Outfit: LBD

J.Crew Dress  //  J.Crew Necklace {also love this one!}  //  Michael Kors Wedges  //  Monserat de Lucca Tote {no longer available but I love this similar option}  //  Gap Sunglasses

I have found the perfect LBD, which I may or may not have also purchased in neon violet because the fit is that great. Crepe is such a wonderful fabric - lightweight, comfortable and cool enough for 87 degree days - which I am in no way complaining about because I am now back in snowy Chicago. Anyways, dresses are something that I can always justify. They are definitely the one item in my closet that gets the most wear. Have you browsed through Shopbop's sale yet? Since Shopbop carries my most favorite designers, I have a problem not grabbing a few items on my wish list. I finally snagged this fun LBD, and this is also in my shopping cart. Enter SPRINGEVENT at checkout to save {ends tonight, so hurry!}.

Key West

I'd love to share a few photos from our trip to Key West, which was the perfect mix of relaxing and indulging. We began the trip with a drag show, read a few books by the pool, had bloody mary's for breakfast, ate as much lobster + fresh oysters as humanly possible, lived in flip flops, and soaked up the sun. It is amazing what a little sunshine can do for your well-being.

The best lobster benedict from Blue Heaven.

Shopbop's SPRINGEVENT

Scroll a few of my favorites from the Shopbop sale above! Enter code SPRINGEVENT at checkout to save up to $300 on your purchase.  I think it's the perfect time to snag those sunglasses you've been eyeing, a timeless bag, or the perfect Spring shoe. You deserve it!

Outfit: Leather + Stripes

Club Monaco Dress  //  Michael Kors Wedges {I want the navy!}  //  gifted Lauren Merkin Bag  //  Timex Watch  //  Space 519 Bracelets  //  Smashbox Lipstick in Mandarin

I love this dress, so much that I want to wear it to sleep and then wear it again tomorrow. I am a huge fan of shift dresses {see similar favorites here, here and here}, they never seem to go out of style and the leather pockets on this number really had me at hello. It is hot in Key West, dry hair is not an option, so please pardon the fresh-out-of-the-shower look. I will be returning to chilly Chicago tonight, so until then I'll be soaking up every last bit of sunshine. Happy Tuesday!

Giveaway: Lulu & Georgia

If you're like me, then you've probably swooned over these gorgeous vintage Hermes trays. When I was first introduced to my sponsor, Lulu & Georgia, I remember fixating on the beautiful Copenhagen Tray. Such a perfect pop of color, and a solution for all of those unorganized spaces in your home. 

Well lucky for you, the sweet ladies over at L&G are kindly offering a large tangerine Copenhagen Tray to one of my readers!

To enter: follow the directions on the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will end on Friday, March 1st. Good luck!

{images 1 and 2}

Sunday Shop

La Vie Bobo Large Neon Quartz Necklace

Neon and quartz, a match made in heaven. 

Weekend Style

Ray Ban Aviators  //  Loren Hope Earrings  //  Thakoon Dress  //  Loeffler Randall Sandals  //  Joie Leather Jacket  //  Christopher Kon Wallet  //  Kate Spade iPhone Case  //  Rebecca Minkoff Satchel

I would gladly welcome Spring in this little outfit. Happy Saturday! xx

Happy Weekend

{via}

Happy Friday! Well, as we speak I am currently in Key West soaking up the sun {don't hate me} and indulging in yummy rum drinks and cold Pacifico's. It is exactly the zap of relaxation I need to get me through Chicago's long winter months. I plan on coming home nice and refreshed. I'll have a few fun posts coming up next week from our trip, until then enjoy regular scheduled weekend programming.

Have a great weekend! xo

The Dress

Joie Marciel Dress  //  Theory Nikay Dress  //  Dolce Vita Jeralyn Dress

Ella Moss Citrus Floral Dress  //  Rebecca Taylor Hawaii Dress  //  Red Valentino Flower Bouquet Dress

Soft Joie Wilcox Stripe Dress  //  Mara Hoffman Snake Dress  //  Rachel Pally Stripe Cutout Dress

I am pretty sure that this is the first time in the history of my life that I have packed for a trip and fit six days into a carry-on suitcase. I have dresses to thank for that, the easiest item to plan an outfit around. Above are a few of my recent favorites, including this and this budget friendly option, too. 

Outfit: Camo Pants

J.Crew Coat  //  Club Monaco Sweater  //  Gap Camo Denim  //  Zara Heels  //  Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bag  //  Bauble Bar Necklace  //  Birds on a Wire Necklace  //  Smashbox Lipstick in Mandarin

Oh Chicago weather, you are bizarre. First you tease us with 50 degree weather, with of course 40 mph winds, and then we wake up to find snow and 15 degree temps. As you can see, my skin could really use a healthy dose of sunshine. Once your skin starts to out-glow your outfit, you know it's time. Although, these photos were taken at the first signs of the stomach flu that plagued me earlier this week - so that pale face could be a symbol of those special symptoms that come with the flu. Either way, I am loving my new camo pants, such a fun, edgy addition to my closet. They make me feel cooler than I am.

