Hi Everyone!
I know I have taken a very long blog hiatus, I needed some settling in time here in Chicago. I hit a bit of a rough patch but am back on my feet and absolutely loving it here. I’ve been fortunate enough to make some wonderful and supportive friends, am settled into my new job, and have been enjoying exploring my new city now that our pool is closed. Because it was hard to drag me away from there when it was open!
I will do a post to share my new studio apartment, but in the meantime here is a sneak peek. And Coco was sure to make a cameo! : )
We’ve had a truly beautiful and warm October so far, but I’ve been getting myself prepared for the coming colder months and have found some great deals! In addition to some shopping, I also decided to give Rent the Runway Unlimited a try and am really enjoying it. They have expanded their options as well which is really exciting. You can pay $159/month for 4 items (used to be 3) that you can exchange as much as you’d like, or you can pay $89/month for 4 items that you keep all month and then send back. Pretty cool! Use my link if you want to give it a try, you can cancel anytime.
I’ve been renting a lot of cute tops as they work with my lifestyle well, but also rented this beautiful royal blue dress for a gala I went to a few months ago. So great to not have to buy anything for it!
Now onto the shopping…
Blondo’s are my favorite winter boots, stylish, relatively affordable, and most importantly waterproof! Perfect for wet and/or snowy climates. I know these will be a staple this winter, I picked them up in the gorgeous taupe as well as the black.
Blondo Tiana Waterproof Bootie
In Chicago I try to walk to and from work weather permitting, and I really hate wearing flats. So I’ve been finding heels that work for my 20 minute or so walk each way, but still look cute for day at the office. Found these great low block heels with a pointy toe.
My new life in Chicago requires more casual and going out clothes that it did in New York. In New York it was very unusual to change between work and the evening activity I had planned, it was just too hard to get around. I had a ton of dresses that I would choose from based on what I had planned. In Chicago however, I can generally head home after work with time to change and freshen up before I head out. It is nice! And fortunately I have plenty of closet space here : )
I have 2 new pair of jeans that are pretty much all I wear anymore. I’ve always been an American Eagle jeans fan, but I finally tried their hi-waist jeans and I’m a convert. They are just high enough, keep their shape, and suck you in. So comfy too. I’m a 4 regular in these.
Super Soft Denim X4 Hi-Rise Jegging
Found this super soft and affordable sweater that will be great with leather leggings
I am one of those people who orders a ton of stuff and then returns a lot of it. I’ve done a lot of shopping at Nordstrom and Banana Republic, but I must say, so far Old Navy has really been pulling through for me this season.
I usually hate wearing pants to work because I sit all day long and I find them uncomfortable. But I have lots of cute sweaters and tops that aren’t getting much use these days. Well, not anymore because I found the perfect work pant! I’ve always loved the pixie pant, but would find them uncomfortable after 8 hours and found myself mostly reaching for my black ponte pants from American Eagle. Unfortunately they don’t come in other colors there, so a bit limiting. But Old Navy has made their pixie pant out of ponte fabric in 4 lovely shades, and I’m so excited! Wearing these in the navy as I type this. Seriously so comfortable, a stretchy waistband, and they suck you in! Yay for the sculpt factor. I took a size 4 regular in these. Get them while you can!
Mid-Rise Ponte Knit Pixie Pants
Fell completely in love with these bell sleeve tees – perfect for work and weekend. The material is nice and thick, no need for a cami, and the fit is great. I took a medium and bought in 3 colors!
Easy dresses that I can wear with bare legs as well as tights are on my must have list. And polka dots! How could I resist. I actually bought this dress in all the patterns and solids, but only the navy and the polka dot fit. I found the sizing to be a little inconsistent, heads up. And it is on the shorter side, if you are over 5’5 I would suggest a tall. I might have needed a tall in some of the other colors that didn’t fit, the hips just sat too high. I took a medium in this.
Ponte Knit Ruffle Sleeve shift dress
I know the chilly days are on the way so I stocked up on a few of these sweater tunics, love the length! Took a medium
This ruffle hem sweater is SO cute. I got it in 2 colors. Took a medium but I likely could have done a small. I’m ok with the slouchier fit though. If you aren’t busty or between sizes, would size down.
If you’re looking for a great layering piece check out this open front cardigan. I’m wearing it today in the light grey over a cream blouse with my navy ponte pants. I took a small in this based on reviews and was happy I did.
What are your favorite finds for the fall/winter season? Happy Shopping!
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Was very excited to get home last night to 4 large Nordstrom packages! So now I can give you all better advice on what I actually liked and sizing etc.
