recent purchase reviews

the other week i blogged about jcrew's fantastic sales & free shipping offer.

i just got my two packages in the mail and i'm happy to report i'm a fan of it all!

this belt will be around a lot this summer!

as will the hat! perfect structure and light-weight.

I think the necklace is adorable too.

I don't know if I should keep it bc I have so many necklaces!

Yay for free shipping! I recommend all of these products from JCrew. I'm super happy with both the quality and price!

deals & steals: jcrew

JCrew is having a great sale right now and the best part? Free Shipping no matter how much or how little you spend! Just use the code FREESHIP




Summer hat $24.99

Adorable Bucket Bag $99.99

Darling Pearl Necklace $29.99

Obsessed! Cut-out Wedges $99.99




The easy Summer staple dress: $29.99

Belt it up $16.99

I have made a couple separate orders this AM because why not? It's free!

all images via jcrew.com

simple & chic

i don't normally wear black to a wedding shower but i fell in love with the idea of a statement necklace and then just let the black dress win.

saturday was b & a's first wedding shower. the food was delicious, the got a ridiculous amount of swag and they were so happy it was borderline disgusting!


i wore a simple black sheath with an exposed zipper. nude patent wedges. and one heck of a statement necklace.

necklace: jcrew
dress: gap
shoes: stuart weitzman

A Girl's Guide to Summer

It's official.
It is hotter than hell in Chicago!

As the Summer starts, wardrobes change, sunscreen is in full force, and anything cold is a friend of mine.

Here's what you'll find me sporting this Summer in Chicago

Cute Totes
Grab a light-weight tote for farmer's markets, impromptu beach & pool visits, and festival galore.

via Target

Headbands
Cute headbands take a ponytail from blah to chic. They also make the 'just out of the water' look pretty darn adorable.

Via Anthropologie


Via Anthropologie

Wear the right shorts.
You can have Cameron Diaz's legs but please, have some taste.
No one needs to see alllll of you.

via JCrew

SPF. SPF. SPF.
I can't stress it enough. As an alabaster Irish/Norwegian girl, I swear by daily SPF. Don't hurt your skin!

via drugstore.com


Cotton maxi dress.
The saving grace of summer. Wear it to your neighborhood street fest, throw on a cute necklace, and boom! you're ready for a night on the town. Super versatile and incredibly comfortable.

via JCrew

What's on your list to surviving the Summer?

sandal time

It's finally becoming sandal weather in Chicago. Can I just say, it's about time!!

I'd like to add each and every one of these sandals to my closet.

Everyday Wear

1/2/3

Simple & Sweet

1/2/3

Details, Details!

1/2/3

What's a cute pair of sandals without a good pedi? These are my go-to shades for this Summer!

Essie Colors: Splash of Grenadine, Turquoise & Caicos, Bachelorette Bash

What kind of sandals are you going to sport this Summer?

Big Spring Looks

I did a guest post last Friday for Elizabeth while she was enjoying vacationing in Maui and I completely forgot to link over to the post (and i'm feeling lazy today) so without further ado...

As the weather is changing and we're moving toward Spring temperatures my mind is wrapped around clothes, clothes, and clothes! I'm from Chicago and we're getting hints of 50s and 60s and I can't wait to expand my Spring Wardrobe.

My list of looks for this Spring include:

Safari Chic. I would wear every single piece in this set multiple ways. And can I just say how much I love the TOMS wedges?!
(I wanted to use the cream blouse but Polyvore was making it look a HOT mess!)

Safari Chic by pursuitofllt featuring a button up blouse

Button up blouse, $78
Ann Taylor LOFT trench coat, $98
GAP dark wash jeans, $70
TOMS canvas wedge shoes, $69
MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors jewelry, $195
Tory Burch mirrored sunglass, $175

Preppy Shore. I've been dying for these Gap shorts and I know I'd wear these DV sandals to death! Plus a wrap-a-round striped cardigan? Sign me up!

Preppy Shore by pursuitofllt featuring a stripe cardigan

Stripe cardigan, $68
Gap short, $55
Dolce Vita leather shoes, $160
Alexis bittar jewelry, $55
Michael Stars Calypso, $85
Make + Model Straw Bowler Hat | Nordstrom, $32

Finally, Femine Dresses. They come in every shape and size and I'm dying for a new maxi that is as romantic as Anthropologie's and the floral Free People is an eye-catcher. But the functionality of the Ann Taylor Loft dress makes me feel like it's chic & practical. AKA a must buy!

Dress up Spring by pursuitofllt featuring a keyhole dress

Nanette Lepore keyhole dress, $398
Ruffle maxi dress, $228
Free People flower print dress, $148
ECI wrap around dress, $98
Ann Taylor LOFT pocket dress, $79
Lucky Brand Stripe T-Shirt Dress | Nordstrom, $60

So those are the looks I'm craving for Spring and Summer 2011! Do you have any looks you're planning on wearing this Spring?

