Love, Lulu Mae | Blog

Alexander McQueen | Go Big or Go Home

2012-01-27T21:08:00.002-06:00

Avant-garde, daring, adventurous, romantic - these are words that come to my mind when thinking of the late designer Alexander McQueen. He pushed the boundaries of runway fashion and inspired millions… including Love, Lulu Mae. From artistic heels to colorful gowns; McQueen's creativity set the bar for fashion runway. Alexander McQueen was a tormented genius fashion god and will be cherished for centuries to come. What are your opinions? Love or Hate the designs?

Love, Agnes Lulu Mae

Sick Day Pick-Me-Ups

2012-01-27T14:57:00.009-06:00

For me, my asthma-riddled January very often includes sinusitis, bronchitis or some combination of upper respiratory ailments that put me out of commission for a few days. This is one of those weeks; I have been coughingsnifflingsneezing my way through work and play. When I'm feeling like this, there are a few sure fire ways to brighten my wheezy spirits.

1.) My mom's chicken and rice. It always involves potatoes and those little starry shaped noodles. And her chicken is just always so much better than the way mine turns out when I try to make it. It's the ultimate in comfort food: made with love, consumed for the soul and spirit with mommy care in every tiny grain of rice.

2.) Daisies. Such friendly flowers; Meg Ryan really got it right in You've Got Mail, which is also one of my favorite sick day films. The romance, the bookstore, New York City; it's such a lovely little movie.

3.) My copy of Eclipse that my far-flung friend Cory annotated for me. I almost always revisit it when I'm feeling under the weather and his short notes in the margins and long notes in the back cover make me feel just like he's not across the country and here to give Texas-sized bear hugs.

4.) A cup of Earl Grey, with a splash of milk and a little bit of honey, alternated with cups of Lemon-Honey Theraflu. I'm certain that most of the world's problems could be solved with a cup of tea in the afternoon.

5.) Surprise sick day visits from people who love you enough to brave your germs to come keep you company. Even the kind of visitors that stay generally out of the way of your personal space to try to stay not sick, but still talk and watch movies and bring things for cheer and comfort (including bot not limited to food, gatorade, orange juice, films, books, magazines, bits of gossip, etc.)

6.) Coloring. Seriously. When bed bound, I have been known to bust out the crayons and my Princess coloring book and color away. Maybe it's because I feel like I'm 7 and a little bit helpless when I'm sick?

7.) NyQuil Comas. I feel like this is self-explanatory. Is there anything better than the cozy wake-up from a healing nap when you are under the weather?

8.) The Cool Touch Kleenex lotion-y tissues. They don't destroy your nose when you have to blow it a hundred times an hour and that's awesome!

9.) Reading new books/ watching new movies and tv shows. It's always a little escape to see or do something new which is always lovely. I've been on a huge How I Met Your Mother and 30 Rock kick lately, due to their availability on Netflix and both shows keep me in constant stitches. (Also, I really really relate to Liz Lemon in a serious way.)

10.) My sick day sweater. It's an adorable purple cowl-neck that I bought from Target on clearance after Christmas a couple of years ago. It's so soft and warm and snuggly. Perfect sick day ensemble paired with leggings and seriously fuzzy socks. (No one said sick can't be fabulous too!)

On that note, it's back to bed with some tea and a bowl of Trader Joe's Minestrone (So much better than most canned soup!). Wash your hands and stay healthy this weekend!

Kisses,

AJS

These Boots Were Made For Walking

2012-01-25T10:52:00.013-06:00

I moved to Chicago in September of 2008. My mother and grandmother, Alabamians, made sure I was fully prepared to tackle the impending Winter. Puffy coat, heavy scarf, wool socks, balaklava, snow boots and a host of other Wintry things were purchased, ensuring that I, delicate flower that I am, would not be freezing to death. Most of these things have since been replaced, but I'm still wearing those snow boots. I'm not even ashamed to admit that they are Croc boots; they are incredibly warm and dry and comfy. However, they are finally starting to show their age after three Winters full of snowy commutes to work and class and internships and the grocery store.

Their wear and tear has led me on a quest to find the perfect pair of new snow boots, even though I'd rather be scouring the internet for clearanced out glittery Kate Spade heels. So, what constitutes the perfect snow boot? For me, it needs to be functional (my toes need to be dry and toasty) and at least a little bit pretty. Snow doesn't slow down my social life, so why do my boots need to be horrible looking and drag down my look? (Even the Croc boots have a little bit of decorative fuzz on them. They really aren't as horrible as I know you think they are. But maybe our bond has me biased...) They also need to be easily cleaned, since walking these city streets is not always a spotless task. My current boots disassemble and the fabric parts can be thrown in the wash while the plastic parts are scrubbed down elsewhere. Quality is a huge sell for me. The less frequently I have to replace my snow boots, the more I can spend my money on things that really matter, like Chanel 75 lipstick or the aforementioned glittery Kate Spade heels.

Here are the 9 major contenders:

1.) Sorel, Joan of Arctic

I wasn't totally sold on these at first, but I love bad puns and, then, I saw someone at Trader Joe's wearing them during last week's snowstorm and they were so cute in real life! The fur is very furry, not weird fakey fuzz and the water was rolling right off of them. I also think the criss cross in the front is great.

2.) Kate Spade, Leigh

These are such a pipe dream, but I love them. The bow, the fur, the heel. If only I were a little less prone to slips, trips and falls where snow and ice are concerned...

