a sequin story

Not only is this outfit atypical because I don't usually dress like a ballerina rockstar, but it's also got some unique and original pieces. I thrifted this sequin blouse from a shop along the Carolina coast (the bottom hemline is scallops, I die). The shoes I found in a bizarrely adorable shop in Wicker Park, Chicago this summer (Miu-Miu-esque, if you ask me). And the Carrie-Bradshaw-skirt-on-a-much-smaller-scale is from budding designer, Alyssa Nicole. I discovered my adorable gothic tutu on UsTrendy, a website that helps independent fashion designers sell their products, obtain funding, and gain other assistance to launch and grow their clothing lines (I got rave reviews on a dress I got from UsTrendy, here). Entrepreneurship is one of my passions alongside being an independent fashion blogger, so shopping from up-and-comers on an e-commerce marketplace (full of amazing items that every other girl isn't wearing) is right up my alley.

blouse: thrifted // skirt: courtesy of UsTrendy // similar booties // clutch: Akira Chicago // earrings: TOPSHOP Chicago {newer} // sunnies: House of Harlow 'Chelsea' // similar bangle // watch: Michael Kors // bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz, amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier

nautical meets military

blouse: sparkle + fade {similar}// skirt: Forever21 {similar} // scarf: vintage // belt: H&M // loafers: Salvatore Ferragamo {similar}  // purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs // aviators: RayBan // necklace: courtesy of A Beautiful Heart // watch: Michael Kors // bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz, amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier, Derng, Handpicked // rings: David Yurman (blue topaz, stack & pave), Cartier & YSL 'Arty'

to the max

As someone who is under 5'5" (and 5'4", and 5'3"...) participating in the ever-popular maxi dress trend is frustrating. All the normal-height girls are wearing them, but each one that I hold up to my body drags the ground a good 4 inches. Those who suffer in this peril will understand how pleased I was to find this simple coral ruffled number - and my toes even peek out the bottom.

dress: Nordstrom // bag: Louis Vuitton 'Artsy' // hat // sunnies: Karen Walker // shoes: Kors by Michael Kors {old, similar on sale} // ombre necklace: Francesca's {similar} // watch: Michael Kors // bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz, amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier, Derng, Handpicked // rings: David Yurman (blue topaz, stack & pave), Cartier & YSL 'Arty'

bienvenue de retour

I'm back... back to blogging, and back from my summer in Chicago. It feels like all I ever do is travel, which has made me grateful for home, family, friends, and Momma's kitchen. This week I will continue "bouncing", as I like to call it, from place to place - had a wonderful weekend on the NC coast, and will be in stunning Norfolk, VA for a few days. This duffle is staying packed with my favorite summer go-tos!

embellished tank: Trina Turk {last year, here's my favorite from 2012} // chevron shorts: Nordstrom // 

wedges: Bakers {old, similar} // duffle: Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Keepall 50 // earrings: Ralph Lauren // gathered chain necklace: H&M {similar} // watch: Michael Kors // bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz, amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier "Love", & Derng Chain // rings: David Yurman (blue topaz, stack & pave), Cartier & YSL 'Arty' // lipstick: Revlon "Coral-berry"

BCBGMAXAZRIA + Michigan Avenue Magazine

Last weekend I had the honor of attending BCBGMAXAZRIA's & Michigan Avenue Magazine's exclusive dinner and fashion preview event in downtown Chicago. Lubov Azria, the designer behind BCBGMAXAZRIA brands, including BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway and Hervè Lèger, and wife of Max Azria, hosted the event for Chicago’s 'most influential fashionistas', including socialites, elite clients, and media. We had an amazing evening, from cocktail hour(s), to an intimate dinner, to a unique preview of BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway Pre-Fall collection at the fabulous Floating World Gallery. Here's a recap of the stylish soiree: 

dress: Bqueen, via UsTrendy // heels: Prada 

clutch: BCBGMAXAZRIA // bangles: gifted // bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz & amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier // rings: David Yurman (blue topaz & stack & pave), Cartier, onyx class ring

earrings: Badgley Mishcka Couture

Daniel Boczarski Photography at Floating World Gallery, Chicago

cocktails // Daniel Boczarski Photography at Floating World Gallery, Chicago

Lubov Azria // Daniel Boczarski Photography at Floating World Gallery, Chicago

Jessa Dress, BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway Pre-Fall 2012, Daniel Boczarski Photography at Floating World Gallery, Chicago 

BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway Pre-Fall 2012, Daniel Boczarski Photography at Floating World Gallery, Chicago // PURCHASE HERE

BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway Pre-Fall 2012, Daniel Boczarski Photography at Floating World Gallery, Chicago

attending with (& meeting) two of my favorite Chicago fashion bloggers, Taneisha from Second City Style and Jena from ChiCityFashion

Thanks again to BCBGMAXAZRIA and the team at Michigan Avenue Magazine, everyone had a wonderful time & Lubov is darling!

P.S. - take a look at Refinery29's tour of her closet!