Monday, February 28, 2011

His & Hers Inspiration - Interior Idolization

I love collecting images of interiors we idolize and that inspire change in our own nest.  As spring fast approaches, I've been craving bright pops of color and nautical stripes in my wardrobe and am finding the same cravings in our interior.  I love the synergy between the two and the idea of freshening up the inside as the weather warms outside.  These images are a great example of those fresh nest looks we're idolizing for spring...








Friday, February 25, 2011

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

On all accounts, it was a great week with so many little things to celebrate.  The {His} and I shared a lot of laughs, a bit of relaxation, and some hard work.  Now it's Friday again and I can't wait to start the weekly cycle all over again!!  But before we do, here are just {five} little things that made us smile this week...

{ the song "Postcards from Italy" by Beirut ~ listen here }

{ fresh pairs ~ a {His} favorite } 

{ my latest drugstore addictions: }
1. Nivea Strawberry Tinted Lip Balm
2. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara 

{ dining at Pasta Palazzo last Saturday ~ where we also shared one of our very first dates and this picture was taken ~ so long ago ~ before so many memories were made ~ before we said "i love you" ~ before we were man & wife } 

{ coming home to this overwhelmingly thoughtful and generous surprise }

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Hers - A Rainy Date

Last Sunday was a great day, albeit a rainy one.  The {His} and I started the day by brunching at Yolk with a dear girlfriend, who we hadn't seen in what felt like ages.  It was so nice to catch up over delicious egg scramblers and BYOB mimosas.  After our bellies were sufficiently full, the {His} and I strolled the afternoon away enjoying the city and doing a bit of shopping too.  I layered on two lightweight jackets for warmth and hide from the raindrops under an oversized umbrella, perfect for rainy walks.  It was a wonderfully fun and relaxing Sunday.  One I hope to repeat soon.    





{ Hers }
Trench: Mango
Military Jacket: H&M
Cat Print Blouse: Zara
Jeans: boutique in Ireland
Boots: Coach
Vintage Bag: Randolph Street Market
Earrings: Steve Sasco
Ring: The Glamourai
Umbrella: Target

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

His & Hers Picks - NYFW Street Style Looks

During New York Fashion Week, we found loads of inspiration in the sassy looks that walked the streets.  We posted a handful of our favorites {here}.  For today's post, I thought it'd be fun to recreate two of our favorites.  So, we've pulled together our latest picks to create two looks inspired by two NYFW street style looks.  Both looks were made a little more spring friendly by selecting lighter weight coats and fabrics.  I love the looks and hope you do too!! 

{ His Inspiration }

{ His Picks }
1. Asos Funnel Neck Trench, $125.51 @ Asos.com
2. Gap Gingham Double-Layer Shirt, $49.50 @ Gap.com
3. Paul Smith Polka Dot Silk Tie, $140 @ MrPorter.com 
4. Frye James Lug Wingtip Boot, $198 @ RevolveClothing.com
5. Comune David Fitted Jean, $68 @ RevolveClothing.com
6. Asos Clubmaster Retro Sunglasses, $21.52 @ Asos.com

{ Her Inspiration }

{ Her Picks }
1. Yarnz Leopard Lace Cashmere Scarf, $169 @ RevolveClothing.com
2. Juicy Couture Flecked Tweed Blazer, $298 @ RevolveClothing.com
3. Boden Beaded Petal Necklace, $64 @ BodenUSA.com
4. Forever 21 Aviators, $5.80 @ Forever21.com
5. DV by Dolce Vita Pascal Bootie, $89.95 @ Nordstrom.com
6. Lipsy Feather & Lace Layered Skirt, $46.62 @ Asos.com
7. Hue Tights, $12.50 @ Hue.com
8. Louis Vuitton Noe Bag, $1,160 @ LouisVuitton.com

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

His - Dodging Raindrops

This past Sunday was a rainy one, but luckily rather mild.  Although we would have rather had sun than rain clouds, it was nice to wear lightweight coats before the snow arrived again.  The {His} dusted off his windbreaker-weight raincoat and layered it over his new favorite blazer {a navy Rag & Bone shared here}.  That Rag & Bone blazer has quickly become a {His} staple and I think one you'll be seeing much of this spring/summer, as you did his Gant by Michael Bastian this winter.  For now, here's just a peek at it...





{ His }
Raincoat: Michael Kors
Blazer: Rag & Bone 
Button Down: John Varvatos
Tie: Rag & Bone
Tie Clip: Kenneth Cole
Jeans: EDWIN
Boots: Vasque
Laces: J. Crew

Monday, February 21, 2011

His & Hers Inspiration - Miss Moss

Last week I stumbled upon Miss Moss ~ a visually beautiful blog out of South Africa and my latest source of eye candy.  The site is loaded with striking images and collages covering a broad range of categories, including vintage photographs, fashion, design, illustration, music, and the list goes on.  It's impossible to not click away inspired.  Here's just a few of our Miss Moss faves...

