What I'm Reading Now: Toe That Line



I'm thrilled to feature Toe That Line today as one of blogs I'm currently reading. I recently met C.J. at Chicago Blogger Network event and I instantly bookmarked her blog as one of my daily reads. C.J. has a fabulous sense of style and her blog is a personal fashion, shopping and lifestyle blog where she posts about style that toes the line between office-appropriate attire and chic weekend wear. I also love reading Toe That Line for tips on style trends and current sales to achieve the look for less.

 

 

Get to know C.J.

1. What are you currently reading?

Since I do a lot of less-than-fun reading for work, I don't spend a lot of time reading for pleasure.  I do love a good "beach read" for vacation though.  I'm still finishing up my last airport bookstore purchase - Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter.  It jumps around from Italy in the '60s to modern-day Hollywood with some pretty endearing characters.  Makes me smile :)

 

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?

Really, any place new! My fiancé and I love trying new spots, especially as the food culture in the city is growing bigger and better every day. We do have our old favorites though.  We always love an al fresco lunch at Le Colonial (reminds us of a great trip to Vietnam) and dinner pretty much anywhere on Randolph. 

 

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?

My favorite thing about blogging is that it gives me a little bit of hope that there things out there worth working for.  I know it sounds pretty cheesy, but sometimes we get so caught up in our education and formal careers, that we forget to go after what we really want.  It can get pretty tough to stay up late and get up early to do my "day" job but I don't bat and eye about pouring hours into my latest "Line Items" post or styling a new outfit (or online shopping, obviously). It reminds me that it can still be enjoyable to work hard for something!

 

4. Five things on your wish list?

My list is way longer than five things!  But, topping it off are some classic staples:  

1. First is a gorgeous pair of jewel-toned Manolo Blahnik suede BB pumps.  They'll be perfect for a really pulled together office look and still work great with boyfriend jeans for the weekend. 
2. I've also been looking to get a new go-to clutch (I lost my favorite on vacation last month).  I've got my eye on this envelope-style Balenciaga in a textured black leather. 
3. Next on my list is a fun, printed dress.  I'm loving this one and this one from Anthropologie or this one by Clover Canyon (which, by the way, is a line that I am coveting everything from this fall).  
4. If you check out my blog, it's no secret that I love pretty much anything leather (real and vegan).  I've got my eye on this draped jacket from Asos and this top by French Connection. 
5. Finally, I'm still on the hunt for the perfect pair of flat boots for fall.  I have a hard time settling, either there's too much heel or it's too biker or too equestrian. I'm thinking I might try this pair from Zara.  At under $80, they're not too big of a risk. 

5. Favorite quote?

Not sure who originally said this, but it's one of those Pinterest quotes floating around that always seems to get me: "Don't let yesterday take up too much of today."  Since I'm a perpetual worrier, this hits pretty deep every time I come across it.  It reminds me that I could be wasting very valuable happy time today if I'm too worried about something else, be it yesterday or tomorrow!  

 

xoxo

 

PS

Happy Friday + Links

Image found here

 

Party Favors:

23 things every woman should stop doing

The perfect Fall to-do list

The world according to Michigan

Why the French secretly love the Golden Arches (hello macarons)

How awesome is this Brooklyn hotel?

 

 

xoxo

 

PS 

Fab 5: Things On My Wishlist

1. I've had my eye on this West Elm ottoman forever...it's about time to make a debut in my apartment.

2. This Kate Spade 2014 agenda is just what I need to start off the new year.

3.. I'm on the hunt for the perfect pair of knee high boots and I'm loving these from Ann Taylor.

4. I would love a gray cashmere V-neck sweater from J.Crew for fall/winter.

5.. I'm creating a gallery wall in my new office and this SS Print Shop print with a quote from Jenna Lyons is a must.

 

xoxo

 

PS

 

Weekly Pick: Camo Chic

Is it possible to wear a camouflage jacket and still look chic? I think so. The camo trend is everywhere these days from accessories to essential pieces such as jeans and jackets. It's fun mixing a print you might otherwise only see on Duck Dynasty with gold pointed toe flats and skinny jeans to create a chic outfit for a weekend in Grand Rapids.

Jacket: Forever 21/ Jeans: Gap/ Flats: Forever 21/ Sunglasses: Akira/ Nail Polish: Illamasqua

 

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Apple Cider Waffles

It's officially fall which means it's time to enjoy all things apple. Bring on the apple crisp, caramel apples, apple cider donuts and my new favorite apple cider waffles. These apple cider waffles had the perfect amount of spice and were the perfect way to celebrate the first day of fall with my family. Serve these waffles with warm maple syrup and pecans or some cooked apples for a delicious fall brunch.

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 egg
1 cup apple cider
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
Preheat waffle iron and spray with nonstick cooking spray or small amount of butter.

