POOLSIDE AT THE JOULE

And this is day two!  Day two was just as packed with pizzazz as day one.  I obviously overslept and missed some morning sessions of the conference but it's all gee double oh dee good because my Chicago ladies gave me the recap on them.  Before lunch, the hubby and I went up to check out the pool area and it did NOT disappoint.  The weather was perfect and, since everyone was busy at the conference break out sessions, we got the pool all to ourselves!  Day one was such a sensation overload that it was nice to just sit and find some moment of zen before I was ready to do it all over again.

After some relaxation time at the pool, it was off to the cutest lunch ever, hosted by Express.  They fed us nom noms and we watched a video of their latest runway looks.  However, I guess the most important thing to note here is meeting Rosie, the genius behind The Londoner and my British soul mate.  She doesn't know it yet, but she is.  But I'm also positive a lot of people feel that way.  Our meeting was kind of like fate since I am a terrible blogger and didn't even recognize who she was, though I randomly stumble on her blog because my best friend Laura is a fan.  After meeting Rosie, I can totally understand why!

So let's break down this British encounter shall we?  So obviously since the hubby and I missed most of the morning sessions, we got to this lunch early and there was no one there.  I guess the sessions were running late.  So we sat there looking at all the cute things.  Pretty centerpieces, rack of Express clothes, Express bags holding our lunches, then there was a lot of staring off into space...  We were made to move by the photographer like a MILLION times which was kind of annoying but fine.  Take your empty room shots and let me know when I am allowed to sit down.  Thanks!  Finally got to sit down and it was more waiting.  Or more thinking, should I just eat?  I'm starving!  Hurry up you pretty betches!  Screw it, I'm eating.  Nomnomnom.  And of course, I made a mess on the white linen which I tried to hide with my bag of chips and my phone.

As I sat there Instagramming, I notice a few ladies filtering in.  One in particular came up to our table and asked if she could take the seat next to me.  I said of course!  I immediately noticed her British accent and I swooned over it as most UHmericans do.  She sat down and I was rude and immersed myself into my photo editing phone app for a bit without really saying much.  But somehow we got to talking.  She looked at my feet and immediately commented on how she liked that I wasn't in heels because everyone was towering in heels.  I thought to myself, well, you are what seems to be 6 foot tall on flats so you probably don't need them like I do.  We giggled and commented on how everyone was just so shiny and pretty and just slightly intimidating.  She chatted with the hubs and commented on how cool it was that he comes to these things and she had mentioned that her beau wouldn't enjoy it as much and that he was probably sitting in their room or at the pool.  I said "Bollocks!  He should come up for this, there is free nom noms!"  Okay I didn't really say bollocks.  But I sure as hell said it in my head.  Sure enough, she told him to come up and we all chatted about the conference and how there seemed to be a lot of people from the UK there which was really awesome for me and made me feel all international and cool.  She probably didn't find it as cool as I did.  But here's where I fall for her.  And I fell hard.

Express began playing their runway show on the screens for us to watch and this amazing song comes on with it.  One I have never heard before, but the beat dropped and my shoulders just couldn't contain themselves.  They start bouncing, then my whole upper body starts bouncing, and next thing I know I look to my left, and Rosie is doing the same thing.  We end up upper body table dancing to pretty much the whole show and at one point I think we had our fists pounding the air.  Do UK people know what fist pumping is and where it originates from?  Gawd I hope not.  It was a hilarious moment especially because I think we were the only two really feeling the music enough to show it through body convulsions.  We had a good laugh and I ask her what her Instagram handle is because I immediately know I like this lady and want to keep in touch.  I pull up her account and in a very un-ladylike, very non-cool blogger, very One Direction fanatic way, shout "OMG, YOU ARE THE LONDONER?!  MY FRIEND LAURA LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVES YOU!!"

