Monday, April 14, 2014

All In The Handbag


we've been fans of michelle williams since dawson's creek...and if we can look as fab as michelle does in louis vuitton's spring 2014 campaign, we want to make every single style of the new lv city bags ours! we'd stretch to say lv and michelle just made some fashion magic with this campaign... all without shoes on too. :) who knew fab, sophisticated and chic could be done so laid back well?

xx,
k, s, & c

(pictures via lv)

Friday, April 11, 2014

Three To Wine

after long work weeks or really any night after work, we find ourselves craving what else but a glass of vino. who can blame us, right? here are our picks for local wine bars we frequent.

happy weekend all!

k's pick - vera chicago

c's pick - disotto enoteca

s's pick - ada st

xx,
k, s, & c

(photos via ada st / vera / disotto enoteca)

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

A Few of Our Favorite Things (Right Now)

who else is feeling high on the weather today? it's everything... seabreeze, anyone?

we're adding a number of things to our spring style wish lists (thanks to our inboxes filled with spring email blasts)...here are a few of our favorite things right now... #STYS #HTYS







#htys spring pick - goyard travel bag
xx,
k, s, c, & t

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

C's New Secret Weapon


after being sick three times this (never ending) winter, i am taking all of skinny buddha's advice and being as healthy as possible to keep my immune system in check and my natural energy going. my new secret weapon: coconut


this green smoothie i made this week is oh so delicious... no joke, i was shocked when i took my first sip. who knew spinach, banana, mango, almond milk, chia, and low fat coconut milk would hit the spot? well it sure did and i didn't even reach for a coffee after!


this body scrub is easy to do from home and only takes 5 ingredients. i am a sucker for fresh body scrub, but this is easier on my bank account. sea salt, raw sugar, coconut oil, sweet orange, and essential oil- you are ready to exfoliate and on the way to have your skin glowing. be sure to add all the ingredients with the largest proportion being sea salt, then top it off with the coconut oil. add 30 orange drops last and stir with a spoon of knife. voila!


this is a new adult beverage i will be testing out soon... champagne, coconut water, and a fruit juice of your choice- don't forget a pretty garnish! my go to coconut water: raw coco

don't underestimate the power of coconut. it's my new secret weapon...

xx,
c

(pictures via pinterest)

Friday, April 4, 2014

Three For The Home

k's pick-
apple tv
w brought this home one day and i rolled my eyes - another electronic?
but, i have to admit, i fell in love immediately (as i do with all apple products).
fun to have photos scrolling, easy access to movies, tv shows, etc... and only $99!


s's pick-
capri blue candle in a jar
whether i'm alone or have company,
i always have my capri blue candles burning in my lil studio.

c's pick-
my bestie has me storing his butler's tray stand (a.k.a. using it!) while there isn't a place in his apt for it and now i can't imagine apt life without it. whether a butler's tray stand or bar cart- it's definitely an apartment/home essential!

xx,
k, s, & c

(pictures via apple, anthro, west elm)

Thursday, April 3, 2014

15 Minute Meal

well, hello again! it has been a while... our recent move has completely consumed my life (and continues to do so). between the packing, unpacking, organizing, etc. we haven't had much time for anything else. there have been a lot of diningin orders, carry out from some new neighborhood spots and well... not much cooking!

of course, our first priority was to get our kitchen setup. there are still boxes everywhere, but we could cook a ten course meal if we really wanted to! the only thing holding us back...  finding the energy to do much more than break open the cereal or order in.

in an effort to feel normal again, we decided to ease off the move-in pressure and get back into somewhat of a routine. starting with reform tuesday night (and xoco for dinner - best!). last night... we made our first dinner in our new place. as mentioned earlier, energy levels are low... so 15 minute meal it was! super simple to throw together, healthy and not much to it... throw the following ingredients in a bowl, chop it up and add olive oil (3 parts), balsamic (1 part), salt & pepper... and voila! dinner in no time. cheers!

lettuce, tomato, red onion, kalamata olives, serrano pepper (remove seeds/ribs)

avocado

basil

cheese plate, just because. whatever assortment we have in the fridge 

fruit for dessert

ps. if you find yourself making salads as often as i do, especially in the summer, here are two must-haves for the kitchen: salad spinner and salad chopper & bowl.

xx,
k

(photos taken by k)

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

El No Lo Tienes Asegurado

we're excited to virtually intro you to our next guest feature...

we've known this gal since we were younger, all growing up in the same hometown. it's no surprise she has recently launched an ah-mazing handbag and accessory line (all made in her native colombia) that any girl in the fashion know will likely covet.

spend two minutes with her right now and you know this is only the beginning of her design career... she has a lot going on right now, but you can tell there is so much more to come for this newly launched line, mapa collective. each handbag is made of exotic skins, natural leathers, and textiles. each piece is different from the next... and for a limited time you can get 15% off any online order with code STYSLOVE ;) (don't miss out on this)... without further ado, meet maria-paula herrera, the designer behind these swoon worthy designs...


get to know maria-paula herrera of MAPA collective...

chicago is... a beautiful city full of great people, family, and friends that really make it always feel like home, no matter how long i'm away!

colombia is... the friendliest place on earth! the country is full of passion, music, and bright colors, and the optimism of people is energizing.

my beauty secret is... moroccan oil. and i have a pretty extensive supply of all sorts of body and faceoils from my travels to stay relaxed and moisturized. my husband calls it my potion collection!

beauty routine... i try to start all mornings with hot water + lemon, which boosts your immune system and helps kick-start digestion. i don't leave the house without a layer of moisturizer with SPF and mascara. i recently started to using marcelle bb creme and i'm obsessed-- it gives the best natural glow. i love my clarisonic mia and use it daily-- if you don't have one you should probably buy one now!

if you could design a bag for any celebrity who would it be... penelope cruz. she has the ability to seamlessly, and beautifully, transition from a natural chic day look to a glam and glossy evening look, just like mapa collection. plus, i wouldn't mind designing some man croc for her main squeeze, javier!

my style icon is... i don't have one specific icon because i like to draw inspiration from many different places, though i do love kate moss's effortless look. 

when traveling to colombia i always pack... layers! one of the most beautiful aspects of colombia is its variety of landscapes and climates, from hot and humid caribbean temps, like in cartagena, to cooler mountainous regions, such as bogota

i can't live without... yoga is my exilir! my practice is what keeps me feeling my best both mentally and physically. even 30 minutes on the mat leave me happier and energized. plus, i can still practice while i'm traveling! 

what is in your purse? i have chapstick, colored pens, and haribo gummies. and, of course, a mapa collective julian zipper wallet and croc card holder! 

love is... everlasting friendship.

on a saturday night you can find me... either checking out a new restaurant with my hubby, from a hole-in-the-wall joint to a trendy "in" spot, or on the couch fueling my obsession with olivia benson with an svu marathon. 

what three words describe mapa collective... timeless, luxurious, unique 

what is the best advice you have ever received? growing up my parents always told my brothers and i, "el no lo tienes asegurado"... which essentially means you'll never know until you give it a try. that always comes to mind when i'm making decisions and helps me take risks. #stys

xx,
m-ph 

(pictures via m-ph)