3.) The North Face, Women's Millenial Boot

I love the laces on these boots. The traction looks great on the bottom and I've never had something from The North Face that didn't keep me incredible toasty. The website says they are waterproof, but I'm a little skeptical.

4.) Land's End, Weatherfield

Look at those toggles! Form and very very functional; the traction on Land's End boots keeps even the kultziest wearer upright on icy days.

5.) The North Face, Nuptse IV Fur Boot

These look like real snow boots; I have no doubt that they are high quality and well-made. I also like that the fur accent matches the color of the boots exterior, rather than contrasting.

6.) Sorel, Cate the Great

I really love the look of these boots. I feel like they would make my running to the grocery store for blizzard neccessities outfit of a sweater and skinny jeans look really polished. The stitching is a great accent as well, along with the small tuft of fur that peeks over the top.

7.) Land's End, Women's Zip-Up Powder Run

These are definitely not the cutest boots on this list, but for just shy of $80, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Warm, waterproof and skid resistant, these boots are at an awesome price point without sacrificing all form for function.

8.) Merrell, Vera Peak

I love the details on these boots; the leatherwork on the front is really gorgeous. However, the lack of lining is a big downside for me. Also, I'm afraid they are a little too pretty for my rough and tumble Winter needs (Ok, ok. So maybe I'm just walking to the gym and the train mostly, but still, I can put the hurt on a pair of shoes...) and that I would destroy them.

9.) Crocs, Berryessa

I love my Croc Boots. These are the closest thing they have now to my originals and I'm not crazy about the look of them, but I know that Crocs makes a great, weatherproof and sturdy snowboot. So, I'll consider it...

Kisses,

AJS

Sleepover, Revisited

2012-01-23T12:29:00.005-06:00

When you were younger, was there anything better than a sleepover with your best friend? Having heart to hearts until 3 AM about dreams and boys and school and life, watching movies, plotting and planning the rest of your lives until sleepy starlight brought slumber. In middle school and high school, my best friend and I were always on the go the next morning, off to cross country practice, showchoir competitions and dance team performances. (To be fair, I’m still on the go. All the time.) And as we got older, it got harder and more complicated to coordinate schedules and sleepovers were the first casualty of really growing up.

Once you have your own space, your own life, it’s easy to forget about the simple joy of something silly like a sleepover in lieu of men and martinis and crazy jobs, etc. Hanging out with your friends turns into a quick coffee date after Zumba or dinner every 3rd Friday. It’s really hard to have quality time when you barely have time to finish a sentence, much less a load of laundry.

Well, while the blizzardette raged on Friday, two of my best friends and I snuggled up for the long haul. We had an actual sleepover and it was awesome. One friend had been in London for months, so it was wonderful to hear her epic tales of adventure across the pond. We talked and talked and talked, sipped peppermint mocha hot chocolate and discussed how glad we were to be watching the snow instead of in it. We watched The Princess and the Frog and classic SNL. We looked at shoes online and planned dream weddings that are still just far off fairy tales for now. We talked about dreams and boys and school and life and it really wasn’t all that different from the sleepovers I had when I was 17.

Most importantly, we were able to really discuss the different places we are all in right now, gain new insight and find new perspectives about all of it. Me, settling in and settling down; my friends, just graduated and about to graduate respectively, working so hard to pursue dreams and figure out what the next step is. It was an awesome night of talking talking talking and listening. What is it about the combination of people you love and Disney movies that make you want to open your heart? Maybe it’s the many many many years of sleepovers that have conditioned me into feeling that way, but I have to say, it was the best way to stay out of the snow (The turkey chili the boyfriend made us also helped!) and take a pause for a serious, high-quality catch up date. We fought sleep and watched snow pile up outside the window as long as possible, finally collapsing to the sofabed with tummies hurting from laughter and ready for dreams.

Perhaps you don't have to have a sleepover to have this kind of catching up, but it doesn't hurt. Besides, there are so many fun possibilities when planning a grown-up sleepover... (I'm such a planner...) Regardless of whether you are pajama distance or worlds apart, the new year seems like a great time to reconnect and rekindle friendships that might have fallen to the wayside, don't you think?

Kisses,
AJS

Fearless

2012-01-20T15:29:00.002-06:00

Fearlessness has come up in my life several times this week. Time 1 was at yoga class with the fabulous Alie McManus (She teaches at Moshka and does occasional free classes at Lululemon. I caught a free one this week at Lululemon Halsted. Her vibe is amazing!), she said that yoga represents a state where a person has let go of fear so that love can overtake them wholly; it’s a sort of relaxed fearlessness. I always find peace in tumbling around on my mat, trying to make my limbs contort in the way the other yogis always do so gracefully, but it never occurred to me that letting go of my negative energies for an hour every week helps to release my fears as well. I thought that was a lovely thought; it really inspired me to take a second and focus and breathe and just enjoy triangle pose and downward-facing dog.

Time two involved a battle with a scale. Time three involved a pinky promise from my personal trainer.

Seriously. A grown man, with many many muscles, who makes me yell a “Hell Yeah!” as my battle cry pre-circuit during workouts, made me pinky promise that I would go to spin class on Friday. Well, today is Friday. It’s incredibly snowy, I’m still sore from my workout with said trainer on Wednesday and I stayed up past my bedtime watching Dirty Dancing sleepover style with my wonderful friend who just returned home from several months in London. Also, I was a little bit concerned about falling over and dying. (Spin classes look really scary in movies, no?) And what if everyone there was tiny and thin and spunky and knew exactly what to do while I looked like a lumbering oaf on a bicycle?

Well, I went.

