HOME OFFICE DECOR

My dining room table tends to double up as a home office, so when dinner consists of moving laptops, magazines, to-do lists, and odds-and-ends out of the way in time for food - it's time to expand. My goal in my intended home office? A way to incorporate my personality, but make it gender-neutral so my boyfriend can enjoy it as well. Wish me luck.

Metal Industrial Stool ($149.00) - West Elm, 15 Minute Hour Glass ($9.95) - CB2, TPS Mint File Cabinet ($159.00) - CB2, 'The Geek Next Door' Print ($25.00) - Jessica Durrant, Format Desk Accessories ($7.95 - $22.95) - CB2, Multiple Pencils Holder - ($48.00) - Anthropologie,  Go-Cart Bright Orange Desk ($149.00) - CB2, Dachsund Letter Holder ($32.00) - Anthropologie, Magnetic Stainless Steel Board ($32.00) - West Elm, Cloche Table Lamp ($69.95) - CB2, Square Lacquer Trays ($24.00) - West Elm

What room are you looking to add or remodel?

XO Jess

SAG AWARDS 2013 - JILL'S RECAP

Last night were the 19th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, and like most bloggers, I paid much more attention to what walked down the red carpet rather than who. Take a look at some of my favorites, thoughts, and who made me yell HALLELUJAH.

Best

Anne Hathaway in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture: Anne has been killing the red carpet's lately and her style is truly her own. I love the unique twist on this classic black dress that is complemented well with Anne's simple makeup. 

Kerry Washington in Rodarte: I am so glad that Kerry Washington is getting the recognition she deserves, and not just in the fashion department. The detail on this gown is gorgeous and looks great from every angle. 

      

January Jones in Prabal Gurung: This look seems to be hit or miss with people, but it was like a cup of strong coffee to wake me up from all the strapless snooze-fests.. and I loved it. The makeup definitely could of used some tweaking, but whether or not you like the look, you have to agree that she always brings something new to the red carpet.

Kiernan Shipka in Oscar de la Renta: It's a little weird putting a 13-year-old in Oscar de la Renta on my best dressed list, but then again, it's a 13-year-old in Oscar de la Renta.. she deserves it. Kiernan always looks age appropriate while still giving fashion inspiration to grown women (she is the definition of a little lady- see here). Gone are the days where tweens in Limited Too are considered fashionable. Did I just age myself?

Julianne Moore in Chanel: Although I could see an actress like Michelle Williams wearing this design, I don't think anyone could have pulled this gown off as good as Julianne. The cut could have been less intense, but I thought she looked beautiful.

Worst

 Julianna Marguiles in Chado Ralph Rucci: No excuse for this, especially when she looked like this the night prior at the Producers Guild Awards. What's with that string coming down the side? As if things couldn't get worse, I looked down at her shoes. Let's move on.

Ariel Winter in Alex Perry: I appreciate her trying to be age appropriate, but she took it way too far. For starters, chopping off those sleeves would have made the gown ten times better, although the applique flowers are unfortunately on the top of the dress too. With her long hair down, there's just too much going on on top, making her look frumpy.

Freido Pinto in Roland Mouret: The color of this dress is gorgeous, but everything else falls flat. Those bows? That hair? Let's wake up in the morning and pretend this never happened. 

Rose Byrne in Valentino: I always give an applause for any actress who wears a print down the runway, and this one is no exception, but that's the only part of this look I liked. This silhouette is just not working. And besides missing her blunt bangs, her hair looks way too flat, dragging down her face.

Others

Claire Danes in Givenchy: We saw her AMAZING body at the Golden Globes this year, so there's no reason why she should be looking wider than she is. The fit of this gown needs a little tweaking, but I could look past that.. in fact, I have no choice, since all my attention is on that tragic makeup. It's as if her makeup artist purposely used the worst eyeshadow and lip color she could find, and Claire didn't bother to look in the mirror. 

 Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior and Amanda Seyfried in Zac Posen: Many people have been commenting about the similarities between both looks- Strapless, dark blue gowns with side-part waves. I seem to be in the minority when I say I prefer Jennifer's look over Amanda's, and I favored Jennifer's choice of necklace, and thought Amanda's statement piece didn't fit with her ensemble. Although both girls looked gorgeous, I thought Jennifer looked simply classic (others may call it too plain, but tomato tom-ah-to).

