Weekly Pick: Midi Madness with The Gold Coast Girl

Last weekend I met up with The Gold Coast Girl  for a fun interview and photo shoot featuring our favorite spring trend: midi skirts. Check out my interview with Samantha today for insight into my job at WhatRUWearing and my favorite spots in Chicago!

 

 

    

Outfit Details: The Gold Coast Girl

Photo Credit: The Garden Apt.

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

I'm slightly obsessed with brussels sprouts this season and for a healthy/easy lunch this salad is my go-to. The combination of the crunchy brussels sprouts mixed with the creamy avocado and tart vinaigrette creates salad perfection.

Ingredients:
10 brussels sprouts, stems removed
1/2 avocado diced
1 T parmesan cheese, shredded
Optional: pine nuts, dried cranberries, dried cherries, red onion, celery

Vinaigrette:
2 T olive oil
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Using a mandolin, slice brussels sprouts so they form a slaw looking consistency.
2. In a bowl avocado and parmesan cheese.
3. Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice and olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour vinaigrette over salad and toss to combine.

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: The Naked Canvas

I'm excited to introduce you to Stephanie, the personal style and beauty blogger behind The Naked Canvas today. Stephanie has an awesome sense of fashion and beauty trends and her blog always serves as inspiration for my closet. Check out The Naked Canvas for all things fashion and beauty related!

 

 

Get to know Stephanie:

1. What are you currently reading?

I'm currently reading Divergent! It's been so long since I've picked up a good read (or something that wasn't Harry Potter, hehe) that I'm dying to get sucked back into reading. 

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?

I love cooking, but I'll go to Bavette's over my own kitchen any day of the week. Sushi always wins too...

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?

My favorite part about blogging is being able to write on a regular basis and share that with an audience. The cherry on top is the amazing people you get to meet!

4. Five things on your wish list?

1. Blue-green mirror Ray Bans. This is the new blogger staple?
2. This fresh take on white Converse. Time to kick it old school :)
3. This black bag. Is it just me or has Coach been killin' it lately?
4. A classic trench coat
5. A plane ticket to a foreign country

5. Favorite quote?

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." Moulin Rouge

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

Party Favors:

A secret trick for cutting cherry tomatoes

The difference between dreaming and doing

Amazing Ikea hacks

How to host a spring brunch

My dream LBD

 Also...
Follow along on my adventures this weekend as I take over the 52Eighty Instagram!
Get your shopping fix at the Gilt City Warehouse Sale
Head over to Madewell on May 1 and join StreetStyleChi for a style contest
Join The Garden Apt for a Spring Party at Alapash Home & Terrariums on May 2

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Mother's Day Gifts

Mother's Day is just around the corner (May 11 to be exact). If you're still on the hunt for the perfect gift for your mom I have you covered with a few gifts that she'll absolutely love.

1. Jane Weitzman (wife of shoe designer Stuart Weitzman) created the perfect gift for Mother's Day with Art & Sole which features 150 fantasy art shoes made of highly unique materials she has discovered and commissioned by artists over the last years for the Stuart Weitzman display windows.

2. Keep your mom stylish this summer with these chic Kate Spade tortoise sunglasses.

3. Sugar Paper is my favorite shop for finding the perfect card for my mom.

4. Flowers are a Mother's Day staple and Flowers for Dreams delivers beautiful bouquets that also benefit local charities with meaningful missions.

5. Give your mom some bling this Mother's Day with these David Yurman pearl earrings with diamonds.

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Spring Has Sprung

Spring has (finally) sprung! During a recent trip to Grand Rapids a stop at Reeds Lake was a must for a quick photo shoot and a game of cornhole (of course I won). In honor of spring I've been sporting floral prints and this Gap jacket has become a recent favorite paired with mules (one of the hottest trends for spring) and blue aviators. Cheers to warmer weather ahead!

 

  

 

 Jacket: Gap (similar)/ T-Shirt: Gap/ Jeans: Gap/ Sunglasses: Akira (old)/ Mules: T.J.Maxx/ Bag: VJ Style (similar)

Photo Credit: Save Big. Eat Well.

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Pars Cove

Alright, get ready because I'm finally sharing my favorite neighborhood restaurant with you. When I moved to Lincoln Park 2 years ago I came across Pars Cove and decided to stop by and enjoy a late night glass of wine and appetizers on the patio with a friend. To be honest I didn't know what to expect, but the wine was excellent and the homemade hummus served with warm pita bread was to die for. Since then I've been back countless times and my family always requests a visit when they're in town.

The menu at Pars Cove focuses on Persian Mediterranean food and many of the plates can be shared tapas style. What I really love about Pars Cove is that it's family owned and Max always makes sure his guests have a great meal. By the end of the night you might think you're too full for any dessert but trust me you'll love the house ice cream with cinnamon and honey (which we've tried replicating at home). Oh and did I mention ladies leave with a rose? Plan your date night or group dinner at Pars Cove and you won't be disappointed.

 

 

Ordering the Pars Sampler is a must for first time visitors. With hummus, baked eggplant, Bulgarian feta, mozzarella tapenade, sharazi salad, dolmeh and olives this platter is the best way to start your evening at Pars Cove.

