Friday Favorites

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1.  HAPPY FRIDAY - Guys, I cannot tell you how long I've searched for this image. I think I first spotted this crazy zebra on Ruelala's Facebook page, but when googling a party zebra all that would ever result were zebra themed parties. Not the same thing. Needless to say, if this little diva doesn't bringhten your day, I don't know what can! // Happiness //

2. NARS - I recently found a NARS lip pencil I'd lost, and now I don't know how I was living without it! You all know, NARS is my go-to lip label, but this pencil is on a whole other level of awesome! The coverage lasts incredible long, which is huge in my book, and because of its glossy finish, you get the best of both wearing a lipstick and a gloss all in one! The pencil format is perfect for when you're on the go, and beacause it's not a "heavy" coverage it'll be perfect for spring & summer! Next on my shopping list, a coral shade & I'm thinking it's gonna be Happy Days...

3. ROASTED CHICKPEAS - This is my new obsession! The only downside? I can eat my way through two cans of chickpeas in no time! Hard to realize how much your actually eating when the roasting process shrinks the chickpeas & they taste amazing! The perfect salty cruch you've been craving, plus a dose of spice- if you're into it. Did I mention how easy these are to make? All you need is 2 cans of chickpeas ($2), a little bit of olive oil (I never measure), spices to taste, and lime juice! Sarah's recipe is much more descriptive, but I've been experimenting with my own little recipes and you simply can't go wrong. Foolproof cooking- always my favorite!

4.  REFLECTIONS - On Tuesday evening I came down with a cold, and I'm convinced that being sick is God's way of telling us to be still. Not kidding, I spent most of Wednesday confined to my bed, and while much of it was spent sleeping, I did get to do some reflecting. If you know me (or my Pinterest), you know I'm a sucker for a good quote- always have been, always will be! Words matter, and statement well spoken is worth noting. My friend, Kathryn is an extremely talented graphic designer, and one of the sweetest, thoughtful, & most creative people I know. Kathryn is constantly encouraging me through her Instagram & I'm not even sure she realizes it (trust me, this is one you should follow). If there's one thing I've learned through "style blogging" it's that you have to have your head on straight, and you have to be confident of your identity. This quote reminds me why this is so important.

5.  WANDERLUST - Serious wanderlust going on in my head lately, but what surprised me is where it all led. With this extended winter in Chicago, I would never guess that I'd be itching for a trip back home, but after some lengthy Pinterest wandering all I want is a good hike and camping trip; throw in some fishing and a good fire & I'm perfectly content! Trust me, this is not where I thought this wanderlust would lead, and I won't be following through until we're well into summer, but I am definitely looking forward to a trip back home and getting to show you just how beautiful Alaska is!

That's all in this week's recap, hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!

xo

Peru-se, Sip, & Style

Can we talk about this brand's tag line: "Artisan Apparel for Nomads & Romantics"... Something about those words brings out the wonderlust spirit in me & immediately I'm craving summer.

I don't know about you, but when I think summer, I think festivals, and when I think festivals, I think easy summer living.

If you're not familiar with Peruvian Connection, I'd liken it to a combination of Free People & Anthropologie. Peruvian Connection is a luxury brand catering to women's creativity and individualty. The Peruvian Connection gal is smart, confident, and creative. Her style is both feminine & rustic, romantic & adventurous. Above all she is unique & confident- critical components to her individual style.

Today, I'm excited to invite you to a fun evening of sips and styling at Peruvian Connection's Chicago boutique. This event will take place one week from tomorrow, on March 25th from 6-8 pm at 925 W. Armitage Avenue.

Here you will find my favorite pieces from Peruvian Connection's new spring collection that will seemlessly transition you into sunnier days.

Also hosting this event are two of my favorite gals, Christine of View from 5ft 2, & Cait of Pretty & Fun! Let me just say, between the three of us, and Femme du Coupe's mixology expertise, my hopes are set high for this little soiree ;)

Did I mention you'll get 20% off our spring picks? Just one more reason to join... Hope to see you there!!!

To confirm your name on the list, email RSVP to eortiz@skirtpr.com.

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INSPO // Muted Palette

Muted Palette | Industrial Chic | Drive German / Wear Italian | Loft | Breakfast in Bed | Olsen | Studio/Office | Barre | Ring Bling | Toasted Marshmellow | SXSW

At home, the decor is minimal & muted, no unecessary fluff, just keeping it simple.

I think a home can be a good indicator of one's style. We live in a loft, concrete floors, wood beams, and brick walls. Our decor is industrial, and our color palette is minimal to none. I think our grey/blue headboard is as vibrant as our color hue gets, and I'm ok with that.

The hubs loves woodworking, so our furniture incoorporates a lot of repurposed wood and steel, we love linen & texture.

To some this might feel cold and lifeless, but to me it's refreshing, relaxing, and cozy.

When collecting inspirations I've noticed that my favorite images resemble those same tendencies displayed at home. As a former photographer, I'm naturally drawn towards strong images, and ironically the more muted images speak loudest to my personal taste.

