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peek inside my jewelry box: metal & wood necklace

7/12/2015

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A great piece of jewelry can put a smile on your face, a spring in your step, and pump up your outfit a notch or two. So when I heard about a project about beloved jewelry pieces by Invaluable, an online auction marketplace with a huge selection of jewelry,  I knew I wanted to share the necklace that gives me the ultimate confidence boost anytime I put it on.
Metal and wood necklace via practicallystyli.sh
This incredible piece is made of painted wood and metal and was given to me by my mother on my 18th birthday. She had picked it up more than a decade earlier at a craft fair from a vendor selling handmade jewelry from Ghana. Since it is a statement piece, it is often commented on and I love being able to share what I know about its origins. With vintage or unusual jewelry, just knowing that the piece has its own history (even if you don't know the specifics) can make it feel that much more interesting. Plus, idle speculation about a piece's past or the creator's inspiration can make for fantastic cocktail party conversation!

Why is this piece such a confidence booster for me? First of all, in order for the necklace to lie flat, I have to stand up straight, keep my shoulders back, and generally exercise impeccable posture. That adjustment immediately gives me a stronger presence. Second, this is not a piece that blends into the background. It is unapologetically bold and the materials evoke a sense of strength. Lastly, it inspires me to put extra effort into my outfit so that it is being shown off against an appropriate canvas which means that my general look is also elevated. 

When a piece of jewelry looks good and makes you feel great, then you know that you have a piece that deserves a special spot in your jewelry box! What's the story behind your favorite piece of jewelry? Share in the comments!
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sunglasses + your vacation wardrobe

3/21/2015

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It's the time of year where the sun is shining and lots of people are packing their suitcases for a spring break getaway. I am going to be in Los Angeles next weekend where the temperatures are going to be in the 80s and 90s! Here in Chicago I am still wearing boots and scarves, but I will be stepping off the plane into 95 degees and sunshine. That is going to be quite a shock!

Luckily, I have been thinking about my vacation wardrobe since Warby Parker reached out to tell me about their newly launched Daydream Collection of sunglasses. No suitcase headed towards warm weather is complete without the perfect pair of sunglasses, so I have paired up a few of my warm weather vacation outfits with my favorite sunglasses from Warby Parker's new collection.
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Currently in Chicago I have to wear jackets and cardigans to stay warm against the outdoor temperature, but in LA I will have to wear those outer layers to stay warm against the chill of indoor air conditioning! If you are exploring your destination and expect to be wandering in and out of air conditioned comfort all day, bring a tote bag or oversized purse instead of a small clutch. When you are outside, you can store your outer layer in the tote and you will have plenty of extra room to keep a bottle of sunscreen on hand!
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Warby Parker - Abel (Burnt Lemon Tortoise)
Tortoiseshell is a classic pattern for glasses frames and the Abel in Burnt Lemon Tortoise feels fresh and fun. Pair it with light layers like this cotton tank, cropped cardigan, and cuffed ankle denim for a look that will keep both your style and your body temperature cool.
For sweltering hot days, nothing is better than a brightly patterned maxi dress. It is an easy way to look polished and stay cool all day long, whether you are strolling down the boardwalk or sipping cocktails in the hotel bar. Plus, a bonus is that the full length means that you never have to worry about a gust of wind lifting up the hem of your skirt. 
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Warby Parker - Jackson (Crystal)
The Jackson in Crystal is the perfect pair of sunglasses to top off this effortlessly chic look. Clear frames are practical because they coordinate with everything in your wardrobe, but it is their modern vibe that makes them the rockstar of your accessory collection.

