Trend Alert: Plaid Party with Altar’d State
Trends come and go, but there is one top trend right now that has been around for ages and isn't going anywhere, plaid! Whether it's a casual top or a…
A Weekend in Seattle
Chicago, New York, Miami, and Seattle: what do all of these cities have in common? They are the pillars to the United States, and I have to visit them all. Seattle was the lastest trip, and I LOVED it!
Michael and I were lucky enough to get the Southwest Companion Pass, meaning we spent way too much money on house renovations and this was a friendly kickback from our favorite airline. The Companion Pass means Michael flies anywhere in the United States with me for an entire year. Due to craziness and life events, we have only been able to go to two places, Colorado earlier this spring and now, Seattle!!
Sunset in the City
Nothing like a crisp fall golden-hour night. Well, maybe a pina colada on the beach. But come on, look at how beautiful Milwaukee is!
I discovered this uniquely lovely riverwalk space on a local photographer’s Instagram and knew I had to go. It’s so gorgeous in person and is the perfect playground for a blogger.
If you haven’t noticed by now, fall is my favorite season. I have never been partial to summer or warmer weather fashion. I mean, if you live in the Midwest as I do, you must love colder weather (better) or you should probably move south. Something about putting on a warm sweater or pair of boots, really gets my spirit going!
I found this beautiful trench coat earlier this summer on my first visit to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago. If you haven’t gone, boy, are you missing out. They have every store from Gucci, to Diane Von Furstenberg, to Burberry. I picked up this scalloped beauty from Club Monaco. I paired it with my trusty Target tank top and of course, added a pop of pattern with the earrings and heels.
What is your favorite season for fashion?
Riva.
29Rooms Exhibit in Chicago
I have been following Refinery29 for YEARS now. They have the most amazing articles that are honestly so honest and so real life, and so relatable to life! Naturally, when I got the email about 29Rooms telling me I couldn’t miss it, that bait click got me… I looked into it, and WOW, SO COOL! The best way to explain the traveling exhibit is as an Instagram playground. But don’t get me wrong, although the art exhibits were #goals, they all had deep meanings. Each ‘room’ or art installation was created by an artist who drew inspiration from their life, society or what the hell, just for fun! Take a look!
Riva.
Riva in Chicago – Navy Pier
You may or may not know… I have a restaurant named after me in Chicago, Riva! Okay, it’s not named after me, but unless the owner is reading this… I will claim it is!
Milwaukee Moments: On The Water At Discovery World
I hate to even type this…but I have never been to Discovery World here in Milwaukee. You know I am Milwaukee’s number one cheerleader, so what’s my excuse? Sadly, I do not have one. I knew I had to change, so I scheduled a visit! I was welcomed with open arms to come take some photos and explore the science and technology museum right on Lake Michigan. My consensus, it’s amazing! Interactive, easy to navigate, and ultimately, a good time. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this museum; you’ll see below, once you get there you feel like a kid! My favorite part of Discovery World had to be the Reiman Aquarium! I enjoyed seeing all the sea creatures from the Great Lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and, naturally, poking the tank as if that would get their attention.
In addition to the interactive exhibits and hands on labs, Discovery World also hosts sail rides on the Denis Sullivan. The sailing vessel is the world’s only re-creation of a 19th century three-masted, Great Lakes schooner and it is seriously SO cool to see in person. Michael and I had the pleasure of hoping aboard for a brew sail a few weeks ago and it was such a memorable experience! We were treated to Gathering Place beer (their IPA was delicious) while sailing Lake Michigan. It was so great to see the city from the water! I high recommend a brew sail for a special date night.
Visiting a Milwaukee staple, I knew I had to represent a local boutique, Soho Boutique. The red striped top has a nautical feel, so why not wear it next to water? I will never turn down a peplum top, so that’s why the top was so appealing to me! I loved the shape of the sleeves and the tie in the back is adorable. I paired the top with these Flying Monkey denims which were comfortable and I knew the hemline had to be in my closet. I completed the look with my chunky black hemp wedges and naturally, a fun bucket bag!
