His - A Gracious Muse

I contemplated starting a fashion blog for quite some time.  I've always loved writing and fashion, so it was the perfect way to marry my two passions.  When I started concepting my blog, I knew I wanted to write about both men's and women's fashion.  The {Hers} part was easy.  I knew exactly where to draw a little {Hers} inspiration, from searching for myself.  It was the {His} that required a little outside suggestion.  

Luckily, I'm very fortunate to be married to a {His} who's also been a very gracious muse.  I'm often amazed at how instinctively and effortlessly cool my {His} looks.  He seems to put little thought behind such simple, chic ensembles.  There are very few who can make such a thing happen.  He's also enviably photogenic.  Yet, he doesn't like to be captured and would prefer to not be featured on my blog.  It takes a little coaxing {or a lot!!}.  Needless to say, I have a very gracious muse in my {His}.  So this is my public THANK YOU in the written word I love!!

{ His }

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

T-Shirt: J. Crew

Pants: United Colors of Benetton

Watch: ESQ

Hers - A Festive Break

I recently signed up for a fashion journalism course and was super excited to attend my first lecture this past Tuesday evening.  My first assignment: write a runway review.  I reviewed the late Alexander McQueen's Fall 2010 Collection.  It was due this evening, so I spent a good portion of my weekend researching and writing, but loved every minute of it!!  Needless to say, this weekend was very productive, but I still made time to wander the Randolph Street Festival with the {His} on Saturday.  The weather was lovely, so it was nice to take a little break to enjoy it, along with a couple of cocktails and slices of Tomato Head pizza.  Delish!

{ Hers }

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Earrings: F21

Shirt: Banana Republic

Skirt: F21

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: Adrienne Vittadini

Scarf: Target

Sandals: Kenneth Cole

His & Hers Picks - Festival Wear

One of my favorite things about summer in Chicago are the street festivals.  After Memorial Day weekend hits, the street festivals are in abundance.  Last weekend was the Old Town Art Fair, which is one of two annual street fests in our neighborhood.  Unfortunately, the weather wasn't great, but the masses still turned out as well as the great food.  You can't beat corn on the cob fresh off the grill in the summer...

After spending most of last weekend wandering around the Old Town Art Fair, it got me thinking about festival wear.  There is a laundry list of festivals the {His} and I plan to check out this year ~ Randolph Street Market Festival, Pitchfork Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Bucktown Arts Fest ~ just to name a few.  But, oh what to wear?!  I've pulled together our {His} and {Hers} picks for a fabulous festival look...

{ His }

T-Shirt: Gap

Shorts: Asos

Aviators: Ray-Ban

Shoes: Toms

Watch: Timex

Bag: Jack Spade

{ Hers }

Romper: Urban Outfitters

Hat: Topshop

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Earrings: Forever 21

Ring: Forever 21

Bag: Modcloth

Shoes: Nine West

His & Hers Picks - A Swimming Costume Comeback

If it is {un}officially the Summer of the Sailor for daywear, then it must be the Summer of Swimming Costumes for swimwear.  Vintage inspired bathing suits are turning out to be all the rage, and not just for the {Hers}.  I was thrilled when I received the below email promo from Club Monaco with a set of vintage inspired swim shorts for the {His}...

I adore them!!  Unfortunately, you can't purchase Club Monaco items online, but you can check out the Men's summer collection here.  If you don't have a Club Monaco in your area, check out these hot-to-trot, vintage inspired swim shorts that are available for online purchase:

{ Left } Polo Ralph Lauren via Asos

{ Right } Asos Collection

{ Left & Right } Parke & Ronen via Barney's

His & Hers Picks - Summer of the Sailor

This summer is proving to be endlessly inspired by nautical fashion.  That's why I'm {un}official deeming this the summer of the sailor.  From Breton stripe tops, to anchor charms, sailor collar dresses and, of course, boat shoes ~ sailor is {the} inspiration of the season for both the {His} and the {Hers}.  This past weekend the {His} picked up a classic pair of Sebago Docksides from our very favorite {His} boutique in Chicago called Haberdash.  If you live in Chicago, or are here for a visit, be sure to stop by!!

