Chicago

City in a Snow Globe

Coat| Pants | Boots - similar | Bag | Scarf | Hat - similar | Aviators | Lip

Today, we're throwing it back to February when the hubs and I got to escape to Chicago for a weekend getaway. As much as I prefer 70-80 degree weather, a fresh snowfall in the city is magical, and the 3 days we got to spend in that snow globe were perfection!...

Travel photos here!

 

I'll Love You Forever

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"IL Love You Forever" Tee by MeganLeeDesigns in Women's Large. |  Shoes c/o Bucketfeet | Shorts | Watch c/o May 28th

It's official, Horstkoetter's are moving to Texas!

If you've recently asked what's new, and I said "Not a lot..." I was completely lying to you, and I'm so sorry, because it was such a hard secret to keep!

Truth is, this move has been in the works for some months. Remember that "Anniversary Getaway" you saw on Instagram? While I tried to spin it as a fun trip for the hubs and I, it wasn't a vacation at all, and aside from a couple dinner dates, we spent most of our time exploring neighborhoods with a realtor. Trust me, this move is as much of a shock to me as it is to you!...

I moved to Chicago in 2007 and love this city with everything I've got! While I grew up in Alaska, I've always refered to Chicago as my adult home. This city has been so good to me and a large part of making me into the woman I am. Not to get all sentimental, because I really am excited about the adventure this will for Paul and I, but this move is definitely bittersweet for the both of us.

Heads up, I know it seems sudden, but this move is happening fast– like within the next couple weeks. That being said, just be warned that if we run into eachother in the remainder of our time here, I may be in zombie mode. Leave it to me to plan a home tour right before we move across country... (#firstworldproblems).

Finally, I will try not to annoy you with my personal nostalgia, but hang tight, because I'm so excited to share some southern culture with you from the Lone Star State– who knows I may even start cooking now, sky's the limit, y'all!

Until then, I'll just be catching up on my country music videos fueling unrealistic expectations for my little southern romance...

xoxo

Paul, Only you and I would be crazy enough to plan a move like this– love you to the moon and back!

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Beauty Tip Tuesday

Happy Tuesday! Today I'm excited to team up with Pretty Quick to share one of their newest salons with a service you have to try!

Last week I visited Cici Nails, the shot above is what my nails look like today– exactly one week later...

If you haven't heard of VinyLux, you're not alone, I only recently discovered it when L.A. beauty expert Jodi Shays (post here) visited Chicago & insisted I try it. Unfortunately, because this particular polish formula is new to the beauty industry, finding a salon that offers it can be difficult.

Enter, Cici Nails...

While Cici Nails is known for their two types of no-chip services specific to client needs/lifestyle, they are also one of the few salons to offer VinyLux!

VinyLux is a polish formula reinvented to provide similar results to no-chip without the added UV exposure and harsh removal process. Don't get me wrong, I am no enemy to no-chip services, in fact, I depend on a durable mani, but if I can get similar results in a slightly healthier manner, why not?!

Activated by natural light, VinyLux actually strengthens with wear, while other polished breakdown. Shockingly, VinyLux is applied with no base coat, but the top coat is key, promising a week's worth of no-chip wear and only a regular polish remover when ready for a change!

While chatting with Cici Nails owner, Michael, I learned that up until VinylLux, the nail polish formula has never been been changed! While VinyLux looks like a regular polish, it's actually a liquid vinyl-like formula that adheres directly to the nail surface, sealed with it's breakthrough pro-light top coat.

Created by Creative nail Design (CND) and responsible for many of Fashion Week's top designers' shows, VinyLux offers a varity of colors that are right on trend for the season, I just happen to be borring and always opt for black (#predictable).

VinyLux is created by the inventors of Shellac nails, so again, this is not an anti shellac post, simply an alternative formula for those looking for week-long wear versus the 2-3 week commitment of gel formulas.

Now, what's in it for you?...

Thanks to Pretty Quick, Glitterary readers get a free regular mani (or $15 credit) when you book your appointment via the Pretty Quick site/app– simply use code "glitterary" at check out!

If you're new to Pretty Quick, now's the time to try it! Due to it's unbeatable convenience, Pretty Quick is the only way I book my beauty appointments– think the cashless convenience of Uber, but for salons, it will change your life!

Click here to get started...

Happy spa time :)

xo

This post has been brought to you by Pretty Quick, however, all opinions remain my own. The integrity of this site is far more important to me than any compensation or brand partnership. – S

Father's Day on a Budget // FOX32

Last week I got to chat Father's Day gifts on Good Day Chicago, and had an absolute blast with the team! For the segment I teamed up with Block Thirty Seven to create a carefully currated collection of Father's Day gifts under $50. Inspired by four different types of dads, we came up with a list of products that I'm proud to say will leave both Dad and your wallet impressed!

Best of all, with Block Thirty Seven at the heart of the Loop, you can pick up Dad's gift right after work & just in time for Sunday!

Stylish Dad:Bucketfeet // Skinny Tie // Dress Socks 

Sports Dad:Blackhawks Polo // Stanley Cup Playoffs Hat

Business Dad:Chicago Mug // Card Holder

Well-Groomed Dad:Sephora Gift Set // Sabon Shave Set, Lotions, Scrubs

FOX 32 News Chicago

Captain

Tee (sold out) - similar | Shirt (tied at waist) | Jeans | Shoes | Bag | Necklace (old) - similar | Bracelet - similar | Aviators

The other day Nike came over to chat game day fashion. Being super competitive by nature, it's easy to be an enthusiastic Chicago sports fan.

On game day (if I'm able), I love being on the home turf cheering our teams on in the heat of it. However, a lot of the time it's just catching the game from a bar with some friends. I'm more than ok with this option too.

For game day attire I always recommend having fun with whatever you wear. I know it sounds cheesy, but I mean it. Game days are a great opportunity to show a lot of personality and attitude with your look, so embrace it! One of my favorite things about Chicago is stepping into the city on game day & seeing how everyone styles their team clothing or colors in their own unique way!

Personally, I'll usually keep it simple with a tee and jeans... and there's usually a baseball cap included since I own at least one for each Chicago team. When shopping team gear, I opt for the more vintage/distressed look. Not a big fan of logos that look to perfectly printed.

Here in Chicago, I've had a lot of luck shopping sports gear at Nordstrom, & don't be afraid to shop in the Men's department– they usually have the best selections!

For accessories, I'd opt for a cross body bag (function) & muted jewelry. The main concept for game day attire: keep it simple, functional, & festive! ;)

xoxo

Blurred Lines

Shirt | Jeans (old) - also own these similar | Booties | Bag (men's old) - similar | Belt | Necklace (old) - similar | Aviators | Watch | Bracelets

I'm not one to borrow the husband's side of the closet- no, I do my own shopping in the men's department.

Today's look is a combination of chic feminine basics paired with some casual men's accessories you'd never guess were made for the boys. This look is a go-to ensemble and the perfect transitional uniform for spring!

While only the accessories from this look were found in men's departments, when shopping in said areas here are the items I look for:

  • cassual button up shirts (they're designed to be longer and less fitted, but definitely go down a few sizes)
  • sweaters (hoodies especially)
  • bags (usually canvas/leather)
  • hats (any kind)
  • belts / other leather accessories

Happy shopping!