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)

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

All In The Spring Sneakers


all in the spring sneakers... or so we're thinking these days. we have our eye on so many pairs it was tough to narrow it down to just a few. whether paired with denim shorts and a t-shirt or black skinny pants with a chambray button down- we're all over this trend... 

now if the spring weather is here to stay, you will definitely catch us in our new sneakers. good bye sorels!

xx,
k, s, & c

(pictures via nordstrom, kate spade, nike, jcrew)

Friday, March 28, 2014

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-

k's pick-

c's pick-
(just got this for my bday from aw! the orange is so bright + fun)

xx,
k, s, & c

(pictures via amazon, ebay)

Thursday, March 27, 2014

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)

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

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)

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

(insert emoji here)


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)