WEAR YOUR COLORS

Today is College Colors Day, so it's time to show some school spirit! Although we live in Chicago, when it comes to college, we're complete Florida girls. First off, Jess!

I went to the University of Florida, where it's great to be a Florida Gator! Check out some orange and blue pieces perfect for tailgating and game day!

Go Gators!

Diane von Furstenberg 'Veronica' Dress ($348.85 - Sale!) - Bloomingdale's (900 N. Michigan Ave.), Perfect Patent Leather Skinny Belt ($30) - Ann Taylor (store locations), A Blue Streak Idiom Bangle ($32.00) - Kate Spade (56 E. Oak St.), Ogym Hyacinth Necklace ($99.99 - Sale!) - J.Crew (store locations), Saint James Galathee Tee ($90.00) - J.Crew (store locations), Florida Vintage Tee ($14.99 - Sale!) - American Eagle (store locations), TOMS 'Bimini' Slip-On ($63.95) - Nordstrom (520 N. Michigan Ave.), Broken-In Straight Cords ($49.95) - Gap (store locations), The Unisex Circle Scarf ($28.00) - American Apparel (store locations), Cole Enamel Stud Earring ($68.00) - Tory Burch (45 E. Oak St.)

Check back for Jill's black and gold pieces from her alma mater! You could call us frenemies, but only when it comes to school pride, we promise!

XO Jess

LABOR DAY LUSH

Labor Day is around the corner and summer is on its way out. LUSH gave us some last minute essentials as fall makes it way to Chicago for us to try and fall in love with.

Dirty Springwash Shower Gel ($9.95 for 3.3oz/$17.95 for 8.8oz/$27.95 for 16.9oz) is perfect for the last of the hot days because this menthol and spearmint gel is like a shower in a mountain spring; and leaves your skin cool as a cucumber.

Jess: This has the perfect amount of spearmint to make it tingle without an overpowering scent of menthol. I can see my boyfriend borrowing this from time to time.
Jill: It's important to note that I have VERY sensitive skin, so one little change and my body goes into freakout mode. This shower gel was too strong for my skin and dried me out, leaving me itchy. My boyfriend however really liked it, and said he felt ultra clean. It also lathers really well and although the scent is powerful at first, it leaves a lingering hint of freshness.

Give your locks some love with this seaweed and sea salt packed puck! Seanik ($10.95) softens hair and pumps up the volume as it nourishes. The exotic fragrance of mimosa, orange blossom absolute and jasmine will transport your senses to an exotic island.

Jess: I have to admit, I was a little confused about a shampoo bar. So, do I just rub it on my head? It felt weird, but after some quick YouTube searches, I was ready for the challenge. Two days later, my hair is still ah-mazing. It made my hair so soft, and gave me this natural look of volume. I'm always hesitant with volumizing product as my hair is so thick, but this is volume I can handle. Because of Seanik, I am off to a LUSH store tomorrow to buy a couple bars, one for home and one for the gym!
Jill: Having oily, straight hair, I was surprised at the volume this bar gave me. It's a miracle worker and leaves it feeling clean, without stripping it. PERFECT balance.

Invigorate and exfoliate skin with the cream-based Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub ($19.95 for 4.2oz/$34.95 for 8.8oz). We added both coarse and fine sea salts for extra scrubbing power and the granules of salt contain minerals beneficial to the skin. Organic avocado butter, nutritious seaweed absolute and cocoa butter leave skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturized.

Jess: A creamy, yet coarse with exfoliating sea salts. This is perfect for ladies that enjoy just having a bath. Soothing and invigorating at the same, I don't know how they do it!
Jill: My boyfriend has been complaining about dry elbows, so I immediately used it on him. He loved the way they felt and that he didn't have to put much lotion on afterwards. It was too harsh for my skin but perfect for my feet and hands.

You might be surprised by this, but sea water is actually good for your skin! It’s why LUSH put real sea water from the shores of the Pacific Ocean in our Breath of Fresh Air Facial Toner ($8.95 for 3.3oz/$19.95 for 8.4oz) as it hydrates and balances skin.

Jess: This is the perfect name for this product. I hate to admit this, but my face is totally breaking out. A couple sprays and the next time I looked up at the mirror, this toner really calmed my blemishes. Perfect for a gal on the go!
Jill: This toner really helped calm my skin and "cool" it down after a wash. Perfect after you exfoliate, or a mid-day spritz to help give your skin a pick me up.

XO Jess & Jill

PANTS ON, DANCE ON

Feeling a little... blue? Break out of your box of blue jeans with these assorted pant options!

