april showers bring...cheap rain boots!

What is more depressing than coming back from a poolside vacation to rainy, dingy Chicago? Fine. I really don't have that much room to complain, there are worse things in the world. Still, I'm quickly losing hope that it will ever stop raining in this city! There is light at the end of the tunnel, however, because a rainy April means plenty of reason to check out some new rain boots!

What always surprises me is how much a pair of rubber boots can set a girl back. I just can't rationalize spending a significant amount of cash on a pair of footwear used to treck through mud and slush. Luckily, there are some cheaper (and just as cute!) alternatives of your favorite rain boots out there- and by teaming up with Polyvore, I've found them for you.

Enjoy!

trending trenches

timeless jackie, timeless coat! 

trenches on the street: this trench adds a bit of sophistication to this otherwise funky outfit

Emma Watson staying classy 

cream & zara. enough said

walk of shame? looks a whole lot classier with some Burberry!

Lately I've been finding myself wasting an unthinkable amount of time daydreaming about purchasing a classic, tan trench coat. And who can blame me? They add the perfect amount of polish to any outfit- whether it's jeans and a t-shirt or your saturday night finest. It's one of the original staples of fashion, second to only the Little Black Dress.

Here's your dose of history for the day: the trench was originally created for army officers in WWI. Thanks to it's practicality and sophistication, it didn't stay in the trenches for long. The moment this classic beauty hit the streets, the world was forever changed.

So, this is my question. What on earth is a broke girl to do to satisfy her thirst for Burberry trenches? Thank god, there's always eBay!

on Wednesday's we wear...oxblood

runway look: peter som, lipstick: Nars in Fire Down Below, skirt: Topshop, booties: Alexander Wang clutch: Alexander McQueen

chambray shirt: jcrew- see similar here, oxblood harem pants: Forever 21- see similar here, purse: vintage sunglasses: ralph lauren

pants: see above. necklace: old Jcrew, shirt: Forever 21, see similar here

Hot off the press- Oxblood- (of all names) is the new color of fall. I thought I'd title this post in Mean Girls speak just to emphasize it's importance. Watch out Merlot and Burgundy- there's a new shade of Maroon in town!

Okay, really, I know it looks very similar to all other variations of dark red that exist out there. But you can't deny it's elegance. You saw it everywhere on the runway- from Acne to McQueen- and now it's popping up everywhere for fall. Unbeknownst to this fashion forecast, I actually bought the above pants in July- but they've quickly become my new fall closet staple. Despite the fact that they are red, they are actually the most versatile pair of pants I own. They can be dressed up for a client meeting, dressed down for the farmer's market with a chambray shirt, and spiced up to go out with a pair of killer heels and a cropped blazer.

Have you snagged some oxblood for your closet yet?

need some Monday inspiration with that coffee?

Happy Monday!(?) if there is such a thing. I thought this was a fitting post for a Monday morning, when enthusiasm seems to be at it's lowest. Now, pour yourself an extra cup of coffee (go ahead- you can splurge on the half & half) and be sure to slather on plenty of hot red lipstick to ward off all evils. Monday won't be so bad after all. 

some day my prints will come...during fashion week

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

If you're like me, you've been eagerly following the upcoming trends for Spring at New York Fashion Week. Unfortunately since I currently reside in Chicago, I was a bit removed from the action. However, I have pulled together some of my favorite looks unveiled from last week- and collection after collection had one thing in common- gorgeous prints!

JCrew fall collection-photo c/o Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere

floral and tweed make the perfect combination at Sachin + Babi

Pretty Blue prints were a theme at Rebecca Minkoff

My personal favorite of NYFW Spring 2012- Rachel Roy's new collection

 So I know what you're thinking- these new spring trends are all fabulous, but it isn't spring yet. It's not even winter yet. You have a lot of waiting to do before you can bust out the floral prints and hot pink. However- that doesn't mean you have to wait until May to jump on the trend wagon. Below is a great example on how you can mix your prints, right now. What are your favorite print-on-print combinations?

Falling for Fall

My images: Friday's look- burnt orange and denim & fresh peaches at today's farmer's market. Other images via Pinterest

I can really hardly contain my excitement. I think I like fall more than Christmas, and I know it's fall now because on Friday I indulged in my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of 2012- which really was the highlight of my week. Is it sad that a seasonal beverage has become the official marker of summer's end? Kindof. But I'm not complaining. 

Anyway, said latte has in turn has given me new wardrobe inspiration. One thing I cannot get enough of is burnt orange (a la- pumpkin spice). So far I've paired it with a denim button down and some neutral colored accessories (bulldog print is definitely neutral- right?) 

talk derby to me...no horse race required

derby party spread

Italian sammies

cheese and [sea]biscuit platter

Hats required. This one's from H&M. Find similar here

In honor of miss Kathleen's 25th birthday we decided to throw a big soiree with a real, grown-up theme. You could call this the first party we've ever had that wasn't some type of glorified post-college frat party. We really are growing up fast, aren't we? We had the whole 9 yards- cheese plates, cucumber sandwiches, and mint julep station. For derby-themed decorations and accents, we used the amazing cutouts I found on this great blog. I have to say, I was pretty impressed with what we were able to pull together.

Aside from the store-bought meat and cheese platters, we made two types of bite-sized sandwiches...

Run for the roses- Italian sammies!

• 1 French Baguette
• 1 TBS Mayo
• 1 TBS Pesto
• Fresh Basil
• Salami or Capricola 
• Tomatoes (Roma or Cherry Tomatoes are best)
• Mozzarella (Bufala is best)
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt & Pepper to taste

After slicing baguette in half lengthwise, spread both mayo and pesto on top half of the bread. Add the salami, sliced tomatoes, and sliced mozzarella. Finish with roughly chopped basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Cut into thin slices and serve!

Fit-for-a-teaparty cucumber sandwiches:

• 1 thinly sliced cucumber, peeled
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese (softened or if you want to cheat (like me) buy the whipped kind)
• 1 packet of ranch dressing (I like Hidden Valley)
• 1 TSP dried or fresh dill 
• Thinly sliced white bread
• Salt & Pepper to taste 

If possible, pre-mix the ranch dressing, dill, and cream cheese and let sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight so flavors can meld.  Once you're ready to make the sandwiches, spread an even amount onto white bread, add peeled and thinly sliced cucumbers, add salt and pepper as you like. Voila! Instant hoity-toityness! 

Who says there has to be a horse race on TV to throw a fantastic southern party?