Terrible as this sounds, I do not really follow a lot of blogs.  With work, the blog, coordinating weddings, friends, social life, and partying too much.  It's really hard for me to keep up.  However, my gal pal Laura has always sent me posts from the Londoner here and there because... well.... because Rosie is awesome!  Her humor is the best and after meeting her in person, I can NOW fully understand why my friend is an avid reader.  She posts about her travel and lifestyle, and I think most importantly, she has amazing recipes.  She's spunky, quirky, and hilarious.  So as I sat there geeking out but also really embarrassed that I did not recognize her off the bat, she says to me that we should take a selfie and send it to my friend.  GAWD, I love this girl!  She totally gets me.  After lunch we parted ways but I told her we needed to find each other at The Outnet farewell party so we could get sloshed together.  And sloshed we did.  

The Outnet party flew by like a blur!  There were many celebrations to be had.  We got to watch a special video created by Wendy and MM especially for The Outnet that was so touching and inspiring and all about working together and supporting each other.  I'm hoping they will release it to the public soon so I can show you guys!  And it was also a celebration for The Outnet turning 5!  Go Outnet... it's yo birthday... we surely partied like it's yo birthdaaaaaay.. I sure sipped Bacardi like it's yo birthdaaaay!  There were rounds of one too many shots, polaroids being snapped everywhere, and drunken conversations mixed with spurts of dancing.  And of course silly photos with my British bombshell (see them here).  Doesn't she have the best party recap photos ever!?  You can even spot my hubs in one of them.  =D  We feel so famous now.  I don't remember all too much from this night which, let's be honest, is that shocking?  I think at one point I switched into flats and wore my Louboutins on my ears?  Also pretty sure there are some ridiculous polaroids of myself in The Outnet's archives.  Someone's going to have to help me piece it all together.  Either way, I know I had a blast because the night ended in a taco induced food coma.  Stay tuned for Day 3!

//  kimono - urban outfitters  //  cropped cami - urban outfitters  //  bikini top - h&m  //  shorts - hot topic (old)  //  espadrilles - chanel  //  sunnies - prada  //  bracelet - thanks to gorjana  //

//  //  replicate the look  //  //

xoxo,

DOS

WHITE ON WHITE

Hi nuggets!  I can't believe my trip is over and I'm back to reality pushing paper and reading tax code.  I think I could have used a couple more days in Dallas mainly stuffing myself with tacos and guac and getting in some more pool time.  But alas, it is back to normal life.  But no one wants to hear about that.  Ok, so let's break this trip down shall we?  Or at least as much as I can remember.  And awaaaaaay we goooooooo.  Day one and a half.

The hubby and I left Chicago last Thursday later in the day.  And yes, I had saved all my packing for that morning because I like to live life on the edge and end up with half-assed outfits.  That's just how I roll, regrets are like... super fun for me.  There was madd traffic on the way to the airport which is never a surprise.  Thankfully we got there with enough time to get some classy airport food.  Riddle me this.  I went to the Lalo's in Midway and got some guac and chips and also rice and black beans.  Tell me how it costs almost TWICE as much as a full burrito meal!?  Da heck!?  Not only am I already finding it so hard to stay vegan, but you gotta rip me off in the meantime?  Can't you feel bad for me and give me a break?  I eat something called nutritional yeast as a cheese subsitute.  I mean... doesn't that make you sad for me and make you want to give me an extra scoop of guac?  I seriously do NOT get how it costs so much to eat plant based and be healthy.  Jerks!

