Hi hi hi hi hi.
Some new discoveries for me I thought I’d share:
First, I tried a new salon in my ‘hood this past weekend because the Cubbie bears were playing in the World Series and I was desperately trying to avoid traveling too far from home — the whole city was a ginormous knot of people and traffic. I have been a devotee of Tres Bien Nails in Lincoln Park, which used to be a few doors down from our condo; this time, I tried Salon ZaZaZoo in Bucktown and was absolutely delighted. Complimentary LaCroix; pristine, modern furnishings; chick flicks on the TVs; and an exceptional nail color selection including a new line of Essie “gel couture” colors. These are like CND’s weeklong polishes — they go on like normal polish but stay on the nail longer. An uber-chic girl (she was wearing a fedora and it didn’t look forced) was having her nails done in the Essie gel couture Caviar Bar navy color. And I’ve never been super into dark colors — usually more of a red or pink girl — but she just looked SO chic and I copied her. The pic below does not accurately depict the color — it’s super dark navy and looks really high end. But now I’m super excited about trying all of the gel couture colors! The formula goes on like a dream and promises to last longer than usual…so, yes please.
I am not a fangirl of all of the Kardashians’ style (a little too too for me), but Kourtney tends to nail avant garde fashions in a way that makes me want to try it out myself. I’d seen her rocking a sweatshirt dress look and sorta enjoyed the Yeezy vibe. So I went ahead and snagged one of these oversized sweatshirt dresses ($42) to give it a whirl.
I mentioned awhile ago how obsessed I am with those Vietnamese bubble teas — but our favorite Vietnamese spot (Tank Noodle) is a schlep from our house in Ukrainian Village, so it’s a hard craving to fulfill easily. Mr. Magpie incredibly sweetly tracked down all of the ingredients and made me a pineapple one over the weekend and it was AMAZING. It’s now made me want to make more smoothie drinks at home–and much to my delight, I recently discovered Daily Harvest, a subscription service that ships all of the ingredients for fancy smoothies to your door on a weekly basis. I’m intrigued to try although not sure if I need 6 smoothies a week, and it’s a pretty steep commitment unless I’m all in. Anyone else tried this?
It’s officially jacket weather in Chicago. I want all.the.coats. My top pick for the season is the J.Crew Melton belted wool trenchcoat ($398) in this gorgeous pepto bismol pink. I LOVE the way it’s styled in this pic, shoes and sweater included.
P.S. — Another potential in a similar vein is this T Tahari wrap coat, on sale for $229. LOVE it in the cream or baby blue.
I also saw this quilted Joules coat ($71-$159, depending on color — some are on sale!) and thought it was a great way to get the Burberry look (love the style shown below, $795) for a fraction of the price.
I mentioned that there’s been a lot of pops of pastel mixed in with the winter collections out now, and I’m loving it. This bell-sleeved sweater ($69) is such a steal and oh so chic.
Speaking of bell sleeves, how chic is this white blouse ($610)? Arg, it would look epic with light wash denim and some pointed-toe pumps, or tucked into a black pencil skirt for work. Other ways to get the look for a little less:
+This or this from Edit (both $250).
+This from Susana Monaco ($136). Or in dress form here ($209).
+This lacy little thang in black or white ($84).
+This Jill Stuart dress would be perfect for the holidays ($338).
+I also LOVE this N Nicholas bell sleeved dress for TGivs ($395). If only I could find it in my size…
+Unexpected marigold yellow lovely ($595) for hip line Cinq A Sept.
+This Endless Rose blouse ($55).
I mentioned a week or two ago an interest in snagging a pair of black high-top sneaks to totally copycat a chic pea I spotted at a coffee shop the other day. Loeffler Randall is one of my favorite shoe lines and they have some epic options out right now, including these in snakeskin or black suede ($350). Now if they could just go on sale. These guys from Vince are my other front-runners ($295).
OK, I just said I’m not super into all things Kardashian, but this look is pretty Khloe-tastic and I kind of love it: black leotard ($140), distressed denim (Frame, on sale for $108), and some pointed-toe heels ($119 — I need these in both the snakeskin and burgundy velvet).
How fun are these fur-trimmed Gucci loafer mules ($995)? (Or the velvety ones, $850, here.) I own the ones sans fur ($595) and love ’em.
Finally, some random pieces that caught my eye:
+This pleated metallic skirt ($130) is too good. I like it with a white silk blouse for an unexpectedly sophisticated but fun party look.
+Give me all the sherpa. I just snagged this little sherpa vest situation from Gap ($80), but these sherpa loafers look oh so snuggly ($238).
+Love the colors in this oversized scarf ($25).
+Such a sweet advent calendar ($18).
+I love the clean, classy lines of this overlong, structured cardigan ($238).
+Fun star-print mini ($59). I pictured wearing it with black tights and heels and then glossy red nails and lips.
+Such a cute, affordable pintucked dress ($36) to pair with booties or OTK boots for a fresh fall look.