Martha and Lilly

Martha Stewart is doing a Lilly Pulitzer themed show today! It is really cute- the whole audience is wearing Lilly, they did a Lilly inspired craft and showed how they get the inspiration for and how they make the fabric prints. They also did a fashion show and are going to show how to make a Lilly inspired floral arrangement. If you missed it, you might want to look for the re-run or sometimes they repeat episodes on different channels?
The whole show is pretty cute and makes me really anxious for spring...and anxious for my figure to come back!

Short and Sweet......and CUTE

How cute are these!!!! I want them for Big Guy and me!

Banana Republic

I have been avoiding BR lately simply because I didn't see anything that I liked online or in store and really thought that a lot of their stuff was boring or over done. They seemed to be heading away from my style. WELL- they changed all that with ONE ADVERTISEMENT in the September issue of Lucky Magazine! I LOVE THIS LOOK! I love the coat, I love the bag and I even might have to have the sunglasses. This might be the new MP for fall- I am in love.

LOOK at that bag! This is the first bag i have been really excited about in the longest time and for ONCE it isn't Balenciaga or Burberry---it's Banana!

(I couldn't find the bag on the website yet....)

I am in bag LOVE.

Love it Hate it: Gap Edition

It is time for the game where you post things you love and hate from one store: This time I chose Gap. I hope KiKi is not offended by the "hate it's", after all this is just one girls opinion and even if I can't wear normal clothes this fall, at least I can comment on what I would or wouldn't wear if not for the whole belly thing.

Love it:

Hate it:

Love it:

Hate it:

Love it:

Hate it:

Love it:

Sorry for the break...Back with a little fashion spot

I am Loving these items from Anne Taylor LOFT....

Liily found!!!....and lost

I managed to find three Lilly dresses at Marshalls just off Michigan Avenue--the one near Ann Taylor. They were pink and cute and I was so excited until I saw that the smallest size they had was an 8. Now usually, I might be able to deal, so I decided to try them on. This was Lilly however, and I tend to go down a size when I wear it, so the 8 looked stupid on me. Way too long- swimming in the chest...I looked like a freshman trying on a Seniors prom dress. It was a blessing in disguise however, because I realized this morning that I am going to MIAMI.....not Palm Beach! I need to be a little more sassy with my clothing options-- so off I jetted to the place I usually hate and grabbed a strapless blue dress a gold necklace in case I feel bold, a pretty sea glass necklace in case I am feeling posh and sweet, and a long necklace with an orange medallion in case i am feeling bo-ho Miami...

For Saturday night I have grabbed a dress that I have had for a while but only worn twice- it is an aqua dress with streaks of pink and yellow--very FLORIDA- and I have pink patent sandals to match.

Can't find Lilly!!!

I am heading off to Miami in a couple days-just for the weekend- and I had hoped to purchase some adorable new duds for my trip and can't seem to find a thing! I went to J. crew with a gift card for more than $75 and still walked out empty handed. I was hoping to find a Lilly Pulitzer dress to wear to one of the events- we have an arrival casual cocktails on Friday night and a party on Saturday night-but I can't find a thing! I have exhausted most of my usual options without any luck! I did J. Crew, I checked Nordstrom, Bloomingdales website, Banana, Gap, and I can't find a thing! I just want something Florida/Preppy/pink/cute that will make me look fabulous....any ideas!?

Summer Fantasy

I love this dress.... It is Brooks Brothers and it is pretty expensive, but I love it... I would totally wear it and drink lemonade on a breezy summer day outside my beautiful house...and of course I would be 10 lbs thinner than I am now...ahh to day dream

ahh... to dream

Craft Project: Bermuda Bag

I had the day off today and decided to try out the sewing machine Big Guy got me for Christmas.

I took one sewing class this past fall- so I had some limited sewing experience- (I never had a home economics class in high school.) I had to read the instruction manual, and I did some practice work on a colorful strip of fabric as you can see:





I really wanted to do something crafty and was inspired by the madras plaids in the purses I talked about in my previous post, so I bought some wooden handles and fabric at the store. What I didn't buy- unfortunately- was a pattern, and I couldn't find anything online. Since it turned into a pretty nasty day- I couldn't go to the store and buy one, so I thought about it a little and decided to dive right in and go for it!!! I used the grocery store circular to cut a pattern.







