guest post: long distance loving

I'm SO excited, and honored, that AV from Long Distance Loving is on the blog today. AV was one of the very first bloggers I met at Blogger Blitz in NYC last fall. She is so genuine, and her blog is seriously amazing. 

A very happy Friday to you! I'm {av} and I'm so happy to be filling in for Julia today! Every Friday, I host a link-up called Friday's Fancies, so I'm here with a little coastal chic look that would make any summer day a little brighter. Since Julia loves visiting Cape Cod, I crafted this get-up with that in mind :)

Nailing the high-low look, this Felicity & Coco Belted Jersey Tank Dress has a price point which would make anyone smile. The classic navy+white combo serves as a blank canvas for a pop of color.

For a sturdy yet fun walk along the coast, these Splendid 'Kane' Sandals would do the trick.

They have come in a rainbow of colors for quite some time, but this white version of the popular J.Crew Bubble Necklace steals the show in this ensemble.

Who can argue with these Tory Burch 'Cole' Enamel Stud Earrings? They are sweet and simple, but most importantly, these beauties are incredibly versatile.

This Maison Scotch Washed Leather Envelope Clutch looked well-loved and weathered, which is a happy combination in my book. 

---

Be sure to hop over to my blog, {long distance loving}, to check out all the other Friday's Fancies today :) If you'd like to join in the fun down the line, click here to join the mailing list. Have an amazing weekend, friends! Thanks again for having me, Julia! xoxo {av}

P.S. If you're a Chicago blogger, I want to meet you in a few weeks at Blogger Blitz Chicago!

Thanks AV! What a great round-up. I love that it's Red white and blue, too! Have a great weekend everyone!

thoughtful thursday

artist spotlight: kevin lucius

I've lived in New York, Dallas, Paris and now back to Chicago (where I grew up). All these places have a special place in my heart, and I wanted to find a way to incorporate them into different pieces of art in my apartment. When I found Kevin Lucius on Etsy, I knew his art was perfect. 

He creates maps and graphics of cities, and mounts them in frames, or on wood. 

Ah-mazing. 

I have a Chicago and Dallas map in my entryway, and one year later, they still make me smile (a true test of art). Below is a new graphic of Dalla (love), and a map of NYC. 

How do you pay homage to where you've lived, or live? Be sure to check out Kevin's shop -- he'll customize any city for you!

the best cookies you'll ever have

My brother's fiancée made these cookies this weekend and I have never ever had a better cookie in my life. 

Seriously. I consider myself a cookie expert, and these are at the top of my list now. Go make them. And I dare you to not eat them all.

In other news, it's Penny Lane's FIRST birthday today! I can't believe this little nugget is turning one.

weekend recap

Happy Monday!

I successfully finished my first week at my new job, and absolutely love it. The weekend was the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. 

I started the weekend with a run in my new neighborhood, and found this gorgeous spot. I won't make you too jealous, but I have half-day Friday's until labor day. Ah-mazing.

Spent Saturday around the city with Madi - laying out in Lincoln Park, visiting the pet store, and getting pedicures. 

We fell in love. I miss him terribly. Doesn't Penny Lane need a brother?!

Went out for a birthday party, and spent Sunday in the burbs with the fam and the pup. 

Hope you all had a good weekend, and an even better week!

guest post: bud & leo

Haute Hippie store in Manhattan on 81st and Madison

Happy Friday Urban Slant lovelies!  We’re Kelli & Lisa of Bud & Leo and we’re soooo happy that Julia asked us to guest post for her because we ‘re huge fans of her blog (we really, really want the Marilyn Chair and sparkly pillow!).  Since it’s the third day of summer we thought we’d share with you what we’re swooning over this season –  Haute Hippie’s amazinggg prints in their summer collection.  These bright, exotic prints (love the ikat & zigzag!) are eye-catching and the fabrics are breezy for hot summer nights! 

Haute prints examined…

And their corresponding summer looks…

 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6

Don't these looks make you want to hit the town?!  We swear we could wear these fabulous pieces everywhere!  Drop by Bud & Leo and say hi sometime!  Enjoy your weekend,

everyone!  xoxo Kelli & Lisa


Wow. These prints are pretty fabulous. Can't wait to shop (when I get my first paycheck). Thanks Kelli & LIsa! Have a great weekened everyone. xo

thoughtful thursday

via

guest post: the short and sweet of it

Hello Urban Slant readers! It's Alexa from The Short and the Sweet of It. I was so excited when Julia asked me to come by and share some of my favorite Etsy shops. Honestly, it's hard to choose, but here's a roundup of my Top Eight.

1. Petitor. I am mesmerized with this gold slithering serpent. I would love to have it dangling from my neck. (In jewelry form of course).

