Three For The Coffee Table

it's safe to say we each have a complete obsession with coffee table books. well, actually mostly c and we know our dear friend aw (a.k.a. manders wood) can relate. really though who doesn't love dressing up their coffee table with fab books? or who doesn't like to gift someone an amazing travel, fashion, or food book? well here are our three top coffee table books right now...

s's pick-

living in style

k's pick-

in the spirit of capri

c's pick-

creativity at work 

(just got this for my bday from aw! the orange is so bright + fun)

xx,

k, s, & c

(pictures via amazon, ebay)

Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue

we get excited talking about american fashion designers. why? because so many don't come from america.

we also get excited when chicago gets something that no other city gets. enter in: sophie's at saks fifth avenue. meet: sophie gimbal, an american fashion designer and the leading designer and innovator of the "new look" that became popular after world war II. the "new look" she introduced was about simple elegance and using more expensive fabrics. very easy to wear and practical.

sitting at sophie's yesterday for lunch kind of gives you that 'pinch me' moment because it's so beautifully decorated with amazing views of michigan avenue. the service is spot on (love the red lip the female servers rock!), food is impeccably presented & delicious (roasted red pepper soup is a must), and it's quiet in a non creepy, yes i don't have to whisper way. in a way it reminds us of barney's ny greengrass room in beverly hills (thanks to skinny buddha for always taking us there when we were little)!

whether you're shopping at saks or just wanting to meet a friend for lunch somewhere fabulous, check out sophie's. sophie gimbel liked her wardrobe "simple, correct, perfect in every detail." and the sophie's dining experience is no different.

be sure to get the arnold palmer... the presentation alone is a+! 

xx,
k, s, & c

(pictures via sophie's at saks fifth avenue)

What Would Claire Underwood Wear? #WWCUW

after binge watching house of cards seasons 1 and 2 over the course of a week...i found myself not only sleep deprived, but also quickly found myself staring each morning at my closet asking myself, "what would claire underwood wear??" how can you not, i mean, really?!

strong. confident. understated. robin wright's character claire underwood, is as sexy as she is classy. she has the ability to make a white oxford shirt and pencil skirt look unbelievably amazing in a world of power suits (one that i personally know all too well). 

cu's sense of style has not only been an inspiration to me, but to women everywhere. less is more especially when you are wearing the likes of burberry, ysl, theory, and narcisco rodriguez...

one might quickly jump to the conclusion that her style is a little on the boring side with a palette of mostly white, navy and black. but at a closer glance you notice that each dress, as minimalistic as it might be... it is all in the details. it is the tailored or contoured fit, the neckline, the sleeves and where the hemlines fall that make cu's confident fashion sense perfectly sexy. here are a few of my favorite looks...i am sure you too will find yourself asking, "WWCUW?" can't wait to see what the next season has in store for cu...#stys

xx,

s

p.s. check out buzzfeed's 13 reasons claire underwood of "house of cards" is a fashion icon...specifically #5 ;)

(pictures via pinterest)

(insert emoji here)

del toro #dancing queen loafer

del toro #queenbee loafer

 del toro #smiley loafer

del toro #noevil loafer

del toro #hightmaitenance loafer

who doesn't love speaking in emoji? why not let your feet do the talking?

we're getting our hands on a pair of these. now if only they had our favorite emoji a.k.a. the dancing twin ladies. thank you del toro/moda!

xx, 

k, s, & c

p.s. we wish we had thought of this. #queenb

(pictures via moda operandi)

Introducing...

fashionable from head to toe, her smile and energy is contagious... and well, she makes you want to get into luxury catering because she is one of those women who loves what she does and it shows. we've posted on her before and it took little thought when we started this new #stys series this year that we wanted to feature her again.

she is inspiring because of the successful, growing company she has created but as s & i were saying, she is equally as inspiring for her fun-loving spirit and personality. she's one of those ultimate combo gals...

without further ado, we're excited to virtually intro you to elaina vazquez of boutique bites (and her edible delicious creations)!

xx,
c

get to know elaina

chicago is... home

if you could cater an event for any celebrity who would it be... beyonce & jz

your favorite boutique bites event to date is... a nantucket themed engagement party in lake geneva

food and entertaining are... my life!

my style icon is... olivia palermo

my inspiration comes from... shopping & reading

if i wasn't catering, i would be... a host on e! news

i can't live without... my cell phone

best part of my job is... meeting so many different people and helping create fabulous events for them

love is... sundays with anthony

on a sunday morning you can find me... drinking champagne and brunching with my husband and friends

what three words describe boutique bites... stylish, chic, creative

what is the best advice you have ever received? keep your contacts! #stys

xx,
e

(pictures via boutique bites)

Three for Pilates

as we have mentioned before, k and her hubs have gotten us all hooked on pilates at reform chicago. it's incredibly challenging but we have all found it to be an amazing workout and best of all, something we really enjoy doing together. we will be at the sunday morning class getting our reform on! hope to see you there!

k's pick - lululemon headbands

i think we all have a collection of these to keep our hair in place!

s's pick - lululemon yin to yang hobo

i just bought this bag this week when it hit stores and i could not be happier that i did, 

its quickly become my everyday everything bag 

so i can go from work to flywheel or pilates with everything i need.

c's pick - flow & go tank

i love this style of lulu tank and the bright color options. i have a couple and they are my go to for pilates or really any work out... they don't rise up which is key!

