Because Kaitlyn Went to a Wedding

I recently attended a wedding for the first couple to get married in our group of friends and it definitely exceeded my expectations. I loved dancing the night away with my favorite people and everything else was wonderful from the food (funfetti cake!), to the music and the beautiful venue with all of their personal touches. Now the official countdown starts for our big day ;) 

Dress: Express, Necklace: J.Crew (borrowed from Lisa) (similar), Shoes: DSW (similar)

Green & Turquoise are two of my favorite colors this summer

The whole group

Such a beautiful bride!

What do you think of combining two colors from the same family, green & turquoise?

#Kaitlyn

Blogger Style: Red Denim

Finding yourself stumped on how to style your red denim? Check out these 8 bloggers and how they styled theirs: Kryz, Color me Nana Stilettos and Diaper Bags, District of Chic Style Pantry, Rainbows and Fairy Dust Tripiko, Pink Panther

I kinda of LOVE the men in red denim. I know for a fact my hubby would never try this, but I'd like him too! ;)

#Lisa

Rocked it & Swapped it

This skirt showed up in my "Friend Swap" bag and I was very excited. I had seen photos of Kaitlyn wearing this skirt on Facebook, but was too scared to ask to borrow it. Kaitlyn looks amazing in it! LOVE that she paired it with not only the stripe top, but also mixing the neutrals navy and black together!

Skirt: Express (Similar), Top: Express, Necklace: Forever21 (Similar), Tights: Von Maur

So this my friends, is my first time wearing a bandage skirt. Why did I not try these sooner?! I feel like I want to own one in ever color. Seriously! I loved how the pink and blue looked together so much when Kaitlyn wore it, that I ended up pairing it with 2 different blue hues.

Top: Banana Republic (Similar), Skirt: Express, Shoes: Shoemint, Necklace: via ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service, Clutch: C/O Just Fabulous, Cuff: C/O Kristin Hassan, Bracelet: C/O T plus J Designs

Any bandage skirt lovers out there? I think I may be in the market for a bandage dress after this. Any suggestions? I know Herve Leger does an amazing one, but I was thinking of less of a splurge and more as a great deal. Know a place, do tell!


#Lisa

I Spy DIY

I went to the I Spy DIY book signing at Anderson's Books in Naperville and got to meet Jenni too! It was such a fun time as we started 2 DIY projects and made earrings and friendship bracelets on leather wrist wraps. (Check out my full blog post of this night over on Stilettos and Diaper Bags.)

I am smitten with this book and keep it on my coffee table. I constantly flip through it and think "I can make that!" So here I am getting my DIY on...

I found this project over on her site and since I had what you needed to make it already in my home, I figured I'd start with this one (no worries, I WILL be doing projects out of her book too! And yes I will share them with you ;)



You really only need 2 items, wire and 1 tool! (I used a second tool to help squeeze the wire without leaving too many marks on it.)



I followed the steps right from her website and it took me all of 5 minutes to complete this ring!



Super cute, right?! It was so fun that I had to make Kaitlyn one too! I find myself wearing this ring way too much. It probably cost all of .35 to make and like I said, just 5 minutes of my time. Jenni, you are brilliant! Love your ideas and can't wait to try more of your DIY projects.

#Lisa

Because Kaitlyn met one of her Style Icons!

I have always loved Lauren Conrad. Yes, I watched Laguna Beach. Yes, I watched the Hills. Yes, I realize how vapid and scripted both of these programs were, but watching them and making snide comments with my girlfriends is a favorite past time. Seems like most of those girls were unable to find the light once their free housing and fake jobs were taken away, but Lauren managed to come out on the other side and maintains a respectable career filled with multiple clothing lines, book series (okay, maybe her involvement in these was small), and an amazing beauty website that I follow daily. 

All of this being said, you can imagine my excitement when I noticed her standing right next to me in the check-in line at O'Hare. (Too bad my boss's iPhone photo skills are not up to par). Though she was a bit rushed, the run-in definitely improved my 6AM departure time.

Have you ever met one of your style icons or a favorite celebrity & managed to score a photo?

