Fall 2011 Inspriation

After living in Chicago for 3 years, I have grown to love fall! A significant change in weather, and as much as I want to bask in the sun all the time, I love the cozy feeling of sweaters, hearty meals and the on-slot if varying accessories & layers that you can start wearing again (beanies, scarfs etc)!

Here are a few looks I've saved to my Fall Inspiration folder...I find it better to find looks and ideas  I love before purchasing stuff! So wise in my old age! HA! Have been saving them for a bit now because the weather has yet to 'turn', still in the 70's and 80's (THANKFULLY) but is all over the stores!

First, Denim: Tucked blouses to Wide Leg Trousers {Can wear now!}, Denim on Denim, Denim with form fitting light sweaters.  I know my skinny denim will be around but I always love a wide leg look (here & here)!

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Second, Details: Cable Knits, Floppy Beanies, Scarfs, Strong Nude lip.

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What images have you saved for Fall inspiration? I have a few items on my shopping list {the YSL Lipstick, a new super soft Beanie, new fun blouse!} already!

Shop It To Me Event

Last Wednesday I was invited to the ShopItToMe Event & Book Signing for Jessica of What I Wore, and of course I said yes! It was a fun evening to catch up with some Chicago Bloggers, meet some new Ladies (put faces to blogs!) and celebrate Jessica's accomplishment!

Here are few photos from the event!

 Laura from On The Racks, Audrey from A Lovely Escape, Me and Andrea from Blonde Bedhead. Photos: Daniel Boczarski 

 Myself, Farrah and Kim from Anthroholic Photo: Daniel Boczarski 

I came straight from work, but I did take the event as a chance to bust out my new heeled Loafers!!!! (Me loves them and know already they will be in heavy rotation when the weather cools just a tad!) I wore: Top: Club Monaco. Necklace: F21. Pants: J.Crew. Loafers: H&M. Purse: Louis Vuitton. Watch: Michael Kors.

Photo from Kim

super casual

Hat: H&M. T-Shirt: Trouve. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban. Purse: Rebecca Minkoff. Shorts: DIY Cutoffs- Joes Jeans. 

Sandals: Zara. Watch: Michael Kors. Rt Hand Rings: Melinda Maria. 

Saturday included what has become a monthly tradition, shopping at the Randolph Street Market. I love this monthly market - overwhelming and utterly amazing! So many treasures and trinkets to be found! I met up with Audrey, Danielle, Lesley, and Alania - of course you know we had a good time! Afterwards we had lunch and chatted it up! Made for a wonderful Saturday afternoon!!!

A big thank you to Miss Audrey for snapping these pics! And a bunch of clutches have been listed!!!!

coating

The last thing in the world I want to think about is winter. I am a summer girl through and through. But I am. I couldn't help it after I got my most recent J.Crew Catalog...drool worthy, and list worthy items abound! I stopped and fell in love when I saw this coat. The Symphony Coat. Me loves her.

I have a big hole in my winter wardrobe, I have no coats that I love. I have the big parka, aka walking sleeping bag, puffer of a Northface (They are a necessity in snowstorms and esp on my early morning commutes to work). But they are ugly, downright hideous - truth. But you have to some days, no lie when the wind is blowing 20+ and the temp are already near 20, windchills of 10 aren't swell nor warm!)! I also have a wool trench style that works. But neither top any sort of 'Me Like' list. And this winter after trying on bunches last year I'm determined to make that search my bit... err I am determined to win the battle! ;)

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The irrational side of me wants the Poppy Red. The Practical side says go for the Black. And somewhere in between falls the Golden Mustard color. And most of me wants all three! Which do you like?

Where did you find your favorite winter coat?

**Oh, The lovely Jen from The Look for Less is hosting a CurlyInTheCity clutch giveaway....you should probably hop over and enter!!! :)

surprises

I have the best Hubs!!!! I love his surprise gifts!!!! (And I want to wear it everyday!!!!!!)

McQueen Scarf! (Similar here in Cashmere, & here like mine)

This scarf has been on a Lust list for a long, long time, and someone noticed my constant views and touches while out shopping!!! Baby, I love you (more than you know!)


Do you love surprises too??? {Oh and sooo glad it's Thursday!!!!}

In the Kitchen: Corn Salad

This is by far one of my favorite new side dishes!!! I love chips and dip and fries, don't get me wrong - but I love messing around in the kitchen and veggies are much better on the waistline (Hello Reunion!)!!! I love corn and could eat it constantly, the Hubs doesn't agree so we don't eat it too often. Throwing caution to the wind, I decided to try something new. Corn and other veggies in a salad!!!! I love it, like really really love it - Hubs was afraid to try but alas he came over to the corn side! I will be eating this as a side or a meal (when I'm home alone) often from now on!!!

I adapted a recipe I had ripped out of InStyle from last summer.

{Similar versions here & here} But here is how it went down....again so easy you have to try it! On a hot grill, grill your corn (I used 3 ears, and we got about 4 servings). About 3-4 minutes before flipping it around. I don't really have a science when I'm out on the grill, get them toasty and char'd up!

