BEST OF 2012

As 2012 comes to an end, we're looking back on some of our favorite posts of the year that we'd love to relive... and reblog! From DIY to fun events, here's a trip down this year's blogging memory lane.

Jess's Favorites

5. One Night, Two Events

We were busy bees on that Thursday night. Wine and manicures followed by some shopping, need I say more? Through these two events we met some amazing bloggers and enjoyed some much needed winding down.

4. Love and Pieces Revisted
Love and Pieces is one of our favorite boutiques in Chicago and we were ecstatic when Michelle invited us to check out their new products. What happens once we get there? We spend more time chit chatting with her and customers than we do taking photos.

3. I Spy DIY
It was a journey in itself getting to this book signing (thanks again, Lisa!) and it was worth it! We got to meet the beautiful Jenni, author of I Spy DIY and some snacks and drinks later on topped the evening.

2. Jess Does Vegas
It was Vegas, 'nough said! It was my boyfriend's 25th birthday and we had lots to do, so I probably overpacked, but at least it gave me more material to post. :]

                                    

Jill's Favorites

5. #VCRACETOMAC

One of the first projects I worked on with Chicago Blogger Network was the #VCRACETOMAC contest. Although I couldn't officially enter, I had so much fun going through the blogger looks and creating an outfit of my own. Plus you didn't think I'd create a list and not add my dog in it, did you?

4. Rad + Refined Launch Party

The only thing we love more than a Rad + Refined event, is a Rad + Refined event with some of our favorite bloggers. From the light bites, delicious drinks, and the amazing shopping, it was the perfect night to kick off the summer! Plus any event that has a photo booth is an event you'll see us at. You can bet we took full advantage.

3. Grad Night Out

One of my greatest accomplishments is having the opportunity to obtain a degree from my dream school, The University of Chicago (which I'm almost done with!). So anytime I get to mix my schooling with my blogging, it's pretty much a win for me. Plus I loved that dress!

2. DIY Bridal Basket

Not only was this post proof of my craftiness, but it was for my very special best friend. It's no secret that Jess and I are obsessed with all things weddings, so when Christina got engaged, I put those hours on Pinterest to good use. Who says procrastinating on that website isn't helpful? 

And our favorite post of the year? Drum roll, please...

1. Behind the Scenes

Blogging with your other half, who is just as crazy as you are, is something we're so lucky to do. This post doesn't even show an ounce of the laughter and weirdness that commences when we get together (and why we drive our boyfriends up a wall). You could put us in the middle of a field (specifically a paintball field) and we'd turn it into the best day ever.

Happy New Year's Eve!

XO Jess & Jill

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas! We wish everyone a very jolly and bright holiday with your closest family and friends! Hope our Chicagoans are enjoying their white Christmas while we enjoy the warm and sunny weather. We're definitely not complaining!

'Oh Christmas Tree' Print ($15.00) - Amanda Catherine Designs

See you Monday!

XO Jess & Jill

DEAR SANTA

We've been good this year. At least we'd like to think so. ;D In the holiday spirit, we're letting the big guy in the (fashionable) red suit know what we want this year.

Jess's dream gift? Marc Jacobs 'Stam' bag. It was launched in 2006 and I'm pretty sure this is when my love for style and fashion started. It's a cult classic and there is nothing you can't love about it. This will be in my closet sooner than later. And by sooner, I mean under the tree in a few days?

Marc Jacobs 'Stam' Bag ($1,395.00)

Jill's dream gift? Valentino studded sandals. I've been eyeing these babies for awhile and can't get enough of the different variations. I'll take them all, please.

Valentino Studded Double Ankle-Strap Sandal ($995.00) - Neiman Marcus

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! What are you hoping for under the tree this year?

XO Jess & Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: RTR NYE LOOKS

I have a knack for jumping ahead in the holidays... Halloween - I'm thinking of Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving means I have Christmas on my mind, and Christmas means that I better have my NYE outfit picked. While Christmas is a short four days away, my holiday shopping is completed and I've arrived back home in Florida (I will brag as much as I can while I enjoy the 80 degrees), so it's time to plan out how I'm going to ring in the New Year.

