French Connection

{French Connection coat, J.Crew top and necklace, Paige jeans, Nine West boots, Paolo Masi handbag, Fossil belt, Kenneth Cole ring, scarf via T.J.Maxx}

Patterned Coat

{L.A.M.B. coat, J.Crew jeans, Paolo Masi handbag and Averly shirt (both via T.J.Maxx), Cole Haan boots, Kenneth Cole earings, JewelMint rings}

I've owned this coat for years. It is one of those items that despite an interesting design can be a little difficult to style. I'm sure there's a way to wear it with a variety of colors and perhaps even other patterns.  I, on the other hand, like to take an easy route and let the coat speak for itself by pairing it with something understated.

A Pop of Yellow

{J.Crew sweater and necklace, Madewell skirt, BCBG coat, Zara clutch, Coach pumps}

The weather has changed drastically over the weekend here in Chicago. It dropped from upper 70s to the low 40s. As much  as I resented it, I had to dig in the back of my closet and pull out a coat for the first time this season. To keep the outfit from looking too drab I did my usual trick of adding a pop of bright color. When the day is brisk and cloudy what's better than to throw some sunshine into the ensemble.

Classics

{J.Crew coat, jeans and flats, H&M top, Zenith handbag (via Loehmann's), Banana Republic necklace}

Expedition

{Anthropologie skirt, J.Crew sweater, True Religion jacket (via T.J.Maxx),  Zara boots, Abro handbag}

Yesterday I had to take a trip to the Oriental Institute Museum in Chicago as a part of my college assignment. What I didn't expect was that the visit would lead to one of the greatest discoveries in the city - the University of Chicago campus. I've visited  Hyde Park neighborhood very briefly years ago but I was completely unaware of this gem it possessed. It is a historic campus filled with strikingly beautiful, gothic buildings. I couldn't stop oohing and ahhing to Mr. C at how intricate and astonishing each one was. I  feel as if I've taken a trip back in time. I can't wait to go back to this truly spectacular site in spring.    

Simple Delights

{Statement jewelry to adorn those plain old sweaters.}

{Simple greenery}

I love having fresh flowers around the house. Unfortunately I can't afford to buy them as often as I'd like. Lately I've been inspired to use some inexpensive greenery to bring some nature into my home. The best part about using greenery instead of flowers is that they tend to look best in containers that you may already have sitting in your recycling bin - empty glass jars, bottles, even metal tins. I love using chemistry beakers that I have in various sizes.

{Botanical prints by a local artist Danilo Cuevas}

I discovered this artist a few summers back during one of the art fairs in Chicago. I fell in love with the poppy print which seemed perfect for my blue and red bedroom. A year later we ran into this artist again during another art fair, and of course I had to get another print. I think I officially started a new collection.

{Soft lantern light above our entryway}

 Whenever the sun starts to set and the lanterns around our apartment building light up, I can't help but embrace the moment. There's something about the glow of old lanterns  that seems so warm and inviting - almost magical. It also signifies the end of the day, when the work is done and it's time to be with our loved ones. It always makes me wonder what other people are doing at this time of the day. Perhaps they're having a family dinner, or maybe a friends gathering, perhaps someone somewhere is reading fairy tales to their children...

Around the Apartment: Bedroom

{All bedding is from Home Goods, dresser found on Craigslist}

{Paris print from T.J.Maxx, doll made by my mom}

{Vintage print, my favorite Happ & Stahns perfume, Anthropologie miniature jar, candy dish from my childhood}

Fuchsia

{Madewell shirt, Elizabeth and James blazer, J.Crew jeans and necklace, Zara clutch, Cole Haan boots, Kenneth Cole bracelet, Anthropologie sunglasses}

I spotted this Madewell shirt from across the room (how could you not?!) and instantly knew it was going home with me. It's fresh bright color is unlike anything I have in my closet. I knew it would liven up any plain outfit just like it did with this simple black ensemble.  I'm looking forward to using it to spice up some of my beloved navy skirts next summer.

Fifty Shades of Purple

{Classiques Entier skirt - recent (via Nordstrom rack), BCBG jacket, Target hat and shirt, Cynthia Rowley scarf- recent (via T.J.Maxx), Montini handbag, Zara booties}

Lately I've been really drawn to the maxi look. I've been wearing several long skirts on heavy rotation over the summer. Now I'm ready to incorporate them into my fall wardrobe by pairing them with blazers and leather jackets. I love the contrast of the flowy feminine piece against a more structured masculine one.

I found this purple maxi at Nordstrom Rack for $28.20. It's quite a deal considering it originally was priced at $188. You are sure to see me wear it repeatedly into late November (until I can't climb over the piles of snow anymore).

Casual Sunday

{Elizabeth and James blazer, Gap jeans, Madewell top, handbag, scarf and necklace, Joan & David flats, Anthropologie sunglasses}

Around the Apartment: Kitchen