 

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Chic Flavours

I recently met Soraya of Chic Flavours at a Windy City Blogger Collective event and I've become a huge fan of her fashion forward blog and chic style. Soraya showcases her love for fashion on Chic Flavours with pieces that are attainable for any budget to create a modern and stylish outfit. Check out her blog for a dose of fashion inspiration!

Get to know Soraya:

1. What are you currently reading? 
I'm currently reading The House of Mondavi.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
I love Sumi Robata Bar...! The food is amazing and the service is always consistent.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
The fact I get to do what I love...and that's write and showcase my style.

4. Five things on your wish list?

1. a classy pair of Christian Louboutin nude pumps 
2. taking a few cooking classes
3. I would love to go back to Alinea 
4. Visit Argentina and take a wine tour in Mendoza 
5. I am currently obsess with all the ready-to-wear dresses from Oscar de la Renta. I love this floral printed dress

 5. Favorite quote?
“Competition drives excellence” - I always heard it from my dad growing up :)

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

Party Favors:

Coconut Macaroon Nests for Easter

The easiest way to keep in touch with someone

This is how little kids react to a cassette player (I feel old)

9 rules for an unforgettable wedding toast

Why you need to be interesting 

Also...

Join me at Bloomingdale's this Thursday as I model some Spring looks with Garnish & Glam

I hope you have a great Easter!

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Wish List Items

1. A statement pearl wraparound ring from BaubleBar

2. Dinner at Mangiamo! in Grand Rapids

3. Drinks at the hottest Chicago rooftop at The Godfrey Hotel

4. A fun clutch from J.Crew for date nights

5.  Topshop sandals that are on trend for summer

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Sosh

Looking for a new bar or restaurant for happy hour tonight? Look no further and download the Sosh app to seamlessly locate the perfect happy hour spot. Sosh recently launched this week in Chicago and it's my new personal concierge for making specific recommendations based on my interests and location.

The Sosh app is the best way to find Chicago's hottest events and activities such as cooking classes, yoga classes, concerts, and recommendations for date spots. Who wouldn't love a date night cooking class focused on Italian dishes? The app also provides recommendations based on the time of day, day of the week and the weather outside. If you're searching for rainy day activities or a restaurant to dine alfresco Sosh has you covered.

You can browse Sosh online or download the app today! I'm already planning drinks with my girlfriends via the app after work. Cheers!

xoxo

PS

This post was sponsored by Sosh. I do my best to only work with brands that I love and fit well with Project Soiree, and all opinions are always 100% honest and my own.

Tasty Tuesday: Blaze Pizza

Last week I took a little trip to Blaze Pizza with the Windy City Blogger Collective for a night of blazing hot pizzas. Blaze Pizza opened their first Chicago location in Lakeview (right by the Belmont red/brown line stop) and is dedicated to bringing customers artisan pizzas with fresh ingredients in just minutes thanks to their fired up oven.

I chose one of their signature pizzas, the Red Vine, with ovalini mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, basil, red sauce and olive oil drizzle. The crust was crisp (just the way I like it) and the toppings were extremely fresh. You also have the option to build your own pizza at Blaze with a variety of meats, veggies, cheeses and sauces (they also have a gluten-free crust option).

 

Image Found Here

Blaze Pizza

953 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Gold Coast Girl

I'm excited to introduce you to Samantha from Gold Coast Girl today! Samantha resides in the Gold Coast of Chicago and has a fabulous sense of style by mixing high + low styles to create a unique style all her own. Check out her blog for the perfect dose of Chicago fashion!

Get to know Samantha:

1. What are you currently reading?
An amazingly addictive book called Gone Girl. I hope to finish it soon and highly recommend it.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
My favorite restaurant in Chicago is LuxBar. They have the best truffle fries, mini cheeseburgers, and dirty martinis. What more can you ask for?

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
I love all the new people I have met and all the friends I have made. It has also been fun going to exciting events all around Chicago.

4. Five things on your wish list?

1. A hot pink clutch. I have my eye on this one
2. These shoes
3. A new spring jumpsuit...still searching for the perfect one
4. Warmer weather
5. A trip to Europe

5. Favorite quote?
"Love the life you live. Live the life you love." - Bob Marley


xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here

Party Favors:

Amazing tips to help your hair grow

Designing your dream job

Fun pothole art

Did you know it's now illegal to answer work emails after 6PM in France?

Cards Against Humanity: Coachella edition (hilarious)

Also...

Cait has some great gallery wall tips

Loving this recap of the WCBC Blaze Pizza event

Join me on Tuesday with WhatRUWearing at Comfort Me for a Rock Solid Style event!

Head over to Luxury Garage Sale on Thursday for the School of Style event

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Summer Shades

Warby Parker / Tory Burch / H&M / Topshop /Ray-Ban

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Mangiamo! Memories

When I'm back in Grand Rapids a visit to Mangiamo! (for food or a photo shoot) is a must. This restaurant is near and dear to my heart with memories of countless happy hours and late night pizza orders with best friends and family. My favorite memory was receiving a life changing phone call on the back patio with a job offer that led me to following my dreams in Chicago (one of the best moments of my life).

