Friday, August 29, 2014

Happy Friday + Links

2. Head over to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago this weekend for some amazing Labor Day sales!
3. Remember to embrace your unique journey
4. I really want to try this 7-day smartphone detox
5. Shopbop has some incredible fashion must-haves for Back-to-School 
6. The Glitter Guide has 6 Labor Day sales you don't want to miss! 
7. I'm definitely making these Loaded Guacamole Nachos this weekend
8. A fun idea to wear your jean shorts during Fall

A few things you may have missed...
What I'm Reading Now: Chritiques
Tasty Tuesday: Pita Pizza
Fashion Report: The Emmys 2014
Fab 5: Go Green

xoxo

PS 

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Fab 5: Go Green


Tory Burch fringe shoulder bag
J.Crew scalloped sweater
Manolo Blahnik suede heels
H&M brocade dress
Shashi ring

xoxo

PS

Project Soiree occasionally receives vendor/brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. All opinions are 100% my own.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Weekly Pick: Vineyard Vines in Fishtown

It seemed only appropriate to do an outfit featuring Vineyard Vines while vacationing in Fishtown. Incorporating a classic button down shirt with cut-off denim shorts and sneakers is the perfect outfit for walking the docks and watching the fishing charters arrive from Lake Michigan. And no trip to Fishtown is complete without a stroll through Leland Gal, smoked fish from Carlson's and a sandwich from the Village Cheese Shanty (I'm seriously craving a Fishtown sandwich).

Shirt: Vineyard Vines c/o / Shorts: H&M/ Sneakers: Superga/ Bag: Longchamp: Hat: Vineyard Vines c/o / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Photo Credit: Save Big. Eat Well.

xoxo

PS

 Project Soiree occasionally receives vendor/brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. All opinions are 100% my own.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Fashion Report: The Emmys 2014

I was completely hooked on the E! Red Carpet last night covering the Emmys (what did you think about the Clutch Cam?!). There were so many amazing gowns that I just had to share my top 5 looks from the evening. Let me know who you picked for best dressed!

Best Dressed: Julia Roberts in Elie Saab
Julia looks flawless in this beaded Elie Saab dress! I love the cut the color the details (basically everything) on this dress. Round of applause for this amazing dress.

Best in Red: Claire Danes in Givenchy Haute Couture
It seemed like everyone was wearing red last night but Claire Danes Givenchy Haute Couture dress put all the other dresses to shame. The detailed neckline and belted waist gave this dress a unique spin on the classic lace gown.

Best in Black: Lizzy Caplan in Donna Karan Atelier 
Black dresses are a standard on the red carpet but Lizzy Caplan's Donna Karan Atelier black and white gown was a standout. The white train and halter neckline were absolutely stunning. LOVE!

Best Show Stunner: January Jones in Prabal Gurung
January Jones' patterned red Parabal Gurung gown made quite a fashion statement on the red carpet last night. The high-low cut and the way the dress moved when she walked was show stunning. January isn't afraid to take a risk with her style which I love!


Best in Sequins: Kerry Washington in Prada
The orange color and sequined seams of Kerry's Prada dress was a highlight last night. The color looked amazing on her and I really liked the navy accessories.

Images Found Here

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Pita Pizza

For a quick and easy dinner this Pita Pizza is my go-to. Using a whole wheat pita adds gives the crust a great texture paired with my sister's famous pizza sauce and topped with seasonal veggies. If you're looking for an easy weeknight meal give this pizza a try!

Project Soiree - Tasty Tuesday - Vegetarian - Pita Pizza

Ingredients:
1 Whole Wheat Pita
1/3 cup of Evans' Easy Pizza Sauce
Mozzarella Cheese
Toppings: Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Green Pepper, Pineapple, Pepperoni, etc.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On a baking sheet start assembling the pita by first adding the pizza sauce to the bread. Add your favorite toppings and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes until the cheese has melted.

xoxo

PS

Monday, August 25, 2014

What I'm Reading Now: Chritiques

I'm always on the hunt for new food blogs and when I came across Chritiques I was hooked on Christina's restaurant reviews in Chicago. Chritiques is a compilation of unbiased restaurant reviews, food products and fun events. If you're looking for a great new restaurant or a food product for your kitchen check out Chritiques!


Get to know Christina:

1. What are you currently reading?
I'm always reading Eater Chicago for the full run-down of what is happening in the Chicago food scene. I'm also a sucker for brainless consumption of pop culture, so I need my fill of US Weekly every week. 

