Sunday, July 31, 2011

K&Z Chicago


I came across this drawing of mine from three years ago before my sister and I moved to Chicago for school. I remember being so excited to get out of Milwaukee and be able to surround myself with fashion, new people and best of all city life. This brings back old memories...good memories <3
I'm wearing an H&M sleeveless chiffon collared black shirt with a Forever 21 dress (I cut off the top of the dress to make it a skirt-I wear it more as a skirt than I did as a dress). The shoes are Chinese Laundry, the watch is Michael Kors and the aubergine leather studded bracelet I found at a street fair in New York city back in December. It was my "Congrats on getting the internship!" gift to myself.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Coffee Addict

Photo credit: Zenita Hill
Sister bonding time
Great book
Iced Hazelnut Latte

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

The Grass is always Greener

When it Storms
Photos taken by the crazy cat lady: Zenita Hill
I'm growing. I'm learning. I'm conquering. I'm strong. Everything in life serves a purpose in shaping who we are and with each step we are evolving. Without disappointments how will we ever develop a sense of independence, without failure how will we ever admire our strengths and without heartbreak how will we ever experience true love? Think about it.
I'm wearing a royal blue-navy if you will-dress of my own design, made from a random burst of inspiration and an intense love session with my sewing machine. The belt is my "Sex and the City" belt from Forever 21. I got it for $8.50 a couple years ago and it still remains my favorite staple accessory piece. It goes with everything! Isn't it strange how we would kill for a Chanel handbag or a pair of sky-high Christian Louboutin shoes but when it comes down to it, our favorites consist of vintage finds and cheap retail goods. You can't put a price on style.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

A leopard can't change its spots

Photos taken by lovely my sister, best friend and photographer Zenita Hill
My sister and I went strolling through IKEA this afternoon and dared to go in the back where no one seemed to be interested in shopping. It was quite erie I must admit but it was the perfect place to set up a mini photo shoot. The industrial feel and rustic look truly inspired us! We kept shooting until the staff at IKEA started to tak notice the flow of creativity that was taking place beyond their consent. I'm wearing an Allen B. by Allen Swartz pleated leopard Maxi Skirt over a black Repetto bodysuit, Franco Sarto open-toe booties and a long white feather earring from Forever 21.


Thursday, July 21, 2011

PAPARAZZI


Photos taken by my amazing and talented sister: Zenita Hill
 Those damn Paparazzi... ;) 
I'm wearing a green cargo vest from Zara, a bright orange (I've been obsessed with orange lately!) pleated skirt from H&M, vintage brown studded skinny belt, Dolce Vita Brown wedges, Michael Kors watch, Michael Kors Uptown Astor large shoulder tote, and favorite Forever 21 sunglasses I bought in New York last September.



Tuesday, July 19, 2011

New York Loves You



H&M sheer button up shirt worn with a navy pleated skirt, also from H&M,
 my new platform sandals from Urban Outfitters and last but certainly not least, my Michael Kors Hamilton tote. What you can't see is my Patricia Field "Krysta" necklace. I've had it for about four years-we're in love. :)

This is my hundredth 'I love New York' post but I've been craving being back there so much lately that I've decided to dedicate this post to how much I truly love and miss New York City. The minimalist chic with trendy accents and a loose silhouette makes this the perfect summer outfit to wear around Manhattan. 
xoxo

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Blue (M)Tie-(K)dye

Photo credit to my lovely and talented sister and photographer: Ms. Zenita Hill


 I'm wearing a Michael Kors silky blue and black wrinkle tie-dyed shirtdress-that I absolutely die for!-Michael Kors belt and Rose gold runway watch, and Dolce Vita brown leather 'strappy' wedges. I kept the makeup light and my hair in simple loose waves. I lightened the tips in a desperate attempt for change; it came out pretty good and I'm liking the results. What do you think? My gosh, it's getting so long! It seems like just yesterday I was coming home from the salon in tears because the lady chopped off all my hair...yikes-bad memories!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

New Shoes!

Janis Platform Sandal - Urban Outfitters
So happy- I couldn't stop thinking about them once I saw them-I jus had to have them.
I will wear them in a post soon! Stay tuned 
xoxo

SJP's family portrait...

Featured in Vogues AUGUST issue.
Love, love, love Sarah Jessica Parker. THE fashion guru of all that is New York and beyond-the woman who made litte girls everywhere try on their mothers high heels and ravish at perfectly tailored designer goods. Ever since I can remember, SJP was making the fashion world a more inspiring place to thrive for girls like me. Her grace and charismatic energy has brought her wonderful things: a beautiful family, a wonderful home, lots of love and breathtaking couture. Let's take a look: 
Images from Fashionista.com

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Meet Minni Baby

Meet Minni, our (me and my sister) new roommate. She loves to play with strings and shoe laces, hogs all my pillows, doesn't stop purring and has the sweetest meow...Minni is a little fluff ball full of love.
xoxo