Above are my current favorites, and I hope they're as inspiring to you and your work, as they are to me :)

// For more of my favorite Pinterest finds, follow along HERE //

Join Me for Shopping with a View

Call me crazy, but despite the cold, I love a good snowfall in the city, there's something unusually romantic about that view.

Thus, to send off winter with one last stylish hoorah, join me next Thursday for sips and shopping at the Dana Hotel's Vertigo Sky Lounge. Here you'll get the chance to shop winter accessories, jewelry and faux furs, plus my favorite winter selections from Ootra, a local boutique and ecomerce site. Enjoy all of this while overlooking our beautiful city!

In addition, a portion of all sales from the evening will benefit the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) & the Walk 2014, supporting the next generation of Chicago artist & designers!

So send in your RSVP, text your girlfriends, and let's show this Chicago winter what we're made of! Hope to see you there!!

To RSVP for this event email ootra@zapwater.com with subject line "RSVP"

P.S. - If you're anything like me, you can't go anywhere without your phone. Lucky for us, cell phones are welcome to this event and encouraged, so be sure to get social with hashtag #furandice, @ootragirl@vertigochicago.

Forehead Kisses are Underrated

Top: goodhYOUman, c/o | Jeans | Bracelets, similar | Earrings

Yesterday I stumbled across an article reviewing Taylor Swift's relationship advice as discuses through various interviews over the years. One comment stood out. Taylor said that she had reached a point where she felt "the only love worth being in is the love worth singing about...I think that for me, when you experience something that's worth writing a song about, chances are it's the same kind of intense feeling that someone else has felt".

Taylor elaborated explaining that she craved a mad kind of love... Who can blame her?

In a culture where we're so overstimulated if it's not dramatic it doesn't faze us. Particularly in a city landscape where time is money we can often overlook simple kindness, and the little things don't get their credit.

Today I could have dressed up, I had my favorite satin & lace little black dress in mind, but the truth is this is what most days look like.

The hubs and I have been married for almost 5 years, and while we make it a point to have "date nights", most nights it's takeout and redbox or a late night gym date. Don't get me wrong we absolutely love hanging out together, I think that's my favorite part about our relationship– we're so happy just being together!

That said, because of the simplicity of our day to day our love is often not dramatic. All the contrary, its quite normal and in that normalcy it's the little things that mean the most. By that I mean the day to day love, the little texts at work, the selflessness shown through house chores, the time spent cuddling on the couch while crushing through a newly discovered show on netflix. It may not seem like much to some, but I wouldn't trade this love for anything!

Tonight we could have planned a night out on the town, but instead we're throwing a valentines party at our place. There will be ice cream, champaign, games, and a movie, single friends, and couples. Sure we could have gone out for a fancy dinner, but this kind of sounds like more fun.

Tomorrow morning we 'll likely be at the gym and heck maybe next Tuesday after fixing our Plated dinner we'll head out for a cocktail at our neighborhood bar, just us two. Who knows, we'll see how the week plays out, but one things for sure, getting to do life with your best friend is the best gift of all & forehead kisses are totally underrated!

Thanks to the generosity of the kind folks at goodhYOUman, one lucky reader will win this tank with my favorite little quote, "Forehead kisses are underrated".

GoodhYOUman is an LA clothing company grounded on the values of their founder, Brett Novek, who believes that "EVERYONE HAS A STORY.” Every season good hYOUman features an inspirational story on all of their hang tags. Stories are submitted by other good hYOUmans, here.

xoxo

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Girlfriends

(Image via. Pinterest)

I have a love hate relationship with the upcoming holiday, I love that it's an excuse to have date night, wear pink, and exchange gifts with the hubs, but I hate that not all feel welcome to participate in the holiday. That said, today is all about girlfriends, including a look perfect for a girls' night out! ;)

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Sequins Top - Similar | Leather Pants | Shoes | Earrings c/o | Bracelet

I'm a social girl, but I keep a small group of close girlfriends. I've always believed that friends are the family you make along the way, and the girls who can both celebrate with me and call me out on my crap are the ones I cherish the most. Community is important and we all need close girlfriends, so don't ever let yourself think otherwise.

While we don't often think of Valentine's in this way, it's the perfect opportunity to pop some bubbly and hang with your girls! You can keep it chill with a chick flick and ice cream (there is never anything wrong with that combo), or you can have a girls' night out on the town! If you're in a relationship, save the evening for your man, and have a day date with your bestie. There is no need for anyone to not enjoy a day meant for flowers & chocolate :)

In this spirit, I've teamed up with Flowers for Dreams, to give one lucky winner a free bouquet to send to a friend on Valentine's Day!!

Flowers for Dreams specializes in locally crafted floral bouquets at just $35 with free delivery in the Chicago area. But it gets better, each month Flowers for Dreams selects one local charity to support through their business. This month a portion of all orders go to our girls at Bright Pink. When Flowers for Dreams contacted me with all of this info, I knew this was a match made in heaven, and am so excited to share it with you today!

To enter thie giveaway simply use the app at the bottom of this post. The winner will be announced on Wednesday Morning, but just in case you don't win you can use code "GLITTERARY1" for a 10% discount on your order.

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