How to Style :: Print Mixology 101

Hi all! Welcome to the best (and, dare I say, most fashionable) class you'll ever take - Print Mixology 101! If you recall last week I put together an outfit that had a crazy mash up of prints. I gave you a couple of tips for creating your own print mash up, but I figured why not also show you a few examples for mixing and matching your prints. So if you're ready, let's get started!

J.Crew Nautical Stripe Boatneck Tee / American Retro Penny Dot Shorts / Leopard Animal Clutch Bag / ASOS Suede Pointed Espadrille Wedge / ASOS Nude Round Sunglasses / Pret-a-Beaute Raxevsky Bangle Set

If you didn't know, stripes and polka dots are the best of friends! There was never a stripe that a polka dot didn't like ;] They're one of the easiest and fun print pairings you can make. Add a little leopard into the mix and you've got yourself a party, as leopard gets along with everyone, seriously. :]

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"Winter is Coming"...So Here Are 5 Parkas to Help Battle the Cold.

Yesterday's early morning frost on the windows was only a small sign of what's coming...winter. Typically, I tolerate, even enjoy the colder temperatures during the holiday season, drinking my fill in eggnog while snow falls is simply more idyllic than if it were 70 and sunny. However, once New Year's comes and goes I'm ready for winter and it's snow to do the same.

Predictions say this year is going to be a rough one, we just got by too easy last year. But don't let the chill get you down! You can keep toasty in the 'it' coat of this blustery season - the winter parka.

I know, I know. You're thinking 'A parka?! But they're so unflattering and misshapen. I don't want to look like I'm wearing a sack or worse, a marshmallow!' Keep calm. Parkas and puffer coats have received a much needed update this season. And just to prove my point, I've gathered five of my favorites to show you that keeping warm and looking fresh really can go hand in hand.

(Marc by Marc Jacobs Laced Rain Boot / Madewell Counting Sheep Sweater / TopShop Nude ZigZag Beanie / Colette Flouzen Cashmere Gloves)

This brilliant colbalt J.Crew puffer coat is a sure way to make a statement on the chilliest days. With an added belt to cinch the waist for a more figure-flattering appeal you can stay warm while looking très très chic.

(Sperry Top-Sider Shearwater Boot / Levi's Fair Isle Mittens / ASOS Canvas Backpack)

You're army anorak just got a killer upgrade in Madewell's Fairbanks parka. With a quilted lining, an essential for a Chicago winter, cold days have met thier (stylish) match.

(See by Chloe Turtleneck Sweater / H&M Ankle Boots / ASOS Leather Bow Gloves)

There are two reasons to love this SAM parka exclusively from Intermix. 1. The wind resistant, water repellant, easy to care for, winter white exterior; and 2. the heavenly soft removable (but why would you want to?) fur liner. Looking like a snow bunny never felt so good.

(Mango Leather Pointy Ankle Boots / Mango Patent Tote / Mulberry Quilted Leather Gloves / ASOS Faux Fur Ear Muffs)

While dreaming of summer in the midst of a chilly day feel the heat of your dream in this Blutsgeschuwister puffer coat via ModCloth. With a charming red, wool-blend belt and trim, you'll look as sweet as berry wine against a picturesque white background.

(Mango Oversized Jumper / Steve Madden Troopa Boot / Nasty Gal Studded Bucket Bag / Juicy Couture Faux Fox Fur Hat)

I've been all about leather detailing this season, and I find the faux leather side panels on this Miss Selfridge parka is both edgy and on trend. You'll look urban and hip in anything topped with this beaut.

Stay warm out there and thanks for reading!

11 Killer All-Weather Boots to Help You Survive a Chicago Winter

Despite the unseasonably warm weather in Chicago these past couple of days, temperatures have dropped, winds have picked up, and I swear it rained everyday this past week before our mini heatwave hit.

We'll be taking a dip back to fall temperatures come this weekend and before we know it snow will be pilling high creating a wet and slushy winter wonderland. So prepare yourself with an all-weather essential that should belong in every Chicagoan's shoe closet. From your classic rain boot to wedges and lace-ups, you can stay warm and dry while still looking uber-chic with some of these kicks. 

