Scarves

Ever since seeing this video I have been slightly obsessed with how a scarf can change a look and really add a layer of warmth which is important during most of the year in Chicago. Really, its just another accessory to pine over, so here are a few from a brand I've seen a lot of lately, We Are Owls. At $260, they are pricey, but oh, so, beautiful!

New Years Resolutions?

I am not the sort of girl who makes resolutions. EVER. In 2012, I made one--start a blog, which obviously has been a success....so far. I also decided to shake this whole resolution thing up a bit. I thought I would make a new resolution each month and keep it up along with adding a new one each month. I like to keep things simple so my January resolution was very simple. I resolved to empty the dishwasher each time it was done cleaning. I have been more likely to have a whole new cycle in the sink ready to go before I emptied it. Sorta like the laundry where I'll pick the clean clothes out of the hamper instead of folding and putting away. Wow, that sounds lazy, doesn't it? Honestly, it has really improved my life and attitude in the kitchen. Small changes can really have big results. Honoring my 2012 resolutions, I will drink more water in February and for the rest of the year. I have to figure out what "more" is, but for now I am committing to getting my water from water and not diluted in iced coffee. Wish me luck!

Girl Crush

I have a major style crush on Joanna Hillman, Senior Editor at Harpers Bazaar. I am certainly not alone in this crush. Google her, you'll see. But who else do you know that could sport sequin harem pants so well? Her style is fun and classy at the same time. Nicely done!

Obsessed

I have a teeny problem buying jewelry and I'll be honest, I will buy jewelry from anywhere. I am not a snob about it. If its pretty (and preferably sparkly) with a little bit of a bad girl vibe it will come home with me. It all started with a vintage necklace a few years ago and pow, siss, boom, bam  I was hooked. Since then, I have managed to collect quite a banging collection of bracelets, earrings and necklaces. I hosted a Stella and Dot party on Wednesday and a few hours before the party I was checking out pieces in Coach's collaboration with Tony Duquette. Yes, its a problem.

I am super bummed because I can't figure out how to copy the images of the necklaces I truly covet, but check the link below to see these gorgeous pieces. You might see one on me soon!

Coach

Reading room

I just finished this wonderful, yet very disturbing book by first time author, Corban Addison. The book deals mostly with human trafficking and the underground world of child sex slaves and pornography. On a lighter side, it also deals with the unbreakable bonds of love and hope. The author was able to craft a tightly written story that had me reading way past my bedtime. Let me stress that this was not an easy read (especially as the mother of a daughter). However, I found it was worthy read and I especially liked the references for more information and/or ways to get involved at the end. His website is www.corbanaddison.com

Necklace mini-DIY

If I have learned anything from my years of following fashion blogs its that you own your things, don't let them own you. For example, I bought this necklace a few years ago at BCBG and I must have been having a Madonna moment-- the crosses on this are horrible. I love the rest of the necklace-its sparkly who wouldn't? Then it dawned on me that I can take those crosses off and make the necklace more my style--who says I can't! A little pinching on the metal connectors and off them came. Much cuter, right? 

I can read too!

I just finished reading The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht. The book is a National Book Award Finalist and NY Times bestseller and the author is a prolific writer regardless of her age (which happens to be 26). I wanted to love this book. I had finished a few books in December that didn't capture my interest and I was looking forward to this highly acclaimed one. The writing is lyrical and the author can certainly craft a sentence, but I couldn't wait to get to the end of it- and not in a good way. I enjoyed the individual stories of the characters but really didn't care what happened to them. I found myself anxious at the half way point to just have it be done. It appears that I am in the minority of readers in my review, but it just did't gel for me. I do believe the author is one to watch for future books.