Wish I Were Here.

Monday, January 31, 2011


A rough weekend spilled over into Monday. Hope your week is off to a good start. Back to regular posting tomorrow...

P.S. This picture is from a family beach trip last October. It was the early morning on the last day, just before we hugged goodbye and headed back to reality. The end of a vacation is always so sad, don't you think?

The Gifts That Keep On Giving

Friday, January 28, 2011

It's been a little over a month since Christmas and I thought I'd share some gifts I'm still enjoying and thought you might, too.

I adore wearing this Tennessee necklace...
Home is literally where the heart is. Find yours at Truche.  


While I haven't actually cracked these open yet, I'm excited all the same. 


  A wicked awesome spider bracelet from Mom is the perfect
mix of glam & goth.


An everyday tote, it means my little cabbage, a term of endearment in France.

 Story People stories warm my heart. So sweet and true.


A CTA pillow makes our Chicago home complete. 



North and South DVD Set - because I could always use more Patrick Swayze in my life. (1212 minutes more to be exact.)


Sweet Petula soaps - the most divine scents in the most 
adorable packaging.

Any gifts you'd like to share?? I would love to know your loves!
Have a lovely weekend, I'm hoping to jump into North & South!



Dress of the Day

Wednesday, January 26, 2011





Our little heat wave here in Chicago (22 degrees!) has me craving a few less layers. (As in, one only, please.) Thinking ahead to warmer days, this might be the sweetest lavender dress I've ever seen. A ruffled flower shoulder, haphazard horizontal pleats and embroidered hem in the palest of purples...oh, how I heart details! Wouldn't she be lovely for a bridal or baby shower in the spring?

Jason Wu Bridal

Tuesday, January 25, 2011




"I want a bride to feel FEMININE and absolutely BEAUTIFUL."
                                                                                 -Jason Wu

I don't know about you ladies, but that's exactly how I'd feel in either of these pretties. See his exclusive collection at Net-a-porter.

Watercolor Fashion Illustration

Monday, January 24, 2011






You might have spotted the work of Cate Parr in the February issue of Lucky and if so, did you fall madly in love with it like I did??
Always an admirer of fashion illustration, these are exceptionally beautiful. The watercolor lends a dreamy vibe while the details (hearts in hair!) put a fresh spin on the outfit inspiration. I imagine a collection of several in my future fabulous office!

Celebrity Crush Confession

Friday, January 21, 2011

Celebrity Crush Confession: Steven Tyler

Super pumped about our twice weekly dates happening for the next few months. (I really didn't want to get sucked into Idol this year but he left me with little choice.) If I'd climb on a billboard just to be near him, I'll definitely tune into a singing competition.

Tell me, tell me - who's your celebrity crush??
Ever had an encounter or tried something crazy to meet them?

Happy Weekend lovelies and GO BEARS!!

JFK & Jackie

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Photo by AP

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address. Regardless of political views, you must admit, that was one stylish couple. Gone are the days of top hats and fur muffs but this image, taken on the walk to the site, is timeless. Lots more to see here.

Project Dream Board

Thursday, January 20, 2011



Winter tempts me to hibernate like a bear until mid-April. At this point, I could sleep 12 hours a night and still go back for more. The cold and gray make me want to do nothing more than turn on the space heater, start the fireplace dvd and cuddle with the kitties. (Even they're being overly lazy!) However, we did manage to accomplish one thing last weekend (that's right I said one) other than watching football and awards shows...

Our 2011 dream board!

It's been years since we sat down and did a project like this and it was a great opportunity to clear out my overflowing magazine pile. (Ok, that's two things!) Based on our 2011 goals and including some longer term dreams as well, we used photo's and text to formulate a 'plan' so we could visualize the outcome. While the design and layout aren't winning any creative awards or making waves in the art industry, seeing it every day is motivation to cross it off the list, regardless of the crooked lines or not quite clear dried glue.  Have a peek...


Plan the layout...

Paste into place...

Add details...

Revel in your accomplishment!

What keeps you motivated to complete your goals and aspirations??


P.S. Had to share this picture of Mojito...just watching all the cutting and pasting wore him slap out. This was his position for hours - eyes open, lazy face, crackberry by his side. He looked so pitiful I didn't have the heart to move him. Oh the joys of being a cat!





Chicago Fashion Foundation's 4th Annual Scholarship Event - March 3rd, 2011

Wednesday, January 19, 2011


Chicago fashion lovers, mark your calendars!

Who:   The Chicago Fashion Foundation presents the 4th Annual Scholarship Event hosted by Project Runway's Peach Carr
What:   Enjoy an evening of fashion and fun while supporting the
local fashion industry
When:  Tuesday, March 3, 2011 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Set to a theme centered on Chicago's music scene, nine student designers will complete for scholarship awards and the coveted title of of 2011's 'Future of Chicago Fashion'.

The ensembles will be judged by some of Chicago's fashion contributors and enthusiasts including local designer Lara Miller, 24/Chicago's Catie Keogh and Amanda Monteiro of Giorgio Armani.

Tickets available here. Purchase online and receive $5.00 off. You won't want to miss it!

Interested in becoming a member of the Chicago Fashion Foundation? Contact us here.

Gentlemen of the Golden Globes

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Certainly you didn't think I'd miss an opportunity to talk about the boy's ;) Do you have any idea how hard it is to find pictures of the guys without their dates? Ladies get all the attention...let's appreciate the gents a little, shall we?