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
I don't cook as often as I'd like, so usually when I eat at home it is a simple salad, eggs, or avocado toast (yum!). Picking a favorite restaurant is difficult for me, because it depends upon my mood, what I'm craving, and who I'm going with. That being said I'm loving Tanta, Japonais by Morimoto, and Fig & Olive right now, and Le Colonial is a perennial favorite.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
Constantly learning something new and creating new friendships in the process!

4. Five things on your wish list?
  1. New bedroom and dining room furniture. My husband and I just moved and I'd love to find some new pieces that fit the theme of our new home. I'm loving everything at Mitchell Gold and am open to hearing more suggestions!
  2. A vacation. Charleston, Vancouver, and Australia are all on my list
  3. A fun cocktail ring
  4. An amazing pair of nude-colored Christian Louboutin heels that are versatile, stylish and sexy
  5. Long, healthy, and happy lives for all my friends and family!
5. Favorite quote?
"Keep away from the people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the Really Great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain

xoxo

PS


Friday, August 22, 2014

Happy Friday + Links


1. 17 things to do in Chicago before summer ends (I can't believe summer is almost over!)
2. I love this Joy print from Emily Ley that reminds us joy is a choice while happiness is a reaction
3. If you're Homesick for Chicago I found the perfect tee
4. This mason jar chickpea, farro, and greens salad looks perfect for lunch from Cookie + Kate 
5. Why food is sometimes better than a love letter (I totally agree)  
6. I'm slightly obsessed with Megan's leopard shorts on Stylish & Scatterbrained
7. Did you see Taylor Swift's new music video? I kinda love it
8. A great reminder to "Love the Journey" on this cute tote bag from Handmade & Craft

Also...
Thank you Erin from Color Me Styled for including me in your FiveFaves
Don't miss out on the Chicago Fashion Fest this weekend
Who's excited for the Emmys on Monday?!

A few things you may have missed... 
What I'm Reading Now: Adrian James
Tasty Tuesday: Guide to Leelanau Peninsula Wineries
Weekly Pick: Vacation Style with Vo Jewelry
Fab 5: Back to School with Shopbop

xoxo

PS
remind us that joy is a choice while happiness is a reaction - See more at: http://www.emilyley.com/collections/prints/products/joy-art-print-pink#1
remind us that joy is a choice while happiness is a reaction - See more at: http://www.emilyley.com/collections/prints/products/joy-art-print-pink#1

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Fab 5: Back to School with Shopbop

I'm slightly jealous of those back to school shoppers picking out new notebooks, pens and accessories for the school year. I always loved coordinating my notebooks and folders and writing with stylish pens in class. Although I'm not headed back to school Shopbop has some fashionable finds for the classroom that I'm obsessed with.

Project Soiree - Back to School - Shopbop

 1. Keep your laptop safe and stylish in this Marc by Marc Jacobs commuter case
2. Stay on task with a to-do list on these chic Garance Dore notepads from Rifle Paper Co.
3. Write your notes in style with these patterned Jonathan Adler pens
4. Eat cake for breakfast and enjoy writing in this Kate Spade notebook during class
5. Keep your ID and keys in one place with this fun wallet from Rebecca Minkoff

xoxo

PS

 Project Soiree occasionally receives vendor/brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. All opinions are 100% my own.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Weekly Pick: Vacation Style with Vo Jewelry

Northern Michigan holds a special place in my heart filled with precious family memories and carefree summer days. Each sunset, kayaking trip, climb up Sleeping Bear Dunes, and s'more by the beach are something I look forward to each year as a chance to unwind and relax with family. This year we made a stop in Charlevoix for lunch by the water at Weathervane and a walk around downtown enjoying salt water taffy.

When I'm vacationing in Michigan I keep my style casual with a focus on layers (for the unpredictable Midwest weather) and statement accessories including this chic Vo Jewelry necklace.

Project Soiree - Outfit Post - Michigan - Vo Jewelry
Project Soiree - Outfit Post - Michigan - Vo Jewelry
Project Soiree - Outfit Post - Michigan - Vo Jewelry
Project Soiree - Outfit Post - Michigan - Vo Jewelry
Project Soiree - Outfit Post - Michigan - Vo Jewelry
Hat: Forever 21 (similar)/ Sweater: J.Crew (similar)/ Jacket: Vintage (similar)/ Jeans: Gap / Necklace: Vo Jewelry  c/o / Sneakers: Superga/ Sunglasses: Ray-Ban/ Bag: Longchamp

Photo Credit: Save Big. Eat Well.

xoxo

PS

 Project Soiree occasionally receives vendor/brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. All opinions are 100% my own.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Guide to Leelanau Peninsula Wineries

After a week in northern Michigan visiting 20+ wineries along the Leelanau Peninsula I thought I would share a few of my favorites. The diverse microclimates in the peninsula are perfect for a variety of wine grapes including Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wine, the views and the passionate winemakers are what sets Michigan wines apart from the rest.

