Local Talent {Laura Lombardi}

Laura Lombardi Jewelry Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 1.45.06 AM Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 1.45.27 AM Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 1.45.52 AM Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 1.46.46 AM Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 1.46.57 AM

Laura Lombardi Jewelry Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 1.47.49 AM

Laura Lombardi Jewelry

Chicago is a city with an amazing array of talented artists, many of which are absolute masters of their craft. Local jewelry genius Laura Lombardi is one of them. Her current Spring 2013 creations & look book blow me away!! The ethnically-inspired pieces are made from vintage brass and copper…and they have a depth and mystery to them that I don’t see very often. Every piece is handmade right here in Chicago, which makes wearing these jewels all the more special.

I recently had the pleasure to (finally!) meet Laura in person, and not only is she mega talented, she’s also an absolute sweetheart. Perfect combo for one of Chicago’s most talented jewelry ladies, right?! If you want to know more, or to find her full line, click here.

XO

{All images via LauraLombardi.com}

Summer Style {Oh, Stop It!}

Kate Spade for Summer

{1.Floral Romper.  2.Travel Journal. 3.Earrings.  4.Flats.  5.Bottle Carrier.}

Over the weekend, I took a little online browse (while enjoying the beautiful sunny weather on the porch) through my favorite sites & found myself stuck and amazed at Kate Spade’s current goodies -sometimes she just REALLY gets it! Thought I’d share my faves with you.

How fun & easy is that short floral romper?! Paired with the purple-metallic flats, it’s a perfect outfit for a Summer picnic or an evening stroll while on vacation. Fancy it up with colorful statement earrings, and while we’re on the topic of vacations….Kate’s pink travel journal has officially gone on my wish list…along with this super cool wicker champagne carrier (this could also be a fantastic hostess gift!!)

What are your Summer faves right now?

XO

Etsy Love {Miniature Rhino}

Screen Shot 2013-05-17 at 12.57.37 AM Screen Shot 2013-05-17 at 12.59.01 AM Screen Shot 2013-05-17 at 12.58.13 AM Screen Shot 2013-05-17 at 12.57.14 AM Screen Shot 2013-05-17 at 1.00.20 AM Miniature Rhino Embroidery on Etsy

Happy Friday, Lovelies! I hope you’re ready for a fun Spring weekend ahead!

How adorable are these Custom Embroidery Kits by Miniature Rhino?! I can see a million ways to gift/display/use these. For the crafty ones among us, you can choose from a ton of different colors and directions on how to create your perfect little piece of art. If you’re more into leaving the crafting up to the experts, you can combine any letters/names/colors and your embroidery will arrive at your doorstep in about 2 weeks.

How awesome would these be as a personalized wedding gift or just to say “I Love You”? I also think displaying all of your family initials with several pieces would be a cool way to build a family tree…

XO

Floral Suiting

Floral Suiting

Floral Suiting

Floral Suiting

Floral Suiting

Floral Suiting

{Shorts – Aritzia. Top – Aritzia. Heels – Alaia. Sunglasses – Need Supply. Bag – Celine.}

It’s officially really warm here in Chicago (majorly jumping for joy here!)….and what better way to celebrate than spending some time outdoors in a bright floral Spring ensemble?! After searching far & wide for the perfect floral “Suit”, I finally found this super bright & playful version at Aritzia. It’s easy to wear, fun, and has just the right amount of tailoring to make it appropriate for evenings when worn with a nice heel. What do you think? Are you into the floral-on-floral trend?

XO

{Images by the lovely Alison.}

Weekly Color Inspiration {A Mermaid’s Life}

Mermaid's Dream Manicure

{On all fingers, except index fingers – Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Kiss.  On index fingers – Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream.}

I LOVE Deborah Lippmann’s new “Mermaids” collection for Spring! These colors combine a beautiful base of pastel colors with a great glitter texture….which is essentially combining 2 steps into 1! Genius! This means, less layers, less drying time, and more instant fun. Count me in!

XO

Must See {Scatter my Ashes…}

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a special preview screening of the new documentary “Scatter my Ashes at Bergdorf’s” (officially coming to theaters on May 17th.)

For all of my fellow fashion & style crazies lovers out there – I can’t recommend the film enough. It manages to give us a very intimate look into New York’s most special and legendary fashion mecca – Bergdorf Goodman.

For those of us who’ve been “lucky” enough to step into (let alone shop at) Bergdorf’s, it makes us yearn for another trip into luxury fantasy…and for those who have yet to personally discover the grand dame of luxury department stores, it promises the world! Long live conspicuous consumption and beautifully conceived window displays (wink!)

XO

Currently Mixing {Jello Shots for the Grown Ups}

Rose & Amaretto Jello Shots by Miss Renaissance

Rose & Amaretto Jello Shots by Miss Renaissance

Rose & Amaretto Jello Shots by Miss Renaissance

Rose Amaretto Jello Shots by Miss Renaissance

Rose & Amaretto Jello Shots by Miss Renaissance

Rose & Amaretto Jello Shots by Miss Renaissance

Normally, I’d believe that anyone who puts the words “Luxe” and “Jello Shots” in the same sentence is clearly insane. To me, Jello Shots signify times long passed, such as rowdy college parties…who’s with me?!

…unless, we’re talking about these adorable & actually delicious Rose-Amaretto Jello Shots!! I’ve been toying with the idea of a “Grown Up” Jello Shot version for quite a bit now, and this past weekend I finally took matters into my own hands.

What a difference the right ingredients make! Choose your favorite sparkling wine or rose, add some sweet & aromatic amaretto to the mix and you have yourself a fun alcoholic treat that won’t make you look like a silly college party host.

Of course, in my world most things pink need to be accompanied by some serious sparkle, so I topped off my shots with a healthy dose of edible gold glitter. You can leave your version plain pink (great for a classy bachelorette party or bridal shower), or add some different colored sprinkles (why not bring them along to a grown-up birthday party?!)…the sky’s the limit here when it comes to your creativity!

I hope you give it a try. Let’s help the old Jello Shot move from the depths of cheap liquor & plastic cup humiliation into the glam & tasty party scene, shall we?!

XO

{All images by Miss Renaissance.}

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