Brunch So Hard

I look forward to breakfast on the weekends more than anything. You can eat it as late as noon as it's still considered brunch which is quite the opposite from weekdays where breakfast is grabbed in a zombie-like state on the way out the door or thrown together in a blender the night before. I enjoy the slow pace of brunch...you can sleep in, throw your hair in a messy bun, pull on yesterday's knit and sip on multiple cups of coffee without the worry of rushing to be somewhere. 

Alright, who are we kidding, I'm always rushing to be somewhere, even on the weekends...but those rare (rainy) Sunday's without plans are my favorite and given the time/choice, I would always choose this place...the brunch nachos and blueberry bellini's are my jam. 

Where is your favorite place to grab brunch?

Blazer: Target

Tank: Target (Love this one too!)

Jeans: Old Navy

Shoes: Sole Society

Bag: Shop Lately (Similar for under $40!)

Necklace: Mirina Collections

Sunnies: Karen Walker (Use code SISTERSMARIE to rent these for free!) 

Crop that Top

The return of crop tops is....scary until you actually try it. I've been avoiding the trend for a while now because it just seemed too old school Britney to me (wait, is that ever a bad thing?) but after giving in, I realized that contrary to what many of us think, crop tops can actually be a very flattering choice. They draw attention to the thinnest part of pretty much every woman’s body, right at the middle of your ribs, so I think whether you're long and lean, or cute & curvy, there’s a way to make them current and stylish for everyone.

Note: After the T Swift concert last weekend, my husband said, "I've never seen so many midriffs in my life," so I know if he's taking note of a fashion trend, it must be a style that's making a true statement...

Apprehension in hand, we were still excited to pair up with a local boutique to style this cute striped crop top trimmed with lace…New to the trend, I was ready to take on the challenge and as you guys know, I never say no to stripes ;) When I saw the shirt, I thought immediately, this is too small…now it’s two weeks later and I have styled with a maxi skirt along with my favorite white denim and was very surprised how comfortable I felt.  

I don’t regularly walk around baring my stomach (unless we’re sipping cocktails by the lake, totally acceptable) so it feels a little out of my box at first but by pairing the top with high waisted bottoms, I was still able to wear the trend without feeling unsettled. I actually thought, this would be a perfect date night outfit and I can't wait to wear it again...like most things, real growth comes from challenging yourself (this fashion talk is deep, my friends). 

Top: 522 Envy | Jeans: Old Navy | Shoes: Just Fab | Bag: ShopLately (similar)

Sunnies: Old Navy | Necklace & Earrings: Forever 21 | Bracelets: Swap with Mom

Have you jumped on the crop top trend? How do you prefer to style them?

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?

New Hair = Lots of New Styles to Try

You may know from our Instagram account that I went and chopped off 7 inches of my hair last month. I love long hair, and I have generally gone between this length and extensions over the past 9 years. Having said that, I've never had this length hair with no bangs so this time when I went for the big chop, I decided to continue to grow my bangs out and have lots of layers added too. Not your everyday lob, folks! ;)

With a new do comes so many new styling options. My hair stylist told me to use a root lifting product (I am loving this one) and a round brush to get a great deep side part look. So, this was my first attempt at that. It's a bit tricky, as I usually air dry and then curl my hair later in the day, but I love how it turned out! I can't wait to see what else I can come up with style wise...



As far as my outfit goes, this is very typical everyday wear. I need to wear outfits that can easily get from day to night and everything in-between (dance class, room mom party prep, playing and cooking, then off to Kaitlyn's for party prep!). I guess you would call this my sweats alternative as I can sit on the floor and play as well as be out in public and feel put together in it.

Top: Target // Jeans: 7 for all Mankind // Boots: Dolce Vita // Bag: Rachel Zoe // Cuff: Lili Claspe // Bracelet: Lokai // Watch: Fitbit // Blue Ring: House of Harlow 1960 // Love Necklace: XO Veronika // Midi Ring: Shop Lately // Gold Rings: Urban Outfitters 

What do you think of my new hair? Any suggestions of styles I should try out next?

Back in Black

I'm all for soft colors, delicate materials and feminine cuts but sometimes, wearing black on black just makes you feel like a bad ass and we all need that now and again. I styled this look around my shoes and beanie with Sincerely Jules as the inspiration. 