It was intense. I sweated more than I maybe ever have in my entire life (including the 10 years I lived in Alabama…). I think there are parts of my body that I didn’t even know that I had that are sore. But I feel awesome! I was way too involved in hills and sprints to even notice if the people around me were rocking it; I felt like I totally rocked it for my first time on the field. It’s probably an endorphin high, but I went out and twirled in the snow and caught snowflakes on my tongue and set about to have a really productive afternoon. And I’ll definitely be back in Spin Studio 1 on Monday at lunchtime.

It’s amazing what facing down even the tiniest of fears can do for your juju. I’m more than ready to tackle my weekend, to-do list and all! If you are feeling hesitant, give yourself a little credit. You probably won’t die during a 45 minute spin class. Your life won’t be over if you text that guy too soon. You probably look awesome in those red suede booties.

Live a little and be brave enough to face your tiny fears this weekend; it will make you ready to face your big ones in the long run. Much luck and love!

Kisses,
AJS

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

2012-01-18T12:07:00.003-06:00

I think we all know, especially with a touch of the grey Winter blahs, how hard it can be to get things going. Whether it’s getting to the gym 4 times a week or writing a cover letter for your dream job, everything seems a little less daunting when you are not going it alone.

Yesterday, my roommates and my beau all sat around my living room, helping each other seek out jobs, proofreading statements of outstanding abilities and cheering each other on. I was working from my office in the adjacent dining nook, but I checked in with lunch (salmon piccata and a spinach salad) and comma rules periodically throughout the day. I’m positive that everyone accomplished more than they would have alone. And the day was full of laughter and talking about how each person was feeling, finding camaraderie over the pains of a lengthy job search. (Whew. I so understand those feelings. This girl could not be happier hers is over!) It was really awesome to feel that kind of energy that working together sends off.

My thought for you on this Wintry Wednesday is this: If you are climbing uphill, look for someone to make the climb with you who will tap dance at the top of the mountain with you when you get there. Find someone who will tell you that it’s ok to be discouraged while pushing you to keep going, keep trying, keep doing your best. When all of that pressure isn’t solely on you, it’s infinitely easier to reach for the stars. It’s a little corny, but teamwork really does make the dream work. Friends, family, spouses, loves, kittens, siblings, stuffed Ewoks (I’ll freely admit that my Ewok has gotten me through some pretty tough times…). So, enjoy a pick-me-up with your best friend, have a job application party in your living room, hit spin class twice with your coworker. Support and be supported by the wonderful people you undoubtedly have in your life and good luck with whatever mountain you are scaling this week.

And for the record, that’s me and my real life BFF since 4th grade, Vanessa. We are literally tap dancing on top of a mountain we hiked in California. Sometimes that actually does happen...

Kisses,

AJS

Fabulous Photographers

2012-01-17T21:32:00.000-06:00

Love, Lulu Mae has been fortunate to work with three amazing fashion photographers: Bethany Fritz of Maypole Studios Photography, Heather Stumpf-Popio of Vavoom Pinups, and recently Amaris Granado of Amaris Granado Photography and Studio 1147 Wedding Photography. I can't say enough positive things about these artistic ladies. They are brilliant behind the lens and above all else are completely adorable filled with kindness and love. If you get a moment, check out their sites, become a "fan" on FB, and spread the word of their amazing talent.

xxoo,

agnes

Bethany Fritz | Maypole Studios

Website: click here

Facebook: click here

Blog: click here

Yelp: click here

Heather Stumpf-Popio | Vavoom Pinpups

Website: click here

Facebook: click here

Twitter: click here

Yelp: click here

Amaris Granado | Studio 1147 Amaris Granado Photography
Website: click here
Facebook: click here
Blog: click here
Twitter: click here

(for more information on models, makeup, hair, and styling please visit each photographers Facebook Page! Thanks!)

Just Another Manic(ured) Monday

2012-01-16T12:00:00.008-06:00

Your hands are busy. They are typing, stirring, spooning, unlocking, pulling CTA passes from pockets, picking change from your wallet and unearthing your Chanel 75 from the very bottom of your undoubtedly fabulous purse all day, every day. They are home to rings, a place for gloves to warm and they fit nicely into someone else's for handholding. Fingers deserve a tiny vacay, pretty polish and a symmetrical filing job in return for all of their hard work.

Since my go-to nail spot changed hands in March of last year (Tragedy! I swear, Irina put voodoo magic in her nail polish; my manicures always lasted at least 2 weeks. I miss her!), I have been on a quest to find the next best manicure in Chicago. It’s difficult to find the right blend of atmosphere, quality nail tech, amazing array of colors and a great price point. So, I've been to many a place in the past few months. This has led to good and bad nail moments (Still regretting the mossy green I thought was going to be awesome...)

For me, a manicure is more than just pretty polish. It is 25 minutes to just breathe and be still (We all know what happens to those who get wiggly while polish is drying…). It’s icing on a cake. It’s the last little tie of a bow to make me feel put together. Ergo, it's important to get it right.

The place I’m currently frequenting is D’Lees on Halsted, just south of Roscoe. Great price, chill surroundings, and the opportunity to earn free stuff with repeat visits. I’m a big fan of dinner dates to Rollapalooza next door after getting pretty at D’Lees with a bestie. It’s a seriously rad, relaxing girl’s night out.

