El-No: Cowgirl Crafternoon

Hey there cow pokes! Boot scoot your way on over to Wicker Park. There is a cow girl on the loose and I think that she needs a little wranglin.'

Miss El-No was walking her dog when I stumbled upon her (I say stumbled because I was slowly walking home after an orgasmic char dog lunch at Phil's Last Stand). She was resplendent in cowgirl boots and knit white shorts that were embellished with a row of long white fringe on each side. Judging from the mismatched whites and sewing job, I'd say that Miss El-No was hit with the Pinterest truck and decided to DIY herself up.

I think we all know what happened here. Girlfriend has been watching too much Bachelorette and is trying to lure in boys by channelling her inner Emily Maynard. Sadly, this "Joann Fabrics does Country Western Minx" look is not working. I don't even think she could pull this off in Dollywood.

Skip the cowgirl crafternoon and just order this Blueberry Iced Tea Dress from Modcloth ($47.99). Pair the dress with these Frye Billy Pull On Women's Boots ($268) and you'll be all set!

El-Yes: Red, White, and Blue BBQ

I was baby free when I ran into Olivia's Market to pick up some last minute Memorial Day odds and ends. An ice cold bottle of Rose and some fresh asparagus stalks topped the list.

I was sweaty from a long hot lunchtime stroller walk and an afternoon Dailey Method class. I broke my cardinal rule and dressed in gym clothes and little makeup. Just a holiday... Who cared?

But then I saw Miss El-Yes and her beautiful BBQ ensemble. So fresh and easy- hair up in a bun with a strapless dress and metallic flats. And this is exactly why I try to dress each day. Her whole look took little work to put together, but left a lovely impression and made her feel pretty. Miss El-Yes seemed effortlessly BBQ ready.

Just like DVF said, "Feel like a woman. Wear a dress." What a great reminder as I kick off my first summer as a Mommy.

El-Yes: Flower Pant Power

I absolutely adore these wide leg floral pants.

Honestly, I am surprised that sentence just came out of my mouth. I was dressed in Laura Ashley in my formative years and am not sure that I want to relive my blossoming period in the late Eighties and early Nineties. 

But this is floral done right. While Miss El-Yes paired these flowery pants with a simple t-shirt and cardi, she sassed up the look with some bedazzled shoes. Fabulous. 

You can get her botanical look with any of these great slacks: 

Graphic Cool: 3.1 Phillip Lim Quince Silk Pants $450

Feminine Flow: Free People Floral Print Wide-leg Pants $49

Pretty Preppy: ASOS Oasis Floral Print Pant $78.28

El-No: Staying Alive

This really is unbelievable.

I was taking an afternoon stroll down Damen and enjoying the sunny weather. I must have walked into a black hole or a rip in the time/space continuum because I was magically teleported back to the Seventies.

For serious. Polyester was involved.

The time travel did a number on my reflexes because I could only snap a photo as Mr El-No breezed past. I felt like I was watching the ghost of Barry Gibb.

The picture just doesn't do it justice... I apologize for my photography fail.

El-No: These Shoes Must Go

So, this happened. Someone let their Birkenstocks out of the "Donate" Spring cleaning bag.

(I am embarassed to admit that I had Birkenstock clogs once. I was in high school and was obviously going through a phase. I also spent an disconcerting amount of time making mix tapes. Oh to be seventeen again...)

These unflattering leather sandals should only be worn by the following people: 

1. Costume party hippies 

2. Women over the age of fifty who shop at Chico's and like eclectic jewelry. 

3. Podiatry patients

Mr El-No does not appear to fit into any of these categories. Thus he needs to loose the lame-o sandals and switch into a beachy boat shoe. How about one of the Band of Outsiders for Sperry options? I am in luuuurv with these Men's 3 Eye Boat Shoes for $175. 

El-Yes: Tangerine Dream In The Produce Section

Weekend grocery shoppers have the most extreme ensembles. They range from post-brunch amazingness to roll-out-of-bed disasters. I can't help but click away the camera during my weekly trip to Stanleys. 

I am in lust with this bright and casual weekend outfit. The cool hat, the cheerful envelope clutch, the zippy pants, and the Toms. LOVE. She looks like she is ready for a long day of relaxing on a patio (my kind of Sunday Funday). 

Get weekend ready with these great pieces: 

Halogen Two Tone Straw Fedora for $78

Simply Vera Vera Wang Quilted Envelope Clutch for $34.30

Black Timeless Tank from Banana Republic for $20

Tangerine Blaze Marissa Cotton Cropped Poplin Cargo Pants from Loft for $49.50

Feed 12 Women's Vegan Classic Toms for $58

El-No: NATO Summit Chicago 2012

You say potato and I say pototo

You say NATO and I say NOTO

Potato; Pototo

NATO; NOTO

Let's call the whole thing off!

Do you like my song? 

I'm not protesting NATO. (Yay North Atlantic Treaty Organization!) But I am protesting all of these people making it impossible to do anything in Chicago this weekend. (Go back to Brussells!) How on earth am I supposed to get photos of bad ensembles if I don't have the ability to walk around downtown? 

NATO is forcing my hand and making me stick close to home. Watch out Wicker Park!

El-Buy: Kate Looks Great

I have princess envy. 

I have switched my Middleton allegiance from Pips to Kate. Don't act surprised Pippa. You know what you did. LEGGINGS as PANTS?!

