Rocked it & Swapped it

A great wrap skirt is like a wrap dress, it's very flattering on all body shapes and sizes and a wardrobe staple as well. I have a small collection of Kristin Hassan wrap skirts (and dresses too) because the prints are just so versatile and they really do go with so many different items in my wardrobe. 

When Kaitlyn styled my skirt, she mixed her prints by pairing it with a great stripe top. I love how she kept the rest of the outfit black but added color with her amazing statement earrings. 

I later wore the skirt to my family Christmas party and going with Kaitlyn's theme, kept it mostly black but added an great emerald shoe and earring to mix it up a bit.

Here is how we both styled the wrap skirt:

Do you own a wrap skirt? Stay tuned for Kristin's new line coming out soon!

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Because Kaitlyn Went to the T+J Designs Holiday Party!

We were very excited to attend the T+J Designs Holiday party at Drumbar which is a gorgeous rooftop bar complete with firepits and lavish seating. Jennifer and Tiffany were wonderful hosts (as always!) and these girls know how to throw a great event.

Lisa and I enjoyed sipping on cocktails from Crafthouse and chatting with some fellow blogging ladies (Johanna, Zahra, Stephanie, Janet) and of course, plotting ways to win the Instragram contest ;)

Top: Old Navy (similar) // Skirt: Kristin Hassan // Tights: Von Maur //Booties: c/o Just Fab (similar) // Bag: c/o Just Fab

 Earrings: T+J Designs // Watch: T+ J Designs

Here are a few of my favorite jewlery shots from the night:

This involves a very hard decision making process!

Bloggers always be bloggin'

Deck the halls with tons of jewels...

The Moscow Mule was amazing!

Have you attended any Holiday parties yet? I can't wait for the rest to come.

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



Because Kaitlyn Went to a Cooking Party

This blouse has been hanging in my closet for a few weeks now and I've been dying to wear it. I love everything from the silk material to the subtle bow detail. When I saw photos of the Kirna Zabete line for Target, I didn't waste any time getting there to pick up this floral top and the perfect leather leggings.

Top: Kirna Zabete for Target, Jeans: LOFT, Booties: Just Fab, Watch: Nordstrom, Wrist wrap: Swap w/Lisa (Kristin Hassan)

I would also like to introduce you to my new favorite booties...they go with everything! 

Post on the cooking party to follow.... :)

#Kaitlyn

Rocked it & Swapped it

Sometimes even the smallest things like a ponytail or the color of accessories can completely change the look of a closet staple, which I now consider Peplum to be for this season.

I have a "thing" about wanting my clothes to be fairly fitted, so I wasn't sure if I would like the way flare you get from Peplum (and I still can't get on board with this even though she's brilliant), but this top is one of my new favorites: It's flattering AND perfect for eating a big meal: what could be better?

Kaitlyn: Top: Zara, Pants: H&M(similar), Flats: GoJane (similar), Watch: Nordstrom

Lisa: Top: Zara (similar), Pants: 7 for all Mankind, Shoes: Lulus (similar), Bag: Michael Kors, Jacket: C/O Sheinside, Wrist Wrap: Kristin Hassan, Bracelets: Baublebar/Jewelmint/C/O T plus J Designs, Sunnies: Loft

Can't wait to purchase my own and style it with a leather jacket and scarf for the chilly nights :)

What is your take on Peplum?

#Kaitlyn

Because Lisa Is OBSESSED with Leopard

You may have seen me in leopard print before. Perhaps it was this post. Or maybe this one. Or it could have been this one. Either way, the results are in, I am officially obsessed with leopard print! Here is what I wore for a Sisters Marie meeting:

Dress: Loft, Boots: C/O Sole Society, Necklace: T plus J designs, Silver bangle C/O Kristin Hassan, Silver crystal bangle: Baublebar, Bag: C/O Just Fab, Chain Ring: Tiffanys & CO, Stackable Rings: Shop Jules, Lip color: Rose Blossom by Bobbi Brown

 

I love everything about this outfit. Everything. I especially love that I ventured away from my standard red/leopard/black/gold combo. This was out of my box and yet so me all at the same time. Love outfits like that! The meeting was awesome and we have big things in store. Be excited! We are!

#Lisa

Because Kaitlyn Loves Braids

Any event that gives me an excuse to get my hair and makeup done is a win, so I enjoyed getting ready for wedding #2 this summer. I'm really into braids lately, so I brought a few Pinterest inspired pics to the hairdresser and she created a french braided in the back and twisted into a side bun. Hopefully Lisa can master this for our future photo shoots :)

Lisa: Dress:Victoria's Secret, Necklace: J.Crew, Watch:Fossil 

What do you think of braided up-do's? 

