Sale Alert: Tory Burch

Thanks to Danielle from Breakfast At Toast for pointing out the amazing sale going on at Tory Burch today. When you take an additional 25% off these already reduced bags they come out be less than $200! My conscience is telling me no, but my heart is telling me yes (I think I'm going to go with the Raspberry). Tell me, have you spotted any good sales today? 

Friday's Fancies {NYE Edition}

         I hope everyone has a fabulous NYE weekend. I'm heading to a fancy steak dinner tonight    

        with the boyfriend & my parents. And tomorrow I'll be hitting up Old Town to ring in the 

        new year with my college roommates. As you know I've already picked my dress for the  

            occasion but thought I'd leave you with some inspiration if you still haven't found an outfit. Check out many more fabulous ideas on Long Distance Loving.

Currently Coveting: {Elbow Patches}

                                    Joie {on sale for $130}                                 Forever21 {$18}

      I realize I may be a little late to jump on this bandwagon, but I absolutely love the look of elbow patch           

   sweaters. It's a fun little detail that turns a rather simple pullover sweater into a memorable one. I have been  

   eyeing the pullover by Joie ever since I first saw it, and now it's on sale (score!). Also, for those on a budget- 

       that Forever21 is an inexpensive way to get the look for less. I haven't decided which one I'm going to  

                         purchase but one of these will be popping up in my closet in the very near future. 

E&J Spring '12 Collection

Yes, I do realize it's not even 2012 yet. I also realize that I will not be able to wear any of this for many months. That being said, here's a peek at my favorite looks from the Elizabeth & James Spring 2012 collection. My favorite thing about the line (besides the flowy patterns and crisp pants) is in the details i.e. the transparent seam on white linen pants or the asymmetrical cut of a silk top. Which look is your favorite?

The Day After

I apologize for being MIA these past few days, but the weekend really got away from me. I spent it visiting not only my own family, but also my boyfriend's family and barely touched my computer (which is a good thing :)). My boyfriend and I have spent 7 Christmases together and every year we exchange presents the day after- there is something about extending the celebration that I really love. So yesterday we exchanged gifts, went to dinner, and saw Young Adult (which I didn't particularly enjoy). As I'm sure you've seen on many blogs, we decided to follow the following rules for gifting: 1. Something you want 2. Something you need 3. Something to wear and 4. Something to read. It was really fun to try and fit my presents into those categories & it definitely made it easier for him, too. How was everyone's holiday weekend? 

Decorating on a Budget {via Live Creating Yourself}

I recently stumbled upon the blog Live Creating Yourself which combines everything you'd ever want in a blog & more. One post I found particularly fascinating was one in which she explains where she purchased everything to decorate her home. It is by no means a "How-to" decorate, but just looking at the feel of her apartment inspires me to search hard for the perfect design aesthetic in my own home. I love that most of it is from craigslist and vintage stores- I never knew what great things you could find at either of these sources. Take a peek for yourself- it most certainly does not disappoint. 

The rug and the bookshelf in the living room are my favorites.

I am dying to try the DIY version of dining room chairs.

I really enjoy the idea of mixing up the table & chairs, much more chic.

A simple black wall becomes the focal point of the room, along with a great gallery wall.

I cannot believe those lamps are from JcPenney, I'm now on the hunt for my own.

Wood furniture found in thrift stores {like dressers and chairs} are an easy DIY and typically better quality than anything you'll find at IKEA.

What I'd Wear {Christmas Eve}

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the holiday season, I go up to Lake Geneva, WI to spend it with my Dad's side of the family. The day is full of good food, cocktails, and family- what's not to love? I've been searching for the perfect outfit without spending a ton of money, when I saw this picture of Nicole Richie out shopping. Her outfit is not only super chic- it's something that almost every women already has in her closet. All you need is a brightly colored sweater (or a blouse) and black basics. And for those that don't celebrate Christmas Eve- this outfit would work great at any Holiday party you're attending this season!

sweater jeans shoes ring bag

Imperfection

via

Currently Coveting {Cap Toe Ballet Flats}

I love these ones by Kate Spade New York. And while the $225 price tag may seem overwhelming, I am a firm believer in investing in classics. As well as the "cost per wear" principle. These rationalizations may be why my credit card bill has hit staggering highs this month :). 

Cookie Crazy

Every year I get together with my mom & godmother for a "Cookie Exchange". It is a small scale version of the traditional- where we drink a few holiday cocktails and bake up our favorite sweet treats. It's been a tradition for almost 10 years and while I am partial to classic cookies, I am thinking we need to add a few new ones into the mix this year. I'll let you know how they turn out! 

English Toffee via Cupcakes & Cashmere

Glittery Oreo Cake Balls via Simply Irresistible

White Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies via Culinary Concoctions

Dancing With an iPod in Public: Christmas Edition

My old college roommate sent this to me a few hours ago. It pretty much speaks for itself- too funny!

Post- Vacation Slump

To be quite honest, going from this: 

via

To this: 

In less than 12 hours, has left me struggling to find focus. The best remedy I can think of at the moment is an Eggnog Latte, Christmas playlist on Spotify, and a Shopbop sale. Do you have any tricks for getting out of a slump after vacation? 