Best dressed goes to...

The combo of gray and red was unexpected and flattering. He sass'ed it up without overdoing or losing formality.

The navy slim cut suit with a satin peak lapel and complimentary tie are the perfect balance of classic and interesting.


Biebs dressed it up with a vest but kept it young and fresh with sneaks. (Men over the age of 20 need not apply.)


Yes, its velvet in LA. But it's January and in my opinion, acceptable.


And my least favorite...

I might forgive the scraggly mane and leftover pirate scruff, but the atrociously scuffed shoes? Fail. We know you're cooler than the average Joe, no need to try so hard.

Who were your golden hotties??

Photos via Esquire & InStyle

I See Gowns of Green, Red Roses Too.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Green is the new Golden. Globes that is....


(With Brad, for your viewing pleasure.
Tell me you caught the tie straightening?? Adorable.)




And a glowing Natalie Portman

Congrats, bebe!

Between the sea of emerald, river of ruffles and mass of one shoulder smolders, the 2011 Golden Globes provided it's usual fuel for this fashion lover's fire. Awards season is in full swing!

Question: Open Toe Shoes with Hose/Tights

Thursday, January 13, 2011


My adorable Dad posed a fashion question to me from a co-worker because he says I'm a professional. (How sweet is that??) Although I'm flattered and definitely have an opinion I don't necessarily consider myself the expert so I thought I'd defer to you fabulous people so we could offer up tons of opinions!  (Another reason I love blogging, instant answers.)

The question is: what does the fashion world think of open toe shoes with hose/panty hose? Also hose/panty hose with open heel shoes?

To get us started, here's what's I think, please add/advise as you see fit! Thanks stylista's, can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Open toe shoes
Tricky....for me, the issue is hose versus tights - otherwise known as sheer versus opaque. Panty hose in any sheer form are in my opinion, a no-no: the seam at the toe screams 'ick'. However, tights with open toe shoes are usually fine based on the actual openness of the shoe. I go with the half rule, if more than 50% of your foot is showing (minus the top portion of your foot that usually always shows), tights not necessary. (Example, strap-y sandal, cut-out slip ons, etc.) But if it's a peep platform, cut-out bootie or bare back clog, I say go for it!

 Open heel shoes
Pending the type of shoe (discussed above) and proper seasonality of it, this is acceptable in most cases.

P.S. The picture above is my feet in the fall, wearing navy tights and brown leather open toes. I heart those Aldo shoes and can't wait to be reunited in the spring. *sigh*

Kardashian Kollection at Sears

Wednesday, January 12, 2011


Have you heard the news?? The Kardashian sisters are launching a 'Kollection' at Sears. The line will premier in Fall 2011 and channel the varying styles of each of the sisters. Looks like I'm going to have a whole new crop of goodies to pick from my style secret!

Update! Shop the Kollection!

Little Product I'm loving...

Wednesday, January 12, 2011



Just a tiny swipe on the top of the cheek bone adds a radiating shimmer to keep you glowing on the gloomiest of days. (This mini version has a permanent home in my purse.)
Tip: It's very photogenic. (They don't call it supermodel in a bottle for nothing!)

Are you loving anything lately? Do share!

Winter Wishes (Ok, I give in)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011


I jinxed myself with the talk of warmth yesterday...we have snow today! This sleek little catsuit from adidas by Stella McCartney is quickly reigniting my winter mood though. Ski trip anyone?

First Warm Day Wishes

Monday, January 10, 2011





Came across these photos we took last year on the first warm day of spring. Don't know about you but I'm ready.  It's not so much that I dislike winter, I just miss the sun. Aren't the first blooms of the season magical??

P.S. I'm feeling much better, thank you for your kind words!

Cold Comforts

Friday, January 7, 2011



Lately I'm a sinus-y,  stuffy mess. In our house, we don't do much medicine so here are few things I rely on to get me back to normal, stat!

(clockwise from top left)

NeilMed Sinus Rinse - Twice per day. Not a very pretty process but it delivers results.

O.N.E. Coconut Water - the electrolytes keep me moving. (I drink one daily regardless of a cold.) Setting up replenishment on Amazon is the best.thing.ever!

Boiron Homeopathic Medicines - no matter the symptom, they offer a solution.

Royal Tea Co. Green Tea - it soothes the throat and loads me with antioxidants. I have a constant cup thanks to my brew happy hubby ;)

PomWonderful Pomegranate Juice - after hosting a Pomegranate Party I'm forever sold on the benefits of this stuff. (Check it out to see exactly why.) Eight ounces per day is the recommended dose.

Nasal Strips - like the kind used for snoring...these are my lifesaver at night. They come in sizes (s/m/l), colors (I prefer clear) and even offer a congestion relieving version now.


Other than that it's rest, tissues and kitty cuddles... Here's wishing you a healthy weekend!

A Swan Inspired Spring

Thursday, January 6, 2011




We finally saw Black Swan and I loved it. I'll admit it was a bit grosser than I anticipated but I do have the weakest stomach on the planet. (I can't even handle my own paper cuts, much less someone else's issues.) Anyway, the point is, seems our beloved Swan is inspiring the fashion industry and we can expect tutu's, feathers and expert flowy layers in Spring 2011 à la these Chanel beauties. I'll take it!