While the corn is grilling - Thinly slice 1/2 red onion. Half or Quarter about 1 pint of grape tomatoes. Chop 2 avocados, to be roughly the same size as your tomatoes. Slice 1 lemon for juice.

Trick: Let corn cool first - they get hot! ;) & to easily cut corn off the ear, get a large bowl, place a small bowl upside down in center. The large owl will catch everything and the small is a great balance point - All the goodies fall where they need to! (remove small bowl when done....obviously, but just checking!) 

Now, mix in onions, tomatoes. Juice 1 lemon over mixture and about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil (2 swirls around the bowl did me good!). Add some fresh cracked pepper & mix again. Now add avocado and lightly toss. Then EAT UP!!!! {I sprinkled a bit of feta over the top, bc why not and who doesn't love a little salty feta!}

I am wishing I had a bowl in front of me right now! What are your go to side dishes?

Soled

Weekend's over, where did the time go?

New closet additions!!!! Lots of cleaning done, laundry folded, and new clutches sewn! How were your weekends?

Favorites

Friday's are my most Favorite day! End of the work week and signaling time to relax. Had one of those weeks where work crawls by, I was literally staring at the clock a few times yesterday - as if in disbelief of what time it really was. So, I am ready for the weekend!

totally random, but I love it & want it for the house! via 

Oh well, she's a done-zo! Weekend plans include a Bridal Shower, Yoga, 'Last Party for My Last Name' - a Bachelorette party for boys & girls. Sewing, napping, and figuring out how to make people buy reunion tickets!!!!

Oh, maybe you can help me - you know by now I'm planning my 10-yr HS reunion (why again?!). How do I get people to buy their tickets? I personally know about 20+ people who are coming who haven't - our total count looks really low but I know it will easily double if not triple - but how do I do it??? The event is in 3 weeks! SOB! I'm stressing and I don't need stress or gray's at this age?! ;) {We have pleaded on FB, sen personal emails already}

And what are your plans??? Hopefully something good!!!! Have a great weekend!

In the Kitchen: Potato Salad

Potato Salad - a favorite summer side often seen at BBQ's. However, usually the farthest from my mind as something to make. But a small bag of fingerlings sitting in the fridge and a hankering for winter-y mashed potatoes, they were born!

I never, repeat ever, grab these from the side table, mostly because they have always tasted too much like the mass-market super market kind so often served. That bad notion of what potato salad tastes like may have scared me! hehe.... And then add in the egg factor - no a big egg fan - and chunks in my 'salad' equal no beueno.

So I decided to get-over-it and make some I would love. And I am proud to say these were a huge hit, HUGE!!!! (I'm already craving more and may not be planning a BBQ so I can make/eat more!)

Chop roughly 1lb fingerling potatoes into like size chucks, add to boiling water. Boiling until tender but still have a bite. (I like a bit of chuck in my potato, once mixed up)

While boiling, chop 1/4 red onion, 3 green onions. When potatoes are done drain and put into fridge to cool off.

Once cool, add roughly 1/4c mayo (3 big spoonfuls), about 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (2 good squeezes), the juice of one small lemon, and then mix in chopped onions. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions. The lemon juice really brighten's the dish up and makes it taste fresh and perfect for summer!!!! Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve - best cold, in my opinion! When ready, take out and enjoy!

Missoni + Target

I know it's old news, the upcoming Target & Missoni Collaboration, I know. However the full look book, that is semi-new news! I just saw the full 400 items this past weekend - after we've all seen just a few of the leaked items! I was anxiously awaiting the release, however after looking I am feeling slightly under whelmed.

Not sure about any of the clothing items. It was very hard to tell, especially since most of the models were clad in more than 2-3 items in one shot - So I couldn't really tell what was there. A few items did make it to my short list, and I hope to snag these.

The blanket and cocktail set are at the top - I just hope that isn't a kids or baby blanket....cuz I wasn't into the others and there was no description. Overall, I am sad this was a semi-miss for me!

And if I had need, or room for another bike - how fun is she?!

Were there any items, after seeing, that you are going to be first in line for??? And don't forget it will hit stores Sept 13th!

S.O.S

Sending out an S.O.S...I'm sending out - Are you all singing the classic song with me?! I'm sure It'll be in my head all day now! Ok, so last week I sent out an S.O.S to some friends, I need help! In less than a month I have my 10-yr High School reunion - AAAAHHHHH!!! How did those ten years go by so fast? And man, am I really this old?

I called on these ladies because I was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed at finding the perfect dress. I mean who wouldn't want to look amazing when seeing folks you haven't seen in 10 years?! I also have the added pressure - I am the one half of the duo planning the event! Planning an event for 400 people (Our class was 1300!). The S.O.S was beyond necessary!

Ready to see what they came up with??? Now onto Anna, Carrie, Audrey, Nicole, Rosa and Alex's amazing fashion choices!!!! Be ready to be amazed!!!!

Anna's Picks {See Jane}: Black Lace Dress. Cocktail Ring. Watch. Sparkly Heels. 

Carrie's Picks {This Free Bird}: Flowy Goddess Dress. Edgy Suede Heels. 

