Esther Boutique

Ok so while perusing one of my favorite blogs 10 minutes ago, Beauty & the Beard- I discovered this post about her favorite things on Pinterest this week. It was at that very moment I fell in love with this bracelet: 

Naturally, I clicked the link to find out where to purchase it (I have no self control when it comes to shopping). Anyways, one thing lead to another and I discoverd Esther Boutique. Maybe everyone knows about this magical site already and no one told me (rude), but I fell in love with just about everything you can purchase. However, since the shop is located down under.. I've discovered it may take you 3 years and $30 to receive your clothes (just kidding, 3 weeks- but still). Anyways, that hasn't stopped me from looking/drooling over everything. Here are some of my favorites: 

Question of the Day: Hair Care

I have medium length, pretty straight hair that I highlight every 8 weeks. I barely dry it and straighten/curl it about once a week. For whatever reason, I just cannot seem to get it to grow long (and be healthy, too). It's super annoying. I have tried deep conditioning treatments, thermal protectors, biotin pills, etc. Does spending $80 on shampoo and conditioner classify me as insane? I've heard wonderful things about this stuff & since I just got my haircut- I'm hoping this will help me start out on a healthy foot. What would you do?  Would you spend this much? Or is there another shampoo you swear by?  

 

In The Middle

All through college it was all about the mini skirt or dress for me. I would pair it with a flowy blouse or a blazer to leave a little to the imagination. Lately when I've been looking for dresses, I've found myself choosing a lot of midi dresses with looser silhouette (I'm such a grown up now). I especially love ones with a cinched waist so you can throw on a belt w/ some flat sandals & you're ready to go. It's the perfect spring/summer dress and all of these bright colors have me itching for a day at the beach. My only concern is that if you don't have supermodel legs it may not look as flattering on a petite frame (but I haven't tried too many on). So tell me, Have you tried the midi trend? Love it or leave it?

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Weekend Recap

I typically don't do a post like this (because I have a Blackberry and it takes horrible photographs). But  I thought I'd share a bit about my weekend. I'll spare you The Oscar's post since I'm sure everyone has seen all of the dresses by now but I really loved Jessica Chastain, Octavia Spencer, and Michelle Williams.Anyways...Thursday night I went and enjoyed restaurant week by eating a 5 course Italian dinner for around $30- I thought they were going to have to roll me out of the restaurant. Despite the blizzard, it was fairly warm in Chicago this weekend so I was able to wear my favorite pink Anthropologie coat and ballet flats all weekend to run errands and do a bit of shopping. I also splurged on a new Tory Burch crossbody bag that I showed you guys a few weeks ago on the blog (Happy (3 weeks early) birthday to me!) Sunday I had brunch with my girlfriends before we put on sweats & watched The Oscars with a box of wine & appetizers (classy, I know). Overall, it was great weekend. How was yours?

Friday's Fancies: Oscar Editioin

Anything I need to get done this weekend will have to be done by Sunday afternoon because I'm attempting to host a little Oscar Soiree with my girlfriends. I'm still deciding on what to make but it will be simple finger foods, those cookies I posted yesterday, and a little bubbly. I'll let you guys know how it goes!

For this week's Friday's Fancies we're focusing on The Oscars. If I were a celebrity? I'd be going Ellie Saab Spring 12 Couture all the way. I am obsessed with that dress and would potentially give up my first born to own it. The delicate beading & cinched wist w/ bow are perfection. Since I don't have a first born to trade, I would choose a dress similar to this dress from ASOS. I love the ladylike features & the blush hue. I would pair it with those fabulous Zara pumps, a neutral clutch, and some big jewels. 

What is everyone doing this weekend? Are you watching The Oscars? 

Makeup Inspiration: 

Why doesn't my eyeliner ever look like this? 

images via here & here

Currently

Here's a few things that are currently making me happy: 

A braid-wrapped topknot. 

The glass tile backsplash in this kitchen.

Oscar statue cookies I'm dying to make (made with mummy cookie cutter).

This Free People maxi dress- effortlessly chic (and less than $100!)

And a quote that really resonated with me this week. 