2. Sycamore Street Press. This lemon print would be the perfect accent to any kitchen, don't you think?

3. The Paris Print Shop. I have always loved Nichole's Paris photography. I'm particularly drawn to her series in lavender. 

4. Modulem. My house always has room for books. Victor Hugo's Les Chatiments, Lewis Carroll's Tout Alice and Les Paysans de Languedoc by Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie would be great additions to the shelf.

5. Sir Tom. I love, love, love this coin purse. How cool would it be to pull that out of your purse?

6. Hash & Chez. Little known fact: I don't have my ears pierced. These earrings might encourage me to make the effort.

7. Red Tile Studio. Just about the cutest iPhone cover ever.

8. Peggy Wolf Design. I cannot speak highly enough of Peggy Wolf. I pretty much love every single one of her gorgeous prints.

Thank you so much for having me, Julia! Make sure to come by The Short and the Sweet of It anytime! xo

cheers!

It's no surprise that I am obsessed with Society Social. 

I posted about it here...and here...and here.

The best part? Ms. Roxy - the lady behind all the brilliance and booze, has become a dear friend of mine, and kindly featured my pieces in the newest Manifesto Magalog. 

Pop the champagne, and celebrate with me! 

I was so in love with the Marilyn Chair and #livesparkly pillow, that I knew they had to be mine. 

Here they are in my old NYC apartment, and as featured in the magalog. 

And, here they are in my new Chicago apartment! They are the happiest pair, and I know they'll stay with me for a long time. 

Now pour yourself a drink (even if it's 9am and you're at your desk),  and curl up with the newest magalog.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

weekend recap

Happy Monday! 

Today I start my new job in Chicago - eek!! I'm so excited, and nervous. I feel like it's the first day of high school or something. 

I had one of those perfect weekends. I never wanted it to end. 

My apartment is 100% unpacked and decorated. I'll share photos soon, but here is a sneak peak.

I spent all of Saturday in my bed watching SNL, and sleeping. Perfection.  I stumbled across this ridiculous skit, and can't stop laughing.

Dinner with my besties at my place, followed by the bars.

Brunch with the fam for Father's Day, and snuggles with my silly puppy. 

Have a great week! xo

guest post: the now

Hello out there to all The Urban Slant-ers! I'm Elizabeth from The NOW Stylebook and I couldn't be more excited to be on the blog today with a few of my current obsessions in my favorite color...PINK! I know what you are going to say..Elizabeth, how did you come up with an incredibly original & cool title for your post? Well it takes a crazy amount of creativity friends. Anyway, thank you so much Julia for letting me be a guest over here on your amazing blog. I am so honored!!

1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 

Hope you enjoyed! Feel free to stop on by The NOW and say hello anytime!!

xoxo e

P.S. a HUGE thank you to my guest posters this week - Christin, Natalie and Elizabeth. I'll be back next week with some big life updates, and maybeeee an apartment picture or two! Have a great weekend! xo

be back soon.

I spent all day yesterday moving, and I'm exhausted. 

Wish me luck as I continue to unpack and try not to become completely overwhelmed with the daunting task of organizing everything. 

Be back tomorrow! 

guest post: natalie merrillyn

Today I bring you the lovely Natalie sharing some beach inspiration. I so wish I were the girl below...

Hello Urban Slant readers! I'm Natalie from Natalie Merrillyn and I'm so excited to be guest posting on Julia's blog. 

Lately I've been dreaming of a beach getaway. I always have a tendency to over-pack for everything, {I like options!} but visualizing my outfits beforehand always helps me weed out the things I won't be needing and frees up more space in my suitcase. I've curated a little weekend beach packing list -- an easy, breezy dress for walking to and from the beach, cute wedges for going out, and fun, bright accessories.

ONE Mara Hoffman Embroidered peasant dress {$286} TWO Emamó Poeme lace triangle bikini {$225} THREE Elizabeth & James Lafayette cat eye sunglasses {$155} FOUR Alexander McQueen Pink Kingsland vinyl tote {$210} FIVE Forever21 Metallic bow sandals {$14.80} SIX The Girl and the Water Lime beach towel {$29} SEVEN Ann Taylor Cotton/silk Havana winds scarf {$39.99} EIGHT Madewell V-neck pocket tee {$19.50} NINE Old Navy Scarf wedges {$29.94} TEN AG Adriano Goldschmied The City shorts {$168} ELEVEN Marc by Marc Jacobs Brown wooden bolt bangle {$60}

A huge thank you to Julia for having me today!

And please stop by Natalie Merrillyn for more inspiration!

xo 

image

guest post: with a c.h.

Today I bring you one of my all time favorite ladies, Christin. We met in NYC and we talk practically every day. She is the sweetest most genuine person with a sense of humor that I envy. She also works at BaubleBar. So my jealousy continues with her employee discount. 

