Smile

Magdelena's best accessory is her smile :)

via Garance Dore

Happy Hump Day!

Lightening the Mood

Photo by Catherine Ledner

This photo is making me laugh today. Of course it's funnier with the caption:

Things had been awkward ever since his girlfriend had begun decorating the apartment, but neither could quite put their finger on exactly why.

Head over the Unhappy Hipsters for more chuckles.
What's making you laugh lately?

I want to wear this every day

Photo courtesy Mango via InStyle

Everything about this ensemble makes me happy
~ simple hair
~ comfy tee
~ red lips
~ fluffy skirt (with a bow!)
~ peep toe pumps

oh so pretty.

The Eternal Style of Grace Kelly

Photo © Philippe Halsman/Magnum via Vanity Fair

Grace Kelly captivates me.

From a big screen sweetheart to a real life princess, she lived and dressed with elegance and class. Feast your eyes upon these photos from an upcoming London exhibit of her clothing and accessories.

A few years ago when I first moved to Chicago I read 'The Bridesmaids' on the train to and from work. I was fascinated by the references to the city and imagined a beautiful Grace out on the town. It's a lovely book written by her close friend about their friendship, her rise to stardom and one of the most magnificent weddings of all time - Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco.  A fabulous girly read.

 For more Grace, read this article.

Lovebirds + Links

So I'm on Etsy, browsing for a gift when something catches my eye...

Finding this pretty tea towel

led me to the designers blog 

which transported me to an Australian wedding blog

Where I found what could arguably be the cutest cake ever:

Homemade by Mother of the Bride and topped with custom fabric birds.

How precious!! I need to hug it (without ruining it of course)

See more of the fabulous wedding details here. I insist!

Happy Weekend

Illustration by Mats Gustafson 

Have a fabulously relaxing weekend!

White House Black Market Weddings!

Have you heard about the new wedding boutique from White House Black Market? I suppose it's only fitting - the ultimate source for the Little Black Dress might as well be the destination for the Big White One, right?? The collection is classy and elegant, I predict it will fly like doves at a wedding ;)  Here's hoping for more!

Pretty Hair Jewerly

I got a much need trim last night and was thinking about my favorite 'fixed' hairstyles. (I decided on the beehive for its beautiful, vintage, fabulous feel.) 'Fixed' hair is so fun to wear but I don't enjoy doing it, maybe because it just seems so overwhelming and hard... I usually just end up with a few waves or a bun. Oh well, here are some pretty accessories to make it a little less boring!

Her long bangs are lovely

Available on Etsy

Wouldn't these be pretty to pin back strays?

Available on Etsy

You don't have to wear it this way but it sure is cute!

Available on Ban.do

Who would believe you only paid $3.80?

Available on Forever21

What are your favorite hair accessories?

What simple styles do you favor?

Happy Birthday Kenneth Cole!

Actually, belated birthday. He turned 56 yesterday. (Sorry, I'm a little behind on my celebrity birthday calendar.) KC is my favorite! In college, every fashion project, presentation, or business review we were assigned, I always used Kenneth Cole as my subject. I love his story and the positive way he uses his fame and company to do good for others.

If you like to read, I highly recommend his book, Footnotes. (It's also makes a striking coffee table statement!)

In the words of Kenneth, 'To be aware is more important that what you wear."

Here's a picture of my husband getting me an autographed t-shirt for Christmas a few years ago:

Thanks honey!

Cheeky-Cheeky Boom-Boom!

Calling all local ladies! Tomorrow evening, Cheeky Chicago is hosting a spring fashion show at Saks on Michigan Avenue from 6-8pm. Fashion, munchies, beverages plus an after party? Sounds like a great way to start winding down the week! Get the scoop here. I'll be looking for ya!

P.S. You should check out Cheeky Chicago for more local scoop. I've only recently discovered it (after stalking trying to find the video of Jessica's interview with me at a Chicago Fashion Foundation event a few weeks ago.) No luck on the video, but finding another great local source - totally worth the hunt!

3/29/10: update
View photos from the event here!

Men in Skirts

The Sartorialist posed the question, "Are we ready to discuss shirt lenghts for men?"

As tough as these guys still look, quite frankly I am not.

images via The Sartorialist

Music to Love : Pomplamoose

I already posted one their videos on ChicagoNow (I hope that isn't considered cheating) but I can't get enough so I'm sharing this one with you! Lucky you! 


Check out this cover of Lady Gaga's 'Telephone'.  Oh, you should note the following before viewing, per Pomplamoose: 

This cover is a VideoSong, a new medium with 2 rules: 

1. What you see is what you hear (no lip-syncing for instruments or voice).

2. If you hear it, at some point you see it (no hidden sounds). 

The creativity is killing me! Need more? Go here. I've watched nearly all of them and can't pick a favorite!

Gold Shoes - You don't always need a reason

via Beautiful via Maisie Cousins 

When I first saw this photo I thought "Why do I like this so much?"

Then I thought, "Why not?"

