What To Wear :: Presidential Inaugural Ball 2013

Who doesn't like an opportunity to get fancy? The days of proms and sorority formals are long (but not that long...) behind me and I really don't live the sort of lifestyle that involves a plethora of invitations to galas & black tie dinners. My only hope for a fancy affair would be peer pressuring friends into getting married, but since that would be unfair to them I'll simply make do by pretending and thinking up fabulous things to (hopefully) someday wear.

The Presidential Inaugural Ball is coming up this Monday, January 21st, and while everyone is all a-buzz wondering what, or should I say who, Michelle Obama will wear with her new bangs, I started wondering what would I wear if I were attending such a special occasion. So in true Kinks are the New Pink form, I've created a few looks I think would be perfect for a night at the Inaugural Ball or any occasion that requires sparkly jewels ;) Enjoy!

Lara Bohnic Gagarin Rosegold Bracelet / Laura Mercier Lip Colour in Tamara Red / Robert Rodriguez Avril Dress / Suzanna Dai Plum Prague Drop Earrings / Alexander McQueen Skull Box Clutch / Kors Michael Kors Aberly Pumps

I know a short dress at a ball seems a bit taboo, but I feel if you choose a dress with a more luxurious fabric and design it works just as well as a floor length number. Just remember to pile on some statement making jewels to make the look more formal for the evening.

Alexander McQueen Python Box Clutch / Max&Chloe Gala Rubelite Teardrop Earring / Badgley Mishcka Turn Back Time Gown / Giuseppe Zanotti Sandals

I love a formal dress in an unexpected color, you don't see enough purple at formal events. The best part of this dress, however, is the back, hair swept to the side or in a simple up do is a must to show off this beauty.

Guess Neodany Silver Shoes / Feathered Soul Diamond Thin Cuff / YSL Lipstick in Orange Shiver / Reem Acra Florence Gown / ModCloth Statement of the Art Necklace / Fendi Giano Rigid Clutch

This is probably my favorite look, we all know I love a pop of color (and sparkles) which this look has plenty to offer. A nude colored gown is classic and can be styled in so many ways, if you're not one for brights but still want to add some color try rich jewel tones in purples, greens, and blues or for a softer look pair with light greys and creamy whites.

Now don't you want to put on your fancy heels and hit the town? If you're a fan of any of these dresses and have a special event coming up you can find them and more on Rent The Runway. Thanks for reading! Happy Friday!

3 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues in Chicago

Hi there! For many people, myself included, January is a time when we really start feeling the winter blues. The holiday season has come and gone, and there really isn't much to look forward to for the last few months of winter. 

But just because the days are shorter and the nights colder doesn't mean you have to spend all your time at home. There are plenty of things to do in Chicago during January, ChicagoTraveler.com has an ever expanding list to suit anyone's tastes and today I'm bringing you my top 3 favorite activities for beating the winter blues and, of course, how to be stylishly prepared for the occasion.

Urban Outfitters Ear Muffs / SheInside Red Military Coat / American Apparel Circle Scarf / Old Navy Softest Printed Crew Sweater / ASOS Pieces Huon Stripe Mittens / River Island Lace Up Boots

It's cold and there's snow on the ground, but instead of hiding from it, why not embrace it? Ice skating in the city stays strong through March and the rink at Millennium Park is one of Chicago's top attractions during the winter. Now that the holidays are done it's sure to be less crowded, so grab a hot date or some gal pals and show off your best 'Blades of Glory' inspired moves.

Alice + Olivia Sequin Silk Top / Stars by Jonas Hallberg Feather Skirt / Sephora Hourglass Femme Rouge in Muse / Ruche Over the Moon Heels / American Apparel Stacking Bow Ring / Izabel London Pearl Cluster Coat

Just because the holidays are over dosen't mean you have to pack away all your glitzy sequin pieces. Chicago is known for their top notch theater district and there are some fantastic shows in town, including my must see -- The Book of Mormon. So go a little over the top and be, dare I say, "theatrical" with your look, what better place to do so than on the streets of Broadway?

