What Kaitlyn Wore for Christmas

Because I've been so busy with work, wedding planning, and life in general, this was the first year that I didn't have holiday outfits picked out until the day of...very unusual. However, thanks to a lovely skirt from my Mom on my birthday and a few sparkles, I think everything came together nicely. I went for a "50's glam" look with my hair by pinning one side back with a diamond barrette...I loved the style and it kept my hair off my face all night - win win.

Christmas Eve:

Top: Forever 21(similar), Skirt: LOFT(similar), Tights: Nordstrom, Earrings: Francesca's, Bracelet: LOFT

Christmas Day:

Top: Forever 21, Leggings: Express, Earrings: Kate Spade

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas 

...and a Happy New Year!

#Kaitlyn

Our Top 12 in 2012: OOTD

With the year coming to an end, we like to look back on all of our OOTD's. Living in the Midwest can mean anything from 80 in March to 50 in December, but four different seasons means four different wardrobes and what girl could complain about that? 

What was your favorite #OOTD this year?

#SistersMarie



Rocked it & Swapped it

I love this dress of Lisa's and decided to borrow it for our annual holiday theater outing - Every year, my mom gets the whole family tickets to see a play or concert downtown and this year, we saw the Dave Koz and Friends Holiday show at the Chicago theater. It was such a fun night filled with great music, a late night meal at Smith & Wollensky and one of my new favorite singers, Javier Colon (check him out!)

Dress: Kristin Hassan, Bracelets: T+J Designs, Necklace: C/O Sarah Aghili, Tights: Nordstrom

Anyone own a great wrap dress like this one? So versatile!

#Kaitlyn



New Years Eve Glitz & Glitter

I have always loved sequins, glitter and all things that shimmer...this even dates back all the way to the days of Lisa Frank and all her obnoxiously colorful and shiny products (remember!?) 

Luckily, it has become acceptable to mix sequins into every day wear, but come New Years Eve...I like to go all out. Lisa and I will be attending the LBC show, so I thought this dress was perfect for a rock concert, especially when complimented by studded booties (swoon!)

What are you planning for your NYE look?

#Kaitlyn

Happy Holidays!

We would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas by featuring one of our favorite holiday movies, White Christmas, starring the handsome and talented, Bing Crosby. In addition to the catchy tunes ("there were never such devoted sisters"...), we are fascinated by the costumes. I always wish that current events still required us to dress this way with sequin gloves and full bodied skirts...all the women looked impeccable. 

Here are some of our favorite looks from the movie:

There will be no post tomorrow in honor of Christmas and the time we'll be spending with loved ones.  Have a wonderful day with your family & friends! 

#SistersMarie

Because Lisa Loves Knits

Fall was all about blouses for me but this winter, I find myself leaning towards all different styles of knits! They are great for layering and can be dressed up or down depending on your day. I love everything from stripes to polka dots or chevron. 

Here is how I styled one of my new favorite knits:

Knit, Bracelet, and Necklace: Sarah Aghili, Watch: Because I shop Too Much- Rose's Closet, Jeans: Gap, Shoes: C/O Just Fab, Coat: Piperlime, Gloves: Aldo, Lip Color: Rose Blossom by Bobbi Brown

What's your favorite winter item so far?

#Lisa



Rocked it & Swapped it

I love when Lisa completely re-styles an item from me in her swap bag...it gives me a whole new spectrum of ideas on how I can wear it differently next time and sometimes even makes it look like a completely different piece. Here is how Lisa and I wore this floral silk Kirna Zabete blouse from day to night:

She did a great job of making white appropriate for winter - I have never understood the Labor Day rule...because really, isn't fashion all about breaking them? 

#Kaitlyn

Shop the looks:

Bow's and Glasses

When LOFT was having one of their amazing sales (when aren't they!?), I was browsing online for some gift ideas and spotted this sweater...needless to say, it was in my cart and on its way to my house seconds later. I love the simplicity of the bow and how long/soft it is. A sweater that long enough for leggings that doesn't itch? I'm a happy girl! 

