Champagne Cocktails, Cashmere Dreams

tempting trends {black & white}

2012-03-08T13:41:00.001-08:00

1. ASOS Midi Skirt
2. J. Crew Bangle
3. Jeunesse Blouse
4. YSL Sunglasses
5. Zara Blouse
6. Tibi
7. Zara Blouse
8. Zara Shorts
9. Reiss Shirt

PFW {street style}

2012-03-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share one more round of photographer Tommy Ton's shots of the street style from Paris Fashion Week. I just can't get enough of these photos!

source: style.com

currently coveting {seeing spots}

2012-03-05T15:13:00.000-08:00

source: atlantic-pacific, theglamorai, duskjacketattic, reasontobreathe

1. J. Crew Blouse
2. Kate Spade Vase
3. Topshop Dress
4. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel
5. Etsy Throw Pillow
6. Equipment Blouse
7. Topshop Bikini
8. Topshop Trousers (seen on Poppy Delevigne during LFW)
9. Marc by Marc Jacobs
10. Madewell Sidewalk Skimmer

Yummy chocolate chip cheese cake and a adorable Easter egg decorating idea inspired by all the lovely polka dots!

source: bakersdaughter and pinterest

LFW {something wickstead this way comes}

2012-02-27T15:30:00.000-08:00

London based designer, Emilia Wickstead unveiled what she described as "a modern approach to eighteenth-century English dressing" in her gorgeous Fall 2012 collection last week and it looks like the crimson red and pastel pink combination is here to stay (yay!) I loved clean lines, cinched waists and the full Grace Kelly-esque skirts clearly also inspired by the 50's and it's quintessential style icon.

source: wwd

Emelia Wickstead was married in gorgeous wedding in Tuscany this past summer and designed not only her own dress but also dressed her bridesmaids and many of her guests. "I so very much loved working to create different looks and styles for all the guests, as though they were all my bridesmaids too! This is a part of my job that I love the most. I had 10 bridesmaids, all in completely different designs but in the same fabric. I wanted to create different beautiful silhouettes for each of them so that they felt terrific and individual. For my dress, a huge amount of inspiration came from the Givenchy dress Audrey Hepburn wore in Sabrina. I love the story behind this dress as much as her character played when wearing it. I knew I wanted something timeless and something that felt as though it was from a bygone era - a time of fabulous fashions worn by the likes of Hepburn and Grace Kelly rendering class, quality and sophistication."

source: vogue.uk

style stalking {katie ermilio}

2012-02-23T21:58:00.000-08:00

I did not think anything could top her timeless Spring 2012 collection, but Katie Ermilio (granddaughter to Grace Kelly's personal clothier) has done it again and it is clear the iconic 50's style remains an inspiration. Her assortment of effortlessly feminine and impeccably tailored pieces has left me coveting almost everything in her collection.

source: fashionista, tmagazine

LFW {street style}

2012-02-22T12:36:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share some of my favorite shots by photoblogger Tommy Ton of the street style during London Fashion Week.

source: style.com

These are some more of my favorite looks from London Fashion Week. Below, Olivia Palermo at Topshop Unique in Topshop trousers, a yellow T-shirt, Emporio Armani jacket, Meli Melo bag and shoes by Mulberry.

Olivia at Mulberry with her amazing Mulberry Alexa

source: fashionologie

LFW {burberry bliss}

2012-02-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

With Cara Delvigne leading the charge, Christopher Bailey's Fall 2012 collection was the perfect juxtaposition of classic menswear fabrics (herringbone and tweeds) and feminine skirts embellished with bows, cinched waists and perfectly placed peplums. "I like taking familiar elements — the field jacket, the quilted jacket, the trench — and respecting them but making them modern," Bailey said of his collection and as always, Burberry has revealed another season of perfect outerwear and trenches.

As always, Baily has unveiled his collection to a front row littered with fashion heavy-weights and some of my favorite style inspirations.

sources: fashionologie, vogueandcoffee, zimbio

ravishing reiss

2012-02-20T15:47:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of London Fashion Week, I am sharing my favorites from the new Reiss Spring 2012 collection. Inspired by the simplicity of minimalist nineties style and 1940's poolside glamor, the spring collection has tailored clean lines and yummy pastels that I am loving for spring! There are a couple dresses I am considering for my bridal showers in a couple of months...decisions, decisions.

source: Reiss

oscar, oscar, oscar

2012-02-17T16:30:00.000-08:00

Oscar de la Renta has become synonymous with timeless, decadent, and feminine and this week he unveiled a collection that was exactly that. "I used a lot of colors you would not associate with Winter colors, but today's woman doesn't dress for seasons." Oscar de la Renta explained. The pastel hues were a welcome change from the deeper and bolder palette that was seen this week and the texture and embellishments were nothing short of exquisite. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.

