Blog

A NURSERY STORY

It's hard to believe that just a few days over four weeks ago I was frantically nesting (cleaning, re-decorating, remodeling and re-organizing) my entire house to make sure everything would be perfect for the arrival of my little girl... Thalia Sky!

Now she's finally here, and living in this room that I was dreaming and designing in my head for so many months. I decided on her one month birthday to share her room with you and also make a killer gift/interior decor guide for your home!

Make sure to click "READ MORE" to see all the pix from Baby Thalia Sky's room and I've composed a full shopping guide with over 200 pieces of amazing unisex decor!!! Heck a bunch of it could be perfect for any adults house!

LUCKY MAMA OF THREE

If you follow me on social media then you know I gave birth to a little girl two weeks ago. Thalia (Taaah-Lee-Yaa) Sky was born on March 21st, 2016 at 10:46am. Thalia, is named after one of the nine muses, Zeus's daughter and the Godess of Comedy, let's hope she's funny!

She's a perfectly beautiful little peanut that I'm not quite ready to share her with the world just yet, although I did post this photo of us at our seven day shoot.

I'm enjoying this little babe so much and if I could bottle up her beautiful baby smell into a vile I would probably make gazillions! I can't believe that I'm a mama of three... I was anxious and terrified of the thought, yet the transition has become seamlessly natural.

What I wore: Top: SheIn other colors and styles HERE // Jeans: Forever21 // Heels: TOM FORD similar and style steal options and color options HERE // Clutch: BALENCIAGA similar HERE // Earrings: MOSCHINO (sold out) similar HERE and HERE // Sunnies: Chloe style steal options HERE and HERE

THIS IS NINE MONTHS

Well here I am!!! Nine months pregnant, anxiously waiting for this babe to arrive. I can't begin to explain to you how crazy the last month of pregnancy is. First of all, it totally drags! You start to panic!!! I NEED THIS BABY OUT NOW! So then you google... castor oil, sex, bouncing balls, walking, squats, running (if you can manage), stripping membranes, begging doc for induction... anything to make you feel less of a Humpty Dumpty, especially when you need to be pulled off the couch and pushed out of bed or a car.What I wore: Jumpsuit: Séraphine similar HERE and cool 70's version HERE // Eye Clutch: SHEin similar HERE and adorable back pack versions HERE and HERE // Pumps: MIU MIU similar and a style steal HERE // Sunnies: Chloé similar style steal options HERE, HERE and HERE // Cuff: Hermés similar style steal version HERE // Earrings: Forever21

WAITING FOR THE BABE

As I'm gearing closer to the birth of my third child, my anxiety levels are at an all-time high! It's crazy! You'd think that doing this for the third time would be a breeze, but somehow knowing exactly what a child means and what this transition does to a family, makes it all that much harder to process. The unknown of the delivery, the baby's ultimate health and bringing a newborn home with all the ups and downs and the sleepless nights, all while trying to balance my other babes, career, home life and friendships is a bit of a mind f*ck if you ask me!

So I decided I needed a "ME" moment and some time to unwind and beautify! I know that there won't be much time for sleep, beauty, or really "ME" time the first few months. The whole notion of you sleep when baby sleeps doesn't really apply to mothers of multiple kids with an entrepreneurial type of job. So I'm being realistic all while getting facials, spray tans (I'm obsessed with my girl DEENA who comes to your house), manis, pedis and lash extensions!

Click "READ MORE" for my exclusive GIFT to you this Friday!

What I wore: Sheer Olive Top: ROMWE also similar dress HERE and jumper HERE // Leather Vest: Cynthia Rowley (SOLD OUT) similar HERE and HERE // Chocker: American Apparel shoe lace or actual chocker HERE

THE DENIM TRICK

Happy sunny Wednesday everyone!!! So I wanted to chat about wearing jeans while preggo. I actually only bought one pair of maternity jeans this pregnancy from TARGET. They have some awesome inexpensive options. I also did a little trick and wore my jeans throughout. I'm currently nine months preggo and these baggy boyfriend jeans (which are much tighter then usual now) still fit with the help of a little rubber band trick and a longer tee to cover it all up!

See below....

What I wore: Trench: SheIn similar style steals HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE // Tee: T&J Designs // Jeans: Gap similar HERE and HERE // Clutch: Clare V similar HERE and great other option HERE // Bracelet: Banana Republic // Earrings: Forever21 // Booties: Zara (sold out) similar style HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE // Sunnies: NastyGal

THE BOMBER

Even though we're still in February, and Chicago is on a winter storm watch... I can't help but think about spring and the "MUST HAVE ITEM" that will transform your look this season! Welcome back to the BOMBER!

I have quite the connection to the bomber jacket. I grew up in the 90's and used to have a black and an olive one with neon orange lining. I'd go to the Army Surplus store on Belmont and buy these out, paired with Dr Martens and cut-off shorts...I thought I was beyond cool! The look is back and way more familiar and nostalgic to me then you can ever imagine!

*Make sure you "READ MORE" for my favorite bombers that are a complete "STYLE STEAL"!

