Fresh Eyes with Warby Parker

Spring is in the air... at least it was earlier this week. Even though we've had 50 degree temperatures and some snow this week I am still in the mood for spring fashions and updating my look.

A fun way to add freshness to your style while we still have to battle Mother Nature is with your eyewear! Warby Parker has a whole new line of frames to suit your style. I'm definitely feeling the bright shades and the punchy tortoise this season (but I will forever adore tortoise everything).

The Palm Canyon Collection for Spring 2014 features Warby Parker's classic frames in Palm Springs inspired tones mesquite, acacia, ironwood, and sand. The collection is vibrant and fresh and perfect accompaniments to the bright and colorful additions to your wardrobe!

A new pair of glasses always adds some pep to my step and with the days getting longer I'm looking for new sunnies too! I've got a pair of square-ish frames that I love but I think this spring I'm in the mood for the Quimby Sunnies in Absinthe - the big round frames and the bright green color is simply invigorating.

The best part about Warby Parker is they will send you up to 5 frames to try out at home for a week. So you can wear try each pair with your hair up, down, or pinned to the side, and you can figure out what makeup looks best with the frames you select! 

Which ones are your favorites?

nailed it + see me on WGN!

Over the last few months I have worn a certain nail color and have gotten a lot of compliments.  So here it is (drumroll please)...

It is Illamasqua nail polish in Harem.

It is a perfect shade for wintery months and reminds me that spring is coming! It is in Pantone's Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid and I have links and other things I'm loving in 2014's shade that I'll add to the post later!

The WGN Segment was a smashing success!  I'm wearing the 678 Rolled cuff Ankle Jeans from The Limited and a top from The Limited.  Our outfits were picked out for us and it probably isn't a shirt I would have bought for myself but the look was clean and classic and perfect with my black pump!


 I pulled the video player because it wasn't linking to the right segment... you can see it here on WGN's site!

F I V E F A V E S 1

Hey Everyone!  I've got a new post idea for you (again).  I hope you're liking all the new things.  I'm enjoying approaching posts with a fresh mind for the fresh new year.  

Anyways, in my F I V E F A V E S Series I will be sharing 5 of my current favorites from the interwebs.  They could be other blog posts, pins, products, DIY projects, or anything I am currently favoriting!  I might even exceed 5 every so often.  

Color Me Styled - Layers, and Blocking, and Boots! Oh my!

Usually I have to put a fair amount of thought into outfits.  But, this one came so naturally I can't explain it.

Color Me Styled - New Specs

I haven't gotten new glasses in years.  Like 4 or 5 years.  In that time I've developed my own personal style and trends in eyewear have changed.  It used to be so weird to have plastic frames, and now, it is almost all you see!

Color Me Trendy - Gallery Goodness

Spend more than 3 minutes on Pinterest lately? Then you've probably seen a gallery wall or four.

I've been a fan of gallery walls for years. My high school bedroom had bright blue racing stripes with a gallery of post cards, small prints, and cards all in infinity/floating frames. I'd die for pictures of it. Alas, I wasn't blogging in high school so it never dawned on me to document it!

But now I'm all grown up with an apartment of my own (okay, our own) and the gallery wall has been re-incarnated. Again the collection is in the bedroom but this time it is more personal, more sophisticated and much more subtle.

A few of my favorite things

Gallery walls are a way to show off your favorite things in one place. Our gallery wall is our favorite quotes and sayings and pictures of us and our families.

The staggered shelves and having one piece on the dresser help to create focus in a large space but still fills the large wall without feeling busy. I'd say, unless all of your images are the same size, staggering and layering your pieces is the best way to make your gallery wall look cultivated but not too perfect. This way you can swap out pieces whenever you want!

My gallery images are all different sizes and so I created some symmetry with my books. I've stacked them to create a solid block that is about the same height as the drawer/shelf that holds my necklaces and our alarm clock.

Looking at the picture now I wish I would have stopped for a bouquet of flowers for that Waterford vase I keep on my dresser!