Rag & Bone Kutch Jodhpur Pant ($350.00) - Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave.), Jaclyn Wide-Leg Pant ($138.00) - BCBG (store locations), Cafe Capri ($350.00) - J.Crew (store locations), BCBG Chase Faux-Leather Blocked Legging ($138.00) - BCBG (store locations), Zig Zag Legging ($24.90) - Akira (store locations), Oliver Tortoise Legging ($230.00) - Cynthia Rowley (1653 N. Damen Ave.), Tara Patchwork-Printer Trouser ($89.00) - GUESS (605 N. Michigan Ave.), Sass & Bide Get On With It Pant ($241.50 - Sale!)

xx Jill

PRETTY POWERFUL

Saturday afternoon we attended the Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful event held at Bloomingdale's at the 900 Shops! Joined by Lisa of Stilettos and Diaper Bags, Kaitlyn of Sisters Marie, Laurie of Product Girl, and Mary of Sportsanista, we had our makeup done while learning about some of the products from the professionals. Jill attended a Bobbi Brown event earlier in the month and our blog was invited back, along with four girls of our choice to take part of this fun girls day! The best part was we got to bring some of our favorite blogger ladies with us!

Jess's favorite product of the day was the Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Espresso Ink. This award-winning liner gives you the look of liquid liner, but so much easier to apply. Jill's favorite was the Highlighter Pen in Rose. Having dry skin, blush doesn't have much long-wear power, but the highlighter pen is cool on the skin and creates a long-lasting glow.

The set-up.

Lisa and Kaitlyn

 

Laurie and Mary

Jess's how to!

 

Of course we thought of the same exact photo without knowing it until we looked at the photos afterward.

Some of the girls! Thanks to Lisa for the photo!

Jess is wearing a dress from Forever 21, Alex & Ani bracelets, GUESS watch, and DV by Dolce Vita wedges. Jill is wearing a vintage Prada top, H&M shorts, and Boutique 9 shoes. 

Detail of Jill's Prada blouse.

Do you use Bobbi Brown cosmetics? What are some of your favorite products?

Check out Lisa's, Kaitlyn's and Mary's recap! And a very special thanks to Becca who invited us to this event! 

XO Jess & Jill

SHOPPING FEST

On behalf of Chicago Blogger Network, I was lucky enough to attend a media breakfast held at Nordstrom to help kick off The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival. Happening from August 24th  to September 6th in anticipation of Fashion's Night Out, Mag Mile has put together some amazing events and giveaways you have to check out! The best part of the breakfast was the celebrity guest, Kelly Osbourne, who answered our questions on fashion, her thoughts on Chicago, and what it's like to work with Joan Rivers. I only snapped a few pictures of her via iPhone camera because I was so busy admiring her humble, funny attitude and perfect hair color. You can read more about the Q&A session, including what Ozzy asks her to bring back from her trips to Chicago, on CBN's website!

I wore a French Connection top, Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt, Stuart Weitzman wedges, Vintage necklace, and ring from Pandora. 

And her advice on being fashionable?

"Learn to love yourself."

Simple yet powerful, and perfectly put.

xx Jill

LANVIN WINTER 2012

The recent Winter 2012 ad campaign from Lanvin takes a look into the individuality of real people - reality, not reality stars - rather than models. The video was shot by Steven Meisel, a well known photographer who worked on Madonna's 1992 book Sex. Check it out below!

Lanvin is scheduled to open in October on Oak Street.

xx Jill

DENIM ON DENIM

Walk by any store window and you'll find a common theme... Denim! With fall coming up and back to school season here, now is the perfect time to stock up on this classic. Whether you're going for a monochromatic look, mixing color and print, or switching it up with different shades, denim on denim is taking things up a notch. And brands are definitely not hiding their love (borderline obsession) with this trend. From Topshop's Forever Denim, Madewell's Denim Bar, and GUESS's Denim Is Our World, the how-to of wearing denim on denim is right at your fingertips. With all of this denim talk around us, we're craving to wear that denim shirt, jeans, and jacket.

Row 1: Chambray Cargo Shirt ($75.00) - Madewell (299 Old Orchard Center, Skokie), Natalie Tencel Shirt ($79.00) - GUESS (605 N. Michigan Ave.), Fitted Boyfriend Chambray Ruffle Shirt ($54.95) - Gap (555 N. Michigan Ave.)

