{Five} of Our Favorite Things

I've been flying solo once again this week.  I flew down to Columbus to help my parents with a big move ~ moving into their brand new home!!  They put so much hard work into building this home, selecting every little detail, and it's certainly paid off.  It's such a gorgeous retreat that oozes their classically beautiful style.  I'm so excited for them to start filling it with memories and I was thrilled I could come down to help with the moving-in process.  I'm headed back to Chicago this afternoon, just in time for the weekend!!  Before I jet off, here are just {five} little things I've enjoyed this week...

{ my parent's gorgeous new home and beautiful golf course views }

{ coming across lots of old memories while helping my parents unpack ~ 

including my old figure skating dresses and gear }

{ spending an afternoon with this handsome little devil ~ 

check out those gorgeous, big blue eyes!! }

{ getting to catch up with lots of family over dinner and 

yummie after-dinner treats }

{ heading home to this guy }

Hers - Pretty In Pink

I was so excited to create a look around the pretty pink skirt I found at Mercy Beaucoup, so I wore it the very next day.  I'm in love with the bright, summery color and the ladylike eyelet pattern.  I paired it with an equally ladylike blouse with a subtle pink polka-dot.  A fun pairing that I think I'll have to recreate again soon.   

{ Hers }

Earrings: J. Crew

Lip Color: Revlon Persian Melon & Maybelline Red Revival mixed

Blouse: H&M

Belt: H&M

Nail Color: Sally Hansen's "Cafe Au Lait" 

Bag: Kate Spade

Skirt: Ann Taylor via Mercy Beaucoup

Pumps: Anne Klein

His & Hers Picks - Mercy Beaucoup

Mercy Beaucoup!, a new high-end resale boutique, opened recently in our neighborhood.  I was excited to see the new addition, but even more excited when I learned about the boutique's mission.  Mercy Beaucoup! is dedicated to supporting one of the Chicago's oldest children's charities, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls.  Staffed by the young men and women of Mercy Home and filled with lovely high-quality and designer duds for both men and women, this new boutique is not only offering great items for a great price, but, better yet, it's supporting a great cause.

I had a chance to pop in last Friday to do a little shopping and scored this adorable, pink eyelet Ann Taylor pencil skirt for only $20!! 

Since their inventory is always refreshing from generous donations of gently-used, high-quality items, I'll certainly be frequenting this spot to see what other treasures I can find. And, since the {His} and I are forever editing our closets, we'll also be donating to the cause.  They conveniently offer home or office pick-up too.

For more information on Mercy Beaucoup!'s mission, click {here} and for more information on donating, click {here}.

His - Geek Chic

I love when the {His} wears his eyeglasses.  They may be a necessity instead of an accessory, but his black plastic frames still add that perfect touch of geek-chic/modern-day Clark Kent to a shirt and tie.  He wore just the look for me last weekend.  I know I may be bias, but what a handsome guy...

{ His }

Glasses: Ray-Ban

Button Down: Rag & Bone

Tie: J. Crew

Watch: Burberry

Shorts: Theory

Saddle Shoes: Walk-Over

His & Hers Inspiration - Mid-Summer Sun

This gorgeous set of imagery is exactly how we'd like to survive the deliciousness of mid-summer sun...

{ all images via Coco+Kelley, Apartment 34, & This Is Glamorous }

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

Man o' man has it been a hot one in Chicago!!  The heat wave hit last Sunday and has been relentless ever since.  Like most of city, we've spent the majority of the week indoors where air conditioning can keep us nice and cool.  I'm hoping the temps drop, even just a bit, for this weekend.  Regardless of the weather though, we're looking forward to a fun night out with friends this evening and then we'll see where the rest of the weekend takes us.  Before we sign off for the weekend, here are just {five} little things we enjoyed this week...

{ spending last Friday at Pitchfork Music Festival }

{ ending last Saturday night at Richard's Bar ~ best dive bar in Chicago!! }

{ a new addition and bit of blog love for our home }

{ cold, hydrating drinks to beat the heat }

{ the song "Calgary" by Bon Iver }

Hers - Heat Wave

Temperatures have continued to rise in Chicago since the sweltering afternoon we had this past Sunday and we now find ourselves neck deep in an extreme heat wave.  It's hard to believe only six months ago we were literally neck deep in snow {see post here}.  I suppose living in Chicago you have to be ready for weather extremes, so we're doing our best to stay cool in the heat.  Air conditioning, cool treats, and breezy, light layers have become our best friends.

