Rad & Refined Summer Launch Party

I had the most wonderful time at the Chicago Blogger Network Rad and Refined summer launch party event over the weekend. This is what I wore:

Dress: Swap w/ Kaitlyn (Discovery), Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Bag: C/O Just Fabulous , Watch and Silver bracelet: C/O Kristin Hassan, Skull Bracelet and Necklace: Baublebar, Colored stackable ring set: gift, Stackable silver ring set: Shop Jules, Heart Ring: Self Made (I SPY DIY project)

As a fan of not only Rad and Refined but also both blogs Natalie off Duty and Color Me Nana, I was in blogger heaven this night. Truly!

Natalie, myself, and Dylana

There was shopping to be done, drinks to be had, food to be eaten, and photos to be taken! I had my eye on a maxi dress all night and could not stop coming back to it! I'm so predicable. lol

Myself and Jacqueline of Rad and Refined, me totally dorking out with Natalie (or making her think I'm a total dork, however you want to say it ;) and finally me passing out Because I shop too much cards to the girls! Hopefully they will set their closets up soon! ;)

Jessica and Jill of Style Juncture and myself

Delish cake pops from Coco Mori

And the night would not be complete without a little photo booth action compliments of Shutterbooth!

I was so happy my hubby came with me (he got a glimpse of my world), I hope I didn't make too big of a fool of myself as I am a super fan of both Natalie and Dylana, and I am beyond pumped at the new maxi dress I bought! Obviously you will be seeing it soon on the blog! And obviously I needed another maxi dress. No, seriously I did! ;)
*To book an appointment to shop Rad and Refined Chicago email info@radandrefined.com

Bon Voyage Party for Jessica

Chicago is losing a great blogger Jessica from Bows and Sequins. She is off to start a new chapter in her life in the big apple! How exciting!!!! I wish her all the luck in the world! She had a super fun bon voyage party on Thursday night and Kristin Hassan, her team, and lots of her jewelry were there to send her off as well (and DUH we all did some shopping!). Here is what I wore:

Tank: Forever 21, Skirt: Kristin Hassan, Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Bag: Coach, Rings: Michael Kors, Bracelets and Watch: C/O Kristin Hassan, Necklace: Forever 21(similar and under $5)

Myself and Kaitlyn had such a blast! We had a little champagne, some cup cakes, did a little shopping, and hung with some of our favorite Chicago ladies!

Kaitlyn, myself, and Jessica of Bows and Sequins

Jessica of Little Miss 312, myself, and Kaitlyn

Lindsay and Kristen from the KH team, Kaitlyn and me taking it upon ourselves to do quality control on the cupcakes. (they passed inspection! lol So yummy!)

The KH team, myself with Kristin Hassan

Hallie from Corals and Cognacs, myself, and Kaitlyn



And the night would not be complete without doing minor mirror checks/lip gloss applications! ;)

Jessica even sent us each home with a little goodie bag (BEYOND UNNECESSARY)! Yes, we went to her going away party and she gave us gifts! Chicago will miss you Jessica! Visit soon, and have so much fun!! xo

For more on the party and to see Kaitlyn's outfit pics head over to the Sisters Marie blog!

Outfit: Date Day/Night

Top: Love Sam via Piperlime, Jeans: Level 99 via ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service, Shoes: Victoria's Secret, Wrist Wrap: C/O Kristin Hassan, Bracelet: C/O T plus J designs, Bag: Coach, Ring: C/O Sole Society, Sunnies: Michael Kors

Myself and the hubby had a date night planned, but then called our sitter and asked her to come over at 2:30 instead of 5:00pm. ;)
Date day/night, here we come! First stop, drinks and an appetizer. Second stop, movies to see the Avengers. (Great movie!!)
We walk in get a soda and small popcorn. They upgraded us to mediums which is, by the way, an absurd amount of liquid. I kid you not when I say it's 2 liters of cola. Ridiculous.
We sit down, I go to take a sip and the cap pops off and I now have a liter of brown soda on my white denim. My hubby's face was PRICELESS. He went silent and just waited for me to react. I quickly ran to the washroom and wet it good hoping that when it dried it was closer to cream then brown.
Forward to me sitting in a 2 and 1/2 hour movie in wet pants.
After, we went to dinner and I feel I was a great sport as I strut around in brownish spotted pants the rest of the night.
In 33 years I have NEVER spilled a drink on my lap. Leave it to me to have the first time be while wearing white pant! lol

Dressing to Music: Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know

I know this song is all over the radio, but since I don't listen to the radio it's new to me. ;) I love everything about it, but my favorite is when they sing together. This is the look I styled as I listened to "somebody that I used to know": 

Top and under tank: Brandy Melville, Shorts: Express (similar), Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Wrist Wraps: C/O Kristin Hassan, Ring: Swap w/ Kaitlyn

*In other news, my #PassportToStyle Athens Collection Video came out yesterday. Check it out! ;)

WINGS Event: 1 of 2

I attended an event for the charity WINGS (women in need growing stronger) over the weekend and had an amazing time. It was called Tastes Take Flight: sip, sample, and shop and I did just that!
I decided to break it down into 2 posts. Today: Shopping and Sampling (food and wine), and tomorrow's post: meeting Katie Workman.

