Winter Weekend Essentials

When packing for a winter weekend at the lake house, there are a few items I can't leave home without. We usually have a good mix of downtime and activities on the schedule so I like to bring pieces that can be used for both...whether we're going sledding and making indoor s'mores or sitting by the fire (competitively) playing 2048, I like to be comfortable but stylish at the same time. 

7 things to pack for the weekend:

1. A cozy sweater you can dress up or down

2. A blanket scarf for chilly nights

3. Leggings (to go with the cozy sweater, of course)

4. A beanie that goes with everything (and masks your bad hair on day 3)
5. Winter-proof boots...This Sperry pair has been on my wishlist for months, they are perfect!
6. A travel bag for books, magazines and my computer (complete with a shoe compartment)
7. A good pair of sunglasses...I like the way the colored lenses stand out against the snow

What are your weekend wear essentials?

Wearing:
Sweater: Old Navy Scarf: Target (almost identical under $20) Leggings: JC Penney (similar) Boots: Sperry Bag: Sole Society Hat: Purchased in Ireland (similar) Necklace: LOFT Sunnies/Gloves: Old Navy

The Vest Intentions

I'm not a huge fan of dusting unless it’s in the form of a long vest that almost sweeps the floor. A sheer white blouse and strappy sandals are a classic combination that never goes out of style but add a geometric sleeveless vest and it instantly becomes just a little more chic. 

I feel like the entire outfit changed once I added the vest and that's what I love most...one simple piece can change how you present yourself both in your appearance and confidence. With this piece in tow, I felt a little more put together and ready to go from the office to an event, namely the T+JDesigns Fall look book party, held at the gorgeous home of interior designer, Donna Hall.

Residing in the suburbs, we don't always make it to the city events...working full time followed by sitting in traffic for 2+ hours gets rather tiring (though it slightly improves with the help of Uber!), but when we do make it out, it's always so wonderful to catch up with our fellow blogging ladies. If you haven't checked out T+J in awhile, you don't want to miss their new arrivals...there may or may not be a coat that Lisa and I were actually drooling over (stay tuned!) Lisa also walked out with this 3 piece set...to die.

Vest: Forever 21 (Love this one too!) Blouse: JC Penney Jeans: Old Navy (Similar) Shoes: ASOS Bag: Shoplately (Similar for $30!) Lip color: Kate Spade Watch: c/o Aibi What do you think of the long vest trend? 

Remix & Shop!

A great solid colored blazer is a staple piece everyone should have in their wardrobe. I have lots of blazers (both solid and prints) as they mix and match with almost anything I want to wear year-round. I don't care if you don't have a regular 9-5 job or not, everyone over 25 should have quite a few blazers in rotation...just saying ;) 

I love my blue blazer for many reasons, but when I found it 2 years ago at JC Penney, the price tag & vibrant color where what drew me in. The blazer dressed up a graphic tee and boyfriend denim, made my LBD pop by tossing it over and adding a scarf, and matched effortlessly with a tank and print heels as well.

You really can't go wrong when styling this beauty...

1 // 2 // 3

Do you have a lot of blazers in your wardrobe? Which of the styles above do you like best?

Need a blue blazer? I've got you covered. I searched all over the web for great blue blazers at every price point.

Simply click on the photos below to shop! 

Shop, Lately?

1. "Wait, what is the hash tag?!"
2. "We gotta do the Ellen selfie! .... "Yes! I love that everybody calls it that!"
3. "What's your phone number? I only have your social media handle in my phone..."

Conversations like these are just routine when #ChicagoBloggers get together for a photo shoot. These fun opportunities are just one of many reasons why we feel so lucky to be part of such a supportive blogging community. We have met so many sweet girls and it's like worlds collide when we can collaborate together in order to blend everyone's unique style and ideas. 

We were really excited to team up with ShopLately to showcase a few must-have wardrobe staples for all the festivities over the next few months. ShopLately is a marketplace that gives designers and brands the opportunity to showcase their products to an audience, so it's similar to Etsy but specifically fashion focused...Yes please!?