First up this adorable tunic off the shoulder sweater – loved it! I actually ordered it in the black and white stripe as well but love this orange color. I’m wearing a medium here. As expected also love the black Articles of Society jeans, a stretchy waistband is a must for me when it comes to pants and these fit the bill. Wearing a size 27, suggest sizing down one from usual, they will stretch a bit.
Next up, these chic Corso Como pumps. I wear black pumps a lot in the fall and winter so these are a keeper. The heel isn’t too high and there is lots of padding for comfort. I took an 8.5 so would say these are true to size.
We all know I’m a sucker for yellow, although this cute sweatercomes in a number of colors. Definitely not as bright as it looks in the online picture though. I love the scallop detailing as well. Keeper! Wearing a medium.
Here is the famous Barefoot Dreams cardigan and it is sooooo soft, definitely a winner. Will be very cozy when the chilly weather sets in and really cute with boots! I’m wearing the xs/s, but hoping to order the medium as well to see which I like best. The sleeves are on the snug side and wouldn’t fit over a long sleeve shirt. You might also like this hooded version!
I was so excited to try this gorgeous wrap coat but unfortunately it just didn’t work for me. The color is beautiful but I just didn’t think it was going to warm enough for Chicago winters, and I found the oversize collar a bit restricting of my shoulders. Wearing a medium here.
I fell in love immediately with this velvet swimsuit / body suit. The off the shoulder detail is so cute and there is plenty of support if you are busty, which can be hard to find in one pieces! Hit the pool in this or wear it with jeans as a bodysuit. I am usually an 8 in swimwear, which is what I’m wearing here, but I ordered this to try in a 6 as well, I feel like that might fit better.
This romper is one of my favorite finds! It will be so cute with tights and booties when the weather cools down too. This is juniors, I’m wearing a large.
I didn’t love either this sweatshirt (although may have just been too small), or the jogger pants, but they were both very comfy and soft. Going back.
Here is another cute find I ordered, Socialite blouse for just $22.90
Happy Shopping!
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Sooooo, Nordstrom was a hot mess yesterday… not exactly the kind of experience I was hoping for but I guess that’s how it goes! A lot of the things the site had said were available in store were either gone or impossible to find. Oh well, I went back and placed another online order. Here is what I was able to try on though with my notes, and I will do another post once my orders arrive.
These Sam Edelman boots are GORGEOUS… if you have small calves. To my friend Alicia, buy these immediately. I wouldn’t say I have large calves, but these are made for people with pretty small ones, not those of us average calf bearers.
I also really loved these Cole Haan wedges but this brand runs a little narrow and the ankle strap was too tight on me. So if you have petite ankles, scoop these up.
I found this Eliza J dress and I had to have it. This color is beautiful and will work with black tights in the cooler months. I’m wearing a 6 so I would say it’s true to size. Also left my heels at work, whoops.
Found this cute Maggy London dress, but they only had it a 10. I would say that I would need an 8 in this, so maybe runs a tad small, it doesn’t have as much stretch as one above.
I was on the hunt for the black Articles of Society jeans but couldn’t find them, instead found their burgundy friends. So cute for fall, these totally came home with me. I would say I’m more of a 28 in pants these days, took a 27 in these. They have a good amount of stretch but suck you in. They do have a bit of a lower rise though, at least an inch below belly button, but I loved. Paired with this gorgeous Halogen cashmere sweater, size medium.
Any great finds I missed??
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It’s finally here, our favorite sale of the year! I swear, I always find my favorite and most used items at the Anniversary Sale. I have a leather jacket that keeps going and going, as well as plenty of favorite sweaters and dresses. Here are my picks off of the website, pre-sale until July 20th then open to all after that. I’m going shopping in store tonight and will have picks to share of my finds tomorrow! Happy Shopping!
