Who's that Lounging in my Chair?

"Mama this surely is a dream. Yeah, mama this must be my dream." 

I have an apartment with the love of my life, a walk in closet, my own bathroom, a leopard chair, and a pillow top mattress. This most certainly is my dream.

Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's pants (similar) and blouse, Zara blazer (similar here and here), Sam Edelman pumps (similar), vintage brooches, Francesca's earrings, Essie Sure Shot polish

Spring Break

Outfit #1 | XOXO jumpsuit, Nine West heels (similar), Kohl's necklace (similar), Stella & Dot earrings, bracelet, and ring
Outfit #2 | Allen B. dress, Worthington blazer (similar), Francesca's earrings (similar), Charming Charlie purse
Outfit #3 | Equipment blouse (similar here and here), Simply Vera skirt, Francesca's necklace (similar), Baccio 6 sandals (similar here and here)

Sweater Coat

After seeing a few aztec, plaid, and other patterned coats around this season, I was on the hunt for one. That is, until I realized that wearing layers underneath my own aztec sweater would fit the bill! I started with a my tank maxi dress under a crewneck sweater and cinched the waist with a belt (otherwise the blanket sweater is pretty shapeless, but oh so cozy). After topping it off with a fur stole, I achieved the look I was going for...and stayed warm.

Old Navy sweater (similar), XXI sweater (similar), Gap maxi dress (similar), Clarks boots, NY & Co faux fur scarf (similar), Fossil belt, B. Makowsky purse (similar), Target earrings (similar here and here), Tory Burch sunnies, Revlon Red Lacquer lipstick

What to Wear this Weekend

Leggings? Baggy sweatshirt? Stocking cap? These are all elements for a lazy weekend spent indoors. 

Sequins? Red lipstick? Sparkly brooch? Black rim glasses? Over the knee boots? These are all elements that will elevate those elements off the couch and out for some daytime fun this Saturday.

I, on the other hand, will be wearing this dress and celebrating my entry into the 30s club!

J.Crew coat and sweatshirt (similar), Target leggings, Nine West boots (similar), Halogen purse, vintage scarf (similar), DIY brooch, American Apparel hat, Givenchy lipstick

Lincoln Square, Chicago

Last weekend, the man and I spent some time in our soon to be neighborhood of Lincoln Square - we are moving in together on April 1st! We had a Christmas present for a knife skills class at The Chopping Block (highly recommend, by the way); however, even after our class, we stayed there for lunch and then went back the next day for dinner and a movie. I guess that's a good sign that we are going to be moving to the right area since we couldn't stay away. Plus, I can't wait to become a regular at an apothecary that's been open for 138 years!

Longchamp Expandable Travel Bag, American Apparel Chicago sweatshirt & collared blouse, Gap legging jeans, Steve Madden high tops, NY & Co fur stole (similar), Tory Burch sunglasses, Nars Heat Wave lipstick

300

I have worn these waxed, coated, leather-like jeans many times, like double digits, yet they've never been photographed...even though they're so photogenic! Seems only fitting that on a countable post (my 300th), I wear such an "every day" outfit - blazer, roomy tee, skinnies, and flats. No pattern mixing, no backwards cardigans, just a few items that we can all feel comfortable wearing. 

Rock & Republic Berlin Coated Skinny Jeans, Zara tee & blazer, Stella & Dot Lillith necklace, Jessica Simpson Amity Flat, Givenchy lipstick in Illicit Raspberry

Favorite Gifts I Gave (For the Gals)

From top left clockwise to bottom left:

1. Stella & Dot Lapis Drop Earrings

2. Steve Madden Neenaa Boots

3. Fownes Brothers Tech Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves

4. J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt

5. Elle Lurex Tweed Jacket

6. Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick

Mixed Emotions

I don't know about you, but I have mixed emotions coming into a new season. I'm incredibly excited about the weather, yet completely anxious about what to wear. With questions such as: What will still be in style from last year? What will transition from summer to fall? When is it time to break out a thick sweater, leather, or a fur accent? It can leave a girl stumped in front of her closet. That's where I have been this past week...scratching my head whilst staring at my clothes, trying on eight different outfits, and then tossing them on the floor when they felt stale. I haven't determined yet how to get out of this rut, except to buy, buy, buy and consign, consign, consign. Since that option sounds expensive, I've taken a step back, repeated some outfits (the horror!) and will gain some new inspiration from Pinterest, fellow fashion bloggers, and you...my readers! What items have you found that are key pieces for this time of year? What's your favorite outfit you've put together recently?

Ark & Co trousers, Tahari lace blouse, Merona belt, Stella & Dot brooch, MRKT shoes, NY & Co jacket, Skaagen watch, Francesca's earrings

Ms. Alba

I have many a style crush. At the top of the list are Gwen, Blake, and Jenna, but I have to say that Ms. Jessica Alba's style during 2012 has been killer, especially in the denim department. She works every color of the rainbow, large floral prints, black skinnies, faded boyfriend fits, and a perfect 70's flare (which I unknowingly recreated here). I am excited to see how she works the waxed, leather, and animal print varieties for fall. Speaking of which, I'm on the hunt for an oxblood pair of waxed skinnies to take part in the Bloggers Do It Better challenge - where should I look?

H&M blazer, J.Crew jeans, Francesca's blouse and cuff, Maritime monogram necklace, Stella & Dot hoops, Steve Madden platforms, Revlon Fire & Ice lipstick

A Little Red Lipstick Goes a Long Way

I was heading uptown on Madison Avenue when I noticed this gorgeous woman walk by. I saw a flash of red lipstick, and knew I had to turn around and ask if I could take her photo. The Advanced Style ladies always tell me that a bright shade of  red lipstick is the best accessory. I think this woman is proof of that theory, don't you?

Christina in Jeremy Scott For Linda Farrow Sunglasses

Christina is one of the most stylish and creative dressers I know. She told that the older she gets, the less she cares what other people think.This is a great lesson for all of us to learn. If you like her shades you can find them HERE.

Red Lipstick on Madison Ave

This gorgeous woman looks perfectly elegant in her trench coat, paired with a set of pearls, and a touch of red lipstick. Her wonderful smile puts the finishing touch on this chic look.