{Five} of Our Favorite Things

Despite yet another week filled with all too much rain, it's been a good one.  We continue to spot, and can't help but try, Icelandic treats {like this Siggi's yogurt and now the Reyka vodka below ~ which was incredibly smooth}.  Our trip is just weeks away and we're bouncing in our seats like two kids who can't get there fast enough.  Last Saturday we bid adieu to a very dear friend who moved to Dallas this week.  We're incredibly excited for her, yet selfishly sad to see her leave Chicago.  We're sending much love her way!!  I didn't stay up all night to watch the royal wedding, but you better believe I hit record.  I'm off to see the splendor!!  So, until Monday, wishing you a wonderful weekend filled with lots of little things to celebrate.  Here are just {five} of mine from this week...

{ trying everything we see that's Icelandic, like this Reyka vodka }

{ a sad, but fun, farewell party for a very dear friend who moved to Dallas this week } 

{ this handsome lad }

{ the smell of freshly bloomed spring flowers }

{ the royal wedding }

Hers - Silky Billowy Layers

As I mentioned in Tuesday's post, Saturday was a lovely one here in Chicago.  The {His} and I enjoyed the day among the blooming trees and warming sun, making us even more anxious to have days upon days of glorious weather.  I layered one of my favorite silky, billowy, lightweight tanks by Urban Behavior under an equally flowy, lightweight jacket.  I imagine this tank will be lifesaver on a super hot summer day, by pairing it with a simple black bandeau, shorts or skirt, and sandals.  Soon enough, soon enough...    

{ Hers }

Sunnies: Spitfire

Jacket: BB Dakota {also seen here & here }

Tank: Urban Behavior

Layering Tank: Gap

Necklaces: gifts from friends & family

Bracelet: Banana Republic

Jeans: J. Crew

Booties: Sam Edelman 

Bag: Adrienne Vittadini

Scarf: Target

P.S. Who else is super excited for the Royal Wedding?!?  I'm such a fan of Kate Middleton's elegance, grace, and simple-chic style and can't wait to see what she's selected to wear on this very special occasion!!

His & Hers Picks - Warm Weather Kicks

We couldn't be more ready to shed our rain boots for some cool summer kicks.  That's why we've had our eyes out for the perfect warm weather pairs that we can wear as soon as the sun breaks and all summer long.  The {His} has been searching for a slick pair of black boat shoes, while I've been seeking out a pair of strappy nude flat sandals.  We can't wait to slip our feet into a pair of these neutral nominees...

{ His }

1. Polo Ralph Lauren "Bienne" Boat Shoe, $88.95

2. Sperry Top-Sider Bahama Chukka, $80

3. Sebago Docksides, $115

4. Bed Stu Leather Boat Shoe, $54

{ Hers }

1. Kelsi Dagger "Kassa Silver" Sandal, $84.95

2. Paul Green "Holly" Sandal, $255

3. Dolce Vita Campbell Sandal, $150

4. Dolce Vita Dacia Sandal, $130

His - Saturdays in the Sun

Any chance we have to be outside with mild temperatures and sun, we're there.  Such was the case this past Saturday.  It was the first nice day we had in a week, so we spent as much time as possible soaking in any bit of ray of we could.  The {His} even dusted off his Sebago boat shoes for the occasion, which were a staple last summer {you can see them pre-loved here, here, and here}.  We both have our eyes on slick new shoes for summer {which we'll share in tomorrow's "Picks"}, but until then we're enjoying old loves. 

{ His }

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Cardigan: Topman

Button Down: Penguin

Khakis: J. Crew

Boat Shoes: Sebago

His & Hers Inspiration - Need Supply

I'm in love with the beautiful photography in the Need Supply Co. Spring 2011 Cata-Logue.  The looks are casually chic and the images enchanting.  The accompanying copy begins... "It starts with the simplest of things.  An idea.  No plans.  A beautiful day.  When do we ever have full control?  This is the time.  Take it and go."

{ all images via needsupply.com }

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

We've had a great week, despite the rather gloomy and unpleasant weather we've been having in Chicago.  It certainly doesn't feel like spring, or like Easter should be this Sunday.  Unfortunately, the forecast isn't promising anything different for the next five days.  So, we'll continue to layer, snuggle inside, watch the rain outside our windows, and pray for beautiful, warm days.  They'll come, eventually.  Until then, here's just {five} things that made us smile this week...

{ festive cocktail ponchos from a birthday fiesta }

{ my kelly green blazer } 

{ hints of spring despite a week of cold, rainy, gray days } 

{ hair inspiration from the past and a cut my mom rocked in high school } 

{ the {His'} new racing shoes for a late summer triathlon }

His - Sunday Best

Last Sunday, the {His} and I dressed in our Sunday best and headed out for a evening stroll and dinner at one of our favorite neighborhood spots ~ Dinotto.  The weather was sunny, mild, and perfect ~ weather we're hoping to have again soon!!  It almost felt like a premature Easter, with the beautiful weather, the {His} in blue and purple plaid, and I in {this} color-blocked ensem.  We were one colorful couple and ready for a delicious din. 

