Jetset Style: A European Holiday

Hi there! So as I mentioned last week, I'm off to Europe again for Christmas! I was feeling a little homesick this holiday season and was *luckily* able to secure another trip back home. It's definitely not going to be as crazy as DCT's and my trip in September as I'm barely staying a full week, but it'll be nice to just hang at home with the family vegging out on the couch and maybe doing a little retail therapy at various Christmas markets.

Europe in general has become a second home to me and has influenced my life in more ways than one. From their food, culture, and style I try and bring various aspects back with me to Chicago. Today I wanted to share some style inspirations I've had for the holidays, so whether you're staying in the city, heading home, or jetsetting on a fabulous end-of-the-year getaway take some style influences from popular destinations in Europe, no passport required :)

Longchamp 'Le Pilage' Large Tote / Gray Laple Pocket Wool Coat / Paris Love Ring / Mel by Melissa Oatmeal Bow Flat / Lodis 'Audrey' Passport Case / Animal Cloche / Diana Mini in Latitude Camera / TopShop MOTO Skinny Leigh Jean / Charlotte Russe Glitter Back Ankle Bootie / Collette Beat Stripe Sweater / Forever21 Faux Fox Fur Scarf

To me, Parisian style is about keeping things simple and chic. Build an outfit with a neutral color palette and classic cuts, then add cool pops of color and other stylistic details such as leopard print and sparkles.

Grey Hoodie Woolen Poncho Coat / Brixton Grace Infinity Scarf / Bakers Anarchy Wedge Sneaker / N2 by Les Nereides Bicycle Necklace / Dot Knee-High Socks / Modern Black Sunglasses / Levi's Fair Isle Mittens / Zara Ankle Boot With Double Zipper / Want Les Essentiels De La Vie 'Ohare' Canvas Shopper / Tribal Pattern Intarsia Knit Cape / Lot78 Skinny Jeans

In Amsterdam you want to stay comfy, casual, and cool. Cozy knits with fair isle prints styled with a pair of sharp booties will have you ready for strolls through the canals and un cappuccino at the corner cafe.

Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flat / Dorothy Perkins Kardashian Leopard Clutch / TopShop Black Waffle Full Midi Skirt / Oasis Faux Leather Sleeve Drape Coat / ModCloth Nine Out Of Tenacious Heel / Stella & Dot Lucia Bracelet / TopShop Embellished Shoulder Skater Dress / Warehouse Chevron Faux Fur Coat / Miss Selfridge Embellished Collar Top

You're in for a glamourous holiday experience in Florence. Furs and anything in the quintessential Valentino red are a must-have. Punch up the 'wow factor' with embellishments and sequins, for in Italy 'la vita e bella'.

Do you have any plans for the last bit of the holidays? 

I hope this was inspiring! Thanks for reading!

Euro-Invasion Day 7: Amsterdam Part II

Hi everyone! So are we getting sick of my vacation pictures yet? No? Good, cause I'm bringing you even more, haha! I was so obsessed with Amsterdam I took a million pictures which is why Amsterdam has been broken down into two parts, that way I don't overload you with thousands of pictures in one post. You see, I always have your best interests in mind ;)

These pictures are from our second and last day in Amsterdam, us again eating and drinking and being merry, lol. We took a tour of the Ann Frank House , which was very interesting and heartbreaking, we climbed the highest tower in Amsterdam and viewed the whole city of the top, and really just enjoyed meandering around as if we were locals :) Enjoy the photogs!

(The canals were literally like looking at a postcard)

(Dutch Breakfast)

(The bell tower we were to climb)

(Names of the men who worked on the tower carved into the wood dating back to 1630)

(Creepy stairs to climb, I almost fell twice, haha!)

(Canal crashing)

(One of the best meals we had)

Thanks for reading!

Euro-Invasion Day 5: Amsterdam Part I

Hi there! I'm back with more photos from our mini-trip to Amsterdam! Absolutely wonderful city, think of all the great things you've ever heard about Amsterdam then times it by 10 and that's exactly how awesome this city is, haha!

Instead of staying in a hotel in the more central tourist location, DCT and I rented a vacation apartment in the neighborhood known as the Jordaan. If you live or have ever been to Chicago, think of if the neighborhoods Wicker Park and Lincoln Park had a baby, it would be exactly like the Jordaan, haha! The apartment was amazing, as it was right on a canal and right above a quaint little pub. We arrived in Amsterdam in the early evening and after resting up from our long drive in (and dealing with a bit of a parking fiasco) we booked a last minute reservation to do a candlelight wine & cheese canal cruise, which ended up being the perfect way to spend our first night in Amsterdam.

Enjoy the photos of our cruise and us exploring eating and drinking our way through the city!

 (view from the apartment windows)

(just your average plant growing on the back patio...only in Amsterdam)

(un bier, kaffe and some serious people watching)

(croquettes, pomme frites, & banana pancakes #noms)

(yay Amsterdam!)

Happy Monday!

Euro-Invasion: Amsterdam

Hi loves! Sorry for the lack of posts this week, DCT and I are still holding it down in Europe and actually just got back from Amsterdam which, by the way, was UH-MAZING :) If you ever get the chance to go to Amsterdam, go! Not just for the more "liberal" lifestyle but the city itself is simply breathtaking. DCT and I spent hours just walking down different canals and alleys (of course some of those times were because we were lost...), and every turn was like walking into a postcard, seriously awesome.

Tomorrow is our last full day in the Deutschland and as always I'm sad to leave it, but also ready to take on Chicago again. Will definitely be updating the blog with lots of travel photos throughout this coming week. Thanks for sticking with me and I hope you have a fantastic day!

'Till Next Time...