One of the reasons that I was so excited to hear about Warby Parker's new collection is that they make it really easy to find stylish sunglasses even if you need prescription lenses. I've worn glasses since the second grade and the options for prescription sunglasses that are offered at the eye doctor aren't always the best, especially if you want great style at a reasonable price. Plus, trying to pick out a new pair of frames after you've finished an eye exam where your eyes were dilated is not a recipe for making a good decision. The alternative to that is Warby Parker's Home Try-On option. You browse their website and then pick out five frames that you think look promising and they will send a box to your home with those five options! You then get to spend five days trying on the frames with all your different outfits, hairstyles, and moods so that you can choose the perfect option for you. Basically you get to skip the fluorescent lights and the spur-of-the-moment decision making so that you can find the perfect pair of frames. How awesome is that?
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What vacation to a warm locale would be complete without a trip to the beach or the pool? Throw on a pair of patterned shorts and a lightweight chambray shirt over your swimsuit when you are done sunbathing so that you can grab a burger at the nearest snack shack. And don't forget sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare coming off the water!
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Warby Parker - Madison (Rum Cherry)
Long time readers of this blog know that red is my favorite color so I swooned when I saw the Madison in Rum Cherry. Since my brand new swimsuit (slightly visible in the photo underneath the polka dot chambray shirt) is red gingham, this seemed like the perfect pairing. Not to mention, when the 4th of July rolls around, you will have the red part of your outfit covered with these fabulous frames.
It is easy to get caught up in the bright colors when you are travelling to a warm location, but don't be afraid to try something a little more subdued. The grey-green cropped chinos add a relaxed feel to the burgundy lace shell which leaves the nautical inspired moto-jacket to make the big statement in this outfit. Pair with sandals for day or with peeptoe pumps for dinner and drinks. 
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Warby Parker - Piper (Striped Brandy)
Just because an outfit is subdued, doesn't mean that it has to be boring and the Piper in Striped Brandy is a perfect example of that. The variation of color is noticeable, but not overwhelming and as a result these frames can pair easily with outfits both bold and understated. This is the perfect option for anyone worried about wearing harsh colors (such as black) close to their face. After nearly eight years of wearing red frames for my everyday glasses, I switched to brown frames last year and have been pleasantly surprised at how easily brown coordinates with everything I like to wear, even though I have very few brown clothes. 


Do you agree with my pairings of outfits and sunglasses? Share your favorite combinations in the comments along with your packing tips and go-to vacation outfits! Be sure to follow me on social media to see all of the summer outfits I wear next weekend in Los Angeles!
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how to choose jewelry

3/3/2015

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A solid jewelry collection can improve any wardrobe, however, it is not always easy to know what pieces to invest in. There are the classics, like a pearl earring and necklace set, which cost a pretty penny and that you might not get a lot of use out of and then there are the trendier pieces which rarely stand up to the test of time. The must-haves for your jewelry collection will depend a lot on your personal style. Since I don't wear much jewelry on a daily basis, I tend to choose pieces that will work with specific outfits. If jewelry is your go-to accessory, then you will have to take a broader look at your closet so that you can make smart choices. Sometimes you may buy a piece of jewelry on a whim that ends up becoming a staple that you can't imagine living without.

The most important thing is to choose pieces that you like. If you don't like something, whether it is a particular metal or style, there is no reason to add it to your collection, even if everyone tells you that it is something you should have. I have a strong preference towards silver, so the bar is set much higher for gold pieces and I rarely buy them.

Make sure that you have pieces for a variety of dress codes. I prefer simple styles with a pop of sparkle for semi-formal occasions and brighter colors for casual wear. When I first started my jewelry collection, I only had pieces for dressy events because those were the outfits that most needed to be accessorized. I wore several weird outfits consisting of basic t-shirts and glitzy jewelry before I decided I needed to pick up fun costume pieces that could be easily worn during the day.

