Winter is Coming

I know that winter is right around the corner for us Chicagoans. That makes me scared. I hate the cold (clearly why I moved to this city). Instead of wallowing in fear, I'm going to embrace winter or at least try.

To do that, I need some serious shoe wear. Ballet slippers are cute, but they do not keep me warm for the frigid morning commute. So I'm on the hunt for warm and stylish kicks. It's just the start of my search but I spied these Vince Camuto moto boots that have some potential. I love how the gold accents add a sleek spunk to an otherwise rough cut boot. I think these could hold up to the cold with a thick pair of cable knit socks. Fingers crossed.

 

Images from Nordstrom and Honestly, WTF

Beauty Arsenal

Over the past year my skincare routine has become highly important to me. Luckily, my mom stressed the importance of daily sunscreen (thanks, Mom!). While that's a good start, there were still a few more things I knew I could add. Below are the products I'm using now.

First, Loreal Youthcode Serum has been in my cabinet for about a year. I used it sparsely at the start then it fell to the back of the cabinet and I forgot about it. Luckily it resurfaced about 2 months ago and my skin has been glowing ever since. I apply it in the morning right after my toner and same thing before I go to bed. As far as serum's go this one is a pretty thrifty drugstore option at $25. I recommend it.

 

 

Let's talk toner. Before this July I had never used one. I thought they would sting and dry out my skin inducing that horrible tight feeling. Luckily, I was introduced to the Nars Skincare line. I'm a big fan of Nars makeup line so I gave it a try. It's a moisturizing toner that leaves my skin feeling soft and absorbs that last bit of grim at the end of the day.

 

 

After applying serum and toner I turn to my eyes. Sephora recommended this preventative care eye cream from First Aid Beauty. The company actually started with products for burn victims, so they are incredibly gentle. It's been a good run, but I think I'm going to try Clinique's All About Eyes when I run out.

 

 

 

Now sunscreen! I am not loyal to sunscreen moisturizers. I like to use one with an SPF 30 but often find that they have a heaviness to them which I don't appreciate. Right now I'm using a Sephora brand SPF moisturizer with an SPF 20. I like it well enough, but will probably switch it up as usual.

 

 

 

 

 Lastly, while I typically don't use foundation I do like to use a spot concealer. The YSL Touche Eclat pen is well known for it's multi purpose benefits of highlighting and concealing. It's super lightweight and fits in every bag. I love this pen.

 

 





Fall Favorites

There are a few fall pieces I picked up this year that have quickly become fan favorites. Not only am I smitten with them but they elicit a "where did you get that" from friends and strangers alike. So should I hoard them to myself? Nope, I'll share.

First up, these burgundy and black suede pumps with studded ankle straps from Sam Edelman. I got them at the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale and wasn't quite sure how they would stand up with my fall closet. Turns out, these bad boys go with EVERYTHING.

Next, a co-worker introduced me to a new Chicago boutique, Mulberry and Me. I wandered in one day not expecting anything special but I was wrong. I stumbled on two great fall (and beyond) staples.

When I walked in the sales girl draped this luxurious black cashmere wrap around me. I twirled around in the mirror admiring it's simplicity and elegance. Then I looked at the price tag, yikes. This is definitely an investment piece. It took me a few weeks to decide if I really wanted it and I'm so glad I did it. I've warn this on every plan trip, cold office day and windy Chicago morning.
Warren and White cashmere wrap

I also spied a pair of druzy stud earrings. These are simple and fairly small, yet add just the right amount of pop to a fall ensemble. They also come in an array of colors.

Last but not least. In my continued love of all things burgundy this season, I kept my eye out for a small crossbody bag. Truth be told I was hoping to find a Celine inspired bag and the Michael Kors Bedford in Cinnabar was spot on. It fits everything without becoming a big heavy bag (I have plenty of those), and unhooks to become a clutch. It's still newer in my rotation but magically goes with everything.

As the Chicago winter starts to blow in I'm dreaming about a new winter coat and this Reiss coat is an absolute winner. I've been thinking about this investment for a while. I'm leaning toward the navy.