Color Me Styled - Corporal Corporate

 

As promised, here's a personal style post! I spend most of my styling energy on outfits for work so my first personal style post is both office-friendly and military inspired.

Color Me Trendy - Jen Ramos of Made By Girl

Jen Ramos of Made By Girl and Coco & Hearts

Don't you just want that girl's life? I could get behind that kind of lifestyle. And I just can't get enough of the beautiful pieces from Made By Girl by Jen Ramos.

Color Me Trendy - Because It's The Cup

Madison Street after the Blackhawks Stanley Cup Win on June 24th, 2013

The Chicago Blackhawks brought the cup home last night and I had another post scheduled but am making a quick late-night editorial update. Hashtag, BecauseIt'sTheCup.

Hockey is an incredibly exciting sport and if you think it isn't fun because it is low scoring come and watch a game with me. You'll be a changed fan. It is a quick and dynamic game that requires an incredible amount of talent (these boys are on ice skates in case you forgot). 

If you ask me Corey Crawford should have won the MVP award but I am glad it was awarded to Kane. And if you base this on stats alone the Bruins should have walked away with it a few games ago but my Blackhawks didn't quit and gave me a heart attack but pulled through.

I had all but given up on a game 6 victory but once again my boys stuck to it and skated like crazy in the last period. When the game finished our neighborhood erupted and within 30 minutes we were on the streets with them! And the parties didn't slow down until well after Midnight. 

There will be more on the Cup Celebrations over the next few weeks. Get excited, it is the most difficult championship in sports. 

Color Me Trendy - Carolyn Tillman of CAROLYNmaking

Image via MATINE on Facebook

What is better than a handbag that is hand crafted, in a simple and classic silhouette but has a unique element to make it stand out from the rest?

Nothing. That’s right. Nothing is better than that. And it totally describes my approach to my wardrobe (minus the hand crafted part… although I have a few one-of-a-kind pieces).

So imagine my delight when I found Carolyn Tillman’s leather handbag and accessory line MATINE. Above is her new Proper Tote and I just DIE for the bow detail at the top of the handle.

MATINE is full of adorable leather accessories. Each piece features a bow detail, scalloped edges or ombre tinting. 

Needless to say her line of leather goodies is high on my "wanna get it" list. 

Oh, and the talented Miss Tillman doesn't stop there. She also has a line of home goods (Lucite desktop accessories, trays and mugs) available at TILLY | MAISON. Each tray is perfectly preppy and would be an excellent addition to your workspace.

Color Me Trendy - Merit Clothiers

Organic, made in the USA (Chicago, IL to be exact), small business, feel-goodery and lady entrepreneurs... What's not trendy here?!

Two college friends of mine (Brittany and Brittany) have started a clothing line called Merit Clothiers and they've got a kickstarter campaign to get it off the ground.

Inspired by childhood scouting days The Brittanys have created badges to be sewn onto their army jacket and messenger bag to commemorate the awesome achievements of 20-somethings. For example I could round up the Having a Savings Account, Traveling Abroad and Taking Public Transit badge. 

Merit Clothiers guiding principles are: 

1. People should be proud of the great things they accomplish everyday

2. Inspiring others to do good deeds makes for a better world

3. We all deserve clothing that is beneficial to the economy and the environment

Check out Merit Clothiers and support their kickstarter campaign to get them off the ground. They're only $1,095 from their goal to produce the first run of the line. You can contribute with a standard pledge or you can pre-order badges, jackets and bags. 

Color Me Trendy - Wear Your Food

Tea Cup Style from Gap & Fruit Salad Shift from Anthropologie

Mom said not to play with your food and your trainer says that you are what you eat but your style guru tells you to wear your food*!

We went out browsing this weekend (not much real shopping until after the SELF Drop10 challenge is complete) and noticed a lot of delicious pieces on display.

Gap has a collection of printed boyfriend button downs our favorite is this Tea Cup (or Cappuccino) print. The styling with a bright poppy blazer and cropped jeans is spot on for spring temperatures... whatever those are!