#Kaitlyn

Because We Got Dressy at the Lake

Weekends at the lake generally consist of eating, boating, golf cart rides, game playing (block head anyone?), smores by the fire, and lots of relaxing. This time around we switched things up and had a dressy day:

Top: H&M , Shorts: Kohls (Lauren Conrad) (similar) (similar), Necklace: Pree Brulee (similar), Shoes: LuLu's (similar), Hat: Target

 Dress: Target, Earrings: Kristin Hassan, Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Lip color: Blue Raspberry by Bobbi Brown

#SistersMarie

Rocked it & Swapped it

Kaitlyn has this amazing animal print maxi dress that I have been watching her wear for 2 summers now. I finally asked to swap it after I saw her rocking it at this bachelorette party because we all know that I love me a great maxi after all...Kaitlyn: Dress: Francesca's (similar) (similar), Shoes: DSW, Sunnies: Target, Watch: Nordstrom

Lisa: Wrist Wrap and Watch: Kristin Hassan, Hat: Shop in Las Vegas, Sunnies: Michael Kors, Necklace: T plus J Designs

What do you think of an animal print maxi? After wearing one, I feel like everyone needs to have at least one in their wardrobe, no?! ;) 

#Lisa

Rocked it & Swapped it

I saw this photo of Kaitlyn back in July of last year and knew I needed to borrow this dress. How stunning does she look?! I finally asked her in August to borrow it and she gladly added it to my friendswap bag!

Dress: Francesca's, Bag: Coach, Earrings: Francesca's

 Not sure why, but I felt like a light mint colored dress needed to be worn in early summer/mid summer, not early fall which is when I borrowed it. (YES, Kaitlyn let me keep this dress in my closet for almost 1 year!)

I FINALLY wore it for a early dinner date with the hubby in late June...

Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar), Watch and Earrings: Kristin Hassan, Sunnies: Loft

What do you think? Is mint just for spring/early summer or can it be worn year round?

#Lisa

Because Kaitlyn found the Perfect Colored Jeans

I have been really into mint and coral color schemes this year, but haven't always been a fan of taking it as far as colored jeans because I find them difficult to match. I do own a few pairs (coral and blush) and I often "like" photos of them on Pinterest, but I haven't felt totally comfortable in a pair until these. 

This is my third pair of jeans from H&M that I absolutely love - They are the best fit because they have just the right amount of stretch and I love I can roll them up for sandals/heels. 

1) Jeans: H&M (Similar), Tank: H&M

2) Jeans: H&M (Similar), Tank: Old Navy

Bracelet: Kristin Hassan, Watch: Nordstrom

What is your take on the colored jeans trend? Can you take it into Fall?

#Kaitlyn

Rocked it & Swapped it

As soon as I saw photos of Kaitlyn in this dress I knew I needed to borrow it. It's so simple yet chic. Here is how Kaitlyn styled it:

Dress: Target (similar), Shoes: Lulus, Bow Bracelet: Loft (similar)

I loved how the dress looked with her hair up, so I went with a very similar look (up do, nude shoe). I felt very Breakfast at Tiffany's in this dress. And lets be honest, what's not to love about feeling like Audrey Hepburn?! ;)

Dress: Target (similar), Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Clutch and Sunnies: C/O Just Fabulous, Cuff: Kristin Hassan, Earrings: Kate Spade

#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

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 we went to a Bon Voyage party

Lisa and I attended "Baubles and Bon Voyage," a shopping/shipping off party for a fellow Chicago blogger, Jessica from Bows & Sequins. It was held at the Suite Lounge, a hidden gem on Wells street. The inside looked like an old cave and was definitely a place I would love to visit again with the fiance for a drink. 

We had a great time shopping Kristin Hassan's Passport to Style collection, sipping champagne and having mini-photo shoots with some of our favorite fashion friends. Not to mention, we came home with some sweet swag bags filled with stackable rings and Zoya nail polish...Definitely better than your average Thursday night. Good luck to Jessica in NYC...We can't wait to see the new outfit posts ;)

Dress/Belt: Swap with Lisa (dress via ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service), Earrings: C/O Kristin Hassan, Shoes: LuLu's (similar)

Lisa: Tank: Forever 21, Skirt: Kristin Hassan, Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Bag: Coach, Bracelets and Watch: C/O Kristin Hassan, Necklace: Forever 21

Don't mind if I do...

Excuse me while I lust for Jessica's shoes!

KH Arm Candy ;)

We just had to...

#Kaitlyn

Because We Went to a Backyard Birthday BBQ

We recently hosted/attended a 60th birthday celebration for my wonderful father at our house complete with a massive white tent, bartender, and an emotional photo slideshow of his life put together by Lisa, my brother and I. The night was just as perfect as we had pictured it - Close friends and family telling stories and memories of my dad, set to the background of a meticulously planned playlist of his favorite songs. It was so nice to not be rushing out the door for a dinner reservation - Instead, everybody we love was in one place and we were able to drink, snack and laugh into the nighttime hours. 

It was a 90 degree day (my favorite kind!) which meant light summer dresses and sandals were essential:

Dress: Forever 21, Sandals: Charlotte Russe (Similar), Earrings: Francesca's (Similar)

Bracelet: Loft, Belt: Forever 21, Ring: Made by Lisa

Dress: Threadsence, Shoes: Target, Sunnies: Michael Kors

Bracelets: C/O Kristin Hassan, Ring: Self Made (I SPY DIY project)

The beautiful white tent (which I now think should be a permanent fixture in our yard)

The amazing multi-layer cake 

One of the only times you'll see Lisa in flats ;)

For more on Lisa's outfit post, head over to Stilettos and Diaper Bags.

#Kaitlyn