His & Hers Inspiration - Tim Burton Trick-or-Treat

Still looking for some last minute inspiration for Halloween??  Who better to deliver than Tim Burton.  His "Magical Fashion" spread in last September's Harper's Bazaar is hauntingly beautiful with loads of fashion forward costume ideas.  Here's to a happy Halloween weekend!!  Enjoy the eye candy...

{ all images from HarpersBazaar.com - Tim Burton's Magical Fashion }

Hers - Tights & Tulle

Since yesterday's post was dedicated to my latest craving for patterned tights, I thought it only appropriate to demonstrate how I like to wear them.  This look was pulled together last weekend for a night on town.  I wanted to be dressed up, yet whimsically fun ~ a tulle slip combined with boldly patterned tights did just that...  

My pumps, which are a little hard to see in these pictures, are a fabulous, black faux fur.  They're super comfortable and I can't seem to get enough of them.  

{ Hers }

Jacket: BB Dakota

Dress: Banana Republic

Tulle Slip: the petticoat of another dress in my closet

Tights: American Apparel

Pumps: Urban Outfitters

His & Hers Picks - Patterned Tights

There's one thing I stock-up on more than any other as the cold weather approaches ~ tights.  Lots and lots of tights.  Opaque, black, patterned, gray, wool, jewel-toned, etc., etc., etc.  I think a healthy stock of tights is a necessity for every girly girl's wardrobe.  

While a black opaque tight is a great, goes-with-everything basic, what I love about a patterned tight is that it adds both warmth and interest.  I always have several pairs in my rotation.  Here are my latest picks by Hue...

{ Hue patterned tights via Piperlime }

His & Hers Inspiration - Bye Bye Blackbird

Although many of Tom Ford's ad campaigns are infamous for being racy,  his Fall 2010 Eyewear campaign couldn't be more fashionably inspiring and handsomely spooky.  Striking jewel-toned blazers and lustrous black crows ~ I can't think of a better way to get inspired by the dark side this Halloween week.  

{ all images from Tom Ford Fall 2010 Eyewear Campaign 

via FashionGoneRogue.com }

His - Haberdashery Plaid

I've always had a thing for tartans, especially for men this time of year {as you may have surmised from this post}.  So, when the {His} came home with a classic plaid button down from Haberdash Chicago, it became a fast favorite for us both.  I think it screams "the perfect holiday garment."  It inevitably will get much wear over the next several months, and beyond.

{ His }

Tie: Urban Outfitters

Button Down: Gitman Bros. for Haberdash Chicago

Vest: Rag & Bone

Bracelet: Hugo Boss

Jeans: Diesel

Boots: Banana Republic

His & Hers Looks - Chilly Fall Nights

The leaves are starting to slowly fall from the trees and the evenings have turned rather chilly and dark.  It's a nearly  perfect scene for Halloween, which is only about a week away.  On these chilly, dark evenings, it's been fun for the {His} and I to breakout some of our cold weather favorites.  I especially can't wait to add {this} cozy hat to my circulation.  You'll be seeing more of it soon.

{ His }

Coat: River Island, Ireland

Vest: Rag & Bone

Button Down: John Varvatos

Jeans: Diesel

Watch: ESQ

{ Hers }

Headband: J. Crew

Necklace: Topshop

Jacket: Express

Long Cardigan: Club Monaco

Dress: BB Dakota

Wool Legging: boutique in Ireland

Redux - Beaded Beanie

There are so many adorable, beaded beanies popping up in shops these days.  As soon as I saw one I thought: "What a fun and easy peasy DIY!"  Warm and wearable winter gear, with a touch of panache, couldn't be more perfect for a Chicago winter too.  So, I put my inspiration to work last weekend {as mentioned here}... 

{ The Inspiration }

From left to right:  Forever21, Free People, ModCloth

{ The Goods }

All you need for this little project is a basic knit beanie, a needle, thread {in the color of your selected beanie}, sewing scissors, and your beads of choice.  I selected small, round silver beads, which also have a hint of sparkle from tiny etched cuts.