happy weekend all!

xx,

k, s, & c

(pictures via lululemon)

Maison Gray

 a timeless pursuit - ny

a timeless pursuit - paris

a timeless pursuit - paris

 a timeless pursuit - los angeles

a timeless pursuit - los angeles

discovering these series of photos that gray malin took of a model never revealing her face in a vintage oscar de la renta dress was like coming across a pair of spring heels s knows she must make hers (even if that means she misses sbux for a week). i was so excited. not only did i feel like i was the one photographed in the photos (c'mon can't you see the resemblance?!) but they are a perfect series for me to build on over time. as much as i want all of them!!... i've got a lot of sbux lattes to give up before the whole collection is mine! which one is your fav? for me it's a total toss up on all the ones above... oh this one too. #stys 

xx,

c

(pictures via maison gray)

12.29 at The Thompson Chicago

just til' this thursday, world renowned company 12.29 is selling their one of a kind, sumptuous candles at the lobby boutique at the thompson hotel chicago. usually only available online, this will be the only spot in the city you can shop and purchase in person. having created scents and candles for celebrities and brands like prabal gurung & zac posen, these scents are surely going to sell out (and fast!). escape the cold this week and go warm up & shop 12.29 at the thompson! #stys

xx,
k, s, & c

(picture via 12.29)

Three for St. Patrick's Day Weekend

another year has come and gone... now it's time for the sea of green to hit chicago once again! we'll kick it all off with the green river dyeing on saturday morning, a wee bit of guinness, jameson and of course green eggs and bloody marys! to top it off, we'll hit up a few of the many irish bars that line the streets of our great city (butch mcguire's, the kerryman, fado... just to name a few!). here are three of our picks for the weekend, whether you're entertaining or hitting the town... we have something for everyone. slainte!



k's pick - irish grilled cheese

for the past few years, we've hosted a st. patty's day party. you've got to know that after
the breakfast stratas and hash browns disappear, you're going to need a round two. this is the
perfect afternoon snack to satisfy your guests. it's absolutely delish and goes great with a guinness! plus, it's super easy to whip up! check out the recipe here.

s's pick - lucky charm cupcakes

i am making these sweet festive treats to continue
the celebration of c's birthday...

c's pick - butch mcguires

as my dad says i have a hollow leg when it comes to drinking. a true irish gal! when i got home from living in rome for 5 months... my first stop? butches. it's been open for over 50 years and holds not only memories for us three, but also for our parents! you surely can find me here tomorrow for st. pats and really any weekend of the year;)

xx,

k, s, & c

(photos via food network / spoonful of flour / butch mcguires)

Audrey

in honor of c's birthday, there is no better tribute to make than one to audrey hepburn. here are 13 of our favorite audrey quotes to celebrate this very special 13th day of march!

1. "if i’m honest i have to tell you i still read fairy tales and i like them best of all."

2. "why change? everyone has his own style. when you have found it, you should stick to it."

3. "i was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it."

4. "the best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

5. "let's face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me."

6. "i believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls."

7. "nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'i'm possible'!"

8. "i love people who make me laugh. i honestly think it's the thing i like most, to laugh. it cures a multitude of ills. it's probably the most important thing in a person."

9. "i have to be alone very often. i'd be quite happy if i spent from saturday night until monday morning alone in my apartment. that's how i refuel."

10. "remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm."

11. "for beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."

12. "i never thought i'd land in pictures with a face like mine."

13. "pick the day. enjoy it - to the hilt. the day as it comes. people as they come... the past, i think, has helped me appreciate the present - and i don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future." 

happy birthday c! you too are a beautiful lady of iconic style, charisma, and class. we love you!

xx,
k, s, & sb

(picture via pinterest)

Cookie, shots?

we will take three please! we're wishing we were in nyc this friday when these cookie shots are officially launched. chocolate chip cookie organic milk shots? mmm, yes. these shots will retail for $3 each and dominique ansel bakery is working on having 8 for $25 to be able to take home. the organic milk is made in upstate new york at swede farm and cold-infused with vanilla beans for 24 hours. can someone in chicago work on getting these here?!

message to all our loved ones in nyc: get your hands on these shots. bottoms up!

xx,
k, s, & c

(picture via grubstreet)

ciao! ciao!

JUST when we thought we couldn't fall any more in amore with kate spade- they strike yet again and in a big, BIG way. the sp/su '14 kate spade campaign was captured in one of our favorite destinations, capri. it was love at first tagline, "there can only be things to love in a country shaped like a shoe." we know sjp would have an appreciation for that lil' gem of a tagline too.

besides the obvious of these amazing campaign photos above... as you can all probably guess, we are head over heels for everything in the collection! including this and this (ahem, looks like c!)... oh and this dress screams spring to us.

thank you ks for bringing the magic of italy to us through this campaign. tutto bene!

baci e abbraci,
k, s, & c

(pictures via kate spade)

Three for Brunch

k's pick - summer house

i was here for dinner last weekend and absolutely fell in love. how could you
not adore a california-inspired menu, complete with a "vitamin d room"?
reservation for brunch this sunday, check! peach bellini, please.

s's pick - frasca

per my gf's rec, kd says it is her all time favorite brunch spot...

italian style bloody mary's? when are we going?

c's pick - three aces

the italian countryside meets the american farmhouse... va bene!

xx,

k, s, & c

(pictures via / dining chicago / summer house / three aces)