BACKLESS AT FONTAINEBLEAU

Holy cow this is so late.  Here is my second set of photos from my trip to Miami in November.  So sorry for the lack of posts.  It's my busy month at work and I have had no time for anything else.  Sad to admit but I do enjoy the busy grind at work.  It's like this weird rush.  Deadlines and late nights.  Woot!  Lol.  What can I say, I guess I'm a little weird like that.  Because of my submersion into work, I have had zero time for photos and zero cuteness as well.  Not to mention things like #Chiberia and #polarvortex have been circulating around me.  Being outside and trying to fool you guys into thinking I'm having a grand ol' time walking the streets of Chicago whilst attempting to look all kinds fashionable and smiley is just not something I felt like doing lately.  In fact, I did the opposite.  I sat at home and looked at photos from the summer and thought to myself, why don't I live somewhere warm year round.

For example, these photos.  Looking at these photos makes me so sad.  Gawd I miss my tan.  I am currently about 10 shades lighter now due to this brutal cold Chicago weather that has kept me bottled up inside my house and away from any type of daylight.  What I would give to be back at Fontainebleau sippin' on a cocktail on that private beach being waited on by some cute little cabana boy whilst the hubs is snoring away next to me.  Sigh.  Who else is over this brutal cold?!

Dress - Made by DOS  =)  |  Shoes - ASOS  |  Clutch - Zara  |  Accessories - Club Monaco, Urban Outfitters

xoxo,

DOS

DRUNK ON ELIZABETH SHOWERS - SILVER DETAILS

Hi guys!  I busted out my leather shorts again!  I wanted to show you all how you can take leather shorts and dress them down, or dress them up like I did here.  Okay that's a lie.  This was just all coincidence that I wore them and am posting this outfit right right after the other one.  Sigh, it's really hard for me to lie to you guys.  

Anyhoozah... I am still trying to recover from a jam packed weekend.  Summer hours has finally started for my department which means I get pretty much every other Friday off.  YEAAAAAAAAAH!!  Bring on AAALLL the jealous-ness!  Friday was spent biking around and running errands.  It felt so good to catch up on some of the things I've been meaning to do but haven't had the time to.  Then it was off to a fun night with some super fun out of town peeps.

Saturday, I ventured into suburbia (gasp) to have brunch at e+o with another fun group and got to taste so many nom nom nommies thanks to Aeron!  The spam fried rice and the kale salad and the "it's like that" roll... hash tag drooooooooool.  Saturday ended with the hubster and me running our first 5K!  It was the LivingSocial Glow Run Dance Party which was friggin' fuuuuuuuuuun!  And yes, it's because after the finish line, there is a huge dance party IN the Soldier Field stadium.  Give me wine and a dance party at the end and I'll run ANY 5K.  

Sunday was Anita Day.  One of my besties went and eloped!  But that won't stop me from throwing her a special girly day that was all about her... hence, Anita Day.  Man, reliving the weekend like this got me all tired.  It was all so fun and worth it though.  One of my best weekends for sure.  If you follow me on Instagram and saw all the pics, then you know w'sup.  What?  You don't follow me on Instagram?  You are a mystery to me.

I want to thank Elizabeth Showers for these beautiful vine inspired bangles!  Bangles are usually very tricky for me.  A lot of times there aren't any size options and they are too big for my wrists.  Some of them just fly off of me while I'm in mid conversation because I'm one of those crazy people that have insane hand gestures while they talk.  But that doesn't stop me from wearing them.  I just wear them in a different spot on my arm.  Depending on the bangle, it can look really fun and interesting wearing them higher up on your arm.  These vine ones are perfect for the look and totes matches my silver sequin Miu Mius.  I've been on a pretty big gold kick lately but it felt really good to wear silver again.  It works so much better with a black and white combo don't ya think?  Please follow Elizabeth Showers on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.  Don't know what those are?  Hmm.. you are a mystery to me.