Then I used the paper to cut out my fabric- I used the polka dot fabric for the inside lining and the plaid for the outside...

And Ta-dah!!!!!!! It turned out ok! I still need to figure out how to finish the top seams and then I need to sew the buttons and make the button holes, but I think I did a pretty decent job for a first try--- plus I have a lot of extra fabric for another try if things go bad!

Midwest Pup wasn't really interested in the purse making.... he pretty much slept all day. He is currently curled up inside my shirt. What a bum.

Have a great weekend everyone. We are looking at houses in Wilmette and Evanston (Northern Suburbs) tomorrow morning so wish me luck! Have a nice Easter Sunday if you celebrate it! PDD- thanks for the help with the craft project!

Just a Quick J. Crew Fix....

Since I am feeling fat and flabby and clothing isn't making me happy- I thought I should focus on things that always look good -accessories!!!

I found these beauties at J. Crew: Do I detect a theme?

All on sale now!

Blog Party

This post is to welcome anyone popping over from the Ultimate Blog Party- and a re-introduction to anyone who has recently started checking out my blog. I started blogging this year in October. I am a Midwestern girl who has settled in the Windy City. I was married last May in England and have enjoyed a fantastic first year of married life with my husband Big Guy (he is big...really big 6'5" and 265lbs) and our tiny preppy puppy who just turned 3 this year.


I really love living in the city, but since we are thinking about starting a family starting next fall, we are looking for a house in the burbs...but not too far in the burbs!!!! We are looking at the towns just outside the city limits, but Chi-town is expensive and I have always had champagne taste with out the matching budget, so I need to try to keep things in perspective. Thinking about the house I could have if someone gave me a million dollars is not productive. So if you are new to the blog I am glad to have you, and if you have been reading for a while then hi again! I am glad you're back. A few of my blog friends are recently back from vacation- so i would like to say welcome back to them. Today I wanted to do a montage of some of my favorite kinds of Posts.

J. Crew Coveted Outfit of the Day

5 Random things about me

1. I love Navy and White together- I think it is classic preppy and always looks chic- sort of like black and white with a preppy kick.

2. I love to cook. I am really excited about Top Chef Chicago and love trying new recipes and restaurants to get ideas. I also like cooking with exotic ingredients and food I have never tried before. I have a very supportive husband who loves my food and enjoys my culinary experiences

3. I don't have my ears pierced...or any other piercings or tattoos or anything like that. I have a fear of needles and never thought earrings fit my style. Now that I am nearing 30, I find myself longing for a pair pf pearl studs and diamond studs....wondering if I should reconsider....

4. My grandmother is one of the most chic women I know... or she was in her day... She is the one who told me about the Plaza in New York, and Burberry in London, I am the only person I know who routinely says-- I found this in my grandmother's closet...She has been generous enough to pass down her mink coat, her china and countless fantastic pairs of pants, blouses and coats that she doesn't wear anymore. She lives in Florida now on an Island called Longboat Key, and my parents bought a place right next door, so I have a free family vacation whenever I can get away for the weekend (which is sadly not often enough!!)

5. I am slightly nutty and have more than my fair share of quirks. I am afraid of lunch meats---especially ham...I don't like to touch them let alone eat them. I hate revolving doors and try to avoid them...I don't like touching the glass, they are heavy and just seem to take a lot of time. Plus one time I got nervous and like jump rope at the playground..I jumped in too early and ended up behind someone in the same compartment. I tried to act like I wasn't there but it was really embarrassing and I thing the girl was terrified I was a nutjob. I am also afraid of spiders, butterflies, sharks, mice, rats, cats that I don't know, random men walking on the street and clowns.