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Working It

This post is a little different for me as it doesn't really pertain to fashion or style. But hey, change is good. If you've been reading with me since January you know one of my goals was to join a gym. I am happy to report that I indeed accomplished this and now need to start a new goal of forcing myself to workout. I'm using this as my inspiration (and because I just bought my tickets to The Hunger Games movie- I know, I know really lame). 

I seriously discussed this with my roommates. 

In honor of hitting the gym more frequently I've put together a few things that I (hope) will get me motivated & living a healthier lifestyle.

My mom is a Pilates instructor with her own studio, she swears by Zella workout wear (and she's basically an expert on spandex clothing). I know I'm a big Nordstrom groupie (I did do my internship there) but the Zella leggings in particular are the best.thing.ever. Other essentials: Nike Free Running shoes which are incredibly light weight, the personal blender is the perfect way to make a smoothie in the morning without the mess, and Eat-Yourself-Skinny has become my new favorite website since I refuse to give up cocktails/eating mac & cheese to lose weight.

I am by no means a fitness expert, but these things seem to work well for me. How do you motivate yourself to get to the gym? 

You Name It

Clearly we have Carrie Bradshaw to thank for the personalized jewelry trend that's had a revival. I have a simple "A" necklace by Gorjana that I never take off and I find it's a great platform for layering  heavier necklaces on top of. I collected some of my favorite picks via the internet and have to say I'm really loving #1 & #4. Also, Bauble Bar has a ton of great personalized jewelry choices and the new Twitter Plate necklace is so adorable. I feel like I owe it to my Twitter-loving self to purchase it. 

1. Bauble Bar Monogram Pendant 2. Pave Diamond Initial 3. Bauble Bar Pendant Necklace

 4. Max & Chloe Script Ring 5. Dannijo Jaimere 6. Max & Chloe Monogram Earrings

Printed Pants

Lately I've been noticing that it's not the top making a statement in an outfit, it's the bottoms. I personally love the effect a great pair of patterned pants can make but I'm not sure if the trend is really "doable" for the average person. My other concern is that if you're not a size 0 putting a loud pattern on your bottom half may not be the most flattering outfit choice. But none the less, I don't think printed denim & trousers are going anywhere soon. Have you tried the trend?

   

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Friday's Fancies: Mexico or Bust

For this week's Friday's Fancies we each picked a place we wanted to travel and then made an outfit around that. It just so happens that on Valentine's Day my boyfriend and I booked a trip to Mexico for our 7 year anniversary the last weekend in April. We have never gone on a long trip like this before and I can't tell you how excited I am. We're staying here:



And once I get to the beach I plan on making this my staple outfit:


coverup // suit // sandals // tote // earrings // hat // towel

I actually already own this cover-up, so I worked around that to find inexpensive accessories to go with it. I like to keep my bathing suits simple- and this coral one with bow accents is perfect for laying out. I am not much of a hat person, but I really want a fedora- I think it looks so cute with a pair of sunglasses and flat sandals like these ones from H&M. I don't like to wear expensive jewelry on the beach so those Kate Spade earrings in a fun orange color are just right.

What is everyone doing this weekend? I plan to hit up Chicago's Restaurant Week & fit a little time in with the boyfriend who's been gone all week. 

Crossing

I've been on the hunt for a few months for the perfect crossbody bag. While they are way to small for my weekday activities, I think it's the perfect size for a night out with friends or a dinner date. I was about 2 clicks away from this Tory Burch one- but with the big price tag I second guessed myself a little. While I am a firm believer that you should invest in the basics (I consider a neutral colored bag as a basic)- it just felt wrong to spend that much right now. Then I stumbled over to Zara- as I typically do on a daily basis, and found all of these adorable, on trend crossbody bags. I really love the tan & coral one as well as that seaform green one at the bottom. What do you think? Do you like any of these ones? Or would you go with the TB one? 