Audrey's Picks {A Lovely Escape}: Sexy: Bandage Dress. Patent Pumps. Sweet: Lace Strapless Dress. Simple Braided Heels. Trendy: Silk Jumpsuit. Bright Heels. 

Nicole's Picks {Frankie <3's Fashion}: Sequin Shift. Blue One Shoulder. V-Open Back in Black. 

Rosa's Picks {Rosa Loves ...}: Sequined Tank Dress. Bright Red Heels or Bright Blue Heels. 

Alex's Picks {Things that Sparkle}: Layered Lace Dress. Python Clutch. Cocktail Ring. Nude Pumps. 

Come'on now, didn't these ladies deliver???? I absolutely love them!!!! And oddly I feel more confused than before!! Which do you like? Are there any dresses I need to look at?

Splurge or Save: Transitional Boots

I adore these Sam Edelman booties. Although, as with most every shoe choice I debate. And subsequently second guess how they will look on me. But accounting for the fact that I no longer live where sandals are acceptable all year anymore.....Ahh Chicago and your seasons! I need this ankle style of boot & see sooo Cute!

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And then a couple days ago while reading one of my favorite blogs, CouldIHaveThat, I was like whoa! I knew I needed to get these boots! Samantha looked great rocking them - the push I needed to go grab a pair of my own. I liked 10bajillion times more than before! Look how great she looks rocking them in summer gear, and we know they will transition great. Then I noticed where she mentions getting hers from. Targ-eee (You know Target but the fancy way to say it, Targ-ay....). Ok bird walk done, back to the point.  WOW - look so similar.

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So I hoped over to T's website to see if they even carried them....And holy-stop the presses they are currently on SUPAH sale, $12.24!!! Umm You know I purchased them, you know to test! (Hubs, I NEEDED THEM!!!!). Now at least I'll have more to spend on another pair of fall/winter boots!

Would you splurge or save? Or both??? (Sam's come in a great leopard version too! May need those!)

DIY: Friendship Bracelet

Layering bracelets of all types has been a major hit on my wrists as of late! And I have been breaking all the rules and mixing metals. What can I say, rule breaker over here! So a couple nights ago while watching TV, I decided to make another. I rummaged around in my craft drawer, came out with some random cording and chains. 

Opened the chain, to a length which matched the width of my wrist. Then snipped some lengths of cording. Using a simple loop knot, I attached them and then knotted the various strings together. Et voila! So simple and a perfect addition to my collection!

Have you been loading up your wrists with various friendship and other styles bracelets this summer??? I sure have and love it!!!

if you do try...

If you do try...you may LOVE IT! I bought a group of classes at a yoga studio, and just sat on them. I was nervous. Why, I have no clue. I wouldn't know any one there. I have never taken a yoga class previously so I waited. Then on a whim I booked my first class, and I went. It was amazing!!!! I was still sore yesterday! I sweat (a LOT)!!! I was physically exhausted when the class was over, yet felt physically alert and exhilarated! I pushed myself in a different ways than I regularly do when working out. I am a convert - and I can't wait to go back!!!

I have been walking taller, and now I want to see if all the crazy things I used to be able to make my body do - to see if they will return (splits both ways, the foot behind the head...). My teacher was great. The studio was gorgeous.

Has anyone else felt a little timid before trying something new? Then completely fallen in love?! Has anyone tried any new work-out classes that they absolutely love??? Now I want to try them all!! I am now tempted to try all the other classes that have interested me (Bar Method, a pole-dance class etc!).

ahhh....

**Opps! Hitting Post really works wonders, ya know!!! Sorry for the delay! 

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Ahhh, the week is over!!!!

After taking some time off last week, this week was a beast! Those days off relaxing are always great but getting back into the work routine is always rough! And playing catch-up can be no fun! Oh well, we made it!!! I'm super excited for the weekend! I have my first yoga class booked, loads of sewing to complete, and plenty of time relaxing ahead (I hope!)!

What are on your agendas????

**Oh make sure to hop over to my good friend Danielle's blog, Breakfast at Toast. In celebration of her first year in Chicago, she has been featuring some fun Chicago-centric posts all week!! (They have been great!) And it ends today with her fav Chicago ladies listing some of their favorite eats from around town (yours truly is over there!) So go check it out!!!

Outfit: Fray and Lace

Top: Urban Outfitters (similar here). Shorts: Paige Denim jeans now frayed Cutoffs(similar here). Shoes: Linen Toms. 

Sunglasses: F21. Purse: Marc Jacobs. Watch: Michael Kors. Bracelets: Shashi, Local Boutique, & H&M.

After the Vintage Fair, Audrey and I went on a little adventure.....a photo shoot adventure! The market is in the West Loop, my neighborhood, and has a ton of old warehouse's and old factories.....we had a blast! It's so much different having a lady behind the lens taking your picture! I think we took a million! ;) 

**UPDATE** And I realize (after this posted!) you can't even see the fray of the shorts, silly me I folded them up...but the are old jean cutoffs, so it's there, I swear! 

I love the dip in the back! 

Nothing like a little lace and frayed denim on the weekend!