FAVORITO FRIDAY: MOEVA LONDON

Although I'm not your typical Florida girl, (hello pale skin and dark hair), one thing I do miss about the sunshine state is hanging out by the pool - with sunscreen, of course. Part of the reason is that I love shopping for a new bikini, and recently, it seems like designers have gotten insanely creative with their pieces. One of these designers is MOEVA LONDON swimwear. 

I recently received this MOEVA bikini and I'm in love with the quality and shape. Especially for girls like me who go to the beach more for hanging out rather than tanning, I can appreciate the uniqueness and look. (I'm not worried about crazy tan lines!) They're pieces you will have forever and that can withstand many, many summer days. And just in case your summer day turns into a long summer night, they have gorgeous cover-ups, that compliment the swimwear well. Because really, why would you want to these pieces up?

Mansfield

Lucille

Carla

Camilla

Grace

Hayward

I can't wait to hit the beach... err, lake... in mine!

x Jill

 Jess & Jill received a swimsuit in exchange for this post. Commentary and opinions are of Jess & Jill.

BROWS BY COURTNEY ALLEN

Although we both favor different skincare and makeup products, one thing we can both agree on in the beauty department is a bold brow. We've been growing out ours (thank God for big sunglasses!), so we could visit the brow queen herself, Courtney Allen at Milano Hair Design Studio. Brow down.

We both got our brows tinted and waxed c/o Courtney, and Jess also opted for an eyelash tint. It was perfect for her hiking and camping trip, so she didn't have to worry about makeup - who has time for that in the outdoors? Jill has always had thicker eyebrows, so it was comforting to find someone who appreciates and can handle a full brow. We don't trust just anyone, okay?

And it's safe to say we won't trust anyone but Courtney ever again. She is a master at her work and takes the time explaining the shape and style that best suits your face. She is truly an artist at her craft and is on a mission to save Chicago, one eyebrow at a time. Seriously, you need to make an appointment now.

Have you ever gotten a brow tint?

Jess & Jill

RIDESCOUT AND PAWS CHICAGO

In Chicago, getting from point A to point B isn't always so easy. We prefer to take the train, but don't mind taking a bus if it's faster, (but we still haven't figured out the routes yet!) Of course we 'll take a cab, but sometimes with traffic, walking can be faster - like when Obama decides to come home. Basically, the easiest method for our daily transportation changes all the time, which can be a pain in the you-know-what. Thankfully, there's RideScout.

RideScout is an app for the iPhone and Android that helps you get to your destination faster and smarter. With real-time information, RideScout let's you know the fastest transportation method from biking, walking, train, bus, rideshare, taxi, and more. It'll even tell you how many calories you'll lose by walking or biking there! Your transportation problems are instantly solved.

And we've teamed up with RideScout to not only give our readers an easy-peasy way to navigate the city, but to also give back to those in need. For every download generated from the link here, 20 cents will be donated to one of our favorite places e-v-e-r, PAWS Chicago! Transportation help and supporting cute animals... what's not to love?

Download RideScout here! Not in Chicago? Don't fret - RideScout is also in Austin, San Francisco, DC, and Boston.

What's your favorite way to get around the city?

Jess & Jill

Jess & Jill were compensated for this post and will donate $.20 for every download. Commentary and opinions are of their own.

JESS SAID YES!

(The fiancé came up with that one.)

You probably saw the Instagram photos from my recent trip to South Dakota (cannot wait to share the entire trip with everyone), but what you didn't see was that on one beautiful hike... my boyfriend popped the question!

We saw heart rocks everywhere.

We were doing our last hike of the trip - over three hours to reach 7,242 feet above sea level to Harney Peak in the Black Elk Wilderness, the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the Pyrenees in Spain. (And let's not forget three hours more to get back down). After enjoying the beautiful views of the Black Hills of South Dakota and hanging out with the local wildlife, we headed back down the mountain to our campsite. Or so I thought was the plan! We took one last look above the breathtaking landscape, and he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! Cue the tears.

What was so amazing about the trip was that it was not that one moment that made the trip, but it was the most bonding (have you ever spent 31+ hours in a car with someone?!) and accomplishing trip (we hiked for hours) that we've ever done. Everything we did together this past week made us even more certain that there isn't any one else we would rather do it with!

With that, of course I said yes!

The view from Harney Peak.

I'm not the most conventional girl and I surely don't own anything "blingy", so this rose gold Cartier Love band with alternating diamonds was perfect. We spent some time deciding on a ring (did you really think I wouldn't have a say in jewelry I would wear for the rest of my life?), and after months at jeweler after jeweler, we knew this ring was the one the second I put it on.

