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

Side by Side Challenge: Statement Shoes

Amanda & Jennie of 2 Girls in 2 Cities are at it again and this time their challenge was statement shoes. Me, being the shoe lover I am, got very excited about this one. The only problem I had was which of my shoes would be featured in this post. What can I say, I have a shoe obsession! 

This month we were joined by Jill of Hot Pink Style, Jalpa of Samosa Pop, Jen of Basic Training Corporate Style, Kristyn of First Impressions, and Marissa of I Get My Crafty From My Mama.

Here is my summer look featuring my current favorite statement shoes:

Tank: Target // Shorts: J. Crew // Shoes: c/o Just Fab // Bag: Lulus // Necklace: XO Veronika // Chain Bracelet: c/o Sole Society // Watch: Fossil // Sunnies: Prada // Ring: Swap w/ Kaitlyn 

What do you think of all the statement shoes the ladies chose to feature in this challenge? 
What do you think of mine?

Make sure you head over to their blogs and show them some love! 

Rocked it & Swapped it

I fell in love with Kaitlyn's Target floral crop top the second I saw it on her. It was unlike anything I've seen in her closet before, which made me love it even more! It is super girly and when worn with it's matching skirt, the outfit was so romantic and beautiful.

When the girl you swap clothes with expands her style sense you get excited because then you get to wear said items and expand your style sense as well! 

Here is how we both styled the top:

 

I don't have tons of floral items in my closet. I don't have tons of pastel colors tops in my closet either, so mixing the two in one top was very fun and oddly more me then I expected.

I decided to mix the top up by separating it from the skirt (yep, she gave me both pieces in our latest swap) and paired it with some white denim. Since it is a crop top, I added a regular white tank under so my mid-drift was not hanging out. 

I finished the look off by adding very girly, simple jewelry and a great mint bag. 

Top: Target (Swap w/ Kaitlyn) // Jeans: Level 99 via ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service // Shoes: Loft // Bag: Lulus // Ring: Francescas // Necklace: EG Jewelry // Sunnies: Prada 

What do you think of this crop top? Do you like how we have styled it (so far)?

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 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

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

Because Kaitlyn Went to (Another!) Bridal Shower

I am in two weddings this summer, so the fact that I get to attend all of these pre-big day events and spend time with my best friends and family just makes my favorite season that much more enjoyable (and gives me an excuse to wear great dresses!) It was a scorching 90 degree day, so I opted for a top knot and this lightweight dress from Target which I've had for a few years and still get excited for each occasion that I can wear it.

Dress: Target (similar), Nude Wedges: Lulus (similar) (similar), Gold Bow Bracelet: Loft (similar)

Lovely ladies in the Bridal Party :)

Is anyone else in a wedding this summer? Where are you finding the best dresses?

#Kaitlyn

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