CHEEKY REAL PEOPLE OF STYLE 2013

Last week, we attended Cheeky Chicago's Real People of Style Spring Fashion Show at the 900 North Michigan Shops! We were so excited to see some familiar faces (including Jill's boss Kelly Ryan O'Brien) walk the runway in the latest trends. After that we headed to DrumBAR for the after party!

It's always inspiring to see women supporting each other and that's what Cheeky Chicago is all about. Plus they throw a killer event. Who can't get behind that?

Photo via Glitterary. 

Jess wore a Forever 21 faux-leather collared blouse, a GUESS knit-back faux-leather jacket, Gap camo skimmers, braved the cold with DV Dolce Vita wedges (similar style here), and Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha crossbody. Jill refused to wear her normal winter black and opted for a dress by Cynthia Rowley and tights from DKNY.

The stage is set!

Bloggers galore! We've got Kari of Style at a Steal, Farissa of WhatRUWearing.net,
Amber of Style Plus Curves, and Sara of Project Soiree.
If we missed you, please let us know!

D+S of Glitterary!

The beautiful ladies of Cheeky Chicago!

We even got to sneak a visit with Lisa after the event!
Photo via Stilettos and Diaper Bags.

DrumBAR

And I finally met Shannon of Cheap Frills and Thrills!

Us with the brains behind Chicago Hustles Magazine
Photo via Glitterary.

Photo via Glitterary.

Jess & Jill

GALLERY WALL INSPIRATION

Gallery walls are a perfect way to decorate your place with unique prints, personal photographs and mementos, or just pretty things! Perfect place to find all that? Etsy, of course! No matter where you're doing a gallery wall, there is something perfect for every room. Add to it by mixing and matching frames that you can buy at West Elm, Crate and Barrel or antique and vintage finds. Check out some of my favorite prints for any blank wall below!

1. Chicago Heart Map ($18.00) - LuciusArt, 2. The Jolly Old Whale ($9.99) - StayGoldMedia, 3. Top Knot ($20.00) - ElizabethMayville, 4. Retro Kitchen Utensils ($23.00) - ProjectType, 5. Treat Yo Self ($24.00) - paperchat, 6. Roam If You Want To ($17.00) - JumpOffThePage, 7. Squirrel Lady ($35.00) - berkleyillustration, 8. Hello Life ($15.00) - AmandaCatherineDesigns, 9. All That Glitters Is Not Gold ($28.00) - JessicaIllustration, 10. Seafoam Chevron ($16.00) - BentonParkPrints, 11. World Map No. 6 ($25.00) - JessicaIllustration

Alright, I've got my frames, how the heck do I put them up?! Don't fret, this image says it all.

Jess

FAVORITO FRIDAY: SPRINGTIME DRESSES

It may not feel like spring just yet, but I promise it's coming and once it does (Saturday works for me, Mother Nature), you will have the perfect springtime dress to bust out! I just bought the Gap dress below and I can't wait to add some more to my closet!

Printed Sateen Sweetheart Dress ($48.96 - On Sale!) - Gap, Lisa Marie Voile Slip ($88.00) - Free People, Printed Tunic ($79.90) - Zara, Pleated Silk Dress ($155.00) - Madewell, Keepsake 'Kiss the Sun' Dress ($220.00) - Edith Hart

What can't you just wait to wear this spring?

Jess

KEEPING IT GREY

My apartment is full of prints and color (who would have thought, right?), but I'm in the mood to have a bedroom that screams, or rather quietly shows serenity and peacefulness. Hence, my new obsession with a bedroom with grey on grey (no surprise there). Now on to my favorite grey goodies for the bedroom!

1. Monochrome Tapa Crewelwork Rug ($78.00 - $448.00) - Anthropologie, 2. Nomad Coverlet + Shams (29.00 - $189.00) - West Elm, 3. Acid Etched Letter ($10.00) - Urban Outfitters, 4. 'Live Simply' Print ($15.00) - Amanda Catherine Designs, 5. Capri Blue Hourglass Candle Jar ($24.00) - Anthropologie, 6. Turning Triangles Terrarium ($39.00) - Urban Outfitters, 7. Soiree Grey Candleholder ($4.95) - Crate & Barrel, 8. Alpine Gunmetal Bed ($599.00 - $699.00) and Organic Grey Percale Sheet Sets ($19.95 - $109.00) - CB2, 9. Cast Metal Jewelry Tree ($29.00) - West Elm

What is your bedroom theme?

Jess

CHEEKY REAL PEOPLE OF STYLE 2013

This Thursday, March 21st, Cheeky Chicago will be throwing their annual Real People of Style fashion show at the 900 North Michigan Shops, and you bet your freezing behind we will be there. Not only are some of our favorite bloggers going to be walking the catwalk, Jill's boss and Chicago Blogger Network founder Kelly Ryan O'Brien will be working her best Naomi Campbell. 

Attendees will enjoy food, drinks, and a runway show displaying the hottest Spring trends. There's also an after party at Drumbar, where Rob Ackroyd of Florence + The Machine will be the guest DJ. What more could you want? 

Tickets can be purchased here.

See you there!

xx Jess & Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: BOYFRIEND SHIRT

Gap is saying they found "The Perfect Boyfriend"... Boyfriend shirt, that is! Whether you're looking for a fun print (cats, anyone?), ruffles, or this season's colors, you will fall in love with the tailored, relaxed fit that is just like your boyfriend's favorite shirt. Or your best friend's. Or the guy that you're occasionally seeing. We've got love for the single ladies too.