#Kaitlyn

Because Lisa had a pool day

Dress: Victoria's Secret, Shoes: Target, Bag: MNG by Mango, Sunnies: Loft (similar)

I finally had a pool day! I love nothing more then to float around in a pool while my kids grab onto me and say "I'm swimming mama" ;) This day was perfection. No makeup, no jewelry, no house chores, no work, just fun family time. Not many days like this, so I like to take full advantage!


P.S., How cute is my bag?! Shout out to my mother-in-law for an awesome gift! ;)

*Want to try my braided top knot? Check out my tutorial here!

#Lisa

Because Kaitlyn Went to (Another!) Bridal Shower

I am in two weddings this summer, so the fact that I get to attend all of these pre-big day events and spend time with my best friends and family just makes my favorite season that much more enjoyable (and gives me an excuse to wear great dresses!) It was a scorching 90 degree day, so I opted for a top knot and this lightweight dress from Target which I've had for a few years and still get excited for each occasion that I can wear it.

Dress: Target (similar), Nude Wedges: Lulus (similar) (similar), Gold Bow Bracelet: Loft (similar)

Lovely ladies in the Bridal Party :)

Is anyone else in a wedding this summer? Where are you finding the best dresses?

#Kaitlyn

Rocked it & Swapped it

When I raided Kaitlyn's closet during one of our swaps in April, I saw this neon wonder and knew I needed to borrow it right then and there! How amazing does Kaitlyn look wearing this dress with sandals? LOVE! (Can we also discuss how beautiful my mother-in-law is?! I married into good gene pool! ;)

Dress: Forever 21, Shoes: Payless (similar)

When I wore it, I wanted to dress it up a bit for a night out with the hubs. I decided to add rose gold, pink, and green hues to the pallet. It's such an eye catching colored dress. Gotta love Forever 21!

Dress: Forever 21, Earrings: C/O Kristin Hassan, Shoes: Shoemint, Pashmina: C/O International Pashmina, Bracelet: Kristin Hassan

Cute right?! I love a good swap.
Have you swapped with a friend or family member recently? Shop our Friendswap bags here.

#Lisa

Because Kaitlyn Went Wine Tasting

I have always been a fan of printed apparel, whether it's a striped shirt (more on my obsession with stripes later), chambray shorts or a leopard blouse. When I eyed this dress on sale at Francesca's last summer, I knew it had to be mine due to the animal print and the fact that it was a such a comfy but chic maxi....with just enough room for a day at the Michigan vineyards.

Dress: Francesca's (similar), Sunnies: Target, Watch: Nordstrom

Wine, chocolate and cheese. Yes please?

All the lovely ladies. Wouldn't you love to shop all of their closets? 

#Kaitlyn

Sexy Spring Eyes

I don't know about you, but when it comes to all things beauty/fashion, I think of myself as a collector and it's no different when it comes to makeup. I generally use the same shades on a daily basis, but I like to mix it up every now and again. This was an impulse buy at the checkout counter at Victoria's secret.

It tells you step by step what to do and how to apply the makeup. I didn't use the dinky application brush it came with, but I LOVED the results.

What do you guys think? Worth the $15 for sure in my mind! Plus I think the name of the product is spot on, sexy spring eyes! ;)

#Lisa

Because We Went to a Boutique Opening

As a part of the Chicago Blogger Network, we get invited to some pretty great events - Recently, we attended the opening of an adorable boutique in Evanston, IL called gigi BOTTEGA. The store is filled with modern women’s clothing that’s trendy without trying too hard. I automatically felt like it was a combination of Francesca's and Pitaya, two of my favorites. The store owner, Gina Vericella, created a fun evening for us shoppers filled with champagne, mini desserts and a slew of fashionable women to gossip with. Life is hard when you're a blogger ;)

Eyeing items that are worthy of being taken to the dressing room

Lisa + a maxi dress = a match made in heaven

Bronze chains and firewood adorns the front window

Cheers!

Everything is cuter when it's mini, no?

Lots of space for talking, walking and shopping

Do you have any favorite boutiques?

