Interior Inspiration: Summer House Santa Monica

Last weekend I had the pleasure of going to Summer House Santa Monica for the first time. Though the name makes it seem like I ventured away from Chicago, this spot is actually located in Lincoln Park. The name of this restaurant totally does it justice. Once you walk in you immediately feel the tranquil, coastal California vibe. Light and bright with a lovely outdoor patio and flanked by a white planked bar that makes you feel like you are saddled up by the beach. The best part is that (and perfect for when you want to feel like you escaped in the middle of winter) there is sky lighted courtyard that makes you feel like you are dining al fresco. Shades totally required. The food was also delicious and light. 

Being in this atmosphere made me crave that California feeling. Even though I grew up in Chicago, my family and my heart really is in sunny So Cal. It inspired me to put together some interior ideas to bring this fresh and coastal feeling home. 

1. Brass Urchins $45 / 2. Tortoise Mirror $250 / 3. John Robshaw window panels $125 / 4. Moonshine Vase $45 / 5. Burmese Blue Vase $62 / 6. reclaimed pine console table $550 / 7. Serena & Lily Stool $295 / 8. Furbish rug, various sizes / 9. Lulu & Georgia table lamp $219 / 10. West Elm Down Sofa $1299 / 11. Furbish lumbar pillow $88 / 12. Pedestal Table $399 / 13. West Elm striped chairs $850 / 14. West Elm Terrarium $29 / 15. Serena & Lily Side Table $495

xo Erin 

Three Days in Chicago

Though I write about places that I visit, I rarely write about the very place that I live. Though I am now full time in the suburbs, the city still has my heart. Chicago is a place that literally comes alive in the Summer. And though I do not have the time or flexibility at this point to enjoy the city for a long weekend as I once did, you might. So here is my dream itinerary for three days in Chicago. Though it may not include the hottest of restaurants or the place to seen and be seen, it does include some great spots to enjoy a city that so deserves all the attention it should get. 

Friday

As long as it is nice out, a solo run on the lake is always a great way to start the day. Afterwards a smoothie from Protein Bar is delicious. I like the Comiskey Cocoa. Later let's lunch at Nomi on the terrace and drink rose, then maybe pop over to Sophia on Walton because tipsy shopping is kind of the best. After a glorious nap, we head to Sunda for dinner to munch on the crab hand roll and white tuna with truffle. If we have the energy, we might go for a drink at Hubbard Inn after at the bar upstairs. 

Saturday

Though our heads are a bit cloudy from last night, we head to Green City Market to find the best croissant and coffee stand. After walking through and buying bunches of flowers, it is brunch time at Stanley's. Nothing makes the day better than mac and cheese. Walking it off feels necessary, so we head down Wells and into Old Town stopping in shops that catch our eye. Later we have Goddess and Grocer pack us a picnic and hit up one of the outdoor concerts around town, hopefully a good one at Pritzer. Or even better, someone invites us on their boat to sip champagne and see the city all lit up. 

Sunday

All this eating requires a serious session at Core Power, but then is quickly followed by brunch at Feast in Bucktown. I will be ordering the chilaquiles and love juice. We shop down Damen and see where the day takes us. Hopefully to Sweet Mandy B's for a cupcake. If there is a game on, we saddle up at Sedgewick's with the college kids and pretend we are young again. Then it being Sunday, and all and because we clearly have not eaten enough, a big Italian dinner at Volare is totally necessary. But if we want to stay in wearing sweat pants, we dial up Lou Malnati's. 

Doesn't that sounds like a fantastic weekend? Obviously food is my main focus and how could it not be in a place that has so many great options. I could list literally hundred of other places to visit, but this is what came out first. What would you include? 

xo

Erin 

Going Vintage

While I still love a great new piece of jewelry, my focus over the last few years has been scouting vintage gems. The uniqueness of the piece, the thrill of falling in love with something you found, and the fun of incorporating it into an outfit to bring it all together is so satisfying. When it comes to vintage, there are a few tips to share that I have found along the way. By no means am I am expert, but I certainly love the hunt. 

First, you want to find a place that carries a lot of different types of vintage and turns inventory fairly quickly. Find one or two places that carry things you gravitate towards and stick with them. There are so many spots, so having just a couple you go to helps make better decisions.  

You also want to get to know the shop owner. Especially if you are looking for something specific. If they do not have it in the store, they may be able to find it for you. They also should have a ton of knowledge on what they are selling. Some pieces are signed or branded by the designers and some are not. Your shop owner should know all about them, what decade they are from, if it is an original or costume piece, etc. The more they can tell you about what you are buying the better, then check out their story by searching for info online on your piece to make sure they are legit. 

