Maxi Skirts and Maxi Dresses

To preface this post, I had just spent a few hours on this very post, and I lost it! Somehow it went into the black hole of the internet.  :(:(:(  There were tears. But, this one is going to be a little briefer because I am still sad over that massive bust. Bummer! I hope you are having a great start to the week! Sometimes technology makes me so upset. Sheesh.

I was lucky enough to be invited to check out YM Boutique's new inventory a few weekends ago, and I fell in love with their maxi skirts and dresses. The above purple skirt is called the Zoey Maxi. It's only $48.75, and the best news? Even if you aren't near the YM Boutique locations in Aurora, IL or Geneva, IL, YM will ship to you! Follow them on Instagram @ShopYMB to get your orders in. You can also check out their Facebook pages, too! 

These jewel-tone maxi skirts are perfect for holiday parties!

Tuck in a plain, strappy tank with your high-waisted maxi skirt. It's a super easy look to be holiday-party ready! My Levi tank has the best, strappy-detailed back-- not to mention, it's $22 at YM Boutique!

The best part of a maxi skirt is that you can be dressy even in the coldest of temperatures. And, no tights necessary!  (I kinda hate tights! LOL)

Loving these shades of red above ^^^

The Mika Maxi dress from YM Boutique is $90 and such a stunner. How perfect would this be with a fur shawl or coat for a winter wedding? 

Check out these similar blush dresses below! The Needle and Thread maxi is a carbon copy of the YM Boutique Mika, but it's $279! You can't beat YM Boutique's prices. And, now that they ship, you can order from anywhere in the country! 

This might be my next purchase from Asos. Those ruffles and shades of pink? Pure glam! 

How is the weather for you all? We got so much snow here yesterday! It's beautiful when you don't have to travel anywhere!  My kids were all hoping for an E-learning day today, but we had school! :)

xxoo

Mary

Lime Green Eyelet Midi Skirt & Mom's Visit to IL!

My mom and stepdad came in last week for our family reunion in Elmwood Park. We are so blessed (my sister and I) to have family out in Illinois. With my mom, stepdad and dad back in Ohio (and Mike's parents in Michigan), we really don't get to be together too often during the year. I always cherish the time they spend in the Burbs and city of Chicago. We are lucky enough to be taken care of by our "Chicago" cuzzies! They do so much for us out here!

My mom and Gar are pretty much #CoupleGoals, don't ya think?

Gary has these Ralph Lauren shorts (I originally thought they were Lilly!), and I am so obsessed with them! They're too cute. Mom and Gar showed up at our apartment smiling ear to ear in their bright colors. Just adorable.

On mom: Lilly Pulitzer dress, in Multi Out to Sea print.  

Purse: Kate Spade (compliments of Anna and me, haha), smaller version here.

Shoes: Talbots, similar here. 

My shirt is old Banana Republic (like, really old-- 4+ years), but I've linked some equally fabulous tops above.  I love a silky, sleeveless top for work. The best part is you can wear it comfortably under a blazer (remember this?) or without anything over it for the warmer months. Loving this ruffle top to pair with a printed midi skirt.

I am really digging the midi-length of this eyelet skirt. It's old Loft, but I have linked some similar skirts for you! This is a similar bright color, and I love that pricetag! This will become a work staple, IMO. How fab are these pleats? And this design? Obsessed with this color and lace. Also, this one might be my favorite of all time! The midi length is perfect for being work appropriate. Also, it looks so nice with a sensible heel!

My shoes are the Majorca peep toe bootie. My absolutely favorite ever shoe by Toms! Just ordered the black pair yesterday!

Clutch is also old Banana-- purchased with that top. Haha! But, I am loving this Coach bag as a splurge in Kelly green or this perforated Kate Spade option!

Earrings: Old Stella and Dot, similar here. 

Hair adjusting, haha. 

Heading down to Preservation Bread and Wine. Have you ever been? You MUST try it if you haven't been yet! 

With two of the most important people in my life. 

Love them both so much! 

