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

Graphic Nature

September 8, 2015

Wait, already?! The holiday weekend is almost over?! Rude. I wanted at least one more day to clean and get our house in order. Mark and I are planning on having a little party with all of our friends (so I guess a big party, ha!) and I’d love for everything to be spotless so there’s less to stress over.
I think it’s important, as a host, to not worry about tidying the day of a party. It helps set a relaxed, welcome vibe and allows everyone to focus on having a good time… and the awesome food and drinks, of course! I’m planning a seaside/nautical theme for our party this year and have already come across some great decorations for the table and found the cutest drink dispenser with a chalkboard sign attached.
I really enjoyed the polished yet totally laid-back vibe of this look. The bucket bag carries everything I could need and is comfortable to carry. These lace-up flats are incredibly comfortable, and the silk blouse is breezy and light for these still 100+ days.

Silk top / Matison Stone (Rent the Runway) // White denim / Old Navy // Bucket bag / Forever 21 // Eagle Claw necklace / Pamela Love (Rent the Runway) // Sunglasses / Amazon (Karen Walker-inspired) // Lace-up sandals / Old Navy (similar) // Rings / Forever 21/LA finds

Photography by Sarah Solberg.

Throwback Thursday

September 4, 2015

I knew I wanted to wear this fluid ASOS maxi skirt for this shoot but when I started styling it, I found myself gravitating towards a look I’d seen many times before.. Pretty much what was hot amongst fashion bloggers a year ago! The Old Navy cutesy quote t-shirt, the statement necklace, and the sequined clutch. I realized I’d never gotten in on the fun and posted a look of my own!

Besides being comfortable and a bit cheeky (ha!), this look even has a hint of sex appeal, thanks to a thigh-high slit in the skirt. I don’t mind that it’s not the freshest or trendiest ensemble out there because it’s still cute and perfect for a Sunday brunch, which is exactly where I wore it after these pictures were shot 😉

T-shirt / Old Navy // Maxi skirt / ASOS – similar // Necklace / eBay – similar // Sequined clutch / eBay // Bow sandals / JcPenney – similar // Rings / LA finds // Sunglasses / Amazon

Pictures by Sarah Solberg.

Casual Pineapple and My New Fave

September 2, 2015

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you the newest member of my accessories family.. This lovely (and functional, it’s also a crossbody!) Botkier bag! I’d been wanting to own one of their pieces for a while, after falling in love with the Cobalt Trigger Small Satchel and the Black Trigger Crossbody I received from Rent the Runway.

This one took some effort to finally have in my possession, after the package containing it, two scarves and a necklace purchased from Rent the Runway were stolen off my front porch 🙁 I had to re-purchase it and wait another week for it to get to me, but I’ve been so happy with it ever since! It’s got oodles of places to put all of my necessities and a unique magnetic closure instead of a zipper for the main compartment.

I love a casual, effortless look like this that’s still put together. It’s always great to add in a surprising element (color, texture, print) to a white tee and jeans, and this adorable pineapple print scarf did just the trick!

Scarf / Echo New York // White tee / Aerie – similar // Cropped denim / Old Navy // Leather bag / Botkier // Sneakers / Old Navy – similar // Sunglasses / Free People – similar // Bee necklace / Kyle Chan Design // Rings / LA finds

Photos by Sarah Solberg.

Roses and Colorblocking

September 1, 2015

Another lovely, yet hottt weekend in southern California. All told, I feel like this summer still has not been as hot as recent summers past. I better get my butt in a pool before it ends though! Definitely on the list, and I’m surprised it hasn’t happened yet. I had a chance in Palm Springs but those Bloody Mary’s poolside just sounded like a better idea at the time.
I’ve started shooting with a new photographer, and I quite enjoy our work! It’s great to meet young female entrepreneurs in my area. I love that we can support each other and help one another grow our businesses. Plus, she’s funny, so that’s always a big plus 😀
I’m going to start pretty soon working 6 days a week until the end of the year, so it is going to be a struggle to keep up with posting, but I so enjoy shooting for and writing them, so I’m happy to find a balance!

Rose print top / Daniel Rainn – similar // Midi skirt / Pleionne // Crisscross sandals / Forever 21 – similar // Crossbody bag / American Eagle – similar // Rings / Forever 21 // Lariat necklace – similar // Sunnies – Amazon – Karen Walker-inspired

Photos by Sarah Solberg.