'tis the season!

its 2 weeks before thanksgiving which means the pumpkins are replaced with snowflakes for the store front! how exciting that christmas is around the corner and what better way to get in the spirit then decorating a toy store window!

Global Warming?

On Saturday it was 70 degrees and sunny in November! I wanted to go check out the new location for the Green Farmers Market of Chicago and stumbled across all sorts of new findings right around my apartment! First, I came across the Lincoln Park Zoo which I had been wondering where it was located. Then, the Natural Planetarium of Chicago. Thousands and Thousands of plants are located within this greenhouse all the way from Jamacia, South America, Africa, India, Bermuda, ETC. I felt like I was in a Costa Rican Rainforest!

Loved this view of the city. Unfortunately caught a glare!

The apples at the Farmers Market were PHENOMENAL.

fall in the city!

this is my beautiful view from the rooftop gym in my apartment! fall is here and hopefully we will be able to enjoy the colorful trees for a few more weeks! (enlarge the photo)

the bean

looking up at the exact center of the bean. if you look closely you can see yourself in the very center which is probably really 2 feet away but looks at least 2 miles!

crazy for moroccan

the textures in this room achieve a unique and comfortable look - from the one of a kind moroccan wall tapestry to the effortlessly draped couch covers. i love the simplicity of a predominately white room yet using splashes of different hues of blues to pop and add to the naturalistic feel. the lantern spices in a new element and works with the wood floors. now all i need is the beach house to mimic this effortless look!

wishlist for fall

here is what i am swooning over this fall...

i can't get this shoulder strap tote from jcrew out of my mind because it is the perfect size for my day to night needs yet appears less so by the foldover. i love having options and how nice is it to be able to carry by the handle with the strap hanging as well as over the shoulders. the two tassles and gold embellishments add the perfect amount of dressiness. the only problem is what color to pick - pink, slate or tan?! i am adding this bag early to my christmas list!





boyfriend blazers. i love the updated look of this blazer, the length and flattering tailoring make this a must have for fall. the best part of this look is that you can pair it with a vintage tee or a glittery top to create two extreme yet pretty looks.





the ultimate slipper dress. this is an updated take on the corduroy laura ashley dresses my mother used to dress me in for christmas eve mass. not only is this pocketed but the fit is flowy and would look great paired with stockings and black boots or colorful flats.








i came across this look and am obsessed with the simplicity. i have each piece but the weather has either been too hot or too chilly to pull off. i will save this one for a rainy day!







after watching last monday night's 'rachel zoe project' i was left with quite the impression from the fall 2009 paris fashion week. especially this chanel look... oh the hat, the little black dress, the pink tights, pure perfection!

how lovely

just strolling on one of the last warm days before the fall and winter chill cover the trees and streets in chicago. thought this street was just so pleasant and what a wonderful place to live!

reminiscing

part of moving to a new city gives an excuse to change what you didn't like about your last apartment and stock up on new and old decor magazines for inspiration. i left cali with a book load of new designers. i hope to slowly incorporate these talented designers within my new apartment and hopeful home someday! its always fun to visit their websites for the new seasonal collections.

a few of my favorites include:
john derian
dash and albert (check!)
natural curiosities
soicher marin
raoul
emissary
cindy cskowski
julie young
schumacher
tozai
palecek
robert allen
chris stone
serena and lily
oily
drexel heritage
hickory chair
roost
red egg
and...
john robshaw -(check!) who i had the absolute pleasure of meeting!

this is from the june 2009 issue of sunset magazine - almost all the listed designers above pictured as well as custom pieces

farmers market finds

this morning i wandered into a marvelous farmers market after feeling sassy from a new haircut! in california i used to get my farmers market fixes every tuesday- always a beautiful array of fresh flowers, sweet seasonal fruit and appetizing lunch assortments. today i was a little overwhelmed as this farmers market was larger than my usual tuesday spot in mb. after lapping around each stand once, ok twice..., i decided upon fresh flowers that fit perfectly into my favorite juice cup, a tomato and chicken delicious wrap (not picturerd because it was too good to save), spicy pickled mushrooms (to die for), and a carton of fresh ripe raspberries. unfortunately i was rushed because it was closing down, so im looking forward to the next visit!

walking to a new cd

the other night after work i downloaded the new pete yorn & scarlet johannson cd, put on my sneakers, and walked outside not knowing where i would go. as i walked towards the water i stopped and watched the sunset along a baseball field then walked along lake michigan, almost reaching the navy pier. (a good 5 miles there and back!) a new cd is the best form of exercise, my butt was sore for days!

river tour

i am currently reading "devil in the white city" a true story about the history of the 1893 chicago world fair that intertwines the history of the city's architecture and a serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims. nonetheless i am really into the story so i decided on thursday i would go on the architectural river tour. i got to see the buildings in real life the book talks about, and it was incredible. not too mention it was a great way to take advantage of the beautiful september day!

first post

ive currently moved to a new city, which means new people, new places and new experiences. my husband and i have different days off which has challenged me to take advantage of the city, mainly solo. the birth of this blog was a way for me to share the accidental and planned happenings i will experience in my new home, chicago!

nice view on my drive home from work :)