dress up files - a chicago fashion blog

Best Candle Ever!

Capri Blue Volcano Candle
$28, Anthropologie

I was never a big candle person until I got a whiff of this one. It is divine! I always have at least 3 or 4 dispersed around my home, ensuring that each room is smelling it's very best no matter what I made for dinner.

Colin Cowie once said that scented candles make great gifts and to just have a bunch already beautifully wrapped so you can just grab and go when you're in need of a quick gift. I took what he said to heart and have given this as a gift numerous times. Thanks Colin!

Next to each of my Capri Blue Volcano's, I have these gorgeous peacock matchboxes from The White Attic. The White Attic is a fantastic store in Bucktown & Andersonville that has refinished vintage furniture. Their pieces are so unique and beautifully done. They look brand new, except with a ton of character! These matchboxes look a lot better than the random restaurant matchbooks I used to use.

I know it's a bit pricier than the average candle but it lasts a long time and it smells that good.

summer time~

Enjoy the weekend ya'll!

Welcome Home Balenciaga!

I finally decided on a new handbag! Introducing...

Balenciaga Giant Part Time in Officier

There's so much to love about this bag: the color, the giant hardware, the incredibly soft lambskin...I could go on and on. It's pretty roomy so I can fit all the baby stuff in, it has shorter handles and a longer strap and best of all, I can hang it on my stroller!

back view

They say that women are either bag hags or shoe whores...guess which I am?

Baby A seems to approve as well! :)

Vintage Finds!

Drove to South Haven, Michigan for the weekend and found a fantastic vintage store: Murphy's Mall!
Here are some things that caught my eye!

Drop leaf table in a light celadon. I love the curved legs!

This was my friend, N's find: black dresser in the back

Mid-century style chair. I would paint this a fun, vibrant red and maybe place it near the doorway for putting on shoes?

Love these old fashioned fans!

Canisters! I love the lettering!

Gorgeous owl pin that my friend spotted!

It was hard to choose from so many great things. I came home with...

..a cameo pendant. I love cameos. There is just something so romantic and feminine about them. I plan to put it on a long, gold chain and pair it with more masculine elements like a dark blazer (sleeves rolled up of course).

I also got the friendliest owl pin ever! His glasses come up and down!

My third and last purchase of the day was this $18 find! I plan to repaint it in high gloss white and reupholster it in a more modern fabric. I'm nervous...this is my first big DIY refinishing project. I'll, of course post the after pictures when I'm all finished. I would love any tips or suggestions!