dress up files - a chicago fashion blog: December 2012

Preppy Oxblood Look

Gap sweater | J.Crew shirt (similar) | Zara jeans (similar) | Forever21 necklace (similar)

J.Crew leopard pumps | Celine bag | Hermes, Madewell, Giles & Brother bracelets

The IT color of the fall/winter seems to be oxblood, which to me looks exactly like maroon. At first, I was a little annoyed that everyone kept calling it oxblood. But now that it's been several months, I've learned to live with it. I know...so big of me.

I've always loved the preppy shirt under a sweater look but I think I've worn it maybe once before (here). I feel like how Steve Carrell's character looks in Crazy, Stupid Love when he's put in so many layers. It just isn't that comfortable and everything is bumpy and lumpy under that sweater. But in any case, I paired the preppy top with my forever21 sparkler, oxblood jeans and my leopard pumps.

If anyone is in the market for a pair of oxblood colored jeans, I got these at Zara for $35 and they are stretchy comfy good! I couldn't find them online but head to your local Zara for a pair...highly recommend!

Gift Guide for Him

1. Alden for J.Crew shoes 2. J.Crew Red Chambray shirt 3. Whisky Stones

4. Insanity workout DVD 5. 3sixteen denim 6. Billykirk Schoolboy Satchel

7. Collar Stays 8. Red Wing Classic Work Boot 9. Nike FuelBand 10. Bonobos Khakis

So I have a confession to make. People always assume that I shop for and dress the hubby but the truth is I know nothing about men's fashion. Unless I get a clear hint thrown my way, I'm pretty clueless as to what to get hubby for gifts. So I enlisted Mr. Dress Up Files himself (who in my unbiased opinion, has pretty good taste!) to curate this Gift Guide for the deserving men in your lives. Happy shopping!

Gift Guide 2012

1. Alexander McQueen skull bangle 2. Smokey Ray Bib necklace 3. Lovers + Friends Chic top
4. Valentino Rockstud leather tote 5. Urban Decay Naked2 Palette 6. Capri Blue Giant mercury jar candle
7. Marc by Marc Jacobs leather key pouch 8. Closer by Scott Schuman

Here are some of my picks for that fabulous woman in your life, be it your wife, bestie, sister or even yourself. Is it just me or do you end up shopping for yourself a lot around the holidays? I always go intending to buy gifts for people and then I somehow find myself in the dressing room with 12 items to try on.

Family Portraits

We'd never done a professional family photo session before but we knew exactly who we wanted to shoot it. Kenny Nakai of Nakai Photography is an amazing photographer, happens to be an old college friend of the hubs and is one of the nicest guys you'll meet. He was doing all kinds of silly things to get the girls to laugh during the shoot...no easy feat. If I could do it all over, I would have hired him to shoot my wedding but oh well, coulda woulda shoulda.

If anyone in the Chicagoland area is in need of a photographer, I highly recommend Kenny Nakai!

Meeting The Sartorialist

Forever21 sweater | White + Warren skirt (similar) | Rag & Bone booties

Forever21 necklace (similar) | Celine bag | Cartier watch | Hermes, Jules Smith bracelets

What does one wear to come face to face with Scott Schuman (aka The Sartorialist)?? Lucky (for hubby), I found out about the book signing the day of and didn't have time to shop. I ransacked my closet and pulled out this silk White + Warren pleated skirt once again. I got this skirt 7 or 8 years ago and blogged about getting it altered here and have worn it multiple times on this blog since (like here). I actually had it listed on my sale site awhile back but looking back, I'm so glad it didn't sell.

I paired the skirt with a heavy, grey sweater and my basic black booties, which I love more and more everyday! I highly recommend the Rag & Bone Newbury's if anyone needs a classic pair. You can't really tell in the picture, but the sweater has a lot of texture to it, which I think made interesting contrast with the smooth and silky fabric of the skirt.

In line with some fashionista friends, H & M!

We got there at the perfect time and ended up being 3rd in line. We were chatting away and then turned around at one point to see this huge crowd!

OMG! Can you feel my nervous energy through this picture?? I was literally shaking and could not speak. I think I asked him, in between a lot of ums and uhs why he was in South Korea so much. I really wish I could have played it cool and come up with something better to say to him!

Here's my book! I absolutely love it so much. The pictures are beautiful and so inspiring. If you're looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a fashion loving man, woman or child, pick one up ASAP! You can buy it here.