#Kaitlyn

Dream Shopping: Kaitlyn

Much like window shopping, I often peruse my favorite fashion websites (ASOS, Zara, LuLu's, Loft) and let my mind wander off to what I would purchase if I won the lottery, which is usually everything on the site. There are so many items that make me "oooh" and "ahh" and then my fiance reminds me that we will be sharing a bank account soon... ;)


Currently, I'm dreaming of....

1. Tibi Featherweight Sandwashed Long Dress

2. Phantom 18-karat rose gold diamond ring

3.  Sophie Hulme Envelope Clutch

4. Else Jeans Shorts, Mint Wash Colored Denim (A steal!)

5. Denise - Multi Coral Platform

What are you currently dreaming of? (Please no White Christmas just yet!)

#Kaitlyn

Rocked it & Swapped it

I got this amazing blouse at Zara a few months ago and it has quickly become one of my favorites! I styled it with jeans, some basic gold and brown jewelry, and a yellow flat for a pop of color. 

Top: Zara (similar), Jeans: Gap, Shoes: 9 west, Necklace: Jewelmint, Wrist Wrap: C/O Kristin Hassan, Belt: Fossil

When I swapped it to Kaitlyn, she also went with a casual day time look. I LOVE the idea of wearing this blouse with white denim! I will for sure be trying this. Thank you Kaitlyn for inspiring me to be a copy cat and wear exactly what you wore! 

Top: Zara, Jeans: H&M (similar), Bag: Forever 21 (similar) , Bracelet: swap w/ Lisa (J Good)

What do you guys think about the polka dot blouse? I feel like it's a staple item to have in your closet.

#Lisa

Life at the Lake

One of our favorite summer activities is to visit the Fergus Family lake house in Wisconsin. We are always guaranteed 3 things: Absurd amounts of food (like, embarrassing consumption), margaritas flowing during game night and quality family time down at the pier. Like any other vacation, it's important to make sure you bring enough clothing items to compliment any sort of activity or inclement weather. Luckily, everything is usually pretty laid back at the lake, so Lisa and I usually aim for comfy-chic when packing. 

An off the shoulder top, comfy jeans and top knot is the perfect combination for a breezy day

Top: Forever 21, Jeans: Silver, Sandals: Target, Sunnies: MNG by Mango, Necklace: Jewelmint

A sun-shielding hat and cover up is a go-to choice for any hot summer day

Cover-Up: Forever21, Fedora: Target, Swim-Suit: Victoria's Secret

And then sometimes, life at the lake calls for glasses, because you're just that relaxed ;)

#Kaitlyn

Because Kaitlyn wore Red, White, and Blue

I am always conflicted about actually wearing red white and blue for the 4th of July because there's definitely a place called overkill that I never want to visit, but this year I felt strangely patriotic. It was a cool 105 degrees, so my main goal was to wear as little clothing as possible and still maintain a chic look...well, let's just say chic only last about 2 minutes after stepping outside in what felt like a bath tub, but once I changed into my swim suit and had a shandy in my hand, I let go of all my concerns...

Hope everybody had an awesome Holiday!

Halter: Victoria's Secret (similar), Shorts: H&M (similar) (similar) , Sunnies: Borrowed from Lisa, Watch: Nordstrom

Red nails, sunnies & bracelets are the perfect accents

Props to Lisa for my french braided bun that kept me cool all day!

By the way, I heard my top will soon be featured on BISTM ;)

#Kaitlyn

Because Lisa Loves Everyday Wear Too

I know I am known for my wonderful maxi dress collection and lets be honest I DO live in dresses. However, I am still a mommy on the go and sometimes jeans, a blouse, and some flats are my go to as well! This day I had kids and errands during the day and a meet up with Kaitlyn and our cousins later that night to prepare for a shower we all threw. This is what I wore:

Blouse and Cami: ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service, Jeans: Gap, Shoes: Loft, Necklace: Jewelmint, Ring: C/O Sole Society, Sunnies: MNG by Mango

This blouse is so cozy! I love effortless outfits that look nice too. I threw on some chunky jewelry for the later part of the day because who doesn't love big jewelry? No seriously, who doesn't? Exactly.... ;)