Chicago Gourmet 2010

We were so excited for Chicago Gourmet this past Sunday. It's basically a huge food festival with famous chefs (Cat Cora, Rick Bayless, etc) and food tastings (Top Chef style).  We had gone to the Green City Market BBQ last year and loved every moment of gluttony it had to offer.  We thought Chicago Gourmet would be even better and splurged on the tickets. 

Unfortunately, it was a huge letdown!  The great majority of the booths were liquor, wine and beer tastings. The food tastings were in pavilions with ridiculous lines! Oh well, you live you learn! It was still a cool experience, but not worth the money. Here's a photo recap...

 Mini Blue Moons! Blue Moon on the right and their pumpkin beer on the left. Yumm!

Tons of wine stations that we couldn't really frequent because we were always in line for some food pavilion 

Snapping a quick pic while waiting in line. The event took place in beautiful Millennium Park with our skyline as the backdrop!

The first and one of the best things we tasted. Coq au Vin!

Gibsons filet sliders & crab salad!

L20 & Sunda's shrimp dishes

Trio of desserts

Purple pig sliders, Porchetta sliders (so good!), and some other unidentifiable dishes.

Millennium Park

Aritzia fatigue jacket & lace tank, J Brand jeans, Aldo Brendal boots, Balenciaga Part Time bag

What's something you splurged on that you regretted later?

Read more...

Cheese!!!

A couple of weeks ago, I took some pictures using my self-timer for this blog post.  I think A was only there for maybe 1 or 2 of the pictures but the girl must have a good memory...

So we were just playing the other morning when she found my camera.  She proceeded to do this.  At first, I wasn't sure what she was doing but then, it became pretty clear. Can you guess what she is doing?

Monkey See, Monkey Do, I guess. What are some funny imitations that your kids do?

Read more...

A Tucker (for Target) STEAL!!!

I was at Target last week and of course, strolled past the Tucker section.  I was excited to see a blouse in the diamond print I've been searching for.  There was only 1 and it was in my size! I didn't even check the price tag or try it on, I knew I would be getting it.

Later on at check out, I noticed a red sticker while my blouse was being scanned.

Beep...and the price appeared. $7.56!! Apparently, it was a returned online only item so since they didn't sell it at the store, they marked it down to $7.56 from $29.99!! Can you sense how excited I was? :)

Here it is!! Love it!

Tucker for Target blouse, Paige denim cutoffs, Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges

A in Gap gingham dress, Target metallic sandals

What's something you got a crazy deal on that has you smiling to this day? :)

Read more...

Recent Look: Leopard Love!

Aritzia leopard sweater 

Luxuriously soft and comfy, and so pretty in the muted greys and pinks!

Joe's "The Chelsea" ponte pants 

They're basically extra thick leggings with the 5 pocket style to resemble jeans. I don't know if it's just me but the fact that it has a zipper and pockets make me feel like it's less offensive when i wear a shorter top with them. 

Aldo Brendal boots 

After buying and returning so many pairs of motorcycle boots for the last year, I finally found a pair I love! These have been seen on Cameron Diaz, Avril Lavigne, and Kristen Stewart. I overlooked Aldo for years thinking they were such cheapy shoes but they actually have a lot of on trend, decently made, not too pricey shoes!

This sweater and boots are actually making me look forward to fall! What are you dying to bust out for fall?

Read more...

Snip snip + an oldie but goodie!

I jumped on the big shoulder trend back in the spring. I bought the shirt from ZARA and loved the contrast of the casual t-shirt with the drama of the shoulder pads and the sequins. Unfortunately, the shoulder pads on top of my already sizable shoulders gave me the physique of a linebacker (not the look I was going for.) So, a few days ago, I decided to cut the shoulder pads off and voila! So much more wearable and flattering!

The remains. RIP linebacker look!

 

 Zara t-shirt, Paige denim cutoffs (a Nordstrom Rack find!), Martin & Osa snakeskin sandals, Prada mini backpack circa 2001.

I was thrilled to see that backpacks (think dainty, not sporty) are coming back in style! I used to carry this backpack around to classes almost 10 years ago (oh gosh, has it really been that long?) when I was in college.  So what if my books didn't fit inside? At least I looked cute! ;)  I used to sell a lot of my old bags on ebay so I'm glad I had the foresight to save this one. Especially as a mom on the go, carrying a backpack and being hands free sounds very appealing!

What did you save from back in the day that you are totally loving now?

Read more...

A Silly Little Lady!

About a week ago, I heard a squeal and ran over to find A stuck in the baby seat part of her toy grocery cart!  I tried to explain that it was a toy so only her toy baby could fit in there but I think  I lost her at "A, this is....blah blah blah...yadda yadda"

Here she is begging to be saved by daddy but meanwhile, continues to pull this antic off on a daily basis!

What are some of the silly things your kids are doing these days?

Read more...

Last chance for Gingersnaps + Free shipping!!!

I still have a few items remaining from the Gingersnaps clothing I was selling a little while ago so decided to repost here.  Free shipping within the US!  Happy shopping!!

 ____________________________________________________________________________

Since my last post, I got several emails from friends wanting clothes from Gingersnaps.  I'm very excited to announce that I was able to bring back some items to offer you!! There are only 6 styles and very, very limited pieces per style (i.e. only 1 or 2 of each size) so if something catches your eye, make your move before anything sells out.

