Dressed for Time | Spring and Summer Style Tips from a Chicago blogger

Fringe Flutter

July 31, 2016

Hello, loves!
Today, I’m bringing the fringe! I love this “fringe flutter” look because broken down, it’s a super simple outfit recipe where the accessories really make the ensemble complete. I found these metallic crisscross sandals (from Seychelles) at the last Gilt City sample sale, and I’ve been pairing them with everything from jeans and a tee to a day dress to an LBD for a GNO. They were on super sale (around $30!), because the straps were about 6 inches too long. So random, but a quick trip to my favorite cobbler and they were perfect for about $8. Not a bad investment at under $40. If you’re ever in the area when these sales are taking place, I highly recommend attending. I’ve come home with amazing finds at about 80% off retail.
The fringe bag is from BohoCheri, a local boutique that I love. The long leather tassels are definitely part of what makes this a statement bag, because they swing back and forth as you move. I wanted to add a pop of color with my jewelry, and I’ve been OBSESSED with turquoise this summer. I love that turq can run the gamut from deeper greens to light blue, and I adore when the stone has that gorgeous veining in it, whether it’s real or not. I loved this beaded stretch bracelet from Jessica Simpson so much when I rented it from Le Tote that I ended up buying it! The little gold coins really catch the light without being garish.
On a little side note, I’ve just returned from the CA Gift Show, which is my semi-annual pilgrimage to the convention center in LA to see all of the upcoming trends in jewelry and accessories. I can’t wait to share with you all the gorgeous things I came home with!
😀

Blouse / H&M // Jeans / MaviUSA via StitchFix // Bag / at BohoCheri // Sandals / Seychelles // Necklace / Elysian & Grace (similar) // Bracelet / Jessica Simpson // Rings / Forever 21 // Sunnies / Amazon

Shot by Holli Zenko Photography.

BohoCheri Summer Lookbook

July 21, 2016

Hi, loves!
I’ve been shopping at BohoCheri for a little while, and we’ve worked together on small projects here and there, but I was SO elated when they asked me to model for their summer lookbook! It’s just this surreal feeling to be taking pictures in clothes you are accustomed to seeing on the racks of your favorite local boutique and then being able to share them with you all here! So, without further ado, some of my favorite shots from the BohoCheri Summer Lookbook…

All items available at BohoCheri, all pictures by Holli Zenko Photography.

One thing I adore about this boutique is that it’s a mix of well-priced basics (leggings, jeans and tanks), along with lovely printed dresses and caftans (my favorites from Pool to Party and Jen’s Pirate Booty), off-shoulder blouses and cropped tops, but they also have one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists and designers. A couple of the standouts which I’ve brought home with me are delicate gold bead & stone necklaces from Elysian & Grace and hand-sewn leather wrap bracelets from Ronnie M Jewelry.
I love that walking in to the store, it will look completely different than the last time I was in (even if that happens to be last week!), and I never know what I’m going to find. I think owner Cheri’s attention to detail and her fantastic and friendly staff are a part of what makes this spot so unique. Cheri’s eye for curating items for the store is so on-point and on-trend, I know I’m always going to walk in and find something I’m in love with and can’t go home without.
BohoCheri is currently a brick-and-mortar location with an inspiration-filled Instagram feed, but we’ll be continuing to shoot content for the soon-to-be-live website, so everything will be shopable!

I’d love to hear about your favorite local boutique and what makes it special!
Share in the comments below 😀

June Stitch Fix

July 2, 2016

Hello, loves!
Another month, another shipment to drool over! For my June Stitch Fix, I asked for a large tote, a blush-colored item, a breezy maxi dress, a pair of embellished sandals and something off-the-shoulder. To be completely honest from the get-go about my shipment, the items I received were for the most part, all things that I would love to add to my closet. However, I don’t feel that my stylist honored my request to keep things on the less pricey side. When filling out your style profile, they give you the option to chose a range of price points that you would like each type of item to fall in to. There is “the cheaper the better” which I have checked for everything but outer layers. The next tier up is $50-100, which unfortunately, is where every item I was sent fell in to. I understand that some items are going to be of higher quality, made with better materials, from a prestigious designer, etc., but considering you get 5 items in each shipment, if I fell in love with everything and wanted to keep it all, that would REALLY add up quickly. I prefer to be offered several items at lower price points, so there’s a higher chance I’ll want to keep more of them. Anyway, moving on to the main event, here is what I received in my June Stitch Fix.

