Because Kaitlyn Wore Black & White

This necklace, again? Yes, you got it...this necklace, again. Sorry not sorry -- it is my go-to statement piece because it literally makes everything look better. I can pair it with a gray graphic t, a cocktail dress or even my pajamas (as SJP would) and feel just as stylish in any of those choices because of its luxe detail. 

I also really like this black and white bag that Lisa swapped me so I decided to style everything around that theme for the NAPW Chicago event we participated in - minimalist with a pop of print on the shoes and color on the lips.

Sweater: LOFT (similar) // Skirt: Forever 21 (similar) // Bag: Just Fab (swap w/Lisa) // Tights: Von Maur

Shoes: Target // Necklace: T+J Designs // Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs // Bracelet: LOFT // Ring: Francescas 

Even though we're all tired of the snow, it sure makes for a gorgeous city backdrop, doesn't it?

Photos by Hannah 

Because Kaitlyn Loves Dressing for the Holidays

I've always loved dressing up on Christmas Eve…it probably stems from my Mom picking out the most gorgeous red dresses with matching mary janes for me from the time I was born. 

I enjoy going to Christmas mass at church with my family each year and seeing all the kids in their holiday best but I've been seeing it less and less as I get older. There were so many people in jeans sweaters and boots this year…if you don't dress up on the most festive day of the year, when do you? I would have thrived in the 50's when a hat, gloves and overcoat were standard attire. 

Blazer: Forever 21 (similar) // Top: Target // Skirt: Forever 21 (similar) // Tights: Von Maur // Flats: Target

Necklace: T+J Designs // Sunglasses: Nordstrom

Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday!

Because Kaitlyn Hosted a Bridal Shower!

Along with my Mom & cousins, I recently hosted a holiday themed bridal shower for my cousin who is getting married in a few weeks. The shower was at the Grotto which had just been decked out in red and gold that morning so the backdrop was perfect and the food was absolutely amazing.

I am not exaggerating when I say it may have been the best chicken I've ever had...not to mention the tiramisu (which rarely isn't high on my list) but this one had even me asking for seconds. Is your mouth watering yet?

Sweater: Target (similar) // Skirt: Swap w/Lisa (Lauren Conrad) (similar) // Boots: DSW  (similar)// Tights: Von Maur 

Necklace: T+J Designs // Ring: Forever 21 (similar)

 The shower was a success and now begins the wedding countdown. The bride has picked gorgeous apple red dresses for us bridesmaids to wear, so I hope there's a dusting of snow on the ground...can you imagine those photos? :)

The hosts & MOB

Red velvet cake pops for the red inspired wedding

PS, can we talk about my necklace? GUSH. Lisa got it for me for my birthday after she me drooling over it at the T+J preview a few weeks ago (and loved it so much, she bought one too!) I got so many compliments on it and can't wait to wear it for all the festive events coming up!

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.

What Kaitlyn Wore: New Years Eve

For the second year in a row, we celebrated New Years Eve at the Lucky Boys Confusion show at the Cubby Bear. It was a great evening filled with good friends, family and party-worthy tunes. Of course, we both took advantage of the holiday by wearing sparkles and shine:

Dress: Forever 21, Tights: Von Maur, Watch: Michael Kors, Bow Bracelet: LOFT, Studded Bracelet: Baublebar, Shoes: C/O Just Fab, Earrings: Francesca's

You can see more pics of Lisa's NYE outfit here. 

Happy 2013! May this year bring you joy, health & happiness

#Kaitlyn

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!

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Jess & Jill

Because I Love Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is like Christmas Eve: Everybody is bustling with excitement and anticipation over the good times filled with friends and family that are right around the corner. We always head up to our lake house, and I think it's amazing how quickly everything changes - What seems like moments ago, we were walking out on the frozen lake and watching the snow sculptors hard at work. Then all of a sudden, everyone is bronzing on the beach, the al fresco dining is set up, and our main mode of transportation is now by sea instead of land. It's as if someone just flipped a switch (if only it were that easy, right?)

I spent most of the weekend in my swim suit and cover-up. Just the way I like it ;)

Swim-suit: Von Maur, Short to Long Cover-up: Target

Sunset on our pier

The kind of view that makes you feel blessed 

How did you spend Memorial Day? Do you notice a faster pace in your town come May?

#Kaitlyn