Row 2: Stretch Denim Jacket ($128.00) - J.Crew (929 W. North Ave., 900 N. Michigan Ave.), Denim Blazer ($98.00) - Levi's (600 N. Michigan Ave.), Cut Off Denim Vest ($128.00) - Free People (1464 N. Milwaukee Ave., 835 N. Michigan Ave.)

Row 3: Citizens of Humanity 'Avedon Skinny' in Paisley ($218.00) - Bloomingdale's (900 N. Michigan Ave.), J Brand 'Pencil Leg' Jeans ($185.00) - Nordstrom (520 N. Michigan Ave.), Sofia Skinny Jeans ($99.00) - Lucky Brand (520 N. Michigan Ave., 2048 N. Halsted St.), Brittany Ankle Skinny Floral Jeans ($138.00) - GUESS (605 N. Michigan Ave.)

Row 4: Denim Shirtdress ($128.00) - Anthropologie (108 N. State St., 111 E. Chicago Ave., 3532 N. Southport Ave.), Diamond Dress ($179.50) - Club Monaco (2206 N. Halsted St., 1731 N. Damen Ave.), Collared Denim Dress with Belt ($22.90) - Forever 21 (28 S. State St., 835 N. Michigan Ave.)

And to celebrate all of this denim, get $20 off all regular priced jeans at Lucky Brand and $20 off all regular priced GUESS and Marciano denim with code DENIM20!

Let us know if you find any other good deals!

What's your method of denim on denim?

XO Jess

BECAUSE I SHOP TOO MUCH

Because I Shop Too Much is here! This new online shop is an easy and fun way to buy, sell, and swap clothing and accessories, all without having to leave the house. One of our favorite bloggers, Lisa of Stilettos and Diaper Bags, and her sister-in-law Kaitlyn, created the place to shop the closets of other stylish ladies.

BISTM

Becoming a member is quick and easy. Just create a profile, link up your PayPal account, and you're ready to start! You can browse by item, from accessories to dresses, purses to outerwear. (There's even a separate section for maxi dress and maxi skirts. That was you Lisa, wasn't it? ;D). Our favorite feature is the advanced search, where you can find exactly what you're looking for by a specific closet, item name, category, size, color, brand, and price range. Trying to make some room in your closet? Just upload photos of your items and enter a little about it. It's that easy!

BISTM says it best, stay in fashion without breaking the bank. Now that you know about it, it's time to get started! Don't forget to shop Lisa and Kaitlyn's closets! And while you're shopping, check out their Facebook and blog, Sisters Marie for constant updates, and get to know these two beautiful ladies!

XO Jess & Jill

RAD + REFINED SALE!

Making hump day a little bit better, Rad and Refined's Family + Friends sale starts tomorrow! Enter code 'FFRR30' for 30% off everything August 15th and 16th! Now, where did I put my credit card?

Rad + Refined

XO Jess & Jill

MODERN/VINTAGE MASHUP

Modern/Vintage Mashup

Refinery29 and Gap invites you to their Modern/Vintage Mashup to celebrate the past and present this Thursday, August 16th from 6 to 8 PM at Gap Lincoln Park (835 W. North Ave.)! Meet Rebecca Taras - the new Chicago editor of Refinery29, sip on cocktails, get 30% off one regular-price Gap item, and enter for a chance to win one of three displayed modern/vintage looks featuring new fall pieces from Gap and vintage accessories styled from Refinery29's editorial team! RSVP here and get ready to mix a little old and new! 

What's your favorite way to mix your new pieces with vintage goodies?

XO Jess & Jill

NAVY PIER DAY

Last weekend one of my best friends Courtney came into town from New York City to visit Chicago! We literally went EVERYWHERE around Chicago, from Wrigleyville to the Lincoln Park Zoo, and even squeezing in a girls' night out downtown with Jess. On her last day here we enjoyed a yummy brunch at Nellcôte (GO!) followed by a trip to the Navy Pier. I kept it simple and airy with my outfit, because although it was breezy, the sun was still strong.

I wore a skirt and tank top by Forever 21, vintage jewelry, Ralph Lauren sandals, and Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses.

And this is what happiness is to m-e gorgeous Chicago and cotton candy!

Although the summer weather doesn't mix well with my vampire skin, it's the season when all my visitors like to come! I wonder why my friends, mostly originating from Florida, don't like to come in the winter? ;)

XX Jill 

MADEWELL STYLE SESSIONS

Hey Skokie, we're not forgetting about our gals in the 'burbs! Madewell and co-host FabSugar are throwing one heck of a style sesh at their Old Orchard location. Head over there next Thursday, August 16th, from 6 to 8 PM for one-on-one style advice from in-house experts, hang out with Rachel-Marie of Jag Lever (love finding new Chicago bloggers!), share your best looks with #mixwellwithfab to enter to win a special Madewell gift, and bring a pair of jeans to donate and get 20% off your first jeans purchase! Find more info on their Facebook Event page!