There's no rush on our end for a wedding just yet (unless I can persuade Jill on that double-wedding idea), but that just means wedding-themed posts for even longer!

Jess

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Happy Memorial Day!

We're taking it easy today and enjoying this beautiful weather. We hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday with your friends and family. And if you decide to brave the crowd and go shopping, don't forget to check out Memorial Day specials at Fashion Outlets of Chicago!

US of A ($20.00) - Brandon Riesgo

And most importantly, thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve our country!

Jess & Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: 6 FAVORITE LOOKS FROM CANNES 2014

I have two bucket lists - one with things on it that I will one day find the time to do, and one with things on it that I dream to do. Going to Cannes falls on the later.

From the films to the critics, and all of the gorgeous scenery in between, I'd take being a fly on the wall in a heartbeat. Oh, and the fashion. There's that too.

There are a ton of celebrities that did the red carpet justice this year, and while I wish I could share all of them, I gotta get back to dreaming of being there next year (don't crush my hopes, okay?) Here are six looks that I loved!

Jessica Chastain in Elie Saab Couture: This is Jessica's moment, and we're just all living in it.

via Elle.

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior: I don't think I've ever enjoyed a high-low hem this much. Actually, I don't think I've ever enjoyed a high-low hem at all until now. Topped off with that chunky necklace, edgy hair, and bold footwear, I kinda want the whole look in my closet now.

via Elle.

Amber Heard in Vionnet: I love the combo of a long elegant skirt paired with a casual top (bonus points if it's a tee). Not picture: the details of a killer side braid.

via Daily Mail.

Blake Lively (and some dude) in Gucci Premiere: Who was Blake Lively before this dress? Usually her outfit choices look like choices that weren't made by her, but finally, she's the one wearing the dress (and the dress isn't wearing her). It does remind me somewhat of a Killer Whale, but I happen to love Killer Whales.

via Elle.

Cate Blanchett in Valentino: All that glitters is gold on Cate.

via Elle.

Rooney Mara in Calvin Klein: Usually white and strapless do nothing for me, but the peep of skin and structure of the silhouette have me all for it. I also love the added fringe and the red lip (not to mention this dress was made in white just for her).

via E!

What were some of your favorite looks this year?

x Jill

MEMORIAL DAY DEALS AT FASHION OUTLETS OF CHICAGO

Ready to get your shopping on? One of our favorite fashion hubs, who always happens to have killer deals, is going all out this holiday weekend. You do not want to miss your chance to take advantage of all the in-store savings at Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Here is just a taste of what to expect!

Ermenegildo Zegna Outlet – 20% off your purchase - 5/23-5/26

Calypso St. Barth – 50% off your purchase

Gap Outlet – 15% off your purchase of $75 or more - 5/16-5/26

Gucci - Additional 30-50% off select merchandise - 5/21-5/27

Le Creuset – Special meet-and-greet with Chef and Author Karen Blumensaadt-Stoeckly. She will be hosting an in-store cookbook signing and cooking demo - 5/24 at 11AM 

The Limited Outlet – 30% off everything in-store (including clearance), while full-priced dresses are 50% off

Tommy Hilfiger – 40% off all Polos and Tees, plus check in on Foursquare to receive an exclusive offer - until 5/28

One of our favorite things about Fashion Outlets of Chicago - this Cara picture!

Will you be doing any shopping this weekend?

Jess & Jill

NYC WEDDING VENUES

Now that I kind of have a wedding date set in stone, I've been on the hunt for the perfect venue. After googling key words like "vintage," "unique," and "under a bazillion dollars a plate," my search for the perfect NYC wedding venue has been quite the journey. And while I'm still in the process of making my list of places to visit on my next trip, I thought I'd share a few that I've come across worth noting. I think of it as a form of therapy, because jeez, this is stressful.

Prince George Ballroom - An early 20th century building, restored to its original beauty. I love all of the detail and that the proceeds go to sheltering the homeless.

via Common Ground.

The Yale Club - Something about this venue feels like old New York City. Plus having an all-in-one place without it feeling like a catering hall is a huge plus.

via Salwa Photography.

Alder Manor - I literally gasped when I saw this place. Unfortunately they don't have a website, are very hard to get a hold of, and I've seen some reviews from brides that weren't too great. They're also located 45 minutes outside of the city, and I'm not a fan of putting my guests in traffic. Still, a girl can dream about it?

via Ruffled Blog.

The Roosevelt Hotel - Don Draper lived here. Need I say more?

via The Roosevelt Hotel.