Please note: The sizes run a bit large.  My daughter, A who is 18 months fits best in the 12 months shirts and dresses.  I will specify under the picture what size A is wearing.  Click on the pictures for larger images.

1. Striped Tank with Bunny - $15

A in a size 12

Sizes

18 months

2. Chartreuse Bloom Shirt - $13

A in a size 12

Sizes

6 months 12 months

3. Blue Tank with Rosettes - $15

A in a size 12

Sizes

12 months 18 months

4. Yellow Bloom Dress - $22

A in a size 12

SOLD OUT!

5. Chambray Dress with Rosettes - $24

A in a size 18 (It's big on her but smallest size I have available)

SOLD OUT!

6. Color Block Dress - $22

A in a size 24 (huge on her but only size I have available)

SOLD OUT!

That's all folks! After adding to cart, click below to complete your transactions. Thanks for shopping!

Read more...

Mommy & Me Recent Looks

On Mommy: Mphosis (from Singapore) black lace tank, Lorick culottes/skort, Cynthia Vincent for Target sandals, Target multi chain necklace, Louis Vuitton Neverfull handbag

On A: Gingersnaps (from the Philippines) oversized bow dress, Gap shoes

 On Mommy: Matta top, Aritzia shorts, Martin & Osa snakeskin sandals, Jcrew double chain bracelet

On A: Stella McCartney for Gap romper, Target gladiator sandals

A closer look at A's adorable romper! with my mom in the background...

On my mom: Banana Republic shirt, 7forallmankind jeans, Bloch ballet flats, Bottega Venetta handbag

On Mommy: Theory blouse, Walter shorts (a GILT steal!), Jeffrey Campbell shoes (from this post), LV handbag

On A: same oversized bow dress (there's also an exposed zipper in the back! love!), Gingersnaps shoes

I know this isn't showcasing an outfit but how cute is this?? They sell kiddie ray bans!!

Read more...

Recent Look: Date Night & Babysitting Swap!!

Madewell shirt, Forever21 skirt, belt my mom bought me from Korea, DV by Dolce Vita shoes, Chanel handbag

Date night at Takashi using yet another groupon!

Babysitting Swap: My friend and I do a babysitting swap.  Both of our kids are sleeping through the night from 7 pm onwards so we just need somebody to sit on the couch for a few hours while we go out. It seems like such a waste to pay a sitter $50 just so she can watch tv and surf the web since our kids are already asleep. So, once a week or so, hubbie will go to their place and hang out there while they go out. He would've been watching tv or surfing the net at home anyway so it's no big deal for him. Then, the next week, her husband will come and sit on our couch. It's the best thing ever. We both get date nights and for free!

Read more...

Baby A's Looks

These go back several months but better late than never, right?

Crewcuts shirt, Baby gap jorts :)

Audrey earns her keep around the house.  Here she is swiffering.

Gymboree tank, American Apparel cardigan, DKNY jeggings, Ugg boots

Read more...

Tucker for Target

I've been a Tucker by Gaby Basora fan for a while now.  I love her classic belted dresses and blouses in flowy fabrics that hide any flaws (perfect for mommies!)  When my daughter turned 1, I splurged on a Tucker dress in the most beautiful printed silk crepe de chine.  The silhouette and print is timeless and I hope to wear it for many years to come. 

So needless to say, I was super excited for the Tucker for Target line to hit stores this past Sunday! I tried on pretty much everything and I found several things I liked.  As expected, the quality of the fabrics are nowhere near as luxurious but the fit (on most items) were comparable.

Here is what I walked out with. There are doubles of things because I snagged some items for my sister who lives in Singapore and doesn't have access to these sales.

My favorite piece was the floral dress in the middle and left.  Adorable in the summer with my perfect sandals from Greece and chic in the fall with motorcycle boots and a chunky cardigan.  Totally worth it for $34.99!

This was the dress I wanted to try on the most but they didn't carry it at the Target I was at. Did anyone see this in person? 

The collection is still available online and you might want to check out your local Target as well. What's been your favorite Target collaboration so far? I would have to say Tucker and Cynthia Vincent!

Read more...

Recent Looks

Ready for a rare dinner date with the hubs~

Phillip Lim blouse, Aritzia skirt, Chanel Coco Cabas handbag, Cartier Santos watch, Jeffrey Campbell booties

 

Heading to a mani/pedi with a girlfriend!

 Madewell cargo shirt, Seven for all mankind white jeans I made into cutoffs, Rebecca Minkoff MAC clutch bag (a GILT purchase!), Martin & Osa (I'm sad they're closed!) snakeskin sandals

 

Shopping Day

J.Crew t-shirt, American Eagle denim cutoffs, Minnetonka tramper boots, Balenciaga Part Time handbag, Target chain necklace

 

Out to lunch at Blackbird (one of my fave restaurants in Chicago)

H&M floral shirt with shoulder ruching, Club Monaco cropped pants, Bottega Veneta large Veneta handbag in pink magnolia, Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges, same bracelets by Jcrew and Rebecca Minkoff

Sorry for the poor quality of images and extremely awkward poses. I'm still playing around with how to best capture my looks of the day.  I wish I had the time, photographers, and stunning good looks that bloggers like Cupcake and Cashmere and The Blonde Salad do but I don't so these will have to do for now! :)

Read more...