Category:

Chicago

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I’m a huge fan of occasion dressing but it can be a little intimidating. But now, whether it is a client dinner, drinks with the girls or Friday night date night, I have the dress for you. Er, jumpsuit. Let’s be honest, I’m usually not ahead on anything holiday, but the team at Eliza J keeps hitting it out of the park. I’m obsessed with this romantic skirt, and I’m a jeans girl! Go figure. I find Eliza J dresses to have just enough embellishment to stand out, a great classic fit (though it runs a tad large), and stunning colors. Don’t forget a simple nude or pointy-toed heel, both with a much more manageable lower heel, and you’re set! See my 4 picks below and share which is your favorite.

Skirt ELIZA J (size 4)/ Olive mock neck ZARA SIMILAR AND THIS / Heel FREE PEOPLE /

Faux Fur infinity scarf SIMILAR

Jumpsuit ELIZA J (size 4) / Heel SAM EDELMAN / Lip STILA “beso”

Many thanks to TWENTY TWO FORTY FOUR for sharing their awesome space

Shot on location at @TWENTYTWOFORTYFOUR Studio, Chicago, IL

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Since I’m usually responsible for holding my children’s hair ties, bandaids, and trash, a dress with pockets is every bit essential. And all of the above can be found in my pockets! This mini dress from Free People checks all the boxes for a fresh and new Fall dress: pockets, mock neck, cobalt, and just the right length for the accompanying tall boots. Shop the look below:

Boots SKINNYCALF (use Shalice20 for 20% off) / Dress FREE PEOPLE / Hat NORDSTROM

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Patchwork Vest TOPSHOP / Top EQUIPMENT / Jean AE SIMILAR VIGOSS

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Some of you know, the best look is usually in the best fit. Well, Skinnycalf proves it. If you have narrow calves, which I do, and you’re not a fan of gaping or gaps when you rock tall boots, Skinnycalf is for you. It has a unique narrow hug-your-calf-fit to tailor your easy shift dress and tall boot get up. Finally. If you’d like to try them out yourself, Karen Feldman, girl boss and founder of Skinnycalf is offering 20% off your purchase, using the code “Shalice20” Ps. And yes, I’m obsessed with layering denim on denim!

“Leo” in black, size 9, from SKINNYCALF BOOTS (20%off with code Shalice20)  / Hand Bracelet KENDRA SCOTT / Jeans and Coat AEO SIMILAR JEAN / Top NORDSTROM (similar)

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Those of you who have followed me for a while know I love a pop of red. And a red Chanel is certainly the icing on the cake, non? If you want your own pop of red, or maybe any Chanel you can get your grubby hands on … then you need to check out Luxury Garage Sale. Luxury Garage Sale here in Chicago not only houses some amazing Chanel pieces but a lovely assortment of vintage and curated gently-used luxury items. Yes, used Chanel up for grabs actually exists! Check them out for that unique, one-of-a-kind, don’t-have-to-worry-about-twinning piece you need for that upcoming dinner party. You won’t be disappointed. Read more of their story here.

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”

Coco Chanel

Red Leather Crossbody CHANEL via LUXURY GARAGE SALE / Hand Bracelet KENDRA SCOTT / Jeans AEO / Top NORDSTROM (similar) / Heel FREE PEOPLE

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The one and done fall must have is really just a simple jumpsuit. Here I’m loving it in black and a tomato red. Since most are nervous about it looking like a straight jacket, I paired it with a heel and a belt for shape. Because simple always wins.

red jumpsuit TOPSHOP / leather jacket ZARA SIMILAR / heel FARYLROBIN / Belt SIMILAR

/ necklace KENDRA SCOTT

black jumpsuit MISSGUIDED / sweater coat ANTHROPOLOGIE / belt VINTAGE / heels SIMILAR

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Mollie Moran

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While I wouldn’t advise settling up a tipi on a windy day, it’s a great way to get my crew excited. The kiddos are not normally fans of pictures, and standing still or smiling on cue is not their cup of tea. However, when we asked them after church if they wanted to go on an adventure in the woods with binoculars and a tipi, they were all in. And it didn’t even involve snacks. This tipi from Knight Raven was custom made for us, light grey and tie dye, with some crochet detailing. Learn more about customizing your tipi here. It is gorgeous, so the fact that it’s not too big for the living room is actually relevant. It even manages to fit all four kids and a small family of pets, but only if the pets aren’t expected to breathe. If only all photo shoots involved a tipi and less wind, we could forgo the snacks (and tears) more often. Read more about Knight Raven HERE.

blouse ZARA (ANOTHER I LOVESIMILAR / leather shorts SIMILAR / mini fringe boots MINNETONKA / my fringe boots FARYLROBIN / Tee Pee KNIGHT RAVEN


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The coziest sweater vest!

