dress up files - a chicago fashion blog: March 2013

Midi Knit Dress

Aritzia dress (similar) | Madewell chambray shirt | Maison Scotch shearling vest

Rag & Bone booties | Celine bag | Forever21 & Indian necklaces from ebay

I heart this midi-length, clingy, slinky knit dress from Aritzia. Initially, I thought I wouldn't be caught dead in it because it's so tight and reveals every post-baby, workout-deficient bump and lump. But then, I realized it makes an extremely versatile base for a wide variety of layering pieces.

Initially, I wore it here topped with my leather jacket and the same shearling vest featured here. Last week, I paired the dress with my black sleeveless blazer (similar), which is a look that is very office appropriate for you 9 to 5'ers. Here, I layered a chambray shirt and the shearling vest over it and stacked on the necklaces. The possibilities are endless!

Oh and if you haven't heard yet, google reader is going away so please follow me via bloglovin here!!

Bold Stripe Look

Mason by Michelle Mason silk camisole | Super sunnies | Christopher Kon woven clutch

TopShop skirt | TopShop bracelet | Vince Lara sandals

As promised, here is my first look book featuring one of my favorite Spring/Summer trends: the bold stripe. I like how this skirt combines the thin stripe with the bold stripe, letting us avoid the hamburglar effect. I paired the skin tight bottom with a swingy top in a fun color. To add some texture, I added this woven clutch (so Bottega Veneta without the price tag!) And I know white and metallic sandals are huge for the season but I love a tan or nude sandal with a chunky heel to balance out a trend heavy outfit. A casual (hello cord!) but still serious (metal tubes) bracelet and a cool pair of sunnies round out the look.

Ooh...this is making me long for Summer! I would wear this on a date night or to brunch + boutiqueing w the ladies.

In other news, wedding season has arrived. I just got back from a close friend's wedding in Newport Beach, CA and another one of my best gal pals is getting married this weekend! I'll be playing bridesmaid while A, my older daughter will be flower girl. Follow along on instagram for updates!

Spring 2013 Trends

Balmain: bold stripes | Balenciaga: crop tops | Chloe: flouncy, oversized ruffles | Akris: sheer overlays | Alexander Wang: peekaboo cutouts

Altuzarra: beading detail | Tory Burch: short suits | Derek Lam: understated leather | DKNY: baggy bermudas | Mugler: kimono inspired

I know you all saw these Spring 2013 looks months ago, but I wanted to do a quick recap now that Spring is actually upon us (though it doesn't look or feel like it here in freezing Chicago!) I've had people ask me to do a Spring Must Have post and by people, I mean two (okay fine, one!) but I aim to please, no matter how big or small the audience so here we are.

The above looks and trends are the ones that stood out to me from the Spring/Summer 2013 shows. In the coming weeks, I hope to post look books featuring some of these trends in affordable, wearable ways. Stay tuned!

A beanie, Hunters & some Camo

Madewell Chambray shirt | Zara kids camo leggings | Aritzia coat

Plush beanie | Hunter rain boots | Goyard bag | Ray-Ban sunglasses

Plush Barca Beanie:

I tried on a lot of beanies before finding "the one". I suffer from large Asian head/face syndrome and hats are not my friends. But after seeing them adorn the heads of all my favorite fashionistas, I started trying on beanies wherever I went. None of them looked quite right and I accepted that this was a trend I would have to pass on. But then, I tried ordering this Plush one from Shopbop and alas, could it be? It could and it was! Finally, a beanie to call my own!

I like how it's roomy and poufs in the back (essential to a good beanie look in my opinion) and yet, it is snug enough where it doesn't feel like it's going to fall off. Hooray!

Camo leggings:

These camouflage leggings are from Zara kids! After admiring my friend, M's leggings, she picked me up a pair of my own. Love them! They don't carry them online anymore but try your local Zara. I love when I can squeeze into kids clothes...just as cute these days and usually a great price!

It's been slushy, cold and dreary in Chicago and my Hunter rain boots have been getting a lot of action. It's March now though and I've had it with this snow and slush. Thank goodness I'm in LA this weekend. I could definitely use some warmth! I leave today and will be instagramming my way through the weekend so follow me there!

Black & White

7 For All Mankind snakeskin jeans (similar) | T by Alexander Wang muscle tee

L.A.M.B. shoes | Mackage leather jacket | Chanel WOC bag

necklaces from Forever21, TopShop, ebay

T by Alexander Wang muscle tee:

This might not be a big deal to some people but this tee costs almost $80! For me, that is a ridiculous amount to spend on a t-shirt and in my b.t. (before t by alexander wang) days, I probably would've judged you for owning one. But then, I had all this credit to use up at shopbop and I kept reading amazing reviews about these shirts. I've spent $20 on tees at various stores so many times, only to realize they aren't that flattering and continue hunting for that perfect fitting shirt. I didn't want to keep wasting another $20 here and $20 there when I could splurge and find the 1 tee that fits the bill. I ordered this one just to try it on and see what all the hype was about and once it was on, I didn't want to take it off. The fabric is so comfortable and soft and it just falls perfectly. I am really, really tempted to buy some short sleeved ones with my remaining credit but holding off for now. I'm now a believer! Anyone else?

7 for all Mankind snakeskin jeans:

Love these white/grey snakeskin jeans. They're actually from the Fall/Winter collection so they are pretty much sold out everywhere but Zappos still has some sizes remaining. I tried on some other snakeskin print jeans at Zara and other stores and nothing fit well. These are really flattering and the color is so chic for Spring. I still remember working at Bop (Shopbop's brick & mortar store) in college and buying my very first pair of designer jeans. Of course, they were 7's...the must have denim back in my heyday of 2002!

Dylanlex inspired neck piece:

If you follow me on instagram, you'll know that I've become obsessed with dylanlex neck pieces. Their overall style is so chic and drool worthy but the true stars of the show are their stacked necklaces. So stunning! You really have to go check it out for yourself. I made my copycat version with affordable finds at forever21 and ebay. It truly does not compare, since their stacks include incredible pieces by Fallon and Dannijo, not to mention all their vintage finds. For those of you interested in making one, let me know!

And finally, did you all catch the season finale of the Bachelor? I'm thrilled with the outcome.

Loved her from the beginning and find them to be such a funny, cute match! What did you guys think?

Daytime Leopard Coat

Zara leopard coat | Citizens of Humanity leatherette jeans | DIY sweatshirt

J.Crew flats (similar) | Balenciaga bag (similar)

Threw on my coziest sweatshirt and my comfiest leatherette jeans for some errand running a few weeks ago. Topped it off with this Zara leopard coat (now sold out everywhere and selling for a premium on ebay!) to up the ante a bit. This look goes to show that comfy and cozy can also be chic!