Storage for Sanity

These winter months keep us inside where the mess never ends and the toys seem to multiply in every room. My house currently looks like a tornado ripped through it. Who invented all of the toys with all of the little pieces?! A place for everything would be nice, not just all of the random baskets I have layer around. Storage can be hard to find that can actually blend in with the rest of your decor. But there are options that are not only great for toys and books, but adult messes too. 

1. Mix and Match. Love these. Land of Nod $199

2. How adorable are these hat boxes? Restoration Hardware $39-$69

3. A linen covered storage bench could go anywhere. Hayneedle $205

4. Coral is a fun addition to the typical basket. Target $29

5. Love the patina finish and the fact this is on wheels. Restoration Hardware $199-$295

6. A place to corral all of those books. Land of Nod $149

7. Preppy basket with a lid from Serena & Lily $98

8. A short book case for shot people. Serena & Lily $698

9. A sweet and simple storage trunk. Hayneedle $125

xo

Erin 

Packing for Paris

No, I am not headed there anytime soon. Le sigh. 

But, I did have someone who wanted some styling help for a trip this Spring and I had so much fun looking, I decided to share with everyone. 

When in Paris I think about dressing very classic, but with an edge. Think Kate Moss with pearls on. 

All of these pieces can be worn together and interchanged so you get the most out of your suitcase space. Black, white, gray, nude, gold. You cannot go wrong and all of these pieces would look perfect against that oh so beautiful back drop that is Paris.   

1. Philip Lim $825

2. Goes with everything washed silk shirt. Equipment $214 or Piperlime $34 (more colors)

3. An updated gray to your usual skinnies. Frame $219

4. Your go with anything everywhere flat. VC Signature $195

5. Stacked or on its own. Perfect. Barney's $100

6. A pleated midi screams perfect Paris day. Topshop $105

7. Obsessed with these pants. Great for travel or dressed up with heels. J. Crew $98

8. The perfect jacket to go with everything. Trouve $298

9. A nod to Breton stripes. Treasure & Bond $78

10. Gorgeous d'orsay pumps. Steve Madden $100

11. A great day or night dress. Stripes on the side. Madewell $98

12. A clutch with just a little pop. Claire V. $190

13. A tassel goes with all of it. Bauble Bar $13

14. The perfect book for your flight. $25

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Shopping With the All American Girl

We all covet Jennifer Aniston in some ways (or all). Her style, her bod, her man, her friends, her real estate, her career, it is endless. But really she represents to us what an All American girl is. Nice (or at least we think she is), gorgeous (without trying), has a laid back approach to style and life, and doesn't seem to take anything too seriously (except causes of charity). Her style is so envied because it is so classic and has ease, which is harder to do than most think. I have pulled together three of her recent and much repeated looks so we can get inspired to be just like Jen this Summer. 

For the Beach

Jen always keeps it simple. Solid bikini and aviators. 

For the Weekend 

Distressed denim shorts, a classic striped tee, and the wedges she has worn everywhere.

For a Fancy Night Out 

Nothing looks cooler than a tailored blazer over a short metallic dress. Starburst earrings and some amazing strappy Jimmy Choos are the perfect accessories. 

The girl knows what she is doing and we love her for it. I hope this gives you some inspiration and some ideas for your next look. 

xo

Erin 

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 

Style at Home

While I try to get out of the house as much as possible, when you have an infant (or two) you spend mucho of your time at home. In these frozen weeks we have had, even more so. While reaching for my tried and true Juicy pants from 2005 feels good, it probably does not look so good. I find that even if I am putting on some sort of lounge wear, the more chic it is the better I feel all day long. I still cannot get over how amazing Spanx leggings are, so I wear those a lot with soft sweaters. I could use some more pieces in my arsenal. 

1.  I have a lot of these little Asos dresses, they are so comfy and look cute with leggings. $64

2. A jumper is such a no brainer and great with a cardigan already in the closet. Splendid $78

3. T by Alexander Wang always has great basic pieces and this t-shirt dress is so chic. $89

4. These Joie pants are errand friendly and would elevate a comfy Sunday. $128 

5. Elastic waist band and a bold color? Sold. Splendid $105

6. I am a sucker for a stripe. These J. Crew pants are super soft too. $49

7. Loving these Won Hundred chambray shorts. $150

8. The soft peplum is a nice addition to the usually boring tank. Asos $18

xo

Erin 

Hollywood Holiday

The lovely ladies of the red carpet are the perfect inspiration for your holiday party dress shopping. I only have a couple of invitations this year that warrant a flirty cocktail look. I plan on wearing this again and think one of these should fill in for the second. 