{ His }

Shorts: Theory

Boat Shoes: Sebago Spinnaker Docksides

Looking for some more sailor inspired shoes?  Check out these {His} and {Hers} favorites:

{ Left } Sperry Orange Colorblock Boat Shoe, Urban Outfitters

{ Right } TOMS Navy Bimini Stitchouts, Toms Shoes

{ Left } Sperry Top-Sider Striper Slip On, Zappos

{ Right } Sebago Spinnaker, Zappos

Hers - A Neapolitan Dip

This week has been just as hectic as can be, but thankfully the weekend gave me a chance to regroup and relax with my dear {His}.  It was exactly what I needed.  The weather unfortunately turned a little cool and damp, but that's Chicago for you.  Of course, we didn't let it put a damper on our fun.  I pulled out one of my old favorites on Saturday ~ a Grecian style slip dress that always reminds me of a yummy dip of Neapolitan ice cream.  I topped it off with one of my new favorite bobbles ~ the Doublewide Desperado Ring by The Glamourai.

{ Hers }

Earrings: Forever 21 Redux {seen here}

Cardigan: Banana Republic

Dress: H&M

Layering Tank: Gap

Footless Tights: Urban Outfitters

Flats: Daniblack

Bag: Adrienne Vittadini

Scarf: Target

Ring: The Glamourai

His & Hers Inspiration - She & Him

If you've been following this blog, you may have noticed we're often fashionably inspired by music.  That being said, I can't think of a more perfect source of inspiration for a {His & Hers} than a band called {She & Him} ~ especially when the ever-so-chic Zoey Deschanel is involved in the equation.  She is many-a-girl's style star and her {Him} can really hold his own too...

This adorable duo is my recent source of fashion inspiration and their sound is that of a never-ending summer.  You can't help but feel lighter after experiencing their magic. Check out their latest album, and more, at SheandHim.com.  Here's to hoping I can make your day a little brighter and happier...

She & Him - In The Sun from Merge Records on Vimeo.

His & Hers Picks - Laundry Days

I often say ~ I may not be a good cook, but I can do a mean load of laundry.  The {His} knows this best.  Let's face it, not all of us are born to be a Julia Child.  The good news is that my household skills fall far from flat.  They're just better served in the laundry room.

Those who know me best know that I can be pretty particular.  I like things neat and tidy and perfectly cared for.  It's no wonder I'm a laundry wiz!!  But, a very wise woman {a.k.a. my beautiful mother} taught me early on that good garment care is really the key to making your items last.  Many of my tricks are learned from her.

Here are my can't-live-without garment gadgets...

Left: { A Clothing Shaver } When your knits or sweaters start producing those little fuzzy balls that make your garments look worn, all you need is a good clothing shaver to cure the shedding.  You can find one of these little guys at any household store, or check out this one on Amazon.com.

Right: { A Great Iron } My Mom purchased a Rowenta for me when I first started living on my own.  It was like night and day compared to the standard iron I had been using before.  I use mine as both a steamer and iron, depending on the fabric and wrinkles I'm tackling, and it consistently performs perfectly.  I highly recommend investing in one of these puppies.  Check out their line of products at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Center: { Clorox Bleach } If you want bright whites, there just isn't anything better. What more can I say.

Left: { A Lint Roller } If you wear a lot of black {like us} or have pets, a lint roller should be a staple item.  I find I use mine most in the winter months, when wearing darker colors and heavier fabrics.

Right: { Gal Pals } Again, another item introduced to me by my Mom and now I can't live without them.  Gal Pal's are garment deodorant removers that are made of a soft, non-abrasive foam.  I use these nearly every morning as I'm getting dressed.  I've yet to see a {His} version, but I really think they should make one. Check them out at Gal-Pal.com.

As Michael Hainey said ~ "Sometimes improving your look doesn't require buying anything new at all.  It's about taking care of what's already in your closet."  I couldn't agree more.

His & Hers Inspiration - Rock The Suit

I love a guy in a rockin' suit.  Well fitted and styled suiting should be a right of passage for all boys into manhood.  It's just a must have look for any {His} closet.  But it's important to have some fun with your suiting too.  If you need a bit of inspiration, you don't have to look far.  Leave it to GQ to deliver several rockin' suit looks on several rockin' bands ~ {His} and {Hers} favorites no less!!  The best part about these very dapper duds are that they evoke the personality and individuality of each of these bands. T alk about making a suit work for you.  Boys ~ take note!!

{ MGMT }

{ The National }

{ The Walkman }

Check out all the 'Rock The Suit' looks here at GQ.com.