Top - Alice and Olivia  |  Shorts - Club Monaco  |  Clutch - Zara  |  Shoes - Miu Miu  |  Accessories - Thanks to Elizabeth Showers, Urban Outfitters

xoxo,

DOS

A WANG THANG: NON PLATFORM HEEL AND LEATHER SHORTS

I'm trying out a couple of things here that I haven't really given a chance before.  Leather shorts and a NON platform heel!  GASP!  Let's start with the shorts.  I've been searching for a good fitting pair of faux leather shorts for a while.  Faux because I was a little scurrrred to invest in a pair of real leather shorts not knowing if I'd wear it that much.  Let's be honest.  Chicago is either super cold, or super hot... so leather shorts can sometimes just be silly because you are either literally freezing your a$$ off or sweating your a$$ off.  Luckily I stumbled upon this pair and they fit me pretty well.  Out came the plastic and they were mine.  

Now on to the shoesies.  LC, aka honey chu chu, aka chucharoo, has been kind of nagging me for months to get a pair of non-platform heels in a 'naked' shoe style.  Not sure if anyone else noticed, but momma loves the platforms.  I tried out a few 'naked' shoes but nothing really grabbed me.  Okay that's a lie.. there was a pair of Saint Laurent ones but OMG for so little leather, the price tag was quite hefty.  I'm glad I waited it out.  Not that these Wangs were that much cheaper but in my opinion had a pretty fab design.  I love the ankle cuffs so much on these and the croc embossed leather is just delish.  Still, when I purchased them, I half hoped that they wouldn't fit.  I kind of always secretly wish that when I splurge on a shoe.  I take it as the universe telling me to save my monies.  Not this time though.  The universe was saying "you need a pair of NON platform heels".  And who am I to argue with the universe?!  I mean really... that's just asking for trouble.  

Top - Urban Outfitters  |  Shorts - Club Monaco  |  Bag - Proenza Schouler  |  Shoes - Alexander Wang also on sale HERE  |  Sunnies - Chanel  |  Accessories - Thanks to Kendra Scott, Chanel, Thanks to Alex and Ani

I want to thank EVERYONE for their sweet comments on the DOSxGatsby post.  I really am so motivated by everyones support and love.  I also feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to put the whole thing together.  I wouldn't have been able to accomplish any of it without all of your support and encouragement.  I hope to keep bringing you creative shoots and just all around funsies as I continue on this little journey.  And I want to thank my amazing hubby for putting up with all of this craziness!  I love you soooo much for thinking that I look great in every photo, even though I keep telling you over and over that there IS such a thing as a BAD angle.  MUAH!  Lastly and most importantly, Happy Birthday to my guardian angel.  I know you are watching me and I hope you are proud and smiling.  Not a day goes by without a thought of you.  You are the reason for who I am and you are the reason for all of this.

(PS, I dedicate the title of this post to LAURZ)

xoxo,

DOS

I RUN THIS ...

Okay no, not really but I like to think I play an important role.  Hahaha... This past Saturday, I was the wedding coordinator for a very special couple, Jeannie and Mike.  I had such a blast working with these two and I'd like to think I made some new friends.  Their wedding was absolutely beautiful and I got to work with some amazing vendors.  These shots were taken by Kenny Kim, a very talented and amazing photographer.  I'm almost never in any photos except for a random limb like my hand or elbow or foot, so I felt very special.  Thanks Kenny!  Please check out Kenny's website for the photos from the wedding and a whole mess of other amazing weddings he has done!  Oh and his Instagram is also pretty flippin' sweet!  All links can be found below.

Kenny told me I looked intimidating.

Which made me laugh.

So I decided to smile.

Then act silly.