Black and strappy on Anne Hathaway 

dress $64

Something with sparkle, like Emma Stone

top $106 / bottom $60

A statement blazer with skinnies and pumps on Gwen

top $473 / bottom $121

Totally chic black and white on Jennifer Aniston

left $76 / right $385

Unexpected yellow on Kristen Stewart

dress $253

Which is your favorite? 

xo

erin 

I Enjoy Being A Girl

Sometimes it is just great being a girl. 

Ruffles, lace, pink, and sparkle are the little details that make dressing up fun. Fall and Winter tend to stifle all things femme.  While we all love leather, noir, boots and over sized coziness, you have to bring back the pretty even in the cold. 

1. Ruffled dress by French Connection $55 (on sale)

2. D'orsay heels from Rebecca Minkoff $295

3. Lace and peplum dress by Three Floor $336

4. Lace cut out dress by Three Floor $238 (Holiday party perfection)

5. Glitter iPhone case by Kate Spade $35

6. Pastel saddle bag from J. Crew $198

xo

Erin 

A Little Fall Feline

I used to be completely averse to leopard print. It always looked a little cheap and was never really incorporated well into a look. I have been warming up over the last couple of years. I have yet to really dive in with a ton of pieces, but I think shoes are the perfect way to add a little wildlife into Fall. The print looks great with jeans, a little black dress, with leggings and your favorite sweater. Flats, wedges, sandals, and pumps, there are so many choices...

1. Jimmy Choo $795

2. Madewell $135 (love)

3. Dune $146

4. Madewell $398 (obsessed)

5. Me Too $70

6. J. Crew $188 (on sale! Perfect for work)

7. TopShop $90

8. J. Crew $298

9. Charlotte Olympia $975

Meeeooooowwww

xo

Erin 

Nor Cal Wedding Love

Although this wedding was over a week ago, I think I am still in awe of how gorgeous it was. Looking back at these beautiful and thoughtful elements of what made for the picture perfect wedding for my brother and his new wife takes me right back. 

My sister in law is a Northern California native and wanted a rustic, yet elegant feeling to the wedding. All the events were held in her home town of Los Gatos, a place I had never been. This charming town won me over with its boutique filled downtown and delicious restaurants. The rehearsal dinner was held at California Cafe, whose food and service was the perfect way to start the weekend. 

Succulents were mixed in with hydrangea and roses, wrapped in birch and placed on sequined linens. The sequins were not shiny, which gave off just enough sparkle. An unexpected combination that was gorgeous. 

Large vases were wrapped in birch, filled with roses, or candles to decorate the bar. 

The groomsmen were given cuff links that reflected a memory from the groom like surfboards, cigars, or the sailboats above. The groomsmen wore custom colored seersucker bow ties. 

Apis Floral did all of the tabletop and flowers for the rehearsal and the wedding. 

The ceremony and reception were held at Villa Montalvo, a historic estate built in 1912 by California's first Senator. 

The Bride's bouquet. I was obsessed with the mix of different flowers. 

Two large arrangements for the alter.

Hand painted signs directed you where to head next

Adorable swirly straws with the bride & groom's name

The table arrangements were perfection and the wine bottle table numbers worked perfectly into the decor

The rehearsal dinner flowers were re purposed to decorate up a large room in the villa. Loved the mason jar votives. 

Stately setting with romantic touches

As some of you read in my Movember post, my brother is heavily involved with the cause. His 'stache was paid homage in the groom's cake along with his recent accent of Rinjani volcano. 

A classic, and delicious, wedding cake. 

The bride and groom met at UCLA, so it was only fitting that Joe Bruin make an appearance, get the crowd to sing the fight song, and then lead a Dougie circle.

I could not be happier for this couple that I am lucky enough to call family. Their radiating love for each other was infectious and reminded us all of what marriage is all about. 

xo

Erin 

Photos via Allison Giese & Moi

Get the Look: Emma Stone

Don't you just want to be friends with Emma Stone? She seems like one of those girls that would be the fun, sarcastic girlfriend that always knows how to have a good time. 

And on top of that, the girl loves to risk it on the red carpet. Hit or miss, you have to respect that. 

This, I would say, is a huge hit...

Love it. And when it comes to jumpsuits, it can be a little tough to pull it off. 

I think we could pull one off though, don't you think? Let's stick with all black in flattering cuts that would be perfect for a night out with lots of cocktails involved. Everyone is going to want to hang out with you, just like Emma, when you are wearing a jumpsuit. 

From top right to left: 

5.1 Phillip Lim $556

Rag & Bone $459

Alexander Wang $419

Vince Camuto $150

State & Lake $92

Rachel Zoe $316

DKNY $345 

Hugo Boss $695

xo

Erin