Windy Wedges

Warm Breezes and 80 degree temps on Sunday called for a dress & wedges that have been hibernating since purchase! The Hubs and I took in an early movie, a meal al fresco at a Summer staple - Pint - which has sidewalk seating which is some of the best people watching around, and then a bit of window shopping.

It was bliss!!!! Plus the details of the dress made it extra fun! Wide sleeves, tassels, and beading details!

Dress: Anthropologie. Wedges: Christian Louboutin. Purse: Louis Vuitton. Glasses: Lookmatic. Watch: Michael Kors.

Have you had the opportunity to wear a dress without tights this year?!

Bits of the... Weekend

The weather was beyond gorgeous in Chicago. Green is now out in force {on Saturday it was drunk St Patty's Day goers - seen while running errands & hitting up barre class (I avoided that debauchery!)} and now it also in plants!!!! I swear this has appeared over night! I guess that is what a week of 70 plus will do! The view from my balcony of the building across the street.

New Shoes were able to come out and play! Got to love the thought of packing up boots for the season!

I spent many moments soaking up sun on the balcony! Early mornings with coffee and evenings with the grill on and a drink!

Picked up a new dress from Zara  - can't get over the details!

I am ecstatic that we can play outdoors with ease, again!!!! So amped for next weekend! What did you lovelies do this weekend???

Maybes

WEEE-HEE it's Friday!!!! Instant happy-maker! The weather here in Chicago is downright GLORIOUS!!!! 75+ WHAT?! I know, I'm soaking it all in! Cuz you never know where we will be next week!

I hope to get lots of relaxing in (With the doors and windows wide open!!), maybe a bike ride or two, and hopefully the inspiration I've been feeling stays strong. I'd love to use the inspiration (shown below) to have some fun this weekend!

1 - Inspiration for a Shoe DIY?! 

2 - Experimenting in the Kitchen {Sweet Potato Gnocchi} 

3 - Inspiration for DIY Denim shirt! 

What are your plans?? Esp my Chicago/NorthEast ladies what are you doing outdoors - it is supposed to be beautiful!!!?

Oh and drumroll......WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! There were 295 amazing entries to teh $100 Shopbop giveaway. I used Random.org to pick a number, the choosen # was 120! And the winner is GILLIE! Congrats Girlie!!! {I will send you an email today!}

*All image sources linked above, you can find them all on my Pinterest boards as well! 

Don't Forget!!

Today is the LAST day - YOUR LAST CHANCE - to enter the $100 ShopBop Giveaway!!!! What are you waiting for, you better go ENTER!!!!!

GO HERE TO ENTER!!!

New Duo

I tend to waver on nail polish. I go neutral for a while, then color,  & in winter I'll throw in a bunch of dark shades. And I hate nothing more than getting a manicure and then not loving the shades you get. I'm happy to report I found the perfect colors and probably my most favorite combination to date! Both are on order and will be on hand for me to use whenever I need a pick me up!

Essie Better Together (on Fingers)

Essie Clambake (on Toes)

What are your favorite colors? I know we polled about the best red before (here) but any others??

Bits of the... Weekend

1. My Love Bug, Grayson.
2. Sipping coffee enjoying some fabulous 60 degree temps!
3. Sporting Hot Pink Gingham & my Maya Brenner 'T' Necklace - new closet additions! and NO JACKET!
4. The BBQ out from winter hibernation! Inaugural Meal - Burgers!
5. End of the weekend cocktail - Rum, Pineapple Juice & Blood Orange Soda floater! DELISH!
6. Burger & Onion rings!!! Welcome back summer staple eats!

What have you been up to lately? How were your weekends?

Bits of Inspiration for the Weekend

What a busy week!!! I've been hitting the gym (and Barre class) hard - so props to myself! Now to get my eating in check...Darn those little cracker snacks -oh carbs!

Some pretty items from this week - inspiring me!

I ADORE her hair!!! I'd totally rock it if mine would do this. {If I have a little girl (Not preggers, but one day!), I will make her hair like this!} Plus her outfit is rocking!!!

via 

I love Bubble Baths & Music. This is looking like a MUST!!! The Ducky is a floating, water-proof speaker - AMAZEBALLS!

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My dating anniversary is coming up....I wish I'd ordered this sooner, darn!!! How cute! Do you keep track of when you started dating after you're married? What is the process on that?! The Hubs and I were an official item St Pats day many moons ago...

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And DON'T FORGET TO ENTER the $100 gift card GIVEAWAY for SHOPBOP!!!