source: fashionologie, ninagarcia

On another note it is Restaurant Week in Chicago and my fiance's birthday today, so I am looking forward to a wonderful and relaxing weekend.

style stalking {nyfw:street style}

2012-02-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

Photos by Tommy Ton from style.com

photos from fashionologie, harpersbazaar, f absugar

love is in the air

2012-02-14T11:06:00.000-08:00

atlantic-pacific


photos from: cupcakesandcashmere, thisisglamerous, vogueandcoffee, dailycupofcouture and pinterest

1. Thomas Paul
2. Old Navy
3. Proenza Shoulder
4. Mulberry
5. Asos
6. Michael Kors
7. Red Valentino
8. Asos
9. Christian Louboutin
10. The Cambridge Satchel Company
11. BaubleBar
12. Kate Spade
13. Tom Ford
14. Tom Ford

style stalking {nyfw:olivia}

2012-02-13T11:38:00.000-08:00

I love that Olivia has been rocking some amazing statement jackets during Fashion Week. My favorite of her Fashion Week looks so far was at the Tibi Fall 2012 fashion show on February 11. Oliva is wearing Mulberry Stitched Bow pumps, a Tibi Horatio Striped jacket and a Tibi Silk Chiffon Easy blouse.

neutrals

2012-02-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

Photos from Pinterest

Chloe

Shorts: Zara, Top: (Similar) J.Crew, Bracelet: J.Crew Shoes: (Similar) Lanvin Sunglasses: (Similar) Tom Ford

style stalking {erdem}

2012-02-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

The Erdem S/S 2012 collection was one of my favorites. I just can't get enough of the floral prints and the timeless silhouette. Can you tell I am ready for Spring?

daring denim

2012-01-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

I really love the color blast you get as soon as you walk into J.Crew, and lately (after seeing the colored toothpick jeans in so many gorgeous colors) I have been thinking about trying some different colors in skinny jeans/pants. I think I am finally going to take the plunge and go purchase the Topshop Baxter skinnies (below) and save the colored toothpick jeans for spring.

J.Crew

photos from: vogueandcoffee and oliviapalermo

Add caption

To get this look click on the item or click below (also listed with more affordable similar items)

Shoes: Topshop. Top: ASOS. Pants: Topshop. Coat: Victoria's Secret. Bag: Mulberry (similar here). Watch: Movado (similar here). Bracelet: J.Crew

birthday bliss!

2012-01-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

It's my one of my best-friends birthday this weekend and I am so excited to celebrate, drink lots of bubbly and dance (the birthday girl has a gorgeous lace LBD that I can't wait to see her in)! We became friends within the first few weeks of my freshman year of college and here we are 8 years later (oh how time flies)! Check out her awesome blog Foodie Finch and have a wonderful weekend!

photos from vogueandcoffee, dailycupofcouture, and witandelight

Girls Night Out Dresses

1. Versus Short Dress

2. ASOS Ponti Shift Dress

3. ASOS Mini Dress with Double Layer Skirt

4. ASOS Waisted Dress in Floral Print

5. Hakaan Insula Dress

6. ASOS Knitted Dress with Lace Collar

7. Dallin Chase Jeffery Cutout Dress

i drank waay to much kombucha last night

2012-01-27T05:02:00.000-08:00

This video is too funny :)...it is true-I have lost my voice from omming to much and must go align my chakras.

photo from vogueandcoffee

About a two years ago my sister introduced me to vinyasa yoga when she came home for Thanksgiving. As an avid runner, my first reaction was "there is no way I will be able to sit through this," but, as much as it pained me to admit she was right, I really enjoyed it and felt sore like I hadn't in years. A friend of mine suggested, a couple months later, that we get a Groupon for hot vinyasa yoga and do it together (the first day I pretty much laid on my mat for more than half of the class it was so hard). I was hooked and integrated yoga into my running regime, but never thought of it as my main workout. After injuring my ankle pretty badly after the St. Louis Half Marathon, I had no choice but to stop running for about 8 months. During that time, hot vinyasa yoga was just about the only exercise I was doing (I threw in a couple Barre classes). I thought I would get extremely out of shape, instead, I felt stronger than ever. I came out of class feeling refreshed and rejuvenated with a second wind to get my study on after a long day of classes. Most importantly, I loved going to class, the atmosphere was uncompetitive and I never felt pushed into doing something I was not comfortable with. I have recently started picking up running again, but the months before my wedding I will be relying on yoga to keep me sane and keep me fit!

