RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY

Or if you have to stay, let's get your feet ready to stay dry.

Rain isn't shy when it comes to Houston, but just like winter coats in Chicago, there is no reason to wear boring rain boots just because the weather sucks. From prints to studs, pops of color to sleek chic - you can find the perfect pair to match your changing outfit and style. Trust me, I've got a few pairs myself. See my favorite boots to stomp in puddles, below!

1. Joules 'Evedone' Rain Boot ($164.95) - Nordstrom, 2. Hunter Original Fringe Mid-Calf Rain Boots ($185.00) - Saks Fifth Avenue, 3. SLOOSH Italy Original Opaque Rain Boots ($220.00) - Shopbop, 4. Jeffrey Campbell Forecast Rain Boot ($70.00) - Urban Outfitters, 5. Original Tall Dazzle Rain Boots ($235.00) - Hunter, 6. Rockstud Rain Boot ($445.00) - Valentino, 7. Chooka Top Solid Rain Boot ($70.00) - Zappos, 8. Melissa Soldier Angkle Boots ($185.00) - Saks Fifth Avenue, 9. Spring 13 Rainboot ($10.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs.

How do you keep your feet dry?

Jess

SIX IPHONE 6 CASES

Making the switch from my old iPhone to the iPhone 6 has been one of my favorite decisions of 2014 (I don't like change, okay?). The only problem with having the newest phone is that there aren't the best pickings for cases. That's why I've been scourging the internet for some fun cases that aren't your typical rubber ones - fashion > safety, always.

Here are six iPhone 6 cases that I'm loving!

Sonix Hello Daisy ($35.00) - Nordstrom

Zero Gravity Bahama ($24.00) - Shopbop

How the Devil ($40.00) - Kate Spade

Jerrie Rose ($38.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs

CaseCavern ($15.99) - Etsy

Sonix Gold Lace ($35.00) - Nordstrom

What's on your phone?

x Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: MARC BY MARC JACOBS WORLD TOTE

I'm a sucker for anything that has a map, atlas, globe, or something Earth-related on it. I have a globe on my nightstand given to me for my college graduation (well, I did get a BA in Geography), scarves with maps on it, atlas coffee table books, a vintage globe in my living room given to me by a friend, and so many more odds and ends! 

One of favorite reusable bags was one with a globe on it (surprise, surprise) from Nordstrom. While on my way to work and completely out of it, I forgot it on the bus. I always used it and needed one to replace it ASAP. I found one that absolutely screams out Jess! - it's from Marc by Marc Jacobs and it has a map on it. The World Tote is an obvious winner!

World Tote ($26.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Do you have a favorite reusable bag?

Jess

GO BIG WITH SHOPBOP

Not into braving the crowd Friday morning? That's cool, because neither are we. And luckily for us, Shopbop gets it. They're having their big event, where full-priced and sale items - yes, SALE ITEMS - are 15% off at $250+, 20% off at $500+, and 25% off at $1,000+, with the code GOBIG14. That means you can get your shopping on and still come out with all your limbs.

Here are some of our favorite items, all on sale!

Top to bottom, left to right: Alexander Wang Lys Heat Sensor Booties ($626.00), Marc by Marc Jacobs Top Schooly Messenger Bag ($304.20), 6 Shore Road Chole Leather Moto Jacket ($299.60), Alexis Bittar Barber Linked Cuff Bracelet ($192.50), Derek Lam 10 Crosby Plaid Layered Dress ($397.50), Blanca Monros Gomez Dainty Stacking Diamong Ring ($410.00), DKNY Pure DKNY Cozy Cape ($295.00), Stuart Weitzman Nudist Single Band Sandals ($318.40), and Loeffler Randall Medium Rider Bag ($475.00).

Have you bought anything at the Shopbop sale yet?

Jess & Jill

THINKING PINK ALL OCTOBER

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're pulling out our inner Elle Woods and thinking pink.  One in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in the course of her lifetime, making this statistic a scary reality. It seems breast cancer hits close to home for everyone, with friends of Jess's family and Jill's grandmother a victim. In honor of these strong women who suffer, we're pretending like every day is Wednesday, and wearing our pink proudly all month!