Whisk all dry ingredients together and add egg, apple cider and vanilla. Whisk until well combined. Let the batter sit for at least 10-15 minutes until slightly bubbly. Pour the batter into waffle iron and prepare according to your waffle iron instructions. Remove from waffle iron when baked through and serve warm.

xoxo

PS

Fashion Report: Emmy Awards 2013

 Best Dressed: Kate Mara in J. Mendel

This white lace long sleeve gown is just stunning on Kate Mara. I love the detail of the lace paired with the high-cut silk crepe asymmetrical wrap skirt. I might need to find a lace top to pair with my high-cut pink skirt...

 

January Jones in Givenchy

January Jones is always one of my favorites on the red carpet because she's not afraid to take some fashion risks. Last night however she played it safe and to be honest I was more than ok with that. This blush pink Givenchy gown was gorgeous with the lace detail and simple frame that paired perfectly with January's hair and makeup.

 

 

Kerry Washington in Marchesa

Kerry Washington is another red carpet favorite of mine because she loves fashion and knows what looks good on her. This Marchesa blush empire gown with floral detail and lace bralet was quite a statement dress last night. Kerry saw this dress on the runway and called on it right away to wear to the Emmys. Kerry, you made a great call because this dress is beautiful and truly one of a kind.

 

Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein

I loved seeing a crop top on the Emmy red carpet so I had to include Rose Byrne's custom Calvin Klein petal pink gown as one of my favorites. This silk crepe halter top and skirt fit her perfectly and the blush pink color was on trend for the evening.

 

Images Found Here

 

xoxo

 

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Hunter Style

If you're looking for a stylish Chicago blog or if you're searching for a specific item of clothing look no further than Hunter Style. I love reading Hunter Style because Kait features items that fit into a real girl's budget and she has a fabulous sense of style (the perfect combination). Kait also offers styling services and answers to your styling questions which is why Hunter Style is a blog you should all be reading right now.

Get to know Kait:

1. What are you currently reading?

I just started reading Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick. It's supposed to be the basis for the movie Blade Runner which is one of my favorites. So far it's totally bizarre but I love it. Most anything from Philip K Dick or Haruki Murakami I'm a fan of.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?

My boyfriend and I love going to Cocoro. It's a Japanese ramen joint and you know it's legit when the place is full of Japanese businessmen. When fall arrives, it's a spot we hit up pretty often.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?

Having an outlet that is totally my own. I say what I want, post what I want and wear what I want. No exceptions.

I started it as an outlet for myself and my own shopping addiction. I posted stuff that I was obsessing over, then someone asked if I would post my outfits online so I started that as well. However as a personal stylist I've found a lot of people find the styling advice, particularly petite specific questions, helpful. Anyone can buy an outfit head to toe and wear it straight off the mannequin - there is nothing exciting about that in my opinion. Personal style is unique and I find expressing my own personal style and helping others with theirs refreshing and completely fulfilling.

4. Five things on your wish list

1. Charlotte Olympia Wolfie Clutch
2. Jimmy Choo Carerra Sunglasses
3. Loeffler Randall Erika Flat
4. Zoe Karssen "Bat" Sweatshirt
5. Theory Huntington Leather Combo Blazer

5. Favorite quote?

"Dress for the job you want, not the job you have."

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

Image found here

 

Party Favors:

Surviving Whole Foods

Goodbye donuts and cupcakes...Rice Krispies are the latest trend

I can't wait for Eataly to arrive in Chicago!

This made me laugh

The pros and cons of being tall

 

Also, don't miss my guest post on A Foreign Land this week featuring my favorite spot in Chicago!

 

xoxo

 

PS



Fab 5: Looks From London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week has come to a close and now it's on to Milan. The collections from New York were amazing (don't get me wrong) but the runway in London had some serious fashion eye candy. Below you'll find five of my favorite looks from London that incorporate some of the big trends for spring/summer 2014 - sheer elements, white, matching sets, structured tailoring and pastel colors.

Burberry Prorsum

 

Preen/ Temperley London

 

House of Holland/ Marios Schwab

Images Found Here

 

xoxo

 

PS 

Weekly Pick: Bloomingdale's Got a Makeover #HaveYouHeard

 

Did you hear Bloomingdale's got a makeover? Last week I joined some Chicago bloggers from the Chicago Blogger Network for a tour of the recently renovated Bloomingdale's located in the 900 Shops on Michigan Ave. and we were all seriously impressed.

 

The cosmetics department showcases a state-of-the-art design with some all time favorite brands and new collections. Follow the iconic black and white tiled aisle to discover new brands such as Illamasqua (I'm obsessed with their nail polish), Crème de la Mer and Space NK. 

 

 

A girl can never have too many sunglasses and with this newly built showcase on the first floor I'm tempted to go buy another pair.



