Happy Friday + Links

Party Favors:

A gorgeous tulip installation

10 things only people from Grand Rapids understand (I'm craving Yesterdog right now)

I'm slightly obsessed with the J.Crew & Paperless Post collab

Did you know McDonald's has a secret menu?

How to be charming

Also...

Head over to Old Orchard Mall tomorrow for the Lands' End Getaway Tour with Glamour
Wish me luck as I run the United Run for the Zoo race this Sunday!

Join Caravan of Style at M2 Boutique on June 3 for a Baubles & Bubbles Party

Learn how to write a proper thank you note with Garnish & Glam and Magnificent Milestones on June 5
Shout out to Color Me Styled and her 101 in 1001 progress report
Check out a rundown of some great new restaurants and rooftops on TheKittchen
 

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: My Summer Checklist

Today's Fab 5 post actually includes 10 items, but let's be honest when you live in the Midwest summer is a cherished season. To make the most of summer I decided to make a checklist to truly enjoy this time of year. Bring on the s'mores, picnics, kayaking and movies in the park!

 

What's on your summer checklist?

xoxo

PS

#RealBloggerBeauty

My friend Maya from Charmingly Styled recently launched an amazing new project called  #RealBloggerBeauty and I'm really excited to participate. This project aims at celebrating "the incredible beauty in our imperfections, insecurities, and the real people we are when we’re not in “blogger” mode" and I can't wait to share my story with you on June 16. It's easy for me to get caught up in trying to achieve a certain "blog-worthy" version of myself so I'm looking forward to sharing my challenges and what inspires me.

If you're interested in participating you can read more about the project here and link up with the campaign using #RealBloggerBeauty.

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Cruisin' Into Summer

After an amazing long weekend in Michigan enjoying salmon on the grill, roasting s'mores and soaking up the sun with a good book I'm ready to cruise right into summer. With an extremely harsh winter I'm trading in my North Face jacket for a crop top. Yes, the crop top is still trending this season in case you didn't know. Pairing a jeweled crop top with a high-waisted floral pencil skirt was the perfect combination for making a chic summertime look. Cheers to summer!

   

 

Skirt: J.Crew (similar)/ Top: H&M (in stores)/ Heels: Windsor (similar)/ Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Photo Credit: Save Big. Eat Well.

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Sunda

For excellent food, service and atmosphere in downtown Chicago look no further than Sunda. Sunda takes a modern approach on New Asian fare with a menu of amazing signature items and a classic full sushi bar. I love visiting Sunda with my girlfriends after work for happy hour or a date night dinner because the food and drinks never disappoint. Sunda also offers $8.88 weekly sushi specials (a great deal) and a brunch menu that I'm dying to check out this summer. 

On a chilly spring night a cup of miso soup with tofu, wakame and scallions hit the spot. This classic soup was just what I needed with extremely fresh ingredients and a well rounded flavor. 

My favorite roll is the spicy "tail of two tunas" with yellowfin tuna, escolar, pickled jalapeño, fried shallots and spicy mayo. This roll takes the typical spicy tuna roll to the next level and delivers just the right amount of spicy flavor notes with the fresh tuna. 

Sunda

110 W. Illinois St.

Chicago, IL 60654

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

Party Favors:

Amazing outdoor patios in Chicago

My dream birthday cake

9 weekend trip packing essentials on The Everygirl with Soraya of Chic Flavours

Take a walk to boost creativity

How to date in Chicago and not be Eightysixed

Also...

I'm thrilled to be the Blog Gal of month on Color Me Styled

Don't forget to RSVP for the WhatRUWearing & goldplaited event next week

Enjoy this long holiday weekend!

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Things I Learned at Alt For Everyone

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend Alt for Everyone, and I'm excited to share a five key points I learned along the way. For those of you who don't know Alt for Everyone is the online version of the incredible Alt Summit Conferences taught by super talented bloggers. I attended 7 online classes + a keynote session that helped me brush up on some key blogging tips and connect with new bloggers.

 Image Found Here

1. Figure out your "why" (Branding - Pencil Shavings Studio)

To build a brand you need to have a genuine purpose and answer the question "why?" Determine your passions, values, strengths and weaknesses to tell your story through your brand.

2. Perfect your pitch (Perfecting the Pitch - Design for Mankind)

In order to perfect your pitch you need to be proactive and strategic. Make a list of sponsors you want to work with and focus on your goals with each pitch.

3. Set boundaries (Branding - Pencil Shavings Studio)

Understand that your blog can't be all things to all people. Define who you are and aren't to have a clear vision for your blog and become "unforgettable"

4. Collaborate = Elevate (Collaborations - The House that Lars Built)

Collaborating is a great way to grow the traffic of your blog and establish new connections.

5. Be consistent (Branding - Pencil Shavings Studio)

To manage your brand you must be consistent with your signature style.

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Cropped For Spring

Let's face it the crop top isn't going away any time soon, but if you're hesitant to add this Spring/Summer staple to your wardrobe you have plenty of options to make this trend work for you. I paired a sweater crop top with a high-waisted mini skirt that keeps this look slightly conservative without showing too much skin. You could also pair a crop top underneath a blazer, over a t-shirt or underneath a crisp white button-down shirt. Crop on!