Top to bottom, left to right: Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply ID Bracelet ($88.00) - Bloomingdale's, 'Lolli' Lacquer ($16.00) - LVX, Double Layer Snood ($25.90) - Zara, Oliver Peoples 'Daria' Sunglasses ($365.00) - Barneys, Crystal Kalediscope Necklace ($125.00 - On Sale!) - Kate Spade, Pink Glitter Classics ($54.00) - TOMS, Keepsake Chained Halter Fit + Flare Dress ($150.00) - Urban Outfitters,  M·A·C 'Candy Yum Yum' Lipstick ($16.00) - Nordstrom, The Cambridge Satchel Company Fluorescent Satchel ($!70.00) - J.Crew.

How will you be wearing pink this month?

Jess & Jill

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

The heat is up and the sun is out... it finally feels like summertime in Chicago. And while we're definitely loving the fact that we can say bye bye to layers for now, there are a few essential items that we couldn't brave this season without. Check out our summer essentials that we're currently loving!

1. Keynote Dress ($74.50 - On Sale!) - Madewell, 2. Spa Sea Salt Hydrating Body Gloss ($18.00) - H2O Plus, 3. Printed Canvas Tote ($44.95) - Gap, 4. Sam Edelman 'Beck' Sandal ($99.95) - Nordstrom, 5. Summer 2014 Aster ($16.00) - LVX, 6. Simple Skincare Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15 ($13.49) - CVS, 7. Paula Sunglasses ($125.00) - House of Harlow 1960, 8. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green ($9.99 - On Sale!) - Barnes & Noble, 9. Neutral Straw Tie Hat ($39.50) - GUESS, 10. Le Shine Halter Maillot ($151.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs.

What are some of your summer essentials?

Jess & Jill

HALLOWEEN (WITHOUT THE COSTUMES)

Not feeling festive this year?

You can still get in the Halloween spirit without going through hundreds of costumes trying to find the perfect one. Is it just us or are they getting shorter and shorter each year?

We've put together some Halloween clothes and accessories that will not only make you a participant of the holiday, but are wearable all year around!

1. Cat Print Leggings ($10.80) - Forever 21, 2. Cat Necklace ($29.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs, 3. Love, Simdog Cosmic Ribs Perfect Tee ($62.00) - CUSP, 4. Urban Renewal Vintage Halloween Sweatshirt ($34.00) - Urban Outfitters, 5. Cat Burglar Hat ($88.00) - Kate Spade, 6. Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Rue' Print Tee ($88.00) - Nordstrom, 7. Jules Smith See You at the Souk Skull Cuff ($49.00) - CUSP, 8. Wildfox Couture Deadhead Sweater ($75.00) - Rad + Refined, 9. Fine Skull Ring Set ($12.00) - Topshop, 10. Alexanrder McQueen Skull Ballet Flat ($545.00) - Nordstrom, 11. Betsey Johnson 'Angel & Devil' Earrings ($25.00) - Nordstrom. 

Are you dressing up in costume or skipping it this year?

Jess & Jill

JESS'S WEEKEND TRIP TO NJ AND NY

Last month, I went to New Jersey with my boyfriend and my parents to celebrate my cousin's wedding. It was so nice seeing family I haven't seen in years all in one place (we're seriously all over - FL, NJ, NY, and Canada) and introduce everyone to my boyfriend!

And what would a trip to New Jersey be without a stop in New York? The following day I took the train in and wore my camera around my neck like a proud tourist!

For the wedding, I wore a Trouvé dress and Search for Sanity tweed jacket from Nordstrom, Sole Society heels, bebe enamel clutch, and jewelry from GUESS, Pandora, Swarovski, and The Left Bank.

The day after the wedding, I headed to New York with my boyfriend and my parents. We took the train to WTC, walked to Greenwich Village, cabbed it to Central Park, and then walked down to the Empire State Building to take the train back to New Jersey. Needless to say my feet were killing me, but the weather couldn't be more perfect, and it was a beautiful day filled with walking and talking with some of the most important people in my life. And I got a slice of NY pizza - trip complete!

My boyfriend works in finance, so this was an obvious stop!

Sorry Chicago, but NY pizza is better.

View from Central Park.

Central Park.

For my day in NY, I wore a Nasty Gal oversized knit, GUESS denim and loafers, and a Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha crossbody.

GUESS in the city!

Until next time, New York!

Jess

NATIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN'S DAY WITH SIX TWENTY

Today we're celebrating National Business Women's Day with Six Twenty, a women-owned company that offers carefully crafted selection of women's basics shipped directly to you.

In honor of today, they handpicked 30 successful female business owners and entrepreneurs and we're honored to be a part of this amazing campaign!

