Hers - Sophistication & Purpose

A very wise man, also known as my father, once said..."the work place definitely lost something ~ a sense of sophistication and purpose ~ with the casual dress."  I couldn't agree more.  In fact, I think the same can be said for dress outside of the workplace too.  In general, we've become a culture of casual.  Per yesterday's Mad Men post, I would love to see us go back to the sophisticated and purposeful looks of the 1960's.  Times have changed, this is true, but when it comes to dressing, we should never underestimate the power of a polished look.  For me, styling an outfit is a fun creative process and, when it comes to dressing for the job, I suppose I aim for the modern day Mad {Woman}.

{ Hers }

Sunglasses: Anthropologie

Earrings: Banana Republic

Button Down: The Gap

Belt: Anthropologie

Skirt: Theory

Shoes: BCBG

Bag: Adrienne Vittadini

His & Hers Inspiration - Mad Men

Many anxiously awaited this week's season premier of Mad Men.  While I am a big fan of the show, I'm an even bigger fan of the fashion.  The very gentlemanly and ladylike looks of the 60's make me wish everyone still went to work in a three piece suite or demure dress.  With how casual the workplace has become these days, that's highly unlikely to make a comeback any time soon.  However, the looks from Mad Men provide a rather inspiring dress that's sure to impress your colleagues.  Never underestimate the power of a polished look.

{ all images via amctv.com }

His & Hers Picks - Product Obsessions

Do you have any products you can't live without?  We sure do.  Here are some of our current obsessions...

{ His & Hers }

There are certain items every guy and gal should have in their vanity.  A great scent, a deep pore cleaner, and a staple hair product are a few musts in our book.

{Hers} Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline Eau de Toilette

{His} L'Homme Yves Saint Laurent Eau de Toilette

{His & Hers} Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque

{His & Hers*} Axe Smooth & Sophisticated Shine Pomade

*Yes, you read that right.  Axe's Shine Pomade may have been created for men, but it's become my go-to hair product these days too.  It adds the perfect amount of shine and hold to my pixie, plus smells sexy.  Go ahead girls ~ it's ok to steal a little styling secrets from the boys.

{ Hers }

On hot, balmy days I keep my make-up minimal.  I focus on playing up my eyes with a strong brow and volumizing black mascara then top it all off with a warm, pinky gloss.

Revlon Brow Fantasy Pencil & Gel

Fresh Sugar Lip Gloss

Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara

{ Hers }

The "it" nail colors of the season are cool blue and sea foam green shades, like these from Essie's The Resort Collection.  Nothing says summer like the color of sea and sky on your tips.

Turquoise & Caicos

Lapis of Luxury

His & Hers Looks - Cut & Color

It's the start of a new week and the start of fresh looks.  I said goodbye to my blonde locks last weekend and returned to my darker side, while the {His} said goodbye to his locks all-together and went for a close-cut.  We love a good dose of change and to keep you guessing.

{ Hers }

Sunglasses: Anthropologie

Earrings: Forever 21 redux {originally seen here}

Jacket: H&M

Flower Pin: H&M

Skirt: ModCloth

Bag: T.J. Maxx {also seen here}

Shoes: Daniblack

{ His }

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Button Down: Steven Alan

Pants: Obey

Bracelet: Hugo Boss

Shoes: Sebago

Hers - Blondie's Last Look

Last week I hinted at my desire to return to my roots as an auburn brunette.  This week, I really think it's time.  Blonde has been a really fun change, but my inner brunette is calling.  So, today is my final day as a blonde ~ at least for now ~ and, appropriately, I came across photos from the Sine Qua Non hair show I modeled in back in May.  It was for this show that I went full out blonde, borderline platinum...

{ The theme was "teachers," or more like "sassy teachers."  

Can you tell who teaches what? }

{ You got it!!  I was the music teacher.  I even played a little tune on the trumpet!!  

You can see all the fun pictures here. }

Kimberly, my go-to-girl at Sine Qua Non, worked some serious magic to make me that blonde.  Now she's going to work some more color magic to bring me back to, well, ME!!

His & Hers Picks - Music Festival Survival Guide

Attending Pitchfork Music Festival last weekend got my planning gears turning.  The next major music extravaganza is Lollapalooza, which is just around the corner and much grander in scale than Pitchfork.  While Lolla is sure to be a blast, this three day event definitely requires a little planning and prep.  For that reason, I've pulled together a little music festival survival guide, which includes the things I won't be leaving home without as I head to Lolla in a few weeks.

{ Must Haves }

• First and foremost, have a game plan. Check out the line-up ahead of time and decide on the bands you most want to see. Create a little schedule to throw in your bag, including times and stages. This way you have an easy reference at hand.
• Suntan lotion. You'll be in the sun non-stop, so be sure to add layers of block.
• Your camera. There will be plenty of great photo-ops for street style inspiration and snapping captures of your favorite shows.
• H2O. Be sure to hydrate throughout the day by drinking plenty of water. It is the best way to beat the heat and keep your body replenished.
• Toiletries. The biggest downside to outdoor music festivals is the loo situation. Hand sanitizes and tissues are port-a-loo lifesavers. Need I say more?

{ Hers }

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Dress: ModCloth

Sandals: Chinese Laundry

Bag: Urban Outfitters

A cool, breezy ensemble will keep you from melting in the hot sun.  Think light, silky sundresses.  It's important to pair your pretty pick with some seriously comfortable and versatile shoes.  A sophisticated pair of jellies work great, because they're not only comfortable by easy to clean.  A crossbody bag works best for holding your survival must haves, which should include a fabulous pair of sunnies.

{ His }

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

T-Shirt: Old Navy

Shorts: TopMan

Bag: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Toms

Consider selecting lightweight fabrics and looser fitting clothes to help ventilate and keep you cool.  Just be sure loose doesn't look sloppy.  Keep the colors light on top, but select a darker, stain resistant bottom.  A messenger bag is great for holding necessities, so your pockets {or ladies purse} aren't weighed down.   Lastly, be sure to grab a hip pair of shades.  You'll be glad you did.

His & Hers Looks - A Midsummer's Night

Midsummer is upon us.  The heat waves and humidity are a friendly reminder.  Another friendly reminder for us are midsummer music festivals.  Pitchfork is this weekend and then Lollapalooza follows close behind.  These always end up being some of the most memorable midsummer weekends for me.  In preparation for tomorrow's Pitchfork-palooza, the {His} and I took it pretty easy and enjoyed a lovely, midsummer evening dining with a dear old friend.

{ Hers }

Sunglasses: F21

Blouse: Banana Republic

Skirt: Banana Republic

Bracelets: Vintage

Ring: The Glamourai

Bag: Adrienne Vittadini

Scarf: Target

Espadrilles: DSW

{ His }

Button Down: BDG

Shorts: Aether

Bracelet: Hugo Boss

Shoes: Sebago

His & Hers - Fall In Love In Iceland

The {His} and I have dreamed of traveling to Iceland for quite some time now.  In fact, when it came time to select a honeymoon destination, we had a hard time deciding between Iceland and Ireland.   Cost and seasonality ended up being the ruling factors for Ireland. Iceland, we said, would have to be saved for another very special trip...

So, you understand my excitement when Iceland Naturally offered up an amazing opportunity to travel like Ali {from this season's The Bachelorette} and Fall In Love In Iceland.  I immediately signed us up!!  The shocking news is, we were actually selected to be 1 of 25 finalists!!

The most votes wins in this contest, which ends on July 26th.  So if you have a spare minute and would like to vote for us, the link is below!!

{ Click Here To Vote! }

Please Note: After you enter your email address, there is a second field you must complete before you hit submit.  It is written in Icelandic, but is simply asking you to add the two numbers provided (for example, 1 plus 1).  The numbers will vary for security reasons.

On a final Icelandic side note, one of our all-time favorite bands hails from the land of fire and ice ~ Sigur Ros.  If you've never heard their music, be sure to check them out.  They sound like heaven!!

{ Iceland photos via Iceland Naturally FanPage and Sigur Rós photos via sigur-ros.co.uk }

His & Hers Looks - In Need of a Change

Every once and awhile, we all need a little change.  For me, change seems to come in the form of my constantly evolving hairstyle.  Right before I started this blog, I went blonde.  It was a fun change and, let's be honest, I just had to find out if blondes really do have more fun.  Well, they do have fun, but so do brunettes {and redheads}!!  And recently I've had an urge to go back to my roots, as an auburn brunette.  The truth is, fun is all about attitude, not hair color. 

The {His} was also recently bitten by the hair-change bug.  He's had the urge to grab his clippers and go military short.  I think it's the midsummer, sweltering heat.  Funny enough, I came across the below picture of me and the {His} from our honeymoon.  You can't see his hair and you can see my natural color.  I guess our recent hair inspiration!!

News Flash! I actually came across this photo while searching for one to submit to IcelandNaturally.com.  I am somehow 1 of 25 finalists in a contest to win a trip to Iceland!!  They will be posting all 25 finalists on the Iceland Naturally website tomorrow to be voted on to win.  Keep an eye out for our photo and please vote us ~ pretty, pretty please!!

Hers - An Independence Day On Water

The {His} and I had a wonderful 4th of July.  We spent it with friends boating on Lake Michigan and couldn't have been luckier because the weather was just perfect ~ sunny and hot!!  I wore light, fluttery layers over my suit to stay cool, along with layers upon layers of SPF.  It was such a fun weekend.  I'm sad to see it come to a close.

 { Burnham Harbor }

 { Navy Pier }

{ Hers }

Hat: Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses: F21

Earrings: F21

Dress: The Limited

Skirt: American Apparel

Bathing Suit: Victoria's Secret

Jellies: Steven by Steve Madden 

Hers - All Dressed Up

I love dressing up in feminine frills and pretty much look for any excuse to do so.  This was the case yesterday.  There was no occasion or any real excuse to get all dolled up, other than just to have fun.  The truth is, sometimes grown girls still love to play dress-up...

{ Hers }

Sunglasses: F21

Earrings: Steve Sasco

Flower Pin: H&M

Dress: H&M

Pumps: from my grandmother's closet