Happy Friday + Links

 

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Party Favors:

   These Michigan stickers are perfect

Things you need to explain to out-of-towners about Chicago

Chocolate covered potato chip macarons? Die

Send someone a hug

A helpful party buying guide

Also...

Check out my Friday Five on the Windy City Blogger Collective

Congrats to Rachel from An Eventful Life on the launch of her shop!

 Don't miss WhatRUWearing's pics for best and worst dressed on the Oscar red carpet this Monday on Fox Chicago

Author Emily Belden is offering Project Soiree readers 30% off her book Eightysixed with code QF73U until March 24. Use this link to purchase: Eightysixed

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Oscars Party Essentials

The Oscars are this weekend and if you're throwing an Oscars party (raises hand) I've got the five essentials to make your viewing party Oscar worthy.

1. Popcorn Bar

2. Movie Theater Candy

3. Champagne/Cocktails

4. Gold Accessories

5. Red Carpet Bingo

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Denim Guide

Denim is an essential element to any wardrobe so I've created a denim guide to guide you through the best cuts and styles to invest in.

Boyfriend jeans for running weekend errands or dressing up with heels

Bootcut jeans in a dark wash that are perfect for a casual Friday look

A coated black denim that looks like leather is ideal for dressing up on the weekend

I love a gray denim that works as a neutral in your wardrobe

White jeans are an essential during the summer or as a winter white

These skinny jeans are a must have for dressing up or down

You might think I'm crazy but mom jeans or relaxed denim is a hot trend right now

Printed denim adds a fun touch to any outfit

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Vanille Patisserie

By now many of you reading this know that I'm slightly obsessed with macarons. I just love the sweet meringue confection filled with ganache as the perfect little treat so when Vanille Patisserie recently opened in Lincoln Park I was thrilled. Vanille Patisserie offers authentic French desserts and pastries including handmade chocolates fresh baked croissants and of course French macarons. 

  

These macarons are the real deal with fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors. I loved the hazelnut, classic vanilla and my all time favorite coconut.

 

The selection of tarts and chocolate confections are prepared daily and are quite exquisite. I had my eye on the Manjari which was a flourless chocolate cake with dark chocolate mousse and a dark chocolate glaze....a chocolate lovers dream.

  

Vanille Patisserie also has this adorable tasting salon for birthdays, business meetings or cake tastings.

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Lake Shore Lady

For a dose of amazing style and tasty recipes I always turn to Lauren's blog Lake Shore Lady. Lauren has a great sense of style and an eye for some of the hottest trends (FYI she also offers personal shopping). Not only does she have a love for fashion, but she also loves being in the kitchen whipping up some delicious, healthy and easy (three very important things) recipes. Since I'm a vegetarian I'm dying to try these Quinoa Veggie Burgers for a weeknight dinner. Check out her blog for some style inspiration and try out one of her amazing recipes.

Get to know Lauren:

1. What are you currently reading?
I'm currently reading and loving Eightysixed by Emily Belden.* It's about a twenty-something finding her way in Chicago - the good, the bad, and the hilarious.

*Author Emily Belden is offering Project Soiree readers 30% off her book Eightysixed with code QF73U until March 24. Use this link to purchase: Eightysixed

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
I'm going to RPM with my girlfriends this weekend and it's all I can think about. Not only is the ambiance fun and trendy, but the food is right up my alley. As for recipes, I'm always looking for an excuse to whip up a batch of my Vodka Sauce.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
Being creative! I found that all of the responsibilities that come with being an adult started to squeeze the creative time out of my schedule. Blogging allows me to set time aside to foster that part of my personality.

4. Five things on your wish list

1. A new leather jacket for spring. I'm already eyeing a few...
2. I know a ton of bloggers have them, but I can't stop lusting after the Valentino Rockstud Pumps. Every color makes me swoon. If only, right?!
3. A nice new leather bag. I have such a hard time deciding on investment pieces, but right now I'm eyeing Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade and Loeffler Randall bags. 
4. A colorful coat! This winter seems never ending and I could use a bright coat to cheer up the dreary days.
5. Elizabeth and James Dresses. I'm in love with all of them, especially this one and this one.

5. Favorite quote?
"Treat yo self." Any Parks & Rec fans out there?!

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here

Party Favors:

 3 ways to value someone

Unexpected hostess gifts

I loved Alex & Liz's office tour on the Glitter Guide this week

Life lessons with Jenna Lyons

Cake batter cinnamon rolls...yes please

Also...

Did you know Saturday, February 22 is National Margarita Day? Cheers!
Check out this time-lapse video of the ice rolling on the Chicago River 
Thanks Windy City Blogger Collective for including my NYFW street style and trends in your Friday Five

If you're looking for some fun events in Chicago check out Cedar and Rush

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Looks/Trends From NYFW

New York Fashion Week has come to a close and all eyes are on London Fashion Week. I've rounded up a few of my favorite runway looks from New York and trends for Fall 2014.