Sweater: LOFT, Tank: Target, Jeans: GAP, Bracelets: T+J Designs(swap w/Lisa), Frames: Warby Parker

Have you found any great deals for yourself while shopping for others this season?

#Kaitlyn

Because We Went to Holiday Magic

Our annual trip to Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic was perfect this year thanks to 60 degree temperatures and a friendly tip to get there before the sun sets. We were in and out before the massive crowds started rolling in and managed to see most of our favorite furry friends and the festive laser light show. Cap the night off with a hot chocolate and we can call it a success! 

Here's what we wore:

Jacket: Target, Top: LOFT(similar), Scarf: JC Penney (swap w/Lisa)(similar), Jeans: LOFT, Boots & Bag: Just Fab

Sweater and Sunnies: Loft, Jeans: Express, Bag: C/O Just Fab, Boots: Dolce Vita, Ring: Jewelmint, Scarf: Purse Party

Have you ever attended Holiday Magic? 

We hope to make it to the Lincoln Park Zoo lights this year too! 

#SistersMarie

Peaked My Pinterest: Fishtail Bun

When I saw this hair style Pinterest, I knew it was a must try. I realize the tutorial says it's for a "bridal hair style," but I thought if I didn't back comb my hair and tamed the style a bit, it would be perfect for my night downtown to the Dave Koz holiday concert.

 

Here is my pinspiration:

Here is how my version turned out: The style was super easy to do..I really just did a normal fishtail braid (see my tutorial here), pulled it out a bit, and then pinned it up into a bun.

What do you think of my re-creation? How often do you try things you find on Pinterest?

#Lisa



All We Want For Christmas: Sisters Marie

We spy with our little eyes a few items that would make a nice surprise...

1. Piperlime: Dex Jaquard Open Front Sweater
2. Just Fab: Skinny Jeans in Metallic Gunmetal 
3. Jessica Simpson: Esteen Boots 
4. BISTM: Joan & David Heels, size 7.5 (NWOT)

1. Sarah Aghili: Nail Hinge Bracelet

2. Michael Kors: Gray/Rose Gold Watch (Similar)

3. BISTM: Chanel iPhone 5 Case

4. Just Fab: Satyana Heel

What is #1 on your list this year? How about the best gift you ever received? 

Happy Weekend!

#SistersMarie

Holiday Post: Sarah of Coming Unstitched

The holidays are a time for giving... that's what we always hear.  But at this time of giving, I can't help notice all of the amazing products out that I WANT.  Between the great deals, the sparkles, and the new products, I can become a bit blinded by all of the pretty new things.  So I put together a few things that I wouldn't mind showing up under the tree for myself.... ya hear that Santa?!

1. ribbon necklace, $35

2.  cap toe heels, $98

3.  oxblood booties, $130

4.  tablet case, $128

5.  two tone belt, $30

6.  sequin bandage dress, $85

7.  sequin long sleeve dress, $102

8. chain id necklace, $120

9. hunter boots, $135

10. sequin pants, $98

11. mustard blazer, $138

12. bow bangle, $88

What is on your Christmas wish list?  

Come tell me over at Coming Unstitched!

Holiday Post: Lake House Lyn

A Holiday at home: These are a few of my favorite things...

I love entertaining at Christmas and over the years, I have discovered personal favorites that have become tradition in our family, so I wanted to share a few:

1. Williams-Sonoma Chocolate Croissants
2. Christmas Tree Cake Pan
3. Holiday Tea Set
4. Moonstruck Hot Chocolate (Tip: Top with Market Pantry peppermint whipped cream!)
5. Holiday Party Poppers (Tip: pick up at Pier 1 right after Christmas for big savings)

Before bed on Christmas Eve, we gather by the Christmas tree and enjoy a Williams Sonoma chocolate croissant with a cup of Moonstruck (mayan) hot chocolate or holiday tea's from Tea forte. The croissant dough is shipped to you frozen, so all you need to do is let it rise on parchment paper during baking. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top when you take them out of the oven for a special touch. 