Ca-Crazy for Pleats

AKIRA Chicago Maxi dress, gold arm bracelet from Nordstrom, Michael Kors
gold embossed leather T-strap sandals
I found this dress at AKIRA here in Chicago, in the sale section, which  baffled me because it was absolutely gorgeous, so why was it for sale-better yet, why were they not sold out? Turns out it had a broken strap and apparently unwearable or unfixable?  So I did what most people wouldn't dare do and bought it. What the hell was I thinking, the strap was broken, right?! I got over it and decided to 'make it work' so that I could wear it- duh, I loved the dress and would have kicked myself later on if I didn't get it.
When I got home I cut off the other strap and made it into a strapless dress. I was in in love with the results and couldn't believe how many compliments I got while wearing it. Everyone loved it! I always like to test my style and outfits out in public places. Even if it's just a trip to the mall, school or even Starbucks; people will tell you what they think, it's incredible! I went to Barnes and Noble at Mayfair Mall in Milwaukee while I was home . I was wearing this dress and the cutest little girl came up to me and told me if I was a princess. That's why I love children- they're so honest and so sincere, it really moved me and I couldn't stop smiling the rest of the day.
This just proves that for something to look good, it doesn't have to look or fit the way you think it should. Alter it, make it your own-cut off the legs to your pants, put some studs on a boring jean jacket, cut off the straps-as long as you feel sexy and confident while wearing it, that's all that matters. There are no 'rules' to having style, just have fun! <3

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Monday, July 4, 2011

Patriotic NYC White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Patriotic White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies- the raw cookie batter is delicious too!

So, as you all know I'm very into eating healthy and feeding the body what it deserves. My swiss oatmeal recipe was a hit so I wanted to share a recipe my sister-who will soon be a registered Dietician-made. It's a dairy-free (aside from the chocolate, lol), low sugar, low salt cookie with more fiber than regular homemade cookies. A healthier alternative, with less calories and less far per serving, for all those cookie monsters out there who still want to enjoy a tasty treat without the guilt. My sister always reminds me that just because they are healthier, doesn't mean you can eat more- portions are always key! To make it more festive
 and patriotic for the 4th of July weekend I added blue and red m&m's.
ENJOY - xoxo
You will need: Medium and large Mixing bowls, measuring spoons &
 measuring cups, a wisp, spatula and cookie sheets.
INGREDIENTS:
2      -   cups Whole wheat white flour
1½  -   cups Grape-nuts cereal (I prefer to use crushed up Honey nut Cheerios with hot 
               cereal/oatmeal mixed in)
1       -  teaspoon Baking soda
1/4   -  teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4   -  cup of  Rice/Soy Milk
3/4   -  cup Canola Oil or Enova Oil (A new cooking oil made by Kao Health Nutrition LLC: 
             made from a blend of soybeans and canola oils)
3/4   -  cup packed Brown Sugar
1/3   -  cup granulated Sugar
2       -  Organic Cage Free Eggs  (they taste better, trust me!)
1       -  tablespoon Vanilla 
1       -  cup dried Cranberries
*1/2 -  cup White Chocolate Chips (leave out to keep dairy)
*1     -  bag of Dark Chocolate m&m's (blue and red sorted into a separate bowl)
[* Optional]


DIRECTIONS:
1.  Preheat oven to 375°.  In medium bowl combine flour, cereal, baking soda, and salt.
2.  In large bowl combine oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla.
3.  Add flour mixture: combine by folding into itself to create the batter. Fold in the 
        cranberries and chips (If the batter is dry, add a splash of Rice/Soy milk). Drop dough by 
        rounded teaspoon onto un-greased cookie sheets (if you want the cookie to be flat, press 
        down on the rolled up cookie dough before putting it into the oven). Press blue and red 
        m&m's onto the top of each cookie in desired pattern (You can change the colors to 
        coordinate with each season/Holiday: red and green for Xmas, brown and orange for 
        Halloween, pink and red for Valentines day, etc.)
4.  Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown but soft in center. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets. 
        Remove and place on wire racks to cool down. Enjoy while they're still warm!

Baby you're a FIREWORK

Julie Dillon dress, Martinez Valero pumps, Michael Kors 
watch and a Forever 21 silver braided headband worn as a belt.
Photo credit to my lovely and talented sister and photographer: Ms. Zenita Hill


I always love the 4th of July. It's a day to commemorate the Independence of our country and most importantly to day spent celebrating my birthday- my 21st birthday to be exact. Yes, that is right, I am now a full on adult.  I'm still not sure what the big hype is all about about the big TWO-ONE..I dont feel any different and my age has certainly never stopped me from [safely] enjoying a cocktail before today, but whatever, the show must go on. 
Although I didn't feel all grown up, that didn't stop me from doing what I do best...shopping! I found myself a fabulous new "I'm all grown up" dress- a silky hammered charmeuse crewneck dress styled with short sleeves, a draped, pleated bodice and a pleated wrap-style skirt- and a pair of gorgeous heels that shout "Look at me, I'm fabulous" with each step. Yay! I think every girl will agree-any excuse to buy a new pair of shoes, and when they make you feel sexy, it's even better. 
What do you think? Aren't those shoes are to die for?! My grandma loved them :)
I'm obsessed with color blocking which is always a bold fashion move but also very on trend; I love it- and you know me..in the name of fashion, I will do anything
Happy Birthday to mee
xoxo