And while I’m pretty much always a red girl (An Affair in Red Square, I’m Not Really a Waitress or Big Apple Red by OPI), these manicure ideas have me thinking about shaking up my routine when I go get fixed up later:

Kisses,

AJS

Snowmagical

2012-01-12T21:44:00.005-06:00

There is nothing that quite matches the feeling of watching snowflakes twirling through streetlights while cozied up in a fluffy blanket, sipping hot tea. Something about it makes me long for the nights when I would desperately watch until the wee hours to see if school was going to be closed for a SNOW DAY!

A snow day was a day of possibility. Responsibilities and school books were replaced by mittens and hot cocoa. Arguments over homework completion waned into arguments over whether or not dad would drive you to go ice skating with the boy of your dreams (Or at least the boy of the week…). A day made for nothing but fun and extra marshmallows while the world is lost in a glittery white trance.

As grown-ups, we lose the wonder of the snow day. And I think that’s really unacceptable. Seriously. Look out the window at all of that fluffy white stuff. Forget for a minute the perils of parallel parking and soggy boots and appreciate the view while you are nice and warm. Remember what the snow days of yore are all about.

Bring the snow day back with one of these activities:

1.) Ice Skating. Here in Chicago, we have rinks on practically every corner. I’m such a sucker for the ones at Millennium Park and Wrigley Field! Bundle up, spike a thermos of hot chocolate with a little Bailey’s and don’t be afraid to totally wipe out. Make sure you take the friends you know will scrape you up and still leave your pride intact.

2.) Have a snowball fight! Grab your neighbors, grab your best friend, grab your beau. Find a street or parking lot or corner that’s not busy and launch some serious guerilla snowtastic attacks.

3.) Make chili. I could always count on my mom to have a pot of chili ready and waiting, simmering on the stove to put the perfect exclamation point on any snowy day. When snow is in the forecast, is there anything better than chili and cornbread to warm your soul?

4.) Sledding. Find a hill. Find a sled. Prepare for many laughs. In Chicago, the city has tons of places specifically dedicated to sledding in the Winter! Most are open all the way to 10 PM for a little late night action.

5.) Get cozy. Maybe wintry athletics aren’t your thing. Snuggle up with your sweetie or a good book, a very fuzzy blanket, and a cup of hot tea/coffee/cocoa and have a Netflix marathon of that show you’ve been meaning to watch or get to the end of that book you’ve been neglecting since the holidays took over.

And while you’re trying to stay warm, you’ll want to look pretty too. Personally, I’m dying for this All Wrapped Up earwarmer from Kate Spade!

Enjoy your snowy weekend!!!

Kisses,

AJS

Cheers to a New Year

2012-01-10T21:44:00.007-06:00

Last year, on New Year’s Eve, I laid on a bed, snuggled in sheets I could never afford, in a room at the Trump Tower I will never be able to afford, tipsy on free champagne courtesy of a sweepstakes by Ciroc Vodka, collapsed with laughter with my partner in crime, Valerie. High on sparkling possibility, hair windswept from the river and red lipstick worn onto the rocks glasses of Vodka Tonic on the bedside table, we swore to things we would accomplish, promises we would not break for 2011.

We checked out late from our fairytale New Year’s Eve in a room that looked like that one and returned promptly to real life in very frozen Chicago, starting the new year on the highest of all possible notes – brunch from Orange. (If you've never been, stop what you are doing and go. Right now. Order the orange rosemary french toast and a carafe of orange coffee. You're welcome.) We earned it after the amount of Ciroc consumed the night prior, lamenting that it’s just too bad every day can’t be chauffeured by a Bentley, accompanied by 8 course dinners and skyline views.

I’d like to say I accomplished everything on the aforementioned list; that I lost 40 pounds, that I maintained thanking someone every day in my blog, that I figured out how to not procrastinate in my last quarters of grad school, that 2011 was a breeze. It was not easy by any stretch of the imagination. On a New Year's Eve that will honestly probably never be matched for the rest of my life, Val and I swore to a rule of 4. I won’t tell you what those 4 were; they are super secret and only known by us and the Donald himself.

What I will tell you is that I accomplished infinitely more than the wide-eyed girl with the red lipstick could possibly have imagined.

I finished grad school, I acquired a big girl job; I even survived the worst not quite big girl job on record. I ran, I danced, I sipped too much gin. I fell in love with someone who tolerates my fleecy polka dotted pajamas and thinks it’s adorable that when I get really tickled about something, I laugh without my mouth moving. I traveled to both oceans, I figured out being by myself, and, somewhere along the way, I moved on. I realized it’s ok to be homesick, to cry to your mom on the phone, to flee instead of fight every single battle. I realized how thankful I am that Taylor Swift convinced me to keep believing in fairy-tale-breathless-head-over-heels-romance. I also learned how to make a rocking moussaka. (Seriously. My roommates will vouch for its awesomeness).

Maybe I still don’t know what I want to do in ten years. Maybe I don’t know how I’m ever going to manage to save enough money to go to Paris or if I want to get my PhD.

But I do know, after fighting battles and problems and pickpockets and broken hearts, who I am today, what I want for breakfast tomorrow. I know that it’s impossible to show the amount of gratitude I feel for where my path has brought me, but that a thank you note is always the best way to start. I know that anything is easier when you have someone there to hold your hand. I swear that sometimes when I wake up for my 7 AM meeting, while I’m drinking my intentionally tepid coffee and sunlight is spilling into my dining nook office and I can hear the softly muffled snores of my roommates, I know I’m ready to take over the world, one comma, one casserole, one more lap on the treadmill at a time.

