dress up files - a chicago fashion blog

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!