9.30.2011

Weekend Wish: You're Invited

Although I have been trying to do some more practical shopping, there is an event next week that might be leading me astray...




I am so honored to be co-hosting this event and the fact it benefits the Joffrey Ballet makes it even more close to my heart. If you are free on Wednesday night and in Chicago, come join me! I love meeting my readers and let's not forget there is an amazing shoe designer to meet and shoes to try on. 


My weekend wish is that one of these beauties makes its way home with me. Jerome has such a fresh aesthetic and and some truly original designs. 


See full collection here


Here's to a weekend filled with your favorite Fall shoes and hopefully I will see you on Wednesday. 


xo
Erin 

9.29.2011

Mantel Madness

Mantels can be tough to put together. There are endless ways to chic up your place by using your mantel as a center piece. And with all those ways, there are a lot of ways to make it over complicated. I loved this easy to use diagram I found on Honey & Fitz. An easy road map to help us novices.
image via 
Now I have a bit more of a dilemma at my house. Our television is mounted super close to the mantel and there is giant speaker underneath it. I have been playing around with how to dress it up without looking like I planted a bunch of junk up there. I have settled on this for the moment. 


I stare at it all day thinking how to change it and I certainly do not think that I have done the kind of job an actual designer could cook up. But in the quest of trying to make it look great, this is my favorite so far. 

My diagram is amateur hour, but thought I would share what I have done as I know there are many of you with this same TV over mantel set up. 


I am sure I will be changing it again in an hour. 


xo
Erin 

9.28.2011

Destination: Ferry Building Market, San Francisco



Last weekend in San Francisco was amazing. The weather was chilly, but that did not deter us from making the most of a very short trip. There was lots of celebrating with family for my brother's engagement at Bin 38, meals at some old school haunts of my parents (Ceaser's, Henry's Hunan), a very long (steep) walk around the city and a delicious morning trip to the Ferry Building Market


The marketplace there is amazing. Indoor vendors vary from creameries to burger joints and the outdoor vendors have every tasty food coming out of Northern California that you can think of. Not to mention the gorgeous flowers for purchase. It was so much fun to walk around, taste a little of everything and see what it would be like to shop here on the weekends if I lived in SF. So jealous of the year round bounty available to those in the Golden State. 


Easily this is my favorite spot to visit in the city. So go hungry and give yourself time to explore all of the tasty treats. 


xo
Erin 

9.27.2011

More Love for Pinterest

 I hate to post another "I love Pinterest" blurb, but I cannot help myself. If you have not joined in on the fun, you really need to. Follow me, I would love to follow you and much of my blog ideas come from this site. 

My new favorite pins are those that take very simple steps to organize or make your life easier. I have no eye for organization, although I like things tidy. If you are like me, you need some help coming up with the ideas and possibly the motivation to actually apply it in your place. 

Here are some recent ideas I think are fab...
xo
Erin

9.26.2011

Acting Shifty

It is nice to have a couple of pieces in your closet that work in just about any situation. A short sleeved shift dress is sort of the answers to all my tried-on-everything-and-nothing-works/fits/is appropriate-for-this-weather/meeting/party/day. 

If cut correctly a shift gives you shape, but is not tight. Great for days when anything tight makes you want to cry.

Be careful with the length. Make sure it is not too short when worn with heels or too long when worn with flats. Nothing is worse than looking like a street walker one minute and matronly the next. 

Bare legged or with tights. It is perfect for this in-between weather time that is hard to manage. Plus, they look great with that tailored blazer you already have in your closet, easy to accessorize with chunky necklaces or cuffs, and the color spectrum is endless. 

Plus with prices like these lovely options, you can get a couple and always have the answer to when having that wtf moment in your closet. 

1. ASOS $36
2. Tibi $297
3. ASOS $51
4. Zara $60
5. Zara $90
6. ASOS $64

xo
Erin 

9.22.2011

Early Weekend Wish: I Heart SF

My weekend is starting a bit early as I am headed to San Francisco for a quick trip to see family. I have not spent a ton of time in SF, but I absolutely love it there. The architecture, the people, the culture, the city has just about everything I love about Chicago, but in such a different way. 

So my early weekend wish is for everyone to get enjoy the company of family like I am lucky enough to do this weekend. Even if it is just a cup of coffee in your living room, there is nothing like catching up with those that love you most. 