I’m starting 2012 with about a million big dreams and wishes, more determined than ever to make the most of the coming year, to make it even more incredible than the last. I’m using every last breath of every day following every single one of those wishes.
My parting thought is a challenge to you:

Think of the 5 things that made you the proudest in your 2011.

Did you save enough for shoes like these Louboutins?

Did you trade chocolate in for salads and see stunning results? Did you cross something huge off of your bucket list? Think about it. And do a little victory dance (Or a big one. I won’t judge, promise!). And let that little victory catapult you into an incredible 2012, full of love, laughs, happiness and successes!

Kisses,
AJS

Wanderlust

2012-01-09T11:11:00.007-06:00

So, I’ve spent the last 3 months all over the place: a little time in the sunny South, a little time in the Big Apple, a little time out in the District of Columbia, even less time here at home in Chicago. It’s been glorious, jet-setting back and forth and seeing people I love in every little corner of the country. I’ve been pretty successful living out of a suitcase with three black dresses, ballet flats, and my new Urban Decay sparkle eye shadow palette, lugging my work laptop along with me on my voyages. And while being reunited with my closet, my bed and my adorable roommates is lovely, I can’t help but find myself daydreaming about the places I would like to escape to next.

1.)Paris. The city of lights, romance abounding, everything en français. Why yes, I’d love a café au lait avec un croissant chocolat. My French minor is always making me want to throw on a beret and head across the ocean and watch the moonlight glimmering off of the Eiffel Tower. Seriously, sign me up for this:

2.)Malibu. My best friend lives in West Hollywood, and on my last visit to the West Coast, I had the opportunity to spend some quality time hitting the beach in Malibu. The color of the water rivals any emerald set in platinum, the sea breeze cools the beach, and did I mention the surfers? Go here, park your car at Zuma Beach and enjoy the local view (Mountain, Ocean, Men), soaking up a little Vitamin D in the Cali sun.

3.)Iceland. I know, I know. Iceland? Really? Really. Stunning scenery, skiing, shopping, and gorgeous mineral hot springs with flights roundtrip that rival the cost of a trip to LA from Chicago. I’ll let a photo do the work for me here:

4.)Texas. Being a Southern Belle by birth, I appreciate the finer points of country music and keeping hot rolled hair looking good in oppressive, sticky heat. However, I’ve never traveled to the capital of all things larger than life. As Chicago winter creeps closer to the dreaded inevitable cold snap, I think it might be nice to have my cowboy boots and carry-on ready to hit the road, Texas-style.

5.)Disney World. Lord knows, we all need a little magic sometimes. Faith, trust, pixie dust, princesses. All the makings for a perfect mid-Winter getaway, courtesy of Mr. Mouse himself. For anyone who battles the Winter blues, Disney World is like a megadose of Prozac in the form of everything happy, sparkly, cheery that you could possibly imagine. Besides, it’s pretty hard to be sad in Mouse ears, right? If you take this route, definitely try a Watermelon Mojito in downtown Disney or a Grand Marnier Slush at Epcot. (Big kid treats no one ever told you about!)

So, I’m setting up Kayak alerts, shamelessly roaming Travelocity and trying to name the perfect price on Priceline. And I’m seriously lusting after this adorable Kate Spade carry-on, along with everything else in their current travel-themed collection.

Then I’ll be off again, black dresses and red lipstick in tow. Until then, I’m more than happy to dream up crazy places for the wind to carry me. I encourage you to do the same. And, of course, always be on the lookout for dream luggage; you never know how far it will take you.

Kisses,

AJS

corals + cognacs: My 50 Favorite Black Friday + Cyber Monday Sales

2011-11-24T22:53:00.000-06:00

special post by fabulous Chicago blogger Corals + Cognacs

My 50 Favorite Black Friday + Cyber Monday Sales

I have a love (sales)/hate (crowds) relationship with holiday shopping, and if you're like I am, you avoid the shopper insanity known as Black Friday at all costs.

Here, I've rounded up a list of my 50 favorite online retailers offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Happy shopping -- from the comfort of my couch to yours!

Apparel + Accessories

80s Purple: Blackout Sale - up to $300 off your order + free ship
Ann Taylor: 40% off everything with code 'THANKS'
ASOS: Additional 20% off everything with code HAPPYBLACKFRIDAY
Banana Republic: 30% off your purchase with code BRJUMP30
Endless.com: 33% off select styles of shoes and boots
Express: Everything 40% off before noon, 30% off after noon (in-stores and online)
Forever21: Hundreds of items on sale starting at $2.99
Gap: Everything online up to 60% off (ends 11/26) On 11/24 Additional 20% off your purchase with code 'GAPTHANKS'
J. Crew: 25% and free shipping on your order of $150+ with code YOURGIFT (ends 11/27)
Kohl's: $15 for every $50 spent, more than 500 early bird specials
LYLIF: Everything in stock 50% off!
Net-a-Porter: Secret sale for Facebook fans: 50% off editor's picks for fall.
Madewell: Up to 30% off plus free ship
Manhattanite: 25% off all orders through 11/27 with code BLACKFRI25
Modcloth: New mark-downs up to 50% off, free ship on $75+
Old Navy: Everything in stock is on sale!
ROMWE: Up to 50% off; 20% off your first order with e-mail sign-up
ShopSosie: Up to 35% off with code
Topshop: New mark-downs, free ship on $75+
Urban Outfitters: Free shipping (no minimum)
White House Black Market: 25% off your purchase with code 19506 through 11/25

