dress up files - a chicago fashion blog: January 2013

black & white

DIY celine t-shirt | Rag & Bone/Target collaboration cardigan

Citizens leatherette jeans (my fave!) | L.A.M.B. shoes | Chanel bag | Club Monaco cuff

Points of discussion:

- Black & White: While Spring usually brings upon the predictable pastels and florals, I'm loving how black & white is huge for Spring 2013. How easy is this trend? Everyone owns black and white items that can be combined to create a completely on trend look without spending a dime. Love that!

- Celine DIY t-shirt: I fell in love with this Celine t-shirt 5 months ago and started this DIY. Unfortunately, the fabric marker was awful and I ended up abandoning the project. I finally got around to finishing it last week with a new and improved marker. While it's not perfect (actually, please refrain from staring closely at the letters!), I'm satisfied with the end result. If anyone wants more info on this DIY, leave me a comment and I'll do a post on it.

- Rag & Bone/Target Cardigan: I really wanted this cardigan the minute I saw it but who can spend $70 on any article of clothing that has a Target bulls-eye on it? When it went on clearance, I couldn't find my size anywhere until a friend tipped me off that they were selling them at Neiman Marcus online too! I ended up getting the boys XL for $14 and free shipping. Love the masculine, grandfather look and have been throwing it over everything. I got one for hubby too. Twinsies!

- L.A.M.B. shoes: I wrote about these shoes here and I was elated when I found them in black. But when I received them, they were a half size too big and I wasn't happy about paying full price. I was contemplating returning them when a friend called from an outlet store and said they had them in tons of sizes and they were on sale for $180 ($100 cheaper than what I had paid!) I seriously have the best friends! Thanks M!!

- Chanel bag: I took this bag (Chanel Coco Cabas) out of the archives for the first time in years. I got this bag 6-7 years ago and it was my favorite for quite some time. Lost touch but think it's about time to get reacquainted with my old friend. Thoughts?

So sorry for the longest post ever but there was so much to discuss! Please leave me any comments, questions, feedback so this isn't a really sad, one-sided, long-winded conversation I'm having with myself. Happy Monday!

Plaid & Sweatshirt

Zara shirt (similar) | DIY sweatshirt | Chanel Wallet on Chain

Citizens of Humanity Leatherette Jeans | Rag & Bone booties

I got these leatherette jeans a few months ago and I know I say this a lot but in all honesty, I've been wearing them nonstop. They are high waist-ed, which is nice for mommy midsections. (Is it bad that I use my kids as scapegoats when I could really be doing some sit ups and passing on that 4th slice of pizza?) Going back to the jeans, they look more like black denim with just a slight leathery sheen, which makes it completely daytime/night time/any time appropriate. I've worn it out everywhere from a swanky lounge to my daughter's field trip. Highly recommend!

Pumps w Ankle Straps

1. Alexander Wang Liya $495

2. ASOS Sonic $56

3. Jeffrey Campbell Solitaire $145

4. L.A.M.B. Oxley $285

A pointy toe, a thick ankle strap, and a stiletto make for a pretty sexy shoe. I especially like the ones where the front portion ends with a clean straight line, as opposed to a predictable curve. I think these shoes are actually a lot more versatile than one might initially expect. I would pair it with a sleek evening gown to bring a modern edge to the look. I could also see them with skinny cargo pants and a vintage t-shirt, making the look go from casual to rock and roll instantly. Of course, you can also pair the shoes with any hot little dress you already own.

I really wanted the L.A.M.B. version in black suede but it was sold out everywhere. I settled on the wine croc-embossed version (pictured above) as some of you may have seen on Instagram. I decided to return them but kept checking online periodically and amazingly, I tracked down a pair of the black ones! It was the last pair and in my size (kismet!)

On Instagram and Facebook, I actually got a lot of feedback from people who didn't like the shoes but I decided I like them and that's all that matters. What do you think of this trend? Yay or Nay?

2012 Year In Review

I'm a little delayed in getting this post up but I'm a mom first and a Real Housewives addict second. Why is Beverly Hills, Atlanta, Miami (and now the Bachelor) all airing simultaneously....I can't keep up.

2012 has been such a memorable year. I started the year with a newborn, 20 lbs to lose and still reeling from the adjustment to 2 kids. Throughout the year, I fell helplessly in love with my chunky monkey D, I became comfortable at balancing life with 2 girls, and once in awhile, I even had time to get dolled up and post about fashion on this blog.

Thank you so much to those of you that still follow this blog and my journey. Please connect with me on instagram as I'm most active there.

All Saints Sweater Dress

All Saints Mill Pullover Dress

Originally ~~$175~~, Currently $122

These post holiday sales are so seductive, luring me in with their promises of free shipping and additional discounts. Just say no. Except maybe when it involves, oh just the perfect sweater dress like this one from All Saints.

I wore the dress to D's birthday party and have worn in several times since. So comfy and relaxed as in "Oh this old thing? Just threw it on without giving it so much as a thought." But then, there are those peekaboo exposed shoulders that add just that tiny hint of sexiness. Amazing what showing a teeny bit of skin can do!

These are unfortunately the best pics I can find of me wearing the dress. I added a chunky necklace and my classic black booties. Oh and my slip was too long and showing the whole time, which I failed to notice until I saw these pics weeks after the party. Don't try this at home people.

Featured: Dana's Party!

Dana's Party was recently featured on Kara's Party Ideas. There are some really incredible fetes on her blog and I'm so flattered that D's little party made the list. Thanks for the feature!