Halogen Ankle Wrap Flat (multiple colors) – $59.90
Halogen Print Ankle Wrap Flat – $59.90
Corso Como Colette Pumps – $89.90 (multiple colors)
Tory Burch Adeline Boot – $299.90
Steve Madden Kyle Bootie – $86.90
Sam Edelman Tall Boot – $149.90
Cole Haan Ankle Strap Wedge – $119.90 (multiple colors)
Nordstrom Pebbled Leather Crossbody – $78.90 (multiple colors)
Sole Society Leopard Clutch – $52.90
Love Letters Spinning Initial Necklace
Drusy Lariat Necklace – $29.90
Kendra Scott Pendant Necklace – $35.90
Edwardian Ear Crawlers – $29.90
Bauble Bar Pinata Earrings – $27.90
Tory Burch Double Strap Leather Watch
TB1588566
Natori Custom Coverage Bra – $47.90 (Natori and Chantelle are the only bras I wear)
Chantelle Paris T-shirt Bra – $48.90
Articles of Society Skinny Ankle Jeans – $38.90
Joe’s Flawless Icon Skinny Jeans – $118.90
Hudson Nico Super Skinny Jeans – $119.90 (these are a favorite, great tucked into boots)
Commando Cut Out Bodysuit – $51.90
Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan – $76.90 (Been trying to get my hands on one of these on sale for years)
Zella Keep it Cool Crop Leggings – $31.90
Make and Model Joggers – $29.90
Make and Model Hoodie – $31.90
Hue Velour Jogger Pants – $31.90
Nordstrom Velvet Leggings – $29.90
Halogen Tunic Tee – $19.90
Halogen Cashmere Off the Shoulder Sweater – $99.90
Gibson Tie Front Fleece Pullover – $39.90
Halogen Off the Shoulder Sweater – $49.90
Chelsea28 Tulle Back Sweater – $58.90
Halogen Scallop Sweater – $39.90 (lots of gorgeous colors)
BP Crossback Pullover – $38.90
Gibson Cold Shoulder Sweatshirt – $42.90 (multiple colors)
Eliza J Cold Shoulder Crepe Dress – $91.90
Maggie London Crepe Dress – $71.90
James Perse Tucked Faux Wrap Dress – $149.90
Socialite Cold Shoulder Sweatshirt Dress – $31.90 (multiple colors)
Socialite Faux Wrap Romper – $31.90
Sachi Wool Coat – $179.90 (I have this coat and it is gorgeous and warm)
Via Spiga Faux Fur Vest – $119.90
Tahari Wool Blend Wrap Coat – $158.90 (multiple colors)
BlankNYC Faux Leather Jacket – $64.90
Trina Turk Disco Deco One Piece – $87.90
Trina Turk Velvet One Piece – $91.90
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Hi Everyone! Hope you are all doing well!
Coco and I have settled very nicely into our home in Chicago and are loving it. Post on apartment coming soon. I got a new job as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and President at an asset management firm and have been ramping up there. I’ve also made some wonderful new friends and am just obsessed with this city.
I have two of my best friends from NYC coming in for my 35th birthday (July 2nd) as well as the 4th of July, I can’t wait! Hope you all have some fun plans too.
Obviously with a holiday weekend comes a great sale from Loft, 50% off everything with code SPARKLER. Here are my picks!
Braided Tassel Statement Earrings
Striped Cold Shoulder Top (obsessed, I have this in a small in black)
Botanical Charmeuse Bomber Jacket
Bluebell Flounce Halter Romper
Striped Ruffle Romper (I ended up with this in a size 4, which I was surprised, lately I’ve been a 6 at Loft)
Tasseled Off the Shoulder Romper
Lou and Grey Romper (this looks so comfy!)
Sailor Shorts (I took this in a size 4, they are stretchy and comfy!)
Happy shopping and Happy 4th of July!
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Hello readers! Hopefully I still have a few out there!
Coco and I have some very big news to share… we are moving to Chicago!!
Not for a man, not for a job (although hopefully will have both of those soon haha!), just for us to have a fresh start and what I hope will be a fabulous life in our new city. I’ve been traveling to Chicago often over the past year scoping it out to make sure it was the right fit for me. The job market is strong, cost of living is reasonable, and I love the people! I went out by myself on a Saturday night when visiting last month and had a group of friends by the end of the night. Yes, the winter’s will be cold and long, but it isn’t a cake walk here in NYC either.
I’ve rented a gorgeous studio apartment in River North, I can’t wait to make it my own, and Coco will have a lot more space to spend her days lounging as the princess she knows she is. It has all the amenities I’ve never been able to have, like a stunning rooftop pool, gym, and even a golf simulator – might have to pick it up! : )
I’ve been job hunting and have a few possibilities in the works, just having to kind of trust the right thing will come along! This is the first time since I left college that I’ve been unemployed so it is a little scary, but I feel really fortunate that I have the ability to do this. And pretty darn proud of myself for making it happen all on my own!
I will always be grateful for my time here in NYC. New York builds character and I feel like I really found myself in this crazy city. I leave with amazing friendships, incredible memories, and an experience that many people only dream of.