 

Fall 2012 RTW: Metallics

I don't know about all of you, but I have been loving Fall RTW Fashion Week this year. I've loved the bold patterns, deep hues of burgundy and turquoise, and absolutely everything from J.Crew's collection (obviously). One trend I think will be huge for Fall based on the runways is all things metallic. I'm so happy that sequins and shiny fabrics  in gold, bronze, and silver aren't going anywhere any time soon. My favorite show thus far has been Reem Acra- that silver mini dress is to die for.  

What trends do you think will be big for Fall? 

Prabal Gurung, Reem Acra, Naeem Khan Fall 2012 RTW via

Happy Valentine's Day

Change the world one kiss at a time. 

Happy Valentine's Day to you and all of your loved ones. Can you believe that picture is from 9 years ago? I still can't. Unfortunately the boyfriend is on a business trip in D.C. this week- but that means I get to go on a dinner & a movie date with my 2 best friends tonight.  What are your Valentine's Day plans? 

Friday Fancies: Valentine's Day Edition

This week's theme is all about the colors of love. I promise not to post about anything pink or heart covered for a very long time after Valentine's Day. Here's the outfit I put together: I'd wear it on a date with the boyfriend, a night out with my girlfriends, and with a different shoe I would even wear it at the office. I'm sure you've seen the combination all over the blogosphere and pinterest and I have to say I really love it.

What are you guys doing this pre-Valentine's day weekend? I'm going out tonight to celebrate my college roommate's 23rd birthday & Saturday night I'm going out with work friends. Happy Friday! xx


blouse // wedge // bag // choker // pant

And a few of my favorite dresses for a night out on the town:

Valentine's Gift Guide Part II

Here's the second part of my gift guide which should give you plenty of inspiration for the ladies in your life- whether it's your best friend, sister, or even yourself. Everything I chose is under $63 which means you can give a great gift without breaking the bank. I typically don't do too much gift giving around Valentine's Day- unless it's homemade or in the form of baked goods. But, I'm thinking this year I may snatch up that scarf and some nail polish to give to my girlfriends. Enjoy!

1. Kate Spade iPhone Case- Let's get serious- who wouldn't want a Kate Spade phone case? Especially in this adorable pink polka dot pattern.
2. Marc Jacobs Studs- I am all about simple jewelry- and these rose gold studs are perfect for everyday.
3. Sprinkles Cupcakes- I love all things Sprinkles related and to be honest, if I got a box of these it would be the best present ever. Not a cupcake fan?  Chocolates or even a bottle of wine are a fun substitution.
4. Voluspa Maison Candle- The Crisp Champagne scent is delicious and subtle. And the jar is perfect for holding makeup brushes when the candle is done.
5. "I Love You" Keychain- An inexpensive & cute way to remind someone that you love them.
6. Honeydew Intimates Boy Shorts- My favorite brand of underwear and lounge wear is Honeydew- it's incredibly soft and still provides a playful & girly look.
7. Gap Dot Print Scarf- I've become obsessed with scarves lately and Gap has a ton of affordable and on trend options.
8. Zara Patent Ballerina- I still haven't decided if I'm going to purchase the J.Crew ones I posted weeks ago, but when I saw these Zara ones I couldn't resist.
9. Bauble Bar "Love" Pendant- I love everything Bauble Bar has to offer.Even if you're not sold on the "Love" necklace there are a million affordable jewelry options for your favorite lady.
10. Tinley Road Blouse- A Rachel Bilson pick on Piperlime this month. I love the ruffle & lace detailing on the top, and the bright red hue would look great with some mint colored nail polish.
11. Essie Nailpolish- My favorite red is Fishnet Stockings and my favorite pink is Fruity Sangria. I'd wrap these up with a little love note and it's the easiest gift you could give. 

The Perfect Valentine

When I was in college, I did a 2 year internship with a local boutique in the Madison area. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had and I loved the unique pieces I'd purchase for myself and as gifts for loved ones. On top of the locally made jewelry I bought frequently, I also loved to purchase these personalized notecards by Jack & Ella. Lucky for you all, they have an etsy shop you can find here. How adorable are these Valentines? On top of it all, they are 100% recycled & incredibly budget friendly. My favorite are the "Lunch Love Notes" - a set of 12 different phrases to put in your significant other's lunch or to leave on the nightstand.