Weekly Pick: Fall Fashion Fix: Real Women, Real Chicago

Tomorrow you can join the 900 Shops and the Drake Hotel for the Fall Fashion Fix: Real Women, Real Chicago. At this event you can enjoy some of fall's hottest trends while celebrating 40 influential Chicago women at the Drake Hotel. What could be better than this? A portion of ticket sales will also benefit The Greater North Michigan Avenue Charitable Foundation.

xoxo

PS

U is for: Unique Accessories

Have you RSVP'd for the arm party yet? I'm currently loving this stacked bracelet trend that's eye catching and lends itself well to any outfit. Give it a try and let me know how fun your party was.

Image found here

You can find a similar look with these picks:

The classic MICHAEL Michael Kors Round Bracelet Watch is a must have. 

I'm craving the Lulu Frost for J.Crew wide Deco bangle as a fun fall accessory.

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Society Social

Society Social is a new website featuring handcrafted cocktail carts with a mission to live sparkly and a belief that poppin' bottles is appropriate any day of the week. You're loving them already right? To showcase their products they created an amazing Manifesto Magalog. I'm thinking the Double bar cart would be a welcome addition to my apartment.

xoxo

PS

Bring on the Weekend

Image found here

Party Favors:

These watercolor walls are gorgeous 

My sister would love this Nutella coffee 

She would also have loved this Lego wall growing up

A window shutter turned mail sorter

This pineapple cream cheese (sounds interesting) has a creative presentation 

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Places for Brunch in Chicago

It's a fact that my Sunday-Funday always includes a well balanced brunch with a sparkling glass (or two) of mimosas. Brunch is by far my favorite meal which is why I thought I would share with you my fab 5 places to enjoy brunch here in Chicago. 

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1. By far the best brunch in Lakeview is at Angelina Ristorante. Bottomless mimosas and a menu with endless choices will leave you more than satisfied. 

2. I know i've already given my two cents about Hearty Boys here (My Crush on the Hearty Boys), but they deserve another mention. Amazing food in a fun and entertaining environment.
3. Located in the Gold Coast Tavern on Rush has been a long time favorite of mine. With the warm weather on the horizon it's the perfect place to take advantage of some great people watching from the patio while sipping a mimosa and eating a yummy omelette.
4. Nookies is a classic for brunch here in Chicago. With three locations and great food (i'm a huge fan of their multigrain pancakes) you need to put this on your list.
5. If you're looking for a sustainable restaurant with fresh ingredients head to Uncommon Ground here in Lakeview. The food is delicious and the drinks are strong which is the perfect combination for Sunday-Funday.

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Etsy Finds

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1. I'm loving this re-purposed mirror frame turned chalkboard that would be perfect in my entryway.
2. LCY Graphics creates such fun prints. I love the Colosseum print as a reminder of my trip to Italy.
3. This paracord bracelet has a great nautical feel to it.
4. This classic red lipstick print would suit me well on my wall.
5. A chevron bin to hold some extra magazines would be the perfect addition to my living room.

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Summer Braids

I'm obsessed right now with these braided hairstyles that are perfect for the last few weeks of warm summer days. These styles are so chic and add a sophisticated element to your outfit. I wish my hair was long enough to pull off the third style...

 Images found here, here, here and here

xoxo

PS

T is for: Tweed

I almost hate to say this but fall is right around the corner. These cooler nights have me forcasting my trends for fall 2011 and my guess is you'll be seeing a lot of tweed. Tweed has a lot of warmth and nostalgia built into it (ex: Coco Chanel) and this season tweed is back with a sophisticated flair. The fabric can easily pull off a classy elegant look or even an edgy look depending on what you pair it with. 

Image found here

You can find a similiar look with these picks:

I'm loving this Burberry Brit wool tweed check print skirt with the signature check and clean silhouette.

This classic vintage tweed jacket from J.Crew is so ladylike in a yummy mustard color.