Anthropologie has the Fruit Stand Shift by Dusen Dusen and nothing reminds us of summer than fresh fruit. 

J.Crew has a pear sweater and a watermelon necklace in the crew cuts section.

Give these kitchen prints a try for your next coffee, lunch or brunch date!

*Not literally... clean clothes are a must.

Color Me Trendy - Best Foot Forward - Spring '13

Image via Pinterest

"I just don't know that I can get on board with all the pointy toed shoes that stores want me to buy." - BFF over coffee

We totally agree! Something about the bright and pointy pumps is so 2006. But 2013's styles are a little less severe and more color blocked or strapped up so we're warming to them.

Here are our DOs and DON'Ts with our reasoning.

DO get pointy toed shoes in bright colors or prints or color blocks (as in not nude... which is the DON'T)

Why: nude round toe pumps help elongate the look of the leg making you appear taller. They also do not draw focus so you can punch up your outfit with accessories. The pointy shoes are less of a natural shape. 

DO wear the aforementioned bright shoes as your pop of color / accent piece.

Why: Because of their less natural shape, pointy shoes will draw attention no matter their color so it makes sense to get a bright pair that will serve as your punchy piece. 

DO wear them with slouchy jeans, trousers and cropped trousers (as in not skirts / dresses... which is the DON'T)

Why: Again, we're talking shapes here (who knew geometry would be so useful after high school!). The pointy toed shoe is a severe, well, point at the end of your legs which are looking hot in that dress. It isn't totally out of the question but it is a much more fashion forward choice. Round or open toe shoes are the perfect choice for dresses.

DO make sure you can walk in them.

Why: no one is going to give two hoots what shoes you have on if you're wobbling along in them. Or, if you've taken them off and are now ruining your pedicure in your bare feet.

So, we will get on board with the pointy shoes if these simple rules are followed but we really, really, can't get on board with those hidden wedge sneakers. Sorry Bey.

Color Me Trendy - Kate Spade Saturday

Kate Spade Saturday (image via Saturday.com)

I make no secret of my adoration for Kate Spade. If I could afford it I would have a Kate Spade store as my closet with clothing supplemented from J.Crew, Anthropologie and Emerson Fry. 

Imagine my delight when a new lower price point brand from Kate Spade is launching in two weeks!! I've been following along since the fall and have gotten more and more excited.

And now, we can shop a week long preview of Kate Spade Saturday on Fab.

I love the punchy yellow color of the logo, the bright, clean shapes and the strong graphics of the line. I can't wait to see more then the brand officially launches in March!

Color Me Trendy - A-List A Game

Jennifer Lawrence stuns at the Oscar Luncheon (image)

Color me excited for gowns, jewels and hair dos at the Oscars in a couple weeks. But the bar has been set incredibly high as star after star nailed it for the official photo and luncheon.

Runway to Red Carpet (image via RCFA)

Our favorite? J.Law of course. The one and only RZ is her stylist and per usual each outfit has flattered the starlet letting her wonderful personality shine through. Sorry was that too much? I just adore her.

Image via Mail Online

Other leading ladies who brought their A List game... Jessica Chastain, Naomi Watts and Amy Adams! I am digging the florals and lace they wore.

NY Fashion Week starts on Thursday so keep your eyes peeled for gowns that'll walk the runway one week and the red carpet the next.

Color Me Trendy - I don't understand UGGS

My Sorels were made for walking in the snow! (image via DailyE)

For the last 7 or 8 years UGGS have been the boot of choice for young women everywhere... except me.

I just don't understand them.

I've mentioned before that I typically choose practical over style (except for my stiletto boots I wore to dinner last night in the slushy snow of Chicago) but I do not understand how UGGS are even stylish?!

They're totally flat, wide and hit at the largest part of your calf making your ankles look like big tree trunks.

Plus... they're cloth so they are going to soak up all the slushy snow and grime on the sidewalks which I imagine produces quite the pungent stench.

I just don't understand why these are the footwear of choice when there are so many other more practical AND more stylish options.

Last winter I purchased a pair of Joan of the Arctic Sorel boots and I am in love with them. They are warm, water-proof and stylish! 

