Monday, December 31, 2012

see ya 2012!






Last day of 2012!

We're enjoying a nice leisurely day, just hanging out.

As this year comes to a close I can't help but look back and think about all of the things that have happened...both good + bad.  I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason, that there are lessons to be learned.

I am happy to put 2012 behind me and focus on new things.  Over the past week or so I've been doing some soul searching, and although that journey isn't over, I keep coming back to this....following through.

I get excited about something, throw myself into it, and don't always follow through, to push it to its fullest potential.   That's not an easy thing to admit, but you know what they say...the first step is admitting.. ;)

So, 2013 will be the year of following through....to making sure that I've pushed myself + the things that I start to their fullest.

Happy New Year everyone! 

And thank you for your support of this blog.  I hope to push it to new heights this year.  I hope you'll stick around and see what comes of it. :)


talk soon
cp

Monday, December 24, 2012

Santa, I'm ready.......



Happy holidays everyone!  I hope Santa brings you something that makes you smile.

ho ho ho!!!!!

cp

Friday, December 21, 2012

who...who....


Ceramic Owl Speaker






me, me........Santa, if you're reading this, I would love this for my office.

Happy Friday* everyone!

talk soon

cp


*In case you're wondering why there's no Shut Up! post today....our beloved MKLS is doing some holiday traveling this weekend, so.....you'll have to fend for yourselves in terms of fashion inspiration.

We wish you well in your endeavors!

:)

Thursday, December 20, 2012

stuff it..

you know I meant your stockings, right? ;)

It's almost here people.....are you ready? 

I am not.  I still have a few last minute things to pick up....stocking stuffers being one of the major things.  I struggle with this...I hate getting 'crap' in my stocking.  I get that it's supposed to be small items, but they can still be cool, right?

Here are some fun ideas...just in case you need them!

talk soon
cp

llbean pocket day pack,color apeel crayons,orbit gum,$hit notecards,tweets + status updates,l'occitane handcream, talking mustache,helvetica playing cards,smartwool reversible training beanie,colorblock gloves, burt's bees lip balm, essie duo

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Shut Up!....Under a hundo

hey team,

welcome back to shut up!  You are not crazy, it is only Wednesday but Cheryl has asked me to pop in today.

when I am perusing the world wide web or out shopping, it is always fun to find something that speaks to you.  you know that moment, when you say SHUT UP,  I have got to have that.  to my husband’s dismay, this happens to me quite often.  however, as of late I have found items that not only speak to me but speak to me and scream “MKLS, we are under 100 bucks lady…pick me up!”

below is a little collection of items that bring joy to my life AND give me the ability to tell my husband the REAL price of the item rather than the ballpark price!  so come along team, bring a little joy into your life, a little joy for under a hundo, some are WAY under a hundo…you deserve it J 


peace
MKLS

love you mucho, illume candle, shark, creativity at work, tartan, cheeseboard, diorshow, iPhone case, asics gel noosa, patagonia powder beanie, wanderlust double wrap bracelet

Friday, December 14, 2012

Shut Up! - Volume 3

Hey team,

Welcome back to Shut Up Friday's!  Today we are taking a little journey into the wonderful world of plaid.

I think plaid could, and should be worn all year long.  I think plaid looks cute on everyone.  I think plaid makes a person look friendlier.  I think people in plaid are having more fun.  So please come along, let's put 'em up for this timeless design!

Below you will see an ensemble that missed the memo on the whole less is more thing. 
Plaid + plaid + stripes = a fun outfit to wear on my porch!

This is a bit much, but let's throw caution to the wind and mix up those colors and patterns this holiday season.  Let's shake it up!


the goods: men's jcrew shirt, free people plaid skirt, rag & bones boots, chanel bag





Another way to wear plaid....over your shoulders + over a large blanket that happens to have a turtleneck attached to it..thumbs up!


the goods: shopbop plaid jacket(old), united colors of benetton poncho(old), rain boots




A few other plaid items that make this chiquita happy...the comfiest shoes around, followed by the comfiest pants, followed by pillows of plaid.

the goods: cole haan shoes, LL Bean pillows



peace
MKLS

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Emerald City

Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2013......emerald!