 

 

Sweater: Zara (similar) / Skirt: H&M (similar)/ Heels: Zara (similar) / Bag: Old/ Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Photo Credit: Save Big. Eat Well.

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Bar Pastoral

Brunching is a big deal in Chicago and you can't go wrong with the new brunch menu at Bar Pastoral in Lakeview. Bar Pastoral is known for their amazing selection of wine and cheese, but now you can enjoy their patio this summer while sipping a Mawby Mimosa (featuring my favorite sparkling wine from Michigan winery L.Mawby) and your favorite brunch items.

 

The European Brunch Board is the perfect way to start your brunch with the chef's selection of artisan cheese, cured meats, sliced baguette and house-made accompaniments (we had a raspberry jalapeno jam - amazing).  

 

I really loved the seasonal frittata with ramp and mozzarella cheese served with hollandaise aioli, arugula, and toasted challah croutons. This was brunch at its best, and I'll definitely be back to enjoy the patio and a Mawby Mimosa soon. 

 

Bar Pastoral

2947 N Broadway

Chicago, IL 60657

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Lowstoluxe

I'm so excited to introduce you to Shaheen from Lowstoluxe today. Shaheen has a fabulous sense of style that incorporates affordable pieces to create an enviable yet achievable style. I love browsing Lowstoluxe for ideas on how to mix high and low pieces to create a stylish and affordable look. Check out Lowstoluxe for some amazing fashion inspiration!

 

Get to know Shaheen:

1. What are you currently reading?
Orange Is the New Black, I loved the series and want to get through the book before the new season starts.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
Oh gosh that's so hard because I really am a foodie. My favorite recipes to cook at home are Mexican inspired...fish tacos, chicken fajitas, and of course fresh guacamole.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
Meeting amazing people! I really have met so many amazing friends through blogging and love being able to express my creativity in a small little chunk of the internet.

4. Five things on your wish list?

1. Mansur Gavriel bucket bag (someone pleaseeee locate & send me one)
2. Simple leather tote for everyday
3. Comfy flats for summer
4. Anything patterned & printed
5. New delicate rings & necklaces

5. Favorite quote?
"Eat well, travel often"

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

Party Favors:

Things fashion girls can't resist (so true)

Trying to set aside 1 day and 22 hours to watch Breaking Bad should be easy - yeah right

Super helpful life hacks

Shauna Niequist has some great tips for finding your passion

I'm slightly obsessed with these earrings

Also...

My friend Erin from Color Me Styled has an amazing Resource Guide available for bloggers

I'm very excited to meet Emily Belden the author of Eightysixed this weekend!

Save the date to Be Festival Fabulous with WhatRUWearing & goldplaited on May 29

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Surf's Up

The surf's up in the world of fashion this Spring/Summer with tropical prints and beachy waves making a huge comeback. Channel your inner surfer girl and add some bold and colorful prints into your wardrobe this season.

1. Topshop Palm Print Cigarette Trousers

2. SACHAJUAN Ocean Mist Texturizing Spray

3. KENZO Palm Tree Print Pouch

4. Target Leaf Print Swimsuit

5. H&M Romper

The winner of the $25 credit to Mac & Jean Jewelry is Rachel Ball! Congratulations and thanks to everyone who entered.

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Birkenstocks Are Back

Classic black and white never goes out of style although I can't say the same thing about Birkenstocks. I remember wearing these sandals back in middle school, and then as Heidi Klum would say "one day you're in, the next day you're out." Fashion trends always have a way of creeping back years later so I'm welcoming these sandals back for Spring/Summer 2014. Pairing the Birkenstocks with a classic white shirt and black pants is an easy and stylish look for spring.

 

    

 

 

Shirt: J.Crew (similar)/ Pants: H&M/ Sunglasses: Akira/ Sandals: Birkenstock

Photo Credit: Save Big. Eat Well.

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Melanthios Greek Char House

Opa! Today I'm going Greek and sharing my love for Melanthios Greek Char House in Lakeview. This restaurant was one of my first "local" finds when I moved to Chicago and I've been back several times with my family, on date night and with my girlfriends. The interior of Melanthios is cozy and inviting, but the patio is my favorite during the warm summer months.

When you visit a Greek restaurant ordering the Saganaki (flaming cheese) is a must. I mean who doesn't love fried cheese? We also ordered the Calamari which was extremely fresh paired with lemon and cocktail sauce.

I'm slightly obsessed with scallops so these scallop skewers that were chargrilled with zucchini and squash and served over a bed of lemon rice was a huge hit.

Melanthios Greek Char House

3116 N. Broadway

Chicago, IL 60657

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Paytington & Co.

Today I'm featuring Katharine from the luxuriously ordinary lifestyle blog Paytington & Co. that focuses on adventures in the Windy City, style and all things nautical. Katharine has a great sense of style and understands that "luxury isn't about fancy things but the way you carry yourself." Check out Paytington & Co. for some fashion inspiration, a new recipe or health & fitness tips!