Does your family live nearby?
xxoo
Mary

Trending 8.1.16

I am so excited about this week's #trending report!  I have some good leads on "first day of school" outfits for all you teachers out there (trust me, as a teacher, it's as exciting to pick out your first day outfit as when you were a student!). J. Crew, Banana Republic and Loft are all kicking butt and taking names right now. Also, I found you some sunnies that you will want immediately for the remainder of summer! Check out what's trending in my world:

[1.0]  This pineapple dress and this oranges and lemons dress!
When browsing Asos, I found the coolest designer ever! I had never heard of it-- Horrockses. The style of the prints is very pop-art. I can't even get over that bow on the back of the pineapple dress-- it's soooo cute!  Total #wishlist items!

[2.0]  This blazer for back to school wearing in the fall.
And, it's on sale for under $65! It is hard to come by a quality blazer at such a reasonable price point. Remember, the Nordies Anniversary Sale ends August 8, so act fast! But that blazer is so great for work in any different line of work which you may be involved. 


[3.0] This mug, for all my peeps from home!
It is the cutest mug ever for all my Boardman/Youngstown friends. Home is where your mom is! So true. Ivory and Birch is so darling! I know it's not wearable, per se, but isn't it so flippin awesome? Y-towners: this might be something good to put away for Christmas or Mother's Day for mom! 

[4.0]  These Illesteva sunglasses.
Every blogger I follow is losing her mind over these sunnies. I have to admit, I didn't originally love them, but now I am obsessed. They totally grew on me! Plus, the sale price is making me smile. Here is a pair that is less expensive and equally adorbs. You have many months of sun ahead, why not pick up a new pair of sunglasses? 

[5.0] These Goddess Leggings by Alo. 
I am not kidding you or exaggerating when I say Alo leggings lift your ledge and flatten your tummy! They're incredible! I own a pair of Goddess Leggings with a pink pattern on top. I also just bought these black ones at Pure Barre Geneva after class the other morning (oops-- a reward for going to a 6 am class before 9 hours of work? Yes. I'll go with that). They're true to size-- I wear a small. If you're comparing by Lululemon sizes, I am typically a 4 in Wunder Under tights. I swear, getting out of bed this morning for 7:10 am Pure Barre was so much easier in my new tights-- haha! Placebo effect? Maybe. But, I'll take it!

[6.0] This Alo Bralette.
You're going to need this in yellow to match your new leggings, obvi! Real talk: this is the most comfortable and well-fitting sports bra, ever. It is longer, with a mesh layer underneath. It's so flattering and looks fantastic under all tanks. The back has a great design, too. Perfect for your open-back tanks! I own it in blush, and I would love to pick it up in ALL colors!

[7.0] This work-appropriate, show-stopper lace dress.

This dress has it all: it's bright, collared and lace. I can definitely foresee this as my first day of school dress! (Of course it will be longer on me than this beautifully leggy model). I just got a 50% in the mail for Banana, so I will tuck it away to spend on this beaut!  If you prefer a more subtle hue for your wardrobe, it also comes in navy-- score!

[8.0] This ruffled shirt for work.
The bright emerald color is really breathtakingly gorgeous. This can be paired with a high-waisted skirt, tucked in, or with khaki chinos and Sperrys. It's just such a fun spin on a classy top. The white version would be extremely practical, too! 

[9.0] This flare-sleeve tee.
It is 40% off $44 currently! I drooled over a striped version of this from J.Crew for months, but I never pulled the trigger, and thus lost my opportunity to own it. SO, now I can get my flare-sleeved fix! Also, that price! Loft just sent me a $10 off card. Can't wait to do some back-to-school shopping. Teachers and students-- don't forget that both Loft and J. Crew offer 20% off to teachers and students with a valid ID! 

[10.0] This floral skirt and this faux leather pleated skirt.
You need this two skirts for your fall/winter wardrobe. Last year I hemmed and hawed about purchasing this pleated faux leather skirt, and, of course missed my window of opportunity. BUT! Fear not! It's baaaaack! And with an additional color! The beauty of this faux leather skirt is you could tuck a crisp collared shirt into it or wear it with a cozy sweater. All you'll need for your floral skirt is a plain shirt (any of the colors in the skirt will do!). Actually, pair it with [8.0] and get an even bigger discount at J. Crew! 