I love it. 

What about you guys?

cp








































































images

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

gold or silver

Be still my brogue/oxford loving heart.........the skylar oxford.

Which color would YOU get?  I'm still deciding...........

cp

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Men's Gift Guide

It's officially 2 weeks until Christmas people! 

I've asked my friend Matt to share his version of a men's gift guide, just in case you're still struggling with a gift or two for a guy in your life.

It's a great list....I hope it serves as some inspiration!  Happy holiday shopping!

talk soon

cp






































links:
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13

Friday, December 7, 2012

Shut-Up! - Volume 2

hey team!

welcome to the second week of shut up friday’s!  today happens to be a very special day.  today is the 42nd birthday of this blogs fearless leader cheryl minjares pisha!  happy happy birthday to you! 

along with being cmp’s big day, it also happens to be a big day for peplum’s. 

some may wonder what exactly a peplum is and by definition a peplum is a short flared, gathered or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman’s jacket, dress or blouse…which translates into wearing something that makes you say SHUT UP, HOW CUTE ARE YOU!

below you will see me take that peplum and say “peplum, i am going to get my money’s worth out of you my friend!“
















































































drinks with the lady friends
this look can take you to a fun dinner, bar or holiday party!  it is a bit fancy up top, a bit casual on the bottom.  i paired the peplum with a black turtleneck which keeps the top portion simple since it’s all black but fun since you have a tutu of fabric around your waist!  the ripped boyfriend jeans add a little funk to the ensemble and it is rounded out with a simple pointy pump.  and if you need to take a computer to your dinner, bar or holiday party, the ginormous red clutch is the definite go to accessory!

































the peplum (long sleeve version)


evening occasion
peplum be getting’ fancy here!  this look can take you to a wedding, dinner or new years eve shin dig!  i paired it with a silk pleated chiffon long skirt and grey/red pointy pumps.  since the peplum is black, you do have more options for the bottom portion of the ensemble.  I love mixing different fabrics and pieces with distinct details to add a little dimension.  the bag choice here is much smaller because you really shouldn’t bring a large computer with you to your fancy event!

































Tibi long pleated skirt


getting down with the co-workers
first of all, you really should never get down with your co-workers…never ends well but this look would be appropriate when you are watching others make fools of themselves.  the peplum is diggin’ the plaid shirt underlay and grey work slacks, again mixing fabrics and patterns.  you can get away with a wider pant since the peplum cinches in at the waist.

































jcrew plaid top
michael kors black wedge pumps

so there it is, my fun with the peplum…will you be sporting this flared top this holiday season?   more importantly,  you better be wishing my friend cheryl a happy day!



peace,

MKLS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

book it

I'm a book nerd [ + a self-professed magazine wh()re..but that's another story], and if left to my own devices would likely fill our house with books.  Coffee table books are my favorite.  Beautiful pictures, lovely vignettes inside, telling you stories....ah, I love. :)

I would love to get any of the books below....in fact, if Santa deems that I've been naughty and I don't receive anything from him...I might just go and purchase some of these myself. ;)


























Home by Novagratz
Grace - A Memoir
Things That Matter
Black & White
Creativity at Work

talk soon
cp

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

knit wit

Ok, many years ago I decided to give knitting a try.  I had this grand idea in my head of making all of these lovely things...for myself and for my friends.

I looked up your basic instructions online, went to the store and picked up needles and yarn....and sat myself down.  I'm not going to lie, at first it was a bit like learning to ride a bike when you were little.....just when you think you've got it down, something goes wrong.

I did EVENTUALLY finish my scarf...which quite frankly would barely fit a baby [ooops!]...but, I finished it!

And that was the end of my knitting stint.  Ridiculous, I know.

So, who knows how to knit............and can you make me this blanket?.....it's exactly what I've been looking for for our living room. ;)




talk soon
cp

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

whistle

Happy Tuesday everyone!