{ His }





{ Hers }



Friday, February 18, 2011

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

This week has been rather lovely ~ filled with many hints of Spring, including fresh flowers and warming temps ~ but passed by in a flash!!  The momentum doesn't appear to be slowing much either, with a busy weekend ahead.  I'm looking forward to a stylish Saturday though ~ Ladies in Chicago, stop by 900 North Michigan to check out the fifth thing on our list of faves this week... 

{ a lovely ivory rose from Valentine's Day }

{ brightly colored Spring window displays } 

{ the {His'} latest steal ~ a Rag & Bone navy blazer } 

{ a pretty & girly flower corsage }

{ Kate Boggiano's beautifully tailored shirting } 
P.S. juliewatsonstyle is hosting an exclusive trunk show with Kate this Saturday. 
More details {here}!!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Hers - Dressed for a Rock Show

As noted in Tuesday's post, this past Saturday the {His} and I went to the Interpol show at the Riviera Theatre.  The weather that evening was rather mild for this time of year, so it was nice to not have to take a heavy winter coat to the music venue.  Instead, I opted for lighter layers to stay cozy and comfortable.  I was also anxious to wear this Rachel Rachel Roy dress again {originally pictured here}, which hadn't received much love recently.  All in all, I felt pretty ready for a rock show. 






{ Hers }
Headband: Kathleen McAuliffe
Earrings: Sandy Hyun
Jacket: Express
Fur Vest: Nordstrom
Dress: Rachel Rachel Roy
Layering T: Gap
Belt: Urban Outfitters
Over-the-Knee Boots: DSW
Bag: Adrienne Vittadini

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Redux - Button Swap

Nearly a year ago I purchased {this} Twelve by Twelve blouse.  I fell in love with the rich purple color and vintage-inspired touches of lace.  The original buttons {three at the nape of the neck and one on each sleeve} looked lovely at first, but were plastic-based and, after several trips to the dry cleaner, sadly started to look as if they'd been chewed on.  Needless to say, they were in desperate need of a change!!  So, this pretty little thing has been hanging in my closet waiting for a facelift.  This past weekend, I found the perfect replacements and quickly set to work...   

{ The Goods }
A pair of sewing scissors, a needle, thread, and new buttons.  
I opted to use round, gunmetal-colored beads with a hint of sparkle.  
The color looks brilliant with the deep purple and touches of black in the top 
and the sparkle adds some extra glam.  



{ Before }
Taking it one button at a time, I removed the old ones and replaced 
them with the new beads...



{ After }
I love the end result.  The blouse has a whole new look and life.  I can't wait to wear it again and already have several looks in mind.  Maybe you'll see a few soon!!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

His - Not So Square Night

This past Saturday, the {His} and I headed to the Riviera Theatre to see Interpol live in concert.  You may recall we saw them only six months ago {see posts here and here} at The Vic.  Needless to say, this is the {His'} favorite band, so he'll jump at any chance to see them perform live and they never fail to put on a great show {dapper attire always included}.  For the occasion, the {His} wore his favorite Gant by Michael Bastian blazer and paired it with a rugged pocket square by The Hill-Side.  I loved the tone-on-tone combo and mix of texture the pocket square added to his ensem.  Sophisticated, but not square.  





{ His }
Blazer: Gant by Michael Bastian
Vest: Rag & Bone
Button Down: Banana Republic
Pocket Square: The Hill-Side
Watch: Burberry
Jeans: Diesel
Boots: Banana Republic

Monday, February 14, 2011

His & Hers Inspiration - NYFW

New York Fashion Week is in full swing!!  And although I wish I could be there to see the street style and runway fashion in person, it's been thrilling to see the best of the best popping up on our favorite blogs.  It's like having a trusty filter feed us the most interesting and inspiring looks walking the streets and catwalks of Fashion Week.  Since we tend to pull more inspiration from street style than the runways, we've rounded up our favorite style stars from the first four days of NYFW...






{ images from The Sartorialist and StreetFSN } 

Friday, February 11, 2011

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

It's been a wonderful, but tiring week ~ tiring from the freezing cold more than anything else.  Although I tend to enjoy the winters, the ultra cold temps are making the {His} and I tempted to hibernate until Spring.  It's weeks like these that we really appreciate those little things that make us smile.  Here's just {five}...  

{ seeing Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake last Saturday }

{ the {His'} new favorite bowtie ~ also seen here }


{ a fresh crop } 


{ my favorite winter bag ~ also seen here }

{ an exciting launch of the juliewatsonstyle blog: style.simplified