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

#flatlay

October 4, 2014

I could spend hours perusing the hashtag “flatlay” on Instagram. The carefully cultivated collections of items, artfully laid out, sometimes as if everything just fell perfectly in to place on it’s own… And quite often, an outfit idea that I save to my phone to inspire me at a later date. Below are my first 3 posts, joining the #flatlay movement.

Floral tank- JcPenney/Square Ring- LA Gift Show/Chalcedony ring- Kyle Chan Design/Kitten heels- Torrid/Druzy necklace- LA Gift Show

Sheer floral Top- JcPenney/Necklace- eBay/Perfume- Aqua di Gioia by Giorgio Armani/Sandals- Target

Lace Top- J.Crew Factory/Necklace- Jewelmint/Midi ring- Nectar Clothing/Boots- Nectar Clothing/Cropped boyfriend jeans- Old Navy

What do you think about #flaylay(s)?
Would you prefer to see outfits, etc. shown on a person?
😀

Holy Chic With a Pop of Jade

October 2, 2014

There’s little I enjoy more than brunch with friends (and a pedicure!) on my day off. When I get dressed for the occasion, I always try to pull together pieces that are comfortable, cute, and easy to move around in. No one wants to struggle yanking up the hems of skinny jeans to enjoy a calf massage! I thought this outfit needed a pop of color, so I threw the essentials in this colorblock clutch I picked up from Nectar Clothing. It breaks up the otherwise all black-and-white effect.

Holy Chic tee, Old Navy
Textured midi skirt, Asos
Ankle-strap sandals, New Look at Asos
Colorblock clutch, Nectar Clothing, similar
Leather wrap bracelet, similar
Square rhinestone ring, similar
Gold midi rings, similar
Polish on fingernails, Lilacism from Essie

What’s your go-to outfit for brunch?
😀

What’s in My Makeup Bag

September 29, 2014

Just as ever-evolving as my closet, are the contents of my makeup bag. Sometimes, I like to just throw on mascara and some cheek tint and head out the door. More often than not, my routine recently has been foundation, concealer where needed (blemishes, under eyes), some metallic cream eyeshadow, brow powder, mascara, pink powder blush and a touch of black eyeliner on the waterline. I didn’t picture any lip products because I actually just keep those in my purse, and that aspect of my routine changes literally day to day. Below, what I’m currently using to make myself up and presentable to the public, or as I tell Mark, “I’m going to go put on my face.”

On counter, clockwise from top:
Merle Norman Lasting Cream Eyeshadow in Sugared Almond
L’Oreal Infallible the Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner in Black
Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal 24 Hour Cream Eyeshadow in Barely Branded
Maybelline Volum’ Express Pumped Up! Colossal Mascara in Glam Black
Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass Lip Tint in Cherry
Lancôme Color Focus Duo in Filigree & Prop (no longer available)
Stila Eyeshadow Trio (Lame, Chloe & Kitten)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Blonde
Brow Brush (the lining brush from the L’Oreal Hip Cream Eyeliner
Too Faced Crease Brush
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer in 5
ELF Studio Powder Brush
Maybelline Fit Me concealer in Light 10
MAC Powder Blush in Well Dressed
Cynthia Rowley Beauty eyeliner in Black

In Victoria’s Secret cosmetic pouch (similar):
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 115
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Brown

How frequently do you change up your makeup routine? Comment below 😀

Fall Shoe Edit Part One

September 27, 2014

This fall, I’m going to be all about comfort for my feet! A couple of pairs of slip-ons, some wedge booties, flat sandals, and low-heeled ankle boots, and I’m halfway to my ultimate fall shoe options! I love that the plaid print on the ASOS slip-ons can both liven up a plain t-and-jeans outfit, or add some interesting contrast to a striped sweater. I also cannot wait for it to be cool enough to throw on a pair of tights and a dress and slip my feet into those TOMS wedges. Herringbone and plaid are definitely high on my list of picks for Fall/Winter prints, along with gingham/checkered fabric and windowpane prints. Part two will include knee-high and Chelsea boots, and also some dressier options.

Clockwise, from top:
Plaid plimsolls, New Look
Ankle booties, Old Navy
Slip-on sneakers, Old Navy
Ankle-strap sandals, New Look
Wedge booties, TOMS