So, last Thursday night I sat down to watch Glee and was blown away by the performance that the Warblers gave at sectionals.  I know, I know...some people are over Glee, but I'm telling you for that couple of minutes, I was thoroughly entertained.

I may or may not have watched that segment of the show throughout the weekend. ;)


I had to share. ;) 

Enjoy.

talk soon

cp

Friday, November 30, 2012

Shut Up! - Volume 1

















Hey Team,
Welcome to Shut Up Fridays!

I am very excited for my first guest post.  I thought I would kick this off with a bit of a debatable piece of clothing…the overalls.  You either love em’ or you hate em’.  As you can see, this Chiquita loves them, always have and always will.   They are comfortable, you can eat whatever you want in them and breathe and you can change your oil if need be. 

You a lover or a hater?

MKLS


The goods:

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Night I Met The Sartorialist

So, last night I had the pleasure of not only meeting Scott Schuman, but hearing him give a presentation and have him sign my copy of his latest book...Closer.

He was witty and  unassuming, and I'm so happy to have had an opportunity to hear him speak in person.

We even had a funny exchange when I had my book signed...let's just say that neither of us likes to get our picture taken. ;)

I walked out feeling more inspired and grateful for the chance to meet him.

talk soon
cp

Sunday, November 25, 2012

character




Well said.

I'm picky about who I spend my time with.  Ask any of my friends + family and they will tell you that.  I will never be that person who has hundreds of friends, ever. 

That being said, the people I do associate with are (in my mind) people of great character.  In their own way they have something special about them...something that draws you in and makes you want to have a conversation with them.  Some of them make me laugh, some make me think, others push me to do better.  They are damn good people.

Character.  It's a good thing.

talk soon

cp


image

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

wish list

My big day is quickly approaching.....less than a month away!  I am a big nerd about my birthday.  BIG NERD....as in, I love it.  I don't care what the age is (nor do I mind telling anyone how old I'm turning), birthdays are special and should be treated as such.

I put together a little collage of a few things I'd love.




























1 - Scandal: Season 1 DVD (I'm a total nutjob about this show.  I swoon over Tony Goldwyn, who plays President Fitz Grant.  I mean swoon).
2 - Chuck Taylors: I haven't had a pair of pure white chucks in forever.  I think it's about time I change that.
3 - Moonstone Treasure Collar - Anthropologie:  It's gorgeous, enough said.
4 - Twirl by Kate Spade: Mmm, that smells nice.
5 - Things That Matter by Nate Berkus
6 - Printed iPhone 4 Case: A new outfit for my phone.
7 - Starbucks: I'll take a tall salted carmel hot chocolate, please.


What about you guys?  Any November/December birthdays out there?  What are you wishing for?

cp

Monday, November 12, 2012

slumber party

Now THIS is a bunk room.  Kids would love this, hell, I think any one of my adult friends would love to spend a weekend away here too.

back hall into bunk IMG_8019


boys bunk IMG_8038
images

boys bunk ipad docks in bunks IMG_8030 copy
Each bed comes with its own iPod docking station too.  Seriously??!  Seriously.




Friday, November 9, 2012

Style Profile - Boom!

Happy Friday everyone!

A year ago, when I started this little journey of blogging, I knew that I wanted to feature some of the wonderful people in my life.....and today is one of those days!

I met Mallory six years ago, when she first started at the company I work for.  We met on her first full day...and as silly as it may sound, I knew then we'd one day be great friends. :)

As luck (+ hard work!) may have it, I now have the pleasure of working with Mal everyday.  She is funny + witty, and just an all around lovely person.

We always tease that someone needs to start jotting down the crazy phrases that come out of her mouth on a daily basis.......like Boom!, Shut Up! (more on this particular one later:)), etc.....they induce full blown belly laughs.  Full blown.

