sweater: Staring at Stars (similar here) , pants: Joe’s Jeans, boots: Bocage, bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target , cat earrings: (similar here), lipstick: Marc Jacobs
An oversized sweater is a great wardrobe staple. It is perfect for layering and wearing in place of a jacket during these early weeks of autumn. I love black and white together, especially the pattern on this sweater. A neutral bag and deep maroon lip compliment this look. Oh, and the cat earrings are a fun detail!
top: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target, jacket: Zara, pants: Armani Exchange, sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs, shoes: Report-Signature, bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim, necklace: Son of a Sailor
A nice pop of color makes my monochromatic black more interesting. It’s rare that I select a loud pattern, though the cut of this tuxedo shirt is classic. It’s a versatile piece, despite it being so bold. This shirt can be worn open as a blazer over a tee, with a pair of jeans and booties. Have a great Monday!
I love to travel so I wanted to share a few tips for packing a perfect carry-on. I almost never check a bag. Everything I need for a long weekend can fit into one small suitcase and large purse. I always get cold on planes so I wear a sweater or jacket – something I can layer or easily pair with other looks during my trip. I always bring a snack since the choices at airports are so expensive and limited. I typically bring my cosmetic bag and all of my toiletries packed into ONE quart-sized plastic bag – should anything open or spill it won’t ruin my clothes and shoes. I upload books, movies, and refresh my music on my iPad mini. Next time you’re traveling for a long weekend, try packing light and leaving most of your wardrobe at home! Have a great weekend!
Clockwise from top left:
cosmetic bag: AVEDA
bag: Longchamp
lip balm: AVEDA Lip Saver
lipstick: Marc Jacobs
face towelettes: YES to Blueberries
gum: Orbit
wallet: SEE by Chloe (similar here)
pouch wallet: Acne
iPhone case: Marc by Marc Jacobs
pumpkin cereal bar: Trader Joe’s
iPad mini
This short clip is a collaboration preformed by Suzanne Cleary, Peter Harding, and video artist Jonny Reed from Up & Over It. They are perfectly synchronized throughout this entire clip – it’s so cool! I tried to follow along and looked absolutely ridiculous. Ha! Check out their website for more videos, theatre, and cabaret shows.
A baked potato is a great comfort food. The perfect warm indulgence on a crisp fall day. I recommend this balanced and light-bodied sangiovese wine as a nice pairing. It’s a great find at Trader Joe’s for $4.00!
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°. Pierce each russet potato with a sharp knife about 10 times in approximately 1-inch intervals.
Step 2:
Rub the outside of the (clean) potato with extra virgin olive oil, or butter. Then, roll the potato in coarse sea salt before baking. This adds a great savory flavor to the skin.
Step 3:
Place potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 1 hour. If you have a convection oven, use it. Or, rotate potatoes after 30 minutes.
Step 4:
When the potatoes have finished baking, carefully slice and add all of your favorite toppings. Mine include: butter, sour cream, chives, bacon*, sharp cheddar cheese, and freshly ground black pepper.
* I generally adhere to a pescatarian diet; however, bacon is a meat I enjoy every once in a while. I recommend the Black Forest Bacon from Whole Foods Market.
leather jacket: ASOS (similar here), shirt: Zara (similar here), boots: Bocage, denim: Zara (similar here), bag: Longchamp, necklace: Forever 21, lipstick: YSL & Chanel
An army green shirt and leather jacket are great fall transition pieces. I scooped up this leather jacket earlier this year from ASOS. I wanted something with a little bit of edge but not covered in buckles and rivets. And guess who’s having a great sale?! ASOS: 30% off of new-season awesomeness Happy shopping!
sweatshirt: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target, pants: Zara (similar here), shoes: Aldo (similar here), sunglasses: Old Navy (similar here), watch: Emporio Armani, bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
As soon as I saw the preview pieces for the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection earlier this summer, this sweatshirt was first on my list. It reminded me of the 1960’s Batman show. I decided to dress it up a bit with some patent leather oxfords and a pair of black pants. A perfect way to transition into the cooler weather. Have a great week!
Even though the weather has been in a state of constant of flux for the past several weeks in Chicago, we all know it’s going to (unfortunately) get chilly soon. A great fall coat will once again be an absolute necessity. I find it wise to invest in a neutral color or a bold color that most of your accessories will pair with nicely. Something that can be worn day-to-day, last a few seasons and not feel dated or worn. I was able to grab the hooded wool coat from Zara (#2) and I can’t wait to wear it. I suggest not waiting until the last minute, too. It’s such a bust when you find “the” item of your dreams and it’s sold out in your size, everywhere! Have a great weekend!
1. Esta Melton Mazarine Blue, Acne, $1,150.00
2. Hooded Wool Coat, Zara, $139.00
3. Stadium-Cloth Cocoon Coat, J.Crew, $350.00
4. Wool-Blend Oversize Coat, Mango, $189.99
vest: vintage, scarf: Zara (similar here), top: Old Navy, jeans: Zara (similar here), boots: Steven (similar here), bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs, necklace: Son of a Sailor
Little details like a leather vest, oversized scarf, and subtle gold jewelry, take a simple look to the next level. A red lip always helps, too! I found this great vest a few weeks ago when shopping at Una Mae’s in Wicker Park. It’s going to be such a great layering piece for fall. Have a great Thursday!
Seeing a designer’s collection come to life on the runway is such an inspiration. So many different visions and stories are shared at New York Fashion Week. These collections set the theme for the next season of fashion, and over time trends develop from the couture pieces. I have selected a few of my favorite looks, no florals included.
All images via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week