13 Years

Yesterday marked 13 years that my mom passed away from breast cancer. It's always a strange day and I'm never sure how it will go. I usually take off from work and try to do something that I think we would have enjoyed together. She was a person full of life and adventure, which means I try and make the day fun and break away from routines.

This year it turned out to be one of the better ones.

Nordstrom contacted me a month back offering a session with a personal stylist along with a gift card to spend on anything I liked. While I have a pretty strong opinion when it comes to my personal style, I figured this would be a great way to spend the 22nd.

One of my favorite memories of my mom was her picking me up from fourth grade in the middle of the day for a surprise shopping trip. It was unexpected and amazing. She had a casual style with a hint of boldness. She always encouraged me to push the boundaries of my comfort zone when it came to fashion and life. It's fascinating to think how small events in our lives can have such large influences.

But back to Nordstrom! I scheduled an 11 AM appointment with the goal of getting some distressed jeans and maxi dresses for my upcoming spa vacation in Arizona. I walked in to the typically bustling Michigan Ave Nordstrom, to find it empty as could be. Perhaps the snow and 0 degree temps had something to do with that.

I headed upstairs to meet my stylist, Ryauna. She greeted me with a room full of warm weather maxis, brightly hued blouses and distressed denim. Off to a good start.

I'll admit not everything on the hangers caught my eye, but I dove in with glee. (And don't worry, I didn't get everything here!)

First up was this amazing Vince Camuto maxi. The iPhone photos aren't doing it any favors, but trust me on this. It's a keeper.

I didn't love the white DVF shift dress (I need a more defined waist), but fell in love with this Kendra Scott statement necklace. I can honestly say I would never have picked this up on my own. I usually go for brighter colors, but this nude stone was stunning.

Next up, I tried on some of the distressed denim. As with most women, jeans can be tough for me to find the right fit. Ry and I were amazed that the styles she selected fit like a glove!

First up were a skinny distressed boyfriend jean by Joe's. They give off that relaxed yet chic feel. A definite change from my dark wash skinnies.

I also tried a pair of Current Elliott distressed jeans. They were on sale and I couldn't find them on the website. The top is actually a hot pink lace and sleeveless top by Halogen. A nice pop of color for a dreary Chicago day.

Ry also pulled a dark wash of distressed jeans from a French line called Frame Denim. I LOVED them and this picture again does them no justice. They are incredibly chic with a bit of edge. I cannot wait to get them back from the tailor!

White denim is something I've always wanted to wear, but am terrified I'll get them filthy. I'm wearing Paige jeans and a cute polka dot button-down by Topshop.

Thanks, Ry! I had a great time!

After all that shopping I was starving. So I headed across the street to the newly opened, Eataly. It's usually jam-packed with people and 45 minute waits for a table. It was my lucky day and there was barely a soul around.

I sat down to enjoy a great glass of wine. I'm not a Chardonnay fan (don't like that oaky flavor), but this bottle had the faintest hints of oak. I should have bought one to take home in their wine shop.

I treated myself to freshly baked bread and olive oil (a very American take on Italy, when I lived in Venice, Italians would tease us for doing this).

And the main event: Scallops! Over a fennel salad with a blood orange reduction. I quickly cleared my plate.

Perfect afternoon! I hopped into a cab to finish up my day with a fresh new manicure at my local nail spot. I then settled in with Netflix while the snow kept on coming down outside. I think my mom would have loved spending this day together.

High Tea, Langham Style

It's a frigid 23 degrees here in Chicago (and dropping). So what's a girl to do on a snowy MLK Jr. Day? Grab some girlfriends, your new favorite bag (!) and head over to the new Langham Hotel for their Downton Abbey edition of afternoon tea.

New bag, check! Not quite the Prada but still gorgeous and a fraction of the price. I love this new baby!

A quick trip downtown and I was at the Langham, thoroughly enjoying the ambiance. It's a stunning hotel with a little bit of quirk.

I walked through the lobby and could not stop looking at this sculpture. It had a warped feel and reminded me of those 3D picture books I use to try and play with my brother on long road trips.

Hop the elevator one floor and you'll find yourself in the most beautiful restaurant lobby you ever did see.

I'm a sucker for pretty bathrooms and these did not disappoint. I love the backsplash in the stalls.

We settled into our cozy couch seats and prepared to relax and watch the snow fall down. We were greater with our friendly server, Marco. He was awesome. He knew everything about the menu and was quite the impressive prosecco pourer. We cheered him on.

Bottoms up!

Now onto the main event: food! The Langham's tea service has a three course feel to it. First up was an amuse bouche. I wish I could remember exactly what it was. It included gelatinous, roe like beads in a glass topped with a palette cleanser reminiscent of apples. A great start packed with flavor.

I ordered the Rooibos tea which descended upon the table with more fragrance than any other high tea I've been to. And that bone china-- we were all obsessed with it!

Soon after came our second course. Savory bites with an Edwardian feel for the Downton Abbey menu. My favorite were the deviled egg salad with truffles. The presentation alone knocked my socks off.  The lobster and tarragon pudding target (left side of the plate) was close second.

Next up, scones! My favorite part of afternoon tea.Traditional and earl gray raisin scones with clotted cream, apricot jam and honey butter. I can never manage to stop at one!

Last but not least was the dessert course: Rasberry Charlotte Russe, The Queen's "Chocolate Perfection Pie", and Manchester pudding. These were just ok, but I also may have been too stuffed to enjoy them at this point. Poor me, I know.

Clearly it was a successful day and I can't wait to do it again! Kudos Langham, I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fancy but modern take on afternoon tea.

Winter Inspirations

It snowed here in Chicago today. No, I'm not joking. It started mid-morning and kept on falling. I better start embracing winter 'cause the Starks were right.  Here are few winter things that make me happy.

Chic fur vests with cozy hats a la Fash N Chips.

Glam plaid for the holidays via Girl Meets Glam.

Winter sangria from Cooking Stoned.

Dreaming of winter in Paris. Image from Pinterest.

A gorgeous leather dress from The Row on the stunning Keri Russell. Image via Pinterest.

Stunning gold party heels from Zara. Image From C to C.

Fresh faces via Everly True.

Stunning coats like this Burberry knock out. Image via Pinterest.

Italian beauty. Image via Nordstrom.

And rich wine hued wrap coat. Image via Nordstrom.

Diptyque's Winter Candle Collection.

Jonathan Adler's Champagne Candle. Great holiday gift.

And a quote that reminds of me to not wish my life, and winter, away. Image from Pinterest.

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