Chic Fille

It's the Simple Things...

2011-12-14T14:12:00.005-06:00

Sometimes, a simple pop of color totally transforms an otherwise plain outfit.

J Crew blouse

2011-10-11T08:32:00.001-05:00

Look for Less: Lace-Up Booties

2011-09-30T09:51:00.005-05:00

After discovering the amazing blog, Saucy Glossie, I've been inspired to do some bargain hunting of my own. Saucy's author, Lindsey Calla, has recently become the spokesperson for TJMaxx and her blog constantly displays her great fashion finds.

From my past Maxx experiences, I was pretty hesitant to jump in just because I've found that there can be a lot of junk that I just don't have the energy to sort through. I decided on a non-committal lunch time shopping trip just to check things out. It turns out that you CAN in fact find great items at great prices.

I've been craving lace-up booties or wedges after seeing them styled everywhere and I knew I needed to up my very-paltry shoes wardrobe.

Steven by Steve Madden oxford shoes $110 - bloomingdales.com
Casadei platform heels $845 - stylebop.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs wedge booties $295 - net-a-porter.com

KORS Michael Kors high heels $250 - intermixonline.com

Not only did I end up with an almost-identical Michael Kors look-a-like, but I got them for an absolute steal at $30 bucks!! They may not be suede, but they look exactly like suede which is perfect for the wicked Chicago winters (I inevitably ruin most shoes due to the salt/snow).

TJMaxx, you and I will meet again.

Wishlist: Steven Alan top

2011-09-22T09:16:00.008-05:00

Steven Alan top (clipped to polyvore.com)

Wishlist: Mason by Michelle Mason blouse

2011-09-22T09:16:00.007-05:00

Mason by Michelle Mason blouse (see more long sleeve blouses)

Wishlist: EQUIPMENT blouse

2011-09-22T09:16:00.006-05:00

EQUIPMENT blouse

Sonia Rykiel blouse

2011-09-22T09:13:00.001-05:00

Sonia Rykiel blouse (see more sheer blouses)

The Look For Less

2011-09-21T08:17:00.000-05:00

I've been eyeing this Club Monaco skirt for some time.
There were just two problems with me buying it:
1. I wasn't sure how often I'd wear it
2. it was sold out in my size

Club Monaco Gwen Skirt

Also, it was $140 and I wasn't going to commit to the price without at least 5 ways to wear it.

I was in forever21 yesterday looking for some jewelry when to my surprise, I came upon this look-alike,.

The pleats were a bit smaller and the pink was a bit lighter, but it was pretty darn close to the original. The best part? It only cost $14.50 and was available in an XS! I grabbed it immediately and was so happy to find this steal for 10% of the Club skirt!!

Lesson learned: if you like something out of your price point, keep your eyes peeled from a similar version as lots of stores will recreate the same look!

Loving: All Things Ikat

2011-06-15T11:40:00.057-05:00

After spotting this fabulous bowl at Anthropologie the other day, I realized that the ikat print has been catching my eye all over the place!

I am in love with this pinch-sized bowl. I'm currently using it as a ring/jewelry bowl on my bedstand.

I'm now on the search for its blue and chartreuse mates!

I also loved this silk/cotton blend button-up from J.crew.

J crew

...and I can't resist these turquoise towels!

Turquoise - Pick A Pigment - Anthropologie.com

I also found some great pillows on etsy.com!

Blue & White Ikat Designer Pillow Cover

CORAL IKAT

Crisp, White Classic: a Carolina Tribute

2011-04-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

I love nothing more than a crisp white shirt, maybe it's because style icon Carolina Herrera always looks so poised and polished in her signature look.

CH has never ceased to look professional or put-together when donning her white shirt and skirt/pant combo. She is the epitome of style and grace and I hope to look as regal at her age.

Though I cannot get away with a full-bodied silk skirt at work (especially not with this rainy, gloomy Chicago weather), I can use the style inspiration to tone it down for everyday. Today, I'm wearing a classic white button-up, dark bootcut Hudson jeans, loafer pumps, and a purple jeweled necklace.

Blouse

Hudson Jeans stretch boot cut jeans

Fendi leather pumps

Multifaceted Amethyst Purple Jewel Necklace

Effortless Hair

2011-04-11T09:01:00.000-05:00

...or me on a lazy morning! I am a no-fuss kind of gal when it comes to my hair. Seriously, I flip my head over, blow-dry, and go...that's it.
So when I came across this easy version of the Carrie Bradshaw bun, I was elated! Not only is this ridiculously easy to do, but it's also super cute! I like the messy version as it takes less than 5 minutes to do in the morning (perfect for me who leaves for work at 5am).

