stella & dot

A couple of weeks ago, my roommate hosted a Stella & Dot trunk show and it was such a good time that I decided to host one for my friends next week. Not only is it a great excuse to get all of the girls together [not that we need one], but it's also a chance to get really cute jewelry and accessories that you cannot get in the stores. Plus, anything you purchase from a Stella & Dot Stylist directly, or online here, comes in the cutest little packaging- perfect for Holiday gift-giving! 

Also, if you "host" a Stella & Dot party, you can get credits for free jewelry! Yes, I said FREE jewelry, people! Contact Stella & Dot Stylist, Joelle, if you want to host a party of your own. Here are the goodies I snagged from the trunk show:  

(Above: On The Mark Necklace $59  -  Below: Nancy Studs $24)

Happy Shopping! xoxo 

these booties are made for walkin'

So, I'm in the market for a new pair of boots. Some good, well-made boots can cost a pretty penny, but they are worth the investment because they will last for years and years. Here are some hot booties I have my eye on this season:

1. Zara Elastic Ankle Boot Wheel - $79.90

2. Shutz Sid Webbed Booties - $192.50

3. Target Women's Mosimo Vonnie Shootie Ankle Boot - $23.99
4. Vince Camuto Holden Bootie - $44.47

5. Sol Sana Jai Booties - $220

6. Jeffrey Campbell ACDC Low $269.95

7. Sam Edelman Lucca - $159.95

8. Zara Leather Ankle Boot w/ Concealed Wedge - $129

P.S. If someone wants to walk out of your life, let 'em. xoxo

winter to-do list

Let's face it, it's already getting chilly willy in Chicago and even colder weather is headed our way [woof]. Luckily, the Holidays are just around the corner to warm our spirits and I'm definitely looking forward to their arrival. Since they come and go before we know it, I've made a list of things I want to do to help make the brutal winter months a little more bearable:

1. Attend ZooLights: This is a personal favorite. I love getting bundled up and admiring the transformation of the Lincoln Park Zoo into a beautiful, winter wonderland. Lights turn on November 29th and will be on every weekend (and some week nights) through January 5th

2. Visit a Blues/Jazz Club: Take in some beats (hopefully, by a fire) while enjoying a nice glass of wine

3. Go Ice Skating in Millennium Park: I've never been and have always wanted to go! The ice rink opens tomorrow, November 15th

4. Run a 5k: Either the Jingle Bell Run, the Santa Hustle, and/or the New Year's Day 5k 

5. Give Back: Volunteer some time, sign-up for my first Dance Marathon, and make a donation to The Salvation Army

6. Go to Bottle and Bottega: Make my very own work of art at this paint party

7. Drinks at The Drake: Get dressed to the nines and have a drink at this glamorous, historic landmark

8. Make Soup: Looking to try out some healthy, but delicious recipes

9. Go Skiing: It would be great to get out West [duh], but I would definitely be content with a day-trip to Wilmot or Alpine 

10. Take in the Magnificent Mile: I tend to avoid Michigan Ave. whenever possible. I cannot stand the crowded sidewalks and how s.l.o.w. the tourists walk, but this year, I want to do my Christmas shopping tourist style and take in the Mag Mile and all of its glory 

Bring it on, Jack Frost! xoxo

throw back thursday

It has definitely been a while since the last time I posted, so, in spirit of "TBT" I've decided to re-hash the last nine few months... Luck you! I can proudly report that I crossed a few things off the good ol' bucket list. I finally made it to the Kentucky Derby, and though it was cold and rainy the whole time, I would totally go back in a heartbeat.  Ironically, the only bet that we won, was the one bet that I, um... forgot to place...

(Dress-Aritzia, Derby Hat-Aqua, Bag-Minkoff)

And I made a few trips down South, where I experienced so many amazing things. We rented a beautiful cabin with breathtaking views at Legacy Mountain Resort (highly recommend this place). I also went hiking and camping for the first time and saw more Black bears in one visit than most people will see in their entire lives. And, of course, tried a little moonshine. When in Rome...

"Southern Escape"

(Appalachian Trail)

(Views from "Charlie's Bunion" were out of this world- That pink dot = Me)

And for the finale of the summer: 3 days at Lollapalooza. I was so pumped to finally see Mumford & Sons live, but I've gotta admit, the highlight of the festival was definitely getting up close and personal with The National's Matt Berninger- what a performance! Matt, you have a forever fan in me, buddy!

P.S. Obviously, there is way too much to capture in one little post, but I'm so excited that my blog is up and running again. Can't wait to get back into it!  

Hope y'all like the new look! xoxo