Falling for a Floral Jumpsuit

We may have overdosed on jumpsuits, rompers and all things floral this summer but there are worse things we could do...these are key necessities for feeling put together yet remaining comfortable. With how many outfits can you feel confident in going to work or to a night out with the ladies? I love this jumpsuit because it allows me to be ready for either...I wold just add a blazer and pumps for the office and a leather jacket with booties for #GNO.

Not to mention, August in Chicago has been pretty sweat-tastic (which I'll take any day over the white stuff) but even so, it can be stifling to wear pants on those days, so a lightweight jumpsuit made of breathable fabric is definitely the perfect fix. I've said it and I'll say it again...anything that feels like pajamas but is actually acceptable to wear in public, is right up there with dark chocolate, summer and the rest of my favorite things.

Jumpsuit: Swap w/Lisa (Piperlime) (Similar..LOVE this one!) | Heels: Just Fab | Bag: Just Fab (similar) | Jacket: J. Crew

Sunnies: Old Navy | Earrings: T+J Designs (on sale!) | Watch: JORD | Bracelets: Old Navy

I look forward to seeing how we transition this piece into fall... 

The right jacket and shoes can change the entire look. Stay tuned ;)

Beauty & the Blog: Lisa's OOTD

We recently shared two blog posts (here & here) about shooting for the Spring issue of Lake & Country Magazine.
During our first photo shoot, we each wore two outfits. We were all asked to bring one look that was white, cream, or blush tones and the second was one that we felt defined our style as bloggers.
My first outfit I highlighted over on Stilettos and Diaper Bags, and my second outfit is what I'm sharing with you today! I feel like this outfit is very me. I love a great jumpsuit, hat, and heels so why not wear all three to showcase a few of my favorite things?!

All photos below were taken by the very talented Anna of Anna Urban Photography. The first photo is my favorite and it is one of the photos that made it into the 6 page feature spread in Lake & Country magazine!

Jumpsuit: Piperlime // Hat: Gap // Shoes: c/o JustFab // Cuff & Midi Ring: c/o Shop Lately // S Shaped Ring & Necklace: T+J Designs // Watch: Fossil // Bracelet: Lokai 

The entire experience was one I will never forget. I loved shooting with Anna as she has a way of making you feel beautiful and confident even though there were quite a few others in the room watching. I would highly recommend using her as a photographer!

What do you think of this outfit?
What outfit would you put together if asked to encompass your signature style?

The Theater, The Theater

Each year for Christmas, my Mom gets tickets to a play or event in the city for the whole family and this always gives us something to look forward to when winter turns from merry to miserable. Some of my favorite previous theater outings include the the Addams Family musical, Jersey Boys, the Lion King and the holiday Dave Koz jazz concert. 

This year, we switched things up a bit - We typically eat at Petterino's beforehand but my niece and nephew (Lisa's kids) joined us this year (which was SO much fun) so we decided to xnay brunch and "bring style back to travel" (famous words of Manny Delgado.) A limo picked us up for a day in the city which the kids absolutely loved..."Hey, we're riding backwards!"

We were so excited to see Blue Man Group (again for some of us, and first time for others) which was such a fun show. Lots of sensory effects to keep the kids entertained and subtle humor for the adults. Not to mention, my husband was 1 of 2 picked from the audience to participate on stage and this gave us all such enjoyment -- he's the last person that would ever volunteer, making it that much better ;) 

What do you wear for a day at the theater? Typically, we dress up a little bit more but this was an afternoon show for all ages so I kept it casual with jeans, a sheer blouse and my favorite leopard blazer.

Blazer: Piperlime (similar here, here) | Blouse: LOFT (similar) | Jeans: LOFT | Boots: DSW (similar)

Bag: c/o ShopLately | Hat: Target  | Sunnies: Target

What theater events have you enjoyed most over the years?