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: The J in J.Crew

Did you miss me? Vacation (or otherwise know as va-ka-shun) was amazing spending time with family, enjoying the sun and sand, and sipping some Michigan wine. But rest assured I'm back in Chicago and back at the blog.
As all of you know I'm completely obsessed with J.Crew and this new article in New York Magazine puts it all into perspective. Jenna Lyons is a genius reinventing style for both men and women as the creative director for J.Crew. She probably has one of the most coveted jobs (and closets) in the business and she's continuing to make her mark on the fashion world. Cheers Jenna!

xoxo

PS

Ahhh Time For Some R&R...

"It’s hard for me to put into words why I like the beach so much. Everything about it is renewing for me, almost like therapy...Beach Therapy”

~Amy Dykens

Image found here

Party Favors:

A new way to serve jello

This rose cake is gorgeous 

Need a canoe? Hold on let me check my backpack

An example of great marketing

These watercolor walls are so unique

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Things to do/see in Up North MI

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1. Cherry Republic is a must stop for their delicious boomchunka cookies, cherry pit spitting and wine tasting.
2. We always look forward to an adventure kayaking down the Crystal River. Leeches, my mom screaming down the tube and my sister having to come to my rescue are all a possibility.
3. Good Morning America just nominated Sleeping Bear Dunes as one of the most beautiful places in America and rightly so because it's amazing.
4. We can't go up north without stopping at Leland to eat some smoked fish and visit the restroom at the Bluebird.
5. One of our favorite places to stay is at the Homestead where we can swim in the pools or Lake Michigan.

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: How to Pack

The countdown to summer vaca 2011 has begun! I have a tendency to overpack for vacations by throwing in extra shirts or pairs of shoes at the last minute and having to sit on the top of the suitcase just to close it. I came across this 5 step chart on how to pack and thought it was brilliant. No more overpacking here. 

xoxo

PS

S is for: Sparkles

Twinkle, twinkle little star it's all about sparkles that sparkle from afar. A sequin cardigan, a simple glittery bracelet or even some blinged out sandals will do the trick to master this trend. It's one of those that you can take to the extreme or you can play it safe with a couple of fun pieces. Have fun and sparkle on.

Image found here

You can find a similar look with these picks:

I love these subtle glitter crushed wedges from J.Crew that would be perfect for a date night.

This sequin strip tee from Old Navy is super chic and under $25.

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Snail Mail My Email

I love sending and receiving snail mail which is why I love this website called Snail Mail My Email. This interactive art project is seeking to give people that wonderful feeling of opening a hand written note instead of a text or email we're so accustomed to seeing. The project ends August 15 so hurry if you want to participate. Simply type an email (100 words max) and choose one custom option (such as a lip stick kiss) and they handle mailing the letter to your chosen recipient. Check out the letter gallery to snoop through some letters, and get on this before it ends next week!

xoxo

PS

It's Friday, Friday, Friday

Image found here

Party Favors:

The perfect 6 pack holder

DYI chalkboard table

TP origami

Water hockey anyone?

You are the CSS to my HTML

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Lipgloss/Lipstick Shades

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1. Revlon Persian Melon is the hottest pink around.
2. Nars pure matte lipstick in Terre de Feu is my everyday shade. The black cherry red is perfect for work or a night on the town.
3. Sephora the Red is dramatic and the creamy texture makes application easy breezy.
4. MAC lipglass in Love Child is the perfect wear along shade or applied over your lipstick. It's not too sticky and lasts just long enough throughout the day.
5. Nars lipgloss in Orgasm is my favorite light pink with a hint of shimmer.

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Mermaid Nails

I'm in love with this manicure trend right now! Adding a little glitter to one or all of your nails brings a fun element of surprise without being too crazy. Just apply your favorite nail color and add some glitter to the tips of your nails using a clear top coat to set it. So easy and so festive for summer!

Images found here, here, here

xoxo

PS

R is for: Ruffles

Ruffles are such a stunning way to show off your femininity this summer. The embellishment is fun and flirty and perfect for your summer attire.

Image found here

You can find a similar look with these picks:

This ruffled dress from All Saints takes ruffles to the extreme in an eye catching and dramatic look.

You can also tone down the ruffle trend with a simple ruffle sleeved dress from Zara.

xoxo

PS