Are there any landmarks in your city you are dying to see? And to my local followers, have you been to Discovery World yet?
Riva.
The Perfect Summer OOTD
Now I know I have said this a million times, but my absolute favorite thing about blogging is meeting new people and finding new businesses to support. I started my blog about two and a half years ago and since then I have met countless people I may or may not have ever met otherwise. There are brands I wouldn’t have ever discovered and stores I may not have been introduced to. It’s funny how a couple years can make such a difference and made an impact on the way I shop now. I would much rather take the advice from a reputable blogger the way I share my honest opinions with others, to help make shopping easier and more efficient.
I was introduced to Willow Boutique by email and was instantly drawn to the shop. Although it’s located three and half hours north, I am still one to support a local-ish store over a national chain. They were kind enough to gift this adorable outfit and I cannot wait to share their store with you all! When you get a minute, go to their website to see their amazing selection of pieces to elevate your closet!
I often drive down Lake Drive (for my non-Milwaukee followers, it’s the fanciest block with all the houses facing Lake Michigan) and have always loved a particular house, with amazing landscaping, so decided to feature it today. I figured I wasn’t trespassing, and the likely-hood of the owners following my blog was slim. And I mean, I am technically on the sidewalk 😉 But I figured the outfit I had on was the definition of the most Summer Uniform so their flowers were the perfect backdrop.
Now to the outfit… I was drawn to the fun woven straps on this adorable Knot Sisters top and I even got a compliment from my husband, who never notices my clothes… I mean unless he’s making fun of me or telling me I look really good. The Joe’s Denim skirt is a great addition to my summer and fall wardrobe. I am excited to pair it with a sweater and pair of booties. Naturally I don’t take my Gucci belt off so I thought it’s presence was a great addition.
Have you found a store through social media or a blog that has impacted your closet?
Riva.
Everyday Favorites with Evereve
So, where I’ve been shopping…
I hope I’m not the only one that cannot quite get the in between of a super dressy and a super casual outfit…? Ya know when you look at your closet and think to yourself, “I just want to be comfortable, but I want to look nice and fashionable”. Cue in Evereve. With a mixture of casual, dressy, trendy and designer pieces, believe me, you can’t leave empty handed. I knew I was in trouble the second I got to the store. Mel (Store Manager) was putting the easel sign outside The Corners of Brookfield location, and I instantly saw her adorable leopard slides. One of those, don’t question, just buy, moments kicked in. Hence why you see them here.
My experience while shopping at the store was what was the fun part. There were about five stylists working, all of whom gave me recommendations, friendly critiques and very nice compliments, while trying on half the store. All of the stylists are trained in finding the best pieces for your body type and style. Their ultimate goal is that you leave happy.
Milwaukee Moments: The Best Brunch, Hotel Madrid
Brunch: The basic Wisconsin staple for a Summer Sunday
I decided to document one of my favorite brunch spots, Hotel Madrid. I love the restaurant for almost too many reasons; their food is delicious, staff is fabulous and the decor is Instagram worthy to say the least! They kicked off a new menu for summer and I was lucky enough to get to try it out on the first day it debuted to the public!
Enjoy all the photos below and I hope you have a chance to get over to Hotel Madrid very soon! I am running a giveaway for two tickets to their next event, the Summer Cookout. Check out my Facebook page on how to enter! Drop a comment below with your favorite brunch meal for an extra entry!
Currently Crushing: Graphic Tees
A graphic tee, denim and a comfortable cross body handbag with a colorful scarf for accent. The perfect casual outfit!
If you haven’t noticed, I have been all about the graphic tops lately. La Croix’s, ‘be there in a Prosecco’ was a fave; next one up with be my floral Jurassic Park Tee; so this ‘hola back’ top was a must. You know tucking in your top is all the rage right now, and the cut of the back makes it even easier. We all know the bulky fabric look stacked on your butt is not a cute look. Or maybe you haven’t noticed it yet… get a full length mirror, turn around and take a good look! What I love about this tank is the website description: