dress up files - a chicago fashion blog

Neutrals and Neons

Club Monaco sweater | Joe's ponte pants | J.Crew shoes | Cambridge Satchel bag

I got to take my new satchel out for a spin the other day. I love how the blinding neon contrasts with my understated blush sweater. This bag can elevate a look from plain and boring to fun and interesting, simply using color, albeit a very, very bright color.

This is my first post-baby outfit post and I have to admit I was a little insecure about taking pics before losing all my baby weight. It's impossible to diet when you're nursing and starving all the time! I have a little over a month to lose the rest of my baby weight. Hubbie's company ball is coming up and I rented a dress in my pre-pregnancy size. Any tips on how to lose weight without dieting or working out? ;)

A new addition: Cambridge Satchel

From Balenciaga to Proenza Schouler to Celine, it seems like everyone is adding candy colored brights to their handbag lines as of late. And while many are completely drool worthy, it just doesn't make sense for me to spend thousands on such a trendy hued handbag. Cue the Cambridge Satchel Fluoro Collection.

Available at Shopbop

It was pretty much love at first sight when I came across these neon satchels. I love the juxtaposition of the traditional British school bag design with the obnoxiously bright colors. The Cambridge Satchel Company was started just a few years ago by a mom in the UK. Obsessed with the Harry Potter books, she designed satchels similar to the ones they would have used at Hogwarts.

These bags were spotted all over New York Fashion Week on everyone from stylists to fashion bloggers and at $155, it's quickly becoming known as the most affordable It bag ever.

I got mine in yellow and I love it in all it's blinding glory! The quality is excellent considering the price. Made in the UK, real leather, and beautiful stitching. If you need an instant update for your look, add a fun punch of neon with these satchels!

The best gift I ever gave

Our elf, Chippy giving Mr. T some love.

It was the first Christmas hubbie and I celebrated together. He had mentioned before how he remembered distinctly only getting a Christmas present once growing up. He woke up one year when he was 5 or 6 to a present sitting next to him in bed. It was a Mr. T doll and it was perfect. In the years that followed, he would wake up excited on Christmas morning thinking maybe there would be a present next to him again only to be disappointed. Many of us second generation kids grew up similarly because our parents just didn't understand the traditions or were too busy trying to make a living in a new country to find time.

Anyway, I searched for weeks and tracked down a vintage Mr. T doll circa 1983 on ebay. I still remember the look on his face when he saw Mr. T. There's something so special about giving and receiving a truly thoughtful gift.

What's the most memorable gift you've ever given or received?

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas...

A finally gets the whole Santa concept this year. She dictated this letter to Santa.

We got the Elf on the Shelf and we are loving this new tradition! For those who don't know what it is, you basically buy this book and elf combo. The elf sits somewhere in your house and watches how you behave. Each night, he flies to the North Pole to tell Santa if you've been naughty or nice. He disappears every year on Christmas Eve and reappears each year the day after Thanksgiving. After seeing the movie that goes with it, A decided to name ours Chippy as well.

Where's Chippy? A's behavior has gotten much better since Chippy's been around. If she refuses to do something, all it takes is a gentle reminder that Chippy is watching. I love it!

Holiday cards stamped and ready to be mailed.

Christmas presents wrapped in cheerful prints!

And of course, our tree.

Christmas totally crept up on me this year, being so busy with baby D and all. Have you done all your Christmas shopping? Are your trees up? Do you have any holiday traditions in your family? I'd love to hear from you!