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?

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

WCBC Holiday Soiree!

We are super excited for the WCBC holiday shopping soiree at Del Frisco’s! This is the perfect excuse to dress up, mingle with fellow #fbloggers, sip on champagne AND cross items off those Christmas lists (for others too, of course!) Friends and significant others are welcome– just make sure to RSVP to events@zapwater.com! 

Will we see you there? What is your #OOTN of choice?

Can't make it to the event? Shop our picks from participating brands right here:

The Trendy Sparrow: How adorable is this mug? We love this Etsy shop filled with girly décor and feminine touches, perfect for any girlfriend (or Stars Hallow loving Mom!) on your list

Kalla: Their floral arrangements are one of a kind and the unique vases add a special touch. How pretty is this bouquet with gold succulents?

VO Jewelry: We love a feminine piece with masculine accents so this bullet pendant on a delicate gold chain is a must.

The Tie Bar: How cool is this style box filled with ties, socks and a lapel pin to match? Like Birchbox for men...simple and perfect.

Dream Dry: Professional performance meets runway style… the first edition, exclusive collection of the top tools to make your blowout at home quicker (and quieter!)

Benefit: Big fans of the brand and even bigger fans of a bronzer which can give us Irish girls some color all year long…Hoola is your answer. 

Henry & Belle: Great denim with an even better (love) story made in Chicago...yes, please!

& Don't forget to check out WHATRUWEARING and Shop 857!

Oktoberfest at Harvest

 

Recently, we were invited to the Harvest restaurant at Pheasant Run Resort & Spa to experience their Oktoberfest beer menu, offered every Thursday. We were lucky enough to enjoy Executive Chef Tiffany's gourmet cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere where the menu includes the finest grade of aged beef, exceptional seafood, extraordinary game selections and seasonal dishes inspired by fresh ingredients available in local markets.

Explore the dinner menu with us through photos and tasting notes:

First Course
Diver Sea Scallop: Bacon Wrapped Diver Scallop with an Apricot Glaze

Stella Artois Lager: Full flavored lager with a hoppy aroma and hint of fruit followed by a crisp, mild bitter lemon finish      

Notes: I have always been timid about scallops due to the texture but Lisa persuaded me to step outside my box and give them a try and I'm very glad I did. I should have figured that anything wrapped in bacon with an apricot glaze should not be questioned...the scallops were light, airy and a perfect lead in to the rest of the courses. 

Second Course

Pheasant Run Wedge Salad: Crisp Iceberg Lettuce with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Heirloom Tomatoes Marinated with Herb Vinaigrette and Buttermilk Bleu Cheese Dressing

ChiTown Pier Pale Ale: A fragrant bouquet of hops with a mild fruity flavor and a crisp clean finish that is the hall mark of pale ale’s 

Notes: Who knew a wedge salad could be so tasty? Often thought of as the "leftover lettuce," a wedge isn't typically as desirable as say, an organic spinach salad but this one was different. The bacon and tomatoes together were a savory + sweet combination but the bleu cheese dressing made the meal...absolutely loved the flavors here.

 

Third Course

Wild Mushroom Crusted Filet Mignon: Grilled Black Angus Tenderloin of Beef with Spinach Risotto, Oven Roasted Asparagus and Fresh Herb Demi Glaze

Pheasant Run Ringneck Red Lager: A rich, deep amber color with soft hop and fruit flavors followed by a lingering clean finish. This beer is made by Leinenkugel specifically for Pheasant Run and is not available anywhere else

Notes: Everything worked here - the combination of the spinach risotto and asparagus worked so well with the filet and not to mention, was beautiful in presentation. The steak was cooked to perfection...we both prefer our meat cooked medium rare and Chef Tiffany did not miss a beat.

This beer was by far our favorite of the night. We both immediately "mmm'd" after trying it and discussed how we needed to make a stop at Binny's so we could bring it home to our husbands. Too bad it's exclusive to the restaurant, but I guess that just means we'll have to come back even sooner ;)

Fourth Course

Kilauea Chocolate Molten Lava Cake: Fresh House Made Dark Chocolate Cake Filled with Warm, Decadent Chocolate Magma Topped with Crème Anglaise

Guinness Stout: Aromas of roasted malt give way to caramel and cocoa flavors that make this the perfect partner for chocolate

Notes: If loving this cake is wrong, we don't want to be right. The cake was delicious on its own but add warm chocolate magma topping and dessert has officially won. The pairing with the Guinness was fantastic and totally unpredictable. We had both experienced Guinness in similar settings years ago (traveling overseas) but never tried it in combination with sweets so that was refreshing and a satisfying way to end a fantastic evening.

The Oktoberfest Special runs every Thursday through October. Here's what you need to know to make a reservation:

Harvest Restaurant at Pheasant Run Resort

Executive Chef Tiffany Tooker

Four-Course Beer Pairing Menu

$35 per person, excluding tax and gratuity

Dining Room Hours: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Address: 4051 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL

Reservations: (630) 584-6300

Rocked it & Swapped it

Blouse: Express (Similar)

On the list of wardrobe staples, a well-tailored blouse is pretty close to the top. A crisp white button-down is the ultimate cool girl piece (not Gillian Flynn style) because it transforms so well whether you’re wearing distressed denim or a body hugging pencil skirt. 

But there’s always something about a bright pop of color and that’s what I loved about Lisa’s green blouse. I don’t own many items in this color but I received many compliments while wearing it and I enjoyed feeling instantly put together without putting in a lot of work. 

P.S. CK Underwear is 25% off through October 13! The discount will automatically apply at checkout so there is no need to enter a coupon code. You're welcome, ladies!