After my little internal meltdown and preaching in my own head, I found a comfy ledge to eat my overpriced meal and escaped into a happy nom nom nom state... took a couple selfies, duh, and then we boarded our plane.  We were high up on the boarding line and got our pick of seats and were able to place our carry-on in the overhead bin right above us.  I get really freaked out when I am far away from my bags.  Any one else feel me on that?  Anyway, it was all going so well... until... the screaming started.  A shrill, gurgling, non-stop cry coming from a couple seats back erupting out of, what I could only imagine at the time, some demon child sent to earth to make me want to blow my brains out.  It's everyone's second worst nightmare on a plane.  You know, aside from plummeting to our deaths.  I instantly felt so sad for the mother of this child whose face I could not even see.  I assumed it was an infant because it had that gurgle in it's cry that really only infants can shrill out.  Or so I thought.  On my way to the bathroom, or if I'm really honest, I just wanted to take a look at this thing, I come to find it's a toddler.  All understanding flew out the window.  Yes, I still felt so sorry for the mom but I have more of a soft side for infants because really they can't help themselves.  But when it's a kid who should know better, oh boy oh boy.  My uterus shriveled up and died right there.  He just would not stop!  I instantly ordered two vodka sodas using my awesome Southwest coupons (whut whut) and wondered if it would be inappropriate if I offered one of my drinks to that poor mom.  I can't imagine how horrific this all was for her.  Now before you all get huffy and puffy about me hating on children or motherhood, let's keep it real.  Mom or not, you would HATE to be on a plane with a screaming child.  You know it's true.  It sux for everyone involved.  The passengers, the crew, the child, and mostly the parents.  Finally after landing, we got our car and drove up to the gorgeous hotel, The Joule.  The massive arch above the front doors were lit up and inviting us in for what was to become one amazing weekend.

After a night of very very little sleep, I awoke, slapped on my face illusions (eyelashes, foundation, bronzer contouring... all the things) and headed down with the hubs to register for #rSthecon, which really just entailed getting my meeting schedule and a goodie bag.  I was surrounded by tons of lovely, shiny, pretty, tall, gorgeous, sparkling women and instantly said to myself "Gawd my outfit sux all the butt."  Too late to fix all that now.  I had not been there for more than 5 minutes when a couple gals came up to me saying "Hi Wendy!  We just want to introduce ourselves."  Oh crap.  Here we go again.  I shyly smile and sweetly say, "Sorry, I am not Wendy from Wendy's Lookbook.  My name is Shai."  Then I get front row seats to the mix of SUPER disappointed, horrified, and embarrassed looks that wash over their faces.  Then it's about a few minutes of random and awkward chatter as they feel it would be so rude to just turn around and walk away, even though in my head I'm thinking "it's okay, you can walk away".  I try to charm them with my wit and hand them business cards like I'm someone important and that's pretty much the end of that.  It's gotta be the height, our similar frame (though I got me a big ass in comparison, so they must NOT be looking at that), and the hair.  My hair is such a different color though!  But I guess it has the same style?  Whatever it is, it proceeded to go on through out the day and actually the whole weekend.  I could see from my peripheral all the looks and whispering going on from people thinking I was Wendy, or wondering if I was Wendy or maybe who is this new bald guy she's got following her around.  But because I am a HUGE fan of miss Wendy, I find it all so so flattering.  The real Wendy will probably not think this is that amusing as she would NOT want people mistaking my crazy ass for her.  I wish I could be as put together and gorgeous as her.  I did however tell her she can always hire me on as her stunt double.  Like whenever her feet start to hurt, I just step right in and you would never know the difference right?

After that whole debacle, I was SO glad to see my fellow Chicago beyotches Gia, Christine, and Blair (check out their blogs, theirs is so much cuter than mine) who knew who I actually was, and we proceeded to hit up the brand booths.  Wowee zoweee!  They really went all out.  And the SWAG.  AWWWWWYEAAAA!  Who doesn't like free shit?!  And it's not like one of those TAX conferences where you just get some wack pen and a random notebook with random letters gigantically printed on the cover... PWC, KPMG, EY, DT, GT (real creative guys).  At THIS conference, it's the good stuff.  The cute stuff.  Gorjana gave out some awesome jewelry pieces of which I chose the gold bracelet you see in these photos.  Yep, you can officially hate on me now.  I can feel it.  I would hate me too.  Mistaken for Wendy, free jewelry... I mean geeeeez.  I ran into some familiar faces and almost flipped my shit when I saw my faves Laura and Stef.  They are from two of the brands present at the conference and I won't say which ones because I dunno what the rules are about that kind of stuff and I would really love to be invited for a third year.  As soon as we saw each other, there were lots of girly squeals and jumping up and down and omgggggggggg!  aaaaaaaaaaah!  You know, the normal stuff.  We chatted it up and I took up a lot of their time like a jerk, but too bad!  These two were one of the main reasons I even went to the conference so deal with it.  