My Favorite: Shady Lane Cellars - For the coziest tasting room and best (new) patio head over to Shady Lane Cellars and enjoy a glass (or bottle) of their Coop de Rose. Their friendly staff and amazing wine will keep you coming back (we visited three times on our trip).


Best Tasting Room: Leelanau Cellars- You can't beat these views of the bay from the Leelanau Cellars tasting room or their incredible wine. I'm a huge fan of their Summer Sunset (rose) and Tall Ship Chardonnay that are perfect for summer.


Best Newcomer: Aurora Cellars- Aurora Cellars recently opened and after attending their grand opening event we were really impressed by their tasting room and great wine. Their semi-dry white wine Luminous is a great choice to enjoy on their patio while overlooking the vineyards.


Best Red Wine: Brys Estate - The Cab/Merlot at Brys Estate is an all time favorite for my family with an Italian dinner. Visiting their tasting room is always a highlight and we really enjoyed their new walk out deck this summer that allows you to walk above the vines.


Best White Wine: Boathouse Vineyards -  Located on the Narrows in Lake Leelanau Boathouse Vineyards is my top pick for enjoying a glass of Dry Riesling. My sister and I love grabbing a glass of wine from the tasting room and watching the boats travel through the Narrows.


xoxo

PS

Monday, August 18, 2014

What I'm Reading Now: Adrian James

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Elizabeth behind the lifestyle blog Adrian James. Adrian James is all about finding the balance in a life of extremes with inspiration and creativity through style, beauty, home decor and healthy recipes. Check out Adrian James for some inspiring ideas for your everyday life!



 Get to know Elizabeth:

1. What are you currently reading?
September fashion magazines & The One & Only by Emily Giffin.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant? 
I love to cook, so I've got a lot of favorite recipes. Anything using seasonal ingredients is always at the top of my list. Especially love Gwyneth Paltrow's It's All Good cookbook. Favorite restaurant is also tough, because I don't often go to the same place twice - too many new restaurants to discover! I've especially loved Sunda, Bottlefork & Avec

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging? 
Getting to express my creativity & all the amazing people I've met through blogging isn't bad either!

4. Five things on your wish list? 
  1. Fall wardrobe additions: versatile booties, oversized coat, black cropped jeans & Ray-Ban mirrored aviators
  2. Travel to Greece!
  3. A puppy - goldendoodle, please
  4. Vitamix
  5. Home decor
5. Favorite quote?  
"Trust the timing of your life." This has been especially important to me as of late. It's true, though - we are all exactly where we are meant to be! 

xoxo

PS

Friday, August 8, 2014

Happy Friday + Links

1. I'm interested in this Good and Cheap cookbook that focuses on eating well on just $4 a day
2. So happy to see Leland Gal in Matchbook Magazine this month!
3. I'm loving Erin Bassett's fashion column - The Fitting Room Diaries on The Everygirl
4. I'm slightly obsessed with gazpacho right now
5. Atlantic-Pacific is rocking one of my favorite trends right now - the shirtdress
6. Carly from Createlive has the perfect recipe for a skinny margarita
7. Averie Cooks has a delicious recipe for honey cornbread muffins - yum
8. How fashion girls dress for a date - I can totally relate

A few things you may have missed...
What I'm Reading Now: Save Big. Eat Well
Tasty Tuesday: Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
Weekly Pick: Favorites Under $25
Fab 5: Shopbop Sale Finds For Fall

Also...
Project Soiree will be on a pure Michigan vacation next week. Follow along on Instagram for updates on my adventure.

xoxo

PS

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Fab 5: Shopbop Sale Finds For Fall

Shopbop is having an incredible sale right now with new markdowns on hundreds of items. With summer coming to a close (hard to believe) I'm prepping my closet for Fall with these sale items.
 