Photo credits to Kenny Kim

Twitter: @KennyKim

FB: @kennykimphotography & @KKPhotoVentureTours

Instagram: @Kenny_Kim

Pinterest: @kennykimdotcom

Dress - All Saints (old)  |  Bracelet - Club Monaco (old)  |  Glasses - Oliver Peoples  |  Earrings - F21  |  Shoes (not shown) - Vera Wang Lavender

-DOS

BIG PINK STRIPES

Hi again!  I've been waiting for the right light to get photos of my awesome new pants!  A few weeks ago, I got an email from Motel Rocks telling me that they would like to send me an item from their collection and I was totally ecstatic!!  Little did I know how hard it would be to pick out an item from all their amazing stuff.  But then I saw them.  A pair of super fun and super fab pink and white striped pants!  I fell in love instantly.  The big bold stripes just screamed for me to make them mine.  A week or so later, there they were at my doorstep.  And by doorstep, I mean the area underneath our condo mailboxes in the hallway.  They were a bit loose so I had to get them taken in which also took some time and they are also long.  But I'm used to all that being only 5 feet tall.  The waiting was worth it though because now they fit great and it's been kind of rainy and poopy lately so I probably would not have worth them for a while anyway.  I didn't get them hemmed shorter because sometimes I like the option of folding them up into a cuff, so it was the good ol' tuck and fold under this time around.  If you are more of a normal size and not travel size like me, I'm sure they would fit you just fine!  I'm so glad the Hubster and I could finally get around to shooting on a day there was some good sunlight coming in so I could share these pants with all you lovely people.  The material is not denim and is super soft.  I am wondering if these could be okay in the office.  Hey man, they are not jeans!  LOL.  I think it might be too soon for these in the corporate setting.  Thanks again to Motel Rocks for these amazing pants!  I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE them!  Everyone, please visit their site and peruse around.  They have lots of interesting and fun designs.  I know I've got my eye on a few more items.  =)

Also what do you think of my new hat?  I've never really been a hat person, but I have come to realize they sure are handy when your hair is just not cooperating.  Just be careful to check the wind speed.  I've definitely had to chase my hat down the street before.  Chicago is not called the "windy" city just for funsies.  I like the open holes on this hat.  It adds an interesting texture and design and is perfect for when it's a hot summer day and you need some air to get through to your dome.

Sweater - Madewell  |  Pants - Motel Rocks  |  Tank Top - t.babaton  |  Shoes - Gucci (old)  |  Hat - Club Monaco  |  Clutch - ASOS  |  Sunnies - Paul Smith  |  Watch - Chanel  |  Jewelry - Anthropologie, Stella & Dot, F21, David Yurman

-DOS

A HINT OF MINT

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!  I wanted to put up an outfit post for you all since it's been a while.  It is so hard to get out and do a shoot in the winter.  I am literally freezing in these first set of pics but I wanted you guys to be able to see my oversized sweater cardigan.  I've been wearing it a lot lately because it's so comfortable.  I like the texture and open weave pattern of this cardigan.  I just have to make sure not to snag it on something.  That's always my biggest fear with loose weave sweaters.  One wrong move... then snag!  It's the saddest feeling ever right?!  The poor Hubster was freezing right along with me.  Most of his shots are blurry because his hands were shaking.  Poor thing.  But what a trooper!  <3  And of course, gotta love my Chloe 'Marcie' purse.  This is the large size and it can hold my entire life.  It's my go-to bag when I am going to be out for the whole day.  

I also finally get to show you guys my House of Harlow shoes... yay!  I love the Oxford style and gold plate.  They are classic and simple booties in a neutral brown color and of course, it's a high heel.  What's there not to love?

I am also wearing my Calvin Tran coat.  I love this coat because it's got some cool faded stripes on one side and it is just very unique.  It's also really easy to just throw on over thick sweaters.  It comes with these cool gigantic safety pins which you can use to completely change the shape of the coat and also can be used to close up the coat.  Much like what buttons would do.  Next time I wear it, I'll have to show you guys what you can do with the pins.  That's one thing I love about Calvin's work.  It's all very transformative and fun!  If you are in Chicago, check out his store on Halsted and Webster.  You might get lucky and he might actually be there to help you pick out items.  He's super silly and definitely made me laugh when I met him.

Coat - Calvin Tran  |  Cardigan - Free People  |  Top - Club Monaco  |  Jeans - Current Elliot (color mint)  |  Shoes - House of Harlow  |  Purse - Chloe 'Marcie'  |  Scarf - Michelle Tan  |  Jewelry & Watch - Top Shop, Michael Kors, Nordstrom, F21

Thanks for reading!  <3

-DOS