Get to know Katharine:

1. What are you currently reading?

I just finished Eightysixed by Emily Belden and loved it! On a day-to-day basis I catch up on several of my favorite blogs--like The Fox and She and Lion and Maven-- and read at least one chapter of Harry Potter a day. 

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?

My favorite recipe has to be rigatoni with homemade bolognase sauce. I'd eat it every day if I could. 

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?

Blogging has introduced me to dozens of wonderful people I'd never have met otherwise. It's a special community that I'm privileged to be a part of on a daily basis. 

4. Five things on your wish list?

1. A Veda leather jacket
2. A tulle skirt
3. A nice jewelry box
4. A pair of Pour la Victoire sandals 
5. A fun evening gown for special events

5. Favorite quote?

"On ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur; l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux."

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. 

Antoine St. Exupery. The Little Prince.

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

 Party Favors:

Your guide to an egg-cellent brunch for Mother's Day 

6 spring shoe trends

Fashion illustrations made out of flower petals

DIY wall art with an old map and pallet wood

Arin from Heart of Chic wrote an amazing post about blogging this week

Also...

I'm learning a ton this week at Alt For Everyone!

I was thrilled to be featured on Charmingly Styled this week

Don't forget to enter the Mac & Jean Jewelry giveaway

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Gifts for Grads

 

1.Cold Tangerines from one of my favorite authors Shauna Niequist is the perfect inspirational read for new grads.

2. This print from Creative Index is great for a college dorm room.

3. Make it easy to wake up for those 8AM classes with this clock dock.

4. Say "Hip Hip Hooray" to the grad with this adorable Sugar Paper card.

5. You can't go wrong with a personalized gift and this Longchamp bag is ideal for carrying around textbooks and notes.

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: Mac & Jean Jewelry Giveaway

One of my favorite trends right now is the layered bralet that gives an outfit dimension and structure. Since living in Chicago I've become a pro at layering and this trend is ideal for our Midwest spring. For a little pop of color I added these amazing small emerald green and gold earrings from Mac & Jean Jewelry to complete the look. As an added bonus Amy from Mac & Jean Jewelry has offered a giveaway for Project Soiree readers! See below for details on how to enter the giveaway.

 

   

 

 

 Leather Jacket: old/ Jeans: Gap/ T-Shirt: Gap/ Bralet: H&M (in stores)/ Heels: Target/ Sunglasses: Ray Ban/ Earrings: c/o Mac & Jean Jewelry/ Necklaces: Vintage/ Rings: H&M

The $25 Mac & Jean Jewelry Credit giveaway starts today and ends May 14. The winner will be announced May 15 so be sure to check back and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo

PS 

Tasty Tuesday: Paris Club Bistro & Bar

I took a little trip to the newly renovated Paris Club Bistro & Bar for happy hour last week and was pleasantly surprised with the changes. Before the revamp Paris Club had a more modern feel, but now the dark wood and red leather booths have a warm and intimate feel that resembles a classic French bistro.

 

 

  

With Lettuce Entertain You behind Paris Club I knew the food would be outstanding. We ordered the Petit Plateau with 1/2 dozen East & West coast oysters, shrimp cocktail and 1/2 Maine lobster. Not only was the presentation amazing but everything was incredibly fresh and we were left in seafood heaven.

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Charmingly Styled

Today I'm thrilled to feature the charming and stylish Maya from Charmingly Styled. Charmingly Styled is a lifestyle blog filled with little charms that make life so good including beauty finds, fashion inspiration, and helpful interior design tips. Maya is also the co-founder of Midwest Bloggers which is an awesome network for connecting bloggers across the Midwest. Add Charmingly Styled to your reading list for a daily dose of inspiration! 

 

Get to know Maya:

1. What are you currently reading?
Wild by Cheryl Strayed. To be perfectly honest, I've been reading this book for about 2 months since it's been hard to get time in for reading these days! But I love it so far and only have a few pages left! Next on the list is Eightysixed by Chicago author Emily Belden.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
I'm not a fabulous cook (although I wish I was!) so if I want a really delicious meal I have to go out. I love brunch at Summer House Santa Monica in Lincoln Park (their fresh squeezed orange juice & banana muffins are my faves) and Floriole for a latte near by!

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
Definitely meeting so many amazing & inspiring people! I've had so many doors and opportunities come out of blogging, and it's been nice to see how many fantastic connections I've made.

4. Five things on your wish list?
I have so many things on my wish list right now! Here are a few rising to the top:

1. Hunter Boots (I know, I know, I'm the last person in the world to own a pair)
2. A classic Burberry trench
3. A Nespresso machine (so I can save myself a few less trips to Floriole!)
4. An iPad, for blogging (but mostly Pinterest) purposes
5. A fun new summer dress! I'm thinking a floral maxi.

5. Favorite quote?
As a former English major, this is the hardest question I could be asked! I would have to go with Rilke's quote:

"Let everything happen to you
Beauty and terror
Just keep going
No feeling is final."

This quote has become a mantra for putting myself out there, trying new things & knowing that even the worst thing that could happen won't last forever. Sometimes you just need the extra kick in the pants, and this quote has always helped me push myself out of my comfort zone.

xoxo

PS