Lea Michele in Valentino: The bottom of the dress was interesting, as well as the color, and it looked much better in movement than in pictures. Still, the fit isn't working, and she's giving off some serious armpit muffin top (has someone coined a term for that yet?). I loved her subtle ombre hair in the past, but this drastic color is just too much. 

And last but not least, can I get a HALLELUJAH for Jessica Chastain's look? It wasn't anything spectacular, but a huge step in the right direction from this Golden Globes tragedy. Let's all say a prayer that she doesn't go backwards for the Oscars.

Who were your favorites?

xx Jill

COVERING THE COVER GIRL STYLE: EMMA STONE

Emma Stone is one Hollywood It Girl that everyone can get behind, so it's no surprise to see she's gracing magazine covers left and right. How cute is she on Glamour UK's February cover? 

With some serious temperature lows hitting Chicago, it may seem a little too soon to be looking at Spring florals, but it'll (hopefully) be here before we know it. For the sake of my sanity, I'm really hoping for it. 

Checkout some floral dresses inspired by her Glamour UK photo shoot!

Emma Stone's Glamour UK Cover

1. Dorothy Perkins Floral Halter Dress ($69), 2. H&M Dress ($34.95), 3. RED Valentino Floral Print Dress ($800), 4. Alice + Olivia Tabitha Floral Print Dress ($176),  5. Milly Lanal Floral Dress ($360), 6. Myne Chandler Dress ($198), 7. Opening Ceremony Floral Jacquard Dress ($495), 8. ModCloth by Bettie Page Posed in Posies Dress ($84.99).

xx Jill

KATE YOUNG FOR TARGET

And they've done it again...

Fresh off the high from Prabal Gurung x Target, the megastore's announced that their newest collaboration will be with stylist Kate Young. The limited edition collection will be available April 14, and will range from dresses, accessories, separates, bags, and more, starting at $14.99 to $89.99. If you're unfamiliar with Kate, she dipped her feet in the world of fashion by starting as an assistant to Anna Wintour, and now holds Natalie Portman and Michelle Williams as clients. You can learn more about the collaboration, including a peek at some of Kate's sketches, here.

In celebration of the news, take a look at some of my favorite projects/stylings Kate has done!

Natalie Portman in Viktor and Rolf - Golden Globes 2010 via Getty Images

Jason Wu S/S 2013

Jason Wu S/S 2013

Michelle Williams in Vera Wang - Academy Awards 2006 via Getty Images

Taylor Swift - InStyle June 2011

Happy (future) Shopping!

xx Jill

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESS!

I am so lucky to be able to blog with one of my best friends! Thanks for being the best blogging partner ever! Hope this year is filled with lots of Pretty Little Liars, Chipotle, Kiehl's, and Babushkas. :)

xx Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: MIRIAM CECILIA

I love finding new designers, so after Purely Fashion ran an awesome giveaway with lots of Chicago designers (and I won!), I was excited to be introduced to some new collections. One of my favorites that I came across was Miriam Cecilia. Take a peek at what she has to offer below!

 

xx Jill

FIRST TIME HIKER

Something I was determined to do this year was go hiking (and I did it within 12 days of the new year - booyah!). My boyfriend is an Eagle Scout, so camping and backpacking is his kinda thing. Since I've never done it, I figured, who better to go with? As part one of my birthday celebration (the rest to come this weekend), we headed to Starved Rock State Park in Utica, about an hour and a half southwest of the city. We spent six hours hiking through the canyons, along the Illinois River, and enjoyed the views of the waterfalls and icefalls. And it's official - I got the hiking bug! I'm already planning my second trip, but I may wait a bit until it warms up!

Ready to start the hike!

Canyons!

Getting dirty!

Can't wait to go back!

Whether you made a resolution to hit the outdoors or get in shape, you gotta get the right gear!

1. Nike 'Free Run+ 3' Running Shoe ($100.00) - Nordstrom, 2. GapFit gFast Ombre Leggins ($54.95) - Gap, 3. Powder Summit™ Headring ($17.00) - Columbia,  4. MicroTherm™ Down Vest ($119.00) - Eddie Bauer, 5. Purist Cycling Water Bottle ($18.00) - Lululemon Athletica,  6. Bryce Mid WP ($135.00) - Keen, 7. Dri-Fit Knit Long-Sleeve ($70.00) - Nike

How are you getting in shape this year?