The food and the restaurant itself are both pretty amazing and the perfect backdrop for a quick photo shoot. The thought of wearing overalls took me back to middle school days, but I think they can actually be a chic look paired with classic stripes and black heels.

 

  

 

Overalls: H&M (available in store)/ Top: Ann Taylor (old)/ Bag: Old Navy/ Heels: Gap/ Sunglasses: Ray Ban  

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Beatrix

A new Lettuce Entertain You restaurant has stolen my heart. Beatrix is part coffeehouse part restaurant that highlights healthy cooking (many vegetarian options are available) and comfort dishes. While running around the city with my family we made a stop at this River North hot spot for a re-fuel of coffee and sweets.

 

 

Beatrix's coffee bar includes Chicago roasters and pastries made in-house which means your getting the best of both worlds. We had a hard time choosing a pastry because everything looked amazing but we settled on the honey butter cinnamon roll which was incredible. The honey butter was the perfect addition to the cinnamon roll adding flavor but not a ton of sweetness which I loved. I can't wait to stop by for lunch or dinner soon!

 

 

Beatrix

519 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL

 

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Kel & Kate

I'm thrilled to feature Kel & Kate from the lifestyle/fashion blog Kel & Kate today! Kel & Kate are best friends living in the Windy City sharing their love of fashion, food and travel. I love following their fun adventures throughout Chicago and their fabulous sense of style. Cheers girls!

Get to know Kel & Kate:

1. What are you currently reading?
Kate: We are actually in a book club together, so we are both reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.
Kel: As Kate said, we're currently in a book club and reading The Fault In Our Stars, by John Green. It's one of those books that has you crying one minute and laughing the next.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
Kate: Favorite restaurant - at the moment Siena Tavern.
Kel: I'm not the best cook, but pizza is definitely my favorite and my go-to spot is Spacca Napoli in Ravenswood. It's simple and always delicious. They have the most amazing Burrata in town!

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
Kate: I love having the creative outlet and it's even better to be able to do this with one of my best friends. I also love all the people and new opportunities we have been introduced to through the blog.
Kel: I like that blogging gives me a space to be myself and express my interests and has always been a great way to meet others interested in blogging and explore/do things outside of my comfort zone. It's been a great first year, and we're looking forward to the future of Kel & Kate!

4. Five things on your wish list?
Kate: 

1. Drinks at The Aviary
2. An addition to my arm party, this Hermes bangle
3. Perfect for spring, a pair of Steve Madden Leopard Espadrilles
4. A KitchenAid mixer to help motivate me to cook
5. Relaxation and sun, a trip to anywhere with a beach!

Kel:

1. CHANEL Boy bag
2. Cartier Love ring
3. Valentino Rockstud pumps
4. Mara Hoffman bathing suit
5. Givenchy floral pouch

5. Favorite quote?

Kate: "Good people bring out the good in people."

Kel: " You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope some day you'll join us and the world will live as one." - The Beatles

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

 

Image Found Here

Party Favors:

10 of the best sentences

Happy facts (I love #52)

Tips for choosing the perfect neighborhood

The ultimate guide to being a badass at work

Feeling lost? This is a must read

Also...

Don't miss yesterday's check list of fun things to do this month!

Chicago Blogger Network is hosting a Happy Hour at Kinmont April 8

Windy City Bloggers will be at Blaze Pizza April 9

Join Christine from The View From 5 ft. 2 at Madewell April 10

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Chicago's April Check List

1. Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month

Did you know April is National Grilled Cheese Month? Jump on board with Michigan Avenue Magazine's top 5 spots to indulge in this classic sandwich. I'm dying to try that cinnamon raisin grilled cheese from Rockit! PS my friend Kit from The Kittchen wrote a fabulous cookbook devoted to the grilled cheese sandwich. Pick up a copy of her cookbook and try a recipe or two this month.

 

2. Fashion Forward Events

Stay stylish this month with these fashion events happening around the city. Join the fabulous ladies from Garnish & Glam at Bloomingdale's for a Spring Fashion Preview and as a bonus watch me model at the event. 

If you're up for a "Style-Off" head over to Luxury Garage Sale for a fun School of Style event where you have a chance to win over $1000 in prizes from Luxury Garage Sale + School of Style.

Join me with WhatRUWearing at Comfort Me Boutique on April 15 for a night of rock solid style. We'll be highlighting spring's hottest trends and statement jewelry pieces from Ali's Collection while you sip and shop. 

3. London Grammar + Haerts

London Grammar is playing this Friday at Metro with Haerts (both are amazing - trust me). Check out these bands on Spotify and don't miss this show!   

 4.  Race to Wrigley 9th Annual 5K Run

Get your race on with the Race to Wrigley on April 12. This 5K race starts and finishes at legendary Wrigley Field in support for a great cause - Cubs Charities and The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

5. NTC Chicago

Get fit this month with NTC Chicago classes. I'm a huge fan of their yoga class and tempted to try a barre class this month!

xoxo

PS