{ Before }

I selected a black cable knit cap from Urban Outfitters.  

• Taking one side at a time, I scattered the beads across the hat to get a sense of placement and even spacing.  
• I then began sewing them on one by one, taking a break after a couple beads to ensure good placement. Don't worry if you mess up.  You can easily snip the thread, replace and sew.  
• Once all sides were complete, I added to the top, including one bead placed on the very top in the central seam.  
• Lastly, I reviewed all sides filling in any open spaces with a bead. 

{ After }

I plan to get a lot of wear out of this cozy beanie this winter, which means you may see a lot of it.  You've been warned... 

His & Hers Picks - For Halloween

Halloween is fast approaching and signs of it are all around... 

{ super cute and spooky ghosts hung over the sidewalk in the Gold Coast }

Walking around Chicago this weekend and taking in all the spooktastic Halloween prep, got me very excited to costume up for All Hallow's Eve.  Of course the {His} and I already have our picks ready to go...

{ Hers } Edie Sedgwick 

Edie Sedgwick is my all-time favorite fashion icon {as you may remember from this post}.  I'm drawn to her dance-inspired looks, dramatic make-up, cropped hair, and oversized earrings.  The best part about embracing Edie for Halloweenie is that I already have many of her signature pieces in my closet. 

Earrings: Steve Sasco 

Leopard Coat: TopShop

Leotard: American Apparel

Tights: Hue

{ His } Cheese 

Although I would love for the {His} to be my Andy Warhol for Halloween, he has a signature costume that can't be retired.  Yes, that's right ~ Cheese.  Not to be mistaken for a Green Bay Packer's fan, the {His} has been just Cheese for the past several years now and will be yet again this year.  

Long Johns {died yellow}: Hanes

Foam Cheese Hat & Face Paint: Amazon.com 

His & Hers Inspiration - Glamour's Next 6 Months

I came across this picture from Glamour magazine's "What to Wear for the Next 6 Months" piece and instantly felt inspired.  It embodies so much of what the {His} and I love about fashion ~ classic suits, a mix of patterns, feminine frills, and black & white color schemes...

Even more so, I love the lighthearted, relaxed, and happy nature of this capture.  This is exactly how fashion should be ~ a happily ever after.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Hers - Indian Summer

During last weekend's Indian summer, the {His} and I were not only thrilled to spend the beautiful days outdoors, but also to get some extra wear out of our favorite summery pieces.  One of my favorite summer purchases ~ a leopard print, boxy shaped blouse.  It not only is super comfortable, but I love the detail of the print combined with a zipper that zips up the back.  

{ Hers }

Sunglasses: F21

Bracelets: Target

Ring: The Glamourai

Top: ModCloth

Skirt: American Apparel

Footless Tights: Hue

Flats: Gap

His & Hers Picks - Mad For Plaid

Every {his} needs a good bag.  Whether it's for travel, work, the gym, or all three, a handsome duffle or saddle bag for getting from place to place is a must.  This season, try slinging a plaid option over your shoulder.  Plaid is classic and rugged, in a mountain man sort of way, and never goes out of style.      

{ Woolrich John Rich & Bros. Plaid Saddle Bag ~ $495 }

{ Pendleton Plaid Weekender Bag ~ $198 }

{ Jack Spade Ajax Duffle in Bleacher Plaid ~ $395 }

His & Hers Picks - A Slice of The Cake

This past weekend was the launch of TheCakeMag.com, a new site for women about life, love, culture, fashion ~ you name it!!  I was really excited when invited to contribute my little slice of cake on fall fashion for the launch.  So, I put my personal shopping skills to work narrowing down the top 10 fall fashion trends to ultimately help you narrow your shopping lists.  Below are a handful of my fave must-haves from the piece, but be sure to check out the full article { here }.