Gia and I met up with another Chicago blogger babe, Jena, and it was off to Neiman Marcus where they had set up a little lunch event just for us.  Everything was in super cute but very annoyingly small portions.  Great for Instagram, not so great for the hangry.  We all looked kind of crazy grabbing the little containers of food in multiples of three.  But in a fashion blogger kind of world, cuteness is the only logic that matters mmmkaaay?!  All was forgiven when I spotted the servers walking around with pre-made peach cocktails.  I chased them down and the drinks were sooooo amazing.  Guess how many of THOSE this girl had.  We proceeded up to the other floors and who do I spot but my lady crush Aimee Song from Song of Style.  In that moment, I internally have a mini freak out and I try to hide the fact that I am foaming at the mouth to go say hi to her.  The inner, annoying, self conscious idiot version of me sat there going.. no way.. you can't do it.. she'll think you are crazy and weird.  But a few minutes later, I punched that version of myself in the face, grabbed another cocktail and marched on over to talk to her.  Too bad she was in the middle of a conversation and I just stood there awkwardly with a goofy smile on my face, completely star struck.  I managed to inject myself into their conversation once they noticed how weird I was just standing there and what came out of my mouth was some garbled version of "omg hi... I am such a big fan... you are so pretty... i love your style... inspirational... your dogs... your legs... akdjglefguoieadfjafjoirtfalkjg."  She was gracious and said thank you and flashed me that winning smile.  I walked away feeling completely lame and apologizing profusely to the version of myself that told me it was NOT the right time to go up to her.

After this defeating moment, I went back to the hotel to have my meetings with three brands I really love!  I won't say who just yet.  =D  The meetings all went well and my spirits were back up.  Then it was off to the Kate Spade Happy Hour which took place at that giant faux lawn with the even more giant eyeball.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, just go on your Instagram and search #rSthecon.  That eyeball is in 87% of the photos.  The happy hour was so fun and cute as hell!  Totally done up with that Kate Spade flair.  Bright colors, fun couches, beach balls, flowers, and a lot of pink.  Adorable!  And of course... more SWAG.  We got to listen to the history of the brand and how they were so happy to be part of the conference.  After that, I found my fave ASOS ladies and we hit the bar as usual.  I was a little wobbly on my wedges since the event was on a fake lawn, so later I sat and chatted it up with the gorgeous Alexandra.  We laughed when we saw each other's Polaroid cameras.  We snapped a few shots and I drooled over her sexy Spanish accent.  At this point I'm starting to wonder where my husband wandered off to.  I later find him among some of the other guys behind the camera.  You know... the ones responsible for all the gorgeous photos you usually see on the best blogs out there.  He quickly finds a way to ditch me for the rest of the night to go hang out with the guys.  He hands me all the things I was making him carry and as I stand there, in 5 inch wedges on grass, gripping all my SWAG in my arms, he turns to the guys and says, "So this is what it feels like."  I couldn't even be mad because I had to give him his props.  Good one honey... good one.  I went off to have dinner with my Chicago ladies and a few sweet local bloggers somewhere away from downtown Dallas.  It was so fun chatting about each others blogs, and how different but the same we all can be.  Shout outs to The Perennial Style and Life on the Squares!