I’m really hoping my spacious new kitchen will get me cooking again, and hoping to get some more outfit blogging in as well once I’m settled in! I head out to Jazz Fest in New Orleans this Saturday to Tuesday, then my mom is flying in to help me pack Wednesday/Thursday, and we head out in the UHaul Friday!
If you’ve been to Chicago or live there, send me your favorite spots or activities to try!
If I can make it here, I’ll make it anywhere… Goodbye New York! xoxo
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It has been soooo long! I just looked and my last post was for Black Friday! Had a great Christmas here in NYC with my friend Alicia, and took a trip to Puerto Rico with my girls in January, things are good! I also have some very exciting life updates that I can’t tell you yet, but will share in a few weeks!
Winter has just been dragging on and on here unfortunately. I mostly wear black tights and one of my many dresses everyday. But the warmer months are coming! (right?…)
Loft is having 40% plus free shipping on any amount for card members today with code SPRING17, and I imagine open to everyone tomorrow. I placed a nice big order whoops… Here are my picks!
Happy Shopping!
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It’s the most wonderful sales of the year!! (to the tune of It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the year obviously). Look at me getting 2 posts out in one week : )
A lot of stores have already started their Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales – yay! I’m taking a carry-on to Cali, that is stuffed to the gills, so all of my shopping will be done online this year and shipped conveniently right to me. Will be spending Friday binge watching the new Girlmore Girl’s special instead of fighting crowds I think : )
I’ve included some items that will make great affordable gifts as well – trying not to do ALL the shopping for myself!
Loft is having 40% off now, might want to see if that goes up to 50%, it usually does. Ann Taylor doesn’t have everything on sale yet, but I think 50% off is coming so included a few items from there. Old Navy is 50% off right now which I’m guessing is where they will stay. J. Crew’s price point is a little high for me but they are having 40% off which is a great deal for them if you want to take a look. Nordstrom has a few great gift ideas on sale as well I’ve included.
Loft: (Pick up some really fun and affordable gifts, like earmuffs and gloves!)
Lou & Grey Signature Soft Cowl Dress
Cowl Sweater Tunic (got this in a medium for a slouchy fit and love!)
Ann Taylor: (Ann Taylor shoes are my favorite, this is a great time to get them for the best price of the season!)
Red Suede Pumps (I’m in desperate need of new red suede pumps – can’t wait to get these!)
Old Navy: (Great time to stock up on Pixie Pants for just $17! For some reason I can’t download pictures, so just click on the links)
Pixie Pants (lots of great colors and prints to choose from)
Velvet Pixie Pants (perfect if you don’t want to spend a lot on a seasonal item)
Boat Neck Pullover (definitely long enough for leggings)
Nordstrom:
Lush Tunic (these tunic blouses are the best and come in lots of colors, long enough for leggings – I wear a small)
Lightweight Turtleneck Sweater (this is the perfect sweater to cozy up in this winter, would be a great gift, I took a medium)
BP Square Stud Earrings (the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for under $10!)
Barefoot Dreams Cardigan (pricey, but check out the reviews, you won’t regret this purchase)
Thermal PJ’s (everyone loves cute pj’s!)
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
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Hope everyone is doing well! Things pretty good here, headed home to Cali for Thanksgiving on Wednesday which will be nice, and then when I get back the holiday season will be in full swing! Below are some pretty, affordable, and versatile finds to suit all your party needs : ) Hope everyone has a great turkey day and enjoys some good Black Friday shopping. I will try and get some Cyber Monday picks out if I have time!
BB Dakota Fit and Flare Lace Dress (in lots of colors)
BB Dakota Lace Shift Dress (in red too)
Off the Shoulder A-line Dress (lots of colors)
Below from Loft – shop after Thursday when I’m sure there will be great discounts!
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Hi Everyone! Hope you are all having a beautiful fall. It has been mostly nice here in New York, rain this past weekend but next week looking mid-60’s and perfect. I’m headed to Dallas this weekend and then off to Ireland for 9 days the following weekend – lots of packing eek! Loft has a bunch of great new arrivals, 40% off now with code FALLFEST! Includes Lou & Grey! Here are some of my faves:
Striped Ruffle Cuff Shirt Dress
Seamed Turtleneck Sweater in lots of gorgeous colors
Basketweave Sweater Dress (I love a good sweater dress!)
Brushed Stand Collar Coat (This color is stunning)
Lou and Grey Bell Sleeve Sweater
Lou and Grey Funnelneck Poncho Sweater
Lou and Grey Signature Soft Cowlneck Tunic (Definitely getting this, I love this material)
Lou and Grey Signature Soft Cowlneck Top (Also a must have)
Happy Shopping!