What I wore: Bomber: MAKE ME CHIC similar style steals HERE, HERE and great other colors HERE and HERE // Dress: Forever21 // Boots: Sam Edelman (Sold Out) similar HERE and HERE // Beanie: Pavlis Furs similar HERE and great other option HERE // Bracelets: Hermés and Banana Republic // Earrings: Forever21 // Bag: Celine similar style steals HERE // Fendi Furry Monster: Style steal HERE and HERE

READY FOR STUDIO54

Well, I'm finally at the home stretch... which means that my body is quickly expanding and my organs are being kicked and punched by little hands and feet that I'm already so in love with.

I will admit, this whole not buying maternity clothing and staying fabulous is getting a bit harder, but I'm not giving up! I'm almost done, and with last trimester being one of the hardest in any pregnancy, I have to say, dressing somehow has made me feel better.

This dress by SheIn is first of all a steal. It's only $19 and is perfect for when you want to look great without breaking the bank. It's super stretchy, and I love the gold weaving detail. Makes me feel so Studio54! By the way, I found these gorgeous dresses with similar fabric. Love this style HERE and HERE, all on sale and all so fabulous!

What I wore: Dress: Shein similar style steals HERE, HERE and great other colors HERE and HERE // Coat: Zara (sold out) similar HERE // Boots: Tania Spinelli (sold out) similar style steals HERE // Sunnies: T&J Designs // Brooch: Chanel, great style steals HERE // Earrings: H&M (sold out) similar HERE

LE BEBE SPRINKLE

You may have already read the Chicago Suntimes SPLASH feature of my "LE BÉBÉ SPRINKLE" but I wanted to write about all the magical details of this special day myself and share with you some more pictures....duh!

If you've had enough, tough luck! This is after all, somewhat of my personal diary and I'm hoping that one day my BÉBÉ T stumbles upon this post knowing how much she was loved and celebrated even before she physically appeared into this crazy world.

What I wore: Dress: Old buy from EBay remember I wore to my Birthday Party here? similar HERE, HERE and HERE // Stoll: NastyGal // Heels: Valentino

On Baby K: Dress: Little Trendsetter similar HERE and HERE // Shoes: Zara sold out similar HERE // Fascinator: Icing

THE PERFECT GAUCHO aka CULOTTES

Gauchos, culottes, wide leg high waters, whatever you call them! I cracked, bought myself a few pairs at Banana Republic and ASOS and I haven't looked back since.

A little history lesson first. Gauchos are South American cowboys that rocked these pants. Since I love cowboys, I figured I'd love the pants as well!

What I wore: Pants: Banana Republic similar HERE, HERE and HERE // Jacket: BCBG Sold Out similar HERE, HERE and HERE // Turtleneck: Wolford other great options for a steal HERE // Heels: MiuMiu extra 20% OFF similar HERE, and amazing pair for a steal HERE // Sunnies: YesStyle similar and amazing HERE, HERE, and HERE // Bag: Vintage similar versions HERE and HERE // Necklace: Forever21 on SALE now

[show_shopthepost_widget id="1365920"]

LUMINESS AIR AIRBRUSH SYSTEM

So excited about today's post! I've been dying to try airbrush make-up. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know my favorite #BerkunBeauty finds! This one is definitely one I'm obsessed with.

Years ago I had my make-up airbrushed professionally, (side note, I can't stand to have my make-up done and almost always do it myself and if I don't, I sneak in the bathroom and do my own tweaks...control freak problems!).

I did love the way my skin looked dewy, and not at all cakey. You could actually see my skin without any blotchiness or redness.

Keep reading about my favorite and #1 Airbrush System out there!!!

SUPER WOMAN POWERS

Well hello 2016! It's crazy to think that 2015 just flew right by and I'm excited and anxious to see what this year has in store. This is "my year"! I was born in the year of the Monkey and I hope that this year is filled with health, happiness, hope and love... oh and a healthy little bébé!

This post isn't about New Years however, it's about not losing myself during this pregnancy. Everyone always talks about pregnant women and comfort, well, screw that. I wasn't always comfortable while I'm not incubating a human, why do I have to change now?!

What I wore: Dress: Jay Godfrey similar and a style steal HERE also great options HERE and HERE // Jacket: 90's Vintage Versace similar HERE, HERE and HERE // Earrings: Forever21 other great options HERE // Boots: Tom Ford (sold out) similar and style steal options HERE and nude version HERE // Lips: YSL // Sunnies: YesStyle // Bag: Chanel

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

There are only a few days left in 2015 and I can't help but reflect on this year as it quickly passes us by. This year hasn't been the easiest one, my family has gone through some difficult times but it's with smiles, optimistic views on life, strength and bond, that we've been able to get through it all...

MIAMI HEAT

After posting snippets of my trip to South Beach, Miami to my insta account last week. I've been getting so much love and so many questions about what I'm wearing. So I thought a little style guide is a must. Read on for everything I wore, where to get it and how to rock it!!!

