dress up files - a chicago fashion blog: July 2012

Pinterest Party & Winner

I organized a Pinterest Party with some of the ladies at my church. We tackled the sock bun (so hard! Anyone have tips?) and this beaded bracelet. Here is everyone showing off their new arm candy. Why is it that pinterest makes everything look so easy and doable, but then when I try it, it's a complete disaster?

Here are my bracelets on my wrist. Okay fine fine! Only the purple one is mine. The orange one was a friends, who made the perfect replica of the online version. Mine was far from it...but let's just say I intended it this way and that it has character.

Has anyone else had a Pinterest Party?

Oh and CONGRATS to Donna for winning the Tory Burch iPhone case and bracelet!!

South of France Look Book

Blu Moon dress | J.Crew crusher hat | Madewell sandals | Ray-Ban sunnies

This post is two months too late but better late than never, right? I actually don't have too many outfit posts from our jaunt in France but I wanted to share this one. I adore this easy, breezy midi dress from Blu Moon. Paired with my favorite sandals (that have gone missing since France..sob!) and my J.Crew crusher hat, I was feeling ready for a day out in Provence. These were taken at the absolutely breathtaking Pont Du Gard.

BTW...if anyone is looking for a summer hat, I highly recommend this one by J.Crew. It folds down flat so you can pack it without worrying about ruining the shape and is quite flattering on. My mom liked it so much that I gave it to her at the end of our trip, planning to purchase a new one upon my return. I had a mini panic attack when I went online and found that it was sold out (they have since restocked!) but was happy to find it at my local store and even happier to see that it was on sale! It's still on sale ($24.99) and available online here.

Paisley & Tory Burch Giveaway

Paisley is one of those quintessential summer prints for me, especially in a sheer fabric like my Madewell top. I kept the look simple with white jeans and a neutral bag and shoes. I added the turquoise bracelet for a bright pop of color and I promise I didn't intend to be so matchy matchy with my nails.

BTW, my new favorite super simple ballet flats are the Eddie's by Tory Burch. So comfy!! I have 2 pairs and wear them all the time. After the Gap City flats kept tearing on me, I decided flats might be worth the splurge and couldn't be happier with these!

Also, remember this awesome goody bag I got from the Reward Style event? I've decided to give it away to 1 lucky reader! If you'd like to win the Tory Burch bracelet and iPhone case, please leave a comment with your email address. Oh and you must be a follower on Google Friend Connect. The giveaway will end on Monday (7/30) at 5 pm CST.

Reward Style Event

Zara t-shirt | White + Warren skirt | Madewell sandals | Celine bag

I like the look of the vintage, grungy t-shirt paired with a classic silk skirt and some glam necklaces.

I was invited to attend the Reward Style event last Saturday and while it's hard to tear myself away from the fam on a weekend, I'm glad I did. The event was held at Union Sushi and it was great getting a chance to mingle with some other Chicago based bloggers.

The first half of the event was learning how to make sushi. We learned how to make inside out rolls, regular rolls and hand rolls. I have to say I was pretty impressed with myself and cannot wait to bust out my skeelz for my friends and fam very soon! We made all kinds of rolls and then got to eat them after. nom nom nom.

The second half of the event was learning how to mix specialty cocktails and then, of course enjoy them afterwards. Shake it ladies!

What could be inside here?

Thanks Reward Style for the Tory Burch bracelet and iPhone case, but more importantly, for such a fun afternoon!

So I have a confession to make about my outfit....the t-shirt is not really vintage. I know I could probably get an old shirt for like 99 cents and it would have a lot more character but the one and only time I went to a thrift store, I was a little overwhelmed to be honest. I don't know where those clothes have been and it freaked me out a little. I know I know...what kind of fashion blogger doesn't go thrifting? I really want to give it another try but it's also not the best place to bring kids to so haven't had the chance. Do any of you go thrifting regularly? Any tips for a noob like me?

Oh and if any bloggers out there that aren't part of Reward Style yet, leave me a comment or a note and I'll send you a referral!

Monthly Must Reads & Chanel WOC For Sale!

Question of the month (from Noelle):

Why do you blog? Has the reason changed over time, and if so, in what ways?

I started this blog a month after I had my first daughter. I felt like my whole world, all of a sudden revolved around my child and while I was enamored by her, I felt like I was losing myself in the process. I started writing to get back in touch with the things I'm passionate about (fashion, food, decor, and of course motherhood.) Being a mother is the most amazing thing I've ever experienced and I'm so blessed and privileged to be A and D's mom. With that said, this blog helps keep me and my passions alive and that actually makes me a happier, more fulfilled mother.

