: Botanical Garderns

OMG. Midwest Winter.. what's up?! Well, the only way to stay warm is burrow inside. G & I found a local botanical garden where we can pretend it's warm. And, I'm wearing a fun dress from the Crew Factory with a sweet tulip hem so, things are looking up!

To stay insulated from the cold I added a pair of warm tights, and my favorite pair of brown boots.

Dress:  Tulip Hem, JCrew Factory | shop similar
Boots:  BP Runway Boot, Nordstrom | shop similar
Belt: Citron, JCrew | shop similar
Earrings: Diamond Studs | shop
Purse:  Vintage | shop similiar

Linked up to the Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Roller Derby Dress + Burberry #2 Debut

1966 Blue Ford

G just bought this vintage - 1966 Ford truck and took me out for a spin. This thing is big, loud and a ton of fun! Though I don't usually wear boots or cowboy hats... I'm thinking I might need to find some attire to better fit climbing in and out of the truck. 

Maybe more plaid? Well, more to come on "truck style."

For now, I'm wearing this vibrant maxi from Nordstrom. I'm totally into maxis this season, and I like that this orange piece is only half a skirt, but it's uniform the entire way around. I've seen many mullet maxis and I'm not a big fan, however, I like this style.

Are you rocking the maxi?

Dress: Nordstrom | shop

Watch: Runway Twist, Michael Kors | shop

Necklace: shop

Earrings:  Diamond Studs | shop

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs & the Monday Mingle.

Picture Perfect: the Real Reel

Fashion Fundamental:  Mink skirt. I love a mini for a warm day, and it's just perfect for the weekend. 

Ever wonder what it takes to be camera ready? :) Here's a sneak peak at what happens right before the shots happen. G & I spent the weekend walking around the city. Nothing like being out in the sun out, and hiding away the tights! Hello great weather -- goodbye winter!

Have a great week & thanks for reading!

Skirt:  City Mini, JCrew | similar

Blouse:  JCrew | similar

Cardigan:  JCrew | shop

Boots: BP Runway Boots | shop
Earrings:  Chicago boutique | similar
Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop
Purse:  Kate Spade | similar

City Tourist: Millennium Park

Have you seen the bean?! Yea, yea.. it's a touristy spot, but I'll admit that I love it! This Chicago art piece is fun and a great place to visit. Honestly, I  don't think it ever really gets old. G & I spent some time visiting the hot spots like the Hancock Building. I highly recommend getting drinks at the top for a spectacular view.

There's nothing better than being a tourist in your own backyard. What are your favorite tourist sites?

*Tomorrow is the birthday of the most fabulous, fashion saavy, smartie pant, kindest sister in the world. Happy Birthday to my favorite Jane! <3

Shirt: Lace top, H&M | similar

Cardigan:  Red sweater, Ralph Lauren | similar

Belt:  Loft | similar

Jeans:  Rock Star, Old Navy | shop

Shoes: BP Runway, Nordstrom | shop

Coat:  Colletta Coat, JCrew | similar 

Scarf: Nordstrom | similar

Necklace:  Magnify, Cali boutique | shop

Purse:  thrifted

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy and Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Dee&Ray Nautical Stripe Sundress

Happy Monday and thank you for reading. :)

Earrings: So Good | similar
Blazer: Gibson via Nordstrom | shop
Dress: Dee&Ray Nautical Stripe Sundress via Nordstrom | similar
Belt: Skinny Leather Belt, JCrew | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop

Jane & the JCrew Beatrice Blouse Meet Apple Cider Doughnuts - Part II

I love, love this olive top from the Crew. It's really comfortable, and pleasantly peasant chic (bit of alliteration for good measure). Luckily, I got to wear this simple outfit to one of my favorite places.. the apple orchard. The weather continues to be beautiful in the midwest so, I will wear shorts as long as I can! My sister and I had a great time on our adventure for doughnuts, cider and apples.

Check out sister Jane's look in Part I of the Apple Cider Doughnut Adventure. Fall is the best with crunchy leaves and cider! What could be better?

Shades:  Forever 21 | shop

Top:  Beatrice Blouse in Perfect Olive, JCrew (no longer available online, but 41525)

Necklace:  JCrew 

Shorts:  American Eagle | shop

Bag:  Gap

Boots:  BP Runway Boot in Cognac, Nordstrom | shop
I love these boots that are also styled here.

Halogen Seamed Pencil Skirt

I'm feeling inspired by color this Friday and color blocking is so "hot right now." This pink and green combo is unexpectedly chic. Pretty sure this will make my Friday go a little faster...

Happy First Day of Fall!


Top: H&M (old)
Neckalce: F21 (old)
Skirt: Seamed Pencil Skirt, Halogen ($68 $44.90) | shop
Shoes: Versie Pump, Mossimo | shop

The Search for a Crossbody Bag

The strap on my H&M crossbody bag ($14.95) snapped off, and without the strap's functionality, I've been all over the place.  The entire contents of my purse has been dumped on the ground no less than three times... So I have two options: a) Fix the Strap or b) Buy a New Purse. :)

I think Option A is definitely feasible, but I also think that this crossbody bag--my purse of choice for everyday use--is something that I always carry with me, so I should invest in a high quality piece, right?  Plus a nice crossbody bag is on my Wishlist!  haha.  Maybe that's not concrete justification, but I've been lurking on Nordstrom's website to check out the crossbody offerings. Here's what I've come up with:

All photos by Nordstrom

1. Classic Q Karlie Bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($248) - There are larger versions of this bag available. 

2. Essex Scout by Kate Spade ($395) - There is a smaller version of this bag that I believe is called Essex Small Scout ($295).  I am looking for a crossbody bag that can be worn year-round, but I love this bag in Caribbean.  I think the brown is okay, and I don't really care for it in black (pictured)--the white stitching on black leather doesn't really do it for me.
3. Mini MAC Crossbody Clutch by Rebecca Minkoff (195)

4. Classics Clutch by Rebecca Minkoff ($295)

5. Lady Pouchette  by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($398)

6. Leather Flap Crossbody Bag by Franchi ($88)

Which do you like best?  I'll try to check some of these out in real life, and I'll be sure to keep you updated.  Happy Monday!