A great pair of Hunter boots with the fleece welly socks is another great winter option that will serve you well into April Showers.

Our girl Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge is a fan of Le Chameau boots. And I'm not about to question her choice in footwear.

Now, I don't want to totally come out against UGGs... they do have their place. I love a cozy slipper as much as the next. I would gladly sport those on a Sunday night by the fire.

Color Me Trendy - No Mumu's Please Kate!

So, HRH Kate debuted her new fringe last week and it sparked rumors that she was pregnant. Bangs require dedication to daily styling (never mind that she has a stylist to do it for her) which can now obviously be tied to her new sense of responsibility carrying the next heir to the throne.

Or two... 

Her condition is common for women who are carrying twins. Can you imagine the sibling rivalry?! Slash the stroke of luck for which ever twin comes out first!? 

But now that we've got a Royal Mommy to Be we will be looking even more closely at her style choices for the next 7-8 months. We love that pregnant women these days are embracing their bumps and wearing tighter fitting clothing to show off their lady figures. Will Kate lead the way? Will big name designers start maternity lines in order to outfit her (and all of us down the road)? 

Mrs. Beckham wore a super stylish, but still mumu esque style for the Royal wedding while she was pregnant with Harper.

All we can do is hope that Kate doesn't repeat the with child style of Princess Diana and Fergie!

Color Me Trendy - She Bangs!

Go ahead, sing Ricky Martin for a minute... 

But seriously! Bangs are the one "trend" for hair that seems to make a comeback every other year and every other year I seriously consider them. Until I remember that I never dry my hair. Okay, not never but like it is 1% of the time. However, I can't kick this feeling that I need to change it up.

I first decided that I wanted them when I saw Jennifer Lawerence on the cover of ELLE this month. So sultry!! And they framed her face beautifully.

Here's more of my latest girl crush JL.

Then I wake up this morning to find out that my ultimate girl crush, The Duchess of Cambridge, has gotten bangs too!!

Kate's are much more manageable style. But how many ladies are running to their salons today asking for the new Kate. I could probably handle this style since they are side swept and long enough to still pull back into an up-do if needed.

So is it a sign from the celebrity gods that I need to try bangs?! Maybe I try the Jennifer Lawerence brow length first and as they grow out rock the Kate side swept style.

Whaddya think?

Remind me that I don't dry my hair so my bangs would become this curly, frizzy pouf on my forehead and that Jennifer and Kate both have professional stylists at their disposal!

Color Me Trendy - She Wears Short Shorts

She Wears Short Shorts by ebdaily

Giuliana Rancic inspired today's outfit post with her Health Magazine cover for November. It got me thinking  about how close shorts are to the skirts and dresses that I would wear to parties.

And the same rules apply. If you were going to wear tights with your skirt, then wear tights with your shorts. I love the look of black tights on black pumps which creates a long leg line.

Giuliana wears simple jewelry to accentuate her hot pants. I suggest doing the same. Since you're flashing a lot of leg wear a long sleeved sweater or cardigan to keep things classy. It is winter after all.

Get the look here:

Color Me Trendy - Superstorm Sandy

Power Off in Manhattan via Twitter

Hurricane Sandy hit NYC hard and my thoughts go out to everyone there.

Remember, always, Safety first.

But, once power starts to come back and the flood water starts to recede you'll be back bustling around the city and will need to dodge a few puddles. I suggest a uniform of tights or leggings and wellington boots.

Then it is also important to remember power outage survival tips. Conserve your phone batteries by turning it off or alternating having yours on and having your roommate's off. Make sure any unnecessary apps are off. 

Your refrigerator will hold cold as long as you keep it closed. Have a plan before you open it so you can go in, get what you need and close it again without letting a lot of cold air out. The stuff in your freezer will all have to be checked once power is back.

Enjoy the quiet time, play a board game or read a book (tomorrow in the daylight) and actually go speak to your neighbors! You'll have great stories for drier days and can barter some of your wine for crackers or bottled water.