Every shop I have been to have some sort of bargain bin going on and my best advice is to dig in! It is worth going through. You will not find the heaviest, gem laden pieces, but you could find that perfect long necklace for work or a fun bangle to add to your arm party. Some of the pieces pictured were less than ten dollars, can you tell which ones? Exactly. 

Because many of these shops are small businesses and they set their own prices, feel free to negotiate. I have never paid for a piece at any price point for what it was listed for. It works really well if you group together pieces as well and come up with a price for the entire lot. I know it can be nerve wracking, but throw a price out there that you think is fair, it doesn't hurt to try. 

Check out your local antique fairs and flea markets when they pop up. There are always great vendors at them and you might find one you love that has a storefront nearby that you can hit up on the regular. 

And lastly, buy what you love. It is usually something totally unique and different from what I had been looking for that I end up getting and wearing to death. If you fall for something that you can afford and know that it feels special, get it. There is usually no going back to find it later. Anyone can find a Yurman at the mall, but a unique vintage piece that feels totally original will make you so much more happy. 

Here are some of my favorite places that I found all the above at: 

Somewhere in Time, Denver

Coast 2 Coast Collection, Santa Barbara

Lulu's at the Belle Kay, Chicago

Sophia Live Lovely, Chicago

Happy hunting! 

xo

Erin 

Design Snapshot: Kate Marker

While it is fun to pour over images of exuberant and eclectic design blogs and images, it is the interiors that we can actually envision working into our own homes and every day lives that make the most impact. 

Kate Marker of Kate Maker Interiors is a prime example of how gorgeously designed spaces can also be functional and accessible. Her spaces are fresh, classic, with a touch of whimsy. 

Kate has incredible style and taste, but as a wife and mother of two adorable girls she understands how great design also has to fit into your life. 

Pretty arched windows and doorways lead to a kitchen. Love the lanterns...

How amazing is this backsplash? 

Blue and white powder room. Yes please... 

Check out the jewelry storage in the closet. The books stacked in the open space above the door is fun and unexpected. Worship the modern lantern. 

A painted church pew is the perfect entry bench and the door hardware is amazing. 

This is such a great use of space....

A light and bright kitchen with lucite stools

A layered look in navy and white with great balance...

I want to open all of those French doors (check out the hardware) and enjoy that couch and fireplace...

A great mix of modern and rustic...

Kate works with clients in Chicago and the suburbs. I am lucky enough to call her a friend and can attest that any project with her would be fun. 

xo

Erin 

Style Snapshot: Ashley

As one of the founding partners of NEAT Method, Ashley Murphy has seen a lot of closets, a ton of products, and figured out ways to keep things simple and well... neat! I am still amazed at what she was able to do in my home. This chic Chicago mama-to-be shares with us her personal style and her favorite things. 

I am originally from Ohio, but have been a Chicago girl for quite some time now.  I actually left for a brief couple of years to live in San Francisco, but always knew I would be getting back to my Midwestern roots sooner or later.

Ashley & Molly

While in San Francisco I was lucky enough to meet Molly Graves, my now business partner and lifelong friend!  We successfully launched a professional organizing company, NEAT Method and are thrilled to be officially in the Windy City! We figured since San Francisco wasn’t enough, why not take on another city…possibly even two (Minneapolis is in the works…sshhh!!)

And…on top of getting settled back in Chicago and running NEAT, I should also probably mention I am expecting my first baby this October. Ahhhh!!! Luckily, Type A people do best with a full plate!

So given my current belly situation, I am fashionably inspired by anyone who can make                pregnancy look chic.  Unfortunately, the timing of my pregnancy has aligned with celebs such as Snooki. Sooo I’m trying my best to come up with outfits that don’t make me look like I’m giving birth to a full size human. I’ve always kept my style simple and might have a slight obsession with basics. I tend to purge things that I no longer wear, so therefore I hate buying things that are too trendy to last for more than a season. I guess it’s proof that I actually practice what I preach to our NEAT Method clients.

I can always find something to impulse buy at Roslyn and Krista K in Chicago. I never online shop, because why deal with the hassle of returns? I actually only own one pair of maternity clothes: a pair of J Brand 3411 Maternity Skinny Leg Jeans. I am just having the hardest time getting into the whole maternity clothes thing. However, I might be getting to the point that a size bigger isn’t going to work for my ever-expanding belly!

Like my wardrobe, I am also fairly simple in the makeup department. If you were to see what I sported in college, you would be thanking me for getting over the makeup obsession and going with a more “natural” look. I tend to typically throw on a little eye shadow and mascara, finished with some powder and blush and call it a day. For a night on the town, I will spice it up with some eyeliner and fun gloss.