Designer Apparel + Accessories

BlueFly: Designer denim blowout (styles starting at $49), mark-downs up to 70% off
Nicole Miller: Free shipping on all orders
Net-a-Porter: Free shipping on all US orders. Secret sale for Facebook fans.
Pink Mascara: 25% off including sale items
Revolve Clothing: Free ship; over 5,000 items on sale up to 90% off
Saks Fifth Avenue: Select styles up to 70% off. Free shipping with code HOLIDAY (ends 11/29)
Singer22: Sale from 10-90% off select styles
Shopbop: 20% off hundreds of new items, extra savings such as $50 off $250+ with code BIGEVENT
The Outnet: New designer mark-downs up to 70% off

Shoes

Blowfish: Free ship + 18% off everything with code 'THANKS18'
Heels.com: Free two-day shipping
Jildor Shoes: New designer mark-downs, $5 flat-rate shipping
Karma Loop: 20% off $85+; 20% off $100+ and $10 gift card; free shipping with code BRR
Nine West: Up to 50% off
Payless: 50% off select styles through 11/27
Piperlime: Up to 70% off
Steve Madden: 25% off your purchase + free ship with code TURKEY
Ugg Australia: Free ship + returns
Vince Camuto: $50 off any boot purchase with code '50BOOTS' (Ends 11/28)
Zappos: Holiday markdowns on denim, heels and handbags; free ship + returns

Beauty + Cosmetics

Beauty.com: Full-size gift with purchase, 20% off select styles
Benefit Cosmetics: Free high beam mini with $35 (code: HLDYMINI); free full-size thrrrob with $90 (code: HRTTHROB). Ends 11/28.
Clinique: Holiday specials + free ship
e.l.f.: 10% off with code EG10AZ; Buy 1 Get 1 50% off + free ship on orders $30+
Philosophy: New markdowns; sign up for e-mails and get a free gift offer
Sally Beauty: Free mini flat-iron with $45 purchase with code 444148; free shipping $50+ (ends 11/27)
Sephora: 10 for $10 sales (in-store); free shipping $50+
Smashbox: 20% off with code SBXFF11, free ship + samples (ends 11/29)
ULTA: New markdowns, free spa gift + ship with $35 purchase

Classic cap toes step back in style

2011-11-10T19:30:00.001-06:00

Straight out of the 1940s, and the 1980s, cap toe shoes have started to peep back into fashion. Once a staple of a professional woman's wardrobe, the new styles are anything but boring, and can be worn with anything.

Chanel

Chanel made a black and white classic that has been seen on red carpets, adoring the feet of actresses like Demi Moore. Louboutin went a more non-traditional route, adoring the toe of the shoe with eye-catching metallics on solid colors or prints.

To really pick a pair that shines, Mui Mui created a glitter pair, that were featured on this blog a few months ago.

Louboutin

Traditionally seen on a rounded toe pump, the cap toe can also be found on pointed toe shoes and shoes with straps, but this takes a little more searching. With so many combinations, shapes and designers going after this design, your dream shoe is out there. You just have to find it.

~Cat Montgomery

Yves Saint Laurent

The sweetest shoes

2011-10-19T20:17:00.000-05:00

The sweet little shoes of childhood have come back in a decidedly more mature version.

The classic Mary Jane heel

The Mary Jane, once just a strappy shoe for kids, and a faded memory of the '90s (immortalized in Sex in the City), they're now made by just about everyone and can be found across malls and websites the world over.

Mary Jane really has struck out, and now comes with a variety of heel heights, colors, shoe shapes and strap placement. It's an anything goes style that goes perfectly with any skirt, can be paired with pants, and worn year-round.

Miu Miu does a cat print to liven things up

From shiny patents to muted leathers, they come in every color of the rainbow, a boatload of prints, and even glitter.

The heels vary almost as widely as the prints, and come in '70s style chunky and sky scraper stilettos. Only that little strap across the top of the foot remains the same, giving life to the classic style.

Catherine Montgomery

Love for Lingerie at Faire Frou Frou

2011-10-05T07:59:00.001-05:00

When I started my healthy lifestyle adventure years ago, my husband promised to shower me with lingerie when i reached my goal size. (Keep in mind, he already showers me with fabulous gifts! Anyone who knows my husband knows how lucky I truly am.) One of my favorite Luxury Lingerie Boutiques is Faire Frou Frou located in Studio City, CA. Owners Alison and Gail are super sweet, adorable, and funny to boot! Today I thought I'd share my top 5 Faire Frou Frou items. I must say, I am looking forward to the day my husband keeps true to his promise!

Modest eyes look away. Love, Lulu Mae

All items available at Faire Frou Frou
1. 'Josefine' Basque by Lascivious $562
2. 'Cupcake' by Huit $69
3. 'Darling' by Fleur of England $156
4. 'Bow Back Knickers' by Ophella Fancy $145
5. 'Seamed Stockings' by Lascivious $42
6. 'Chelsea Romper' by Zinke $154

Love for Glitter & Mui Mui

2011-10-03T06:51:00.000-05:00

"All that Glitters is Gold"... The following photo selections from Mui Mui are bold, romantic, and sensual. I'd dare to say that I am a bit obsessed with Mui Mui Glitter Shoes...

