Spring Greens

I love the shape of a fiddlehead.

Ikat pattern by Madeline Weinrib

Sugar Snap Pea!

 

 

Lilies of the Valley

I'm not sure where I originally found this fantastic image.  So springy!

I love the color green.  There is no color that makes me think more of spring and new life.  Right now it's snowing, cold and gray out my window.  Hopefully Chicago will experience some bright, spring green in the very near future.  In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed these images!

Accessorize

Accessories -- Something nonessential but desirable that contributes to an effect or result.

Missoni Metallic Patchwork Scarf

 I don't know about nonessential, but I certainly do agree that a properly chosen accessory makes a huge contribution to the overall look of an outfit.  The right accessories can even enhance one's home, showing of the owner's personality. This spring I have my home mostly completed, but I can always use a few new pieces for my wardrobe.  Enjoy some of the finds from various on-line retailers, such as Saks, Nordstrom and others!  And I hope everyone goes out to find new spring essentials. 

Chloe Marci Crossbody Bag

Celine Red Leather bucket bag

 

I love this bag!  It's so classic. It comes in blue, but I just love the red for spring and summer.  I'm imagining wearing this bag with white jeans, a grey tank or t-shirt and a simple leather sandal.  It's my obsession. 

As for shoes.  You'll generally see me roaming around in either a cute pair of flats or a great wedge.  I'm only 5'4" and I figure that gives me license to wear something that makes me taller.  

Balenciaga Wedge

Manolo Blahnik Mani

Chloe Canvas Espadrille

Jimmy Choo Cube Platform Wedge

Surface to Air Canvas & Suede Boot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eat: Restaurant Week

This was a totally new concept for me!  Chicago Restaurant Week.  Can we all unanimously say BRILLIANT!  What other opportunity does a person have to dine in some of Chicago's finest eateries and do so in true style.  3 course dinner at a fabulous restaurant for $33?!  Done and done!

Let me paint a little picture for you (Since, sadly I did not take any photos.  Shame on me.).  The menu at Blackbird for Jen and Patti was:

Patti

salad of endives with baby lettuces, potato,
basil, dijon, pancetta and poached egg  (poached egg on anything is perfection)

---

atlantic cod with flageolets, pink lady apple,
fried pumpernickel and winter herbs  (the fish was like butta')

---

chocolate ganache with tahitian vanilla
gastrique and parsnip ice cream

I did utter...twice...my all time highest rating for a fabulous dinner "I am so happy right now."

Jen

seared diver scallops with pears, brussels
sprouts and powdered sauerkraut

---

roasted farm chicken and sausage with
cauliflower, maitake mushrooms,
kaffir lime and applewood broth

---

vanilla parfait with satsuma,
campari and almond

I am going to leave you with that happy mental image.  Now on to the picture perfect end of our evening.  We decided that the night was not complete without a drink or two at Girl & The Goat.  One of Chicago's hottest new restaurants.  I carry my camera with me everywhere and couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of the interiors for this amazing restaurant.  

We are a tad blurry but we're with Chef Izard!

Private Tables

We had such an enjoyable evening and have vowed to return to Girl and the Goat for more drinks and dinner very very soon.  

Say it with me now:

I'm so happy right now!

Good Morning Sunshine!

I may have quibbled with good old Oscar back in 1893 for writing that line.  Possibly over cafe au lait in some fabulous cafe, at breakfast!  I tend to think my friends and I are pretty brilliant at breakfast (well, maybe brunch).  And we're far from dull!

Wonderful Things

I can't think of a better way to spend my recent Saturday off than by brunching, treasure hunting and then capping everything off with a lovely glass of red wine and a little snack.  Can you think of a better afternoon?  Nope.  Didn't think so.  

My designer friend, Robert Northington, succeeded in twisting my arm (well, not really twisting...more a gentle cajoling) and convincing me that I must buy these fabulous little baubles during our trip to Hoard Antiques in Lincoln Square.

I already owned the 3 multi-metaled cuffs and the copper linked bracelet seemed so at home on my arm with the other three.  I just had to take it home with me!

The next stop was Ravenswood Antique Mart for a browse through their very well edited and inspirational collection of mid-century antiques.  I love this place.  Go there if you haven't already.  You won't be disappointed.

As the day progressed we drove past the Red Rooster Wine Bar in Lincoln Park.  It is like a little slice of Paris in our own back yard!  And I have to say again...if you haven't been...GO!  Check out our after shopping snack.  C'etait merveilleux!

 The bar is tres charmant.  As was the bartender.  He'd been there for 20 years!

Geraniums in February!

Doesn't Robert look happy?

This was our snack...escargots!!!

I was not wearing this amazing color...but it is wonderful, so I had to add it to my post.  Yves Saint Laurent - Red 02  This  is my newest lipstick color and I can't wait wear it out!

The New Year

marthastewart.com

I started writing this blog last year as a New Year's resolution.  Obviously that resolution started with a bang and went out with a silent, sad little whimper.  Well, it's a new year and I've got a blog to write.  To start 2011 right I'd like to set up some ground rules for the year.  Not resolutions, which I rarely complete and inevitably leave me feeling a bit let down.  So as T.S. Eliot writes in "Little Gidding":

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.

For my beginning I am going to try to follow this list in any random order:

1. Actually write this blog!!!
2. Continue to develop and refine my design portfolio.
3. Spend more time with my friends and family.
4. Buy 4 new pairs of fabulous shoes (at least one has to be fun and frivolous!)
5. Travel more.

I think that's good for 2011.  I'll keep you posted as I continue this blog and hopefully you'll hold me accountable!  More later...