Then I ended the night in kind of an epic way.  Just going to throw out a few words.  Guys, night, popping, bottles, Jules, hotel, Wendy, suite, late, night, burritos, champagne, sidewalk, hubby, hangry, eat your own burrito, where did they run off to, oh there they are, good night.

//  top - aritzia  //  shorts - zara  //  shoes - lanvin  //  clutch - prabal gurung for target  //  sunnies - prada  //  necklaces - gorjana, the jasa necklace, maya brenner  //  bracelets - gorjana, vita fede  //

//  //  replicate the look  //  //

xoxo,

DOS

SLEEVELESS IN CHICAGO

It was almost too good to be true!  Sleeveless in Chicago became the theme this past Saturday as temperatures soared past the 60s and into the 70s.  The city was alive and people were out and about soaking up some much needed sun and fun.  I was no exception.  I was all too happy to get out of the house and stroll around Oak Street.  And who better to roam the streets with than my second fave photog (first is the hubs duh), Chris Kim (aka Tum Tum)  We had ourselves quite a fun morning.  I am undertaking in a fun project with him and the glam squad Izha and Ann, which involved me pulling some amazing gowns from Ultimate Bride.  I felt like a kid in a candy store.  Tulle, ruffles, satin, lace, sparkles, beading... oh my.  I am so excited for this shoot because I get to play stylist a little bit and drape some exquisite dresses on gorgeous models.  Not going to lie, I'm probably going to sneak into this Jenny Packham gown that makes me swoon every time I see it.  I wish I had some sort of fancy ball to go to so I can wear it.  I can't wait to show you guys the images from the shoot!  Definitely going to blog it so be excited!

I had so much fun shooting outside with Tum Tum this day.  It worked out so well because I really wanted to show you guys this outfit.  I am obsessed with sleeveless trenches right now.  It's so rare that it makes sense here in Chicago but Saturday was perfect!  Nothing feels cooler than having a sleeveless trench on you on a slightly windy day and feeling the panels flap around as you walk.  And by walk, I mean STRUT, because trust me, it makes you want to STRUT YO STUFF!  It's so easy to throw on and can completely dress up a simple tank and track pant style denim outfit.  Which, by the way, is the other thing I am obsessed with.  These pants which have a jean feel and look, but the material is so light weight and soft.  I could wear these every day!  I love how comfortable they are and the elastic on the bottom keeps the hem in place so you can move it up or down as you please.  They can be dressed down with sneakers or dressed up with pumps.  I am so obsessed with them that I bought a second pair in a different color.  Hehehe.  I love pieces that require very little thought but are still stylish and can go with lots of different looks.  I hope you guys enjoy the look and the photos!  Thanks again to Tums for the shots.  It was fun actually having some direction and feedback during these blog shoots.  Let's do it again soon!  Hehehe...

//  top - vince  //  jacket - h&m  //  jeans - rag & bone  //  bag - chloe marcie large  //  shoes - christian louboutin so kate  //  sunnies - prada  //  bracelets - edith hart  //   necklaces - maya brenner, the JASA necklace  //