As for San Fran, I am excited to see you. My last trip was with some of my favorite people on earth and with a sunny weather forecast, I am excited to explore the city with my husband, who has never visited. 

top right photo: Crystal Garcia via Pinterest, bottom left photo: tumblr
What is your favorite spot in SF? Would love some ideas!


xo
Erin

9.21.2011

Destination: Beaver Creek

Last weekend I had the pleasure of going to one of my favorite places on earth, The Ritz Carlton in Beaver Creek. I was first introduced to this spot about 6 years ago when I went with my then boyfriend (now husband). Always being a Keystone girl, I was skeptical of this new mountain. But after stepping into what had to be the most perfectly cozy and luxurious hotel I have ever stayed at, I figured I could make do. 

We have been going there ever since and each time I fall more in love with this place. From the incredibly gracious staff, to the delicious food and the mountain cabin chic decorations, it is a very special place. 

Even if you do not stay at the hotel itself, come sit at the outdoor fire apres ski. Live music, beautiful scenery, and great drinks make for a great break after a day of skiing. I would also highly recommend the spa for a day that you are not skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, or whatever outdoor activity brought you up to BC. It has amazing services and amenities that will keep you happy all day long. 

The Ritz Bachelor Gultch is also rated as one of the countries number one dog friendly hotels. Your pup will have plenty of company and will love the hiking in the summer or playing in the snow in the winter. There is even a resident dog for the guests to hang out with, Bachelor. 



What is your favorite mountain getaway?

9.20.2011

Year Round White

While old fashioned ladies may say differently, there is nothing chicer than white in the months between September and June. 


This picture says it all. 




When paired with other season staples, white can stand out as your go to neutral piece. I especially love white in the colder months as a layering piece. White blazers and wool coats look so fresh and chic. 



1. Elizabeth and James $191 (sale)
2. Zara $129
3. Rachel Zoe $425
4. Zara $129
5. Guess $158

xo
Erin 

9.19.2011

Emmy Fashion Best & Worst

I was pleasantly surprised by the picks by television's ladies last night. Emmy night can be a bit of a fashion nightmare. Lots of prom-ish dresses, too much bling and everyone dressing a decade older than they are. And not that there were not some misses, but it was tough to sort through my favorites to make this list. 


My biggest pet peeve with these gorgeous Hollywood ladies is when they dress too old. Whether it is the cut, the fabric, the styling or the hair, some girls age themselves 10 years by what they wear. I am not sure if this is because they are trying to be seen as "serious" actresses or what, but they need to hire new stylists. 

Ok, off my soapbox. Now onto the ladies that should have tried a different look. 


What do you think? Your best and worst? 

xo
Erin 

9.16.2011

Weekend Wish

Another week full of NYFW fun. But of all the pictures I have seen, this is my favorite. 

People.com


I just love thinking about what kind of conversations took place between Anna and Nicki Minaj. It will keep me giggling all weekend. 


Here is to a great weekend and I wish for all of you to have a Nicki-Anna moment at some point. You never know what kind of friend/fashion tip/recipe/story/idea may come out of it. 


xo
Erin 

9.15.2011

Bright Eyed

Using mascara on bottom lashes can get so messy. Almost all of the brands that I have tried, even the waterproof ones, end up smudging or clumps. 


Clinique has developed a bottom lash specific mascara that I love. It has an extra small brush for easy application and the ability to apply without getting it under your eyes. The formula is super water proof and lasts all day. Simply remove with eye make up remover at night. 


Using mascara on your bottom lashes really opens up the eye more, so you can look bright eyed even on those days where you feel like crawling in bed. 


Love this new product and for ten dollars, it is a great addition to my every day routine. 


xo
Erin 

9.14.2011

Missoni Madness

If you were like thousands of other shoppers yesterday, you experienced either the annoyance of a crashed Target site or the lack of product at your local outpost. According to some of my local Target employees, people were lined up outside, ran into the store at opening and threw everything they could get their hands on in their carts. 


I secretly wish I could have been one of those people, but for now will just look down on them as the hoarders that stole my loot and will be tragically selling it on eBay by tonight. 


If you are one of those people, I hope you are not one of the Ebay crazies and will be enjoying your amazing Missoni wares knowing how coveted they are. 


By the time I could make it to the store, there was not a lot to choose from. But I did manage to get a few things...




The two skirts are super comfortable and will also be great to throw on over leggings with a tee in the Fall. The bra is also one of the best fitting I have bought in a while. The quality of everything surprised me. The knits are thick and soft, just like the real deal.  


My make shift throw will eventually be enjoyed by a child, but right now it is looking great on my favorite chaise. 


I am devastated that I could not even get a glimpse of the throws and pillows, but such is life. I will be enjoying all of the above knowing I got a piece of the action. Even just a bit. 


Did you get any Missoni love? 


xo
Erin 

9.13.2011

Missoni for Target Launch

Today launches the Missoni for Target line.