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Beautiful brunch at C Chicago

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Our date had a bit of a rough start. First, I failed to feed the street meter and I got slapped with a parking ticket. Then the hubs sliced into a parked Hyundai, and by the time that was all said and done, we were late. Not the best way to kick-off the much anticipated date. Thankfully, a melon and lemon verbena shot was right around the corner, and there is very little that can’t remedy, right? Soon we parked ourselves at C Chicago, and settled in for a luxurious brunch. I think they saw the writing on the wall because I got that shooter right off the bat. The bright and sunny restaurant, and the delectable four courses, healed all wounds. Parking ticket? What parking ticket? We felt spoiled, which is pretty much how every date should be. While we kicked ourselves for not bringing the kids, they would’ve been all over the lemon ricotta pancakes, it was nice to hear ourselves talk, walk in my comfy Rockports, and eat at a normal pace. And yes, we licked the key lime pie plate clean and didn’t even have to share. It was definitely a day date to remember. We’ll be back for the egg white omelette AND the lemon verbena shooter.

sweater vest ANTHROPOLOGIE / dress SIMILAR / booties ROCKPORT  /

Photography credit Mollie Moran

TOP 5 Date spots in CHICAGO

  1. C CHICAGO Brunch for sea foodies and foodies alike. Get there at 11am for their yummy egg white omelette, lobster scramble and key lime pie in the shape of an apple.
  2. ANTIQUE TACO – Everything on the menu. I’m craving the pork taco as I type.
  3. The GAGE The regular burger, chips (fries) and amazing ambience on Michigan Ave.
  4. REVOLUTION BREWERY A neighborhood brewery. Cozy ambience with awesome burgers.
  5. CINDYS ROOFTOP AMAZING Michigan Avenue views and yes, the food is yum.

Where will your Rockports take you?

Share it on Instagram using the hashtag: #MYDAILYADVENTURE

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My outfits usually reflect my mood. When I’m feeling low key and still need to look pulled together, I pull out my trusty turtleneck and tall boots that pop. I love this combo with shift dresses, suede skirts and here with jeans. I plan on buying them in bulk for my girls to layer under their school uniforms. Here’s hoping they’ll take their mama’s advice.

Jeans PAIGE / Boots FARYLROBIN / Trench ZARA SIMILAR / Turtleneck JCREW SIMILAR

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Mollie Moran

 

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The silver lining to dipping temps? Why faux fur of course. I can’t get enough of them worn over jeans or dresses. Here’s my top four that I’ll be reaching for come forty-nine degrees, that is, besides a venti hot chocolate with extra whip. What are some of your faves?

 

1. Blush faux fur that’s sporty and sweet? yes please. (ANTHROPOLOGIE)

2. Nothing beats a faux fur collar, well, maybe an Aquazzura sample sale. Just sayin. (F21)

3. The bigger the coat, the skinnier your legs look. Not a fact, but worth a try. (ASOS)

4. The kind of faux fur that fakes you out, glams you up, and never leaves you disappointed. (ELIZA J)

 

 

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jeans MADEWELL / fur ELIZA J / booties M.GEMI / Hat SIMILAR

 

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At first, I wasn’t sure if I loved or hated mustard pants. I loved the color paired with classic suede but I’ll admit, as a stylist, it’s not an easy color to pull off. But something held my eye once I saw them, so I took them home to experiment. I discovered I liked them best with similar tones, like browns, but loved it layered with a feminine blouse, masculine plaid and versatile booties. It just felt so fall!  Give it a try! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Plaid is another great fall favorite, dressed up or down, and I can’t wait to layer it with a moto jacket. At the moment I’m off to catch a plane to JFK for the Kendra Scott dinner in NYC. Looking forward to this quick trip, and thankful for the short 48 hour getaway to meet new faces. Naturally, I packed some plaid and mustard along with leather. Happy fall!

 

Booties M.GEMI / Fringe Jacket FOREVER 21 / Mustard pant ZARA (SIMILAR TOPSHOP) (ASOS) / Blouse ZARA SIMILAR ANTHROPOLOGIE / PLAID SIMILAR ACE

Photography credit: Mollie Moran

Shot on Location at Logan Square, Chicago, IL