Madewell

Ever since I came across Madewell on a trip to South Beach, I've been obsessed. And word around the rumor mill is that they're coming to Downtown Chicago this winter! In the meantime, check out my new favs!

Silk Matchbook Dress ($168.00), Llama Love Necklace ($35.00), Suede Belt ($45.00), Skinny Skinny Ankle Printed Cords ($98.50), Gypsystone Cuff ($26.00), Colorblock Cornershop Cardigan ($72.00), Parisienne Storyteller Scarf ($59.50), Mini-Bow Ring ($15.00), The Biker Boot ($248.00), Perfect Chambray Ex-Boyfriend Shirt ($69.50)

What's your favorite Madewell item?

XO Jess

COVERING THE COVER GIRL STYLE: ELLE

Photo via Elle

Confession time. I've never been a fan of Katy Perry, or really pink dresses for that matter. Both can come off childish, juvenile, and dare I say... obnoxious? However with Katy's recent divorce - and my divorce from staying inside my "little black dress" box - I've come to find a liking for both. So I was pleased to see Katy looking gorgeous in a pink Bottega Veneta dress on the cover of Elle's September issue. Here are some dresses that have me thinking pink.

Azzedine Alaia Grenade Skater-Skirt Dress ($2,545.00), ModCloth Garden Cotillion Dress ($89.99), Catherine Malandrino Pleated Stretch-Jersey ($295.00) - Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave.),  Ombre Sequin Prom Dress ($250.00) - Topshop (830 N. Michigan Ave.)

Check out more of Katy Perry's Elle shoot here!

Now I'm really in the mood to dye my hair purple and continuously wear pink. Dangerous. 

XX Jill

BOBBI BROWN FALL COLLECTION

I have been a loyal Bobbi Brown customer since I started wearing makeup, thanks to my mom's best friend who took me to my first Bobbi Brown trip at the Manhattan Saks. You can call it love at first swipe (of the makeup brush).

Last night I attended a Bobbi Brown event at the 900 Shops, where guests got to view the latest Fall collection by the brand. They also had various stations displaying skincare, makeup, and fragrances with representatives explaining all the products. You can view their new stuff here.

The Fall Line!

While I was playing makeup dress-up with one of the artists, I told her how I've always loved Bobbi Brown because it paints a classic look. She stated that Bobbi Brown makeup gives you the type of look you can appreciate in pictures 20 years from now and still think you look gorgeous. Perfect.

Perfect Skin Station

I picked up their Creamy Concealer Kit (PERFECT for covering dark circles - seriously, I am always carrying it around), High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bare Sparkle, and Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Granite Ink.

Photos via Bobbi Brown

Special thanks to the 900 Shops, Yanira of Manolos, Manicures, This Mom, and Rita of ChiTown Fashionista for putting together a great event!

What do you think of the Bobbi Brown Fall line?

XX Jill

COVERING THE COVER GIRL STYLE: GLAMOUR

Photo via Glamour

It's almost September and that can only mean one thing (and no, not my birthday, but almost just as important)... it's time for September issues! And what better way to celebrate the upcoming month than by sharing some clothing inspired by some of pop culture's top women's magazine covers. There's nobody more deserving to start this trend off than Victoria Beckham, my favorite Spice Girl, and one of my favorite celebrity-turned designers. I'm a sucker for anything lace and black, and adding in bright orange is making me really excited for Fall.

Cross Keeper Belt ($28.00) - Topshop (830 N. Michigan Ave.), Alice By Temperley Libre Shorts ($318.00 SALE) - Neiman Marcus - 737 N. Michigan Ave., BKE Jacquard Lace Top ($30.00) - Buckle (locations here), MSGM Lace Sleeveless Top ($190.00 SALE), Rebecca Taylor Lace Sweatshirt ($250.00) - Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave.), Contour Detail Knickers ($40.00) - Topshop (830 N. Michigan Ave.)

You can check out more from Victoria Beckham's Glamour shoot here! That photo of her with a tiara, taking a bubble bath is giving me life. What September covers are you looking forward to?

XX Jill

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Jess & Jill

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Thanks!

Jess & Jill

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Thanks!

xo Jess & Jill