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

Comedy Show Date Night

September 27, 2014

For our third date, Mark and I went to a comedy show at the Ontario Improv. I don’t remember who we watched perform, or what we had to eat or drink, but I do remember one of the comedians picking on Mark for his occupation in front of a packed house and me laughing a LOT. We decided last weekend to go again, this time with a coworker of mine and her boyfriend, and it was just as much fun as I remembered. I wanted to wear something bright and also comfortable, because sitting for 3 hours can be really unpleasant in jeans after a full meal, just sayin!

Black sheer-neck dolman-sleeve top, Marshalls, similar, similar
Blue rhinestone necklace, eBay, similar
Ankle-strap sandals, DV by Dolce Vita
Neon floral stretchy pencil skirt, ASOS
LOVE stretch crystal bracelet, similar
Silver clutch (actually a pencil case), similar
NYX soft matte lip cream in Istanbul
Marc Jacobs Eau So Fresh Daisy rollerball

I love this dude.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens

August 3, 2014

So these Living Social certificates had been burning a whole in my coupon box for around two years when we finally decided to make the 45 minute drive over to Claremont to experience the beauty and natural wonder that is the Butterfly Pavilion. They only have the exhibit open for about 3 months out of the year, and it’s normally just a small up-charge for entrance. My thinking was, why not wear a bright, rose-covered skirt and attempt to attract them to me?! It sorta worked…

Scoop neck top by Decree at JcPenney, similar
Rose print neon skirt, Asos
Karen Walker-inspired sunglasses, Amazon
Handbag, Philip Lim for Target, similar (albeit a wholllle lot more pricey!)
Gold bar T-strap sandals, Target, similar
Bumblebee gold necklace, Kyle Chan Design

Boyfriend’s Birthday Dinner

July 25, 2014

This year, the boyfriend decided he wanted to go more low key. Considering all that last year’s bday for him entailed, (a Cessna plane ride, hiking trip in Malibu, lounging at the beach, and a dinner downtown with friends), I was admittedly happy to only have one decision to make this year while planning for his celebration.. Where we would eat! It was randomly suggested that we check out The Grand Oak Steakhouse, in a town about 30 minutes away from us, for their steak and fine dining atmosphere. Finding ourselves a bit early for our reservation, we first stopped by the lounge for some drinks..

The boyfriend ordered a trio of beer samples from a local brewery. I had a delightful cocktail called a Berry Sensation, which had blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, Blueberry Stoli, and some other goodness. I would definitely return for a laid back evening spent in the lounge, listening to the live music and sippin on a couple of cocktails…
Next up, the food!

I went for the Prix Fixe menu, and decided on a super tasty salad of arugula, roasted peaches, Marcona almonds, mozzarella and a pesto vinaigrette; the Mediterranean Dorade with potatoes and seasonal veggies with a basil pesto; and the dessert tapas sampler. Mark ordered the NY strip steak, which he enjoyed immensely. I was expecting tiny little bites for the dessert, and certainly not 5 of them, but they were all divine! I definitely recommend this spot for events and special occasions, although perhaps not for a younger or louder crowd.

And of course, my bathroom selfie!!

My gold brocade dress was a purchase from the Scarlet Threads Consignment Boutique.

A Day at the Races

July 25, 2014

Believe it or not, I’d never been able to experience before the exhilaration of live horse racing! Until recently, that is… Mark and I headed out for a day at the tracks, which included losing every bet we placed, 5 very watery dirty Bombay Sapphire martinis, a picture taken alongside a horse and jockey in the winner’s circle (which has yet to arrive at our house..sigh) and an opportunity for me to wear my favorite hat and new midi dress from Asos! Side note, I am slowly finding that everything I purchased from their website is at least one size too large (this dress included), which is good and bad, of course. I’m losing weight, woohoo!, but I’d also like for my clothes to fit properly. A little bow belt from F21 helped at least cinch me in at the waist.

Lace midi dress, Asos
Floppy hat, Forever 21, similar, similar
Black patent bow belt, Forever 21, similar
Ankle-strap flats, Dolce Vita

Pebbled leather clutch, Topshop, similar
Karen Walker-inspired sunnies, Amazon

Our view of the finish line from our private table.
All in all, we had fun, despite our losses (maybe $20), and would go back for another little Sunday getaway.

Shot at Los Alamitos Race Track in Los Alamitos, CA.