Tut Tut, It Looks Like Rain

We are not having a very white winter here in the midwest. Sure, we've seen flurries but not anything to shovel or salt (as of yet). Now rain on the other hand, we've had lots of rain this winter. As far as I'm concerned, that just ends up being a great excuse to break out my orange Hunter boots!

I know I just recently wore this top, but why not get use out of it, right?  It was fun to style it differently then I did the first time by adding my mid-rise zipper pocket jeans and a statement necklace. To finish my outfit off, I added a bright lip color because I sure needed a bit of bright on this otherwise gray day. 

Top: MNG by Mango // Jeans: c/o Just Fab // Boots: Hunter Boots // Bag: Piperlime // Necklace & Ring: T+J Designs  

How long do you wait before you re-wear a sweater (Yes, I wore mine twice in 8 days!)?

What's your go-to rainy day style?

Rocked it & Swapped it

A great blazer is a wardrobe staple. I don't know about you, but I have about 10 blazers in different colors and even some with embellishments. This stripe blazer from Piperlime is fun because it's not a basic solid color and it gives each outfit a bit more of an edge. When I wore it last year, I styled it with high waisted denim, a graphic tee, and a crown braid in my hair (of course).

When Kaitlyn got her hands on it this year, she too paired it with high-waisted denim, but went with a more dressed up look. The darker denim and collar top make it more business chic and the hat is the perfect finishing touch.

Here is how we both styled the striped blazer:

What do you think of how we styled our looks? 

Do you have a blazer that different from the rest?

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!

Make a Statement with Sparkle

Top: Express | Necklace: House of Gemmes

So much of my every day outfit selections are based on accessorizing. I feel naked if I leave the house without (at a minimum) my stud earrings and one other piece of jewelry, typically a statement necklace. Over the years, I have accumulated quite a large collection in order to complete any outfit...oh, and because I'm like a kid in a sparkly candy store when surrounded by jewels. 

With the holidays right around the corner, I wanted to share a few of my favorite wardrobe and necklace pairings that are perfect for any occasion.

Top: Forever 21 (similar) | Necklace: T+J Designs (similar)

I am as they say "mad for plaid," especially this season because it's everywhere and I LOVE to see it dressed up. As mentioned many times, I gravitate towards fashion that mixes feminine and masculine pieces so this lumberjack gone black tie affair look is my ultimate mix.

Blazer: Piperlime (similar) | Necklace: Forever 21 (similar)

Much like my anchor print collection, the amount of leopard print items in my closet is getting slightly out of the control and this blazer is queen of them all. The leather lapel detail gives it an extra edge so I like pairing it with an equally gritty piece of jewelry. With flared denim and a heeled bootie, this look exudes confidence.

Dress: LOFT (similar) | Necklace: T+J Designs (on sale!)

There are statement necklaces and then are STATEMENT necklaces and this is my go-to. I knew we would be a perfect match from the first time I laid eyes on the gold and lucite design. This piece always makes any outfit feel more special whether it's a basic white blouse or a festive red dress and I (don't) apologize for being a repeat offender because isn't going out of style any time soon ;)

Jacket: Buffalo Jeans (similar) | T: House of Gemmes | Necklace: LOFT (similar)

If I was asked to describe my favorite outfit, I would likely mention the graphic T and leather jacket combo. I am by definition a jeans and T girl but I do enjoy spicing things up with a unique accessory. I think the pink in the necklace compliments the red jacket nicely and makes an otherwise edgy outfit feel a little more girly. 

Shirt: H&M (similar) | Necklace: T+J Designs

Oh chambray, how I love you so. In my mind, it's one of the most versatile pieces you can own - pair it with a pencil skirt, leather skirt, opposite wash jeans (hello Canadian tuxedo!), printed pants, shorts, layered with a knit or flannel, and the list goes on. I like the blue on blue pairing here and love when the statement necklace fits perfectly under the collar, making for the perfect peek of sparkle.

How do you make a statement with your jewelry? 

What is your favorite of these combinations?