Have a {Happy New Year}

We're signing off for the week, but we'll see you in 2012!!  
Have a very Happy New Year!!

{ via Pinterest }

His & Hers Inspiration - NYE

Christmas may sadly be over, but the holidays have yet to end... 

now it's on to New Years Eve!!  

{ images via Pinterest }

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

It's less than 24 hours before the Christmas holiday is officially in full swing!!  Our shopping is done, presents are wrapped, and piled neatly under the tree just waiting for the festivities to begin.  We look forward to these next few days all year long and can't wait to let the good times roll.  We're sending you the warmest of wishes for a very, very Merry Christmas!!  

{ red + green + snow }

{ these absolutely adorable shoe-clips }

{ an incredibly thoughtful early Christmas present from a dear, sweet friend ~

the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty book }

{ this picture of my Mom & Dad from their high school Senior Prom ~ 

as my cousin said, "the original His & Hers" }

{ presents wrapped and under the tree, ready for the Christmas holiday to begin }

Hers - Holly Ball Belle

As promised yesterday, today's post is dedicated to the fancy frock I selected to accompany the {His} to last Saturday's Chicago Children's Charities Holly Ball ~ a fairy-like Milly flutter dress that had me twirling all evening long, courtesy of Rent The Runway...

{ Hers }

Earrings: Elizabeth Cole Burst & Chain studs {rent them here}

Dress: Milly Golden Lurex Flutter Dress {rent it here}

Bracelets: AV Max Gold Dome Bangle & self-created chain wrap

Rings: JewelMint {available here}

Pumps: Zara {similar}

His & Hers Picks - Rent The Runway

Before I shared my selected Holly Ball attire in tomorrow's post, I had to share the secret behind how my ensemble came together.  For weeks, I was on the hunt for a festive frock when it finally occurred to me that I should Rent The Runway!!  I'd never tried the service before, but had always loved the idea ~ designer dresses, handbags, and jewels all rentable at reasonable prices for any special occasion.  The Ball gave me the perfect opportunity to give it a whirl and I couldn't have been more impressed.  Each designer piece I rented came perfectly package, in excellent condition, and ready to wear.  The best part was the return was as easy as walking to the mailbox by the stroke of Noon the next day.  A true Cinderella experience indeed!!

{ Dresses }

1. Pencey Gold Rush Mini, $75 rental

2. Trina Turk Happy Hour Cocktail Dress, $75 rental 

3. Halston Heritage Metallic Accordion Dress, $50 rental

{ Accessories }

1. Lee Angel Tropical Ocean Stone Earrings, $45 rental

2. Sequin Multi Fringe Fan Earrings, $10 rental 

3. Lauren Merkin Tatum Python Clutch, $50 rental 

4. Kenneth Jay Lane Purple Princess Ring, $25 rental 

His - Holly Ball Duds

You may remember from last Friday's {Five} Favorite Things post that the {His} and I were prepping for a Saturday evening of fancy fêting at the Chicago Children's Charities Holly Ball.  The ball was just as fabulous as we anticipated and even better this year since we were joined by some lovely company ~ two very dear girlfriends.  The {His} donned his dashing duds, while the ladies and I frolicked in fetching frocks.  A very festive, fun time was had by all!!  You'll see my selected ensemble Thursday and the handsome {His'} below...

{ His }

Tux: Hugo Boss Boss Black {also seen here, here & here}

Tux Shirt: Hugo Boss

Bow Tie: Penguin {similar}

Cuff Links: Tateossian {similar}

Shoes: Ferragamo {similar}

His & Hers Inspiration - Street Style

A handful of looks we're loving collected from across the street style interwebs...

{ images via Pinterest and Jak & Jil }

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

We're so excited it's Friday!!  Not only is it the end of the work week, but it's also the start of a festive weekend chock-full of holiday parties and cheer!!  Of all our plans for merrymaking, I think we're most looking forward to Saturday evening's fancy fete for the annual Chicago Children's Charities Holly Ball.  An event in support of a wonderful cause that's all wrapped up into a beautiful evening with an excuse to go black tie, sounds magnificent to us.  Here's to a happy weekend to all and {five} of our favorite things from this past week...

{ waking up to our first dusting of snow }

{ the Bon Iver show at UIC Pavilion }

{ my set of XO Rings from JewelMint }

{ an evening stroll through the Lincoln Park ZooLights with my man }

{ being surrounded by Christmas cheer }

Hers - Touches of Cozy

I love adding touches of cozy to my looks these days ~ fuzzy caps, warming wools, fluffy furs.  I'll be braving the cold all winter long with layers, upon layers of these cozy touches.  What would the season be without them?!  We hope you're staying cozy and warm this holiday season... only 10 days remaining until Christmas!!!!

{ Hers }

Hat: H&M {similar}

Sweater Vest: J. Crew

Tunic: Kate Boggiano {available here}

Clutch: Urban Outfitters {similar}

Bracelet: Target

Pants: Citizens of Humanity {similar}

Boots: Urban Outfitters

His & Hers Picks - Guided Gifting

We can't believe how quickly the holidays are sneaking up on us this year.  Only 11 days remaining until Christmas... the countdown's officially begun!!  Thankfully, we started our shopping early this year and finished early too!!  But, if you're far from finished or just need some last minute options, here's a handful of our picks for {His} and {Hers} to help you round out this season of shopping...

{ His }
1. Ben Sherman Hoxton Collar Tartan Shirt, $99

2. River Island Fingerless Gloves, $18.18

3. Cole Haan Air Colton Saddle Oxfords, $198

4. Happy Socks Stripe Socks, $14.54

5. Alarm Phone Dock, $48

{ Hers }

1. Deborah Lippmann Glitter Nail Polish, $20

2. The Limited Faux Fur Keyhole Scarf, $44.90

3. AZ Collection Gold Plated Chain Toggle Bracelet, $152

4. Aldo Fretwell Bag, $48

5. Topshop Gilmore Contrast Toe Points, $120

His - Christmas Plaid

This past weekend in Chicago was the coldest yet and a fast reminder of the multiple layers we'll be needing on a daily basis over the next handful of months.  The {His} piled his heaviest coat over his heaviest sweater, topping it off with a touch of Christmas plaid, as we headed out to brave the cold.  I loved how the rich reds in the {His'} button down complimented the rich reds in the Christmas berries that decorate our building's common spaces.  A beautiful reminder of the merriness of the season!!

{ His }

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban {available here}

Coat: Andrew Marc {similar}

Sweater: Penguin {similar}

Button Down: Penguin {similar}

Jeans: Diesel {available here}

Boots: Rag & Bone for Timberland {available here}

His & Hers Inspiration - C'est Noel

It's Christmas, c'est Noël!!

{ images via Pinterest }

{Five} of Our Favorite Things

It's been an interesting and exciting week in the O'Brien household.  I spent the first half rounding out my civic duty as a juror.  It was my first time serving and such a great experience.  I absolutely loved having the opportunity.  The evening of my final day, we celebrated by joining friends for the Yacht concert at Lincoln Hall.  It was an awesome show with some serious presentation.  We'd recommend, if they're heading to your town!!  Now it's on to the weekend we go... but before we do, here's just {five} of our favorite things from this week...

{ the fresh pine wreath on our front door }

{ diner at Smoque ~ delish!! }

{ a night out with friends for the Yacht concert }

{ vintage Christmas trees }

{ serving my country as a juror }