His & Hers Inspiration - Ballerina Grace

The popularity of the movie Black Swan has brought recent attention to the art of ballet, which I've been really happy to see.  Growing up as a competitive figure skater, I've always been drawn to the beauty, fluidity, and grace of balletic movement.  It's something many figure skaters aim to achieve in their sport.  

But beyond the loveliness of balletic dance, the gorgeous costumes that are such a big part of ballet are an art in their own right.  Popular designer, Rodarte, was instrumental in creating the awe inspiring costumes for the movie Black Swan.  You can view a fantastic behind the scenes look at their work for the movie on StyleCaster.com {click here}.  

I've also compiled some of my favorite NYC Ballet images from across the interwebs to help inspire your Monday...

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

We've made it to Friday!!  In celebration of the week-end, here are five little things that made us smile this week.  We hope you'll take a minute to remember your five things too.  Wishing all of you a wonderful {and warm} weekend!! 

{an accidental purchase of liquid fabric softener helped us rediscover it's cozy goodness}

 { the {His'} latest favorite tee ~ a Christmas gift and nod to his alma mater }

{ my latest favorite skirt ~ I've been wearing it non-stop, dressed up & down }

{ a delicious glass of Ballatore Rosso Red Spumante }

{ vibrant green flowers that add a hint of spring to our nest }

Hers - Ice Box Dreams

As you know from Tuesday's post, the {His} and I are now faced with the yearly style quandaries that accompany the doldrums of the dead of winter.  Lucky for old man winter, I'd be hard pressed to tire of tights and boots, which tend to be the main staples of my wardrobe this time of year.  On one such freezing cold evening, the {His} and I piled on the layers and headed out for a dinner soirée with friends.  I have to admit that daydreaming of balmier days helped keep me warm in the ice box that is Chicago.   

{ This awesome leopard print hat was a Christmas gift from my sweet sister-in-law! Wonder how she knew I'd like it?!  I'll give you a hint ~ see this post. }

{ Hers }

Hat: Asos 

Earrings: J. Crew

Cardigan: Club Monaco

Top: Banana Republic

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

random silk sash worn as belt

Bracelets: Banana Republic & vintage 

Ring: The Glamourai

Tights: Hue

Boots: Urban Outfitters

His & Hers Picks - Tied at the Neck

We love a little neck decor.  That's why the {His} never needs an excuse to pair his button downs with ties and I'm constantly falling head-over-heels for any blouse bowed at the neck.  So, just for you, here are our latest neck tied picks from across the shopping interwebs...

{ His }

{from left to right}

1. Paul Smith Silver Polka Naked Lady Slim Silk Tie

2. HUGO Hugo Boss Silk Skinny Tie

3. Rage & Bone Signature Stripe Tie

{ Hers }

{from left to right}

1. Topshop Cream Stripe Bow Front Blouse

2. ModCloth Dive Right In Dress

3. Charles Tyrwhitt Black Tie Neck Blouse

His - Cold Weather Quandaries

We're officially in the dead of winter here in Chicago, with no end in sight.  It's this time of year when the {His} and I have to really push ourselves to continue to be creative with our looks.  Boots and warm layers are a must, so it becomes an endless quandary of how to make them look fresh.  For the {His}, a tee layered under a fitted button down and vest is a great cozy-cool option.  In fact, this vest was resurrected from potential closet purging by receiving just a few minor nips and tucks from our tailor.  It originally fit a bit too boxy for the {His'} taste.  Now it's just right and a winter solstice savior.  

{ His }

Button Down: Rag & Bone

Tie: Urban Outfitters

Vest: Macy's NYC

Trousers: Banana Republic {also seen here}

Boots: Vasque

Laces: J. Crew

His & Hers Inspiration - Erté

I recently discovered the stunning work of Erte, an immensely talented and successful Russian-born French artist and designer in the 20th century.  Erte's work ranged from fashion, jewelry, and costume design to graphic arts, set design for film, theater and opera, and interior design.  Erte's formal name was Romain de Tirtoff.  He went by the pseudonym Erte, which was simply the French pronunciation of his initials ~ R.T.  His luxurious and elegant works became icons of Art Deco design, and I think he was nothing short of fabulous!!

{ all images pulled from across the interwebs ~ various sources unknown }

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

I was inspired to start posting a "{Five} of Our Favorite Things" recap by Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere.  I've loved the concept behind her weekly "Five Things" posts, which highlight five little things that make her happy each week.  It's such a simple idea, but such an important approach to life.  The thing is, life goes so quick.  It's important to stop and appreciate the little things that make us smile and warm our hearts, even if for just a minute.  So henceforth, we'll be posting our {five} favorite things each Friday.  I think it's a beautiful way to round out the week!! 

{ Jameson 12 Year Special Reserve Irish Whiskey } 

{ the {His'} post holiday steal ~ a Rag & Bone chambray tie }

{ best lip balm ever ~ thanks mom!! } 

{ my post holiday steal ~ a pair of Coach riding boots } 

{ new cream & sugar contains from Crate & Barrel }

His & Hers Picks - A Simpler Time

We love a good timepiece, especially those that are clean, classic, and simply stated.  Watches have become rather fancy and gadgety over the years, but we don't necessarily need all those bells and whistles.  Our timepiece picks {pictured below} take you back to a simpler time.  While our picks were made for the gents, they could easily be worn by the ladies as a slightly oversized boyfriend watch.  Tres adorable!!

