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

Kyle Chan at the California Gift Show

February 5, 2015

Every 6 months, I make the hour drive to LA to experience a cash-and-carry shopping extravaganza like no other. I save up considerably for this event, knowing that I’m sure to find oodles of fun and on-trend jewelry to get me through the next 6 months. I must admit that the booth I’ve come to look forward to stopping by the most is Kyle Chan Design. I’ve been following his work for a couple of years now and just find the most beautiful intricacy in his work. Each piece feels so thought-out and special, and I’ve amassed a little collection of necklaces, bracelets, and rings that I hold very dear. One of these days, I’ll save up for one of his diamond and gemstone rings, but until then, here is a sneak peak at some of the goods that were being offered at the show..

My favorites from this set would have to be the amber teardrop pendant (second in from the right), the stardust necklace (one more over from the right) and that adorable little gold penguin charm!

I would seriously wear every one of these, and just rotate them to go with my outfit for the day. They’re gorgeous! Thus far, I only have a bright green chrysoprase version, but I have my eye on the one in the middle here, with the gold pyrite and labradorite beads intermixed.

OBSESSED with this extra-long mixed tourmaline necklace. I can see it worn so many ways, like over a basic white tee, with a colorful dress or skirt, over a neutral-colored sweater… The possibilities are endless.

I adore all of these brilliantly simple gold charm pendants. I currently own the octopus, the bumblebee, and a tiny heart. I’ve been eyeing the hummingbird and, of course, the penguin!

On my wishlist currently is this stunner… It’s rose gold and morganite (and diamonds, of course), and goes for around $3,350. Definitely an investment piece!

Myself with the designer, Kyle Chan.

Soon to be posted are my buys from the show!
😀

Birchbox vs Ipsy Roundup

January 23, 2015

I’ve mentioned on here before my love (ahem, addiction) of subscription services. Every now and again, I like to do a comparison of the items received in my monthly beauty deliveries from Ipsy and Birchbox. Over time, I’ve noticed that Ipsy is much more cosmetics-focused, while Birchbox is mostly centered around skincare. It works out though, because I end up with a perfect mix of both!

January’s Ipsy Bag
Hikari Cosmetics Mechanical Eye Liner
Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow in Ethereal
Probelle Into the Blue Nail Lacquer
Elizabeth Mott All Over Shadow Brush
La Fresh EcoBeauty Good Day. Day Moisturizer
I really like this bag! The flip side is cream-colored and it has an orange zipper.. Such a great color combo!

January’s Birchbox
Tocca Cleopatra Crema de Mano
Manna Kadar Lip-Locked Priming Gloss Stain in All of You
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Advanced Argan Oil
It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Treatment
Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream

December’s Ipsy Bag –
Tarte Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara
Pixi by Petra Fairy Dust in Brightening Bare – this is a product I didn’t care for much.. I’ve already passed it on to a coworker to see if she likes it. I found the consistency to be a bit chalky and the color quite blah.
Nourish Organics Eye Cream
NYX Butter Lip Balm in Ladyfingers – this is very pigmented, I was surprised! It’s a great bright pink shade.
CoolWay Boost Repair Treatment

December’s Birchbox –
Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balm
Acure Sensitive Facial Cleanser
Benefit They’re Real Mascara
English Laundry Signature Fragrance
Toni & Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist – I want to give this spray another chance, but the first few tries left my hair a bit on the crunchy side.

December’s Ipsy Bag
Be a Bombshell Eye Base in Submissive – I’ve tried using this twice as a base and it creases like no other! It’s a pretty color (bronze with shimmer) so I may try treating it like a cream shadow and wear it over another legit base.
Elizabeth Mott You’re So Fine Liquid Eyeliner in Black
J.Cat Beauty Wonder Lip Paint – this stuff is so concentrated! I’ve yet to try OCC’s lip tars but I can imagine that these are very similar.
Temptu S/B Highlighter in Pink Pearl
I wanted to love this bag but those wrinkles will just not come out, even after stuffing it with paper to help it get’s it’s shape back.

