Srygley Wedding Weekend

Back from a whirlwind weekend at home in Illinois for my friend Elyse's wedding and then over to stay with my sister for a couple days and meet my new niece (pictures to come). Notwithstanding the steamy weather, the wedding was absolutely perfect: gorgeous dress & bride, vintage/country decor and great crowd. A two-day long party with all my high school & college friends and family...Couldn't really ask for more. Now up to Boston for a work trip for the next couple days. Hope you all had a great weekend!

My Best Friend's Wedding

This is my friend Elyse. We first met circa 1987, if not before, and have gone through every stage of life together to date: pre & grade school (where she snapped my bra in front of the 5th grade class...yes, fat kids wear bras in 5th grade), sharing our first wine cooler & sneaking out in middle school, throwing parties (& getting caught) in high school, going to college & joining Theta at the University of Illinois, studying abroad & traveling in Australia/New Zealand/Thailand, sharing our first post-college apartment for two years in Chicago and finally, as she walks down the aisle and goes from a Ms. to Mrs.

Making regular phone calls to stay in touch and never a day late with a birthday present or thank you card, she is one of the most responsible, punctual and loyal people I know. I am so lucky to call her my friend and could not be more honored to stand behind her as she exchanges vows with the love of her life tomorrow. Although I have not had the chance to spend much time with him, her soon-to-be husband has to be equally as awesome to score such a fine young lady. So here's to you, Mr. & Mrs. Srygley! Wishing you much love, success and happiness for many years to come. xoxo.

Polka Dot Jean

Adriano Goldschmied Polka Dot Jeans (similar here) | Forever 21 T-Shirt (similar here) & Glasses | Zara Flats

Wearing these polka dot jeans (similar here) and a comfy tee for today's flight back home for one of my best friend's wedding this weekend. I also wore them to work a couple Friday's ago when I thought my boss wasn't coming in...my boss came in. Ah well, can't win 'em all.

Fab Five Food Flags

Italy: Basil, pasta, tomatoes

In honor of the Olympics, which I've found myself completely sucked into the last couple nights, a cute appetizer idea for a viewing party is creating a nation's flag from food associated with the country. Pair each flag with signature drinks and/or native beers & wines for an Olympic-themed fete or an Around the World party at any time of year. Here is the full article complete with 13 other flags to serve as inspiration.

Switzerland: Charcuteries and emmental 

Great Britain: Scone, cream and jams

France: Blue cheese, brie and grapes

Greece: Feta cheese and kalamata olives

Little Denim Dress

Free People Dress | H&M Earrings | ASOS Bracelets | Dolce Vita Sandals (on sale here!)

One would think Free People is a Shanelé sponsor this summer; unfortunately that is not the case. But they sure do have some great summer dresses, like this one, that all seem to fit perfectly. I paired it with my favorite new sandals, which are on major sale here, for an Engagement party in Chicago and again for a low key night of dinner and drinks in the city last Friday.

30 Years & Counting

Today is a double post day...to wish two of the best parents a kid (and now grandkid) could ever ask for a Happy 30th Anniversary. Looking forward to celebrating this weekend. Love you both dearly. xoxo.

Weekend Update - 7/30/2012

Another weekend in the City which started out Friday evening playing tourist in my own city at the 9-11 Memorial, sushi at Japonica and then drinks with a college friend. Spent Saturday strolling around my neighborhood (complete with sightings of Will Ferrell & Benjamin Bratt) and ducking in and out of stores (namely Beacon's Closet on 13th St. and Urban Outfitters, which is having an additional 30% off sale items) to wait out the intermittent rain showers. Sunday consisted of lots of the same and also included al fresco brunch at Cafe Reggio and dinner at Rosemary's. Beyond happy it's a short-work week as I head home to Illinois Thursday for my friend Elyse's wedding. Cannot. Wait.

{9-11 Memorial}

{pretty flowers adorning the front of L'Occitane at the end of my street}

{a simple Sunday breakfast of avocado toast, tomatoes and poached eggs}

{this bike got me really excited for my European vacation in less than a month}

Zara Sale x2

Zara Dip Dye Boyfriend Jeans (similar here) & Sweater | American Apparel Bandeau | Forever 21 Sandals (similar here) & Bag (similar here)

Two Zara sale items (similar jeans here) combined into one outfit that I've made work for summer Fridays at the office and a night on the town later that evening. The sweater is lightweight and flowy enough to withstand the heat and paired nicely with a white bandeau that peaks out the back. Finally threw on a simple summer sandal (with hot orange toes) and this mint purse, which I can't seem to stop wearing for the life of me.

The Perfect Pink

Tibi Dress | H&M Earrings | Nine West Heels | Forever 21 Bag (similar on sale here!) | MAC Pink Nouveau Lipstick

This dress...pretty much the perfect bubble gum pink color. It worked paired with a mint bag, python heels and relatively simple jewelry for an American Cancer Society benefit Saturday night in the Hamptons.

Weekend Update - 7/23/2012

{where I spent the majority of my weekend}

As mentioned Friday, I spent the weekend in the Hamptons doing what you usually do in the Hamptons: eating, drinking and sleeping. Saturday attended the American Cancer Society's Festive in Flip Flops event at the Bridgehampton Beach Club. The rest of the time was spent baking poolside. Hope you all had a restful weekend and a great week!

{hot orange polish is my new summer go-to}

{fresh margaritas & homemade guacamole}

{picture perfect sky}

{seashell name cards}

{blogger talk w/ Miss Chelsey}

{open bar on the beach}

{Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club}

{pretty purple hydrangeas}

{beach bonfires & s'mores}

{Sunday night glass of Rosé at dusk}

Beach Bum

{image via}

Heading out to the Hamptons this weekend for some fun in the sun, birthday/engagement celebrations, a charity event, and to hang with an old friend in town. Hope you have a great weekend!