I'm too busy shopping to write much.


You can find apparel and home accessories with their signature prints.


Once I make my picks and get my hands on some of this fabulousness, I will share.


In the meantime, what are you waiting for?!


Shop online here or hit up your local store.


Happy Missoni!
xo
Erin

9.12.2011

The Martha of the South, Mary Carol Garrity

My fun-filled weekend was spent in Kansas City, MO with my mom. She is familiar with the area and had the inside line on an open house in Atchison, Kansas. Never heard of it? Neither had I. But apparently it is quite the destination for Southern ladies with a fondness for the stylings of Mary Carol Garrity. 

This local lady began a small shop in her hometown of Atchison, Kansas, thirty years ago. Since then she has evolved her decorating and retail business to include furniture, fabric, paint and accessories.

Once a year, she opens her home to the public as a showcase of her work. It was charming and had that Southern style that makes you want to be invited over for tea. Although everything was not my taste, there was so much to see and be inspired by. They also included Fall and holiday decor ideas that were really fun. 




We, along with the insane crowds, hit up all of her stores and found a few great accessories to bring home. You can also shop online, but will not find all Nell Hill has to offer. I was surprised by the low price points, as everything was of such great quality.  



It was fun to explore this Southern mecca and to see the excitement from all the ladies who had made the trip. We were not the only mother/daughter teams, as we met friendly duos who make it an annual bonding weekend. If you are in KC anytime soon, it is absolutely worth the trip. 


xo
Erin 

9.08.2011

Just in Time for Fall: Zara Online Shopping






Zara is one of my favorite sites to browse and get great inspiration from. Their design quality and aesthetic can stand up to any major fashion brand. And the low price tags make it even more fun.  It has always been annoying that you could not shop online, but all that changed yesterday. You can find my favorite picks above and so much more at Zara.com and your purchases can be done in the comfort of your own home. This might be trouble...

xo
Erin 

9.07.2011

Pony Up



The Dries Von  Noten show had beautiful gold rings encasing just-messy-enough pony tails. This is a very easy way to glam up a regular pony and can be done quite easily.


Use a small elastic or even better a clear one to secure your hair, then use an adjustable ring to hide it. I love the simplicity of the gold band, but also found some fun options on Zappos.



I bet if you searched your jewelry box you would find some costume pieces that would be perfect. 

xo
Erin 

9.06.2011

Slip on Something Comfortable

Every Fall something new comes along and though it is not mind blowing, you will see it on every girl down the street. This season one of those new looks is the slipper. Not the kind that keep you warm at home, but flats with the shape of a slipper. They come in great prints, textures and materials, so there is one for everyone. 

1. Patent Steven by Steve Madden from Piperlime $118 (more colors)
2. Patent Nicole Heart from Piperlime $99
3. Leopard Steven by Steve Madden from Shopbop $120
4. Darby leopard print from J. Crew $275
5. Velvet French Sole fs/ny from Shopbop $140 (more colors)
6. Gold and Black Stubbs and Wootton $395
7. Snakeskin DV by Dolce Vita from Piperlime $44

I am really loving the soft velvet and calf hair textures. They look comfy, but also have style. Something we are all looking for as the temperatures drop. 

Happy lounging. 

xo
Erin 

9.02.2011

Weekend Wish: Make it a Good One

While this picture is not of the best quality and the most flattering, it is my favorite picture from the summer. Impromptu dance party in the back of a taxi between parties equals a lot of busted up laughing and a great memory.


With a jammed schedule from now until mid-October, I am looking forward to stocking up on girl time and hopefully laughter like this all weekend.


I wish this weekend to be just as fun for you and to enjoy all those laughs.


Happy Long Weekend!


xo
Erin

9.01.2011

Diane in Venice

popsugar.com

Diane Kruger can really do no wrong when it comes to red carpet looks. She has fantastic taste, knows how to push boundaries just enough and she carries everything she wears with complete ease.

This soft pink Ellie Saab from the Venice Film Festival opening is gorgeous. I love how the layers work so you can see her silhouette, but it is not offensive. This is much more Hollywood glamour then we usually see and I like it. Her undone hair and simple make up is the perfect styling.

She then changed into this lovely Chanel for dinner later. How perfect is that dress? The sequins dress it up and the illusion that there is layering keeps it cool. The casual side braid, one of her signature styles, keeps the entire look fresh.

I heart her. I cannot imagine how fun it must be to be one of the designers that dress her. Her fearless and cool attitude make for the perfect combination. And she never leaves the house not looking just plain pretty.

xo
Erin

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