Warehouse Leather Blazer / Zoe Karssen Stripe Tee / TopShop Fairisle Snood / La Mer Egyptian Chain Wrap Watch / TopShop MOTO Black High Waist Jeans / TopShop Boxy Leather Messenger Bag / Rag & Bone Classic Newbury Suede Ankle Boot

Yet another popular attraction of Chicago is it's plethora of museums. From The Art Institute, to The Field Museum, to The Shedd Aquarium there is a museum for every interest. I'm personally a big fan of the Museum of Science & Industry, as I'm a big nerd at heart and I love how most of the exhibits are interactive. Be sure to head over and check out their Charlie Brown and The Great Exhibit before it leaves town in February, I hear it's a can't miss!

What activities do you do to beat the winter blues in your hometown? 

Thanks for reading!

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!

What to Wear :: A Very *Velvet* Holiday

Hi there! So, unfortunately I've been feeling a bit under the weather this past week and could not muster up the strength to take outfit pictures (plus if I wasn't going to work, I pretty much lived in sweatpants and a t-shirt all week). I'm going to try and beat this thing over the weekend as next week is going to be jam packed with school finals, holiday outings, and a special friend who I haven't seen in years will be coming to visit soon! So there will be lots of tea, soup, and NyQuil filling up my weekend in order to be in tip-top shape come Monday.

But while I force uncomfortable amounts of snuggle time on my cats and con DCT into catering towards my every need, I thought I'd get some style advice from you, lovely readers. Next weekend is my company's holiday party and this year we have a theme - Velvet. I have a couple velvet pieces, but I almost never wear them, so I've been playing around in my closet trying to come up with a few outfit ideas and I've narrowed it down to three possible selections. I would love your input on which you think I should go with!

I like the play on textures with the leather peplum top and velvet pants. And with all the black you know I have to add some sort of color, and I think the blue suede shoes would be the perfect pop, plus I can never say no to a statement shoe. Finally I like how the silver accessories complete the look.

I think I'm leaning towards this look the most as I have the majority of the pieces in my closet already. Velvet shorts are a little unexpected and I find the darker, ox blood blazer gives a more refined look to a holiday outfit than a bright Christmas red.

This look is what I like to call 'go Glam or go Home', haha! This may be a little too fancy pants for my company's party, but I think it'd be fun to rock it anyways. The crimson red velvet dress is very va-va-voom and I'll gladly use any excuse to carry a sparkly gold clutch. It's very modern day/real life Jessica Rabbit, no? Haha!

So there we have it! Any and all thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading and Happy Friday!

21 Party Shoes To Get You In The Holiday Spirit

Well, it's here. The holiday season has landed. Downtown Chicago is ablaze with Christmas lights, holiday jingles are in the air, and I've officially dusted off my holiday movie collection.....ok that's a lie, I totally watch holiday movies in the middle of July. Love Actually, anyone? Best. Movie. Ever.

Besides having an excuse to watch Love Actually more times than necessary (and rewinding certain scenes to watch over again cause they're just that good...yeah, I know I have a problem). The holidays also mean it's time for get-togethers with family and friends, as well as those ultimate work parties that never fail to entertain. So while you may have an arsenal of amazing party dresses for the season, don't forget to show you feet a little love too (a "foot party", perhaps? No? I'm trying too hard, I know).

From velvety reds, shimmering metallics, and elegant blacks, I've rounded up 21 holiday heels that will see you through your every holiday fete :)

Holiday Hues: Anthropologie Cut Out Wedges / Anthropologie Teniso Mary Janes / ThreadSence Uptown Girl Bootie / ModCloth Exquiste Entrance Heel / Zara Vamp Shoe / Zara Wedge Court Shoe

Sequins, Glitter, Silver, & Gold: Zara Shiny Sandals / Madewell Glitter Frankie Pump / Zara Mirrored Court Shoes / ASOS Prissy Metallic Pointed Wedges / Ruche Midnight Mystery Heels / ALDO Soshnik Pointed Courts / F21 Metallic Mesh Pumps / Anne Michelle Enzo Heels 

Pretty Bows, Classic Blacks: TopShop Guilty2 Mary-Jane Crystal Heels / TopShop Genie Glitter Bow Pump / Zara Studded Ankle Strap Sandal / Miss Selfridge Barcelona Cuff Boot / F21 Metal Heel Pump / Miss Selfridge Star Embellished Bow Heel / TopShop Solo Bow Back Platform

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for reading!

"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!