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Forever 21 sweater (old but love this varsity sweater in the same colors) // eBay detachable collar // Kate Spade crossbody bag (super similar) // J. Crew Skirt (cute eyelet pleated skirt here at Piperlime)// Forever 21 Sunglasses // Cole Haan shoes (similar here and a great price!)// NYX Lipstick

I have to tell you. these are THE most comfortable heels I think I have ever owned! I'm not entirely sure how how that's even possible but they are. Every girl deserves a pair of stylish heels that look killers but feel like clouds, and I have finally found mine! 

I wish I could find a link to them to share with the world, but they were a lone find on the mixed racks of the State Street Nordstrom Rack a few weeks back. Keep your eyes peeled for these Cole Haan beauties and maybe you will find some for yourself. Good Luck.

Mad For Plaid

So many plaid pieces, so little time. Plaid is one of those patterns that gets me excited for Fall and colder temps. In fact this plaid moto jacket I picked up last week has been on heavy rotation lately.  Since it seems the cold is here to stay, I've rounded up some of my favorite plaid pieces at affordable prices!  Most under $50!

IPO Dinner Recap

Normally I don't mix food into my fashion blog, but I just had to on this one. I was skimming through the invite to A dinner at the W's Hotels IPO restaurant and was instantly drawn in by the description of new chef, Fernando Coppola's cooking style. When I hear things like simple, unadulterated flavors, love of seafood, organic produce and in-season ingredients, that's speaking my language. The fact that is just down the street from where I live and really close to my husbands work makes it a prime spot for a weeknight date!

It was an absolute treat to indulge in the 6 course meal that started off with cocktails so shmancy there was smoking of mint leaves involved! I'm not much of a drinker, but even I had to try these artistic cocktails prepared by our talented mixoligist.

This pre-dinner bites were insanely delicious. I could have had just these shrimp alone for dinner and been a happy camper!

 This farro risotto (above) and Maine lobster ravioli (below) were my favorites! Did you know that some of the fresh herbs used in these dishes are grown on-site in the chef's own urban oasis garden at the W? How cool is that!?

Had such a great time enjoying a nice relaxing dinner and great conversation with fellow bloggers, something we don't usually get the chance to do with our busy and conflicting schedules.

This desert had us all wondering when the menu simply said "Patagonia". When it arrived we were curious to try what a candied mushroom tasted like. Turns out it's pretty amazing, especially with a decadent chocolate crumble below.

Photos by Blair of The Fox and She

Special Thanks to Chef Coppola and everyone at IPO  as well as Windy City Blogger Collective  (read their recap here) for making this event happen. Such a lovely evening and thanks for having me. I can't wait to go back for round two!

Red ASOS Scuba Midi Skirt

ASOS scuba Midi // Ann Taylor top (similar on sale!) // Prima Donna necklace c/o // Nordstrom BP bag (sold out) // Old Navy scarf // Sole Society heels (super comfy Sofft version here) // Michael Kors "Runway" watch // Earrings // Zara Sunglasses // J. Crew Belt (fall tone here)

Here is what this teacher wore for the first day of school. This midi skirt is very FULL so what better day to make a statement than on the first day? If you are petite, you are in luck because the petite version of this skirt is on sale. So is this Old Navy scarf that I picked up thinking it was a steal at $12 but is now on sale for $8.

MAB, Stripes & Leopard

Joe Fresh Dress (love this cute Splendid one) // Target Jacket // Rebecca Minkoff MAB bag // Urban Outfitters Fedora // Express Belt (old but similar here) // Michael Kors "Runway" watch // Jouer "Ava" Lipstick

I am head over heels in love with this MAB of mine. What's that you ask? Well its a buttery soft leather tote brought to you by the amazing Rebecca Minkoff. After much deliberation (you may remember this post) I finally decided that based on bags I previously owned and my all-around smittenness (that's a word) that this MAB tote would be the best choice for me. My favorite part is that the closet I keep my coat and bag in at work smells like fine leather whenever I open the door. Heaven! Highly recommend you get your own.