Fantastic Recipe

I made this up with some inspiration from similar recipes that I saw on the foodnetwork. I have made it a million times... It is insanely fast and easy and is a huge crowd pleaser! Plus you don't have to measure anything and it is really a rustic meal that you can customize to your own taste. I hope you enjoy! (the picture is courtesy of http://cookalmostanything.blogspot.com/2007/10/presto-pasta-night-35.html and isn't the recipe exactly but I wanted to show you what the pasta looked like)

Orecchiette with Greens and Tomatoes

Ingredients:

Orecchiette

Garlic salt (a few shakes)

1 Cup grated Parmesan cheese

Two handfuls of cherry or grape tomatoes

Half a bag or 4 large handfuls of arugula or spinach

2 ladles of reserved pasta water—can be set aside just before straining pasta


Cook orecchiette according to package instructions- make sure to add salt to the water at some point to season the pasta. (make sure to reserve about 2 ladles of the pasta water when draining)

Meanwhile, in a large serving dish, layer ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, two handfuls of halved cherry or grape tomatoes, garlic salt to taste, and about 4 large handfuls of spinach or arugula.

When the pasta is cooked al dente and you have reserved the two ladle-fuls of pasta water- drain the pasta and pour directly into the bowl that contains the greens, cheese and tomatoes. The pasta should rest directly on top of the greens layer. Then ladle the pasta water over the top and toss to incorporate. The heat of the pasta will wilt the greens and the water will combine with the cheese and garlic salt and tomatoes to make a light sauce. Add salt pepper and additional cheese to taste and enjoy! This is such an easy spur of the moment meal and it really tastes fantastic!

So that is kinda what my blog is usually about.... I also talk about stores I like, interior design, my house hunt, crafts, learning to sew, marriage, and anything else that comes across my mind. I hope you come back and I hope you enjoyed my mini introduction to Midwest Prep!

J. Crew Snafu...

Usually I defer to the genius that is J. Crew, but in this instance I simply don't understand what is going on with these pants!?! They are awful...I am not sure what would possess someone to design, create, or purchase these l'il monsters. Does anyone like these? Does anyone own these? Can you send a picture of your self in them? If I am wrong and these are somehow a workable clothing item- I will be the first to admit it- but as of this moment I just don't get it!!!

I suppose one terrible item in the midst of the brilliance that is their Navy and white theme is 110% forgivable, but I am always so surprised to see stuff that doesn't seem to fit.

In any event, I wanted to share and get some of your feedback.

J. Crew Coveted Look of the Day

I know this look has a miss matched sense of whimsy, but I really like it. I have just recently purchased 2 Tickets to Miami, two tickets to Puerto Rico, booked hotels in both places, and made reservations at West Town Tavern, Terragusto, and The Capital Grill, so unfortunately, this look hasn't found its way into my shopping cart. I suppose I shall have to wait for another day- and another paycheck before I can buy anything from J. Crew in good concience.

Shoes Glorious Shoes!

Since I have been living in my Uggs and Wellies, it seems that shoes had temporarily fallen off my radar--But the thrill is back in a big way with these beauties! These SCREAM Charlotte York in the most elegant and adorable way and I can just see myself wearing them with a very tailored vintage inspired little black dress. I think they are fantastic- and J. Crew of course.

While I was looking at them, my clicks began to wander and I found these others that I love as well...(all J. Crew)

J. Crew Coveted Look of the Day

What can I say? I love J. Crew. Every time they come out with a new batch of items I can barely decide what to buy because I wish I could have them all. I love everything about this outfit, and even though I usually prefer to wear skirts, I even like the shorts. Plus have the perfect white mini that would work as well. I may have to get this outfit for my anniversary cruise in May!

Pre-Christmas Getaway

Tomorrow we're off to Naples, FL to have some fun and sun before the actual holiday. We are returning Christmas Eve day just in time for Big Guy's family get together full of games and grab bags--not really my cup of tea but I am trying to be agreeable since it is, after all, the holiday season and 'giving' is the whole idea. It was decided that Big Guy did not need a Christmas gift this year since we treated himself to a ridiculously expensive stereo system a few weeks ago. However, I have a problem with spoiling those I love and have proceded to pick him up several "small" gifts that have some how snowballed and racked up quite a price tag. Oh well, what are you gonna do, right? He does have a birthday in February, but I had hoped to get him a few shirts from j. Crew with his monogram-- which I really think he would enjoy.