//  photography by Chris Kim Photography  //

xoxo,

DOS

CHINOS

So I kind of have this obsession with chinos right now.  I don't know how it started but I have been loving them so much.  Probably because I can get away with them for work and I can make them casual if I want to.  Also... they are comfy as all hell!  Why have I never played around with chinos?!  I feel so late in the game.  But now that I found my love for them, I can't get enough!  I feel like even more of a winner because these were from H&M and were only $20!  Woot!  By the way I got them in every color they had.  I said they were only $20 right?  My babe Grace is probably so proud of me right now since she's been rocking chinos for years!  Lol... hi boo!  Let's also say helloOoOoOOooooOoOOo nurse (animaniacs reference) to my new sunnies.  Uh yea, I too am on the "My Love from Another Star" show and fashion bandwagon.  Beep beep!  If you don't know... #GTS (Google That Shit).  The lead female character Cheon Song Yi wears the sickest sunnies throughout this show and even miss Wendy has taken notice.  We are so so so obsessed with this show!  And the fashion is insane.  There is one scene where she is just eating and chillin on the floor wearing what looks like pajamas.  Turns out it's a Gucci jumpsuit.  Sniggity snap!  Anyhoo... Miss Wendy went and got the same actual version of these sunnies that Cheon Song Yi is rocking on the show.  I got the more rounded version since it fit my face better and I got them in a brown color scheme.  I lalalalalalaLAAAAAAAAAAAAHVE them!  Thanks to my chuchurooo LC for doing the work and grabbing them for me.  Her new job and I have a love hate relationship.  I love it because she does the leg work for me in hunting down things I want, charges my card, then sends it on over.  I hate it because I never see her!  As I will elaborate below.

We are feeling super lucky in Chicago right now because finally, we are starting to get the hint that we have passed that 30 degree mark.  It's been consistently around 40s and 50s here which is such a welcome change, and this past weekend the sun was shining brightly, which just automatically brightens my mood.  I had myself a pretty eventful weekend which started on Thursday with my honeychuchu LC and myself at our favorite place, Underground.  I love going there on Thursdays because it's usually the kind of music I like, it's less crowded, and our fave gal Izha is there working.  Since LC started her new job, our schedules have been off.  She works them retail hours and I work them corporate hours.  We have only about 30 minutes to chat these days .  It makes me super sad because she was my Gchat break during my work day and now she's never around.  Or she can't respond to anything until way later and it no longer makes sense.  You know how it is.  You find something funny and want to share it with someone right away because you are still laughing.  So you send it.  They don't see it until hours later and by that point, it stopped being that funny.  Is this generation just spoiled with instant gratification?  I literally get frustrated when people don't respond right away.  Like helloOoOoOoOoooooOoOooo, what could be more important than my message?!  LOL.  Just kidding.  Okay maybe just a little NOT kidding.

Friday was also a big day as one of our friends got engaged.  It was so great seeing them so happy and excited.  The ring was GORGY!  He did a good job.  He had set up a little surprise engagement party for her Friday night after he proposed to her privately.  We were elated to have shared in their moment.  Saturday was spent shopping and attending a couple day time events and at night it was off to meet a few of my girlies for some cocktails and nom noms.  We discussed the ever important subjects of business and boys.  It was a much needed little lady pow wow.  Sunday I had an amazing lunch with a lady I have come to really respect through creeping on her Facebook and Tumblr.  It's funny how I felt like I knew so much about her but still needed her to fill in the gaps that I was just trying to fill in with my own imagination.  LOL.  This is why actual human contact on top of Facebook creeping is so important.  I thought we shared such an amazing conversation and hit pretty much every subject under the sun!  Looking forward to doing it again J!  =D  

After that I went to Target which I HATE!  Only because I feel like my credit card is in major trouble trouble trouble...  Do you know how much random cute shit is at Target?  Roaming the aisles with a cup of coffee and all the time in the world is the WORST!  Which is why whenever I go, I have a list with me and I make sure that I have something to do after that I have to get to at a certain time.  Yep that is the key to NOT spending $1000 at Target.  A list and a time limit.  It totally worked.  I left there with what I really needed.  Toothpaste, dryer sheets, and Cascade dishwasher liquid.  No time to look at washi tape or cute stickers or fun markers.  Though I did pick up another little makeup pouch but that was it!  Total win for me.  Anyway thanks for reading my babble!  I hope you all had a great weekend and a fabulous rest of your week.  Meow meow byeeeeeeeeeeee!

//  top - aritzia  //  chinos - h&m  //  booties - nastygal shoe cult  //  bag - louis vuitton  //  sunnies - prada  //  necklace - thanks to sparkle and sophistication  //  bracelets - house of harlow, giles and brother  //

xoxo,

DOS