I picked up a large floral printed shirt today - now, it's your turn!

Shrunken Boyfriend Gingham Shirt ($49.95)

Fitted Boyfriend Piece-Dye Shirt ($49.95)

Fitted Boyfriend Cat Print Shirt ($54.95)

Fitted Boyfriend Swiss Dot Shirt ($49.95)

Fitted Boyfriend Striped Ruffled Shirt ($49.95)

Shrunken Boyfriend Printed Shirt ($54.95)

Fitted Boyfriend Print Shirt ($49.95)

And perfect timing - Gap is having their Friends Event and everything is 30% OFF! Just head over to a store near you or enter 'GAPFRIENDS' online.

- Jess

SILVER WEDDING SHINE

This past weekend, I went to a beautiful wedding at Salvage One with my complete outfit that you helped me with! I already had the J.Crew dress and Charles David heels, and needed some votes for the perfect necklace. 

Charles David 'Icon' Sandal ($169.95) - Nordstrom

Drumroll, please... I chose the Guinevere resin statement necklace from Nordstrom! I bought it online and didn't even think twice about the dimensions, so I was taken aback when I saw it out of the box and realized it was HUGE! Once I took a breath and tried it on with my dress (and my crazy hair) it was just the impact I wanted.

Guinevere Resin Statement Necklace ($75.00) - Nordstrom

With one accessory down, it was time to find the complementing clutch. I went to what felt like every store at Woodfield and almost gave up until I went into bebe and found this amazing silver enamel clutch. I mean, how perfect is that?!

Enamel Hard Clutch ($69.00) - bebe, 'Sincerity' Ring ($55.00) - Pandora
Wearing Essie's 'No Place Like Chrome' and 'Bahama Mama' ($8.00).

What's your favorite accessory to dress things up?

 

- Jess

BLOOMINGDALE'S FASHION SHOW WITH JACQUELINE REZAK

Our favorite celebrity stylist Jacqueline Rezak of Rad and Refined will be styling a fashion show Thursday, March 21st, at Bloomingdale's on Michigan Avenue! She will be showcasing the hottest trends and designer duds for you to wear at this year's music festivals (Lolla anyone?)!

We love Jacqueline and can't wait to see what she delivers!

And if you're unfamiliar with Jacqueline and Rad and Refined, you can look at our posts, including an AMAZING party she threw for the launch of her Chicago showroom, here.

xx Jess & Jill

FASHION OUTLETS OF CHICAGO

We've got amazing news... The Fashion Outlets of Chicago is opening August 1st! Get ready for a two-level, fully enclosed (perfect for all seasons), 530,000 square foot outlet mecca just minutes away from O'Hare in Rosemont. They have already announced 120 (more to come soon) stores that will be open for all of your shopping needs. 

Anchor stores include Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, and Forever 21. Our favorites include AllSaints, Barneys New York, Gucci, Halston, Herve Leger, J.Crew, L.K.Bennett, Max Studio, Michael Kors, Original Penguin, Prada, Steve Madden, Theory, Tory Burch, True Religion, Vince, Vince Camuto, and more! Drooling yet?

Don't live in Chicago? This will make your visit or even your layover. There will be a shuttle service to and from O'Hare and a TSA-certified conceirge on-site that will print your boarding pass and check in your luggage. I hope there's a suitcase shop because you may just need it!

Architectural rendering of Fashion Outlets of Chicago.

Are you excited for some outlet shopping?! Just 142 days left!

- Jess & Jill

JESS'S TRIP TO SOUTH FLORIDA

This week, I went to sunny Florida to throw my best friend's bridal shower (another 'J' in my life) and spend time with family. The weather was perfect - a crisp 60 degrees and sunny skies. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend! 

I don't have much color in my closet, but it was a perfect time and place to brighten up my wardrobe. For the bridal shower brunch, I wore a Marciano dress with DV by Dolce Vita 'Tarry' sandal and GUESS, Sequin (similar), and Kate Spade accessories.

I add color to my wardrobe when in Miami.

My Miami photographer, my dad!

 

A Florida trip is not complete without a stop to South Beach! We headed to South Pointe to enjoy the view of the skyline and the crystal clear water. Believe it or not, these photos were not touched up at all - the water is that beautiful.

I wore Gap camo 'Skimmer' jeans, a GUESS open stitch sweater and accessories, Marciano modal scarf, Steve Madden sandals, and a Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Natasha' crossbody.

And now I'm back in post-snowstorm Chicago. Oh wait, I'll be back in Florida in a month for my best friend's wedding!

- Jess

NORDSTROM BEAUTY BLUSH HOUR

Who doesn't love a good beauty event? And THIS one's good.

Join one of our favorite bloggers, Shannon of Cheap Frills and Thrills, along with experts from Anastasia, Jouer, Stila, Winks, Clarins, Osmotics, Quasar, and Arcona for Nordstrom's Beauty Blush Hour! Being held this Thursday, March 7th, they'll be dishin' and teachin' the latest makeup trends for the upcoming season. From the mini-facials to the cocktails, can you imagine what will be in the swag bags?

RSVP quick!

xx Jess & Jill

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!

We're off to South Florida for a few days, so don't mind us as we take in some sun rays, eat home-cooked meals and spend time with friends and family. Wanna keep in touch? Follow Jess, Jill, or the both of us on Instagram!

Hello South Florida!

See you Wednesday!

XO Jess & Jill