I've talked before about how I admire her ability to style pretty much anything with sneakers and still make it look chic (also, here and here) To me, there's just something so "cool girl" about this kind of look that comes off as approachable yet completely confident. High heels provide a certain tenacity as well but when you can rock gym shoes and make an impact, that's when I'm impressed.

Jacket: BISTM (Mary's Closet) | Striped T: Old Navy (similar) | Jeans: Old Navy

Shoes: DSW (similar) | Bag: Shopbop | Hat: ShopLately

Glasses: Ray Ban | Necklace: E Street Denim | Ring: T+J Designs

Layers of Love

Lately, I have been in love with layers – Specifically, button-up blouses with sweaters where a hint of plaid, polka dots or fun patterns can peek out (like this, LOVE!) As long as you refrain from a bulky style, it’s not only a great way to keep warm (I'm beating a dead horse but I am seriously ALWAYS cold) but fun to try your hand at mixing prints to come up with new combinations. 

This is one of my favorite sweaters (obvi, it’s nautical themed) but to me, it always feels too summery for the winter months so I decided to add a plaid blouse underneath to make it more winter appropriate…think it did the trick?

Sweater: Old Navy (similar, LOVE!) | Blouse: Target (swap w/Lisa) (similar) | Booties: Just Fab

Purse: c/o Shopbop | Necklace: Shoplately | Glasses: Coach

How do you layer prints? 

FUR the Win!

A fur vest is the perfect way to stay warm during winter months without feeling too bulky. As a layering piece, it’s a practical investment to keep you cozy on frigid nights and as a statement piece, a the piece speaks for itself, adding interest to any outfit with its luxurious look and feel.

I am always pumped when Lisa's vest makes its way to my closet via our monthly swap bag. I loved pairing it with a cable knit sweater for a night out with the girls. I even left my coat in the car...thank you layers!

(Puppy photo bomb!)

Vest: Swap w/Lisa (similar - a steal!)) | Sweater: Old Navy | Jeans: Old Navy | Necklace: ShopLately | Boots: Just Fab

See more photos from each style:

One | Two | Three | Four | Five

Shop the vest:

Unreal | Ramy Brook | Unreal | June

Do you own a fur vest? How do you style it?

Chicago Blogger Holiday!

Without a doubt, Christmas is the the most wonderful time of year, especially downtown Chicago (though we may be biased!) It seems as every part of the city is glittering in silver and gold including 7 #fbloggers who are super excited to share their favorite holiday style looks. 

Our looks are based around two winter fashion staples, oxblood and sequins and will compliment any event whether it be the annual work party, a blogger soirée or New Years Eve (all that's missing is this FABULOUS sequin hat a la Bradshaw. Can she do any wrong?)

101 Things I love, Second City Mom, Knocked Up Fabulous, Stilettos and Diaper Bags, Sisters Marie, Love Zahra, Sassy Mom in the City

We were SUPER excited to team up with Shop Lately again. A collaboration with 7 girls means there are many unique styles and personalities that want to shine so ShopLately is perfect, as it's marketplace gives their many designers and brands the opportunity to showcase their products so there is something for everyone. Oh, and the quilted bag with gold hardware...I can't even. 

P.S. The ShopLately "Insider Program" is pure gold (makes sense!) You can receive free shipping on ALL items. This is only $9.00 a year... Sign up here! 

Now, let's talk sequins! I always check LuLu's when I'm on the hunt for a party dress or something with an extra hint of sparkle and again, they did not disappoint. I can't get enough of this gold skirt for the holiday season...I feel like it's one of those items every girl deserves to own in her closet because it instantly makes you feel glam. It's a great #GNO piece but I also enjoy the thought of pairing it with a chunky sweater for a more casual look...I can run errands in that, right?

A girl needs her vanilla latte, especially when sequins are being worn at 10 AM on a Sunday...

Okay, I think we all grabbed something from King Cafe -- who can say no to a little espresso?

Right after this, we donned matching outfits and did a round of "Sunshine Day"... ;)

Can we just live here? I love my tree at home but this one is what Brenda Lee was singing about...

Jacket: Forever 21 (similar) | Top: Forever 21 | Skirt: c/o LuLu's (similar) | Bag: c/o Shop Lately

Tights: Nordstrom | Booties: c/o Just Fab | Rings: c/o Shop Lately

How are you dressing for the holidays? Shop all 7 of our Shop Lately looks here! 

Photos by Gia Skyler