*All images can be found on my Pinterest Page & are linked to their sources below each image. Find them HERE and let's PIN! 

Splurge or Save: Bangle

I've been in love with the Cartier Love bangle for sooooo long. I often put it out of my head, it's such a luxury item & nothing I ever thought I'd get. But them in my Blogger Gift Guide Miss Alex, chose it as her lust gift from her Man (Who could argue with her?!) and then all over my trashy TV shows (insert *shame* Kardashian's in NY, Kourtney wears two constantly).

Needless to say, I now have a radar for them. I spot them everywhere. On a lady while out shopping. In an ad. Random photos, everywhere! Then I saw this....Save version.

It is not the same. But so close. And fun?! Is it ok to get a space saver to tide me over????

Would you Splurge or Save?


Do you know the story behind the 'Love' Cartier series? I had heard it long ago and all I could remember is the key used to lock the bracelets on the recipients. How cool!!! But I looked it up - and what an amazing story!! Now I really NEED the splurge version - HUBS, DO YOU HEAR ME?!?!?! (Full Story VIA)

The Love Bracelet was Aldo Cipullo's interpretation of the Chastity Belt, a device husbands are said to have locked around their wive's waists to ensure fidelity while the men were away. Cipullo designed a two piece bracelet that bolts together around the wrist. It comes with a tiny screwdriver to take it on and off, symbolizing a "locked up," committed relationship. Cartier loved the bracelet and implemented a policy: customers could not buy a Love Bracelet for themselves. (LOVE THAT!)

Now & Later: Floral Denim

March, the time of year when all the stores are inundated with Spring and warm weather fashions - yet here in the Midwest we are still in the grips of Mother Nature & much cooler temps. Lets see this past weekend it snowed!  In an attempts stay true to the reality of the temps, yet while bracing Spring Fashion I'd thought I'd start a new series on the 'ole blog. Now & Later. How to wear something now and then later - how to transition it into the next season! 

Fun right?! Nothing like buying something and getting to wear it now, vs having to hold onto it for some months. First up - major spring trend of 2012 printed and or Floral Denim. There are a wide variety of versions out there and all price points - I personally am most drawn to the more subdued and neutral versions, like these Citizen 'Mandy's'. 

Now & Later: FLORAL DENIM

NOW: Simple Studs, Aviators, Chunky Knit Sweater, Bag, Scarf, Winter Clogs (On Sale!) 

LATER: Breezy Top, Gold Watch, Simple Studs w/ Pop of Color, Bag, Wedges

Are you getting any printed/floral denim this year??? 

**The aviators, watch, purse & scarf could easily be worn in each! Gotta love that! Classic pieces will always go the distance in your wardrobe! 

*DON'T FORGET TO ENTER the $100 SHOPBOP GIVEAWAY!!! {HERE}

Treats: Giveaway

*This giveaway has now Closed! 

Whenever I get a giftcard I'll do one of two things. Stockpile it and wait for more, or run out and buy myself a 'treat' - treat myself to an item I've been lusting after for some time! What's all this talk about a giftcard you ask?!

Well, Ladies it is YOUR lucky day!!!!! I've teamed up with Shopbop to host a lovely giveaway of a $100 Gift Card just for you!!!! What WHAT?! Yes, just for you!!!! I'm TRES jealous!!!

Now, do you treat yourself to something special? Like a fabulous new swanky lingerie set, from the likes of Cosabella or Jenna Leigh? (Two of my personal favs!) Or a budget girl - go with the classic DKNY intimates? and a stock pile of other goodies?! 

via

Or do you save it and 'Add' it a bigger wish-list item??? This Bag, is on my wish list! (If only I could pick a color or style...Rocco or Diego? Black or Tan)

via

I canNOT honestly say I'd be able to choose, a new bag and fancy under pinnings are my FAVS!!!! Or new shoes?! Or anew Dress?! Choices, you have so many choices!!!!

To Enter:

- Follow Curly in the City with Google (Simple, just press the 'Follow' botton over on the Right side) And leave a comment below which includes your email & tell me 'What would You BUY?!'

For Extra Entries - Please enter each extra entry as a separate comment for them to count! :

- Follow Curly in the City on Facebook

- Follow Curly in the City on Twitter

- Tweet about the Giveaway including BOTH @CurlyintheCity & @shopbop!!!

*Giveaway will close on WEDNESDAY March 14th, and winner will be announced Friday the 17th!