Traveling in Style

Today, I am headed to Boston!

Unfortunately, I am just popping in to say hello, nosh on a delicious lobster roll {thanks to Kate's recommendation, we are headed to the new Legal Seafood Harborside to enjoy the views!}, enjoy some frosty brews and call it a night. Because, on Saturday morning we are heading to Maine!

Flats    Dress    Earrings    Nails    Sunnies    Bag

Kennebunkport, Maine to be exact. I have never seen this beautiful state and absolutely can't wait to take in the waterfront views, colonial architecture and nautical way of life. Dave and I are cramming this quick vacay into a short weekend but I am sure it will be totally worth it. Of course, since I am going to one of the most stylish areas of America, I better plan on being pretty stylish. I am linking up with {av} of Long Distance Loving, to feature a dress that I saw on Blair {swoon over her entire wardrobe} that needs to be mine - the BBDakota Halsey dress - perfection. Pair that with a few necessary accessories, and the perfect berry red nail polish and I am good to go - ready to take on a day of exploring!

I plan on returning with lots of photos so check back on Monday for my weekend recap!

What are you up to this weekend? xoxo

Swimwear

Solids: Left to Right

Pattern: Left to Right

How do you feel about one-piece bathing suits? I think they are sometimes adorable when they aren't matronly. I especially love the navy blue solid or the sexy green corset suit. Would you wear one?

Also, I am guest posting over at Six Twelve Place today while Lesley makes the big move to Chicago! Pop over and check out some of my favorite things about the Windy City!

xo

Pair This + That: Color!

Top   Belt   Bag   Pants   Shoes   Watch   Earrings   Ring   Lips   Nails

DVF, Gucci, Prada - they all played up the color trend for Spring. And, although it is a bold choice, I have to say that I am really fond of this look. I would love to wear something like this to work but part of me feels that I don't have the confidence to pull it off! 

So, would you dare to wear a bright outfit like this? 

Or would you choose one item and play it up with neutrals? 

**If you don't already, follow my Pinterest boards and check out what inspires my style! 

A few things.

1. Blogger has been down all day, it erased yesterday's post, and totally threw off my Friday blog session. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

2. Happy Friday! This week seemed incredibly long to me and I am so looking forward to this weekend. I don't have much planned aside from a couple's wedding shower on Saturday night, which I promise to take pictures of because I feel like it's been forever since I've posted some photo's of happenings in my life. I love sharing things like that with you.

...and 3. Zara is seriously taunting me. I want need everything in the store right now. Everything.

So I may do a little shopping.

Whatever you're doing, I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xoxo

Pair This + That: The Classics

Dress   Necklace   Shoes   Earrings   Bag   Watch   

I love the look of this classic DVF dress. Its graphic print, gold buttons, slinky tie, and short length make it perfect for work and play. Paired with some bold accessories in buttery caramel and gold, this outfit would definitely be my go-to look for Summer days {and nights!}

What do you think? Would this look be for you? 

Have a refreshing weekend! {plus, what I'm loving now}

Happy Friday sweet readers! Can you believe it's finally here? This week seemed particularly long for some reason and I am so looking forward to an eventful weekend with friends + family! I have a birthday trolley on Saturday night, "biker" theme, which will be hysterical. We are hitting up all of the authentic biker bars around Chicago, so report back on Monday for what I'm sure will be ridiculous photos. Aside from that, I am scheduled to attend the Cubs game on both Saturday and Sunday, but the forecast for Chicago isn't looking so hot. Sunday's game is on a rooftop with my parents, my brother and Dave, to celebrate my wonderful mother, so I don't think the weather will stop us from enjoying the game. 

This past week has been somewhat Spring-ish for Chicago. I have been sleeping with my window cracked and the crisp morning air has been waking me up early! These bright mornings, the green grass, fresh flowers, and breezy evenings always make me want to freshen up my house - especially my bedroom. I changed out my grey Serena + Lily duvet for a white quilt I bought from TJ Maxx years ago. It helps to brighten up my shoebox of a room and makes my room feel fresh and clean.

{Plus, Alaina introduced me to these pillows here and I had to make a purchase}

This photo is dark, but you get the picture. Here are some more photos currently making me feel refreshed...

Lovely.

Now, to continue with my "fresh and clean" feeling towards the world today, I am going to contribute to Long Distance Loving's Friday Fancies. I am currently obsessed with wearing white. I love white. It's so pretty, and you can add so much to it or let it stand alone. Either way, it is classic, and feminine, and chic, and sophisticated. Here is some of my favorite "whites" paired with some pops of color:

1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12

What are you up to this weekend? Whatever it is, I hope it's something you've been looking forward to all week! See you on Monday! xoxo

Glee Gals Rocked It

...at the Met Gala last night. In Michael Kors, Stella McCartney, and Escada.

Pair This + That: The Royal Wedding

Dress   Hair   Bag   Earrings   Ring   Shoes   Eyes   Lips   Nails

What would you wear to The Royal Wedding? Given that money is not an issue and you are free to wear whatever your little heart desires. I think that I would choose a subtle dress and really take advantage of my accessories. Obviously a sophisticated hair piece is crucial, and why not wear Swarvoski encrusted heels? Wouldn't it be dreamy to be amongst all of the chic outfits attending? Sigh...