Necklace / Le Tote // Sunnies / Amazon
This dress was pretty damn gorgeous. The pattern featured the unexpected pairing of navy and orange, could be easily dressed up a bit with some platforms/wedges and a statement necklace or down with strappy flat sandals and a simple lariat. I think the fit was good, not great, but the thing that sealed the deal for me was that although the thin straps appeared adjustable, they would not budge. I even had Mark try to play around with them and nothing. At the length they were basically set at, the straps were just a touch too long and exposed my strapless bra underneath, a look I’m not a fan of. I probably would have kept it otherwise! Dress, $68, not purchased.

Sunnies / Amazon // Bag / Cambridge Satchel Co. from the Box of Style // Sandals / Steve Madden
Next up was this off-the-shoulder navy dress. I loved the slightly crinkled material (perfect for packing up and taking with me to Puerto Rico because I won’t have to worry about ironing it!), and it could even work for a beach cover-up or paired with heeled sandals and a long gold necklace for a night-out look. The neckline had a pretty snug elastic band, which I appreciate because I won’t have to be fussing with it constantly to keep the sleeves in place. Dress, $68, purchased.

Necklace / Elysian & Grace // Sunnies / Amazon // Sandals / Kenneth Cole // Jeans / Target
This shot features two of the items I was sent… The blush-toned corded lace blouse and the reversible tote. The top I was SO close to saying yes to but I couldn’t pull the trigger. It’s a gorgeous, well-made piece, but the price and expected cost-per-wear just didn’t add up for me. As for the tote, I’d actually tried out the same style from the same brand from a Nordstrom Anniversary sale last year, and that too went back. I just think they look kind of cheap, with the unfinished edges and construction of the bag. The color of the bag is exactly what I asked for, so that was great, but the rest failed in terms of good quality for the money. Lace top, $68, and reversible tote, $64, not purchased.

Top / BCBGeneration // Jeans / MaviUSA // Sunnies / Amazon
This look also shows two items from my June Stitch fix… The reversible tote (switched to the light blue material), and these gunmetal rhinestone-emblazoned gladiator sandals. I hate to say it, because it sounds harsh, but the sandals looked cheap. Like I could have found the same style at the ghetto-girl store for $25, tops. The little crystals were glued on and I can picture them falling off immediately with a little bit of wear. The kicker is that they weren’t cheap, they were $68 :O Back they went.

So overall, my June Stitch Fix was a little unsatisfying. I would have kept more had the price guidelines that I had set been followed. I ended up keeping just the off-the-shoulder dress because I know I’ll get tons of use out of it this summer.

What items did you request in your last Stitch Fix, or what would you request if you were signed up to receive shipments?
😀

Shot by Holli Zenko Photography.

3 Ways to Wear a Sarong

June 29, 2016

Summer is officially upon us!
Welcome the days spent poolside and at the beach, backyard BBQ’s, picnics and music festivals. One thing I’ve always wanted at my own house is a pool. Growing up, my weekends were spent at the association pool, along with everyone else in the community. We’re just renting right now but I would eventually love to have a place with it’s own pool, or at least to make friends with the neighbors so we can use theirs! As for now, you can find me crashing friend’s houses and hotel pools to get my time in the water (and sunbathing next to it).

I wanted to share 3 ways to wear a sarong, because you need to mix it up a little bit throughout summer to keep your look fresh. Sarongs (or pareos or wraps) are the ideal poolside topper because they’re so versatile. Aside from the obvious swimsuit coverup, they can also be used as scarves or even as a makeshift blanket to sit on in a pinch.

Sarong / Mara Hoffman // Bikini top & swim shorts / JcPenney // Wedges / Kork-Ease / Sunnies // Amazon
This first look offers a bit more coverage. You take an oversized scarf, (this one is from last summer’s Box of Style), hold two of the ends and wrap them across your chest and tie at the back of your neck. Depending on your size and the amount of material in your scarf, this can actually act as a dress for a pool party, or for hitting happy hour after a dip.

Swimsuit / JcPenney (similar) // Sarong / Pool to Party c/o BohoCheri // Sunnies / Amazon
Next up, a more classic take. This works with a longer length scarf, or an oversized one folded in half. I love that you can still show off the upper half of your suit. The one-piece I’m wearing here (my fave swimsuit that I own) has a drape neck and cut-out, which are features I wouldn’t want to hide.

Swimsuit & Sandals / JcPenney // Scarf / Forever 21 // Sunnies / Amazon
Lastly, I was really excited to come across this style on a YouTube video recently. You take opposite ends of the scarf and tie a knot so there is a huge loop in the middle. Put the scarf over your head and slip your arms through so the fabric is behind you and you’re now wearing the scarf like a vest! It’s a great casual cover-up and I loved using a more silky scarf for this look because it drapes beautifully.

Shot by Holli Zenko Photography.

What’s your favorite type of coverup? A little sundress? A sheer caftan? Share with me below 🙂