We received v-neck tees courtesy of Six Twenty to dress up in style! Whether you're pairing it with a classic blazer like Jess or a bright printed skirt like Jill, this tee is a necessity for every closet.

Along with our outfits, we were asked to let everyone know a piece of business advice.

"I truly believe in the notion of doing what you love -
success and fulfillment will follow." - Jess

Jess is also wearing a Zara blazer, GUESS necklace and watch, Love and Pieces and vintage 

ring, Kate Spade idiom bangle, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target tote, Gap jeans, and Aldo wedges. 

"I live by the rule that "you can never be overdressed or overeducated."
Stay knowledgable in your craft and dress like you're the CEO." - Jill

Jill is also wearing a Capwell + Co necklace, Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt and Aldo heels.

Beyonce said it best... Who run the world? Girls!

Jess & Jill

iPHONE 5s CASES

With all this talk about the newest iPhone (which I need so desperately), I'm already placing my pre-order and browsing for my new favorite case!

Help me choose between these floral, metallic, and printed iPhone 5s cases!

1. Metallic Faceted iPhone 5 Case ($42.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs, 2. Mareika Tulip iPhone 5 Case ($38.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs, 3. Metallic Ring iPhone 5 Case ($58.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs, 4. iPhone 5 Case in Multicolor Stripe ($38.00) - Coach, 5. Multi Beetle Hardshell Case for iPhone 5 ($50.00) - Tory Burch, 6. 'Oil Blossom' iPhone 5 Case ($40.00) - Ted Baker London, 7. 3D Glasses Resin iPhone 5 Case ($40.00) - Kate Spade, 8. Hello Sunshine Mirrored iPhone 5 Case ($40.00) - Kate Spade, 9. Disco Dots iPhone 5 Case ($40.00) - Kate Spade

Don't worry - if you're still sticking with your iPhone 5, these cases still work!

Jess

IT'S A PLAID, PLAID WORLD

Maybe it's because I am a total 90s kid at heart, but I've always found room in my closet for a little plaid. Sure, my plaid skirts as a kid probably weren't as... well, structured, as they are now, it's one of those styles you don't have to look back on in shame. So check out some of my favorite pieces that incorporate probably the only trend Kurt Cobain and I would agree on.

1. Free People Venitia Dress - Nordstrom.com ($168.00), 2. RED Valentino Plaid-Print Tulle Dress - Net-a-Porter.com ($975.00), 3. Tory Burch Drew Paint ($325.00), 4. Club Monaco Samira Plaid Wool Leather Coat ($389.00), 5. Jenni Kayne Plaid d'Orsay Flats - Shopbop.com ($495.00) 6. Marc by Marc Jacobs Plaid Show Group Rosie Bag - Shopbop.com ($528.00), 7. Cambridge Satchel Tartan Satchel Bag - Shopbop.com ($190.00), 8. Thakoon Addition Layer Dotted Plaid Coat - Shopbop.com ($625.00), 9. ASOS Full Midi Skirt ($60.75), 10. Sea Tank Dress - Shopbop.com ($370.00), 11. Nasty Gal Parisienne Cape Coat ($98.00)

x Jill

CÎROC VODKA LEMONADES AT 25 DEGREES CHICAGO

25 Degrees Chicago (736 N. Clark St.)

We were invited by 25 Degrees (736 N. Clark St.) to try out their new Cîroc Lemonades! And while this summer has been a late one, it's been making up for lost time with this heat, and these lemonades are perfect for every sunny moment of the season.

We got the chance to try out the Cîroc Pomegranate and Cîroc Summertime Lemonade before they hit the drink menu, and both were absolutely delicious. Jess loves anything pomegranate, so she naturally chose the Pomegranate Lemonade as her favorite, while Jill loved the splash of watermelon in the Summertime Lemonade! 

Want to try them out? You can find the recipes below!

Making our Cîroc Lemonades!

Cîroc Pomegranate Lemonade

Cîroc Pomegranate Lemonade!

Ingredients

1.5 oz Cîroc Red Berry

1 oz Lemonade

.5 oz Pomegranate Juice

.5 oz Lemonchelo

.5 oz Simple Syrup 

Instructions

In a mixing tin, add all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a chilled coup glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Cîroc Summertime Lemonade

Cîroc Summertime Lemonade!

Ingredients

1.5 ox Cîroc Vodka

.75 oz Lemon Juice

.75 oz Agave

4 Chunks Watermelon

5 piece Parsley Top

Sparkling Pink Lemonade

Instructions

In a mixing tin, muddle watermelon and parsley. Add the remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Double strain into a Collins glass and top with sparkling pink lemonade. Garnish with a slice of watermelon and half sugar rim.