And... a bonus! These shoes are quite possibly the most beautiful shoes I've laid eyes on. I know my girl Jules will love them, too! Out of my price range, but they are definitely a shoe I will watch like a hawk until they go on sale as low as my J. Crew sparkly wedding shoes did. I'm such a wimp about a heel, too, so this chunky, low heel really appeals to me. 

What's on your wish list right now? I hope you have a wonderful start to your month! Can you even believe it's August?! I can't! Where is the summer going! Sllooowwww downnnnnn, sweet summer! 
xxoo
Mary

Geneva Sundays: Spotlight on Scallops

On Sunday, the sun was finally shining (we hibernated and deep cleaned on Saturday because it was simply TOO cold to be outside), and after I lectored at mass, we decided it would be the perfect day for a little photoshoot in downtown Geneva. We hit up the French market and walked through the historical district. Then we walked over to Penrose Brewery, and coincidentally ran into our friends Stephanie and Nate!

I've always loved this light blue midi skirt from Loft (it's old, but here-- omg the scallops!, here, here, here, here-- stunning, and here-- those pleats! are some similar ones!). It's almost the same color as my new scalloped sandals from Talbots that I'm IN LOVE with! I was trying to think about how to style my new shoes, when I had a brainstorm about tying a gingham shirt in the front with my light blue skirt and the light blue shoes. Thanks to Lauren for the inspiration-- she has such a cute style with tying shirts over dresses for work! (Side note: I paid about $30 for this J. Crew Factory gingham shirt and wear it year-round. In the winter, I layer it under sweaters for an added warmth. Then, I wear it in the warmer temperatures dressed up or down).

These shoes are TO DIE FOR (mine are "surf")!  I stumbled across these beauts while trying to find a Talbots shoe that my mom has for a past post. I couldn't find her exact wedges, but I instead found these darling kitten heels. We waited for the price to drop, and my mom ordered them on her Talbots card for points (and I snail mailed her a check, haha! Very high-tech). When they came last week, I was in LOVE!

It just so happened that my Essie toes matched almost identically! 

They come in gold, silver, black and nude patent, and a few other suede options. With the next sale, I am totally going for the blush suede shoes. They're just beautiful! And extremely comfortable-- I walked all around our town in them with no problem. They'll be adorable with white jeans, too! (FYI, they are TTS!).

My tote for carrying our farmer's market loot is by Out Of Print. It was the cutest gift from my mom! I actually got Mike socks in this same library card print for our wedding (since it was literary themed!). 

This red and blue striped jacket is "vintage" Banana Republic (lol! that's what the employees said in the store when I had it on!). Mike bought it for me after I seriously looked at it (longingly) online every day for about 4 months straight. Pathetic!  But, they've currently released a similar version, without a collar, at Banana. I love the pink in this one!  Also, it's on sale!

My scalloped navy crossbody Kate Spade purse was a gift from Mike for completing my master's degree last year. I absolutely adore it! It was the most perfect bag for gallivanting around Geneva yesterday, but it still held all my stuff with no problem! It's from last year, but here, here, here, and here are some similar styles.

The topper to this outfit was the jewels. I wear my multistrand pearl necklace SO much. It dresses up any outfit! It ALWAYS goes on sale at J. Crew Factory. I've heard some people say the quality of the J. Crew Factory multistrand pearl necklace is not as good as the J. Crew version, but I will politely disagree with that! Mine was a gift from my dear Jackie F. about 3 birthdays ago, and it is in mint condition, even with me wearing in 2x or more a week!

My arm candy is assorted, but here-- these anchors!, here-- on sale, here, here and here are a few of my favorites. The more the better, in my opinion!

Our Geneva French Market finds and my fabulous Out Of Print library card tote!

How was your weekend?
xxoo
Mary

TRENDING 5.10.16: Outfits for Summer Fests + Concerts

Today's #TRENDING was motivated by the release of the hourly schedule for Lollapalooza 2016! We are sooooo pumped!


