dress up files - a chicago fashion blog: February 2013

Winter Layering

Maison Scotch boucle vest (similar) | Aritzia dress (similar) | Mackage leather jacket
Rag & Bone booties | Celine bag | J.Crew necklace

When you live somewhere as cold as Chicago, learning how to layer effectively is imperative. I recently went shopping at one of my favorite stores, Aritzia with some friends. To our surprise, the manager set up champagne, macarons and best of all, a huge rack full of clothes she had pulled for us.

I don't know if I would have ever tried on this very fitted midi sweater dress or this boucle vest, had they not been on that rack but I'm glad they were. It's nice when I try something on that I don't think I'll like or can pull off and end up loving it. I'm really digging all the textures in this look. I also took this vest to Vegas and wore it every single day. Such a great layering piece!

Giant Wall Calendar

Paper Source Wall Calendar (now 50% off!!)

This is my second year having this wall calendar and I think I'd be lost without it. For years, I searched for an extra large calendar and/or dry erase board that was also easy on the eyes. Trust me when I say they are pretty hard to come by. I love how over-sized this is and how I can at one glance, see what my whole month looks like. I've always been one of those people that never fully adjusted to virtual calendars. I actually carried my pocketbook calendar with me for a good 3 years after everyone started using their phones.

Anyway, if you're in need of a good wall calendar and have a large wall you need to fill, head on over to Paper Source because all calendars are 50% off now!! They also make great gifts!

Leopard Coat

Zara leopard coat (currently on sale for $89!) | Club Monaco tee

Citizens of Humanity leatherette jeans | Rag & Bone Newbury boots | Celine bag

I never thought I would be one to wear a leopard coat but this one made a believer out of me. I think the color block looks sophisticated and I like how the coat isn't super chunky or heavy. Since wearing animal print as outerwear is pretty overpowering, I kept the rest of the look very, very simple.

In other news, I am counting down the days to Vegas! I'm going to celebrate a good friend's bachelorette party and I'm nervous (about leaving the kids and hubby behind) and excited all at the same time. 70/30 ratio and I'll leave you to guess which is which. Hubby goes on a lot of trips here and there for work but I haven't been away on a girl trip in 4 years. And now, I have two girl trips back to back. I'm also going to LA in March for another good friend's wedding. Anywhoo...follow me on instagram (dressupfiles) if you don't already as I'm sure I'll be instagramming throughout my vacay. Hope you all have good things you're looking forward to as well!

Emerald Green Gown

Halston Heritage dress | Club Monaco belt | L.A.M.B. shoes | Chanel bag

Club Monaco cuff | Earrings from street vendor over 10 yrs ago | Cartier watch

Last pic is from instagram. I borrowed this dress from Rent the Runway for hubby's company black tie this year. It was my fourth time renting and so far, I've had really good experiences. But I admit...it's always a little scary not knowing if the dress will fit or look good until you get the dress, just 1 day before the event! This dress had some issues, like it was too short, too low and the waist wasn't cinched enough. I sized up (they send you 2 sizes) to get more length, pinned the front and got a ribbon belt to cinch the waist. Crisis averted!

I actually had a different dress on order originally and last minute, switched to this one because I loved the color. SO glad because a friend ended up renting that exact dress. I would've been mortified if we showed up in matching dresses! Has this ever happened to you?