There's no denying my love for Rent the Runway (see: here and here) and hatred for repeating outfits, especially for big occasions. Check out some of my favorite dresses for the celebratory night, along perfect accessories, that you can have on your doorstep with just a few clicks!

Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Dress ($75)

Halston Heritage Vapor Stingray Clutch ($40)

Kenneth Jay Lane Clear Drop Earrings ($25)

Blumarine Sahara Desert Hot Dress ($175)

Kate Spade Flights of Fancy Evening Bag ($55)

Anton Heunis Ring Cerulean Orchid Ring ($30)

Christian Siriano Can't Be Tamed Dress ($350)

Anton Heunis Crystal Leaf Earrings ($45)

Adrienne Landau Black Marabou Capelet ($60)

What will you be wearing to welcome in 2013?

xx Jill

THE PERFECT GIFT GUIDE

The last weekend before Christmas is upon us! You know what that means... Time to finish off that gift list! Having a hard time figuring out what to get? Skip those gift cards and get the perfect gift just for them. Whether they're an Earth-conscious friend, an upcoming bride, a little sis starting college, or a new mom - there is something they need and want.

Apple & Bee Organic Cotton Canvas Tote ($37.00) - Nordstrom, SPROUT Watches Cork Dial Strap Watch ($50.00) - Nordstrom, Vegan Ultrabalm ($13.95) - LUSH, Dogeared 'Mind, Body & Spirit' Om Pendant Necklace ($62.00) - Nordstrom, Pure Balance Water Bottle ($28.00) - Lululemon, Peace On Earth Print Yoga Mat ($21.98) - Gaiam

Butter Bride ($42.00) - butter LONDON, Brushed Silver Wall Frames ($24.95 - $39.95) - Crate & Barrel, Monogrammable Herringbone Stripe Hand Towel ($10.00) - West Elm, Mr. and Mrs. Muse Mug ($24.00) - Jonathan Adler, Philosophy 'Love Sweet Love' Layering Gift Set ($49.50) - Sephora, Nestled Ring Dish ($10.00) - Anthropologie

Packable Backpack ($88.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs, 'Home Sweet Dorm' Print ($15.00) - Amanda Catherine Designs, Pocket Hard Cover Daily Planner ($16.95) - Moleskin, Red Cable Photo Cord ($6.95) - CB2, Over-The-Door Vanity Station ($59.00 - On Sale!) - Urban Outfitters, iHome Portable Speaker ($39.99 - On Sale!) - Best Buy, Kate Spade New York Composition Notebook iPad Case ($85.00) - Bloomingdale's

I'm A Parent? Guided Journal ($16.00) - Knock Knock, Timi & Leslie 'Charlie' Diaper Bag ($159.99) - Nordstrom, Desert Rose Frame ($28.00) - Anthropologie, Healthy Skin Essential Every Night ($72.00) - Kiehl's, Initial+Birthstone Necklace ($48.00) - Objets d'Envy, Eileen Fisher Wool & Cashmere Knit Poncho Sweater ($142.00 - On Sale!) - Saks Fifth Avenue

Who do you have left on your list?

XO Jess

GREEN WITH ENVY

As we all know, Pantone named emerald the color of the year for 2013. And being perfect for the festivities, we can get behind this trend coming out before the year end!

Just add a dash of red and gold and you are ready to go!

Sold Denim Spring Street Skinny Jeans ($118.00) - Neiman Marcus, Essie 'Pretty Edgy' ($8.00) - Nordstrom, T. Babaton 'Bennett' Dress ($165.00) - Aritzia, Tory Burch 'Eddie' Suede Ballerina ($178.00) - CUSP, Et Cetera Idiom Bangle ($48.00) - Kate Spade, Halogen Three Quarter Sleeve Cardigan ($46.00) - Nordstrom, Evergreen Ring ($18.00) - House of Gemmes, Legacy Leather Penny Shoulder Purse ($198.00) - Coach, Patterson J. Kincaid 'Virginia' Sheer Blouse ($76.00) - CUSP, Cole Enamel Stud Earring ($68.00) - Tory Burch

How do you plan on wearing emerald now or next year?