For those who need a refresher on Mui Mui.....
"Miuccia Prada launched Miu Miu in 1992 as the visionary sister label to fashion powerhouse Prada. Since then, it has staged some of the hottest runway shows with its sophisticated yet eclectic collections, and earned a host of A-list devotees in the process. Blending classic cuts with avant-garde detailing, expect brightly colored prints on everything from sleek mini dresses to liquid-silk shorts." (via net-a-porter)

There is no doubt that you'll make a statement with these ultra fabulous and fashionable footwear. What is your favorite pair? Love, Lulu Mae

Mui Mui Shoes
Glitter Pumps (photo by Sandra's Closet)
Glitter Bootie available at Net-a-Porter $890
Glitter Bootie available at Lyst $890
Glitter Pump available at Net-a-Porter $650
Glitter Bootie available at Saks Fifth Ave $890
Glitter Sneaker available at Lyst $450

For the Love of Cake

2011-09-30T10:14:00.000-05:00

Hello Fashionistas and Happy Friday! So, I've been craving chocolate cake lately ... and not your average grocery store sheet cake. I've been craving my late Grandma's "German Chocolate Cake" in a pan. When I was a young lass, my Grandma Viola would make 10 cakes/pies a week. Mouthwatering Double Chocolate Cake, Rainbow Cake, Upside-Down Pineapple Cake, Cheesecake, Apple Pie, Pear/Peach Pie, and the list goes on. Oh, and homemade donuts were a staple every Saturday morning. Sigh. I've never tasted a cake quit like hers... and doubt I ever will.

What is your favorite cake? Love, Lulu Mae

Photo Credits
Rainbow Cake via Incredible Things
Chocolate Cake via Bake Decorate and Celebrate

Buttons, Buttons, and Buttons

2011-09-28T09:06:00.000-05:00

Aside from making amazing cake, Grandma Viola was a seamstress. In the early '40s, she sewed buttons onto ladies blouses in a St. Louis, MO factory. (This is where she met my Grandpa in an elevator for the first time!). When Grandma Viola retired, she brought home jars and jars of buttons. As a kid, you can imagine the excitement seeing all the different shapes, sizes, and colors of buttons! The possibilities of creating something fabulous with buttons is endless. Today, I'd like to share some retro button inspired accessories.

Enjoy! Love, Lulu Mae

Photo Credits
Button Clutch via Garage Sale Girly
Button Necklace via Etsy
Button Flowers in vase via Etsy
Black Button Necklace via Etsy
Button Picture Frame via Global Finds
Button Brooch via Kitty Ballistic's Creations

For the Love of Dogs

2011-09-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

With my parents being Irish/Italian Catholics, you can imagine their surprise when we told them we were not having children. Instead of having babies, we have doggies. This was a bit of a shock at first, but now, my momma calls asking about her "grand-doggies". Its really very sweet! She is a very proud Grandma who sends organic dog treats and designer dog toys. This week, I'd like to honor the Boston Terrier Breed. If you think these doggies are cute and irrisistable, head over to The Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue Society! (We are huge advocates of adoption!) Love, Lulu Mae

(RIP sweet phoebe march 5, 2011) Maypole Studios Photography

Maddison loves our MAC and Mr. Chunkers loves to cuddle!

Holidays 2010 (RIP sweet phoebe) Maypole Studios Photography

Holidays 2009

Fall Fashion Vespa Accessories

2011-09-23T10:57:00.001-05:00

After a little hiatus from blogging, I'm back and ready for fall fashion. Most of the summer was spent riding on our vespa, "Buddha". So, I thought it fitting to share some of my favorite Vespa Scooter Fashion Accessories! Ride in style, my fellow readers. Love, Lulu Mae

image credits:
1. Piaggio Vespa 1946
2. Leopard Helmet via Carngbah Motorcycle
3. Zee Satchel by Brynn Capella
4. Boots by Fleuvog

The Beauty of Fashion

2011-08-24T22:53:00.003-05:00

As I flip through the pages of the September issue of Vogue while sitting by the pool, I am eager to see the new collections by Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, and Christian Dior, to name a few. I flip through the ads that stand alone as works of art, and gaze at the deliciously rich colors each collection has to offer this for this fall. When I return home, the first thing I tell my mom about is not the new Burberry coat I now long to have, but it is a beautifully written story about a woman’s struggle to survive after being severely injured on September 11, 2001 called “A Will To Live.”

This article, beginning on page 376 of Vogue, invited me into this woman’s life as she explains her experience of kissing her less than one-year-old son before work one minute, and not seeing him again for over two months due to her hospitalization for severe burns from the horrific day. As the story delves deeper into the life of this woman, I am inspired as she fights for her life not only for herself, but also for her son and husband. I highly recommend visiting this section. Take a breath from the vivid fall fashion trends. Step back from the new scents designers have to offer. Let Vogue capture your mind for a few pages and feel as though you can work harder now to accomplish your own goals because of this woman’s victory. While I am only halfway through the 758 pages of the Fashion Bible, I am blown away by the inspiration I feel from a magazine that shows the real side of beauty.

While written about a different topic, but a similar theme, Kathryn Stockett’s novel The Help is another piece of literature that has motivated me to follow my dreams. Her characters including Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny, although fictional, have some spark about them that made me feel connected to their goal. Whether I was reading about their happiness, sadness, triumphs, or pain in their stories, their willingness to work for change during such a dangerous time made me realize that anything is possible. The movie, while portraying breathtaking acting and talent, brought the stories to life and helped me to understand that with a kind heart and a good head on our shoulders, we can all be the people we strive to be if we work together through good times and bad. I hope you take the time to read Kathryn Stockett’s novel because, like Vogue’s article, it highlights the beauty of companionship during a difficult time in our country’s past.

From both of these works of literature, I learned that beauty can be found in forms other than Christian Louboutin shoes and Louis Vuitton bags because when it comes down to it, fashion is about beauty, and each of these women embody the courage and strength that make people beautiful.