My favorites are: Laura Mercier Buttercream eye shadow, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill mascara, custom mineral powder by Nicole Jacob (a Chicago makeup artist that you must try if you live here), and a blush by her as well. Oh and my favorite gloss is Channel #84. That’s pretty much it though!

Turns out my skincare routine isn’t quite as simple as my wardrobe.  This might be where some of my OCD tendencies shine through. It basically stems from the fact that when I moved to SF, my skin completely changed and I officially had adult acne (did I mention that I’m a bit of a drama queen??). I immediately went into panic mode thinking I would never make any new friends looking this way, which is when I discovered the most amazing medical Aesthetician in the world, Kim from Skin Salvation. I followed her advice and my skin cleared up immediately.  With a few modifications, here is what she taught me and I literally do it every morning and every night. And yes, my friends and family make fun of me…but hey, at least I have friends now!

p Use a clean washcloth to wash your face every morning and every night. No really…a new one every time.

p Rub an ice cube all over your face after every wash. Yep…I really do this too.  And in fact, I think it feels amazing.

p In the a.m. – apply eye cream and SPF

p In the p.m. – apply eye cream and a moisturizer

My favorites are: SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanse, Elta MD spf 45, A Natural Difference Phyto-Pumpkin Moisturizer, SkinCeuticals Eye Balm.

As for my fitness regime? Oh gosh…do we have to talk about fitness these days!? Does standing all day on the job for NEAT count as exercise? I never thought I would be the pregnant girl that couldn’t keep up with her regular fitness routine, but as it turns out…I just can’t. Without a baby on board, I typically am a runner and Pilates girl. For now however, let’s just call exercise on a good day: working, followed by some walking and light stretching.

And…my other interesting life choices…I swear by the Whole Foods on North Ave in Chicago.  It is the size of a small city, and I can get anything I could ever want all while enjoying a glass of wine!  Well, except in my current state…do you think a girl can grocery shop, carry a crying child, and hold a glass of wine all at the same time?  Lets hope so cause I’m only a few months away from doing so!

I’m mostly a vegetarian, but also not afraid to take a bite out of a burger from time to time. I don’t drink milk, only almond milk. I’m a little weird about taking vitamins and will only do so with a glass of juice. I also hate taking medicine, and avoid it at all costs.

If you are still reading this…I should consider you a friend! So, thank you!

Feel free to check out NEAT’s blog to learn more OCD habits! 

NEAT New House

Moving is a real bitch. 

And though the results are always great after the boxes have been put away and the glasses tucked into a cabinet, the moments before that are a nightmare. Even for the most organized of people (sometimes me). 

Our move has gone off without too many hitches and I am happy to say that I am actually enjoying the space instead of obsessing over it. There is plenty of time to decorate, rearrange the vases, and shop online for rugs. 

But you at least want the spaces that you use everyday to be in working order. I was lucky enough to live close by to our new house and move a ton of items myself. Not having to box every kitchen utensil was a godsend. I was even able to set up the kitchen before the movers even showed up. The nursery was next since even though I could sleep on a couch, the baby needs an actual bed.  

Then there was our room/closet/bathroom. The clothes were shoved into the closet directly from wardrobes and toiletries dropped into drawers. And I kept telling myself....

"I will get around to that."

"I will totally organize all this to fit the new space."

"I will absolutely have the time and patience to organize it all."

Lies. All Lies. 

Because though I am a decent organizer, I am one of those eighty percent organizers. I do a great job up until about twenty percent is left and then hurriedly finish the job. The results are a solid B. 

I really wanted to start off on the right foot for this house and calling in the girls from NEAT Method was the best idea I have had since the move. 

They completely transformed the closet to a place that actually holds all of our clothes and makes sense. Every bottle and brush in our bathroom has a place. It is glorious. 

They transferred all of our clothes onto slim, no-slip hangers and categorized. Shoes are all in a perfect row. Clutches have their very own shelf. 

Jewelry is easily seen and browsed in clear, stackable boxes. Bracelets hang from an easy to see display. 

 I can actually see what is in those normally messy drawers. 

Products have a place that looks great and is functional. 

I highly recommend NEAT for any organizing you need done in your home. They assess what you need, tackle the leg work, and bring all the supplies. 

Plus, they are a ton of fun. Check out their blog, too. 

xo

Erin 

Bella Bridal Shower

Sorry I have not been updating, but I am working on some things around here that I cannot wait to share soon. My posts may be a little sparse in the coming weeks, but I promise to share what I am working on and try to keep up as much as I can. 

