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

Holiday Party Look : Casual Glam

December 16, 2015

Hello loves!
I’ve put together 3 festive looks for this holiday season that I think are ideal for any kind of party you get invited to… A house party, dinner with friends, drinks on NYE, any place where good times are being had!
This first look is for a more casual get-together, and I would totally wear it to a New Years Day brunch or to a laid back party at a friend’s house. I love that it’s comfy, will keep you warm, but still looking in-the-moment with some sparkly accessories. I’ve also been gravitating towards less fussy looks for the holidays. Anyone can throw on a sparkly dress and heels and call it a day, but a little restraint can also be nice.

Coat / Le Tote (similar) // T-shirt / Elizabeth & Clarke // Jeans / Mavi Jeans from StitchFix // Boots / Alfani // Bucket bag / Forever 21 (similar) // Sunnies / Amazon // Necklace / LA find // Bracelet / Le Tote (similar)

If you’re interested in signing up for Le Tote, feel free to use my link here. I do get compensation when you sign up, but I wouldn’t recommend spending money on services and products I didn’t love, so you can know you’re getting your money’s worth.

Photography by Holli Zenko.

Windowpane Top & A Special Message

December 14, 2015

Hello loves!
As many of you may know, I live in Redlands, CA, which was in the news recently as home to the shooters responsible for the massacre at the Inland Regional Center in nearby San Bernardino. It’s difficult to write this because the loss and devastation that occurred weighs so heavy on my heart. To think that any person could carry out the taking the lives of others to prove anything, period, makes me not only disgusted, but angry. I don’t want to live in a world where people (or my future kids) are afraid to go to a work party, to church, or to just express themselves and what they believe in, whatever that may be.
I’ve lived in Redlands for almost half of my life and it was definitely love at first sight. The vibe, the central location, the diversity of people and restaurants, the sense of community, everything fits for me and it truly feels like home. I’m not one of those people who says “Redlands is amazing, things like this just don’t happen here” because I’m not naïve. I know that this could have happened anywhere, in any city or town. But we are a strong city and will come together in times of crisis and adversity.
This Saturday, the 19th, many of the businesses in Redlands will be participating in an event to help raise money for the victims and families of the shooting. You can visit this Facebook event page to see the full list of businesses joining together for Bonded Strong – A Community for Peace. Some, including a la minute and Parliament Chocolate, will be donating all of their proceeds, as well as several restaurants and retail shops that will be donating a percentage from overall sales. I will be spending most of my day shopping, eating, and walking around to the different vendors, and I encourage all of you whom are in the area to stop by at least one of them to aid in this cause.

Blouse / Old Navy (similar) // Jeans / Mavi Jeans from StitchFix // Necklace / eBay (similar) // Bag / Philip Lim for Target (similar) // Ankle-strap flats / Sole Society // Sunnies / Layered by Cake
Photography by Holli Zenko.

Floaty Vest & LBD

December 10, 2015

I have a confession to make… I don’t get vests. Or, I guess I should say, I “didn’t” get vests. They’ve always been kind of a mystery to me. They don’t really add any warmth, I personally think puffer vests are highly unattractive, and if they’re printed, it’s a whole other story with what to pair them with! My thoughts have changed a bit since I found this floaty little piece. Fitting in completely with my personal style mantra of “a little feminine, a little edgy,” this third piece is fantastic for adding some interest to an otherwise unremarkable LBD. I’d also pair it with a tank and skinny jeans, or a white t-shirt an black pencil skirt. Lots of options here! So I guess opinions can change, as long as it’s the right match!

Vest / Forever 21 // Dress / H&M (similar) // Ankle booties / Forever 21 (similar) // Bag / Botkier // Ring / LA find // Sunnies / Layered by Cake

Photography by Holli Zenko.

Mini Florals & Knee-High Boots

December 9, 2015

Well, hello loves!
I hope everyone is doing well and keeping mostly sane around these crazy holiday times. Mark and I braved Costco AND Sam’s Club yesterday and managed to get out of there relatively unscathed (and spent under $100!). I saw a lot of folks stressed out and I wanted to tell them to just calm down and enjoy this time. The holidays for me have never been about “winning” or who has the best of something, or even worse, who got the best gifts. It’s about family, friends, awesome food, relaxing and fun times!

Now for the outfit, because you knew I would get there eventually.. haha! I’ve had this floral print dress for maybe a decade and I seem to only wear it in the fall because I think it works so well paired with rich cognac and ruby tones. Dark florals are one of my favorite trends this year, because they are the perfect blend of feminine and edgy, kind of what I’m all about 😉

Dress / Forever 21 similar // Belt / JcPenney similar // Boots / Nectar Clothing // Tights / Hue // Clutch / similar // Ruby ring / Kyle Chan Design // Necklace / LA find // Sunnies / Layered by Cake

Photography by Holli Zenko.