taffeta + cedar -

leather and layers for fall

10/14/2019 No Comments

leather jacket: Mango // knit: IRO similar // denim: Acne Studios // belt: Gucci // bag: Marc Jacobs // boots: Zara // shades: MiuMiu similar

While I love summer and it’s my favorite time of year, I do look forward to wearing layers as the weather cools down. I picked up this leather jacket a few weeks ago when I was in Bruges, Belgium. I’ve been looking for a leather jacket for awhile and unexpectedly found this one when out shopping one afternoon. I love the clean lines and subtle texture; it’s easily dressed up or down with jeans and heels or boots. What are some of you favorite go-to pieces in-between seasons?

ADMIRE

2019 spring trends

04/08/2019 No Comments

1: yellow // 2: small bags // 3. logos // 4. white shoes // 5. logo sneakers // 6. snakeskin // 7. chic nails // 8. neutrals

I am SO ready for spring to arrive! Here are a few spring pieces, plus some trend items to add into the mix this year. Logos are still going strong and are a fun way to add a pop to any look. I’m also noticing small dainty bags are having a moment, though fanny packs are still all the rage! Always quality over quantity – all of these pieces can easily transition into summer and even early fall wardrobes! What are some of your favorite spring pieces and trends this year?

FASHION

the maxi down coat

01/31/2019 No Comments

parka: Mackage // boots: Stuart Weitzman similar // shades: Prada

The Polar Vortex is back with extra frigid temperatures in most of the Midwest. In Chicago, we had a low of -21°F/-49°F wind chill Wednesday morning. As mentioned here and here, owning a down parka is an absolute must to survive the winter! I recently added this maxi-length down parka from Mackage into my winter wardrobe. I am always cold in general, so winter tends to feel extra extreme for me. I was happy with the Canada Goose Kensington parka (comfort zone down to -10°C/14°F) I got a few years ago, though I just needed something warmer and longer to cover my legs and to reduce the wind. The Canada Good Mystique was certainly an option. I needed something that had a comfort zone down to -30°C/-22°F; which both the Mackage Jada and Canada Goose Mystique provide. Overall, I liked the fit, hood, sheepskin shearling collar, length, aesthetic, and walkability in the Jada. What is your favorite and warmest winter staple? Stay warm!

ADMIRE

The Puffer Coat

12/17/2018 1 Comment

1: Moncler // 2: Armani Exchange // 3. Moncler // 4: H&M // 5: Mackage // 6: Zara // 7: Canada Goose // 8: Mackage // 9: Canada Goose

If you live in Chicago, you must own a down parka to survive the winter. Here are a few options that will keep you warm and chic throughout the season. A few things to consider when making your decision: length, function v. aesthetic, hood with fur, fill, fit, and price. There are so many great looking puffer coats available now – it’s beyond that puffy sleeping bag look! The warmest option will include real down, a hood with real fur trim (to reduce the wind), and mid-length keeping that bum covered. From the above, I have the Canada Goose – Kensington, #7. It’s incredibly warm and functional. I currently have my eye on the the Mackage – Jada Maxi, #8. I feel I need something just a bit longer for those harsh windy days, which he have frequently in Chicago. Stay warm!

SEE & TRAVEL

20% off one service

12/11/2018 No Comments

For a limited time: 20% off one wardrobe styling or personal shopping service! Limited to the Chicagoland area. Please use this link in for all inquiries!

SEE & TRAVEL

My second visit to Gucci Garden

10/15/2018 No Comments

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Gucci Garden again this year. As mentioned earlier, Gucci Garden is an exclusive boutique redesigned by Alessandro Michele with clothes, accessories, and shoes not available at any other location. It also houses archives in a perfectly curated exhibition by Maria Luisa Frisa. So naturally, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit again during my visit to Florence. Here are a few highlights of the pieces on display and interior. Enjoy!

ADMIRE

2018 falls trends

08/20/2018 No Comments

1: Oversize coats //2: Belt bag // 3: Cropped & straight denim // 4: Neon // 5: Animal print // 6: Square-toe silhouette

A few items to make that transition from summer into fall weather a little less painful! I’m loving all the belt bags, square-toe shoes, and animal print I’m seeing everywhere this season. Layers and texture are key to staying warm and looking polished in crisp temperatures. I selected a variety of versatile pieces that will carry from season to season, plus a few trends to add into the mix this year. You know, quality over quantity! What are some of your favorite fall pieces and trends this year?

SEE & TRAVEL

Gucci Garden

05/08/2018 No Comments

Last month when I was in Italy, I had the pleasure of visiting Gucci Garden. Alessandro Michele has redesigned the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia in Florence, which dates to 1337 and previously housed the Gucci Museo. Opening this past January, 2018, Gucci Garden is an exclusive boutique with clothes, accessories, and shoes not available at any other location. It also houses archives in a perfectly curated exhibition by Maria Luisa Frisa. If you are planning a trip to Italy, I suggest adding it to your list. You will not be disappointed! Ciao Ciao!

FASHION

eShakti jumpsuit

03/16/2018 No Comments

custom jumpsuit: eShakti c/o // scarf: Gucci similar // shades: Prada // sandals: Stuart Weitzman // lip: Dior Lip Glow

I was lucky to have another opportunity to create a piece of custom clothing with eShakti. They are an online women’s apparel company offering sizes 0-36W and custom clothing. I wanted to create something light and comfortable to wear on my vacation to Tulum, Mexico. I decided a sleeveless jumpsuit in lightweight denim was the way to go! I submitted my measurements and was able to specify sleeve length, neckline, hemline, and whether or not to add pockets. My experience with eShakti was great – easy to order and super convenient. I have a custom jumpsuit for my trip and the entire process from design to arriving at my doorstep took less than two weeks!

SEE & TRAVEL

beach prep!

03/09/2018 No Comments

clockwise from top right: sunglasses: Prada, Prada, Gucci | sandals: Old Navy similar | beach bag: Marc Jacobs | bikinis: Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Proenza Schouler similar| coverups: both Old Navy | scarves: Moschino, Gucci similar | products: Sum Bum, Dermalogica, Dior Lip Glow

My husband and I will soon escape Chicago’s cold weather to soak up the sun in Tulum. Here are a few items that I’ll be bringing on our trip to Mexico! This year, I decided to add a white bikini into my wardrobe. After spending hours online shopping, I decided on another one from Proenza Schouler. I love the black and white bikini I purchased a couple of years ago and was excited to find this one – super comfortable and a great fit. Also, since my hair is short and I can’t pull it back, I wrap it up in silk scarves. It’s easy and keeps me looking chic on the beach! Sunshine, beaches, tacos, and mango margaritas for days! Follow along on Instagram @taffetaandcedar.