I surprised Mike (or tried to, haha!) with Lollapalooza tickets for his birthday and our one year wedding anniversary (since it's paper, traditionally). I was in cahoots with Mike's oldest brother, Scott, because we have a little three year tradition running of going to Lolla together. I told Scott I wanted to buy Mike Saturday and Sunday passes; I was extremely proud of this gift idea. Well, a few days before the individual day passes were released, Mike said to me over dinner, "I think I'm going to get us Saturday and Sunday Lollapalooza passes!" and I'm like noooooooooooo! He's like, "What?! why?!" And then I had to tell him my surprise. HA! We are the worst with surprises because we get too excited and tell each other. LOL! But, needless to say, we are going for year 3 of Lolla excursions with Scott and his friends. We will have so much fun! Lollapalooza has expanded to four days this year! I knew Mike had very little vacay time left, so the weekend days will be perfect. I cannot wait for Nathaniel Rateliff!

Waiting for the El on our first Lollapalooza excursion together, 2013.

With our pals Lindsay and John at Tegan and Sara's set, 2013. 

More 2013 fun, Jill and Scott in the background. (Mike was apparently hot, haha!)

Aside from the music, sunshine and lobster corndogs, I love the fashion of Lollapalooza. I always try to wear the lightest weight clothing I can because late July/early August is always steamy in Chicago. Typically I opt for an airy dress, and last year, I found the best cut-out dress!

Cool dance moves... not!

Here are my top ten outfit choices for summer fests and concerts:

[1.0] I am all about cut-outs for summer fests. This dress from ASOS is perfect to keep you cool while you rock out to Red Hot Chili Peppers. Besides, when else is it appropriate to wear cut-out clothing? :)

[2.0] Not only is this dress gorgeous and so unique, you might actually be able to make yourself kind of percussion-y with the embellishments! HAHA!  This will be perfect for seeing Wilco in August (thanks to Jackie for giving us the heads-up about this show! I was actually able to surprise Mike with these tickets!).

[3.0] I love how nautical this is. Also, those cut-outs are to die for! ASOS has free shipping, BTW! (This is the striped version of 1.0).

[4.0] I always opt for brighter dresses at Lollapalooza so I never get lost from the group, haha, (hence, this day-glo orange dress [below] from a few years back!). This red dress is a bright color that will make you easily spottable!

With Lauren in 2013 before she went on to be backstage with Mumford and Sons! #Jealous

Sightseeing on our trip down to Grant Park, 2013. 

RIP those shoes I'm wearing. They did not survive the mud of Lollapalooza 2013.

After surviving a pseudo-mosh pit (front row!) at Matt and Kim!

[5.0] Black is another smart color for Lollapalooza. We often sit in the grass in the shade, and the last thing you want to happen is to get muddy somehow.  The crochet will be lightweight for the temperatures, and the shorts are practical. I like that you can mix and match these pieces with other clothes you might already have. Bonus: the strapless top will offer a great tanning opportunity! Haha!

[6.0] Kelly green AND cut-out back? Count me in! The price is right, too!

[7.0] Urban Outfitters has some perfect dresses for the summer fest season! This dress is such a pretty yellow, and the peek-a-boo cut out is fabulous!

[8.0] I bought this dress for one day at Lolla, and I will also wear it to my bestie's Nashville Bachelorette party in July! Ideal for showing off my rib tats-- haha!

[9.0] This floral print is just fantastic for an outdoor festival this summer! And the fact that it is less than $25 makes it epic! (Try this color combo, too!).

[10.0] The dusty pink color of this sundress is so fabulous.  I love the strappiness of it, too! It will be super lightweight and perfect for the heat of the summer.

To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't spend too much money on a summer concert outfit, especially because you're bound to be sweaty from all your dancing (flashback to Mike and I dancing like maniacs at Vampire Weekend 3 years ago), and you're guaranteed to spill or be spilled on. Go for a dress that is comfortable, lightweight and inexpensive.

Mike showing off his muddiness, 2013.

Matthew lifting up Mike during Walk the Moon, 2015.

Mike getting sweaty during Metallica, 2015.

What summer concerts will you be attending? Here's a helpful list of Chicago summer fests and events by month!

xxoo
Mary