Here is what I wore to the event:

Dress: H&M, Lace Vest: Dots, Shoes: Shoemint, Ring: C/O Sole Society, Blue bracelet: Kristin Hassan, Watch: Fossil, Bag: Coach, Earrings: Erin Gallagher's Gem Bar

Outside the ballroom there was the WINGS resale shop, book signing (tomorrow's post), and 1 shopping vendor. Inside the ballroom was were all the other food and shopping vendor's were at. My aunt (Margaret McSweeney) also hosted the event and had cooking demos going on front stage while people were walking around sampling and shopping. So fun!

There was so much food to try (but I got it done! lol). Here are a few of my favorite treats:
Cheesey Bread from Wild Asparagus (Barrington, IL): This stuff way beyond amazing. Melted in my mouth! 

 Eggplant Bruschetta from Agio Italian Bistro (Palatine, IL): What a lovely twist on bruschetta! I've never thought to make it on top of fried/baked eggplant before, but I now NEED to try to recreate this! ;)

Ratatouille from L'Eiffel Bistro (South Barrington, IL): I loved this one! Perfect bitsized goodness.

 Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling: This was one of my favorite wines I sampled. It was sweet, crisp, and I actually bought myself a few bottles.

I did some resale shopping and found 2 great tops! The mint halter I found for $9 and the Talbots cardigan with tags on it (retail $89) I got for $25! AMAZING!
I also got this beautiful brown linen jacket (level 99) from a store called Grass Roots.

Here are some more photos of what they carry over at Grass Roots (205 South Cook St. Barrington, IL 60010). The owner Todd was so cool and he and his wife also supports a lot of local and US brands and vendors. I SUPER love the leather cuffs which are all made of vintage belts! They carry everything from Big Star to Free people and have rock & roll onsies and diaper bags too! I will for sure be hitting this shop up again. Really loved their style! 

All and all I had an amazing time. I hope WINGS raised a lot of money and I look forward to their next event!
Check back tomorrow to see my meet and great with Katie Workman! 

Outfit: Stripes and Elbow Patches

Sweater: C/O OASAP, Skirt: H&M, Vest: Forever 21, Shoes: Sole Society, Necklace: Swap w/ Kaitlyn, Watch: Fossil, Wrist Wrap: C/O Kristin Hassan, Bag: Windsor, Heart Ring: Jewelmint, Sunnies: MNG by Mango

How amazing is this sweater?! It was given to me by Oasap.com and I am smitten with it. I love the elbow patches, the color, and the fact that we still have cool enough weather to wear knits here in the Chicago land area. ;) 

I had actually never heard of Oasap prior to them contacting me, but I am so glad they are now on my radar! They have very awesome selection of clothing, accessories, and shoes. I highly recommend you check them out. 

Outfit: Family Day

Top: Free People, Tank and Jean Leggings (similar): Express, Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Earrings and Ring: Jewelmint, Wrist Wrap: Baublebar, Sunnies: Loft

Sunday we celebrated my mother-in-laws b-day. We all pitched in and cooked/baked a dish and had a wonderful brunch with the family. We had beautiful weather and ended up playing outside after. The kids had so much fun! 

This is my "eat all you can possible eat" look! lol Stretchy pants, loose top, what's not to like?! And I wouldn't be myself if I didn't add a 6 inch wedge to top it all off. 

On a different note, I want to thank everyone who comes here and reads my silly blog everyday. You guys are the best and I am blessed to have such a great bunch of people in my life! I don't think I say it enough but THANK YOU!!! xo

Outfit: Mini Photo Shoot for BISTM

Myself and Kaitlyn had a mini photo shoot over the weekend. We saw an amazing picture over on Pinterest and knew we wanted to recreate it for a stock photo to be used on our new website. Here is what I wore:

Top: Swap w/ Kaitlyn, Tank: Express, Jeans and bag: Windsor (similar jeans), Shoes: Lulus (similar) (similar), Bracelets: Baublebar, Heart Ring: JGood, Stackable Rings: Shop Jules

On Kaitlyn: Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Watch Wrap: C/O Kristin Hassan

I realize this outfit does not match, but I was going for a bright, over styled look for the photos! ;)

Here are the photos that we came up with:

What do you think? We super love them!

BecauseIShopTooMuch.com is coming along great. We finally have an official launch date of June 1st. Yes, it is taking forever, but we want to give you the best possible site so we promise it will be well worth the wait! For updates you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook or comment below with your email to be added to the email list.

*Photos taken by Mike Agnew