Head up to the third floor for a shoe lover's paradise in the new women's shoe department. You'll find all your favorite designers along with some new vendors including Chloe, Giuseppe Zanotti and Superga (my favorite).

 

Bloomingdale's has also collaborated with iconic British brands to create exclusive merchandise including a one-of-a-kind assortment of the Beatles men's merchandise to celebrate 50+ years of "Beatlemania."

 

 

Thanks Chicago Blogger Network and Bloomingdale's for a great night!



Top row, left to right: glitterary.com, fashion-a-holic.com, projectsoiree.com, stylepluscurves.com, toethatline.com

Bottom row, left to right: lakeshorelady.com, 312beauty.com, jessandjill.com, thehunterstyle.com, chitownfashionista.com

 

xoxo

 

PS

 

Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Biscuits

On a rainy Fall Sunday all I wanted to do was be in the kitchen and bake with pumpkin (of course). I decided to make these pumpkin biscuits that are delicious served with honey for a sweet snack or savory with eggs for brunch. The best part about these biscuits is they are super easy to make and don't require a ton of ingredients or time to assemble. I'll definitely be making these again!

 

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading and shaping the dough)

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen (plus more to spread)

3/4 cup pumpkin puree, chilled

1/3 cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons honey

 

Directions:

Preheat ove to 400 degrees F with rack in the lower third of the oven. 

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Using a box cheese grater and grate the frozen butter into the flour mixture. With a pastry blender or a metal fork cut in butter until the mixture resembles small peas.

In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin, buttermilk and honey. Using a large wooden spoon fold into flour mixture until combined (do not overmix).

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape dough into a round circle with an even 1-inch thickness. With a 2-inch biscuit cutter (or the rim of a drinking glass) dipped in flour, cut out biscuits. Gather together scraps and repeat (do not repeat more than once as this effects the biscuit's height and flakiness).

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: CSM: A Style Maven's Diary

I'm really excited to continue my blogger series of "What I'm Reading Now" and introduce you to Ana from CSM: A Style Maven's Diary. Ana has over 10+ years of experience in the Fashion/Retail industry from retail buying, visual merchandising , sourcing to client styling and model management which is why her fashion blog is one of my all time favorites for staying up to date on the current trends. I'm currently loving her NYFW posts with details on why designs are relevant and where to wear some of the pieces.

Get to know Ana:

1. What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading, Helena Rubinstein: The Woman Who Invented Beauty by Michele Fitoussi. It's an amazing biography about the iconic Helena Rubinstein who built a cosmetics empire with nothing and all while standing up for women's rights and fighting to get women in the boardroom instead of just answering phones.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?

My current restaurant obsession of the moment is Homestead on the roof. The view is to die for and you can't get a more fresh meal in the city!

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?

Sharing all of my different style obsessions and fashion discoveries with others who understand me. After years of trying to explain why receiving my new copy of Vogue each month is like the smell of Christmas cookies to my husband and him stare at me like I'm an alien I realized I needed an outlet.

4. Five things on your wish list?

1. Saint Laurent Grey Suede Heels
2. Markus Lupfer Necklace Sweater
3. Le Metier Sydney Lipstick
4. Alice + Olivia Katelyn Dress
5. Saint Laurent Derby Oxfords

5. Favorite quote?

My favorite quote is, "Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life" by the iconic Bill Cunningham.

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

Image found here

 

 

Party Favors:

This Michigan barn is incredible

Amazing moments in life

12 things successful women do differently

My NYFW outfit is featured on Daily Candy

The science of Champagne 

 

xoxo

 

PS  

Fab 5: Trends from NYFW S/S 14

One of my favorite parts about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is discovering the cohesive trends among designers for the next season. Below are five trends that I've noticed on the runway for spring/summer 2014.

1. Matching Sets

Badgley Mischka/ Vivienne Tam/ Trina Turk

 

2. Sheer Overlay

Vera Wang/ Rebecca Minkoff/ Reem Acra

3. Metallic Tones

Marissa Webb/ Zimmermann/ Son Jung Wan

 

4. Crop Tops

Marchesa/ Candela/ Noon by Noor

5. Floral

Naeem Khan/ Monique Lhuillier/ Libertine

 

All Images Found Here

 

xoxo

 

PS

Weekly Pick: Knee High Gladiator Sandals

My latest obsession is knee high gladiator sandals that are chic yet fierce (my favorite combo). It might be a little late in the game to pick these up with Fall/Winter right around the corner but it's 90 degrees in Chicago today so I'm not packing up my sandals anytime soon. These sandals have also been spotted on the runway for Spring/Summer 2014 so this trend won't be going away anytime soon.

Image found here

Get the Look:

GoJane/ Urban OG/ Steve Madden

 

 

xoxo

 

PS