{ His }

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Blazer: Rag & Bone

Button Down: Penguin

Khakis: J. Crew

Saddle Shoes: Walk-Over

His & Hers Picks - Beach Toppers

Chicago is giving us some serious weather attitude this week.  Monday we arose to a dusting of snow and now we're faced with days upon days of bone chilling rain.  All we can think about is bright balmy days filled with sand between our toes, ice cold cocktails, killer tunes, and... beach hats!!  There were so many great toppers being rocked at Coachella last weekend that I think we not only have sound and sun envy, but also sombrero envy.  Here are our latest picks in sun-worshiping-worthy panama fedoras and big brimmed beauties...

{ His }

1. J. Crew Straw Chambray Trilby Hat, $40

2. Rag & Bone Panama Fedora, $175

3. Topman Stone Straw Paper Panama Hat, $24

{ Hers }

1. Nine West Straw Floppy Hat w/ Bow, $36

2. French Connection Floppy Cotton Sun Hat, $66.34

3. Lacoste Striped Straw Sun Hat, $65

Hers - Color Blocking

We're switching up our order a bit this week, all for the love of blogging!!  You may have noticed a recent addition to our right side bar ~ Bloggers Do It Better.  I've joined Pretty Shiny Sparkly, and a bevy of bloggers, to bring you weekly outfit challenges all around "Real People, Real Trends, Real Style" and, of course, to have a little fun with all you fabulous fashion bloggers!!


This week's challenge: COLOR BLOCKING.  This is one of my favorite trends for spring, which I guest blogged about on A Lovely Escape a couple weeks ago {click here to read the full post}, so I was super excited to take on this challenge.  I was possibly even more excited to wear my new masters-green blazer.  I'm totally in love with it's preppy, bright goodness!!  Hope you enjoy my interpretation of the challenge and feel free to join in on future ones {click the Bloggers Do It Better button on right for more detail}!!

{ Hers }

Vintage-Inspired Shades: Spitfire

Earrings: Banana Republic

Blazer: Zara

Top: Banana Republic

Ankle Pants: J. Crew

Scarf: Missoni

Bag: H&M

Flats: J. Crew

Be sure to check out everyone rockin' their color blockin' interpretations ~

click here to see!!

His & Hers Inspiration - Eco Fashion

My fashion forward and beautiful cousin recommended I check out Eco Fashion by Sass Brown.  It's not only a visually gorgeous book, but also focuses on one of the strongest trends in fashion design ~ the expression of ecological, social and community consciousness through high fashion.  Highlighting a range of companies and designers making a difference in sustainable design, this book is equal parts eye candy and education.  Great recommendation, little Lizard!!  xoxo    

{ Eco Fashion by Sass Brown }

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

This week seemed to fly by.  We're so excited to have arrived at the weekend and to have a perfect mix of productivity and merrymaking planned.  Unfortunately, the weatherman isn't predicting another weekend of glorious weather like the last, but we're hoping these are some of the last cold, rainy days before the warmer weather is here to stay.  That's why two of this week's favorite things celebrate the beautiful days we were able to enjoy outdoors last weekend...

{ beautiful, colorful flowers signifying the arrival of spring }

{ enjoying the glorious weather we had last Sunday }

{ satisfying some Zara cravings }

{ a refreshingly bubbly glass of Pellegrino ~ w/ lemon & lime please & thank you! }

{ coming across old pictures of fun times with this guy }

Hers - Minnie Mouse

I'm more of a skirts than pants girl.  But when I do reach for pants, I tend to go for classic black slim legs over jeans.  So it should be no surprise that J. Crew's Minnie pants are my new best friend.  They're the perfect little black pant, biting right at the ankle and reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn charm.  I'll be wearing them non-stop for work and play as we head into summer... 

{ Hers }

Vintage-Inspired Shades: Spitfire

Earrings: Banana Republic

Blazer: Club Monaco

Blouse: F21

Pants: J. Crew Minnie

Bracelets: J. Crew & Banana Republic

Ring: F21

Flats: Ann Taylor Loft

His & Hers Picks - Zara Love

I'm completely obsessed with everything at Zara right now and am flabbergasted I haven't made time to pop over to browse {or buy} their latest collection.  Both the men's and women's lookbooks are loaded with pieces I'm dying to peruse in person.  I'm also loving the juxtaposition of menswear grounded in cool neutrals, while women's is all about bright, luscious color.  Both lookbooks are making me super anxious for the warm, blue sky, white sand, green grass days of summer.  What about you?!    

{ His }

{ Hers }

{ all images from Zara.com }