Let's Talk About Boots, Baby

Let's face it, It's about to get ugly around here. You know it. I know it. So let's get prepared for it. Who wants to caught in the middle of Chicago winter in pumps? Not me, that's for sure. Let's make sure our feet are ready for the snowy mess coming too soon. 

Let's talk options. 

1. Combat boots. I'm not saying relive your middle school "My So Called Life" fashion days. Get a cool, more grown up pair that are sure to help you clomp through those wintery conditions. How fun are those red plaid ones above?

2. Flat riding boots: Keep them gams covered up in buttery leather or luxe suede. Both great choices.

3. Over the knee boots: Besides being incredibly in style right now they add a few extra inches of warmth and protection to your legs this winter!

4. "WOW" boots: You know, big heel, legs for days, making these just as sultry for going out as a pair of platform heels, except your feet will be toasty warm!

There, now isn't that better? And if you see some flurries falling from the sky today, don't say I didn't warn you. Happy Monday!

Black Maxi Dress

Zara Dress (old) // Sam Edelman Bag (old) // Forever 21 Sandals (similar for $22.80) // Akira Chicago belt // Burberry lipstick

A black maxi dress is a must have in my book. It's a perfect way to feel covered up and chic all at the same time. Not all black maxis are created equally however. Case in point, this lacy number pictured. I bought this dress 2 summers ago for our honeymoon in Greece but for some reason never wore it. It had been sitting in my closet ever since. Shame on me. I really love the back lace detail but it made undergarments tricky.

This, and 40 other LBDs were featured on the Divine Caroline website. Bet you never though there were so many ways to style your LBD! Get inspired here.

Shop black maxi dresses.

Sophisticated Yellow Floral

I'm ok with admitting this: I miss the days when the label size actually meant something. 

Enough with the vanity sizing! I'm aware I'm not a waif of a woman, so J. Crew, as much as I love you, stop lying to me. I have no business fitting into 4s and 6s and smalls! I'm 5'9! This skirt however is back from when the vanity sizing wasn't as ridiculous and fits the way it should.

And you know I'm always down with a great yellow skirt! Here is one that you can still get your hands on! 

Skirt: J. Crew Factory (old but similar here in a print, here in solid yellow)

Shoes: Express

Tee: Forever 21

Purse: Sam Edelman (same colors and brand, tote version)

Sunglasses: Kate Spade

Bracelet: Vintage

Watch: Michael Kors

Necklace: Forever 21 (similar here)

A Cheetah Heel Dilemma

Yes, I know I already own cheetah pumps from Zara, BUT I still like the idea of these two options here. I was all sold on the Enzo Caswell (top left) with their sophisticated take on the cheetah print and cool metallic accent on the back of the heel. But then I recently saw these Sam Edelman Okalas and reconsidered when I noticed the shorter, more teacher-appropriate heel. I'm torn! 

Maybe I'll just quit being practical and order these ones!

What do you think?

J. Crew Swim Coverup

Sorry for the delay in this post today. I was at what my cab driver called "Kangaroo court" because I received a violation from the city of Chicago for throwing a shoe box in a garbage can. Dumb! Did you know it's illegal to throw "garbage" in a "garbage can" here in Chicago?!? Silly! Anyway, it was DISMISSED (duh & yay) and now I'm home to bring you the next installment from Greece!

This outfit was pretty much stolen directly from Pink Peonies post a while back and I'm not afraid to admit it. Also it was a favorite of my dad's when he was looking through all my vacation pictures, which I find pretty cute considering he very rarely comments on any of my "fashion" choices.

This particular day on the island of Naxos was spent bumming around the hotel pool and then taking a short walk to the beach. When that's about all your day holds, it's a good day!

 Coverup: J. Crew (also madly in love with this one)

Necklace: Silver Linings Shop

Sandals: Sam Edelman "Trina"

Sunglasses: Nordstrom (only $12)
Nails: Orly "Fancy Fuchsia"

Some yummy fresh treats to enjoy on the balcony of our room. The nectarines are ridiculously, amazingly good in Greece!

Beach views down the street.

Navy and White Stripe Maxi

This dress was worn on one of those days when it's too humid to want to wear anything. The tee-shirt comfiness was perfect for a nice casual dinner out in Greek Town. And for $14, this dress was a steal!

Dress & Sunglasses: Forever 21

Necklace: Silver Linings Shop

Sandals: Sam Edelman "Nalo" (old but one pair in brown on eBay)

Purse: Sam Edelman
Lips: Heatwave by Nars

Faux Leather Friday

This infusion of faux leather seems to be a little Friday trend I'm starting. Last week it was this Zara top with faux leather pocket and shoulder panels, and this week it's on these awesome new leggings from Topshop. I love them now but will I be able to get away with these while teaching? Hmmm... I'll find a way.

I tend to have an overly colorful wardrobe. I think my closet pretty much has every shade of the rainbow and then some. But about once a week I crave a tougher look, something that consists of dark shades of clothing and a bit smokier makeup. I guess it balances out all the girliness of the bright and cheery colors I wear the other 6 days of the week.

I am a little addicted to Zara t-shirts lately. So comfy and cool all at a reasonable price. They always have enough detail to step them up from the average tee. And my favorite part is that they are long which is great for us tall girls who like to wear the legging and tee look and still keep covered up. 

Have a great weekend and thanks for reading!

Tee: ZARA(get this one while you can, it's selling out fast!), Leggings: Topshop, Sandals: Sam Edelman Trina, Bangles: Nordstrom, Natasha Couture, Watch Michael Kors. Chain and leather necklace: Oia Jules on Etsy

Ladies Who Lunch

What do teachers do on summer break? Become ladies who lunch of course! The newly married Amber and I had a lunch date at Elephant and Castle, then headed out for a little State Street shopping.

Although I do love this vintage dress, lets just say the wind and the pleated skirt did not get along. Some Chicagoans may have seen more than they bargained for.

And what's that in the Zara bag? The blazer from my Wednesday wants post finally arrived to the Block37 store so they sent me a TEXT to let me know it's in! How awesome is that! Now that's speaking my language! 

 

 Dress: vintage, Sandals: Sam Edelman Sophie, Bag: Coach vintage Willis, Necklace and sunglasses: Forever 21

I loved Amber's new monogrammed necklace with her new married initials. She also may be the only person who has more pink accessories than me!

The Sale Is On!

Do you have nothing planned this weekend? Are you looking for something fun to do that involves spending way too much money? Do you enjoy mass shopping chaos? Well go to the Nordstrom anniversary sale! In stores and online starts today! Last night they even closed down the Nordstrom site! I guess they are planning for it to be Missoni-for-Target BIG!

If you're crazy like me, you went bright and early to the Michigan Avenue store on the 11th to the early access sale for card holders! Here are my buys from the sale.That bangle set has made an appearance on my wrist in some shape or form everyday this week. And those Sam Edelman "Petty" boots are so soft and practical for the Fall, I had to buy them in 2 colors! Hope you get a chance to check the sale out yourself! 

Have a great weekend!

                    What I wore to the sale: Sandals Sam Edelman Trina, Maxi skirt Forever 21(old), Tee Zara sale last week $15, Watch La Mer, Bullet Necklace