Stay Beautiful!

XOXO,

Mary Kate

A Yellow Day with Lulu Mae

2011-08-23T18:13:00.000-05:00

"Yellow is for charming smilies

for youth, exhuberence and cowardice

yellow is for warmth and inspiration

to make people smile is its purpose" by .pd.

(images by fashionindie.com / lovelulumae.com)

Great Things Come In Small Packages

2011-08-03T18:09:00.007-05:00

For my whole life I’ve always been known as the “little one”. I’m known by my sister's friends as “Mini Beth”, always the itty bitty friend standing on steps so I can look as tall as my best friends, and the babysitter who has to say, “Even though you may be taller than me, I’m still the boss!” Sometimes my small stature does present a challenge, but when it comes to fashion, I love to play with my options.

Fashion experts often say that a sophisticated outfit can be a mix of both expensive designer pieces and your bargain accessories or tees; however, over the past couple years I have come to find a new secret: mix the sections you shop in. Whether you wander into the men’s, junior’s, or even kid’s section, you are guaranteed to find a piece that will reinvent your everyday look. I am 19 years old and I admit that over 50% of my everyday skirts and dresses have come from the kid’s section of several stores. While I may have the same skirt my 6-year-old cousin has, accessorizing and pairing it with the right top and shoes will take my look from 6-year-old cutie to 19-year-old glam.

The men’s section, or for me the little boy’s section, is also a great place to create a fabulous look. Some of my favorite things include oversized button downs worn as tunics with a belt and chunky jewels, shrunken tuxedo vests or oversized cardigans paired with either skinny jeans or even a floral mini, and if you’re really bold wearing a tie with a simple white t-shirt, fitted blazer, and animal print flats to make your look pop.

Left: J.Crew striped tee, flower belt, and earrings paired with a Crewcuts tutu skirt (gladiator sandals not pictured)

Center: Crewcuts shirtdress with J.Crew multi-stranded pearl and gold chain necklace, and Michael Kors heels

Right: J.Crew fitted blazer and skinny corduroy pants paired with a Crewcuts for boys oxford, leopard wedges, and opera length pearls

So maybe my friends laugh when I say I shop in the children’s department, but remember that great things come in small packages (and at a bargain price)!

XOXO

Mary Kate

Photos Courtesy of Joseph Ahern

Coco Chanel

2011-08-02T00:19:00.003-05:00

This past week I attended the book signing and release party for C. Chic’s Karma Is My Bitch. As she made a toast to those who came to support her new work, she said something that really caught my attention. After she thanked her family, friends, and those who helped her with her book, she thanked the men and women of Chicago’s fashion world for being her source of inspiration. As she mentioned this, I thought about those who have inspired me in fashion and immediately thought of Coco Chanel.

During her lifetime, Coco Chanel broke down many barriers for the women of her era. She lived a unique and elegant lifestyle, which focused on the simplicity of fashion and the beauty of the individual. Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” This quote perfectly explains why I dream of working in the fashion industry. Some people may think that shopping and fashion magazines are frivolous, but I believe that fashion is an expression of the world we live in today. If you open Vogue, InStyle, US Weekly, or any other fashion magazine from the past and browse through pictures, you can learn a lot about the people, culture, and time period of the photograph.

Without fashion in our lives, life would be bland and colorless. It adds zest to the dullest parts of life, inspires people to feel pride about their appearance, and of course gives me a reason to visit the mall on a boring summer afternoon! No matter what is happening in the world, putting on the perfect dress, shoes, and jewelry can make any girl feel like the princess they have always dreamed of being.

Just as C. Chic did, I also would like to thank the fashion world for their inspiration because even though we may not remember whether we wore our leopard print flats or 5-inch red stilettos in our youth, we can use fashion to inspire the next generation to lead lives full of class, sophistication, and poise just as Coco Chanel did many years ago.

Photo: With C. Chic, author of Karma Is My Bitch at Viktoria's Closet in Chicago. I wore a Crewcuts dress, Anthropology belt, Marc by Marc Jacobs purse, and a Love, Lulu Mae flower clip.

Xoxo

Mary Kate

Quote Courtesy of: http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3004479.Coco_Chanel

Photo Courtesy of: Prince Agyemang

Slithering into fashion

2011-07-26T20:37:00.002-05:00

Karen Millen dress

Every season a new animal print becomes the trend, with leopard being a constant over the last few seasons. Recently prints have been getting a little sleeker, and the trend seen slithering into late summer and fall is none other than snake.

Seen on everything from dresses to handbags, shoes and even accessories, snake prints can come in every color of the rainbow, do well on most fabrics, and can be worn on almost any body type because the small print is forgiving.

If you're not ready to jump into the neon and jewel tones that are big right now, try a classic black and white, or tan shades on a dress or top.

Shoes also provide a great way to wear the print, without being as self conscious. Available on everything from boots to heels, from and accent panel, to a full out snakeskin heel, it's really a more neutral print than it initially appears.

Louboutin gets it.

Use snake print shoes as a statement piece with a plain outfit, or add just a peep of a slithery heel from under pants and a sweater or top. Coordinate the colors of the clothes with the pattern of the shoe, and it goes with almost anything. Just remember not to mix and match your snakes. Different print tops and shoes don't necessarily play well together.

So grab a bag or a pair of shoes and commit to this year's totem animal. Love them or hate them, snakes are where it's at now, and drawing inspiration from their sleek scales and beautiful colors can easily update any wardrobe.

Cat Montgomery