Shop It!(from top left): Mukluks, $49.95 / Sorel, $225 / Kate Spade, $150 / Dirty Laundry, $59 / Sperry Top-Sider, $112 / Sperry Top-Sider, $74.99 (on sale!) / Anthropologie, $168 / Rachel Comey, $196 / Tory Burch, $385 / Sporto, $80 / JuJu, $24.99

And just to prove a point, here are some stylish outfit options to help inspire your all-weather ensemble!

(Shop It!: 1. Denim Jacket / Plaid Top / Skinny Jeans / FurVest / 2. Chambray Top / Bulldog Sweater / Leather Skirt 3. Striped Tee / Moto Shearling Jacket / Cargo Pants / Backpack)

Thanks for reading!

Rock This!: Leather Detailing

Hello there! I feel I haven't done a 'Rock This!' post in ages! So here we are back with a trend I'm currently obsessing over - leather detailing. From collars to sleeves to side panels on shirts, pants, and dresses this is a style that can easily be incorporated into any wardrobe for a cool, chic, and slightly edgy appeal. As usual I put together a few outfits for some inspiration on how you can style your leather detailing, enjoy!

A nice update to your basic army green jacket the leather sleeves crank this more casual look up another level. Add a chunky circle scarf and a pair of printed booties and you have the perfect outfit for a low-key Fall weekend.

A classic wool shift dress with leather trimmings is not only work appropriate but can also take you through to happy hour ;) Add some equestrian elements including stacked riding boots and gold accessories to keep it polished and a bright red tote just for fun.

A lazy Sunday doesn't have to mean yoga pants and a hoodie, leather paneled pants can be just as comfy, yet totally chic. Pair them with a chunky knit and denim jacket and you're fashionably prepared for a recovery brunch. Bloody Mary's all around!

Thanks for reading!

::Shop the Looks::
Leather Sleeves: TopShop Army Jacket / Splendid Tee / River Island Boyfriend Jeans / LOFT Leopard Print Booties / Vero Moda Circle Scarf / Clare Vivier Oversized Clutch / Oliver Peoples Sunnies

Leather Pockets: Raoul Ellipse Dress / Dune Riding Boot / Scoop NYC tights / Simone Winged Pocket Tote / River Island Horse Stud

Leather Panels: 10 Crosby Derek Lam Leather Panel Pants / Mango Denim Jacket / Charlotte Russe loafers / TopShop Crossbody / TopShop Beanie

Labor Day Whites!

Labor Day weekend is fast approaching, which means summer is steadily coming to an end. We've all heard the age-old style rule of not wearing white after Labor Day, but who really follows the rules anymore, especially when it comes to fashion :)

Whether you're spending your weekend at the beach, a bbq, or shopping for some sweet deals, here are 3 outfits showcasing summer whites that you can wear now, as well as how you can take your whites into the Fall. Enjoy!

Shop the Dress: Won Hundred Much Shirt Dress

Shop The Denim: Current Elliott White Stiletto Jean

Shop The Blazer: Coast Amy Jacket

'Till Next Time...

Rock This!: Fashionably Prepared for Finals.

It's that time of the year, Finals week is here. It's an exciting yet stressful time of year for me, exciting because it means school is almost out for the summer, but stressful because I am the biggest procrastinator ever as well as a huge perfectionist (which is a really weird combination) and I always end up scrambling near the end of the week to get everything put together and turned in.

I tend to look pretty rough throughout this week, as the concern for my appearance continues to decrease as  due dates draw closer and closer, haha! Comfort is key when it comes to fashion during finals (sometimes, for me, its borderline street bum, haha), and with that I thought I'd share a few of my essentials for finals to show those of you who may be going through finals as well how to be fashionably prepared ;)

1. Geek Chic glasses are a must as contacts tend to dry out when staring at a computer screen for hours and hours and hours....

2. Layers are key! Especially if you're hanging out late night in the library or a coffee shop. Plus a chunky scarf can double as a pillow for quick power naps ;)

3. Tunes to keep you motivated.

4. Caffeine to keep you focused.

5. Backpacks are tres chic for finals week, plus it will literally hold everything and anything you may need.

6. Save the killer heels for the week after when you're celebrating surviving another year :)

And there you have it! With that said, I will probably be m.i.a. the rest of this week (I know, I know, so sad), I need to put all my energy and focus towards these huge final projects. But have no fear, I will be back in action come Monday and all yours for the next 3 months ;)

I hope everyone has a great week and weekend! Pray I don't stress myself out too much, haha :)

'Till Monday...