One project that had my attention the last month is a bridal shower I threw for my future sister-in-law. I adore her and it was so fun planning this fun day with my mom. 

My brother and his future Mrs. got engaged in Italy, so we used this as inspiration for the entire event. Starting with the invitations....

These were custom printed from Envy Marketing, which I found on Etsy. The venue is one of my favorite Italian spots in Chicago, Quartino. It's rustic charm, delicious food and impeccable service was the perfect place. 

Her favorite flowers are peonies, which were incorporated into the arrangements along with beautiful romantic bouquets. 

We worked with Debi Lilly, from A Perfect Event, for all of the floral. And once again (she was my wedding planner) she and her team put together the most gorgeous flowers. 

She also used silver trays, julep cups, and mercury glass votives, which the perfect combination with the rustic wooden tables and candelabras. 

For the favors, we ordered these custom cookies to match the invitation shape. Their monogram was scrolled on them and they were tied with dried lavender. 

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the afternoon was filled with prosecco, pasta and laughter. The perfect combination. 

xo

Erin 

E Drop Off

As I mentioned in this post during my closet organization and Kat mentioned in her Style Snapshot, E Drop Off is the best way to sell any designer items you have in your closet. Those you are willing to part with, of course. 

You can drop off your pieces if you live in Chicago, but the genius is that they will coordinate a pick up anywhere in the country. I can say as an E drop Off client, that it is the easiest way to increase your shopping budget and get organized at the same time. 

Now you do not even have to take my word for it, you can watch the girls in action on their new show House of Consignment on VH1. It is on tonight and I love seeing what happens behind the scenes. Corri McFadden, the owner, is a girl with some seriously great taste and a fantastic drive that helped her build her business. Plus, from meeting her a few times I can say she is also super sweet and fun. 

The most fun part of the show is seeing the insane loot coming in from some of Chicago's most fab closets. And let's not forget that you can bid on items on Ebay. You can get that pair of Louboutins you love or the Prada tote for a lot less than retail. Good luck bidding, ladies! 

xo

Erin 

Lucrece to the Rescue

As much as I was praying that my skin would go back to it's normal self after I had the baby, it actually only got worse. Blame it on hormones, not getting enough sleep or new mom stress, my skin has yet to recover.

Luckily, the weekend before I had him I had an amazing spa day with another mama-to-be at the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago. I highly recommend you pamper yourself there. Maybe even throw in a gyrotonic session with my friend Dori, who will keep you laughing the entire time. (And kick your butt)

We both had facials while I was there and the aesthetician used this tinted moisturizer, by Lucrece, on both of us unknowingly. When we emerged, we both said "your skin looks great!" I knew for me it was this moisturizer calming and correcting what was underneath. It covers SO well and is not heavy. For those of us that need extra coverage every day, this stuff is the real deal.

Bonus is that it has SPF 30, so it is perfect for the summer. You cannot buy it online, but check out the website on where to purchase in your area. It is literally saving my face right now.


xo
Erin

Weekend Wish

I am excited the weekend is here and that I have some fun plans on the agenda, but just enough so that I can also relax. 

The Waldorf-Astoria just took over the Elysian Hotel in Chicago and I can't wait for a spa day there today. Pregnancy has gone from blissful to uncomfortable, so the spa will be an amazing retreat. 

How cute are the previews for The Vow? Excited to see that with some girlfriends this weekend. Nothing like a good old fashioned chick flick on a winter's day. 

If you have Homemade Pizza Company in your area, try it. It brings new meaning to "take out" and their cookie pies you bake at home are amazing. 

I think these leopard shorts need to be my first purchase of serious animal print. How cute with a bold colored blouse and sky high platforms for spring? 

Going to pop into Barney's to check out two concealers that are always raved about online. YSL Touche Eclat and Cle de Peau concealer. Have you tried either of them? I will let you know how that goes. 

My weekend wish is that I get to enjoy all of the above and my back stops hurting. I know, super boring, but that is my main wish right now. I hope you have the energy to do all that you want this weekend, even if that is staying in and relaxing. That is what February is all about in my opinion. 

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wish: Neat Freak

Call it nesting or just plain craziness, I have been in full organization mode all week. While I will not bore you with the sheer amazingness that is emptier closets all around my house that makes me feel like I can breath, here are a few little projects I got done. 

Honestly, cleaning out closets is the most cleansing thing to me right now. I guess I am thinking that I will NEVER get around to doing any of these things after the babe is here, so might as well let this neat streak keep on riding along. 