One of the many things we have in common is our love of all things fashion.  We have full blown conversations about designers, bloggers, etc.  That shared love is what prompted me to ask if she'd ever be interested in doing a weekly post for me, sharing her love/knowledge of fashion...and, drum roll please.........that's just what you'll be seeing in the next couple of weeks....the birth of 'Shut Up!'.

Stay tuned, I have a sneaking suspicion it's going to be a big hit!

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you a pictorial highlight from my recent visit to Mal's place...where she shared some of her favorite things with me.  We also did a little interview, where she tells us where her love of fashion began, etc.






































Getting to know Mal -

Who was your 1st style influence (non-celebrity)?
That all started with my mom.  Ol' Liz has always loved clothes and putting together outfits.  Often times, I would come home from school and on my bed would be a new outfit she just picked up.  WHOOP WHOOP!  She appreciates clothes, and always taught me to take pride in my appearance and always encourages me to wear what I love.  I also remember loving our next door neighbor Wilan's fashion.  She was my mom's interior decorator and always dressed to the nines with tons of bracelets piled up her arm.  I could never take my eyes off of them, and I will never forget the sound of them clanking together when she talked with her arms.  I loved it.

How has your style evolved over the years?
As the years have gone on, I have realized what looks good on my bod and what does not.  I see girls that have a smaller build than me in tight pants and short tops, which looks fantastic on them, but that isn't going to work on this chiquita!  I stick to what works for me and what I am comfortable in.  It doesn't matter how many people say they love something on you, if you are not comfortable in it, it will look that way.  The only thing that has never changed is my love for any type of accessory!

What are your wardrobe staples?
My wardrobe staples are loose, long button-ups that are comfortable and easy to layer.  My two favorites include a pin-striped Current and Elliot shirt and a long denim Elizabeth and James shirt that are in constant rotation all year round.  I love pairing these tops with tight leggings.  I am not a huge jeans fan, so a legging with a bit of structure seems to do the trick.  I also love turtleneck sweaters of the boxy variety, any type of poncho imaginable, wide leg pants, control top tights, anything that is chiffon with a pleat....and bracelets, bracelets and more bracelets.

You have$500....are you buying shoes or clothes?
$500 on clothes....for shiz!

Name 5 of your favorite things:
My husband Stewy, my family, vacation, my closet, our white wrangler.

You're at a party....what are you drinking?
Obvi.....Chardonnay

What is your go-to outfit on a weekend?
Overall when I am getting dressed, I think about what the activity will be, how tall I would like to be and if there in an item I am diggin' at that particular moment.  I tend to have one item in mind, and then build an outfit from there.

Daytime:  Lululemon harem pants  (the ones men despise because it looks like you pooped your pants!), a button-up tucked in front and a sweater with my bright orange Nike's.  If I want to add something else, it would ususally be a bracelet and a scarf..
Night: Depending on the crowd, I decide if I want to be tall or short and then usually go from there.  Short would include a pair of flats, wide leg pants and a boxy short sweater.  Tall would be a pair of pumps or an ankle boot, jeans layered with a dress or a skirt, or both! :)  I love me some layers!!

Favorite places to shop:
Shopbop.com and I are BFF's.  If I am going to the actual store, I would say Intermix, Bloomingdale's, Cusp, Zara, Scoop and Saks.  I enjoy Barney's merchandise as well, but some of the salespeople can be a bit too big for their britches.  H&M I can do only if it is a weekday.

What, in your opinion, looks good on a man?
My favorite outfit on my husband is a fitted baseball hat, pair of nice jeans that do not have embellishments on the pockets or anything fancy on them, thick cowl-neck sweater with a grey tshirt underneath and his red wing hiking boots.  I basically want him to look like a lumberjack.

Dream car is.............
Mercedes Benz G-Class SUV

Favorite fall activity:
Shopping for fall clothes! BOOM!

Top 3 places you've traveled to?
London, Cayman Islands and Hawaii

The best thing about living in the city?
My family all lives here.