Here is my holiday look (perfect for NYE or cocktails with the girls):

Dress: JC Penney (similar) | Blazer: Piperlime (similar on sale!) | Boots: GILT | Purse: BISTM 

Necklace: Shop Lately | Rings: c/o Shop Lately | Bracelet: LOFT | Lipstick: Kate Spade

Back Row: Love Zahra, Myself, Stilettos & Diaper Bags

Front Row: Defining Tabitha, Hallways are my Runways, The Naked Canvas, 101 Things I Love

Let's take a much deserved moment to address this necklace from Lily Wang (currently sold out, but here is a very similar piece). I have a vast collection of neck wear but this one was placed in my regular rotation immediately, especially with holidays coming up. I think it works great with this dress for an evening look but I also love the idea of wearing it with a simple white t or knit, taking something from very basic to super chic...they don't call them statements for nothin' ;) 

You can shop more of our holiday picks here...it's refreshing to find a selection so unique and it makes me feel good to know everything is coming from entrepreneurs fulfilling their passion.

Have you browsed Shop Lately? Let us know what you think!

P.S. The answer to number 1 is #ShopLatelyBloggerHoliday...now you can see all of our Instagram posts!

Going to Great Lengths

I remember the day I went to my hair dresser and told her I wanted to dye my hair black - I brought in an "inspirational" photo of Ashlee Simpson circa 'Pieces of Me.' My hair girl pretty much had the same response my Mom did when I told her the idea: Hell no. Thank God that phase was short-lived and I moved on... Once I remembered that whole "I'm Irish with pale skin and freckles" thing, jet black hair seemed a little out of the question. 

11 years later and I still have not touched these locks - no dye, high lights or cuts that would make me cry (like a few of those dance up-do's back in the day). I love my natural color, especially after sun time in the summer, and I'm afraid I would never get it back. 

But like most, I do get the itch to mix things up now and then so I was excited when I heard Lisa's contact for extensions was coming back in town. I have always been a fan of long flowing hair (Blake Lively is my ultimate #WCW) and since I had recently chopped my hair after my wedding, I figured this was a great way to get a new (non-permanent) look.

Sweater: BISTM (Lisa's closet) (similar) // T-shirt: Victoria's Secret // Jeans: Old Navy // Bag: Just Fab

Shoes: Just Fab (similar) // Necklace: Rachel Roy // Sunglasses: Old Navy

What do you think of extensions? How do you keep your look fresh?

P.S. Speaking of keeping things fresh, do the same for your wardrobe with this exclusive Shopbop sale for friends + family:

I Dream of Denim

When you dream of the perfect denim, what does it look like? I envision a distressed darker wash with enough extra length to be cuffed at the bottom so I can wear a chunky heel ankle bootie (similar to this and this). My closet is filled with skinny and even skinnier styles, perfect for sandals, flats and boot tucking (my go-to shoe selections), but with the change of season, I decided it was time to develop my denim collection by purchasing the ultimate pair of flared jeans: Enter J Brand. 

I love the long lines that a fit and flare creates, as they tend to make your legs look like they go on for days. I’m already tall at 5’9” so to add heels and a flare may bring back that “jolly green giant” nickname I earned in 5th grade but as Taylor says, “haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate.” 

Blazer: Piperlime (via Lisa) (similar) // Jeans: J Brand // Blouse: JC Penney (similar) // Booties: Just Fab (similar)

Hat: Swap with Katrina // Purse: Michael Kors // Necklace: Old Navy // Watch: Timex (via Lisa) 

Do you prefer fit and flare or straight and skinny?

Because Kaitlyn Loves Running

I have always led an active lifestyle starting with ballet as a toddler (I think it was more about wearing the tutu’s), then turning to soccer (where I realized I’m better with hand-eye coordination) and finally finding my talent on the basketball court. I played through Junior year of high school when I finally got fed up with the coach who made sure it was no longer fun to play.

Post high school, I developed a love for running, especially outside on a gorgeous day but because those are rare here in Chicago, I have forced myself to find joy in my time on the treadmill – my favorite TV show or the right playlist is a huge help, but it’s also my only time alone during the day where I can de-stress. I feel 100x time better if I’ve done something fitness related whether it’s a long run, walking with my husband or a strength class like Body Pump – somehow, an hour of sweating just makes the entire day seem better.

This Kingston pullover from Fabletics has become part of the regular rotation in my workout attire. It's lightweight but also has the cowl neck that I can unfold and wear to cover my neck when the wind picks up. Plus, it's my favorite color so it's a win/win. 

Pullover: Fabletics // Pants: JC Penney // Shoes: Nike // Insulated Thermos: Hydroflask // Hat: US Open

T-Shirt: Forever 21 // Sunglasses: Old Navy

TRUTH:

What is your workout of choice?