Work it out!

The weather is finally nice here in Chicago.  Although I am relieved that I can ditch my winter coat it is also a painful reminder that swimsuit season is around the corner!!!  I saw this spread and wish I looked as stylish and sexy when I work out... reality is I turn bright red and sweat like crazy in my old tee and yoga pants.  In any case, once this ankle heals I've got some work to do.  Bikini... here I come!!! ;)

Photos: Eniko Mihalik by Alasdair McLellan for Gentlewoman Magazine

"These streets will make you feel brand new"

I spent the majority of last week getting re-aquainted with New York City...without a doubt the greatest city I've ever been to!  Most of that time I was in the lower part of Manhattan (i.e., Chelsea, Greenwich Village, East Village SoHo, ect...).  Definitely one of my favorite things about New York is that wearing heels is second nature to these women.  It doesn't matter how far they have to walk or for how long they're gonna wear some fierce heels.  They wear flats by choice, not necessity.  And when they do wear flats they seem to choose motorcycle style boots to pair with their feminine dresses or torn jeans... fantastic!! I noticed so many amazing pairs of boots and heels walking down the streets of those neighborhoods, causing major shoe envy!! (I had sprained my ankle before the trip and was stuck in flats!)  I also admired quite a few leather jackets on my trip...I saw them in every color, in every style imaginable and loved them all!!  I learned a lot about the city and it's inhabitants not to mention what my next purchases will be. ;) 
So here is my New York "Oh, I wish" list:

Frye Heath Outside Zipper Boot

MIA Roadster Boot

Elizabeth and James E-Sophi Sandal

Rock & Republic Jolene Suede Wrap Pump

Sam Edelman Nevyn Metallic Leather Heel

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Pru Wood Platform Wedge

LINE Ellen Washed Draped Front Leather Jacket

S.W.O.R.D Padua Leather Jacket

Photos: revolveclothing.com

Beautiful Bundchen

Gisele Bundchen is a gift from God himself.  As close to perfection as you can get.  She has such an easy, elegant beauty and a seemingly lighthearted view of life.  When I saw this amazing spread for April's Vogue...I was ecstatic! But how, after just having a baby, do you have a body like that?  How?!  Truly unbelievable.

Photos: Patrick Demarchelier for April's Vogue US via fashiongonerogue

"The difference between style and fashion is quality." ~ Giorgio Armani

Academy Awards day is my favorite day of the year.  More than Christmas, more than my birthday... this day brings me joy like non other.  And although I have quite a few photos for this post... I was kinda disappointed at this year's Oscar red carpet.  I was happy to see that a few highlights came from some of my fashion 1st stringers: Sandra Bullock, Carey Mulligan, Rachel McAdams, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Zoe Saldana (which I know not everyone agrees but I thought looked fantastic).  I was totally surprised by Kristen Stewart's elegance through her trademark awkwardness,  Elizabeth Banks in a wonderfully unexpected shade of grey, and Miley Cyrus (minus her HORRIBLE posture) was lucky enough to score quite possibly my favorite dress of the night.  Meryl Streep, as always, was the definition of understated glamour.... she is a true master of the red carpet with 16 years of practice.  So now I have to wait a whole year until the next Oscar red carpet... Let the countdown begin.

From Top:

Sandra Bullock, in Marchesa,

Carey Mulligan, in Prada

Maggie Gyllenhaal, in Dries Van Noten

 Elizabeth Banks, in Versace

Meryl Streep, in Chris March

Kristen Stewart, in Monique Lhuillier

Rachel McAdams, in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Miley Cyrus, in Jenny Packham

Zoe Saldana, in Givenchy Haute Couture

Photos: Kyle Rover via Style.com

The Shape of Things

I fell in love with this spread by Camilla Arkans for Harper's Bazaar.  The interesting shapes, volume and unexpected skin really jumps off the page.  I love them all!! I would wear these pieces everyday.  I already have a tendency to overdress for every occasion.  I'd be so easy to find... I'll be the one in the sequin jumpsuit at Trader Joe's.  You can't miss me! ;)

Photos: Camilla Arkans for American Harper's Bazaar

OSCARS!!!!

The tulle, the silk, the diamonds, the Manolos... 

T-16 hours until the biggest fashion event of the year!! (In my opinion at least)  

GET EXCITED!!!

Livin' on the Wedge!

I'm on the hunt for some great "transition" wedges.  In other words, some cute, comfortable, wedge heels that can take me through the lengthy transition between Chicago's winter and it's spring.  I was delighted when, after visiting the Apple store (new computer = blogger heaven!) my husband and I made a detour to Zara.  They have two pairs of seamless, peep-toe wedges that WILL be mine! The first is a pair of tan lace up booties (pictured above) and a pair of grey tasseled booties (no picture yet).  They are dying to come home with me and I'd hate to disappoint them. ;)