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

$50+ Beauty Wishlist & Gift Guide

December 1, 2015

From left to right, top to bottom rows
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

A girl can dream, right? Haha!
I wanted to break down my wishlists & holiday gift guides this year by type (beauty, accessories, shoes, etc.) and also by cost. All of the items I’ll be posting are things that I would be elated to give or receive 😀
If you know me at all, you know I enjoy making lists. It’s the first thing I do when considering the daunting task of figuring out the perfect gifts for my friends and loved ones. I ask for them early and sometimes even try to coordinate and pool resources with other people if there is a pricier item on the list that I think the recipient would love to own.
I think beauty sets are probably my favorite things to give and receive. The bright colors, the plethora of options, and just the idea of getting something pretty always puts a smile on my face.
What is your favorite gift to give?

Merlot & Cognac

November 30, 2015

Well, hello there! Fall has definitely arrived in California, and we can all rejoice in breaking out the sweaters, scarves & boots we’ve had in storage. I have a “healthy” collection of sweaters, mostly in the neutral color range (cream, black, grey, etc.) but my fall wardrobe was calling out for something crimson. I came across this Forever 21 sweater recently when browsing their website, and for around $20, I knew I couldn’t go wrong.. It has a slouchy fit, nice open weave, and a back cut-out detail that I love.
Speaking of neutrals, I’ve come to learn that leopard-print really can act as one, when it’s paired with the right tones! It can look great paired with cobalt, olive, magenta, really any shade, including other neutrals. I’ve been wearing these ankle-strap flats from Sole Society at least a couple times a week recently, and if you’re on the fence as to whether you should pick up a pair because you’re not sure what you’ll wear them with, I say, do it! Life is too short to wear boring shoes 😉

Sweater / Forever 21 // Jeans / Mavi from StitchFix // Flats / Sole Society // Necklaces / J.Crew // Ring / Kyle Chan Design // Bucket bag / Old Navy (similar) // Sunnies / Layered by Cake.

Photography by Holli Zenko.

Navy Blues

November 18, 2015

DFT Centennial Plaza Choices01 It’s always a treat to spend time in the Layered by Cake boutique, checking out all of the cute new items Shannon has brought in. I was immediately drawn to this scarf as soon as my eyes locked on it. The shades of blue and brown instantly brought to mind several outfit pairings… Over a gray or cream-colored dress, with an ivory sweater and cognac knee-high boots, etc.
Navy is definitely one of my favorite hues for fall. It’s chic and comforting, but not as stark as black.

Cardigan c/o Layered by Cake // Scarf c/o Layered by Cake // Ponte pants c/o Layered by Cake // T-shirt / Aerie // Wedge boots / Mossimo // Bracelet c/o Layered by Cake // Shoulder bag / Target

Photography by Holli Zenko.

Black & White Print Mixing

November 16, 2015

Something that even I will admit to falling in to is a work-wear rut. The same pieces keep making appearances day in and day out… You know the ones! Those black pants, worn-out flats and basic button-downs that are so uninspiring to wear (and to see others wear!) That is why, every now and then, I like to shock my work wardrobe with some decidedly non-basic pieces. This striped midi skirt, even if worn with a plain black top, is still going to bring some personality to your look. Same goes with the sheer windowpane print top- paired with skinny black pants and booties, some killer jewelry and even layered with a cardi and you’ve got a smart, work-appropriate, but not staid, look!
Accessories are also great for breaking up the monotony, and I always try to incorporate a piece with a couple colors to compliment a black & white ensemble.

Blazer / H&M // Sleeveless blouse / Le Tote // Skirt / Forever 21 / Heels / Jimmy Choo // Ring / LA find // Wallet / Kate Spade // Sunnies / Amazon