Guest Post Series: Spring Style Files

After my guest post on vmac & cheese last week, I was inspired to ask my favorite blog girls to create some fab content for TCG.

I asked them for their favorite spring outfit. Could be something they recently purchased in preparation for warm weather, or a few things they're lusting after. I also asked these lovely ladies to explain why the outfit is so them.

While these three are all fabulously stylish, they each have a very different look. I could not wait to see what they came up with!

Here's the first post of the series. Cara is a very close friend of mine and a fellow Chicagoan. Check out her blog An Urban Cottage.

Zara silk blouse
$80 - zara.com

Silk skirt
$128 - anthropologie.com

Calvin Klein ankle boot
$148 - piperlime.gap.com

Cole Haan leather shoulder bag
$428 - piperlime.gap.com

Daisy Knights twist ring
$230 - net-a-porter.com

Alexis Bittar teardrop earring
$200 - nordstrom.com

essie nail polish - hard to get
essie.com

When Ashley asked me to put together my favorite Spring outfit, the first thing I did was make a trip to my closet. Nothing. I found it impossible to get enthusiastic about anything I currently own. So straight to the internet for a little "window" shopping I went in search of something that was worthy of a guest post on Ashley's blog.

I love the unexpected and opted for a vibrant skirt from Anthrolopogie paired with a classic silk blouse. I truly feel that this combination could go anywhere without feeling over/under dressed. I added a pair of caged, blush colored heels to both elongate my legs and give me some height. After a month working extremely long hours and failing to take care of myself, I made a resolution to be more glamorous. This includes wearing heels far more often than not.

To top the outfit off, I included beautiful lavender drop earrings, a studded gold ring and a light leather bag {similar to one I carry day-to-day}. I love it. While I was originally searching for a fun floral dress, I find this outfit so Spring and versatile!

Thanks Ash for letting me a part of your series. Now let's just hope Spring comes sooner rather than later! xoxo

~Cara {An Urban Cottage}

Epoch Flowers

I adore having fresh flowers in the house - a pop of color and freshness and an instant mood lifter. At brunch with a friend of mine this morning, we spotted Epoch - blossom heaven. This pop-up storefront in Lincoln Park had gorgeous, seasonal buds AND they were budget friendly! I ended up taking home one of these birch-wrapped pots {$6!} and a bunch of fresh daffodils from Holland. The staff was fabulous {warm water for hydrangeas, ice cold for daffodils}. Now I'm just waiting for Spring...

Epoch Pop-Up Shop, 1211 West Webster Avenue, between Racine and Magnolia Ave.

The Beach

I am craving a beach vacay right about now. Don't these images look heavenly?

via

This City Girl on Vmac & Cheese!

I'm so excited - my first guest blog! Hop on over to vmac & cheese and check out my three favorite things in my home. Here's a peek...

Stay tuned, I may just have a guest post series in mind for TCG....

To buy or not to buy...

This rug is on OKL today. It's John Robshaw and I may need it in my home. The problem is, I'm not sure exactly where I would put it. The 2'x3' is only $40 and would look great in an entry way... but I already have a rug for both the front and back door. Decisions, decisions...

Perfection

Thanks to my guy for a Valentines Day that was perfection. French macarons, white hydrangeas, homemade pizza, red wine, our pup and our couch.

Quick Molten Chocolate Cake

Easy Valentine's Day dessert - I swear, under 15 minutes and you'll be eating this deliciousness.

Individual Molten Chocolate Cakes: Serves Two

What you'll need:
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 Tbsp flour
1/3 c bittersweet chocolate chips
1 large egg & 1 egg yolk
2 Tbsp sugar

1. Heat oven to 450. Butter two 6oz ramekins and dust with flour.
2. Place butter and chocolate in glass dish, melt using double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently.
3. Beat eggs, egg yolk and sugar until thick and lighter color (about 1 min). Add melted chocolate and flour, mix until incorporated.
4. Divide batter between ramekins. Bake until edges are set- only 8 to 10 min. Dig in.

Staying in, Styling up

If you're staying in this Valentines Day, that's no excuse to wear sweats. Throw on some sparkles and make/order dinner in your heels!

J.Crew Sequin Fete Dress, $275; Cashmere Talisa Cardigan, $250

Kate Spade B Mine

Check out these Valentine's Day e-cards courtesy of Kate Spade. Adorable!

Tadahiro Uesugi

Victoria from vmac & cheese posted pics of her gallery wall this morning. I am obsessed with this Tadahiro Uesugi print! I have to have one. I'm suddenly feeling very inspired to create a gallery wall!

A New Look

Okay, okay, I know it's a bit boring right now, but it was time to change it up a little! What I need: a new title pattern and a fabulous font to start. I'm looking for a clean, understated design so that the images can really pop. Any other suggestions??

I Love You, Blogs and Coffee

As many of you out there, I ease into the day with my coffee and my blogs. I need this.

Available at MADEBYGIRL on Etsy.

A Valentine's Day Wish List

Valentines Day has never really been a huge deal for us. We usually celebrate with pizza and wine, which, in my mind, is perfect. That being said, I'm a girl who loves flowers. Here are some other gift ideas.

1. Ann Taylor Loft
2. Kiehls body lotion in coriander
3. Mighty Leaf Tea in Detox
4. J. Crew
5. Kate Spade Twirl
6. Banana Republic Leopard Flats
7. J. Crew Mesh & Gem Necklace

HK Photographs

These photographs were featured on OKL the other day and I can not get them out of my head! The full collection can be found on the HK Photography site. But I'm kind of loving these vintage fashion shots.

Spring greens with blood orange, roasted fennel, asparagus & shrimp

I don't know about you, but this Chicago winter has got me eating some keep-me-warm comfort food that's not so great for me. Last night, in an attempt to get back on track, I made this salad. It was super easy and tasty.

What you'll need:
Good sized raw shrimp (about six per person) - cleaned and de-veined (it's easier this way)
Organic spring greens
3 Blood oranges
Asparagus
1 bulb fennel
Good olive oil
Dijon mustard
Garlic
Salt & pepper

To start:
Cut asparagus and fennel, drizzle with olive oil, salt & pepper; bake at 350 about 20min
Section one blood orange; set aside
Wash greens, allow to dry
In a saute pan, cook shrimp with olive oil, diced garlic, salt & pepper (don't overcook!)
In a large salad bowl, mix spring greens, roasted fennel & asparagus, blood orange sections and dressing
Plate salad in low, wide salad bowls then lay shrimp on top

For dressing:
Juice two blood oranges
Knife-full of dijon
Salt and pepper generously
Drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified (about half as much oil as orange juice)

Un peu lecon de francais {a little French lesson}

I came across this adorable video on Dress, Design, Decor this morning and it made my Friday. Enjoy!

EF - Live The Language - Paris from Albin Holmqvist on Vimeo.