What are your favorite early morning/evening workouts?

photo from pinterest

Off for some early morning yoga to start the day...gotta love it.

happily ever after {elie saab}

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

Elie Saab unveiled his fairytale inspired spring 2012 haute couture collection in Paris yesterday and I fell instantly in love with his light-as-air romantic gowns. He said of his collection after the show, "I thought about a very modern princess, I thought of the fairy tales which all girls dream of in order to come up with this collection, which I hope you'll like. Concerning colors, I thought of very soft colors but ones that still retained the dazzle I wanted to achieve in this collection." With the layered tulle full skirts, gorgeous pastels, delicate basket-weaves and impeccable lace accents, Elie Saab has created a textural masterpiece that any princess would be lucky to wear to the ball (aka the Oscars). Here are some of my favorites, but there was not one I didn't like (maybe it is because I have wedding on the brain and some of these would make amazing wedding dresses, perfect for a girl's happily ever after)! Do any of these looks (the white one with the long sleeves) bring to mind Sarah Burton's wedding creation for a certain Princess?

quote from: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk
For the full collection and Vogue review click here.

hermes humpday

2012-01-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

My week has been a little crazy so far, but nothing a little dose of Hermes wont fix. Also, Wednesday means Modern Family is on tonight!!

Jige Clutch

I am absolutely in love with these ashtrays (not for smoking but to hold my jewelry)!

style stalking {katie ermilio}

2012-01-24T06:23:00.000-08:00


Katie Ermilio

One of my recent obsessions is the 2012 Katie Ermilio Spring collection. She is granddaughter to Anthony Emilio, the personal clothier to the legendary style icon Grace Kelly, and her collection offers the effortlessly chic, clean-cut, iconic and timeless nature of Kelly herself. Ermilio describes her style: "I’m constantly blending and juxtaposing traditionally masculine pieces with feminine silhouettes and using menswear fabrics to re-envision women’s wear." "It’s this very put-together look, very chic but with a fashion twist," and I couldn't agree more. Here are my favorites and click here to see the full collection.

sources: dailycupofcouture, tmagazine, fashionwithbenefits, katieermilio

50's glamour

2012-01-20T06:20:00.000-08:00

I was watching Rear Window this past weekend and I have been on a Grace Kelly kick (I have been obsessed for a while with the midi skirt). There is something so timeless about the 50s (Suzy Parker). Roman Holiday and An Affair to Remember are up this weekend (love my old movies). Click on images to enlarge.

photos from vogueandcoffee pinterest and dailydivadish

when life hands you lemons

2012-01-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

Not sure what it is exactly, maybe it's seeing all the bright colors in Australia (it is summer over there) and its stayed with me, but as Spring approaches (kind of), I am looking to introduce a little citrus into my life.

photos from pinterest, hanneli, vogueandcoffee, vanessajackman, atlanticpacific, theglamorai, habituallychic

Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad

recipe from gimmesomeoven

3 cups chopped fresh kale

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

pinch of salt and freshly-ground black pepper

To Prepare:

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, salt and pepper. Add kale and Parmesan and toss until the kale is evenly coated. Serve immediately.

I made this last night for dinner and it was amazing! I served it with two buffalo blue cheese chicken burgers from Whole Foods but it would have been perfect on its own!

Speaking of lemons, this is such a great idea! Can't wait to try it out (probably wait until summertime when it is warmer)!

from cutestfood

style stalking {chanel}

2012-01-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

Coco Chanel entering the iconic Rue Cambon shop, early 1960s from vogueandcoffee

Chanel Spring-Summer 2012 Ad Campaigns

photos from fashionologie

Making of Spring-Summer 2012 Campaign

texture

2012-01-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

photos from wit&delight karaleedesigns and pinterest

photos from honeypielivingetc colormehappy and pinterest

My apartment decor is beginning to wear on me, and in an effort to revamp our apartment, I have been experimenting with different combinations of textures with the hopes that it will add a whole new dimension to the space. I think I will stick to more muted palette so I can play more with different textures.

1. West Elm Sandstone Pillow Cover
2. West Elm Ripple Stripe Quilt
3. West Elm Blanket Throw

Playing around with texture in my home has given me some inspiration for my winter wardrobe. I tend to stick to more muted colors when playing around with textures in my wardrobe as well. These make me happy.

photos from colormehappy

photos from vogueandcoffee

style stalking {golden globes}

2012-01-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

I watched the golden globes last night with my besties while quizzing each other on Friends (shout out to Joey for his win!) and Disney trivia.

favorites of the night

Georgina Chapman in Marchesa, Giuliana Rancic in Basil Soda, Julie Bowen in Reem Acra, Kate Beckinsale in Cavalli

also loved

Emma Stone in Lanvin, Charlize Theron in Dior, Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci, Jessica Biel in Elie Saab Couture, Salma Hayek in Gucci