Set a budget and stick to it. There are great options at every price point so don't be discouraged if you have to expand your search beyond your favorite stores. Although I can find great deals on clothes at Ann Taylor and Banana Republic, their jewelry generally feels overpriced for the quality. For inexpensive pieces, I like Charming Charlie (though you have to sift through a lot of not-so-great pieces to find the gems) and for something a little bit nicer, try your local boutique for a unique option. 
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3 ways to look stylish while staying warm

12/8/2014

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The current season requires us to be bundled up in warm coats and cozy accessories, but until we get another polar vortex or a foot of snow on the ground, your winter attire can, and should, still look stylish. These three items will improve your look without sacrificing warmth or comfort:
1. Great Pair of Ankle Boots
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Pikolinos Brighton Boot $205
Snow boots are great for the snow, but the rest of the time a leather ankle boot will be your best friend. They look equally great with pants, skirts, and dresses and come in colors and patterns that are sure to brighten up even the dreariest December days. This is the perfect footwear option to complement your holiday social calendar because it will keep your feet protected from the elements (unlike pumps or ballet flats) and garner you tons of compliments!
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Boden Chic Ankle Boot $178
2. Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves
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J. Crew Tech Gloves $98
Leather gloves add a polished touch to any outfit and with a cashmere lining you will never want to take them off. While there are plenty of leather gloves available in black or brown, I prefer a bolder color to add a pop to your outfit especially if your winter coat is a dark, neutral color. The nice thing about your outerwear accessories is that they don't have to coordinate with every outfit that you own; they only have to look good with your visible clothing. So as long as your coat, hat, scarf, and gloves look good together, you will look great. If you aren't feeling very color confident this season, choose grey instead of black. Both styles featured here are available in grey.
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Lands' End Leather Gloves $69
3. Patterned Scarf
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Boden Skye Scarf $58
Of all your outerwear pieces, your scarf is the most likely item to end up in photographs. With a prime location next to your face, it will be visible while ice skating, caroling, or just taking a stroll through the snow. Choose a color that you love with a bit of pattern. Remember that your coat will cover up most of the scarf so you can go with a bold choice without overwhelming your look. I prefer an oversized scarf so that if I get caught outside without a hat, I can wrap it around my head and keep my ears from freezing off. This is especially helpful when going to holiday parties where it can be easy to lose track of your cold weather accessories.
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Banana Republic Diamond Knit Scarf $79.50
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my summer sandal: the birkenstock gizeh

6/6/2014

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Lately women in Chicago have been very interested in my sandals. They have spoken to me on the train, stopped me on the street, and chatted with me in the elevator. And everyone asks the same things. Here's a pretty standard conversation:
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Birkenstock Gizeh in Green Glow Patent $89.95
Random Person: Those sandals are really cute!
Me: Thanks!
Random Person: Are they comfortable?
Me: Definitely! I practically live in them.
Random Person: Really? Could you walk a mile in them?
Me: I could walk five miles in them! 
Random Person: (pause) Wow. (pause) What brand are they?
Me: Birkenstock!
People are usually pretty surprised to hear that my super cute and colorful sandals are Birkenstocks. For the last five or six years I have been wearing the Gizeh sandal, which is (in my opinion) the most fashionable style they offer, but Birkenstocks have been my go-to sandal for more than a decade. From about March to October, I pretty much live in them. A colorful sandal is a go-to summer piece and the wide straps on these sandals makes the color visible. I already have a couple colors in my closet, but am still lusting after the green glow patent. 
When people ask me about my sandals, I wish I had ten minutes to tell them everything I love about them. Instead I just say that I love them in a very enthusiastic voice. But here's the reality: most summer sandals just aren't that comfortable and until you've tried a comfortable pair, it is hard to really understand the difference that it can make. I bought my first pair of Birkenstocks because the cheap flip flops I had been wearing made my knees and feet hurt. It takes a couple weeks to break in a pair of Birks, but the payoff is more than worth it. I feel like my sandals are made for my feet. 

Birkenstock doesn't really change anything drastically from season to season so once you figure out your size, then you can order them online. (I usually get mine from Zappos or RueLaLa.) There are a ton of color options so you can always find something that will appeal to you, they last more than one season (just remember to get the cork sealant to protect them from the rain), and you can walk in them for days! Honestly, the only downside is that you get weird tan lines on your feet. 

Still not convinced? Check out Birkenstock on Pinterest and see all the user-submitted photos of people loving their Birks!
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