1. Feathers

Jenny Packham/ Ralph Lauren

2. Navy is the new black 

 Prabal Gurung/ Zac Posen

3. Country Chic

Mara Hoffman/ Cushnie et Ochs

4. Fur accents

Carolina Herrera/ Oscar de la Renta

5. Plaid

Badgley Mischka/ Vera Wang

Images Found Here

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Street Style From NYFW

All eyes are on the runways during New York Fashion Week, but I can't take my eyes off the street style. With bloggers and fashion editors running from show to show it's a fashion show on the streets. Here are a few of my favorite looks and trends to be on the lookout for.

The pink coat was a street style staple during fashion week and seen all over the S/S 14 runways. Trust me, blush pink will be the hot color this spring so get ready.

 

This dressed up casual outfit was one of my favorite street style looks from the week. I love the sweatshirt paired with a pencil skirt and pumps. The houndstooth coat and metallic clutch are the perfect accessories and on trend for spring. 

 

A statement heel and eye catching pastel coat are the perfect combination for a winning street style look. My tip is to mix and match different pastel colors (as seen below) to complete your spring outfit.

 

 

Baseball hats are one of my favorite accessories right now to add a sporty chic look to an outfit. This red leather cap paired with a red checkered coat and windowpane blouse is a thumbs up indeed.

 

 

Dressing up denim can be tricky, but this outfit gets an A+. The ankle jeans paired with floral pumps and a neutral cape coat is an ideal look for spring. I'm also crushing on those round sunnies that are trending right now.

 

 

Images Found Here

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Blue Door Farm Stand

If you caught my Chicago February Check List last week you'll remember my mention of Blue Door Farm Stand in Lincoln Park. Well I crossed this off my list on Sunday and I seriously can't wait to go back. You'll find Blue Door Farm Stand nestled on Armitage (my favorite street for boutique shopping) and now my new favorite spot for lunch.

I ordered the roasted beet salad with arugula, watercress, candied pecans, goat cheese and a red wine vinaigrette with the butternut squash and cauliflower soup. The salad was refreshing and the ingredients were incredibly fresh. And the soup was just what I needed to combat the freezing temperatures outside.

What I love about Blue Door Farm Stand is their commitment to delivering customers local and seasonable produce from farms in the area. I love a restaurant that creates a sense of community with local farmers and keeps the menu seasonal with fresh ingredients.

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Heart of Chic

Arin from Heart of Chic is one of the sweetest bloggers I've met in Chicago with an incredible sense of style. I love browsing her blog for style inspiration (I'm loving this plaid scarf) and fun home decor for my studio apartment. Arin's blog is truly the heart of chic.

Get to know Arin:

1. What are you currently reading?

I just started 'Angel's Laws of Blogging' - Hopefully I'll learn some new tricks!

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?

This is such a tough question! Chicago is the yummiest city ever! As of now, Girl & the Goat and The Bristol - Couldn't pick just one!

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?

The mental 'escape' from reality - I love getting lost in imagery, and meeting fellow bloggers along the way.

4. Five things on your wish list

1. This Minkoff purse - Just love the neon for Spring!
2. 1,000 Instagram followers (Just looks so cool, right?)
3. Design my studio - Crushing on this space
4. Chiara Ferragni flats - The Blonde Salad is so chic
5. Warm weather! Now!

5. Favorite quote?

"Every relationship is brought into our lives to teach you and to help you grow. Change is the nature of life and what was, must pass away so that what is, has room to make your life brand new."

xoxo

PS

Happy Valentine's Day + Links

 

Image Found Here

Party Favors:

 Anti-Valentine's Day activities in Chicago that everyone can enjoy

A roller coaster for those who hate roller coasters

Random foods that make clever faces

If you're not nervous, you're not growing

How to eat a cupcake like a gentleman

Also...

Take a second to send a free Valentine to a Lurie Children's patient. Let's collect 10k cards for their kids! 

Catch WhatRUWearing on Fox Chicago this Tuesday morning for a recap of NYFW

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Chicago's February Check List

If you're searching for some fun things to do this month in Chicago I have you covered. Check out these entertaining ideas to get you through these cold winter days.

1. Free Museum Days

Escape the freezing temperatures and take advantage of the free museum days this month for Illinois residents. Spend an afternoon with Sue (the T.Rex) at the Field Museum or make your way to the Shedd Aquarium to watch the dolphins.

 Image found here

2. Check out a new restaurant/bar

Blue Door Farm Stand and Celeste are new additions to the dining scene here in Chicago. Head over to Lincoln Park to check out Blue Door Farm Stand for delicious fresh seasonal food and cold pressed juices. If you're in the mood for a cocktail Celeste recently opened in River North with an impressive cocktail menu.

    

3. See a movie at the Drake Hotel

Grab your friends and catch a classic movie at the Drake Hotel's Movie Monday event. The films will be shown biweekly, the second and fourth Monday of every month (check the entertainment page for a full schedule). Admission is free and complimentary popcorn will be served.

