Today

"You gotta have style. It helps you get up in the morning. It's a way of life. Without it you're nobody. And I'm not talking about a lot of clothes."

-Diana Vreeland

Today is my last day in corporate America. Then, it is daily devotion to this blog.

Here we go!

{image via Musings in Femininity}

Seeing Spots

J.Crew Tippi Sweater in Leopard, J.Crew Pencil Skirt, Rachel Weissman Hairbow, Furbish Elephant Earrings

I purchased this sweater at a blogger shopping event the other night and I couldn't wait to wear it. Leopard print needs such little styling and I love how effortlessly this look comes together.  I purchased this hairbow at Henri Bendel during the holidays a few years back and I jump at the chance to wear it. It is such a fun accessory for an otherwise basic outfit. 

Also, I am sharing some items in my makeup bag and a few beauty favorites over at The Vault Files today! Head over there and check it out!

*Update: My glasses are from SEE Boutique here in Chicago. They have a ton of funky styles that you can browse on their website and mine were actually sunglasses that I had my prescription lenses added to!

A Full Weekend

I love weekends that are full of festivities, but still feel relaxing and aren't over in the blink of an eye. That is exactly how this weekend was for me - relaxing, eventful, and long. On Friday we took the water taxi from the Trump Tower down to Chinatown, which I highly recommend! The trip costs $4 and it is basically a 25 minute architecture tour of Chicago - I love this little city of mine.

After getting off the boat and enjoying some fine Chinese cuisine, we headed to Sakura Karoke Lounge.

Which was hilarious and ridiculous. Saturday I tried to take advantage of the beautiful weather in Chicago and ventured to the Green City Market for some breakfast. I sipped on a delicious smoothie, purchased some yummy breads and cheeses and even ran into Alex!

Sunday I ventured home to the suburbs to spend the day with my family. I indulged a little DIY project...lamp + gold spray paint.

Webster helped.

And my weekend ended with dinner...

Delicious dinner! Straight off the boat from Alaska.

Happy Monday! xo

This Week...

This week has been totally jam packed but really enjoyable at the same time. Excuse my second week in a row with no outfit posts...with trying to wrap up my last week and a half of work, busy nights, and busy weekends - it has been hard to find the time. I promise next week, outfits will be out in full force!

On Tuesday night I went to a little shopping event with some Chicago bloggers at J.Crew, we all tried on our fair share of clothes and I left with the Tippi Leopard Sweater and the Blythe Silk Blouse in Extravagant Green. I was gushing over the new Lulu Frost for J.Crew, the collection is seriously ah-mazing.

I finally registered for Rendez-vous New England - the brain child of my two favorite ladies, Jillian and Alison. I can't wait!

I have been trying to track down the perfect loafer for fall. I decided, because I am short and this style doesn't always seem to flatter my stumpy legs, that these sparkly numbers are calling my name. They are not too tailored, have a loafer/Keds kind of shape, and I just adore the sparkles. Pedro Garcia, Geri Flats $380

Last night, my bestie {and roommate} and I went to DMK Burger Bar. It is an all grass fed beef burger bar, with delicious beers on tap {Daisy Cutter - my favorite!} and seriously delicious concepts. Go there.

Tonight, I am jumping on the water taxi at 6pm with about 20 pals and heading to Chinatown for dinner and karaoke to celebrate a friends birthday. I have never been to Chinatown {have any of you Chicago girls?} so I have no idea what to expect but I have no doubt that it will be blast.

Can you believe it is the last weekend in August?! I can't. To me, Labor Day marks the end of summer and the official start of fall, which I don't think I am complaining about. The days are getting a tiny bit cooler here in Chicago and I can't help but anticipate bbq's in sweatshirts, early morning coffee strolls in big, cozy knits, orange and red leaves along the lake, and football season. A few of us bloggers here in Chicago have our Fantasy Football draft on Monday! We are pumped.

Thank you for all of the sweet comments over the last week in regards to my job and my bold decision to start a life with intention {thanks to MML and Jess Constable, I have been feeling very confident about my decision, her posts are so unbelievably uplifting!}, your support means so much to me and I can't tell you what a rock the blog world has become in my life.

Whoa, this has been a lot of chatter. Have a wonderful weekend my dears!! xoxo

Lately

"Only do what you love, only pursue what feels like you." - Jenna Lyons

Next Wednesday, August 31st marks a new chapter in my life. I can't wait.

Also, I am super excited to be guest posting today over at {Long Distance Loving}, head on over and check out the looks for fall that I can't wait to wear!

{images via Pretty Stuff and Crush Cul de Sac}

Leopard Love

I'm guest posting today over at A Daily Something, stop by and check out my leopard inspiration for fall! 

ps: this past weekend Sequins and Stripes hit 100 followers {and now 105!}. So I just wanted to say thank you for your support in this little blog of mine, for visiting every day, for reading my posts, for commenting, for those who send me emails just to say that you like what you see, and for everyone else who has a part in Sequins and Stripes. Thank you, your support means the world to me!

xoxo

These Two Dresses

These two dresses are giving me heart palpitations. I think it is almost necessary that I own them, both of them. Think of the options! So much fall fabulousness to be had with these two J.Crew beauties. 

You can easily pair these with one {or all} of the following...