{photos by Emily}

#sharethelove with Diet Pepsi

J.Crew Bikini Top  //  J.Crew Dotted Bikini Bottoms  //  Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn  //  Kate Spade Headphones  //  Diet Pepsi  //  Madewell Floral Dress  //  Madewell Transport Tote  //  Clarins Sunscreen Stick  //  Rebecca Minkoff "Don't Bother Me I'm Shopping" iPad Case  //  Loeffler Randall Two Tone Sandals  //  LEMLEM Voile Scarf  //  J Brand Cutoff Shorts  //  Elizabeth and James Fairfax Sunnies  //  Widlfox Beach Towel

In honor of February and the month of love, I have teamed up with Diet Pepsi to share a love list centered around my upcoming beach getaway! Diet Pepsi wants you to #sharethelove this month by doing things that truly make you happy. Whether that is hosting a pancake party with your best friends, planning a wine and cheese pairing night, curling up for Sunday morning movies and mimosas, or spending the day at the beach - Diet Pepsi wants to see your love list by tweeting them @dietpepsi with hashtag #sharethelove! I'll be sharing a few of the things that I love throughout the rest of the month, so make sure you follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to get in on the fun!

This post was sponsored by Diet Pepsi. All opinions are my own. 

Around Here

Behind the scenes of my recent shoot with Blow by Blow Salon.

Morning citrus. 

Our new kitchen rug from Lulu & Georgia, I am completely in love. 

We hosted a pancake party on Saturday where everyone brought their favorite pancake ingredients - the winner was the bacon chocolate chip, mmmm!

New pink pants from J.Crew in the most perfect hue. 

New bathing suits for my upcoming vacays! Zinke One Piece and Mara Hoffman Bikini

The most genius idea: instagrams into magnents - Stickygrams! {c/o}

A new print of our beloved city for an empty wall in our family room. 

A few snapshots of life lately. Dave and I are headed down to the Florida Keys on Thursday and I am so looking forward to some warm R&R. Is it bad to start packing three days before you depart? I cannot wait to frolic around in a breezy sundress and pool coverup. 

Sunday Shop

Diptyque 'L'Ombre dans L'Eau' Eau de Parfum

Trust me, this is your scent. 

Weekend Style

Stella McCartney Oversized Cat Eye Sunnies  //  Manifesto Lover Sweatshirt  //  Lulu Frost Impromptu Necklace  //  NARS Lipstick in Niagara  //  3.1 Phillip Lim Cosmetic Bag  //  Mougin & Piquard for J.Crew Watch  //  J Brand Distressed Denim  //  J.Crew Printed iPhone Case  //  Alexander Wang Rocco Bag  //  Pour la Victoire Slingback Wedges

This weekend style consists of so many favorites of mine. Have you seen Meg Biram's new line, Manifesto? Every month she releases a new, limited edition, tee with a new word. On Thursday she released the Lover sweatshirt and well, I love. I saw this Lulu Frost necklace on Alicia last week and am completely obsessed. This NARS Lipstick color is perfect for Spring, a pinky coral and not overwhelming. I still really want the AW Rocco bag. It is so perfectly edgy. Finally, these slingback wedges would get so. much. wear. in my closet. I think they are a no-brainer for Spring.

Also, I wanted to send some belated love to Hanna for including me in her roundup of blogger superlatives. Let's just say it's an honor to be in the presence of such fabulous ladies and recognized by someone who's work and character I truly admire. Hanna, you made my month! xo

Hope you're enjoying your Saturday!

Happy Weekend

{via}

Well, here we are again! This week was a doozy for me and I am so happy to see the weekend. I don't have one thing on the agenda aside from a happy hour with friends and brunch, so I plan on taking full advantage of two long days off. Happy Friday! xo

PS: I added a few more items to my Goodsie shop, if you care to take a look. :)

Client Files: Blow by Blow Salon

I had the pleasure of working with Chicago's newest blow dry bar, Blow by Blow, styling a fun photo shoot for their website {designed by a favorite of mine, Hanna of Gadabout Creative}. Katie, the owner, has adorable style and her salon is decked in pretty pops of orange and pink on a clean white backdrop. Her vision for the shoot was Kate Spade meets Glitter Guide, so you can image how much fun it was to play around with lettered balloons, champagne, pretty pumps and sparkly baubles. You may have seen a sneak peek on my instagram, but below are a few fun shots from the shoot. 

left to right: Kate Spade Dotted Pumps  //  J.Crew Etta Pumps  //  J.Crew Glitter Pumps  //  J.Crew Mirrored Pumps

I still kick myself for not purchasing this skirt.

If you live in Chicago, I highly recommend stopping in and trying out Blow by Blow! Think overflowing glasses of champagne, fun hairstyles {so many to choose from}, a makeup bar, your favorite movies, nightly specials and adorable stylists. Exactly what this city needed! And, if you're interested in my services, send me an email and we can chat. I'd love to work with you!

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day! xo

{all photos taken by me for Sequins & Stripes}

Outfit: Hearts

J.Crew Blouse {old, but identical version and similar here}  //  Old Navy Pants {old}  //  gifted Bauble Bar Necklace  //  Space 519 Bracelets  //  J.Crew Heart Bracelet  //  J.Crew Heels  //  Essie Polish in Well Red

Nothing like a silky heart print to get you through hump day. Hope you're all enjoying this extra lovey week. xoxo

{photos by Emily}