November’s Birchbox
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive
Camille Beckman Platinume Gold Imperial Repair Hand Therapy
Make Dual Phase Eye Makeup Remover
Toni & Guy Classic Shine Gloss Serum
Laura Mericer Kohl Eye Pencil in Black Navy

I’ve got to admit that I look forward just a little bit more each month to those shiny pink packages from Ipsy.. Birchbox has them beat though when it comes to hair samples!
What beauty subscriptions do you look forward to each month?
😀

A Long Week of OOTDs

January 23, 2015

A couple of things I’ve noticed after uploading this series of outfit-of-the-days.. First, I’ve really been enjoying my hair in a bun! I think it looks chicer, generally, than a ponytail, and I have just NOT been liking the feeling of hair on my neck. Also, I’ve been trying to mix it up a bit with my work wardrobe. I typically wear just black or grey pants and a nicer top. Recently, I’ve found myself throwing on a skirt or dress and running with it!

Sheer dot top – Altuzarra for Target
Black tank – ghetto girl store
Grey pants – Gap
Chelsea boots – Forever 21 – similar

Army green jacket – JcPenney
Striped shirt – Urban Outfitters
Necklace – J.Crew
Black pants – Target
Herringbone wedges – TOMS (on sale!)

Navy dress – H&M
Necklace – Tiffany & Co.
Grey tights – Target
Black ankle boots – Old Navy
Black ribbon belt – craft store

My casual brunch outfit!
Sequined cardigan – American Eagle Outfitters
J’Adore shirt – Old Navy
Denim capris – Old Navy
Black flats – Old Navy
Glasses – Warby Parker

In hindsight, I should have belted this cardigan.. Oh well!
Camel sweater – Old Navy
T-shirt – Joe Fresh for JcPenney
Ikat skirt – Sofia Vergara for Kmart
Lace-up booties – Target
Statement necklace – eBay

Ivory cardigan – Forever 21
Striped tee – Urban Outfitters
White tank – ghetto girl store
Black pants – Target
Knee-high boots – Nectar Clothing
Tribal necklace – LA find

This weekend, I’m headed to LA to explore the California Gift Show and LA Mart, and hopefully pick up some new pretty things. I’m excited to see one of my favorite jewelry designers, Kyle Chan from Kyle Chan Designs! I always end up picking up a piece or two from his gorgeous collection. This time around, I’m thinking about this necklace or this bracelet…. Which do you think I should go for? Or both!? 😀

NY

January 14, 2015

New York at the holidays. I can’t think of a more perfect time to visit. Yes, it was chilly, but that made it that more delightful to slip in to a little coffee shop for a cappuccino or French restaurant for a bowl of soup and to watch through the windows as people walk by. And, also, sales! In addition to the J.Crew jewelry I’ve already posted, I made my first ever venture into Inglot! I’ve been following the brand for a while now, but can’t exactly say that it’s accessible in the states. I was so happy to take a crash course tour of the island of Manhattan; below, some highlights.

Waiting for our flight, I started a new book and cozied up in my new snow boots from Sorel. Coat from Forever 21, bucket bag from Old Navy.

My accessories layout at our hotel room. I wanted to stick with one metal tone (gold, duh!) versatile scarves (cream/navy, black and leopard), and a couple of pairs of sunnies.
Jewelry from Jewelmint, J.Crew, BaubleBar, Bulova.
Scarves from AGlamourGirlsCloset(Instagram), Old Navy.

A gorgeous view of the city from Hoboken, NJ.

A little festive-ness near Radio City Music Hall.
We creeped around this hotel for some warmth and a photo op!
Coat, Burberry (borrowed from the boyfriend’s generous Grandma!)
Sorel boots, Old Navy skinnies, Old Navy bucket bag.

My Inglot goodies!
Slim Gel Lipstick in No. 56
Freedom Eyeshadow in No. 413 Pearl
Body Pigment Powder Pearl in No.39

One of my walking-around outfits. I do believe it was 28 degrees when we left the hotel the morning I took this!
Scarf – Old Navy
Cable knit sweater – vintage
Black skinnies – Old Navy
Sneakers – New Balance

Myself, Mark and Mark’s brother, Jack, at the incredibly inventive restaurant/gourmet grocery store hybrid, Eatily. I LOVED the concept of different little stations for crudo, vegetables, paninis, etc. Given the option by such courteous gentleman, I chose the crudo station. Succccch a good decision.

Fresh tuna wrapped in roasted red pepper with kalamata olives and olive oil (one of many awesome small plates we sampled.)

This trip, my first to New York, was one of the most special and meaningful trips I’ve ever been on. Spending time with the family of the love of my life and seeing how everyone comes together with love and support… Touched my heart. I can’t wait to go back to experience more of all that New York has to offer.