Friday, September 28, 2012

Outfit Crush

Linking up with AV today for Friday's Fancies, which happens to be "outfit crush." Although this crush is nothing new it is by far one of my favorite fall go-tos. This outfit generally consists of: a comfy poncho, paired with skinny jeans/leggings, with an over sized scarf, and pair of cute booties.

In my opinion, a poncho is the perfect in between layering piece. It provides enough warmth on those cooler fall days however is not massively bulky like jackets and coats sometimes tend to be. Incorporate some knock out accessories and you are out the door in no time!

Happy weekend, friends!

XO

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Sparkling Over Sequins

I am currently going a little crazy over sequins. I am not referring to the over the top, black tie event sequins. I actually mean the more subtle and casual type. You know what kind I am talking about. The ones that are all over little crochet sweaters and skirts this season? What do you think of them? Will you be wearing them this fall?





I am eyeing this one!


Hope your week is going well!

XO

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

A Paris Daydream and a Parisian Boutique

This past week I stumbled upon a gorgeous new local store called "C'est La Vie" by Sylvie. If any of you are in the Chicago area you must check out this spa/boutique, located in downtown Geneva!
 
The owner, Sylvie travels to Paris once every couple months and brings back an amazing selection of clothing. While I was there I scored a knock out suede dress, and a beautiful shirt. After I left the store I found myself yearning for a visit to Paris...
  







 

I will just have to get my pretend fix and go back and visit the store VERY soon!

XO

Monday, September 24, 2012

Chevron and Animal Prints

This past weekend I was part of a little fashion show that numerous local boutiques participated in. When I saw a woman wearing this adorable chevron sweater dress, I knew I MUST have it! So comfy and perfect for layering this fall! I have a feeling that I may be living in this piece for the next couple months.

 
 

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

XO

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

How to Wear: A Fall Hat

In my opinion, a gorgeous fall hat is one of the easiest ways to add instant chic to any outfit. I generally opt for my over sized, black hat however I am also lusting over these...
1/2/3/4

Admiring fall hats can be one thing, but actually wearing them can be another. Try pairing them with a simple poncho and jeans, or with a pair of leggings, with a long sweater and boots.

Loving how these ladies have paired their pretty hats...





XO

Monday, September 17, 2012

Loving Leather and Suede

It's true. I have a sincere love for leather and suede detailing. This past weekend I went on a little bit of an impromptu shopping spree. I got home with a new suede dress,(pictures to come) an amazing suede t-shirt, and a high low dress with leather detailing. Are you seeing a pattern here?  Some other leather/suede combos I am obsessing over...




I am also admiring this leather detailed trench coat, and this suede dress.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

XO

Friday, September 14, 2012

Friday's Fancies: Fall Lust List

Happy Friday! SO looking forward to the weekend! As always, I am linking up today with AV for Friday's Fancies which happens to be our "Fall Lust Lists."
 
Mine includes:
1. A pair of Chanel riding boots
2. THAT Celine Bag
3. A brown polka dot scarf
4. Over sized ponchos
5. A new pair of Frye boots
6. Burgundy jeans
7. Leopard pumps
8. An army green, military inspired jacket
What's on your fall lust list? Have an amazing weekend!
 
XO

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Military Inspired

I don't know what it is about all of these military inspired jackets this fall, but I cannot stop swooning over them. I realize this trend is nothing new, however I am yet to find the perfect one and have been on a serious search for weeks. In the mean time I am loving these...
 

 


XO

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Starting your own business...



It is so blatantly obvious that the blogging community is full of talented small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Just take a look at the list of blogs you follow. I am sure you will find many young women who have started their own event planning businesses, their own online clothing shops, or are self made photographers. However it can be rather terrifying for those of us who are yet to launch our dream business. I recently found this article that I think offers some valuable tips and suggestions for first time business owners. Here are my three favorites...

Focus. Focus. Focus.Many first-time entrepreneurs feel the need to jump at every "opportunity" they come across. Opportunities are often wolves in sheep's clothing. Avoid getting side-tracked. Juggling multiple ventures will spread you thin and limit both your effectiveness and productivity. Do one thing perfectly, not 10 things poorly. If you feel the need to jump onto another project, that might mean something about your original concept

Know what you know, what you don't know and who knows what you don't.No one knows everything, so don't come off as a know-it-all. Surround yourself with advisors and mentors who will nurture you to become a better leader and businessman/woman. Find successful, knowledgeable individuals with whom you share common interests and mutual business goals that see value in working with you for the long-term.

Learn under fire.No business book or business plan can predict the future or fully prepare you to become a successful entrepreneur. There is no such thing as the perfect plan. There is no perfect road or one less traveled. Never jump right into a new business without any thought or planning, but don't spend months or years waiting to execute. You will become a well-rounded entrepreneur when tested under fire. The most important thing you can do is learn from your mistakes--and never make the same mistake twice.

And look the part...




XO

Monday, September 10, 2012

Suede Booties and Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Happy Monday to you all! The fall weather has finally rolled in here in Chicago and it feels amazing. Loving the cooler mornings and my pumpkin spice lattes. This weekend I even felt my brown suede booties were appropriate! And because it has been far too long since an outfit post, here is what I wore Saturday evening for a very casual date night with B. Were any of you able to dig out any of your fall favorites?

 
 


Top:F21/Love this one//Jeans:JBrand/Jacket:Express(old) similar here/Booties:F21/Sunnies:Michael Kors

Have a wonderful week!
XO

Friday, September 7, 2012

Back to School Outfit

Although I have been done with school for an entire year (times flies) I still remember the importance of the "first day of school outfit." One may think this would become less of a priority as you enter college however it never really did for me.

I was always the girl in my heels and a blazer. I figured instead of being uber casual why not actually wear the items out of my closet since the majority of my week was spent in class. If I didn't wear my cute clothes to school, then I would have to wait for the weekend to roll around, and I am far too impatient for that. So today, in honor of "back to school" over at Friday's Fancies, a similar outfit to what I may throw on if I did have school to attend this fall.


A big tote and a little notebook were and still are necessities for a successful year.

Happy weekend!

XO

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Fall Essentials

My favorite season has officially arrived and I could not be more thrilled! I so look forward to the leaves changing, football Sundays, and of course my fall wardrobe. All I need now is for this 90 degree weather to disappear so I can start to dig out my boots, leggings, and sweaters.

While I patiently await the cooler weather, lets talk fall essentials...

 
A riding boot in black and brown. Love these!
A go to jacket/blazer for layering...
Military inspired pieces seem to be popping up all over this season. Love this jacket because it is true to the trend but not over the top!

Everyone needs a cute little hat for the fall...one of the most functional accessories in my opinion

A dark washed jean is a must! I am a sucker for a wide leg however a skinny jean and a legging are  necessities for the riding boots!

And finally, a few transitional sweaters are great staples for the fall since they can easily be reworked into numerous outfits.

What are some of your fall essentials?
 
XO