At least twice a year I go through my closet and make one of three decisions on each piece of clothing I own (from a pair of socks to a designer bag). Do I keep it? Do I send it off to eDropOff? Or do I donate it? It is astonishing just how much I get rid of each year. You would think that it would help me keep my shopping in check, but clearly not. 

For anyone looking to consign designer or higher end clothes, bags, and shoes I cannot say enough great things about using eDropOff. They are located in Chicago, but will schedule a pick up anywhere in the country. Everything is done for you and in such great taste that you will see your items sell for much more than any other vendor. Don't forget you can shop their amazing selection as well (sometimes the best way to score that designer bag or pair of shoes you are coveting). 

For more great organizational tips, check out Neat's blog. This is a great company owned and operated by two chic San Franciscoans and their blog offers up some great tips and tricks. 

So my weekend wish is to keep organizing and feeling great in the process. Still working on the jewelry ideas, but most likely going to try and score a display case this weekend. I wish that all of you get that one (or ten) organizing tasks done in your spare minutes this weekend. I promise it will feel amazing. 

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

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 

Jump Start on Weekend Wish

I know it is only Thursday, but my weekend starts today. I am lucky enough to be hosting a gaggle of ladies that are flying in for a fun weekend in Chicago.

These ladies happen to be fellow Wildcats (AZ not KY or NW), like myself and our yearly visits are something we look forward to for months.

I am giddy with anticipation and looking forward to some sun, shopping, sailing, laughing a lot, and eating yummy Chicago food.

My wish is that you catch up with some of your nearest and dearest this weekend as well. Even if it is just a phone call.

xo
Erin

Just Breathe

Michigan Avenue Residence designed by Kara Mann Design

I had seen this layout before in a local magazine and could not keep my eyes off of the images. I also could not get over that someone actually lives and breathes in these rooms every day. Talk about a bit of jealousy, I worship it all. It has such an ease and calm to it, but has no shortage of style. The splash of bright color in the living room, the low trays filled with bright green moss, and the butter colored drapes in the eat-in kitchen all bring extra pop to the rooms. Kara Mann is an extremely talented designer in Chicago that can bring you a whole lot of inspiration. Her obvious talent is not something you can just replicate, but try to learn from. What I am taking away from her designs is that a great light fixture can really make a room, never be afraid of a pop of bright color, going with a similar color palate around your entire house does not have to be boring, and if I ever win the lottery I will be hiring Kara. For bigger images and more spaces, check out her site and drool over the other interiors. Also, check out some of her showroom pieces that are not only chic, but also fun (hello, Union Jack chair). 

xo

Erin   

Weekend Wishes

1. To wake up early enough to hit up the elusive Donut Vault on Franklin & Kinzie in Chicago. This tiny, impeccably decorated little shop cranks out 300-350 donuts every morning and stops selling once they are sold out. The line has been around the block, but I am determined. 

2. To seek out some bright colored, nature inspired long necklaces like this one from Ali NY. 

3. Find some pretty branches with little flowers on them, like Cherry Blossom or Mimosa, to brighten up the pad. 

4. To have a really successful and fun event on Saturday for Make A Wish. To join me click here.

5. To read the new Vogue with the stunning Reese on the cover (worshiping the black & white dress) from cover to cover on Sunday. 

Enjoy your weekend! 

xo

Erin  

The Brighter Side of Things

I looked in my closet last week and realized that almost everything in it was a shade of gray. Sweaters, tees, tops, hoodies, bags, shoes and scarfs. All gray. That can really start to depress a girl. I worship gray and find myself always gravitating towards it in every store. Since it is not black and not white, I guess I have been fooling myself into thinking gray is actually a color. Well, it's not. And it is time for something other than a neutral to throw on. I saw this fantastic orange dress in one of my favorite Chicago boutiques Sofia Vintage over the weekend. I contemplated the insane color for a second, then decided to just try it on. It was like a breath of fresh air. The simple shift shape, three-quarter length sleeve, and scoop neck are perfect. the simplicity of the design allows for the color to speak for itself. I took it up one more notch with this Alice & Olivia belt, but paired it with a simple gold bracelet and nude heels to tame it down just a bit. The dress is by Myne and I could not find it online. I did find a few other bright pieces that I think could shed some light on your wardrobe, though.

Long Blue Shirt Dress by Anthropologie, Skinny Leg Trouser from Zara,  Yellow Clutch by Balenciaga,  Red Pleated Short Skirt from Top Shop, Two Tone Reversible Belt by Jil Sander, Cobalt Drape Front Dress by Diane von Furstenberg

xo

Erin