WALA SWIM RESORT WEAR

One of my favorite times of the year is now!!! We've actually had a super crazy warm front in Chicago... obviously El Niño in full swing! However every year around this time most of us, especially peeps that live in cold climates, plan vacations, trips, escapes, and for me this year baby moons!

So today's post will be all about my favorite, swim and resort wear. This is part one of my Miami getaway, I'll have part two and all my outfit details along with shopping guides in the next post. So for now, sit back, relax, and read all about Wala Swim my favorite in all beach/resort wear!

What I wore: LOOK ONE // Monokini: Sophia Crochet Monokini Sunnies: Studded Mirrored Sunglasses Earrings: Melissa Joy gold hoops Lipstick: Dolce & Gabbana in Tropical LOOK TWO // Kaftan: Noah Tunic also in black HERE Sunnies: Karen Walker Earrings: Melissa Joy gold hoops Lipstick: NYX in Pure Red

THE PERFECT FALL CAPE

One thing's for certain... this growing belly is getting harder and harder to dress. My previous two pregnancies I was getting larger in the summer and therefore my wardrobe consisted of jersey fabric maxi dresses, bandage skirts and tees. Now I'm preggo in a completely different season, mind you, I live in Chicago and therefore getting bigger as the weather gets colder has proven to be a bit more difficult.

However, I'm up for the challenge and as I've previously stated, I don't believe in wearing majority maternity wear. I mean who wants to spend all that money on six months of your life?! I say six because technically you don't start showing till month three. My goal is to only buy pieces that will transition with my body and that I can still wear post the bump.

So this is where the cape comes in!

Keep reading...

What I wore: Cape: SheIn more amazing ones in the shopping section of this post Leggins: Spanx Blouse: Vince Boots: Dolce Vita lots of options on SALE here Sunnies: YesStyle Leather Arm Warmers: Custom similar HERE Bag: Chanel similar HERE

GIRL SQUAD

Last week was one of those super insane weeks with shoots, styling gigs and a ton of events! It's been getting a bit harder with this pregnancy to be on my feet all day, (I wear heels to work a lot and may be on my feet anywhere from 10 to 12 hours), then heading over to work parties/events...it's been a bit wacky for one human making lady to handle!

However there was one celebration I simply couldn't miss. I've been so excited for the Elina Casell by Mia Bossi handbag line collab. Ok so I'm a bit biased...part of my so called 'Girl Squad' is the creator of Mia Bossi, Janet Mandel. So of course I wanted to support her, even if it meant wobbling my preggo ass to her Blackhawks (yes you'll love this sports fans) Star-Studded Event!

Keep reading....

What I wore: Cape: Nasty Gal similar versions HERE and HERE Shirt: Banana Republic Skirt: BCBG similar HERE, HERE and HERE Boots: Dolce Vita similar HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE Cuff: Hermes Earrings: Chanel Sunnies: similar HERE, HERE and amazing price HERE Lips: My favorite lipstick of all times TOM FORD love these colors HERE, HERE and HERE

THE SEASON-LESS DRESS

Although the last few leaves are quickly blowing off the trees and we are in the final days of fall, don't pack away your summer dresses just yet. The key layering piece in your wardrobe this year is the turtleneck and it's the key to keep your favorite summer staples in rotation this season. I personally love this Wolford version that I've had for years but there are plenty of other wonderful options out there for a bargain. Keep reading...What I wore: Dress: SheIn another version HERE Turtleneck: Wolford similar HERE and HERE Necklace: Michael Kors similar and amazing price HERE Sunnies: ASOS some cool colored versions HERE and HERE Sandals: Zara similar HERE, HERE and amazing fur version HERE Clutch: SheIn cool whimsical versions HERE and HERE Bracelets: J.Crew similar HERE, HERE and HERE

THE BIG NEWS

The crazy thing about blogging, besides constantly being sorta in the public eye via social media and such; is that it actually is a bit like my personal diary. It's nice to sometimes look back and see where I was just a few short years ago when I started documenting my outfits and talking fashion news. Here and there I always sprinkle bits and pieces of my personal life as this is after all MY LIFE!

So perhaps the biggest news of all is.... that YES this IS a baby bump and NO I'm not just sporting a new beer belly!

LAST MINUTE HALLOWEEN IDEAS

The other night I threw a fun little Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party at my house, for my girlfriends and their kiddies! I love Halloween, it's one of my favorite holidays of all time, actually who am I kidding, I love every holiday....any reason to decorate!

CASUAL FRIDAY

I used to say, I would never be caught dead in sweats and a tee walking down the street. I also said I would never live in the burbs after living in the city majority of my life, fast forward to this suburban-urban living in the North Shore of Chicago and rocking her sweats down the streets! Perhaps there's a life lesson there! Never say... NEVER!What I wore: Tee: The Boyfriend V Neck similar HERE Pants: Eversoft Slouchy Pants similar HERE Jacket: Zara similar HERE Sunnies: AJ Morgan Booties: Pedro Garcia similar HERE Backpack: SheIn similar HERE Earrings: Forever21