Maximum Style

I think the trend I'm most eager to try this summer is maxi dresses. While this style is aimed towards the taller ladies, I think us petite ladies can rock them, too! At 5'2" I can look like a column in my Hasbeens and a solid colored maxi. I also must say, as a curvy lady with a pixie cut it's a lot easier to embrace the 70s comeback that's emerging, too!

Anyway, back to maxis. These all come from stylish Euro-site ASOS, and through today a lot of their brand of Spring styles is 20% off. They also have free shipping and returns! (I have my eye on the royal blue one up there...) Have any of you embraced the maxi dress trend yet? Where have you found lovely long frocks?

Longchamp Le Pliage

I am smitten with these Longchamp Le Pliage totes! They are huge, nylon with leather accents, durable, waterproof, and foldable. These are perfect for summer and my upcoming trip to Nashville! I just need to decide on a color... Which one would you get?

Especially cos my summer shoes will be these (once I get my tax return)...!

Ballet Dresses

On Sunday Michael and I will be attending the Joffrey Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker at the Auditorium Theater! The Auditorium Theater is one of the most beautiful buildings in Chicago, built in 1889, with gorgeous Art Nouveau interior and amazing acoustics. Michael and I saw Cinderella, also from the Joffrey Ballet, there in February. I've also seen a few concerts there. If you are ever in Chicago try to get a tour of it!



Of course, the hardest thing is figuring out what to wear! It's easy in the summer, as most cute dresses are sleeveless and don't require any further layering, but winter is a bit more difficult. I'm still not sure what I'll be wearing yet but I'm doing a bit of fantasy shopping...



all from Modcloth



Shop Ruche

What would you wear to the ballet?

Cheap Thrills

Rule of thumb, of course, is to invest in classic pieces that can be worn season after season. In general I agree with this, though I've been lucky enough to thrift some high quality pieces very inexpensively. Nevertheless, sometimes a girl finds a trend that really catches her eye or feels a few new pieces might perk up the existing ones in her closet. Being the natural bargain hunter I am, I've compiled a few goodies to spruce up your wardrobe while being kind to the ole wallet (everything here is $20 US or under!).



left to right... Curtain Tights from Hansel From Basel, $18; French Dots Slipper Socks from Sock Theory, $10; Bow Diggity Tee from Modcloth, $19.99; Fashion Chain Necklace from Old Navy, $14.50; Cheetah Print Oxfords from Forever 21, $19.80; Contrast Color And Metallic Striped Skirt from Forever 21, $17.80.

TikiTiki!

Tomorrow evening, after I get off of work, a small group of friends and I will be venturing to Hala Kahiki, a tiki bar located in one of Chicago suburbs. Naturally, half the fun of going is deciding what to wear (one of my friends made a dress for the occasion!) and half the fun of THAT is doing a little fantasy shopping. I'm 90% sure what I'm going to wear, but it doesn't hurt to poke around Etsy a bit! Here are some of my faves:



from Land Of 1000 Dresses



from Bohemian Bisoux



from Fab Gabs



from Tialey Vintage



from Blueberry Deluxe


What would you wear if you were me? Post some inspiration for me (or my man, he's stumped, too)!