Colorblind?

I'm a sucker for classic colors. My closet is 60% black, 20% white, 20% miscellaneous. I need some color in there!

So it came as no surprise to me that I would pair a cream cardigan from Anthro with monochromatic accessories.

Sometimes you just stick to the basics, I guess!

Vintage Coach Crossbody, MICHAEL Michael Kors Shoes, Ann Taylor Loft Necklace

Chains and Jewels? Sign me up.

All in the same color family.

I really try to stay away from being super matchy-matchy but this one might have done me in!

Do you tend to stay in the same color family when accessorizing?

Or do you like punches of color?

Fashion Inspiration

My friend J is an incredibly talented fashion designer. I blogged about her before and the dress she made for our friend L's wedding.

She recently moved back to Chicago and is planning on opening her own studio and starting up shop! I'm so excited for her and I know she is going to end up being incredibly successful! Just look at some of her designs...

I can imagine wearing this so many ways.

LOVE this blouse!

The detailing on the belt is so intricate.

The dress is her raw collection and it's so beautiful in person.

If only I had a tenth of this talent!


Don't forget to enter my Lush Cosmetics giveaway. Ends tonight!

Buy This, Not That: Target Edition

I expressed my undying love for Tarjay yesterday and after seeing some of these items compared to their high priced friends, I'm even more in love with Target.

Look for yourself...

I made cute little collages on Picasa but apparently they don't want to cooperate today and are super tiny. Boo!

Buy This: Xhilaration Striped Maxi Dress: $24.99

Not This: Joie Maxi Dress: $198

Buy This: Merona Cutout Wedges: $22.99

Not this: Stella McCartney Cutout Flats: $595

Buy This: Mossimo Wedges: $29.99

Not This: DV Dolce Vita Wedges: $88.95

Buy This: Merona Shift Dress: $39.99

Not this: Lily Pulitzer Shift: $268

Target goes to show that you can have CHIC, fashionable pieces without the Designer Prices.


Who doesn't love that?


And how about LLT's face-lift? I wanted something clean and easy. I'm pretty happy with the outcome!

I Spy: Ikat

I've been obsessed with all things Ikat lately.

I love the colors and design. It's part hippie + part artsy = total perfection.

From Left to Right
1. Via
2. Via
3. Via

Clockwise starting with the shoes
1. Via
2. Via
3. Via

Clockwise starting with cards
1. Via
2. Via
3. Via

I really want the 1st dress, DVF Kindle Cover and Calling cards. SO cute!

Are you a fan of Ikat?

Guest Blogger D, etc.: Get The Look

Please welcome the lovely Daniela from D, etc. Her posts are always full of great fashion tips and I read her blog daily :)

Hi Everyone! While E's away on vacation I offered to guest post for her :) Thanks E for the opportunity and enjoy your vacation!

Jessica Alba added a floral skirt, mega high platforms and sunglasses to play up this all black look. Most of us have the basics for this outfit already sitting in our closets - a black blazer, a pair of black opaque tights and a simple long sleeved black top.





Here are a few options for floral skirts, all under $30 (a few at half that!):

Mini Skirts by Forever 21

This outfit would also look great in flats, in case you're like me and couldn't last a second in shoes like hers, or in a pair of suede wedges. If you're a pro when it comes to platforms, they're listed below :)

Blazers at Nordstrom

Thanks again, E!

Great post, D! Thanks so much!! I have to say, I'm totally on board with this look and like D I'd probably pair it with wedges or flats :) Must go closet diving now for a floral skirt!

Row Your Boat

I want to be on a yacht wearing these clothes. Who wouldn't?

The Nautical look is big right now. It's all over the catalogs, runways, and fashion magazines. I'm a big fan of it because let's be honest I love stripes. Need a refresher? Check out this post.

1. UO Staring at Stars Ranger Hat $34
2. Sperry Top-Sider Angelfish Boat Shoes $74.95
3. DVF Canvas Nautical Tote $85
4. Tory Burch Striped Espadrille $95
5. Ray Ban Cockpit Sunglasses $139





1. Bailey 44 Gyro Jacket $187
2. Ann Taylor Knit Striped Dress $128
3. Gap Wide Leg Trouser Jean (dark rinse) $69.50
4. Hudson Jeans Wide Leg Trouser Jeans $165
5. Hy & Dot Stripe Blazer $108
6. Anthropologie First Mate Skirt $148
7. Banana Republic Linen Nautical Stripe Crew $39.50

My faves are the Tory flats, DVF tote and Ann Taylor dress.

What do you think about the Nautical look? Are you on board?