XO Jess

BLACK & WHITE

Black & White has been the latest color trend to sweep the fashion world, but in my opinion, it's a classic combo that is timeless (did it ever really go out of style?). From dresses and blazers to accessories, check out a few of my picks below!

1. Dorothy Perkins Peplum Top ($39.00), 2. White House Black Market High Contrast Piped Bag ($27.99 - On Sale!), 3. H&M Black and White Top ($12.95), 4. Alice + Olivia Kirean Jersey and Chiffon Maxi Dress ($295.00), 5. L.A.M.B Jazmyn Heels ($294.99), 6. BCBG Leather Zip-Around Travel Wallet ($188.00), 7. Hudson Leeloo Super Skinny Crop Jeans ($198.00), 8. Topshop Stripe Ponte Blazer ($90.00), 9. T By Alexander Wang Pleated Neoprene Mini Dress ($350), 10. Marc by Marc Jacobs Scalloped Striped Scarf ($89.51), 11. PU Mini Skirt ($94.00), 12. Elizabeth & James Paul Flat Haircalf Booties ($118.50 - On Sale!).

xx Jill

JILL'S GOLDEN GLOBES RECAP

First let me say that Claire Danes should have came with a disclaimer last night that no woman bounces back that quickly after having a baby, and she in fact is an alien (as if her incredible acting wasn't proof enough). Her stylist wronged her by dressing her altogether, because she should have shown up naked. 

And on to the gowns...

The Golden Globes is the official pre-game to the big party, AKA the Oscars (my Holiday). There were many looks I enjoyed last night, and some that I wondered if there was a mirror present when they were getting ready. Here are some of my favorites, not-so favorites, and ones who almost got it right. 

Best

Anne Hathaway in Chanel: It's Anne Hathaway. And it's Chanel. Did you see Les Mis? Have you ever seen a Chanel show? No explanation needed. Take notes, future nominees. 

Julianne Moore in Tom Ford: Proof that age is nothing but a number, Julianne is showing these young actresses how it's done. She is such a class act, and does it in one of the hottest color trends right now.

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen: Kate is GLOWING in this dress. Literally. The neckline and belting detail adds that spark a black dress needs to stand out. Plus I'm so over strapless gowns.

Emily Blunt in Michael Kors: It's not the most riveting dress I've seen, but she looks stunning, and I love the pop of color she added with the earrings. She could have gone with a brighter clutch but her well done bun makes it up for me.

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu: People seem to either love or hate this look, and I happen to love it. The simple makeup with a pop of purple eyeshadow, and sleek hair, really make the gorgeous details of the dress shine. This girl can really pull off a blunt bang.

Worst

Giuliana Rancic in Celia Krithariot: Love Giuliana and lately she's been nailing it, but this is exactly what happens when a dress wears the girl. It doesn't fit who she is and would have worked much better on an edgier woman. Rooney Mara's pale skin and dark hair would have done it more justice.

Halle Berry in Versace: Because even pulling her best Jolie leg didn't work.

Julianne Hough in Monique Lhuillier: I actually like the dress and the refreshingly unique detail, but think it would work better on someone younger and taller. Halee Steinfeld would be a better fit for the dress, but hopefully she wouldn't wear the jewelry made of insects (ew).

Jessica Chastain in Givenchy Haute Couture: A gorgeous girl who can just never get it right. The fit of the dress is all wrong (I want to PULL that halter up) and the hair ages her. Jessica, you deserve so much more. You and your stylist should see other people.

 What Could Have Been

Taylor Swift in Donna Karan Atelier: She nailed it with the dress, color, and earrings. I appreciate her FINALLY stepping out of her glittery, sparkle box and dressing more mature, but she took it too far with the hair. Baby steps?

Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera: Love/Hate is the definition of my feelings towards this dress, although it is so good to see a bold print on the carpet. Lucy Liu did look darling in this frock, but things would have gone better if her hair was more refined.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture: Silver Linings Playbook was SO good and I was excited to see her win, but her chest was giving me serious Madonna torpedo vibes. If this was toned down a bit, I could really appreciate how perfect her hair was.

And can we all give an applause to Tina Fey and Amy Poehler? Hosts that definitely delivered the laughs, and proved that women can do it better. Sorry Ricky Gervais!

Who were some of your favorites?

xx Jill


Photos via Getty Images.