May 31, 2011

Something Sweet...


Just in case you didn't eat enough sweets this weekend;) I found this heavenly dessert recipe: Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars. O.M.G!

May 27, 2011

Hint of Mint...




I love this pale shade of mint green...{images via elle, tumblr}

Happy Friday...



I'm up at the crack of dawn today to catch a flight back east. Celebrating my mother's 70th birthday. Have a wonderful long weekend. Hooray. I'll be back Tuesday. xo

May 26, 2011

Seasons Change...



I'm heading to RI tomorrow morning, excited to see my family for the first time since Christmas. To say it's been a long winter would be an understatement, but I can't complain, I like the seasons, and while I'm ready for the summer days so I can see what my new city is all about, it's been great so far. After experiencing big moves a handful of times, I have come to find that 6 months is when I start to feel like it's really my home. Through that 6 months was mainly cold nights and many friends hibernating, so let's get this tweener phase over with... 

~ I'm reaching for classics in my closet lately but haven't transitioned my warm layers to the storage unit yet, navy blue blazers, black shift dresses, white button downs and gold bangles are great for this 'not quite balmy' phase of late spring.
~Just made a new playlist, great songs for road trips! Enjoy. 
~Wanting to buy a vintage bike and spray paint it GOLD, old school and classic. What do you think?
{images via tumblr, bonnie tsang}

10 Things I Loved this Week...



Brooklyn brownstone on Blue Pool Road
White lace style on Sweet Thing
Summer dresses on Mimi + Meg
A visit to the West Village on sfgirlbythebay
Interior inspirations on Bright Bazaar
Guest post on summer fun at Cornflake Dreams
Summer ready outdoor decorating on Design Sponge
Triangles and Zig Zags at The Fresh Exchange
Chicago loft on Automatism
Pop of pink on Breakfast at Toast

May 25, 2011

In the Corner...


I love the corner of a room where there are such interesting things going on...this lovely living room is colorful, and I adore the mix of patterns with the couch and rug. Pops of purple, green, limey yellow and gold. I'm inspired to overhaul each square inch of my apartment with beautiful details. {image via daily crush}

Breakfast Club...




On rainy mornings like this I love the coffee bar on the top floor of my buildling and friends that work from home in the building and I get together for breakfast club. This morning I cooked up eggs, bacon and a side of fruit. I'm such a fan of sweet, salty, savory...it's all delicious. I collected a few breakfast scenes that inspire. {images via pinterest}

May 24, 2011

Open + Light...


I love this sprawling bedroom with sliding glass doors, barcelona chair and poolside view. {image via cococozy}

Summer Guide: Beach Bags...




Ready for poolside lounging, sandy beaches and park picnics? Yes please! I adore these summer totes.


Calypso Straw Bag, Kate Spade Striped Tote, Roberta Freymann Floral Bag, Anya Hindmarch Anchor Tote,  Mar Y Sol Bag

Gray Interior...



I love this home that I spotted on greige. Light grays and modern country style. Hanging glass lights over the dining table are stunning!

May 23, 2011

Colorful Sculptures...




Love these colorful wax sculptures by Ketra Dean Dixon.

A Few Things...


A tranquil spot to sit. The mosaic pool is beautiful. 


The most simple words go a long way. 


A perfect easy side dish for summer.


Lovely living room with chalkboard wall and piano for singing tunes. 


A shot of my friend and I at Big Star in Chicago this weekend. {images via pinterest}

What an amazing weekend. My friend Katrin came to town for a visit and it couldn't have been more perfect weather with beautiful sunny skies. We got to walk for miles along the lake and Gold Coast, wander through Bucktown shops and eat a leisurely brunch outside, talk about every single topic under the sun, and cook dinner on a mellow Sunday night. I can't wait for all of my east and west coast friends to come enjoy Chicago summer with me!

Gingham...


Walked by Barney's this weekend and saw these cute gingham flats, which inspired me to find all things checked and wearable for summer. 