Holiday Dress Hunt: The One

After shopping the internet for weeks, I finally decided on this ASOS Metallic Mini Dress. It is safe to say I'm in love. I think I'll be styling it with a pair of black tights, suede black platforms, and a bright pink lip. This will be my first NYE downtown Chicago and I can't wait! Have you found your New Years outfit?

DIY Ornaments

Look at these gold sequin & glitter ornaments I found on Fabulous K. Aren't they adorable? Apparently this DIY only takes a package of sequins, a tube of glitter (I prefer Martha Stewart's), and a homemade funnel to fill the clear ornaments. I plan to make a bunch of these to put on the tree in my room (which is currently rather bare) and can't wait to give a few out with gifts. 

Adios Winter!

Well, I'm off to Riviera Maya for a much needed vacation for the week.  So far the forecast is calling for a chance of rain, but I'm crossing my fingers that there's plenty of sun. I'll be sure to include some photos of my trip when I return & I hope everyone has a great week. Bundle up my Chicago friends- it's supposed to get chilly! 

Style Inspiration: Zara Lookbook

I love all of the details in Zara's new lookbook and plan to emulate a few of these concepts in my own wardrobe. It does a great job of combining unexpected silhouettes, patterns, and textures together to create a cohesive look.



Combinging denim, lace, and leather is such a fun and unexpected play on texture.

I need that feather clutch in my life. 

A bright print on the bottom really makes this outfit pop. 

Simple yet sexy with it's deep V neckline. This may be the perfect LBD.

Throwing sparkles under anything is a sure way to feel a little more festive.

Who cares that it's 30 degrees out? I'd wear those scalloped shorts anywhere. 

Gifting: Stylish Stationary

I love gifts that feel a touch more personal than just a sweater or perfume. That is when I stumbled upon Walnut Paperie and all of the wonderful stationary styles they have to offer. Not only do I plan to snag some up for myself- but I also plan to order a few for the trendy people in my life like my boyfriend's sister. The price point is really great too, and it's clear from the website you'll receive nothing but superb quality. The best past is that they are completely customized and you can choose your font, card stock, & colors. Aren't those chevron lined envelopes amazing? Tell me, what is your go-to gift for friends and family?

Not Just Frocks

"Fashion isn't just frocks. It's how we do our houses, our gardens- it's what we eat and drink." - Grace Coddington via

Save or Splurge

     Bauble Bar $115                                 vs.                Jennifer Zeuner $264

I've been lusting after this necklace since I first saw it on Taylor Swift and Lauren Conrad a few years ago. If you follow Atlantic-Pacific, you'll definitely recognize this necklace as she wears it in almost every post. Last year I almost splurged on the original but found this version at Bauble Bar for less than half the price. While Jennifer's design is slightly more detailed I think the less expensive version is a great option for those on a budget. 

Holiday Essentials

For some reason it does not feel like Christmas is only 3 weeks away. I'm having trouble getting into the holiday spirit and can't decide if it's the lack of snow, my full time job, or the tropical vacation I'm going on this Friday. Whatever the reason, I need to jump start my holiday cheer and decided the best way to do it is by creating a list of holiday essentials. I'm devoting the rest of this week to all things festive and would love to know what you do to get yourself in the "spirit". 

Holiday Inn is my all time favorite Christmas movie. There is just something about Bing Crosby that makes my heart melt. 

image via

This West Elm faux fur throw is definitely on my Christmas Wish List. I envision myself snuggled up on the couch under this for the remainder of December. 

We all know of my love for hot chocolate (which pretty much lasts year round) but a cup of Ghiradelli hot cocoa with cinnamon and whipped cream really puts me in the mood for the holidays.

image via

Wool socks are a wintertime staple in my house. And these ones from Jcrew are perfection.

image via

Every year my mom and I spend a whole day in the kitchen baking. These spritz cookies continue to be a favorite- and they're super easy, too!

image via

While I have my shopping techniques perfected, this year I want to focus on the presentation of the gifts I give with some festive gift wrap.

You'll Thank Me Later

This website just launched yesterday afternoon and I've already spent a good 5 hours perusing all of the lovely things on it. CurrentlyObsessed.me is a website that allows you to follow your favorite bloggers and shop all of their picks online. Think of it as Pinterest meets ShopStyle. Lucky for you, Luella & June has the code for early access- just type in Luella_&_JuneObsessed when you enter the site here. Happy Shopping!

Holiday Dress Hunt: Shopbop Edition

Tonight is the night I kick off the holiday season with my boyfriend's dad's company's annual holiday party (wow, that's a mouthful). I would wear any of these dresses in a heartbeat- and have combined a bunch at very different price ranges (the red one is only $120!). These dresses are the epitome of my holiday style:  sparkle, simple silhouettes, red/wine colors, and a hint of lace. What styles are you liking for your holiday parties?

Rustic Simplicity

Although I've been with my boyfriend for almost 7 years, I am by no means in a rush to get married. That being said.. I still love all things wedding on pinterest and on other blogs. Every young girl dreams about getting married some day and to be perfectly honest, I had never even thought about what I liked for my own wedding until a couple months ago. Now I picture my wedding with crisp simple details, a little bit of burlap & tons of white flowers. Here are a few images I find most inspiring: 

image 1 image 2 image 3  image 4 image 5