J.Crew Fall 2011 Preview

I saw photos from J.Crew's 2011 Fall Preview a couple of weeks ago and meant to write this post as soon as I saw it. I am in love with everything. For some reason, fall inspires me to change my work wardrobe, pull out my plaids and heavy wools, silky blouses, and chunky accessories. Fall is such a chic, sophisticated and timeless season that after the warm months I welcome the change. However, I love that this fall season is pulling color into the cooler months with bright wool pants, print on print, yummy leather bags and patent heels. Take a look...

And the j.crew men, looking as sexy as ever. 

I know it is difficult to think about fall fashion considering it is April 20th and STILL winter in Chicago, but I am still anticipating these fall ensembles! Hello? Spring? Are you there?

Thoughts?

{images via Style.com + Habitually Chic}

Have a stylish weekend!

I must admit, as much as I am so ready for comfy clothes by the end of the work week, I hate how weekends are associated with sweats + sneakers. So this weekend, I am vowing to go about my weekend festivities looking fabulous. This may take a few wardrobe changes, but I plan on enjoying brunches, walks, outdoor festivities, apartment time, and night time fun in style. I went on somewhat of a shopping spree this week and I am excited to wear some bright colors and bold prints! The forecast for Chicago is looking pretty swell {fingers crossed that it stays that way} and I am highly anticipating some warm days.

So, since I will be playing dress up this weekend I think you should do the same. Pull out something from your closet that you haven't worn in awhile and have some fun dressing up! Send me some photo's of your super fashionable outfits and I'll share mine on Monday. Pretty please!

Aside from being extremely stylish this weekend, I plan on going here.

for some of this:

the best granola to ever touch your lips. I have blogged about it before on my old blog and I feel like it is more of a Spring/Summer stop rather than winter. However, I have been craving their delicious, crunchy, sweet and toasty granola and it's just not the same when bagged and purchased at the grocery.

What are you fashionistas up to this weekend? Any exciting plans?

 

PS: I need your opinion. My old blog was titled hairbows & cosmos. And lately I have been missing it's sweet little name. What do you think? How do you feel about A Happy Haven?

xoxo

{images via Pretty Stuff, Crush Cul de Sac, Bippity Boppity Boo}

this one's for the boys.

I think one would say that generally, I surround myself with some very fine looking gentlemen...

and thankfully, these two wonderful and amazing people, brought me up appreciating style.

{I mean, what mom goes hunting with hot pink lipstick? mine!}

So when one of these fine, young chaps asked me to do a segment on men's fashion, I was super excited! Obviously we, as women, are attracted to our own versions of handsome men, and I tend to be drawn towards a more American-classic-preppy-edgey-southern-scruffy-city sense of style, sort of like these ridiculously attractive humans:

Oh, heyyyyy boys.

So, what type of hunky man style do I prefer? Here we go.

Although men look incredibly dapper dressed up, I still find a casual sense of style extremely sexy.  I love Sunday mornings when you wake up all scruffy and we throw on some Sunday wears and head to brunch. You still look great in a baseball cap and sweatshirts can be cool and don't need be bought at Kohl's. It is so easy to be effortless and still be capable of portraying your personal "look", and I think each of these items are a clear example of what casual style represents:

1. Ben Sherman Waxed Coat $170.34

2. Vilebrequin Whale Swim Shorts $215.16

3. J.Crew Broken In Tee $24.50

4. Sperry Topsider Authentic Boat Shoe $69.95

5. Ray-Ban Wayfarer in Tortoise Shell $215.16

6. Scotch & Soda Breton Stripe Sweatshirt $161.37

7. J.Crew Baseball Cap $20

8. Vans Authentic Plimsolls $71.72

9. Superdry Technical Windbreaker $125.51

10. J.Crew Rugged Twill Traveler $168

11. J.Crew Sun-faded Fleece Sweatshirt $69.50

Now, let's clean you up. Since we don't get to see you dressed up for us all that often, we love when you pull out this look all on your own. I know sometimes you may seem over dressed, but trust me, we like it.

1. J.Crew 7" Chino Short $49.50

2. J.Crew Vintage Chambray Shirt $98

3. J.Crew Lightweight Cotton Cardigan $88

4. J.Crew Lightweight Two Tone Gingham Shirt $59.50

5. Barbour Classic Beaufort Jacket $399

6. VV Island Scene Needlepoint Belt $149.50

7. Asos Leather Look Satchel $53.79

8. VV Braided D Ring Belt $49.50

9. J.Crew MacAlister Boots $135.00

10. VV Gordon Check Wail Shirt $89.50

11. Timex 1600 Watch $195.00

12. VV Twill Club Short $69.50

13. D&G Leather Briefcase $708.24

And to tame your shopping taste buds, here are a few of my favorite manly links:

ASOS

Vineyard Vines

Barbour

J.Crew

Urban Outfitters

Club Monaco

Zara Men

Happy shopping gentlemen!!