Halloween Prep

You're looking at the pieces and parts of my Halloween costume this year. I have to say, this might be one of my favorite's ever.  I pranced around in it last night during a trial run and comments from the hubby ranged from "ambitious"and "funny", to plain old laughter. We'll be celebrating this weekend and I'm putting the final touches on the look today. Totally going Method with this one guys. It's based on a real person and I'm determined to nail it. Any guesses?

A Braid Is My New Bun

clockwise: 1 source unknown, 2, 3, 4

Since I've been wearing a top knot / blogger bun for the past, oh, 100 days or so... I feel like it's time for something new.  (Plus, I'm sure my husband and friends are getting reeeally tired of looking at it.) Don't get me wrong, I'm still crazy over that pile of hair perched on my head, but with mandatory head covering weather coming up, I need something a little more hat friendly until spring comes 'round again. So... let's go with braids! Based on my pins, I seem to favor textured or messy looks, almost like it's been slept in. And I love how sweet or sassy they can be - leave it long, or make a crown, can't beat that!

Tried any new 'do's lately? Do share! 

Political Jewelry - Would You Wear It?

I'm pretty old fashioned when it comes to politics and prefer to keep my opinions on the down low, but when I stumbled on these jewels I was instantly curious how some of my fashionable friends feel about it. While the notion of wearing your support on your sleeve is nothing new,  these are some of the more subtle I've seen, with necklaces available in sterling silver, gold, and diamond options, ranging from $150 to $1,000. So my question is, would you wear political jewelry or apparel with pride? Or keep your choice to yourself? Obviously, there's no right or wrong answer. As with choosing a candidate, we're all entitled to our own opinion. :)

Speaking of, I've joked with friends about needing a chart to break down and understand the issues this time around. Honestly, I'm a little exhausted of it all. But after watching this video, while hilarious, it made me realize even more, how important it is to be informed before hitting the polls. I found this candidate match quiz super useful for helping narrow down the choices based upon your stance on some of the major issues. Whether you're undecided or just want to double check your choice, it's quick and easy, complete with a "learn more" button at each question that breaks down the support or oppose position in understandable terms. I took the test and it turns out I'm about a 60/40 split! I guess it's like dating, you have your "deal breakers", and you take the bad with the good!

The good news is, we're under the 10 day mark now, then our personal Facebook news feeds can go back to being pictures of cute babies and what we had for dinner...

P.S. More election themed goodies, guides to the election part 1 and part 2, and another quiz - Match-O-Matic style!

Letting Go

via 

I could say a million things about this really, but I think it speaks for itself. I have found it and I have let go. (Ok, most of it.) Oh, the worries, the stress and the wondering - how heavy those feelings can be. If you're hanging on to something you know you shouldn't, I hope you find the courage to let it go. 

Que Sera Sera, my lovelies.

Random Thought: Caboodles

I've been thinking about Caboodles lately. My first one was pink and mint. Meeeemories...
It's the 25th anniversary! This lace one is pretty hot.

And that's all I really have to say about that.

What do you gals stash your makeup/beauty products in these days?

Fashion Focus Chicago 2012

This one goes out to my Chicago readers... It's Fashion Focus week here the Windy City and what I love the most is how accessible it is! Whether you're a designer, fashion enthusiast, or just looking for a little activity this week, there are runway shows, industry seminars, and shopping events galore. Many are free and it's the perfect opportunity to take in and celebrate the continued growth of our local industry.

The Chicago Fashion Foundation, which I serve on the board of, is hosting several panels this week including one tonight featuring Frances Renk of Sequin Jewelry and on Sunday, an interesting look at the Convergence of Technology and Fashion featuring TrendSeeder. I hope you'll come learn a bit, say hello and enjoy some of finest the Chicago fashion industry has to offer!

Shut Up. Zara Home is here!

Stylish, subtle, sleek... everything we love about Zara apparel is now available for our homes! I mean, just look at those pillows, so much texture! I don't even smoke but how sexy is that ashtray??  Have you ever seen such perfect nesting tables, ah! And don't even get me started on my immediate need of an urn...

Husband, may I have permission to redecorate?