What To Wear Now | Top 10 Fall Fashion Trends

{ Capes - from left to right }

ASOS Hooded Military Cape, $118

Topshop Ultimate Military Cape, $190

French Connection Hooded Wool Mix Cape, $270

{Faux Fur Vests - from left to right }

Rebecca Taylor Fab Faux Fur Vest, $395

Juicy Couture Faux Fur Vest, $228

BB Dakota Ashland Vest, $90

{ Everyday Sequins - from left to right }

MM Couture Sequin Detail Sweater Vest, $59

J. Crew Metallic Sequined Bell Skirt, $275

MK2K Cropped Sequin Henley Top, $176

{ Slouchy Pants - from left to right }

3.1 Phillip Lim Draped Tapered Silk Trouser, $375

Wilster 'Genie' Slouchy Silk Pants, $138

Rachel Rachel Roy Cropped Boxy Pants, $89

His - Indian Summer

This past weekend was an absolutely beautiful Indian summer.  We spent as much time as possible outside enjoying the warm days.  The lovely weather also meant we were able to get some final wear out of our favorite summer pieces.  For the {His} that was his black Theory shorts.  A great staple item that goes with just about everything { you may remember seeing them here and here } and perfect for this transitional time of year. 

{ His }

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Button Down: Steven Alan

Shorts: Theory

Bracelet: Hugo Boss

Shoes: Toms

His & Hers Picks - Lace-Up Booties

I'm loving lace-up ankle boots in classic styles for both men and women this fall.  For the {His}, the iconic J.Crew MacAlister boot strikes the perfect balance between casual and classic.  The style is inspired by the boots worn by British WWII officers, and we all know how fashionably inspiring those British soldiers can be {think Burberry trenches ~ see here}. All in all, this is a goes-with-everything shoe that will never go out of style and, because of that, a great investment...

{ His }

J.Crew, Suede MacAlister

While the J.Crew MacAlister boot is unisex {that's right - ladies, just order two sizes smaller than your regular size}, what I'm really loving for {Her} this season are victorian-inspired booties.  I can picture this pair by Nine West with pretty, patterned tights and filmy, feminine dresses.  As the weather gets cooler, they could perfectly pair with a wool cape and even a fur muff.  Utterly ladylike...

{ Hers }

Nine West, Trixxy

Hers - The Ivy Green

I love spending time among the ivy-covered walls of our building's center courtyard.  It's a peaceful oasis in the center of the city that will all too soon be blanketed in white.  Until then, I'm savoring these dwindling days among the ivy green...

"Oh, a dainty plant is the Ivy green,

That creepeth o'er ruins old!

Of right choice food are his meals, I ween,

In his cell so lone and cold.

That wall must be crumbled, the stone decayed, 

To pleasure his dainty whim:

And the mouldering dust that years have made

Is a merry meal for him.

Creeping where no life is seen,

A rare old plant is the Ivy green."

{ Charles Dickens }

{ Hers }

Headband: Urban Outfitters

Earrings: Banana Republic

Ring: The Glamourai

Nail Color: self-mixed {seen here}

Jacket: Express

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Belt: Urban Outfitters:

Tights: Hue

Boots: United Colors of Benetton {first seen here}

His & Hers Inspiration - Secretariat

Last night the {His} and I attended a screening of Disney's new film, Secretariat.  I have to admit that I was fairly indifferent heading into the film.  But, like any great Disney picture, the true story of Penny Chenery and her award winning thoroughbred, Secretariat, touched my heart.  Even more, it hit home.  

Penny's story reminded me that there's nothing more important to achieving your dreams than believing in yourself and going for it 110%, yet with grace and courage.  At a point in my life where I find myself at a crossroads, this quote in particular spoke to me:  

"...this isn't about going back, it's about life being ahead of you.  And you run at it like a racehorse, as fast and as far as you can..."    

They say Secretariat's heart was three times the size of a normal thoroughbred's heart.  I believe the size of his heart was indicative of his courage and that of his owner's.  I wish you as grand of a heart for chasing your dreams. 

{ Secretariat's Belmont Stakes winning photo }