Better Together

Sweet Romeo "Swing Top"
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Red Engine "Ruby Fit" Jeans
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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.

Beaten But Not Down

AG "Angel"
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There are those times when you feel like all terrible possibilities are turning into realities, hurtling towards you from every end of the universe. Murphy's Law takes effect and everything goes wrong. But never fear. All of these things only produce bad moments in time. Moments only. Blips. Instants that are gone instants later. They may leave you feeling beaten, but you will never be down. Kind of like these AG jeans. They are destroyed. But not down.

Chicago Pride

Photo Courtesy of Mike Gustafson via ThisNext

If you don't know that the Bears are playing the Packers tomorrow in the playoffs, then you probably need to get out more. As you gear up to watch the big game, keep in mind to show off your Chicago pride. It is about representing the city, not just the Bears, so even if you don't have a Bears shirt to sport, put on one of your Bulls or Cubs ones. We rally and are united as one team tomorrow: Team Chicago. Show the love. Shop here.

No Work Involved

Chaser "Van Halen" Tee
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A good vintage t-shirt is like a good bottle of old wine - aged, developed, matured. But, like wine, it takes time and special handling in order to eventually produce perfect results. The shirt must be washed and dried just so, making it softer and softer without damaging the fibers too much; it must not be sweat in to liberally, otherwise underarm holes will quickly develop; and it must be of good make to begin with (50/50 cotton/poly is the best!) or the whole operation will be fruitless from the get-go. Follow these steps and you will be sure to have the best vintage t in no time! Or rather, in quite some time. On the other hand, you could pick up a Chaser shirt, already made to look and feel as if you put your heart and soul into distressing it perfectly. Hmm...less work, instant gratification? Yes please.

Start From Scratch The Surface

Ella Moss "Navy Heritage Dress"
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Rorschach tests are used to determine who we are. We see a blot of ink, depict something recognizable from within its random chaos, and are consequently diagnosed. You see a moth, I see a butterfly. Does that mean you have happy, pretty thoughts and I have thoughts of creepy, furry things that come out only at night? Doubtful! But...maybe...?

This dress is probably more likely than an ink stain to determine who you are, stylistically anyways. It is unique, but in a clean slate sort of way so that it really is the perfect building block from which to start. How would I wear it? With red shoes, drop earrings, and red lips.

How do you see it?

Always Hot

Image Courtesy of DenimBlog

There will always be those people who, no matter what they wear, they always look good. It is definitely a matter of taste though, and not everyone will agree as to who looks good in what. That being said, nine times out of ten I think Kourtney Kardashian hits the nail on the head with her fashion choices. She knows what looks good on her and doesn't take any of it so seriously as to look contrived or overdressed. It always comes off as on trend and effortless. Case in point: doing a little holiday shopping in California recently, she pulled off these Paige jeans with ease. Happily, we can all do the same thing with our very own Skylines. Buy them here.

Tougher

Images via Andrew Marc

This time of year has the potential to crush people's spirits: no more family gathering for ten months, no more excuses for daily drinking or food binging, pants that are too small and belts with new notches, cold weather... You know the feeling. January can be a month of doldrums and self loathing.

Enter the leather jacket. Contoured to fit just right, with stitching that automatically slims your figure, this Andrew Marc number is your OTC anti-depressant. Something about leather jackets screams confidence. Screams bada**. You just feel cool when you put it on. Is there a better reason not to wear one?

Give January a swift kick.