Hey there peeps, it's Christin from with a C.H. I'm thrilled to be with you all today, subbing in for Julia who is just too fab right now moving to pay attention to you all. I, however, am not too fabulous.

Julia asked me to share some of my favorite BaubleBar pieces with you for the Summer, since I work there and all, so I've rounded up a few things that you all must own. Must.

1. Cut Crystal Strand / 2. Black Drusy Drops / 3. Pink Triad Collar

4. Lime Drusy Cascade / 5. Ocean Punk Set / 6. Chevron Charm Bracelet

I love the Cut Crystal Strand a lot, mostly because it can be dressed up or down, worn in a casual or formal setting and friends, you can't beat that. Same goes for the Black Drusy Drops. Now, the Pink Triad Collar is just plain fun for summer and we love brights in the office. The Lime Cascade earrings lend the perfect punch to an otherwise tame look and everyone, read everyone, needs the Ocean Punk set! I die for these blue and green beauties. And my most favorite thing of all of the Chevron Charm bracelet. I need it. It's perfect for layering and is just plain amazing!

Thanks for having me Julia!

Who will be shopping with me? These are all fab. Thanks Christin! xo

weekend recap

As predicted, this weekend was just lovely. 

Dinner with this lady at my new favorite restaurant, Sunda. Thank you Alex for introducing me. The rock shrimp was life-changing, and I am still drooling over it. And yes, I already have a reservation again this weekend. Viv - are you moving here yet?

Continued the fun for my best friends birthday where my new favorite necklace made it's second appearance of the weekend. Get it here (pink is sold out - just the natural color left)

In other news, I squatted at my new apartment. No bed - just blankets. Definitely not high on my list of things to do again. Thank god the movers come Wednesday.

I ended the weekend celebrating my cousin's graduation from graduate school (wore my necklace, again)- Congrats Lauri! We indulged in this delicious brownie sundae. I'm totally a fan of dessert with brunch.

Per usual, I hung out with this silly rascal. 

I have some great guest posts coming this week, so stay tuned!

friday catch-up

This. Week. Was. Insane.

I accepted a job offer doing social media and account management at a large Chicago agency. Feeling very blessed. 

I went to Iowa for a mini vaca and saw some minor league baseball. Fun times for all.

I signed a lease for an apartment and move in next WEDNESDAY. 

Today I pick up my keys and start moving some stuff in. Yay!

I'll be spending the weekend with one of my favorite ladies who is in town - Viv! She was the first blogger I met, and we became dear friends while I lived in NYC. So so so happy she's visiting Chicago. I secretly have a plan to convince her and the hubs to stay here...

Shopping at Edith Hart.

via Alexandra Berlin Design

Dinner at Sunda

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! 

thoughtful thursday

grillin' favorites

Today you can find me at...

sharing some of my favorite grilling recipes. 

Here is a sneak peak of the delicious-ness you will find. 

Be sure to pop over and show the new Mrs. some love! 

shoe dog

When my sister was home a few weeks ago she went to a new running store to get some new kicks. Well, she came back with new shoes, and TONS of cool information. So obviously, I had to do it myself.

This new store near me called Road Runner Sports  does a full analysis on what kind of runner you are - from your arches to flexibility. Now don't get me wrong, I'm by no means a hardcore runner. But I do believe that you should have good shoes. 

The entire process was ah-mazing. There are giant touch screen TVs that track everything you do - including videos, pressure monitors etc. And, you get custom insoles. Didn't realize how amazing they are.

I came out with the following analysis: high arches and extreme flexibility. 

Not so shocking given my past with figure skating and dance. So here are the two shoe finalists. I already picked one pair, and I can try them out for 90 days AND return them if I don't like them.

Insane.

Brooks Trance 11

Nike LunarEclipse 

I chose the Brooks shoe, based on it being a little bit more cushioned. However, after running on them this weekend, they felt a bit heavy. We shall see how the next few times go. 

In the meantime, I encourage you all to get fitted for the proper running/workout shoe. It makes a HUGE difference.

weekend recap

Happy Monday! 

I hope you all had a lovely weekend. 

I officially started my Chicago apartment search, and it was definitely interesting.

Note: don't make an appointment with a real estate company Saturday afternoon. They will lie and tell you they can show you stuff, but they can't. 

Saturday night I went out with some friends, and stayed at my brother's place. 

Will and Court at their finest :)

The next morning was a struggle...but thank god I was sleeping in the "American" room, and woke up to homemade blueberry scones from the bride-to-be Jackie. Ah-mazing.

I'm off to Iowa today for a random little vacation. 

Minor league baseball + local brewery + Jetsetter deal = perfection.

Have a good week!