Bulga bags

My new favorite bag is by Bulga (and possibly my next purchase). This bag comes in green, purple, brown, taupe (shown) and yellow. The larger, yellow bag has been seen multiple times with Jessica Simpson. They are selling out everywhere and on back order for months but you can still find them at Active Endeavors.

Thanks to Chicagobeauty.com

This really must be my lucky week. I won this super cute tank top from Chicagobeauty.com. I love the beading....I was actually checking out a tank very similar to this one at Nordstrom last week! Props to Chicagobeauty.com for such a great prize.

Register to their site and you'll receive weekly emails about beauty specials and events. It's a great resource if you are looking for a spa. They also have a site for New York and Tampa, FL. Enjoy!!

Thanks to my wonderful boyfriend for the anniversary flowers. They are beautiful spring baby roses..I'm such a lucky girl!

The Kerryman

I visited a new bar in Chicago called the Kerryman. Definitely not your typical Irish bar. I would describe it as a stylish, upscale Irish bar. You can still wear jeans and feel comfortable but it's classier so I'd leave the sweatpants at home. A great establishment for those that have been out of college for 4 or 5 years but still like to continue their night out after dinner. I've heard the food is pretty good too.

Sample Sales

New York City is known for their sample sales. They are slowly making their way to Chicago. This week there is a big sample sale that's made it's name in other cities - Billion Dollar Babes. It features over 40 designers and has attracted celebrities and stylists. I'm excited and hope to see more sample sales in Chicago!

One of my favorite bags

Balenciaga bags are not just a trend - they are sticking around for another year or so. I've seen one of these dangling from the arm of almost every celebrity. Not that I'm planning on dropping $1,500 for one. But they are pretty hot. Maybe I will come across one on ebay....

Active Endeavors

Active Endeavors has been revamped. The old Active Endeavors consisted of Columbia, North Face, Patagonia and other brands geared towards hiking and camping. Now they carry almost every line of designer denim - ranging from Paper Denim to Citizen's. They also have some of my favorite new bags by Bulga and Botkier. Let's not forget all the cute tops, skirts and pants by designers such as Ella Moss, C&C California and Juicy Couture. If you don't have a store in your area I would definitely recommend checking out the site. Their site also has a great a fit guide and product review section that can help you narrow down what to buy. Since there is so much to choose from it's a great resource!

Chicago Air & Water Show

The 47th Air & Water Show took over Chicago this weekend. As exciting as it is to see the Thunderbirds flying over head, I'm glad that it's over with. The show attracts so many out-of-towners that it is impossible to walk, drive or get a reservation anywhere downtown or along the lakefront.

Perfect tanning weather

BUT summer is coming to an end...only two more weeks till labor day. Next thing you know, we'll be pulling out the sweaters and wearing those new winter boots. Want to keep that tan or avoid the sun but still have some color?? Jergens recently came out with a new sunless tanning lotion that does the job minus the streaking and orangy color. It's called Natural Glow Daily Moisture.
It's so popular Walgreens couldn't keep it on the shelves! So it's definitely worth a try. It takes longer for the color to show up compared to most sunless tanning lotions but it's more natural looking and easier to apply.

As seen on...

If you are looking for an item of clothing or accessory you saw on a celeb or in a magazine you might be able to find it at shopintuition.com. The website is stocked with "celebrity must-haves". They have all the hottest jeans such as True Religion (Jessica Simpson's Daisy Dukes)and Joe's, printed Ts, long beaded necklaces, shrugs and jeweled flats.

Shopping in Chicago has definitely improved!

In the latest mega (it's huge!) issue of Instyle magazine there is page of great boutiques in every major city. They showcase several fabulous Chicago boutiques located on Southport. For those of you that are unfamiliar with Chicago, Southport is located in the Northwest area of Chicago. It has definitely gained a lot of ground over the past couple years - boutiques, restaurants and trendy bars are popping up all over this neighborhood. It's definitely helped improve shopping in Chicago!!

The #1 way to improve your wardrobe...

Throw out all the clothes that you sort of like but don't really like. If you clean out the clothes that are just "okay" or don't fit well, you will have a closet full of stuff you do like. Then you can see what you really need. Or if you can't bring yourself to getting rid of them at least pack them away. If don't miss those items, you can take them to Goodwill or to a consignment shop after a couple months.
Next time you are shopping you can look for those things you really need to complete your wardrobe and fill those holes rather than just buying stuff that's cute. In the long run this can help you save time and money.

When in comes to your closet, remember the sum is great than its parts. Mixing & matching pieces instead of just buying outfits helps you build a better wardrobe and look more put together.

Every girl needs a great bag....

I came across one while browsing through the September issue of Glamour magazine. It's wonderful metallic yet not too metallic, chic bag by Cole Haan. The metallics are still in for fall but are toned down a bit. Anyway, the picture on their website definitely does not do it justice. It looks MUCH better on the back cover of Glamour. No matter how many bags I buy, I still find myself searching for that next great bag. Even though I mentioned a more expensive bag, price doesn't matter. In my book it doesn't matter if it cost you half your paycheck or $10 - it's still a great bag.

The best is when I put one away and rediscover it a couple years later. It's like new all over again and everyone wants to know where you bought it. You know you found a great bag.

Where do I start?

I guess the best place to start is at the very beginning.