Madewell
Adrien Tote
Christian Louboutin Flats
JCrew Shirt 
Land's End 

May 20, 2011

Summer Guide: Cold Sweets for Summertime


Yummy desserts for hot summer days;) {via pinterest}

Blue + White...


I love crisp white and bold blues together, it's the main colors in my home and I'm so drawn to wearing fun patterns lately. That rug is such a perfect addition for making a statement in a living room and this dress, paired with clutch and colorful bead bracelets is stunning. {images via cozamia and weheartit}

Happy Friday...



I'm so excited for the weekend! It's been a busy week. Any fun plans for the weekend? I have a friend coming in tomorrow till Monday, it was actually supposed to be 2 friends heading to Chitown to stay with me, but sadly one has to work. Still can't wait to dine out, catch up, walk around town and play with one of my favorite ladies from NYC. {image via starfish and sundresses}

May 19, 2011

Summer Guide: Sunnies for the Street...




These are my favorite sunglasses on the block, from beach to the streets;)

Peach TopShop Sunglasses
Black Ray Ban Wayfarer
Blue Lowestoft Sunglasses
H&M Aviators
Black Aviators
Lacoste Cat's Eye Sunnies
Tory Burch Retro Shades

Black + White Photography Hunt...



I am on the look out for great (and affordable) black and white photography. I love the walls filled with family photos, landscapes and stills. Any ideas on where I can find? {images via simply seleta, a well traveled woman}

May 18, 2011

Summer Guide: Music in Chicago...



Just a few favorites that are playing locally this summer. Can't wait to picnic in the park on June 6th with a few friends and hopefully see Florence and Eddie Vedder, lastly I'll cap off the summer with Lollapalooza;)


Adele ~ May, 24th @ Riviera Theatre
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals ~ June 3 @ House of Blues
Iron & Wine, The Head & the Heart ~ June 6 @ Millennium Park*
Ray LaMontagne ~ June 7 @J ay Pritzker Pavilion
My Morning Jacket ~ June 17 @ Auditorium Theatre
Florence & the Machines ~ June 18 @ Aragon Ballroom
Low & Glen Hansard ~ June 27 @ Millennium Park*
Eddie Vedder ~ June 28th/29th @ Chicago Theatre
Bon Iver ~ July 24 @ Chicago Theatre
Lollapalooza ~ Aug 5-7th @ Grant Park

*Millennium park concerts are free on Monday evenings. 

Yellowy Cool...






In place of clouds this week, I'm loving pops of yellow in the home and accessories..sunshine is coming soon;)


Necklace, bra, bookcase, pillow, wedges

May 17, 2011

Inspired: DIY Striped Clutch...


This look is preppy with an edge, always my favorite style. And the bag...it's American Apparel, with DIY painted stripes. DO it! I'm setting up the painting station at my dining table this weekend;) {image via atlantic-pacific}

Manhattan View...



No matter how small the space, when you are living in the city, just a simple 2x2 feet balcony would do...I'm so lucky that I have a place to sit with friends and admire the view. I often think of NYC apartments, and stumbled across this enviable door that opened to a table for two overlooking Central Park and Manhattan skyline. I made trade up for this one if I had the choice! {image via note to self}

Spring Greens, Asparagus, Herbs + Crispy Potato Salad...


This looks like a the perfect spring salad recipe. I can't wait to try!

Living Room Crush...


Black, white and bold red accents in this room make it a fun living space. I love the pop of stripes and zebra. Not to mention the surfboard mountain high up on the wall. I could live here;) {image via pinterest}

May 16, 2011

Summer Guide: 5 Classic Fashion Must-Haves...


I'm going to attempt to make packing for summer weekends easy. By getting a few simple things that you can mix and match, wear with anything and throw on and go! These are a few classic pieces you cant miss:


White dress, military jacket, gold watch, bright clutch, cute shorts, neutral wedge

Look of the Day...



You can't go wrong with mixing soft and heavy fabrics. The flowy floral dress with leather jacket is perfect for these 'tweener' temperatures when it doesn't quite feel warm enough to go bare it all! The prefect blend of feminine with an edge. {image via glitter guide}