1  Chloe Tucson Boots - Seriously, the most perfect color + shape. Easily paired with brown and black.

2  Chloe Marci Small Leater Satchel - love, love, love so much.

3  ASOS Oasis Studded Earrings - A dash of feminine flare.

4  ESSIE Nail Polish in Jazz and Going Incognito

5  ASOS Leopard Belt - because you need leopard in your wardrobe.

6  Smythson Leather Travel Wallet - perfection, grab and go.

7  Boutique 9 Loafer Heels - I just purchased these and I am obsessed!

And all of these items are easily interchangeable between the two! Why does Chloe have to be so pricey?  I will be dreaming of those boots all fall. Luckily, I am headed to J.Crew tonight and I may have to pick up one of these sweet dresses. What do you think?

My Birthday

As you can see, I ditched out a little early last week. I decided to leave my computer at home, and headed to my lake house on Thursday night with a group of friends to celebrate my birthday. It was wonderful.

Turns out my birthday wish list was very effective because I received these, these and this from my family and Dave, plus I purchased myself something pretty to hang over my new desk.

If you follow me on twitter, you probably saw that last Thursday I put in my two weeks at work. I don't know what comes next, but I can tell you that it involves some travel + some blog love.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, it is going to be a busy week around here and I can't wait! xo

It's a crazy day over here...

...so I apologize for the lack of post. Lots of things happening today that I promise to fill you in on next week...

In the meantime, I will leave you with this image that is making me itch for fall weather.

I love the navy sailor pants, feminine blouse, gold necklace and of course the camel coat. So chic and styled.

Have a wonderful day! Be back soon! xo

{image via Pinterest}

My Wish List

 Since my actual birthday is this Saturday, I thought it would be fun to compile my wish list, just in case a few people are still looking for ideas. Obviously, most of these are wants and not needed at all, but it is fun to tally items that have been on my lust list for awhile! 

1  KATE SPADE WESTWARD Wanderlust Satchel  2  J.CREW Biella Patent Loafer  3  FURBISH STUDIO Elephant Safari Earrings  4  KATE SPADE Highline Triple Chain Necklace  5  COCOA AND HEARTS Original Painting  6  THE EVOLUTION STORE Agate Bookcases  7  RICCI Gold Bamboo Flatware  8  SONY Super Telephoto Zoom Lens  9  NESPRESSO Citiz Aeroccino C120  10  KATE SPADE Rainspot Laptop Sleeve  11  UNION Border Contrast Camera Strap  12  FURBISH Ikat Thank You Notes  13  JONATHAN ADLER Future Asterisk Vase  14  IST DIBS Gold Bamboo Chair {I'm in need of a desk chair!} 15  YSL Style Style Style

My friend Danielle from Breakfast at Toast is sharing her birthday wish list today, too! Make sure you stop by and check out her fabulous gift ideas!

Celebrate We Will

Considering it is my birthday week, I thought I would share some celebration inspiration for a fun and fabulous 25th soiree. I plan on cupcakes, pretty cocktails, colorful decor, and confetti galore; plus family, friends, sunny days and cool nights. 

1  STEVE MADDEN Greta Sandals  2  KENDRA SCOTT Gwen Chandelier Earring  3  ANYA HINDMARCH Glitter Clutch  4  ALICE AND OLIVIA Tessie Dress  5  ASOS Leather Portfolio Clutch  6  KENDRA SCOTT Aiden Earrings  7  MICHAEL KORS Vail Wedge   8  BLUE MOON Leopard Dress    

I can't decide if I should go soft and subtle or animal wild {I am seriously obsessed with this dress} for my birthday celebration. Earrings are my favorite accessory, so I would definitely need to play up my lobes in one of these Kendra Scott sparklers. For my birthday celebration, I am having a group of my closest friends up north to my family's lake house for sunny days on the lake and evenings filled with cocktail music and fancy wears. I can't wait! 

What do you think I should wear? I would love your opinion! 

{images via The Glitter Guide and Pretty Stuff}

A Special Week

This is my birthday week. Typically, I don't make a big deal out of birthdays. BUT, this week I am turning 25, and 25 seems old. I feel like at 25 there are no more excuses, I can't just pretend that I am 15 anymore. I am 25! I am a mature, poised, working woman with ambition and determination. 25 is going to be my year.

So, in honor of my quarter of a century celebration, I intend on filling my week with the following:

1. Cupcakes.

2. Dinners outside.

3. Yoga.

4. A manicure.

5. A run along the lake.

6. Chocolate.

7. A new party dress.

8. A glass of wine Numerous glasses of wine.

9. Sunshine.

10. Family and friends.

Beginning my week with a list of indulgences makes for a much easier Monday morning. I may need to make this a weekly routine.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Here is to a happy Monday.  xo

{image via Pretty Stuff}

What I Wore This Week

J.Crew Matinee Trench, J.Crew Tippi Sweater in Vibrant Flame, Zara Skirt {no longer available}, Hunter "Huntress" boots {a tiny bit shorter than the Hunter, because I'm a shrimp}, J.Crew flower hair clip {available in stores, not online}, my glasses are from See Boutique in Chicago {actually sunglasses that I had made into my glasses}.

Julie Haus Leopard Dress {no longer available}, Ray Ban Wayfarers, Aldo shoes, miscellaneous bracelets from Henri Bendel.

My week began somewhat gloomy and ended with beautiful sunshine and refreshing temps. I was able to try out my new trench coat from J.Crew and pulled out one of my favorite dresses for dinner with friends. Now, I am looking forward to a weekend on the lake before all of these warm weekends fade into fall {semi-excited}. 

What are you up to my loves? 

xo