XO Jess & Jill

SWEATER HEAVEN

While doing some sweater shopping, we stepped onto what appeared to be the holy grail of comfy sweaters... Free People! We were in oversized, warm, bohemian chic heaven. Check out some of our sweater favs, and the adorable name of the cardis.

Three Spinners Pullover ($108.00) | Keep It Fuzzy Cardigan ($168.00)

Boxy Solid Turtleneck ($108.00) | Confetti Pullover ($128.00)

Color Pop Spacedye Pullover ($98.00) | Flower Power Cardi ($168.00)

Oversized Pullover ($168.00) | Long Pattern Hooded Cardi ($168.00)

What's your favorite sweater - old or new?

XO Jess & Jill

NETFLIX INSTANT GEMS

There's nothing better than sitting on your couch watching Netflix all day, and nothing worse than spending half of it trying to commit to a movie. And because I don't have the patience to wait for a DVD in the mail (first world pains), it's important to call out a gem on Instant Queue when you see one. Check out some of my favorites below!

Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

One of my favorite documentaries that will leave you laughing, inspired, confused, and extremely amused. Like Banksy's art, it's definitely worth a look.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)

Recently having to watch this Western for class, I fell in love with everything about it. Not to mention John Wayne is the epitome of a bad ass.

Clueless (1995)

You don't really need an explanation, do you?

Let the Right One in (2008)

I'm going to sound extremely obnoxious saying this but- skip the remake. Everything good about the Swedish original was lost in translation when it was re-vamped in 2010. I'll wear my glasses to read subtitles on this one any day.

Valley of the Dolls (1967)

After reading the book by Jacqueline Susann (which I promise you'll enjoy), it became one of my go-to, rainy day movies. Between the clothes, music, and Sharon Tate, it's one of those films that just never gets old.

Drive (2011)

Ryan Gosling, fast cars, and a really awesome storyline. Who isn't up for that?

The Walking Dead (2010)

You'll thank me once the zombie apocalypse hits and you're prepared (advice: befriend a Southern). 

Mad Men (2007)

I could watch this show on mute, it's that aesthetically pleasing, but luckily the character dialogue is amazing. I live for Betty Draper.

The Sweetest Thing (2002)

The perfect girls night in movie. Just add wine.

Melancholia (2011)

I never cared much for Kristen Dunst until I saw her acting chops in this movie (and Virgin Suicides). She was snubbed an Oscar nomination on this one!

Happy Viewing!

xx Jill

WRAPPING PAPER INSPIRATION

I am almost done with holiday shopping. Yes, you read right. Almost! While my tree is fully decorated, it's missing some lovely gifts underneath it! It's a bit daunting with how many choices of paper, ribbon, tags, and all the little details that goes into gift wrapping are out there, so here are some of my top choices for all of the above!

Wreath and Twine

  Velvet Ribbon | Hole-Punched Ribbon

Wooden Tags | Colored Tape

Kraft Paper Ideas

Overwhelmed already? Head over to Paper Source (919 W. Armitage Ave.) for a one-stop shop for all your gift-wrapping needs, whether you're going all-out-Christmas or want to stay holiday-neutral.

  Reindeer Wrapping Paper ($3.95) | Slate Chevron Wrapping Paper ($2.50 - $7.95)
  Kraft White Flourish Wrapping Paper ($2.50 - $7.95) | Gingerbread Men Wrapping Paper ($2.50 - $7.95)

  

Holiday Die Cut Gift Tags ($5.95) | Red & White Baker's Twine ($7.95)

How are you decorating your gifts this holiday season?

XO Jess