Be Prepared

Whether or not you were ever a part of the Girl Scouts, no doubt you are most likely familiar with their motto: "Be Prepared."  I was a scout for many years growing up and it brings back fond memories every year around this time when the cookie sellers come out "en masse" to vend us their goods.  And I swear, either I grow a little bit more each year (is that even possible at 29?) or the cookies get a little bit smaller each time around.  Seriously.  Am I in Wonderland or are you all seeing this too?  Either way, they are still delicious and if I have to eat five of them rather than three to get my fill then so be it.

Being prepared doesn't just apply to things like having a first-aid kit on hand.  It also applies to other parts of life.  Like fashion.  How so?  Well, if being on trend is important to you, then knowing what looks will be in for the coming season is of the utmost necessity.  Shop with the styles in mind and, come Spring, you will be so well prepared that no one will know if you used to be a Scout or not.  So what's one trend that we know will be around this season? Colorblocking.  We have seen it in seasons past, yes, but it has true staying power and is most definitely still relevant.  My pick for this look is this LinQ Colorblocked Sweaterdress.  You can kind of do a million things with it and not break a sweat.

Get prepared.

LinQ Colorblocked Sweaterdress

Give Them What They Want...Sometimes

Yes, we know that kids beg and plead and ask for more things than they could ever hope to get.   The probability rate for most of them is most likely not more than 50%, meaning half the time they cry, they don't get what they want no matter how many tears they shed!  They probably figure that if they try as much as they can, half the time they will get what they want.  And so they just keep on begging.  But there are times when caving is okay.  Maybe they deserve it for those good grades or for winning the soccer tournament.  Better yet, maybe flattery will get them everywhere, including into your heart.  Wouldn't you give in if they told you they wanted to be just like you?  We love them in their pint-sized adult jeans.  Don't you?  Shop for them here.

Straight Talk

We like people who give it to us straight.  No bull. 
We like drinks that are straight up.  No ice.
We like ties that sit straight.  Not crooked.
So wouldn't it stand to reason that we like jeans that are straight?  Of course, there is a time and place for those other styles.  But straight jeans always hit the mark.  Skinny enough to elongate the legs but open enough at the bottom to work with any style of shoe. 
When we aim for something, we want the path to be straight and true.  Bullseye.

 

 

David Kahn "Rio Nikki Straight Leg"

Buy Them Here

And Now...

Valentine's Day has officially passed (though remnants of it may still remain, i.e. half eaten chocolates cookies or, in my case, cupcakes, flowers that may last three more days, hangovers, and you know the rest).  Valentine's seems to be the official mark that defines when we really are getting ready to move into Spring.  It is like a warmness that first starts in our hearts and eventually it makes its way into the air.  Before long, Spring has truly arrived and shorts sleeves abound.  We may not be there yet, but we can get ready for it. 

Long Live Spring!

Forever

 

Maybe, when looking at jeans, you don't want the pair that is "of the moment".  Maybe you are looking for a pair to span the ages.  To be chic now, and forever.  Because whether we like to admit it or not, nowadays most pairs of jeans a minor investment.  Not overly expensive, but enough to make most of us put extra thought into the purchase of each pair.  And how ridiculous it seems to think of throwing/giving away all of them a few years down the road when after they have passed their style prime.  Why not, instead, make sure that at least one of your pairs is worthy of the ages.  Something with just the right wash, just the right leg cut and perfect amount of bootcut at the bottom.  A jean named for all the years it should cover.  The AG "Decade".  This may be the jean that lasts longest for you and the only one you shouldn't think twice about getting.

Buy it here.

Get Ready

Today kicks of New York Fashion Week. Maybe you aren't headed out East to view the shows from the front row, but won't you at least be celebrating in style at home? If you want to but are unsure of quite how to do that, here are a few simple pointers:

1. Make sure you know every single trend. Otherwise you will most likely be silently ridiculed an pointed at. (I am of course being dramatic and ridiculous here. You cannot tell the tone of my voice from these typed letters.) One trend that is on the rise (again) is flared jeans. I like these Paige Jeans.
2. Keep warm but remain chic. It is cold in NY, it is cold in Chicago, it is cold anywhere but Cali and Florida. Can you think of a better way than a wool/cashmere blend sweater? That is on sale, no less. Thank you Ella Moss.
3. Accessorize. Even if all else fails and you simply cannot pull a decent outfit together from within the depths of your closet, keep cool with your accoutrements. Accessories are what make the outfit, what give it uniqueness, what update it, what make it all click. Save the day with some Shashi.

This all may not add up to the true experience of sitting in live on a fashion show. But it is the best possible substitute. Sit at your computer and watch the shows anytime, here.

Last Chance!

Ok, so Chicago sadly didn't make it to the Super Bowl. And it's okay to feel sad and disappointed about that. But that loss was two weeks ago. And so we have gotten over it. Only kind of. But whether we are in it or not, ten bucks says we will all be watching the big game today. If you haven't started the revelries just yet, you still have a chance to make the huge sale at The Denim Lounge with items up to 80% off. Something to wear to watch the game in. Or something to wear while you still cry tears of bitter disappointment. Either way, a steal is a deal!

Shop The Sale Here

Better Together

Sweet Romeo "Swing Top"
Buy it Here

Red Engine "Ruby Fit" Jeans
Buy Them Here

There is a reason why wine is so often paired with food and why chocolate almost always has a sidekick, whether it be cheese, fruit, nuts, or just more chocolate. There is a reason why popcorn must be consume while watching a movie. There is a reason why maple syrup must accompany pancakes.

What is the reason? Together these individual pieces become better. Each elevates, enhances, and amplifies the another. Alone they are certainly good enough, but together they create unmistakable magic.

For instance: I like these Red Engine jeans to a very high degree. Perfect boot leg and a really crisp, dark, clean wash that is ultra appealing right now. I am also VERY into uneven hemlines. Which is why I am really, really loving this Sweet Romeo top. It is so visually interesting that terms such as "dull grey" or "simple cardigan" never cross the mind, even though it is one even hemline away from being coined either! Pairing this top up with the jeans instantly creates a simple act of harmony. Each looks better with than without the other.

And better is always, well, better.