In there like swimwear

When Chicago does decide to warm up, I've already got my favorite two-pieces lined up for summer. I tend to keep my swimwear quite neutral; the less trendy and bright, the more wearable all season. Plus, simple suits tend to look good pre-tan (now) and post-tan (August). I recommend getting cheap pieces you can mix and match so your bathing suits never get old or boring. And try to stay away from crazy silhouettes (scalloped #4 or cutout #7 is about as crazy as I'll go)...nobody wants a weird tan line.

Have a great long weekend!

1. H&M

2. J. Crew

3. Victoria's Secret

4. Stone Cold Fox Lagoon

5. Topshop

6. Made By Dawn

7. Topshop

Wearing: Laser cut blouse

This just shows that you can find expensive looking items at places like Forever 21. It's all about the simple pieces with something special about them. I was drawn to this top by its vintage feel, delicate details and slight western flair.

And finally! My favorite summer sandals come out to play. They go with everything and are so comfortable.

Top: Forever 21 (really want this one)

Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Clutch: Thrifted

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Sandals: Dolce Vita (similar)

Shoesday

Love these sandal-shoe hybrids for Summer. Aldo's got it goin' on this season!

Aldo Blahat Sandal (on sale!)

Wearing: Monday blues

I'm really into the Canadian Tuxedo lately. It's easy and simple, yet fresh and looks put together. I wore this to bop around on Saturday and carried this awesome clutch into the night. Finally, and thank god, it's officially jorts season.

Shirt: Old Navy (old, similar one here)

Shorts: Forever 21

Bag: Thrift (similar style here)

Sandals: Victoria's Secret (similar here)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Wearing: The weather

Summer is so close, yet so far. And because I feel weird wearing cool patterns and bright colors when  it's so cold and gray out (i.e. yesterday), I figured I would just match my environment with a black and white color palette and one of my favorite coats. Yes, coat. In May.

I love this one for two reasons: the cool charcoal color and the odd, large shape. Oversized coats look so great over slim clothing like all black or a very simple stripe and tight black jeans.  When cold weather stays a little longer than its welcome, your outer layer better be your chicest layer.

Cheers to 80 degrees today! Perhaps this blog will start to get a little brighter!

Coat: H&M (old, love this oversized plum one)

Top: Forever 21 (old, similar)

Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Flats: Old Navy (similar)

Carryall: Zara

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Wearing: Bell sleeves

On Monday I brought you half sleeves. Today I pick up the slack with bell shape sleeves, which make this sweater one of my favorites. I'm all about the unconventional sweater or top; something that paired with plain old jeans still makes the outfit special. I originally saw this sweater at H&M months ago but for 50 bucks it was a big N-O. Then, finally, it was half off of half off and the sweater was mine. And the sleeves are awesome.

Sweater: H&M (currently on sale, lusting this sweater for spring)

Jeans: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Sandals: Victoria's Secret (similar)

Sunglasses: H&M (currently)

Style icons at the 2013 Met Gala

All of my style icons were in one place at last night's Met Gala, which this year celebrated punk. Taylor Tomasi Hill is everything in a red and white dream come true with spiked shoulders, Alexa Chung's mesh is totally sophisticated rock and roll, SJP's head piece needs a social security number and Beyonce is well, Beyonce.

via Vogue

Shoesday

Now here is a midi heel done right. Currently obsessed with Isabel Marant's Spring/Summer 2013 gladiator sandal, which are available at Barney's for a lot of money.

1 / 2

Wearing: Shortsleeved jacket

I had an absolutely fantastic weekend. It was my birthday yesterday (yes, Cinco de Drinko) so Saturday night friends and I went to Barrelhouse Flat, a really cool, cute bar with stellar cocktails. Then, on Sunday I had a dream day of brunch and shopping with my boyfriend. It was sunny but there was a slight chill so I wore this short sleeved jacket and jeans to prance around in. I found the jacket at Crossroads and while it was above my $10 an item price limit (it was $18), I couldn't leave without it. It's a perfect topper when the day is just a tad cold but doesn't warrant a full sleeve.

Coat: Thrifted (lusting for this light jacket)

Top: Forever 21 (similar)

Jeans: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Flats: Nine West

Bag: Zara

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (love these similar ones)

Spring classics

I've been gravitating to the basics lately so I wanted to share some of my favorite classic pieces are that are instant ways to chic (and not in order of priority).

A striped top is an absolute staple that everyone should have. I'm pretty sure I wear a striped tee every week (sorry if you're sick of it) since it's so easy. With a leather skirt, light jeans, shorts, stripes are quite possibly the simplest way to elevate an otherwise boring outfit.

Delicate gold jewelry. Either alone for a simple accent or layered for an edgier look, you can find pretty little pieces for as low as two dollars. 

It's no surprise that I'm a sucker for a great flat, especially a great nude flat, and I can't stress how important it is that every woman have a pair. Not only are they versatile, they're magical. You will look leggier than ever.  

Striped top details (clockwise): J. Crew, La Garconne, Forever 21, Forever 21, Uniqlo  

Jewelry details: Long arrowhead necklace, double geo necklace, whistle necklace, LOVE necklace, tiny arrow earrings, knot ring, rhinestone/triangle stud set, arrow/heart stud set, lip earrings, spike cuff, metal bar bracelet, midi ring, triangle cuff     

Nude flat details (clockwise):  Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Topshop, Forever 21,  Asos, Old Navy, Aldo, Forever 21, Zara

Translucent on the left, alive on the right

Holy hell.

Same wall, different time of year. What a depressing side by side comparison.

Left: Today's post

Right: Labor Day's post

Wearing: Asymmetrical skirt

Not done yet folks! Another leather piece I've added to my repertoire, and for 9 dollars at the Urban Outfitters Surplus (seriously Chicago people you need to go there if you haven't yet) I couldn't resist. I re-wear iterations of this outfit all the time so it just goes to show how not sick of stripes I am. Or leather.

Top: Forever 21

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Sandals: Victoria's Secret (similar in Bronze)