4.  Band of Horses

If you're in the mood for a concert this month head over to the Vic to see Band of Horses perform a special acoustic set. If you haven't listened to Band of Horses you're missing out (catch up on Spotify).   

5. Take a class

Try something new this month and take a class through Dabble. I'm looking to cross off something from my 101 in 1001 list by taking a Calligraphy class.

 

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Western Weekend Wear

Since I work in fashion my typical 9-5 look involves heels, skirts or dresses so I try to keep it casual and comfortable on the weekends while still keeping a stylish edge. Luckily Envy Evanston had the perfect solution for a fashion forward weekend look with this tribal wrap that I paired with a classic chambray shirt and riding boots. The western trend is making quite a splash on the runways for Fall 2014 (check out BCBG Max Azria) so this is the perfect outfit to stay comfortable and make a statement. 

 

 

 

Tribal Wrap: Envy Evanston/ Chambray Shirt: J.Crew/ Black Pants:J.Crew Factory/ Boots: Franco Sarto/ Sunglasses: Ray-Ban/ Ring: H&M/ Bracelet: Vintage

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper) is my go-to meal on a weeknight because it's quick, easy and delicious. With only 5 main ingredients (most of which you probably have on hand) this simple meal has comfort food written all over it. It's basically an upgrade from your childhood butter + cheese pasta but this is so much better especially paired with a glass or red wine.

Ingredients:

3 ounces of spaghetti
Course salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Directions:

Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until perfectly al dente. Meanwhile, combine the oil, cheese, and lots of pepper in a bowl. Drain the spaghetti, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water, and add to the cheese mixture. Stir to combine and then add the spaghetti. Serve with a pinch of coarse salt on top.


xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Createliveblog

When I'm looking for a creative healthy recipe or fitness tips I turn to Createliveblog. Carly and I met here in Chicago but she's currently back in my hometown of West Michigan and I love following her adventures to some of my favorite spots on Instagram. You'll enjoy her blog for delicious recipes and some amazing ideas for staying healthy.

 

Get to know Carly:

 

1. What are you currently reading?

Guilty pleasure: I love young adult literature. There is no pressure for those authors to 'over-write' their stories with lofty phrases and pretentious words, so instead, they can focus on taking you on a wild and crazy ride. I have been working on a YA novel for a few years, so I justify plenty of reading as 'research.' My latest favorites are the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth and the Legend series by Marie Lu.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?

I'm a sucker for a great steak. One of my favorite and most decadent home preparations is a Whiskey-Marinated Filet with a Chocolate and Red-Wine Reduction Sauce (it cures ALL the cravings, I promise!). In Chicago, my favorite spot is Bavette's, hands down. My girlfriend got me into it a while back, and I think their steak and atmosphere are both unbeatable (not to mention their Old Fashioneds!).

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?

I meet so many creative and intelligent people through blogging, and I have really enjoyed finding other people who also love to create beautiful things - whether it is beauty by way of words, fashion, decor or food. 

4. Five things on your wish list

1. I have been seriously crushing on these Loren Hope bracelets
2. I am in love with Ole Henrickson's African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser - it has saved my skin!
3. This coffee mug from Sweaty Wisdom  Joy looks good on everybody :)
4. A weekend getaway to Miami Beach. The ocean is calling me...
5. Vintage silver trays for me to put. all. over.

5.  Favorite quote?
"If I had more time, I'd write you a shorter letter." - Mark Twain

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here

Party Favors:

Beer and cheese pairings

40 genius Valentine's Day ideas from Pinterest

I love these lessons learned from traveling the world

This made me laugh

Questions to ask your mother

Also...

Head over to Barneys New York tonight to meet Manolo Blahnik!

Join Megan from Stem Styling next week at Comfort Me Boutique

Did you hear Chicago Restaurant Week is extended?

xoxo

PS

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you're still searching for the perfect gift I have you covered. These gifts are sure to put a smile on her face (trust me).

 gorjana & griffin Hashtag Love Ring

 OASAP Heart Shape Sunglasses

 Essie Sugar Daddy Nail Polish

Clare Vivier Sweetheart Coin Purse

Diane von Furstenberg Silicone iPhone Case

BaubleBar XO Cuff

 J.Crew Amour Tee 

 ASOS Floral Laser Cut Clutch Bag

Sugar Paper Lots of Love Card

MadeByGirl Love Script Print

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Cheers & Bonjour

If I had to choose my favorite word it would probably be "cheers" because it reminds me of champagne, celebrating and being with friends or family (a combination of things I love). Obviously when I saw this cheers t-shirt at J.Crew it was a must-have in my closet because in my opinion every day is worth celebrating. So pop open that champagne tonight if only because it's Wednesday and "cheers!"

 

 

 

 

 

Blazer: H&M (similar)/ T-Shirt: J.Crew/ Jeans: J.Crew/ Heels: Topshop/ Sunglasses: Ray-Ban/ Cross-Body Purse: H&M/ Ring: H&M/ Bracelet: Anthropologie

xoxo

PS