Favorite restaurant in Chicago?
I have been loving me some Ditka's and Hugo's for man-type food, RPM for Italian, Wakamono for sushi, Bandera for their prime rib sandwich and Ron of Japan for chop chop.  Favorite fries are Portillo's!!

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I love fashion, think about it all of the time and never get sick of it.  I read blogs and magazines which will sometimes trigger something in me or I just play around in my closet and try different things.  I am very good at visualizing ideas in my head, so I tend to see a piece I like and can usually come up with an outfit from there.

If you could have one super power...what would it be?
Eat whatever I want and never gain weight....BOOM!


Thanks Mal!
We'll see you very soon when your weekly posts start....can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

talk soon

cp

Thursday, November 8, 2012

stop horsing around....

Horses are part of daily conversation in our house.  I mean DAILY.  Ryan has been obsessed with horses since the age of 5....so, that's 5 solid years to date of this being a topic of discussion. 

Although I find horses to be amazing, I'll be honest....there is a part of me that is scared of them.  Something to do with their being so massive, and also something to do with an incident I had when I was younger (let's just say I learned the hard way that you don't stand behind a horse....unless of course your plan is to get a swift kick in the knees and get thrown backward).  ;)  Regardless, they have become a fixture in our home...both in topic and in decoration.  Over the past few years, I've picked up a few pieces which I think demonstrate our adoration for this animal in a cool way.

I'm always looking for pieces to add...and these are some of my favorites. 

talk soon
cp

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

happy day lynn!

A very sweet birthday wish for my friend Lynn today...........this next year will bring you new joy + laughter like you've never experienced before.  Take it all in + enjoy every moment.

Love you dear friend!

cp

Pinned Image

Monday, October 29, 2012

NYC recap

I'm back from NYC! 

We had a fun time, but I came back more exhausted than before I left.  A relaxing trip it was not! I woke up Friday morning, looked in the mirror and thought to myself, "well, it can't get much worse than this....."............until I woke up Saturday morning and saw myself.  YIKES!  I swear, if someone had knocked on the door and I opened it, they would've sworn I had just spent a good 2-3 hours in a makeup chair getting ready for Halloween.........walking zombie...that's the look I was sporting all over NYC. ;)

Regardless of being tired, it was indeed a fun time.  I have a special place in my heart for NYC.  There is a different energy there. Each time I come back from a trip there, my love deepens for that city. 

A few highlights from the trip:

We attended a SmartWool event at the  EMS store in Soho.  We met some really great people..both from SmartWool and from ZQ Merino, and had a fun time learning all about their new apparel line.  I wish I had taken pictures! (bad blogger, bad!)

Bryant Park + the New York Public Library.  Despite my various visits to New York, I had never made it here.  Walking into the library, I knew I was in for something special....and it did not disappoint.  It was breathtaking.  A book nerd by nature, it was honestly hands down one of the best things about our trip.  It took 10 years to build this fantastic building, and you can see why in all of the intricate details.  If I lived anywhere near this place, I would be there often....just soaking it all in.

Bryant Park, where the library is situated is also the home to NYFW...which, as you well know, I'm also a bit of a nerd about.  It was a lovely day, despite being a little overcast (mother nature gearing up for Sandy, I suppose), and I was happy to imagine all of the chaos that ensues during fashion week.

Central Park is a magical place.  This place amidst the frenetic energy of the city that is just simple and peaceful.  We've wandered through most of the park during our various visits, but The Mall is still my favorite.  Maybe because of the perfect arch the trees make over the walkway, or how the benches that line either side are always full of life in the various people that occupy them.  I can't help but smile when I walk down that path. :)

The Highline.  If you've not been here, then you must go.  It's an elevated public park that runs through 3 neighborhoods....the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea, and Hell's Kitchen/Clinton.  We spent the majority of our last morning there, stumbling upon great art along the path, and seeing local residents/families enjoy Halloween activities that were being held.  We also enjoyed a delicious lunch from the Taco Truck, which has a permanent location on the Highline. Yum!!

Here are some pictures I took on our trip!

talk soon
cp