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

Kyle Chan Birthday Party

March 13, 2015

I love a good party… Especially one involving close friends, dressing up and a fun new venue. Last week, I grabbed my friend Amanda, some new pretties from Rent the Runway, and drove to LA for the birthday party of my favorite jewelry designer, Kyle Chan of Kyle Chan Design. We started the eve off with some primping at Nail Bar and Beauty Lounge in Beverly Hills, then headed to the Café Brentwood for soup, salad, and dessert, and finally, off to Pump Restaurant for the main event!

Lovely Amanda getting a little touch up. Her dress was from Rent the Runway, designed by Badgley Mischka.

Sitting down for a bite to eat before the party.

I so thoroughly enjoyed the mocha pot de crème.

A little red carpet step-and-repeat action with the birthday boy! My dress from Rent the Runway was designed by BCBG Max Azria.

Loved, loved, loved the chandeliers above the outside bar at Pump!

I was able to snag one more shot with the birthday boy, this time, joined by Tom Schwartz, a cast member from the reality show Vanderpump Rules.

A closeup of my Ivanka Trump heels for the evening and my little helper, Sole Serum.

February Beauty Buys

February 28, 2015

I love that so many online retailers put their summer beauty sets on sale in the beginning of winter, because it’s no longer warm weather time in most parts of the world. I, however, live in Southern California where it’s summer about 8 months out of the year! I’d had this set from Sephora in my cart for months before I finally clicked “check-out.” The bronzers, bright lip colors and fun nail polishes are welcome in my makeup kit all the time, but it’s awesome that I can buy pretty little sets at great discounts and start using everything right away.

From Macys.com
Benefit Cosmetics Bronze N Dandy cheek/lip set
MAC Pro Longwear lip pencil in More to Love
MAC Miley Cyrus Viva Glam lipstick
The lipliner and lipstick combo was recommended to me by a friend who works as a makeup artist for MAC. The liner is a great slightly darker, cooler base for the lipstick, and helps it stay on for hours upon hours.

From Sephora.com
Josie Maran 100% Light Argan Oil
Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel
Sephora Favorites Summer Stash Set including:
Canvas makeup bag
Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
Deborah Lippman Glitter Nail Lacquer in Mermaid’s Dream
Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee in Pink Escape
NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder
Stila Magnificent Metal Foil Finish Eyeshadow in Metallic Pixie Dust
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes liner in Iridescent Navy Blue
Buxom Divine Goddess Luminizer
OCC Cosmetics Lip Tar in New Wave with brush
Marc Jacobs Lash Lifter Gel Definition Mascara in Blacquer

And then, all of the lovely skincare and fragrance samples Sephora sent to me!

Beverly Hills Brunch

February 24, 2015

Two things that will get me out of a stressed-at-work funk every time – leaving town and brunch! Last weekend, the boyfriend and I took the hour drive to Beverly Hills to indulge in the most luxurious, tasty brunch menu at The Beverly Hilton. We had an Amazon deal which included unlimited mimosas (hello!), a starter, an entrée, unlimited trips to the buffet, and a dessert plate to die for… Everything was so fresh and gorgeous. I definitely recommend it if you’re in the area 🙂

Can you believe… All of this.. For just the two of us!
My favorite for sure was the pudding/chocolate mousse cup.

Random cockatiel sighting in the hallways.

Black cardigan – H&M
J’Adore shirt – Old Navy
Pleated skirt – ASOS
Plimsolls – New Look
Bag – Phillip Lim for Target

A closer look at the lovely grey, black and highlighter yellow print pleated skirt from ASOS, along with my Kate Spade wallet and rented Luv AJ ring.

Seafoam Dress and Lace Biker Jacket

February 24, 2015

A couple days ago, I tore through a box of about 14 dresses I bought from ASOS (thanks to a lovely combination of a great discount code, lax return policy and a decent amount of red wine while browsing, it gets me every time!), and this was the one I was most “meh” about right out of the bag. I loved the color but it was quite sack-like on the hanger. I tried it on, threw on a skinny belt, and OMG, I love this dress! The best part is the Loeffler Randall bag I am currently borrowing has little hints of this color throughout it, so it paired beautifully.

Lace biker jacket – Target
Asymmetrical dress – ASOS
Bow belt – Forever 21
Necklace – Kyle Chan Design
Strappy booties – Forever 21
Bag – Loeffler Randall