  

{ Hers }

Sunnies: Spitfire

Earrings: Banana Republic

Top: Anthropologie

Bracelets: American Eagle

Shorts: Club Monaco

Bag: H&M

Wedges: Bakers

His & Hers Picks - Shoe Care/Repair

When it comes to cleaning and care, I'm slightly obsessive.  What can I say... I love a spick-and-span home and meticulously cared for garments and possessions ~ that includes our shoes!!  My feeling is, just like your nails, people notice if your shoes are well-kept and perfectly polished, particularly on a special occasion.  While having a good cobbler to take care of any major repairs is key, maintaining your kicks on a regular basis at home is equally important and may be easier than you think.  Here is a bundle of fantastic goods, some of which we always have at hand, to help heal your soles...

1. Kiwi Shoe Shine Valet & Care Products {a great one-stop-shop!!}, $37.95 via Amazon

2. Woodlore Suede Bar & Brush, $7.75 via Amazon 

3. Woodlore Adjustable Shoe Trees, $20 via Amazon

1. Kiwi Suede & Nubuck Protector Spray, $5.95 via KiwiShoeShine.com

2. Kiwi Outdoor Protect All Rain& Stain Repellent, $6.95 via KiwiShoeShine.com

3. Kiwi Leather Lotion, $6.95 via KiwiShoeShine.com

4. Kiwi Select Polished Leather Premium Paste, $2.79 via KiwiShoeShine.com

5. Kiwi Express Shoe Shine Sponge, $4.95 via KiwiShoeShine.com

Keep a black Sharpie and Vaseline at hand.  These two products work wonders in touching up scuffs and scraps and polishing leathers, including patent, in a pinch!!

His - Casual Cool

Sunday was a scorcher in Chicago.  The sunny sky was hazy and the air was heavy with humid heat.  We had plans to head to a friend's rooftop for an afternoon BBQ, so we layered on the suntan lotion and went light on the clothing layers ~ anything to keep our skin crisp-free and casually cool.  Despite the heat, it was a great afternoon filled with refreshing cocktails and freshly grilled grub with friends.  It was the perfect end to a fun summer weekend. 

{ His }

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

T-Shirt: Theory

Shorts: Theory

Watch: Suunto

Shoes: Toms

His & Hers Inspiration - SJP

SJP is just fabulous.  And she's nothing less than so in the below spread from the August issue of Vogue.  I love these captures of her, her man, and little ones looking rather glam.

{ all images via Vogue.com }

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

I am so excited to kick off this weekend!!  Pitchfork Music Festival starts today and the {His} and I can't wait to head over for an afternoon of good tunes and festival fun.  While we always have an amazing time Lollapalooza weekend, Pitchfork is much smaller, more manageable, in scale and I love the intimate nature of this music fest.  We're also looking forward to attending BucketFeet's launch party at the Paris Club tomorrow afternoon.  If you're in Chicago and free, be sure to check it out {details here}.  Whatever your plans may be, we're wishing you a very happy weekend!!  But, before we skip off, here are just {five} things we enjoyed this week... 

{ fresh flowers to brighten our home } 

{ finding Icelandic Skyr at Whole Foods ~ it's so delicious and super healthy!! }

{ the {His'} bikes doubling as decor }

{ the perfect nude nail ~ Sally Hansen's "Cafe Au Lait" }

{ wine juice boxes ~ the Bota Box ~ perfect for picnicking!! }

Hers - Jolly Green

After days of steamy weather, yesterday was surprisingly cool in Chicago.  I welcomed the refreshingly brisk air and opportunity to breakout my kelly green blazer {originally seen here}.  I love those 70 degree days where I can comfortably wear a light layer, particularly a light blazer, and feel perfectly comfortable.  There's just nothing that polishes a look quite like a blazer.  

{ Hers }

Blazer: Zara

Blouse: Zara

Necklaces: my Grandmother's

Earrings & Ring: Sandy Hyun

Ankle Pants: J. Crew

Sandals: BC Footwear

Bag: Louis Vuitton