To make a pitcher of either of the Cîroc cocktails, multiply the recipe by four.

Getting busy!

25 Degrees is also known for their delicious burgers, so we decided to be adventurous and choose from their 'craft your own' burger menu. Jess had a ground sirloin and fried egg burger, topped with English Farmhouse Cheddar. Jill kept it simple with a ground sirloin and English Farmhouse Cheddar. We also had some French fries, sweet potatoes fries, and perfectly fried onion rings. Our stomachs are rumbling just talking about it, maybe we shouldn't have written this post before dinner.

Jess's 'craft your own' burger.

Jill's 'craft your own' burger!

And all the sides!

Knowing what she was getting into, Jess perfected the "time for vodka lemonades and burgers outfit". Jess wore an oversized Marciano denim shirt, GUESS leggings, DV by Dolce Vita 'Diandra' sandals, a Capwell & Co. necklace, rings from 2020AVE, and a Marc by Marc 'Natasha' crossbody.

Jess's "time for vodka lemonades and burgers outfit".

Turquoise and gold necklace c/o Capwell & Co. and rings from 2020AVE.

DV by Dolce Vita 'Diandra' sandals.

What are your favorite summer cocktails?

Jess & Jill

Jess and Jill received free products to sample, but were not compensated for this post. Review and all opinions are our own.

JESS IN MADISON, WI!

For the Fourth of July weekend, my boyfriend and I headed to Madison, Wisconsin for a little bit of sightseeing, hiking, and a whole lot of cheese. It was hot and sunny - a perfect summer weekend!

Our first day there, we roamed around the Wisconsin State Capitol and took advantage that not many people were around and snapped some photos. We then headed down State Street, which is full of bars, restaurants, and eclectic shops with stationary, art, knick-knacks, vintage pieces, and so more much. My favorite purchase of the day was a vintage Madison postcard - another one for my collection!

Wisconsin State Capitol.

Wisconsin State Capitol.

Wearing a Forever 21 sleeveless blouse, Gap cam skimmers, 

DV by Dolce Vita 'Diandra' sandals, and a Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody.

The view of the Capitol from State Street.

State Street.

State Street.

At the end of State Street is the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We roamed the campus for a while and found a building I thought was interesting and a little haunted-esque - time to bust out the camera! Turned the corner and noticed that it was home to my BA from the University of Florida… Geography! Knew I fell in love with the building for some reason! We then headed to the Memorial Union for lunch and ice cream on The Terrace.

Bascom Hall.

Bascom Hall.

Science Hall at UW-Madison.

I was really excited about this!

Memorial Union.

We stayed at the Madison Concourse Hotel which was right outside of the Wisconin State Capitol and had a stunning view!

Our view of the sunset over the Capitol.

Capitol at night.

The following day, we headed about an hour north of Madison to Baraboo to visit the state's largest park, Devil's Lake State Park. We went up quite a challenging trail, but it was completely worth it for the view.

I was reluctant to do so, but I got a pair of Lululemon Inspire Crops for this hike since everyone swears by them. Were $92 pants really worth it? YES, YES, YES. I always have the problem of pulling up my pants a million times a hike, but I didn't touch these once. I think I need another pair… Just 'cause, of course.

Getting there!

The view from the top!

In love with my Lululemon pants.

Ah, shade!

The view from below.

The hike along the lake.

Our last day in Madison, we headed back to the Capitol for an inside tour and a walk around the Dane County Farmers' Market.

Wearing a Forever 21 sleeveless blouse, Zara studded denim,
DV by Dolce Vita 'Diandra' sandals, and a Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody.

Jewelry from Love & Pieces, Kate Spade, 2020AVE, and GUESS, and  c/o of Capwell & Co.

Inside the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Inside the Capitol.

Beautiful details.

 

Just being touristy.

We were told the farmers' market is a must when in Madison and we could see why! Next time we're bringing a cooler to take home meat and cheese, and getting there hungry to grub on pastries from Stella's. I had to resist the urge to bring home things for a garden I don't have!

Dane County Farmers' Market

If only I had a garden...

The BEST cheese danish from Stella's.

Road trips with my boyfriend are always my favorites, and this one was no exception. I fell in love with Madison and we'll definitely be back for another stroll down State Street and another run at Devil's Lake!

How did you celebrate Fourth of July?

Jess