 { Emporio Armani Watch // Timex 1600 Watch // Links of London Watch }

{ Asos Military Watch // Timex Military Watch // Timex Originals Watch }

Hers - Dots & Stripes

I've always been a sucker for anything girly, so it's no surprise that I'm attracted to nearly every bow neck blouse I see.  I recently fell for this black & ivory silky number from ModCloth.  I've been wearing it nearly non-stop since I got it and it doesn't look like it'll be coming out of rotation anytime soon.  The pretty thing just pairs with too much.

{ Hers }

Earrings: Sandy Hyun

Blouse: ModCloth

Cami: Gap

Bracelets: Vintage, Target, Banana Republic

Skirt: F21

Tights: Hue

Riding Boots: Coach

His - Denim Breakin'

Last week I blogged about the {His'} latest obsession with EDWIN jeans.  Since purchasing his first pair during post holiday sales, he's spent some time breaking in the rigid fabric to make them uniquely {His}.  Once the wallet mark, fading, and crease lines set in they'll be perfect.  Until then, the {His} will be doing the break-dance. 

{ His }

Tweed Blazer: Gant by Michael Bastian {seen here & here}

Button Down: Banana Republic

Tie: Rag & Bone

Tie Clip: Kenneth Cole

Watch: Burberry

Denim: Edwin

Wingtip Shoes: Banana Republic

His & Hers Inspiration - Inspiring Interiors

I wanted to give this week a jump start by sharing some beautifully designed interiors that we find rather inspiring {and hopefully you do too}.  It should be no surprise {based on the design of our blog} that our color palette of choice is black, white, and gray ~ which is why we love the cool, crisp decor these homes exude...

{ all images from Lonnymag.com, DesiretoInspire.net & {this is glamourous} }

Her - Hairy Story

My hair has been through some radical changes over the years, most notably since starting this blog {almost a year ago}.  I've been dirty blonde, platinum blonde, black brown, auburn red, and now back to {nearly} my natural color, all the while with my length going from short to ultra short to shaggy.  I thought it'd be fun, and kinda funny, to see them all together ~ my masquerading mane...

For the first time in awhile, I have no idea where I want to take my hair next.  I'm just going with it for now and letting the chips fall as they may... unless anyone has any suggestions?!  Clearly I'm not afraid to try something new!   

Hers - In The Zone

2011 has kept me super busy from the start and I wouldn't have it any other way.  With busy work days leading to equally busy evenings, I've had to ensure my selected looks would take me comfortably and stylishly from day to night.  Such was the case when I was creating this look last week... 

{ these Sam Edelman lace-up oxfords are SO unbelievably comfortable ~ 

I feel like I could run a mile in them!! }

{ Hers }

Beret: Goorin Bros.

Earrings: Banana Republic

Fur Vest: Nordstrom

Blouse: Zara

Watch: Michael Kors

Skirt: Zara

Tights: American Apparel

Booties: Sam Edelman

His & Hers Picks - EDWIN Sen

In December my parents, brother, and sister-in-law came to Chicago for a good dose of Christmas shopping-spree.  It was a rather successful weekend.  In fact, while shopping for the boys at Haberdash {our favorite men's shop in Chicago}, we discovered EDWIN jeans and they've quickly become an addiction among the men in my life.  First my brother and now the {His}...  

{ image and pair via Asos.com }

EDWIN is a Japanese clothing brand specializing in the craft of the ideal jean ~ what they like to call Jeanism.  The super ridged and structured cut of their denim is extremely flattering to all body types and incredibly durable.  We love them cuffed and paired with a sturdy boot, because these jeans mean business. 

His - Deals & Steals

One of the best things about the post-holiday season is the sales.  You can find some extraordinary steals this time of year, and who doesn't love a good deal?!  The {His'} tie and trousers pictured below are a case in point.   Both were purchased during the post-holiday giveaway at over 50% off the original asking price.  Amazing!!

{ His }

Tie: Rag & Bone

Button Down: Lacoste

Watch: ESQ

Trousers: Banana Republic

Boots: Banana Republic

His & Hers Inspiration - Austere Beauty

I hope everyone is having the most wonderful start to the New Year!!  The first week of 2011 has been super busy for us, yet incredibly exciting.  I'm hopeful it's a premonition for the year ahead.  I thought the best way to round out this restorative and revitalizing time is with a bit of style inspiration.  I'm always drawn to and inspired by the Vogue Turkey spreads, so I had to share my latest faves from the January 2011 issue {another favorite was posted here and another can be viewed here}.  Bon weekend!!

{ all images from FashionGoneRogue.com}

Hers - Dancin' The Decade Away

As I hinted to in yesterday's post, I decided to pull out all the glitz and glam for New Year's Year ~ a combination of fur, feathers, and sequins.  I mean, what better time to be in glam heaven than New Year's Eve?!  I was ready for a dance party, disco-ball dress and all, and I sure got one, courtesy of Health and Yeasayer.  We had a blast dancing our way into the new decade!!

{ Hers }

Earrings: Steve Sasco

Fur Vest: Nordstrom

Layering Turtleneck: Gap

Dress: Forever 21

Tights: Hue

Over-the-Knee Boots: DSW

Ostrich Feather Clutch: Club Monaco

His - Dancin' The Decade Away

The {His} and I had a blast New Year's Eve dancin' the decade away with one of our very dear friends!!  We celebrated at the Yeasayer and Health concert hosted by the Metro in Chicago.  It was a packed venue, but both bands didn't disappoint.  The {His} stuck to his tried and true dancin' shoes for this very festive occasion, while I went rather sparkly {you'll see my full look tomorrow, but I also posted a sneak peek on Twitter NYE}.

{ His } 

Button Down: Rag & Bone

Vest: Rag & Bone

Pants: Gardeur

Boots: Hush Puppies

Laces: J. Crew

{ Yeasayer }

{ midnight confetti drop ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR!! }