My concept for his gift started off as an idea that I would get him a cute outfit. I wanted to go to Filene's on State Street since they always have large sizes (BG is 6'5" and weighs close to 260lbs- he is built like a big football player, though he never played). But as it always goes, the minute I actually want to buy something, it is nowhere to be found. ! I ended up getting him a Charcoal Herringbone blazer from J. Crew and some cute casual shoes from Patagonia and so now I just need a cute shirt and maybe a pair of pants or cute jeans? Then I also saw this cute courduroy blazer and had to get it for him-because it seemed like such a deal! So if anyone has any ideas about what shirts to pair with the blazers- I would love some ideas!

Happy Holiday's Everyone!

My Boots

A number of you have inquired about my boots. I love them and it is nice to hear that you do too! I scoured the Internet until I found the perfect pair last year and I am so happy with the pair I chose. You can still find them at Bloomingdales or Zappos and a few other retailers and if they are on sale they are a pretty great deal. They are made by Anne Klein and the style name is Tate. Good luck!

What I am Wearing Today

I feel a little cranky today, and can't think of anything exciting to talk about, so I just decided to post what I am wearing. Nothing too flashy or different, just some old stand-by items that were laying around within reach this morning. I was so cold that I snuggled on the couch with my puppy for almost an hour in my giant fleece robe watching the Today show. Then I had a strange breakfast of re-heated left-over cottage pie from last night, and headed off to work. I love the holiday season but feel as though this year is tempered by the disappointment I feel about not having found a house yet. When we started looking in June, I thought for sure that I would be decorating our first home for the holidays and that my family would fly in and spend Christmas in our house and a new tradition would be born- and I could have a beautiful tree, and stockings hung on a mantle dressed with garland and candles- a crackling fire going while we all stayed up late Christmas eve playing board games and watching Christmas movies. In the morning I would make breakfast- dutch pancakes filled with berries and cream and eggs and bacon and toast -- my favorite part of any breakfast!--and maybe we would all have matching pajamas, and exchange gifts near the tree. Then we would all start getting ready to host Christmas dinner!
.....or something like that... I mean, I haven't really thought about it much.....

Guess what came in the mail!

Guess what came in the mail today? I am so happy. I have been looking for the perfect pair of black pair of patent leather mary janes with a round but not too round toe-- and when I saw them on J.Crew.com I just click--click--clicked and before I knew what had done, they were mine... I had some serious buyers shell shock because I NEVER pay full price for J.Crew shoes, but I didn't want them to sell out before they went on sale like my boots last year (don't worry- I got them). But now they are mine and I love them. They are very TALL by the way--just wanted to warn anyone who might be thinking about picking up a pair. They come in red and yellow too! I also got some Sam Edelman black flats formerly $100 for $35.... so really maybe that evens out the cost of the Mary Janes?

Shopping Spree!!

My darling husband took me on a shopping spree today! It was so great and I was able to get some much needed basic pieces that will form the basis of my work clothes. Last year, Big Guy's car was broken into, and for some reason, they stole the bulk of my work clothes that sat in a giant laundry bag in his back seat--bound for the dry cleaner. All my favorite blazers, pants, skirts, blouses and sweaters sent in a the end if the season to be cleaned before I stored them away for spring and summer-- and they were gone in one fell swoop. Since then, getting dressed each morning has been less of a joy than it could be. It often ends in a tantrum and tears. Finally after months and months of hearing me complain, my husband offered to buy me some fall clothes to try to put some happiness back into my morning routine. He is so wonderful, and full of surprises! I took pictures of most of the items I purchased today so I could share. Please excuse the less than professional photography and staging.
Part One: Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Brooks Brothers...

Ralph Lauren:

Light Blue Skinny-Fit Polo

Tan V-neck Sweater



Winter white Polo Hoodie Sweater

Burberry:

Cashmere cable-knit polo-style sweater

Cashmere Tee

Brooks Brothers:

Red stripe sweater with Pinstripe blouse

Grey Cable-knit hoodie sweater