Thanks to Bjonesstyle.com for teaching me how to do this casual bun!!
http://www.bjonesstyle.com/blog/2011/03/09/the-casual-carrie-bradshaw-bun/

Turkey Day

2010-12-16T10:31:00.001-06:00

It's been a month since my last post...but I've been busy! Cooking...turkey day dinner.

I downsized the whole turkey and decided to roast a 4lb chicken instead (MUCH more managable).

Rubbed with herb butter and stuffed with oranges and onions...

Followed by my fave dish: brussel sprouts with slab cut bacon.

Then some roasted fennel...

and of course mashed potatoes (with cream cheese and sour cream)

and a little orange cranberry sauce.

Currently Craving: Gold Lace

2010-11-04T12:38:00.000-05:00

I'm kind of in love with this metallic shift dress from Milly. The spot-on trend of lace in a muted gold is perfect for a holiday party.

Black tights and booties make it an evening outfit!

Photos courtesy of Net-a-porter.com

Who Doesn't Love A Puppy?

2010-10-19T07:23:00.000-05:00

I know this is completely random and has nothing to do with food or fashion, but I'm puppy sitting and I wanted to share Milly with you. Isn't she adorable?

Molly's Cupcakes

2010-09-21T11:43:00.000-05:00

In a never-ending quest to find the best cupcake (and expand my waistline) in Chicago, I have come back to my tried and true favorite.

Molly's Cupcakes on Clark St. in Lincoln Park is not only convenient (ahem 2 blocks away), but it also delicious. With prices ranging from $1 for a mini to $3.75 for center-filled, Molly's has a little something for everyone.

As you can tell, I'm a big fan of chocolate and the chocolate decadence cupcakes always hits the spot. Chocolate cake filled with chocolate mousse and iced with chocolate ganache; heaven.

The only bad thing about Molly's is its location; I have to pass by it everytime I go to and from the gym.

Nailin' Fall

2010-09-11T19:16:00.000-05:00

With the arrival of fashion week, I decided it was time to finally embrace fall and update my look, one step at a time. I opted to go with a neutral nail to gradually bring me into the season.

Essie's chincilly polish seemed like the perfect start. A gray color with slight khaki tones, it can work with my transitioning summer to autumn clothing. What do you think?

note- that is not a engagement ring. Just a bday present!

With Sprinkles on Top

2010-09-09T14:11:00.000-05:00

The LA cupcake hot spot recently opened up in Chicago. After passing it (and the long line) a few times, I decided to suck it up and see what all the fuss was about. Sprinkles, a celeb favorite, boasts a sophisticated cupcake with deluxe ingredients making it a mecca of sorts for cupcake connoisseurs. As a chocolate and cupcake lover, I stood in line for my dark chocolate cupcake (Russell Crowe's wife is a huge fan).

The presentation was really nice and the bittersweet icing had a mild chocolate flavor (not too sweet) and also had a nice, creamy consistency. The cake, however, was comme ci comme ca. It was light and fluffy, don't get me wrong, but it lacked a certain "like crack, gotta have it again" quality. Will I go back? Probably. Will I wait in a 30min line? Probably not. Molly's Cupcakes are still my favorite.

Khaki Cool

2010-08-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

I just bought these pants from the GAP and have already found multiple ways to wear them. Cropped and lightweight, they make for the perfect shopping and city-strolling outfit.

Women's Aerie Ruffle Hem Tank (Pearl Pink), $25

Gap Slouchy belted pants, $45

Michael Kors Sandals, $250

Skinny Hoop Earrings (Rose Gold) -... $22

It's Chic-onomics!

2010-08-27T07:42:00.000-05:00

I love shopping online. I also love fast shipping and a great selection. Luckily, outnet.com has all of this. As Net-a-porter's outlet site, it has over 200 designer brands at seriously discounted prices (we're talking up to 85% off people), many of which are still in-season and full-priced elsewhere. I love stalking their new arrivals on Tuesdays and Fridays and I look forward to their extra-discounted pop-up sales.

I just purchased these awesome Michael Kors sandals on Monday at 75% off!!

What do you think? I know it's the end of summer but these will be worn years to come!

Girl and the Goat

2010-08-11T11:23:00.000-05:00

As an avid Top Chef watcher, I was delighted when season 4 winner, Stephanie Izard, finally opened the doors of her new Chicago restaurant. The west loop’s Girl and the Goat is reminiscent of a gastro-pub with a local and charcuterie-focused menu. The décor is somewhere between refined and rustic with seemingly handcrafted wooden tables and chairs and even at 9pm on a Thursday night, the place had a bustling and energetic vibe.