Lettuce Go Green

image via Vogue Italia

On St.Patrick's Day in London, English model Victoria Eisermann, a PETA supporter, donned a mermaid inspired gown made of lettuce to promote the vegan lifestyle. Holding a sign reading "Turn Over a New Leaf - Go Vegan" she spoke to passersby about becoming vegan while other PETA members handed out samples of vegan food, giving new meaning to the phrase 'Going Green'.

Cat Nipped - Blog Love

If you know me personally then you know my 2 black kitties, Mojito & Petey and appreciate my enthusiasm for 'unlucky' charms. I recently came across Cat Nipped - a blog that features pretty kitties and their owners in a reader submitted photo/mini interview format and I'm loving it!

See more feline photos, and learn more about the Chicago based pet photographer behind the project on my ChicagoNow blog.

3D Printed Shoes

Would you believe these shoes came out of a printer? I had to research this creation further & here's what I found:
"It pretty much works like you would be printing a normal Microsoft Word document out of your home 2D printer, but now you can just “print” real stuff in a whole range of different materials such as plastics, metals, rubbers and ceramic materials."
via FOC

Fashion Master Studies student at ArtEZ in Arnhem, Pauline Van Dongen designed 3D printed high heel womens shoes. The collection is called Metamorphosis.  See more photos here. 

A Jewel in the Rough

Hard to believe this pretty lady suffered so much. I've loved her since she made me ponder 'who will save your soul, if you won't save your own?' And I love her even more for being honest about her pain. Read more blog posts from Jewel here.

Favorite Jewel song - go!
I'll be first, Foolish Games. (Love her look in the video too!)

Ballerina Twirls

photo via Flickr

I spoke to my best friend from high school tonight. We don't get to chat on the phone often so it's usually lengthy and nostalgic when we do. She said they'd just returned home from her oldest daughters' dance class (who happens to be the prettiest 5 year old on the planet. I would post a picture but out of respect for their privacy you'll just have to believe me.) It got me thinking about little girls and ballerina twirls and how life moves so fast. This picture just spoke to me. 


Happy Friday Eve Ballerina's!
xoxo

I wear my sunglasses at night...

Just kidding. It just seemed fitting for a post about sunglasses :) Soo, the sun in definitely out here in Chicago (thank goodness!) and these Kensie shades are my pick for this year!

via Kensie

Is it just me or do sunglasses keep getting bigger & bigger?

In other Kensie news - for you Canadians, Kensie will be launching at Sears in Vancouver & Toronto on March 20th. Lucky you!

Handmade Rosette Pillows & Felt Love

I'm not usually a fan of the color orange but this felt pillow project is changing my mind.

photos via Etsy storque

If I were craftier (and had more time on my hands) I would buy this book and do fun projects like this on rainy days.


More contemporary felt items:

I've been craving a living room update and this would do the trick. Loving the neutrals and the ruffles would soften up our contemporary couch.

Via Etsy

A sweet little bird for a sweet little head

Via Etsy

The cutest pincushion I've ever seen!

You must check out the rest of the shop!

Via Etsy

Taking the Plunge

This underwater engagement Save the Date is the coolest!! I just love creative people...

images via Green Wedding Shoes

See more here

Anthropologie Denim Event

In need of new denim? Anthropologie is having a fit & styling party. Free drinks & munchies? Twist my arm... 

{via Anthropologie - View larger}

Going Green

This video of the Chicago River being dyed green is so neat to see this from above maybe we'll just skip it in person. Or maybe not...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'rish you a happy weekend!

photo via Searching for Style

Saturday is the big St. Patrick's Day celebration and we're happy to have our Tennessee friend Eric partake in it with us this year. (I love having visitors in town, it's so fun to see the city through a tourists eyes!)

Have a green weekend!

Coach Love - A Poem

I'm a Coach fan, yes I am.

Shoes on my feet and a bag in my hand.

Leather, fabric, black and tan.

Coach love making hubby a poor man!

 I "need" a new pair of neutral sandals this year. Mine from LY are worn slap out. Lo-ving these, I can't pick a favorite! 

See more fabulous-ness at Coach

Farwell Martin + Osa. sad! sad! sad!

I received very depressing news today...one of my favorite stores, Martin + Osa, is closing.

Their spring mailer was most spectacular - expert layering, lovely neutrals & a perfectly muted palette. The only bright spot is that I may get some of these spring looks at closeout prices! (M+O will be done by summer.) *tears* Best wishes to employees & associates affected by this very sad news :(

photos via Martin + Osa

An umbrella built for two

This tandem umbrella doesn't get great reviews but I still think it's sweet. It probably isn't practical for bustling city streets though!

image via gizmodo

More interesting umbrella's on ChicagoNow, to celebrate National Umbrella Month of course!

Something Old, Something Gold

I love the gold medallion 'something old' touch.  (You may recognize the bride most recently from the Olympics. That's snowboarder extraordinaire - Gretchen Bleiler) The necklace belonged to her great grandmother.

More marvelous personal touches to her wedding:

Something Blue:

Something New (and two!) Gretchen had 2 veils, a traditional one for the ceremony & and an ostrich feather trimmed version for the reception. Her flowy hair is fabulous!

And finally, the rings. Love love love them! (I wonder if they're comfortable?)

Photos via Brides.com and Lauren + Abby Photography - see more photo's on both sites.