Birthday Weekend

Because my birthday fell on a holiday this year (yesterday, Memorial Day) I thought I’d take the whole weekend to celebrate (even though I’d probably do the same if it didn’t fall on a holiday). I had such a fun weekend I wanted to share with you some of my favorite photos.

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Friday night cooking with the bf: pretzel-crusted halibut, green beans & caramelized onions.

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Salon was closed for Memorial Day so #ManiMonday turned into Mani Saturday.

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Outfit for my birthday dinner and party (thrown by my amazing boyfriend!)

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Dinner at Sprout…incredible

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Foie and banana bread never tasted this good.

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At Barrelhouse Flat with my 2 best friends.

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More birthday <3 at Barrelhouse.

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Presentation of gifts from my parents (the presentation was 100% my mom’s idea)

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Dana Rebecca ring and bracelet from my mom.

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Schiaparelli and Prada book from my grandma.

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Valentino + Proenza.

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Some birthday cards.

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The most creative birthday card I’ve ever received (thanks Olivia!).

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Birthday brunch at Pump Room (best. doughnuts. ever.)

Thanks everyone who celebrated with me and made my weekend awesome!

Ikram’s Crash The Gala After Party

Friday night I attended the Crash The Gala After Party, hosted by Ikram Goldman, which celebrated the Roy Lichtenstein exhibition at the Art Institute.

From the food and decor to the music and company, I couldn’t have asked for a better night! Ikram had a make-your-own sundae bar (2 to be exact), hot dog stands, popcorn machines, pizza pass-arounds, and so much more. She even took on the roll of MC for the night (which was beyond amazing by the way). Take a look at some of my photos from the party…

PhotobucketOutside the event

PhotobucketThe scene

PhotobucketOnly the beginning

PhotobucketIce cream!

PhotobucketThe sundae bar

PhotobucketBalloons!

PhotobucketMy boyfriend and I (who unfortunately could not seem to get in the right light…note: the odd purple marks)

PhotobucketWith Amy Creyer of Chicago Street Style

PhotobucketSinging “Hey Mickey” to my boyfriend, Micky :)

PhotobucketWang on Wang.
Dress: Alexander Wang. Clutch: Alexander Wang. Cuff: Alexis Bittar

Red Carpet Fashion: Art Of Elysium Gala

Although not an awards show, the Art of Elysium Gala brings out many A-list celebs and just as fabulous dresses. As always though, not all of the looks were a hit so let’s take a gander at the red carpet arrivals from the 2012 Art of Elysium Gala.

Photobucket Rachel Bilson in Chanel

When I see this dress I immediately think of Elle Fanning but Rachel really pulls this off (but seriously…what can’t she pull off?)

Photobucket Molly Sims in Marchesa

When it comes to these types of gowns, it’s easy to go too literal with the whole “Grecian” theme so I’m not a huge fan of the braid. However, I always like to give the pregnant ladies a break when it comes to the red carpet and Molly looks stunning.

Photobucket Minky Kelly in Oscar de la Renta

A bright gown done right…I love everything about this! We’ll be seeing lots more yellow on the red carpet this season. You wait and see…

Photobucket Kirsten Dunst in Valentino

Too conservative for my taste. This needs to be on Florence Welch.

Photobucket Kelly Osbourne in Guishem

I love her but her red carpet choices are either a huge hit or absolutely terrible. This one is on the terrible side. Drab colors, unflattering bodice and I still can’t get over the hair.

Photobucket Julianne Hough in KaufmanFranco

Always a bore on the red carpet. Always.

Photobucket January Jones in Chanel

I can’t tell if this would be really great with better shoes, or still just so-so. As is…not a fan. Love the sleeves though.

Photobucket Jamie King in Valentino

This is similar to my commentary about Molly Sims in Marchesa, except replace “Grecian” with “Renaissance” and there’s no forgiveness because she’s not pregnant.

Photobucket Camilla Belle in Carolina Herrera

I don’t love this dress but Camilla still looks fierce. Remember what I said about yellow this season?

Photobucket Brittany Snow in Catherine Deane

I like the unexpected pairing of the green earrings with the coral dress. She looks cute, but the dress seems a little long (which is much more obvious on a petite girl like her).

Photobucket Amber Heard in Donna Karan

The whole bombshell look  is so not my thing but WOW…this is “bombshell” done right. The dress fits perfectly, the hair is amazing, I love the red lipstick…and the girl knows how to pose on the red carpet!

Who had your favorite look of the night? Let me know in the comments section below.

Photos: Glamour,Tom & Lorenzo

Vintage Heaven December Sale

Always on the hunt for that perfect vintage piece? Still looking for a unique holiday gift? Then check out Vintage Heaven’s BIG December sale on the 10th & 11th.

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Everyone can always use a little vintage in their life :)

Click here to visit the Vintage Heaven blog for more information.

Winter Local Pop-Up Shopping Event

Love to support and shop local? Then you should check out the Winter Local one day only pop-up shopping event Saturday, December 10. Shop independent designers and boutiques while benefiting the Chicago Artists’ Coalition. Some of the participating vendors include Emerging ThoughtsElyse Marie Vieni, Winter Session, and withlovexox to name a few.
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Happy Shopping!