The Mr. took me here for the birthday dinner and with a little careful planning, landed us at the XO table situated as two bar seats in front of the open kitchen action. From this vantage point, we were able to see all the behind-the-scenes action first hand (awesome).

We started with a bottle of Spanish wine and the homemade bread with caramelized onion butter and chimichurri.

Next, we followed with a chilled yellow tomato and vanilla bean soup with yogurt.

The Mr. is a big fan of octopus so we choose the grilled octopus with pistachios and fava beans. The octopus was perfectly cooked, tender with a slight bite, and was drizzled with a soy-based sauce.

We then moved onto the scallops with veal. Surprisingly, the meat did not overpower the delicate and sweet flavor of the scallop and instead paired perfectly.

Then we tried the beef tongue. Believe it or not, this was the MOST AMAZING dish of the night. The tongue was perfectly tender and evenly seasoned with a light crumby crust. It was served with a tangy slaw, and I could simply not get enough.

We also tried the ham frites, a master creation. Basic frites (fries), thinly cut, fried and then here’s the genius- salted with finely minced cured and dried ham. I don’t know why someone has not thought of this before!

The Mr. got the veal moussiline served with freshly made crepes and pickles.

As is we weren’t full enough, we could not leave the Goat without trying some dessert. As a chocolate lover, I opted for the fudgesicle with olive oil ice cream served with a healthy pour of Mother’s Milk stout. Yum.

I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a good meal. The prices were really reasonable and since it was small plate style, we were able to share a lot of flavors. I will definitely be returning. Thanks for an awesome meal, Stephanie!

Max Style, Max Comfort

2010-08-05T07:16:00.001-05:00

I stumbled into the last of the BCBG* summer sale (everything 50% off) hoping to find some cute summer dresses. After trying on maybe 20 dresses, I put on this maxi chiffon number and instantly fell in love. The print can transition from day to night with a simple shoe change and the flowy fabric makes it a dream to wear. I ended up buying the ring to coordinate. I also love the option of pairing a black studded belt to toughen it up a bit.

What would you wear with this dress?

Strapless Printed Gown $348 - bcbg.com

Elizabeth and James black embossed leather 'Jade' jeweled t-strap... $255 - bluefly.com
sandals $89 - bananarepublic.gap.com
Layered Rhinestone-Pave Ring $88 - bcbg.com
Square-Studded Belt $78 - bcbg.com

trying on the dress after shopping

*if you can't tell by now, BCBG is my go-to event label. I find that no matter when I go or for what occasion, they ALWAYS have the perfect dress waiting to be bought. Trust me on this one!

Easy, Breezy

2010-07-23T08:23:00.001-05:00

I spotted this super comfy shirt in the H&M's mens' department. After a failed attempt to get him to pick-up the shirt, I grabbed an XS and tried it on myself. It was the perfect combo of loose and fitted and at $9.95 (I kid you not), I figured this would be an awesome addition to my summer wardrobe.

I put it on immediately after we got home and have since, worn it at some point every day thereafter. I love the relaxed fit mixed with the unbelievably soft cotton. I think I might go back to get another one as a sleeping shirt.

Seen here paired with Old Navy shorts, Steve Madden sandals.

(please excuse the mug shot quality of this pic...)

This is a great outfit for hopping around the city on the weekends.

I'm Next!

2010-06-30T11:10:00.002-05:00

I went to a friend's wedding in New Orleans over Memorial day and managed to catch the bouquet! (My friend's take on my catch- I've seen moves like that from NFL wide receivers).

Yes, that's me in the middle wearing a peach dress and stealing the bouquet from the 8-year old.

Reaping the reward. A little pageant-esque, don't you think?

Dancing with excitement :)

Photos courtesy of Michael Caswell Photography.

Simple Perfection

2010-06-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

There is nothing more that I love than a plain v-neck tee. My fave is the aptly named favorite tee from GAP. The not-too-fitted soft tee only gets better with wear!

What's your go-to staple?

Summer Yachts

2010-06-16T13:07:00.000-05:00

The sun finally decided to come out in Chicago today and I was feeling a little NAUTIcal. No, I was not going out on a yacht with my rich-millionaire boyfriend (he wishes); I was going to work.

I was picturing myself on an ultimate white yacht on a bright blue lake with the sun shining and a light breeze blowing. In actuality, I'm at my desk in a 65 degree office with nice fluorescent lighting. A girl can dream...

Lurex striped tank

$39 - net-a-porter.comCrepe flared skirt

$543 - net-a-porter.com

Elena strappy leather sandals

$235 - net-a-porter.com

Marie 18-karat gold-plated earrings

$365 - net-a-porter.com