Beautygirl24 - Noelle has enjoyed styling outfits using unexpected color combinations. Mint and hot pink are surprisingly versatile!
Ella Pretty - Ella's "What's in my Bag" post features her new Marc Jacobs Single bag.
Lilly's Style - Lilly is mixing bright colors.
Saltwater Dreams - Andi's reviewing her recent beauty purchases, check out what makes the grade here.
Schnelle Couture - Danielle is embracing her love for all things nautical.
Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette is sporting leopard as a neutral here with bright yellow pants!

So for the bloggers out there, I'm curious...why you do blog?

Also, remember this bag I just got in Paris?

After going back and forth for awhile, I've decided to sell it. Please check out the listing here if you are interested. I brought it into the Chicago Chanel boutique yesterday and they were so excited when they saw it. They told me Chanel made the WOC in this particular fabric only for Europe so they had never seen this bag before.

Oh and just posted more clothes on my shop site. Please visit to see J Brand white denim, J.Crew sequin skirt and more!

Summer Whites

On Mommy: Madison Marcus top | Theory shorts | Steve Madden sandals | Celine bag

On A: Target top | Gingersnaps skirt | Old Navy shoes

In 90 degree heat, there's nothing better to wear than a crisp and clean, all-white outfit. I paired this old silk layered top with my little white shorts. Black strappy flat sandals to add contrast and my perfect neutral colored bag to finish off the look.

I was browsing on Shopbop.com and came across several white silk tops. Each so different but beautiful and unique in it's own way.

From L-R:
A.L.C. Monty top: Simplicity at it's best.
Parker Cross back top: Tiniest sliver of skin..classy sexy!
Joie Felix top: Closest to my Madison Marcus top
AIR by Alice + Olivia top: Light, fluttery, gorgeous!

What's your favorite thing to wear on a scorching hot day?

Parker Beaded Dress

Parker Cluster Beaded V-Neck Dress | Zara shoes | Chanel bag

Beautiful bride in Monique Lhuillier and A, as the flower girl!

Aw. This picture would have been perfect if D was there, and A was looking and that door was shut. Okay fine, maybe it's not that perfect. We had such a blast at the wedding last weekend. Such a beautiful venue and 2 of the nicest people committing their lives to each other.

I recycled old dresses or rented for all the weddings this year except for this one. I splurged on this Parker dress awhile ago during Shopbop's friends and family sale and I'm glad I did. I've never received so many compliments on anything I've ever worn. Girls, guys, and even people on facebook were messaging me asking me about the designer of this dress.

Because it's so sparkly and dressy, I also think this dress would work great for a black tie event. I originally ordered the XS and S and both were super, super short. The reviews on Shopbop say the same thing. So, I ended up ordering the M and it still fit and was a more respectable length, albeit still a mini. If anyone has an event coming up and is in need of a dress, I highly recommend this one!

Poshmark Party

Express skirt | Joie top | Urban Outfitters sleeveless blazer | Zara shoes | Chanel bag

I blogged about this skirt here and here. I heard from so many of you who were bummed that it was sold out. Well, you're in luck! I just checked and the skirt is now back in stock and running a great promo (buy 1, get 1 for $29). Click here and get yours today!!

I was invited by the Poshmark crew to attend the Chicago party last week. The Poshmark girls describe their app as ebay + instagram + facebook. It's basically a mobile version of ebay where you post and sell your clothes and accessories, all from the comfort of your phone. Genius!

The event was held at J Bar and they were gracious in allowing me to bring along several friends. We enjoyed the complimentary cocktails while mingling with some local bloggers. Thanks Poshmark!

So sorry for the bad quality. This is the only picture that I took at the party that night.

By the way, I'm kind of obsessed with my new sleeveless blazer. Love the over-sized fit and you can throw it over anything to make you look more polished and pulled together. A regular blazer works too but really, who can wear sleeves in this 90 degree heat?

Oh and I'm selling my neon yellow Cambridge Satchel bag and my Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag on ebay! If anyone's interested, click here and here!

Giveaway Winner & Wedding Rehearsal

A was a flower girl this past weekend at a friend's wedding. It was held at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria (formerly the Elysian, where I blogged about here). Here she is at the rehearsal!

Hubby with baby D, who is already 8 months!

On Mommy: Aritzia top | J.Crew factory skirt | Tory Burch shoes | Celine bag | Michael Kors watch

On A: Gap dress | Old Navy shoes

And announcing the winner for the Shopbop Giveaway!

The 83rd commenter was Melody Martin! Congratulations!

I will be doing more shopbop giveaways in the future so please keep reading. Oh and I am in the process of posting lots of clothes and bags onto my shop page so please check that page often!

Thanks for reading and Happy 4th!!