...It's true that I have a healthy collection of bracelets ranging from Chanel and Louis Vuitton cuffs to flea market finds from Thailand. Bracelets (to me) are the least fussy piece of jewelry to wear, so I tend to hoard pieces that I like (much like buying a favorite T-shirt in every color available).

...You will seldom see me without either my charm bracelet or watch (or both). For obvious practical reasons a watch is a necessity, but my charm bracelet holds sentimental value. I've gotten into the habit of shaking it fiercely whenever I'm frustrated, so on long work days it has become a vessel to release some of my frustration. That alone makes it invaluable (to me).


...You will seldom see me without either my charm bracelet or watch (or both). For obvious practical reasons a watch is a necessity, but my charm bracelet holds sentimental value. I've gotten into the habit of shaking it fiercely whenever I'm frustrated, so on long work days it has become a vessel to release some of my frustration. That alone makes it invaluable (to me).
...I've posted about our closet woes before, and at that time we implemented a temporary fix involving a rickety, free standing clothes rack. This week, however, Nick and I deployed a more permanent (and stable) solution giving us much more room for our clothes. It's nothing impressive, but I'm giddy with excitement at the thought of all that space (especially for my shoes and purses).






(Source: Pinterest)
...{Personal}...I need to get busy enjoying Summer before my busy month in September (when I'll only be home half the time). This weekend: Picnic Point, Farmer's Market, & Union Terrace.
...{Shopping}...
I know I just said I wanted to enjoy Summer, but I can't stop thinking about these leggings for Fall.
And these leg warmers, as well.
...{Design & Style}...
Ok, one more mention of Fall. Nope, wait, this is the last one.
Finally, mini donuts found at Babble. Yumm! But I'm really looking forward to potato buttermilk donuts from the Farmer's Market.
...at Burberry. Whew! I think I tried on every Burberry jacket/coat on the market this past weekend. My favorite was the Peplum Duffle Coat, but at almost $1,000 I had to restrain myself from spending that much money (well, Nick had to restrain me from spending that much money).

1. Peplum Wool Duffle Coat
2. Hattingly Raincoat
3. Button Shoulder Jersey Dress
...My real goal for this weekend was to look for a trenchcoat, but I had no idea there were so many different options (black, brown, cropped, long, gold buttons, silver buttons, black buttons, hooded, lined, etc.) - I had a hard time making a decision and ended up not buying one. I'm a little disappointed, but soon enough I'll have one in my closet. In the meantime, I'll just have to be content with another quilted jacket (my third one from Burberry - all of which are black! Oh well.).

4. Check Lined Trenchcoat
5. Cropped Military Blazer
6. Oversized Quilted Jacket


1. Peplum Wool Duffle Coat
2. Hattingly Raincoat
3. Button Shoulder Jersey Dress
...My real goal for this weekend was to look for a trenchcoat, but I had no idea there were so many different options (black, brown, cropped, long, gold buttons, silver buttons, black buttons, hooded, lined, etc.) - I had a hard time making a decision and ended up not buying one. I'm a little disappointed, but soon enough I'll have one in my closet. In the meantime, I'll just have to be content with another quilted jacket (my third one from Burberry - all of which are black! Oh well.).

4. Check Lined Trenchcoat
5. Cropped Military Blazer
6. Oversized Quilted Jacket

...as soon as we got there, it poured on us - but we were ready...

...as quickly as the rain came, it was gone and there wasn't a cloud left in the sky. It turned out to be a beautiful day...

...of course, we had to have lunch at our favorite restaurant on Michigan Ave...

...then I spent the rest of my time in and out of all the fabulous stores...


...needless to say, we had a great time.

...I'm a cupcake fanatic. When Madison got its first gourmet cupcake shop, I almost cried tears of pure joy.

...Now, baking cupcakes myself is a different story. I always end up using too much batter in some and not enough in others, so the whole batch comes out uneven (and that's only one of my problems). I was on the verge of giving up entirely, but this week's recipe interests me.

...These cupcakes are from Made with love by me. Her recipe is a variation of the one found at Bake It in a Cake (both blogs are great resources for fun recipes - although Bake It in a Cake has been down for maintenance). It looks like a lot of work, but could produce some really cute results.


...Now, baking cupcakes myself is a different story. I always end up using too much batter in some and not enough in others, so the whole batch comes out uneven (and that's only one of my problems). I was on the verge of giving up entirely, but this week's recipe interests me.

...These cupcakes are from Made with love by me. Her recipe is a variation of the one found at Bake It in a Cake (both blogs are great resources for fun recipes - although Bake It in a Cake has been down for maintenance). It looks like a lot of work, but could produce some really cute results.
...at Neiman Marcus. Nick and I have two upcoming weddings to attend. So while shopping in Chicago today, I was on the hunt for new dresses. Of course, my first stop was at the Alice + Olivia collection and (lucky me) I found two beautiful dresses I couldn't live without - the Elena Bustier dress and Belted One-Shoulder Peplum dress. Success!

1. Belted One-Shoulder Peplum Dress
2. Conry Bell-Sleeve Dress
3. Elena Bustier Dress


1. Belted One-Shoulder Peplum Dress
2. Conry Bell-Sleeve Dress
3. Elena Bustier Dress

(Source: Pinterest)
...{Personal}...It's a Chicago getaway weekend for us. Nick will be wandering around the Air and Water Show taking pictures. I will be wandering around Michigan Ave. doing damage to my bank account.
...{Shopping}...
My mission will be to pick up new jackets, sweaters, and accessories for Fall. Depending on my mood, I may be picking up some big ticket items as well.
...{Design & Style}...
DIY stands for all your tasty treats!
...What a perfect morning to just ignore the alarm clock and sleep in! Unfortunately, that's not an option today. To be honest, I'm a workaholic (much like everyone else in the US). That, combined with the recent arrival of cooler temperatures has made it harder and harder to get up in the morning.
...So, here's to Thursday - one day closer to the weekend, neighbor of Friday, and the perfect day to bust out my favorite Marc by Marc Jacobs oversized sweater for the season. It's one of those sweaters I can just cuddle up in all day...while working at my desk, of course.




(Source: Pinterest)

...So, here's to Thursday - one day closer to the weekend, neighbor of Friday, and the perfect day to bust out my favorite Marc by Marc Jacobs oversized sweater for the season. It's one of those sweaters I can just cuddle up in all day...while working at my desk, of course.



