Chilly in Emerald

Do I look cold? It's because I am! Freezing! Probably not the best idea to be taking my coat off with bronchitis...the things I do for fashion...

I am really working on finding the perfect scaft and gloves combo for my new oatmeal colored peplum coat. I think I have decided on some hot pink leather gloves for sure though! Until I get that all figured out I'm sticking with some old favorites like this cobalt coat. 

Cobalt coat: Forever 21(similar option for $27 here), Boots: Old Navy (buy here on sale for $27.50) I also own them in brown last seen here on the blog, Pencil skirt (last seen here), plaid shirt (very similar here but in flannel) and belt: J Crew

Black and White Cable

While running errands I stopped by the H&M on State Street and found this cozy sweater. Usually I find cable knit and horizontal stripes to be quite widening but I think the vertical pattern of the cable down the front helped streamline this sweater.  

Of course H&M got me in the door with their "buy one get one free knit sale" that was going on this weekend, but somehow this very KNIT sweater didn't count in the sale! Thanks a lot!

Sweater: H&M , Jeans: Zara, Boots: Ivanka Trump Arlecia, Necklace: Piperlime, Purse: Kate Spade Gold Coast Ginnie Pink, Sunglasses: Target

In Bloom

I have had these floral jeans for a long time now. I even asked you readers help me decide on a pair when I ordered them back in August on this post! You picked well! Truth is I had trouble figuring out what to wear with them so I took the easy way out and paired them with a navy painters tee from J crew. When in doubt, can't go wrong with a solid, right?

Btw, what did you all think of the bonus post this Saturday?  Something you would like to see more of in the future? And if so let me know what kinds of items you would like me to gather up and find.

Floral Jeans: ASOS (buy here on sale for $34), Tee: J Crew Painters Tee, Wedges: (old) Urban Outfitters Buy super similar ones here, Eiffel Tower Necklace: Forever 21 (sold out online but I saw some at the Michigan Ave location on Sunday), Rose Gold Watch: Charming Charlie, Sunglasses: Target

WEEKEND BONUS! Recent Purchases and Wants: October

Oh it's a ridiculous array of items with no rhyme or reason, but here it is. I tried to pick a theme, but out of ponchos, sweaters, hunter green pants... the truth is I'm just obsessed with all of it so I couldn't pick. So I just crammed it all into one! All these items are either on my wish list or currently in my closet from the month of October.

The best part is that only 2 of these items are over $100 (the 2 capes on the far left) and they're just barely over, I promise! Seriously, this is one thrifty list!

FYI, anyone interested in the gray or camel ponchos I suggest you move fast! I tried to order the camel one a few days back and it disappeared out of my "bag" on the Forever21 website. It came back in stock today with limited quantities!

Enjoy ladies... and I know all of your husbands and boyfriends are starting to hate me for enabling your shopping habit but I just won't apologize for that.

Links to the items above (click on the pic below):

J Crew, I Love You!

This outfit is proof of the J Crew rampage I have been on recently. Those folks have been putting out a new sale every few day! How is a girl supposed to resist such fabulous colors and prints?! AND the 15% teacher discount? I mean really, I had no choice! 

I still haven't worn the hot pink version (on sale!!) of this skirt which is just a shame, but I hope it will come out soon. Probably with this same belt but a navy painters tee instead of this trusty snowcat button-down.

Belt: J Crew Factory store, Skirt: J Crew (on sale here), Button down: J Crew Boy Shirt in Snowcat, Studded Flats: C Label Hudson 10, Wrap Watch: La Mer, Nails (my new favorite Fall shade that doesn't sound fall-like at all) Bahama Mama by Essie, Pin: Vintage

Lacy Day

Kinda felt like Paddington bear in this outfit with the hat and the trench coat, but it has been so yucky and rainy in the last week that I needed it to save my curly hair (yes, it's naturally curly) from a disastrous day of frizz. 

The only new things I have on are these jeans which I am pretty much in love with from Zara. Since I only get to wear jeans once every 2 weeks, I really want to enjoy the days I get to wear them. I got these on a recent much-needed shopping trip, because for the first time in a long time, all my jeans were too big on me! (Thanks 17 Day Diet!!) I really am enjoying the super stretchy denim and overall they're a great look and fit. 

Zara, your clothes my run small but when they fit well, who cares what size they are! Am I right ladies?

Lace pullover: Anthropologie via Ebay(a bunch available here on Ebay), Necklace: Forever 21, Trench coat: Target (old), Hat: Ebay(super old), Me Too Patty bow flat: Nordstrom, Jeans: Zara

Orange You Glad It's Fall?

I have been waiting what feels like an eternity to wear this shirt! I got it back in June in NYC at Joe Fresh! I find orange a tricky color to wear in Fall/Winter because when pairing with darker colors, especially black, the look can turn very "Halloweeny" very fast.

I averted this situation by paring it with this tan velvety dot-print skirt I picked up from Anthropologie last year on sale for something ridiculously cheap (for there) like $39!

What are your feelings on orange? How do you steer clear of the dreaded Halloween look?

Skirt: Corded Dots pencil skirt Anthropologie, Orange silk top: Joe Fresh, Belt: Forever 21, Shoes: C label Hudson via Piperlime, Necklace: Banana Republic Outlet, Earrings: Forever 21

Lots of Layers

This outfit just kind of evolved as I was getting dressed. I had no idea what to wear so I turned to my black Express pants, or as one of my coworkers calls them, scuba pants. They are so comfy and flattering they work with really anything. Then I just kept adding layers from there. I wound up with this outfit in an array of different shades of green.

As you may remember from this post I call these my "magic pants" and suggested you all go out and buy a pair. Obviously you all took my word for it because when I went to get another pair (after I spilled all over these ones... oops) they were almost entirely sold out! I don't blame you; they are fantastic. Like wearing fancy, slimming sweatpants. Who could ask for more. Who knows though, maybe your local Express still has a few pairs hiding out.

Zara scarf snagged at their summer sale for $15! 

 Pants: Express (buy here), Lace top: Zara similar here in red and here in green, Booties: Marks by Report, Necklace: Forever 21 (very old), Blazer: Target (buy here), Sunglasses: Target

 My most comfortable booties!

Love the hidden pop of red!

Art of Fashion Runway Show: 2012

On Friday night, I had the pleasure of attending the Art of Fashion Runway Show in Chicago's beautiful Millennium Park. It may have been raining heavily outside, but once our cab dropped us at the massive tent we were safely and dryly inside sipping almond champagne in no time (you must try this, it's amazing)!

The event showcased ten Chicago designers. My favorite, Lara Miller, wowed me last year with her transformative knitwear in great bright colors.

After watching the show we grabbed our super heavy swag bags and took a short walk over to the theWit Hotel where the after party was being held on their rooftop bar. After the night of free cocktails we were VERY ready to eat. We ended our night at our favorite spot, Butterfly Sushi in West loop.

Boots: H&M, Green tights: DKNY, Faux Leather pencil Skirt: Forever 21, Double Peplum top: ASOS (buy here on sale), Chambray top (buy here): J Crew Factory, Necklace: Forever 21, Belt: J Crew

 

The pre-party area of the tent.

 My gorgeous girls!

My look for this event was what I'm calling "J Crew model goes to prom"

Some of my favorites from the show.

 

After party on theWit Hotel's roof top!

All of the Style Chicago goodie bag loot! Pretty sweet!

Today is my birthday but I have been sick all weekend. I think I used up all my energy on Friday night.  I will have to count that as my birthday celebration which isn't such a bad deal!