White Faux Fur Vest

I'm head over heels in love with my white faux fur throw from West Elm. It has made many winter nights much more bearable {so has the glass of red wine, fireplace and good book that go along with it}. So when I saw this white faux fur vest on Piperlime, I had to have it.  It went right on my Christmas list and my mom attempted to buy it. However, unfortunately they are out of my size. The tan color is everywhere - Piperlime, Anthropologie and Nordstorm. But my heart is set on the white. With so many tan vests walking around the streets of Chicago, I wanted something a little unique. Not too mention, I have a craving for some winter white!

Sanctuary Natalie Faux Fur Vest

Any suggestions as to where I can find this vest or another similar one?

Scarlet Wedding Dress by Monique Lhuillier

Things change ... especially when you are planning a wedding. I always thought I'd want a very simple wedding dress, but I'm not so sure that is the case anymore. I've clipped several images from The Knot, none of which are similar in anyway. But one thing is clear, I'm not ending up with a classic dress from J. Crew like I always pictured I would. It's my one day to wear a fabulous gown and I'm going to take advantage of that! The Scarlet dress by Monique Lhuillier has been around for a while. It's romantic and something I never thought I would want to wear at my wedding. Not the case anymore ...

 Scarlet Wedding Dress by Monique Lhuillier

I never thought I'd like a lace dress as much as I like this one. And I always thought my dress would be strapless like 95% of the dresses out there! I'm not saying this is THE dress; I haven't even walked through the doors of a bridal salon. But, I'm going to be sure to dress this one on!

Lovely Leopard Print

Crystal of Plush Palate has been blogging for a while. But, unlike several design bloggers, she waited to share something special with her readers. It wasn't until Rue was well underway that she gave her readers a tour of her home. While the entire place is romantic and beautiful, I feel in love with one vignette. This sweet little antique chair with a leopard pillow caught my attention.

Crystal's chair and pillow combination has inspired me to add a little leopard not only too my wardrobe but to my home as well. Rubie Green's Jackie fabric is the perfect leopard print and I may have to incorporate it into our bedroom.

Check out the rest of Crystal's home on her blog, Plush Palate. She has tons of brass, pretty pink flowers and other feminine details. She's moving to California and starting fresh; I'm sure I'll love her new home as well!

Simple Artichoke and Kalamata Salad

Here's a quick and easy recipe for a favorite salad of mine. It is super colorful, bright in its flavors and goes along well with almost any dish. Not too mention, it is the perfect salad for leftovers as there are no leafy greens in the recipe. Wilted lettuce is not my favorite thing to eat for lunch the next day!

To make this salad, you'll need:

• Jar of artichokes quartered
• Jar of pitted kalamata olives
• An English cucumber
• Grape or cherry tomatoes (I like to add both red and orange for color)
• One lemon
• Olive oil
• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Directions:

• Prep your veggies
• Drain your artichokes and slice into quarters
• Slice your tomatoes and olives in half 
• I never use the whole jar of olives ...
• Peel and slice your cucumber into semi-circles 
• Combine artichokes, kalamata olives, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes in a bowl 
• Squeeze lemon juice into a separate bowl and combine with olive oil (I typically add slightly more olive oil then lemon juice)
• Add a pinch of salt and pepper to lemon/olive oil mixture and whisk
• Taste dressing and adjust to your liking!
• Mix veggies with dressing and you're done!

How easy is that? You can change it up by serving it over spinach or adding leftover feta - delicious!

William and Kate

Today was my friend Ashley's 26th birthday (Happy Birthday!). I joined her and some of her coworkers for a birthday sushi lunch. With five girls, the conversation easily turned to our obsession with Prince William and Kate Middleton. And today I learned that their engagement pictures had been released to the public. So, one Google search away and here they are ... which picture do you like better?

Very timely as I just posted my own engagement photos the other week. I'm normally lean towards photo journalism. But when the couple is royalty, traditional is best! 

Winter's Beauty Blunders

Winter is here in Chicago, which typically means dry skin and damaged hair for us Chicago ladies. I'm gearing up to face the winds and cold weather with two products that I think are worth the investment.

Moroccan Oil

I'm a hair girl. If there is one thing I have to get done before I leave the house, it is a perfect blow dry. My friend Claire introduced me to this fabulous product this summer and I must buy some of my own. It protects your hair, is not greasy and apparently helps it dry faster!

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

I'm a big believer in Kiehl's and my life has changed ever since Equinox stocked all of their locker rooms with these yummy products. So much so, that I decided I had to switch to their shampoo and conditioner. This is my friend Ashley's go-to moisturizer. I figure if I love their hair products and body cream that I should use their face lotions and potions as well.

I have faith that these two products will protect my hair and face from Chicago's harsh winter weather!

Source: http://www.eshop-healthcare.com, kiehls.com

Fancy Feathers Ornament

Keeping it short and sweet tonight after my 50 picture post on Saturday! I absolutely love this bird ornament from Anthropologie. Feathers, sparkle and a cute face ... definitely deck the halls material! They also have a slightly larger mauve version that went MIA on Anthropologie's website {I want that one too}.

Where have you had luck with ornaments this season? I've picked some up at the German Christmas market, Pottery Barn and West Elm. Anthro is next ... they have some beautiful options!