My Weekend in Pictures

It was the perfect mid-July weekend!  On Saturday I drove up to a friend's gorgeous lake house and spent the day cruising on a boat, tubing (I'm still sore), dancing, playing Catch Phrase, and drinking vodka lemonade.  It was a long but incredible day that turned into an even more incredible karaoke-filled night out.  I woke up hours before everyone else on Sunday so I made myself some eggs and ate breakfast down on the dock...what a great way to start the day!

I must admit, I find it very difficult to get work done on the weekends during the Summer.  I much rather be outside enjoying the weather and my friend's company than inside in front of a computer.  But I guess that's what weekdays are for, right?  There are a lot of work related goals on my Summer to-do list so I'm still trying to find my perfect work/life balance.  Do you have any tips for getting it all done?

My Weekend in Pictures

This was quite possibly the best Fourth of July weekend I have ever had!  Anna, a fellow blogger and one of my best friend's from college, kicked off the weekend by hosting a party on the third (thanks!). Paul flew in Wednesday morning then we spent the day cruising around Lake Michigan on a friend's boat.  It's been decided that I will have a boat when I grow up.  On Friday we packed our bags (see some of the items from yesterday's post), stopped by my parent's house to see their new sofa (me likey), then drove up to Madison to hang out with Paul's siblings and nephew.  I'm without a doubt a city girl but sometimes it's nice to escape to the suburbs....Paul's sister lives in a darling house just a block away from a lake.  We went on a nice walk with the kids (P's nephew and my dog), got bagels at the farmers market, went to the pool, and had drinks on the roof of the modern art museum. I love summer, I love weekends...now back to reality. How was your holiday? 

Recent Acquisitions

I'm back!  Before I post My Weekend in Pictures (and boy what a weekend it was) I thought I'd  share with you some of the summer wardrobe staples I've added to my closet over the past few weeks. Chicago summers always seem to fly by so I try to avoid spending a lot of money on clothes.  When planning my purchases for the season I decided to stick with basics that can be re-worn without being instantly recognizable.  I don't think any one of these items scream 2012 so hopefully I'll have them for many summers to come!

So I must ask, is there something you think I should add to my list? 

ONE I've only owned this dress for a week and I've already worn it three times / TWO I've been going topless and barefoot all summer / THREE a pair of perfectly imperfect jean shorts from Zara / FOUR a classic, dark charcoal bikini from J. Crew / FIVE  these Gucci shades may be my favorite purchase this summer  / SIX who doesn't love a little lace? / SEVEN turquoise jewelry is a summer must / EIGHT this light weight, basic black dress from madewell is perfect for summer days or nights

A Weekend in Vogue

This weekend I plan to lay low and beat the heat but next week, next week should be a good one... I only work two days; Tuesday night the boy flies in and stays until the following Monday; Wednesday we celebrate the Fourth on a boat with friends; Thursday we pray that everyone else is Chicago goes to work so we can hit up the beach; Friday we escape the city and head up to Madison for the weekend; and Sunday we BBQ at home!  Why can't every week be a two day work week?

But back to the weekend...we are in the 100's here in Chicago and the air is so thick you could cut it with a knife!  If and when I do leave the comfort of my home, I can only hope that I look as stylish as the ladies pictured in Vogue's favorite summertime snapshots! Bon weekend!

(Images via Vogue)

Happy Sun-Soaked Weekend!

This is exactly how I plan to spend my weekend. Well, actually, it will probably look more like this. Now that it's nice out I find that my weekends are far less productive. Does anyone else have this problem?  The Green City Market, Old Town Art Fair and two client meetings are on the agenda for the weekend. Busy, busy bee...but I wouldn't have it any other way!

What are your plans for the weekend?

(Image Sophie Takes Pictures)

Summer + Slim Aarons

Summer is finally here and I’m locked up in my cold office longing for summer afternoons spent luxuriously lounging about at the pool, with a cocktail or two.  In other words, I want to live in the world captured by famed American photographer Slim Aarons.  Rich, technicolor and saturated, Aaron’s photographs evoke the over-the-top all American spirit that I love. The photo above is my absolute favorite. Shot at the Schweppe Mansion in Lake Forest, IL, it features Mrs A Watson Armour III (Jean Schweppe), a glamorous Chicago socialite and the granddaughter of John G. Shedd, basking in the sun with family and friends. Doesn’t everyone just looks like they are having so much fun being fabulous?

Gorgeous Greenery

Recently while looking for ways to Summerize my apartment I came across this beautiful kitchen over at Traditional Home.  I love the idea of having plants perched up on the kitchen counter.  I don't have much of a green thumb but I've always to learn how to garden (aka not kill every plant I buy) so I can one day grow my own produce.  So for now, I'll start simple and buy a bunch of my favorite fresh herbs potted in terracotta planters and display them in a cluster on my kitchen counter.  If all goes well, they'll look good, smell good, and safe me a little money at the grocery store!  Terrain has a gorgeous selection of indoor plants and accessories, below are some of my favorites:

Rosemary  | Herb Seed Collection | Blackboard Labels | Lavender Topiary | Plant Mister | Mediteranian Trio | Herb Snips

Shipshape

Ok, so it's not exactly a ship, but it might as well be. This chic Hamptons home, belonging to Scott Currie, is absolutely the kind of space I'd love to spend my summer weekends.  Sea Haze colored walls with Silver Dollar trim are the perfect backdrop for the nautical accessories splashed around the room.  The space has a sense of humor (note the vintage sea captains oil painting) but the Draper chest and the edgy yellow Chinese Chippendale chairs keep the room sophisticated.  This weekend I plan to use this look for inspiration as I add a touch of summer to my own apartment.  Bon Weekend!

Draper Chest | Rope Wall Mirror | Ostrich Egg | French Wine Bottle | Coral | Steamer Trunk | Brass Floor Lamp | Vintage Oil Painting | Yellow Paint | Emperor Arm Chair
Photographed by Roger Davies for Elle Decor

Outdoor Dining

One of my favorite things about Chicago is when warm weather finally returns, the restaurant tables overflow onto the sidewalks and people dine outdoors at all hours of the day.  As a city dweller, it is such a luxury to have my parents live just 30 minutes - I love nothing more that spending a sunny Sunday afternoon in my parent's backyard eating burgers and corn on the cob (I'm a simple girl).  While my parent's backyard is lovely, I can't help but think about the meals I'd eat if this rustic retreat was mine.  Simple, sunny and serene I love the patina of the concrete table paired with worn-in Klismo chairs.  I would say that I’m envious, except that I’m a tried-and-true city girl...maybe one day I'll have a change of heart.
image: grey crawford for elle decor

Poolside

It's a beautiful day out but unfortunately I've been locked up inside for most of the weekend working on finals.  I would do anything to be outside enjoying one of the last weekend before Labor Day but since that isn't possible, I'm going to stare at these lovely pools and see if it helps me get through this crazy week.  Enjoy!

Laura Day

Katie Leede

Martha Stewart

Ralph Lauren

Hollywood Homes

Kelly Wearstler

Tim & Helen Schifter

Katie Ridder

Ashley Whittaker