Hers - From The Heart

I am so blessed to be surrounded by many loving friends and family.  I was reminded of this last week when in my mailbox arrived a little 'just because' treat from one of my very dear friends.  Inside a pretty, neatly wrapped box was the sweetest hair clip made entirely of colorful leathers and feathers.  Incredibly unique!!  I was so touched by the thoughtfulness of this gift and, of course, have had so much fun styling it too.  I've worn it in my hair, but also as a broach {as shown below}.  The options are endless!!

{ by the Boo and Boo Factory on Etsy }

{ I'm loving SEPHORA by OPI Nail Colour, particularly the shade 'Metro Chic' }

{ Hers }

Sunglasses: Anthropologie

Earrings: Target

Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft

Pin: Boo and Boo Factory on Etsy

Ring: from a small boutique in Chicago

Skirt: Banana Republic

Flats: Gap

Sending big hugs and much love to my dear friend, Red.

His & Hers Looks - Me and My Guy

Another weekend has quickly come and gone.  With Labor Day and the end of summer upon us, I can't believe how quickly the past few months have gone.  With that said, I'm incredibly excited for the fall.  I can't wait for the seasons to click and the weather to cool.  Fall is by far my favorite season, mostly for fashion reasons.  I can't wait to breakout patterned tights and warm sweaters and little jackets.  In the meantime, the {His} and I are doing the best we can to transition.

{ His }

Glasses: Ray-Ban

Button Down: Express

Jeans: Diesel

Watch: Burberry

Shoes: Ferragamo

{ Hers }

Headband: Urban Outfitters

Earrings: Banana Republic

Necklaces: from my Grandmother

Ring: Rachel Rachel Roy

T-Shirt: Gap

Layering Tank: Gap

Belt: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Bag: Kate Spade {seen here, here and here}

Heals: Chinese Laundry

What are you excited to wear this fall?

His & Hers Picks - Show Me Your Socks

Socks have been an accessory trend for several seasons now.  Men pairing suits with bold, patterned socks; Women pairing dresses and skirts with pretty, feminine ankle socks.  It's a fun, and comfortable, way to add a bit of interest to your look.  When daring a pair of fancy feet, just be sure your sock selection blends well with the overall color scheme of your look.    

{ His }

 

{ image via esquire.com }

{ all His picks via jcrew.com - click here to view more }

{ Hers } 

{ image via jcrew.com }

{ all Hers picks via topshop.com - click here to see more }

Will you be showing your socks this Fall?

His & Hers Inspiration - "I Die" for Rachel Zoe

I'm not much of a TV watcher.  However, there is one show that I will stop dead in my tracks to watch faithfully ~ The Rachel Zoe Project.  I've been a longtime fan of this very glamourous girl and celebrity fashion stylist.  I can't help but be addicted to a peek into her fabulous world.  Inspired by RZ's most noted phrase, "I Die," the September issue of Harper's Bazaar features a fun, yet beautiful, shoot of Ms. Zoe "dying" for fashion.  I'm totally "dying" for this fashion goddess.

The above Derek Lam gown was featured in last night's episode of The Rachel Zoe Project. As soon as I saw it float down the runway, I immediately recalled seeing this lovely number in RZ's Harper's shoot ~ a stunning "white moment" for her.

{ all images via HarpersBazaar.com - Click Here to see the complete shoot }

His & Hers Congratulations - To The Happy Couple

Well, my baby brother is a married man.  This past weekend he tied the knot to his longtime girlfriend and high school sweetheart.  I could not be happier for them both!!  I have been looking forward to this event for some time now {as mentioned here and here} and it not only turned out to be a beautiful, wedding weekend, but it was also wonderful to spend time with so many loved ones.  I treasure these moments, as they are all too rare.  Below are only a few fun captures from the weekend...

{ the now newlyweds enjoying a happy moment at their rehearsal dinner }

{ the Best Man, my Daddy-O and the {His} looking rather dapper in their tuxes }

{ the bridesmaids wore classically styled, midnight blue gowns adorned with a beautiful, crystal broach }

  Sending all my love and warm wishes to the happy couple!! 

His & Hers Inspiration - Interpol

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, the {His} and I spent last Sunday evening being entertained by the well-dressed gents of Interpol.  What I like most about this band, aside from their strong sound, is that these boys mean business.  They take the stage, clad in structured suits and dress shoes, and rock out in a non-fussy way.  With Interpol, it's all about great music played in style.

Guitarist, Daniel Kessler, is not only a well-dressed, dapper dude, but he also has some killer dance moves ~ a sort of modern take on the 1960 Jersey Boys' fanciness of feet.

{ my favorite capture from Interpol's show at the Vic }

{ another capture - one of Kessler entertaining the crowd at the Vic }

His & Hers Looks - Sunday Funday

I wish all Sunday's could be like the one that just passed.  It was a day that allowed for a little relaxation and exploration then finished up with great live music.  I had purchased tickets, several months back, for me and the {His} to see Interpol play at the Vic.  It's his favorite band and definitely one of my top five.  Before we headed to the show, we made some time to explore the city a little, snapping pictures along the way, then grabbing a bite to eat near the venue.  All in all, it was a great day that lead to an even better evening.    

{ Hers }

Earrings: F21

Necklace: Crossroads 

Sequin Tunic: Banana Republic

Cardigan: Club Monaco

Shorts: Club Monaco

Pumps: pulled from my Grandmother's closet

 Clutch: Kate Spade {also seen here and here}

{ a cool motorbike parked on the sidewalk }

{ sign outside the Vic }

{ His }

Button Down: Penguin {also seen here}

Bracelet: Hugo Boss

Shorts: Theory {originally seen here}

Shoes: Vans

Hers - Book Smart

Last week I fell in love with Kate Spade's cleverly crafted line of collectable novel clutches.  They're simply irresistible and a fashionable bookworm's dream.  My dear {His}, having taken good notes, treated me to a little novel of my own ~ The Great Gatsby.  I'm finding it nearly impossible to pull myself away from this masterpiece.  

{ Hers }

Pearls: gift from my Grandmother

Snake Ring: Rachel Rachel Roy

Sweater: H&M

Book of the Month Clutch: Kate Spade {seen here}

His & Hers - Home Sweet Home

A little girl in pigtails and sparkly red shoes once said: "There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home."  It's true.  Everyone needs a place to call home sweet home.  The {His} and I found ours in a Chicago urban loft that's perfectly built for two {complete with His & Hers closets and a Jack & Jill bathroom}.  Our little home could not be more suited for this {His & Hers}.

Here are just a few of my favorite things inside our home sweet home...

{ our wall of large windows, zebra print desk chair, and oversized wall clock }

{ a lantern from our wedding, which now serves as home decor }

{ a gumball machine from my childhood and collection of books and pictures from throughout the years }

{ a more recent addition to our bedroom - a faux cowhide area rug }

{ our mini art collection - the top piece is made from an old refrigerator door }

{ the piece above our bed with a slew of clippings, words, and random thoughts - reminiscent of a dream }

His & Hers Picks - A Fashion Bible

I am more of a minimalist than a collector.  But, if there is one thing that I'd say I collect, it's books.  In fact, one of my favorite things to do on a lazy Saturday afternoon is mossy around a book store, just sipping coffee and checking out all the new and old novels {as you know from yesterday's post, I have a weak spot for classic novels}.  On one of these excursions, the {His} picked up Esquire's The Handbook of Style.  It has quickly become the {His} fashion bible in our house, leaving no styling and grooming rock unturned and providing vital information for the modern man's wardrobe.

{ click here to snag a copy from Amazon.com }

His & Hers Picks - A Novel Idea

A very dear friend {and previous boss} recently shared a link with me to Kate Spade's new collection of book clutches.  I instantly fell in love.  Truth be told, I have a weak spot for classic novels and two of the three used for this collection just happen to be a couple of my favorites as well ~ Great Expectations and The Great Gatsby.  How can I resist the urge to clutch one of these pretty little novels under my arm? 

{ click here to read more about these pretty little books }

{ click here to shop the collection }

His & Hers Inspiration - Lolla, Lolla, Lolla

Another successful and incredibly fun Lolla-extravaganza has come and gone.  Here's a countdown of our top five favorites of those we selected to see over the weekend...

5} The XX 

4} The National

3} F**k Buttons

2} The Big Pink 

1} The Strokes    

{ photos via the Lollapalooza 2010 collection on Flickr ~ click here to see full collection }

His & Hers Picks - Lolla, Lolla, Lolla

It's finally here... Lollapalooza weekend!!  As music lovers, this is one of our favorite Chicago summer events.  We've been planning for it for several months now.  In fact, you may remember my music festival survival guide post {here}.  With the {His} being my music connoisseur, you better believe he's had our schedule picked and planned months in advance.  So, I thought I'd share our 3-day Lolla picks...

Friday

F**k Buttons

The Walkmen

The Big Pink

Wavves

The Black Keys

The Strokes or Lady Gaga

{ Of course The Strokes and Lady Gaga would be set to play at the same time. This is going to have to be a game-time decision. Who would you pick? }

Saturday

The Morning Benders

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Rogue Wave

The XX

Metric

Stars

Phoenix

Green Day

Sunday

Freelance Whales

The Antlers

Yeasayer

MGMT

The National

Arcade Fire

Hers - A Favorite Frock

I'm in love with Rachel Roy at the moment.  Her pieces are classic, yet with an unexpectedly edgy twist.  The RRR dress pictured below is the perfect example of her signature style.  Seemingly a simple wrap dress, this number takes a twist with a touch of mixed prints and full-body wrap that creates a lovely draping in the rear.  This silky, lightweight number has quickly become my favorite frock.   

{ Hers } 

Sunglasses: Anthropologie

Earrings: F21 redux {seen here}

Dress: Rachel Rachel Roy

Belt: Urban Outfitters

Ring: The Glamourai

Shoes: Chinese Laundry

His & Hers Inspiration - J. Crew Fall 2010

J. Crew's Fall 2010 Lookbook is ridiculously inspiring.  It has me chomping at the bit to get my hands on several key pieces.  Overall, the collection has me incredibly excited for fall, which is by far my favorite season.  The cool, crisp weather and wearing of lots of layers is my ideal. 

{ His }

The men's collection was partly inspired by Montgomery Clift and Joe Strummer, creating an essence of laid back tailoring.  The color palette is neutral with a navy base.  A strong mix of textures and uncommon combinations creates visual interest.  For example, one look paired a navy blazer over a fitted denim jacket.  It's all about the layers, boys. 

{ Hers }

The women's collection was inspired by the late Edith Bouvier Beale and the idea of "Edie Goes to Camp."  The color story is mainly military neutral and earthy tones with an occasional pop of color.  The mixture of textures and patterns really make this collection come alive.  My favorite touch ~ nearly every look is topped with an earthly, yet elegant, hat or headpiece.

{ all images via JCrew.com }