Our Christmas morning is based on a tradition that my husbands family began years ago, the homemade Christmas morning cinnamon cake (a family recipe). Years ago, I purchased a Nordicware pan shaped like a group of Christmas trees -Before serving, I sprinkle tops of trees with powdered sugar to give them a snowy look. To start the celebration, everyone gets a party popper which is filled with a paper crown and silly toy (we have many pictures of the family in these ridiculous hats!)

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Let me know over at Lake House Lyn!

Holiday Post: Jess & Jill of JUNCTURE

Happy Holidays, everyone! We're Jess & Jill - the ladies of JUNCTURE!

While the holiday season is a beautiful time to spend with family and friends, it can be a bit harsh on your wallet. And no matter how often we hear "It's the thought that counts!", you don't want your present to be the one that's regifted. Whether you are on a budget, getting some stocking stuffers, or doing a Secret Santa, we found 25 gifts under 25 dollars that will keep you on everyone's good list (even if you have been a bit naughty).

Row 1: West Elm Mercury Candleholders ($3.00 - On Sale!), Anthropologie Chalkboard Spice Jar ($10.00 - $12.00), Z Gallerie Porcelain Flying Pig Jewelry Bowl ($9.95), Von Maur - Essie Winter Color Cube ($17.00), Jonathan Adler Carnaby George Mug ($18.00) 

Row 2: Crate & Barrel And 16" Pillow ($19.95 - On Sale!), Sephora - Stila 'All Is Bright' Lip Glaze Set ($25.00), Urban Outfitters - BDG Cable Knit Scarf ($24.00), Macy's - Kate Spade 'Let's Do Lunch' Business Card Holder ($20.00), Amanda Catherine Designs 'Just Be You' Print ($15.00) 

Row 3: J.Crew Printed Makeup Pouch ($20.00 - On Sale!), JackGems ($20.00 - On Sale!), Nordstrom - Alex & Ani Script Initial Bangle ($24.00), Marc Jacobs Heart Notebook ($18.00), I Spy DIY Style ($14.95) 

Row 4: CB2 Eau Good Water Bottle ($19.95), Badala 'The Kibera' Bracelet ($10.00), Jonathan Adler Moustache Bottle Stopper ($24.00), Zara Home James Coasters ($16.90), Nordstrom - DvF Earbuds ($25.00) 

Row 5: Sleepy Poppy Shop Aroma Therapy Pack ($8.00), Tru Blooms Chicago Roll-On Perfume ($18.00), Bloomingdale's - Sparq's Whiskey Rocks ($24.99), Teavana Favorites Tea Gift Set ($24.47 - On Sale!), Love and Pieces Small Glitz Earrings ($25.00)

Thanks for taking the time to read our guest post!

Want to hear more from us? Check out our blog, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter!

Jess & Jill

Holiday Post: Emerald Green in 2013

Reiss
reiss.com

Viva Bordello platform pumps
heels.com

Modalu crocodile handbag
$280 - pret-a-beaute.com

MAISON DU POSH genuine leather handbag
forzieri.com

Matthew Williamson suede handbag
net-a-porter.com

Michael Kors leather clutch
net-a-porter.com

Bow earrings
etsy.com

Elliot Rhodes silver belt
glam-net.com

Treetopia - Biltmore Pine Artificial Christmas Tree
treetopia.com

Pluto Scented Candle Snowflake
$4.72 - nelly.com

LSA International LSA Bar Champagne Bucket
$88 - occa-home.co.uk

Club Pack of 12 Silver Splendor Glitter Snowflake Christmas Ornaments
lnt.com

gemfrance - Pierres taillées - : Rubis (rond calibré)
$10 - gemfrance.com

Pier One Felt Snowflake Placemat - Red
pier1.co

We were so happy to hear that emerald green was announced as the Pantone color for 2013, because it is so beautiful and looks great with most skin tones. We have been obsessing over this hue for awhile now, so it's only right that we share some of the most amazing finds for this official season of green! 

Now that the Holiday countdown is officially on, Lisa and I are excited to share a whole week's worth of holiday posts with you... Each day this week, a different blogger will feature their great Christmas gift or entertaining ideas!

Check back tomorrow for the post from Juncture :)

PS - Congrats to Michele, the winner of our #heartandsole giveaway -We will contact you with the details!