1. This Dolce Vita Valentina dress is the perfect LBD for Fall with on trend lace details.
2. Long necklaces are a must-have and this Lady Grey Axis necklace makes quite a statement.
3. This Koret Ori clutch is a great accessory for day or night.
4. Booties are a Fall staple and these Rag & Bone Classic Newbury are such a great price.
5. This Fall you can't go wrong with this Band of Outsiders Coated sleeveless trench.

xoxo

PS

 Project Soiree occasionally receives vendor/brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. All opinions are 100% my own.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Weekly Pick: Favorites Under $25



1. Madewell Bandana - perfect to wear as a head scarf or tied around your neck
2. A chic iPhone case from J.Crew 
3. I'm slightly obsessed with rosé this summer so this Design Darling print would be perfect on my bar cart
4. These modern fishhook earrings from BaubleBar are on trend for Fall
5. I can't get enough of this Laura Mercier hand cream
6. I j'adore this Old Navy tee
7. Loving the print on these H&M sneakers
8. These H&M faux leather shorts are a must for Fall

xoxo

PS

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad

I'm all about fresh and easy salads during the summer that are perfect for lunch in the office or a picnic in the park. This chilled watermelon cucumber feta salad is my new favorite with sweet watermelon, refreshing cucumber and salty feta. The sweet and salty combination really makes this salad a home run and the ideal side dish for your next summer BBQ.

Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad - Tasty Tuesday - Project Soiree

Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad (adapted from Skinnytaste)

Ingredients:

2 cups chilled seedless watermelon, diced large
1/2 medium chilled English cucumber, peeled and diced
Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
Crumbled feta
Balsamic glaze - optional

Directions:

Divide the watermelon and cucumbers equally between one large serving bowl; top with olives, and feta. Optional - drizzle the balsamic glaze over everything when ready to serve.

xoxo

PS

Monday, August 4, 2014

What I'm Reading Now: Save Big. Eat Well.

I'm so excited to introduce you to my sister Kelli and blogger behind Save Big. Eat Well. Kelli's blog teaches you how to save big at the grocery store with coupons and apps, and also eat well with delicious recipes that are easy and inexpensive to make. You're probably thinking she has a huge stockpile of shampoo and toilet paper and a binder full of coupons, but Kelli takes a different approach to using coupons as a way to save for her family and create healthy meals each week. Check out her blog and start reading, start following and start saving big and eating well!

Save Big. Eat Well. - Logo

Kelli - Save Big. Eat Well.

 Get to know Kelli:

1. What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading the Harry Potter series and I'm on book six, "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince".  I have never read them before and am thoroughly enjoying them.

2. What's your favorite recipe or restaurant?
My favorite recipe is for Blueberry Glace Pie from an old Dutch Cookbook called Eet Smakelijk.  It is made with a homemade crust that is slightly tart because of the tablespoon of vinegar added and the blueberry glace is so delicious (especially when made with Michigan berries).  My mom often makes this pie for my family and holds so many special memories for us, not to mention it's darn tasty. 

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
My favorite thing about blogging is I feel like I can share my passion with whoever wants to hear it.  I love to save money and I love to eat, so blogging about both satisfies my desire to share about my passions. 

4. Five things on your wish list?
  1. A Michael Kors Jet Set - Large Sutton purse
  2. For time to slow down so that I can enjoy my last few weeks of summer before the start of school again
  3. A rose gold necklace with the roman numerals of my wedding date
  4. Continued friendships with both old friends and new friends alike
  5. A European backpacking adventure to the Netherlands, Germany, and Paris with my grandma and mom (first and second generation immigrants from the Netherlands), dad, sister, and husband.  Sounds like heaven if you ask me.
5. Favorite quote?
My favorite "quote" comes from Psalm 139:13-14.  "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

xoxo

PS

Friday, August 1, 2014

Happy Friday + Links


1. 5 core beliefs of incredibly successful people (I love #1)
2. I want to try every one of these s'mores #obsessed
3. How amazing is the new line of Kate Spade swimwear?!
4. This Save the Date card is adorable
5. The perfect desktop wallpaper for August (I can't believe it's already August!) 
6. I've been searching high and low for a new set of earbuds and these BackBeat GO 2 wireless earbuds from Plantronics are incredible
7. Congrats to my friend Kit from The Kittchen for having her recipe for Enchilada Suizas Grilled Cheese featured on Better Homes and Gardens!
8. This "Yes Way Rose" tee is a must-have for me this summer from t+j Designs


Around Town
  • The Fashion Outlets of Chicago are celebrating their first anniversary today! Head over to the Gap Factory Store for a little celebration August 1-3.
  • Who's headed to Lollapalooza this weekend? I'll be there on Saturday with WhatRUWearing on the lookout for some stylish outfits. 
  • If you're going to Lollapalooza make an appointment at goldplaited for a $30 trendstyle and receive a free metallic Flash tattoo! (Today-Sunday)
  • Looking for something fun to do this Saturday? Check out Gilt City's Better Than Backstage Pool Party with a poolside performance from Betty Who (her music is amazing) and delicious summertime light bites and cocktails. 

A Few Things You May Have Missed...
xoxo

PS
 
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