The Green Building - Chandeliers? Yes. Raw space? Yes. Beautiful photo backdrop? Oh, YES. The Green Building has become a favorite amongst newly engaged couples, and it's easy to see why.

via The Green Building.

The Carlyle - Having a wedding at a hotel is insanely tempting when you think of the hassle you can save planning transportation after the night's festivities. And although I'm not the biggest fan of most, The Carlyle stood out for me.

via The Carlyle.

Have you been to a NYC wedding?

x Jill

URBAN DECAY NAKED FOUNDATION

When it comes to foundation, for me it's a luxury not a necessity. It's not something I wear every single day, but when I do wear it, I don't want people to see a huge difference in my skin. I've always believed that foundation should enhance your skin's radiance and this exactly what I've found in Urban Decay's Naked Skin Foundation.

It's the perfect balance of coverage and luminosity. It's build-able, for those days when my skin is acting up, but lightweight enough that I don't feel like I have makeup on. The best part? It balances out my oily and dry patches, so I don't have to worry about either showing through. It's my new go-to foundation!

via Urban Decay.

What's your favorite foundation?

x Jill

MAY '14 SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

April showers bring May flowers tunes.

Now that we're spending more time outside, and our Uber bill is looking much lower because of all the walking we're doing, our headphones have been getting a lot of love. Want to jam out at your desk while wishing you were outside? Check out this month's playlist, here!

What song are you listening to right now?

Jess & Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: THE NEW LOEHMANN'S

There are a few traditions that my mom and I fall right into when we see each other - staying up really late watching HGTV, sharing a salad no matter where we eat, and shopping at Loehmann's for hidden gems. So you can imagine my despair when I heard the mega store that was my favorite place to get a good deal was closing. Way to give a girl abandonment issues.

That was until I stumbled upon this article from Fashionista. The new Loehmann's? What? On May 5th Loehmann's soft launched their new website, that has just as amazing deals as they did in store. You can even check out using PayPal (score!) and make monthly payments (even more score!) on purchased items. The official launch will be happening sometime in June. 

via Crain's.

Browse the shop here!

This just means my mom and I will have to shop via the couch next time. Hey, that doesn't sound too bad.

x Jill

WHICH ARROW NECKLACE SHOULD JESS CHOOSE?

I've always wanted an arrow necklace - I thought it was for no specific reason other than that they're cute and dainty, but I've been seeing arrows for as long as I've been dating my boyfriend without realizing it. Turns out he received his Order of the Arrow, which is a national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America, and it's almost in every photo of him growing up. (He's also an Eagle Scout!)

Obviously something that is very close to his heart, makes it more special for me, so now I have even more of a reason to get an arrow necklace because I'll think of my boyfriend every time I wear it. I've found a few gold favorites that I've been eyeing, but problem is - I love each one! 

Montana Necklace ($450.00) - Jennifer Zeuner

Tiffany Hearts Arrow Pendant ($350.00) - Tiffany & Co.

Straight As An Arrow Necklace ($240.00) - Maya Brenner Designs

Arrow Necklace ($345.00) - Phoenix Roze

Which one do you like best?

Jess

MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING: THE WEDDING

This past March, I flew down to Costa Rica (see part one of my trip here) to be maid of honor at my best friend's wedding. I've talked about the bachelorette party, bridal shower favors, and bridal shower place cards, and after having an amazing time at her wedding, I couldn't help but share some photos from the day!

The wedding took place at the most beautiful venue, Punto de Vista, with the most beautiful scenery Costa Rica has to offer. It was the perfect day - from the food to the music, everything was exactly how every bride hopes their big day would be. And her photographer, FunkyTown Photography, did an amazing job capturing all of the beauty! The bride and groom truly made their wedding a lifetime experience for all of their guests, and any other wedding would have a pretty hard time topping it.

A gorgeous day in Manuel Antonio.

Getting ready.

In our robes that the bride gifted to the wedding party!

The most beautiful bride.

Love this photo!

The ceremony music was perfect (can you spot my dad taking photos on his iPad?)

Husband and wife!

My favorite photo of the couple.

The girls.

Barefoot in the sand - where I wish was right now!

The wedding party.

The wedding party.

Beautiful flowers.

The cake that I wish I had tried, but somehow ended up with some on my dress (signs of just how good the party was.)

Giving my maid of honor speech.

The second dinner was over, we did not stop dancing. There was not one butt sitting down!

This is how the rest of the night went!

Never seen so much dancing at a wedding.

Let's hope my fiance dances half as much as he did that night at our wedding!

It was even more magical than it looks.

x Jill