This lace back gown is just stunning and has turned the Dutchess of Cambridge into a bit of a sexy Sadie. Never one to directly copy, I found these amazing black lace cocktail dresses that might need to make their way into my closet. Behold the Mason by Michelle Mason lace back cocktail dress ($335) and the lace dolman dress ($380). They are the perfect marriage between conservative and sexpot. 

* Picture from Radar Online

El-No: Derelict

I only got like three consecutive hours of sleep last night. That might be why I find this ensemble so hilarious. I guess what I'm saying is that I'm mildly delusional today.

Regardless, a faux fur trench, unlaced Doc Martens, and athletic socks are humorous on their own. But together? It's fashion comedy gold that appears to have been inspired by a volunteer donation sorting shift at the Goodwill intake center.

Lack of clothing continuity aside, Miss El-No needs some serious style updating. She should loose the disastrous juxtapositioning and try out some new seasonally appropriate trends.

How about neon? Maybe this pink Michael Kors dress ($1,595) or this great neon yellow Topshop dress ($92)  paired with these bright sandals from ASOS ($69.50). Much better!

* Thanks for the photo MLS 

El-Yes: Hello. I Love You.

These multi-colored shoes are perfection. When paired with a graphic black and white coat, they are even better.

The kicker? This chica has a small child! Proving that mommas don't have to look frumpy dumpy. Miss El-Yes two thumbs up in my book.

Channel her amazing look with this fabulous Constance black and white striped coat from Alice + Olivia for $495. While a big ticket item, this topper is a great buy for Spring. Add on these Dune Colorblock bold shoes from ASOS for $156.56. They come in blue/green or pink/orange. Sigh. You might need both pairs.  

You'll be the sassiest lady at Bubbles for sure.

El-Yes: Sunshine Shoes

Recently, I've been spending an embarrassing amount of time at Starbucks. The baby-friendly environment and caffeinated beverages are like crack to a new mom. This weekend, in a sleepy haze, I stumbled into our neighborhood Starbucks for a hit... I mean an iced coffee. I saw these fabulous bright yellow shoes. 

I need these sunny kicks! One look at them made me forget my fatigue and instead, start humming along to Katrina and The Waves. I'm totally walking on sunshine!

I am in lust with these Belle Sigerson Morrison laser cut ballet flats. The bright yellow and fabulous cut-outs are perfect for summer. I. MUST. HAVE. THESE. SHOES. ($225)

El-No: Ode To Tan Mom

People really need to lay off the Tan Mom.

Her baseball glove-like appearance makes me want to slather on sun block.  Dermatologists everywhere are cheering! Down with skin cancer and premature wrinkles! One photo of Tan Mom accomplished what the entire cast of Jersey Shore couldn't... and just in time for Summer. 

I'm suddenly ok with being pale. 

In other news, Tan Mom has a Chicago based relative named Orange Guy. I got this reader submitted photo on St. Patty's Day. Orange Guy stepped out in a pale green suit. It's like a Creamcycle and a Shamrock Shake met and had a baby.  

If Mr El-No lays off the spray tanning, I think this lighthearted green ensemble could work. It is witty and Miami Vice (in a good way) but really cannot work with his current orange glow. I suggest he cancel his Palm Beach Tan membership and spend the money on a scrub.  How about this June Jacobs Men's Exfoliating Scrub for $32? 

El-No: Moons Over Miami

File this look under: Things Not To Wear To The Roller Derby 

There is nothing more thrilling than an afternoon spent on skates (especially when your dance routine is washed down with an ice cold can of your mom's stash of Tab. Just me?).

I guess roller skates make me nostalgic. But it is hard to reminisce when you have a bare bum in your face. Dudes, we don't need the full moons. 

I think these Misters should move away from the leather goods and try for something a little less chilly. This Bettie Page pinup shirt ($24) seems like a better fit. Campy nudity? Check. Traumatized by a tush? Negative. 

*Thanks for the photo JK

El-Buy: Thanks Mom!

I was under the impression that I would receive some kind of instruction book when I checked out of the hospital with our new little bundle of joy. 

I expected the book of parenting directions to incorporate sections about childrearing and a glossery of FAQs that I would field as a mother. It was supposed to include age appropriate answers to questions like: Where do babies come from? Why do I have to eat broccoli? How do I know if this boy likes me? How do I do laundry?

Shockingly, there is no Mom Manual (either that or mine was lost in the mail). We all just have to figure this out as we go along. 

So, cheers to all of the Mothers. Navigating parenthood is tough stuff, so I think that Mom deserves a litle treat. Check out my favorite gift ideas on my Mother's Day Gift Ideas board. 

El-No: Looney Lunar Look

The moon was REALLY big this weekend. HUGE.

So, I am choosing to blame this wackadoo ensemble on the full moon. Clearly Miss El-No's sequined constellation cardigan was inspired by the celestial bodies. (I think that is Ursa Minor over by her armpit)

Peter Pan just called for this little lady. He wants her to take the "second star to the right and go straight on till morning." The morning light should help her realize that the rest of the outfit doesn't really jive. She needs to ditch the Stary Night sweater and the tropical maxi skirt. 

How about this amazing Wildfox "Seeing Stars" cream sweatshirt for $108 from Nordstrom? She could pair it with these J.Crew peach shorts ($45) and these adorbs J.Crew Mona leather pumps in dusty clay ($198). Now that is a much more dazzling look!

El-Yes: What A Blessyn

I'm back...

I've been getting my baby shiz in check for the last eight weeks. But my mini fashion lover and I are finally starting to feel comfortable (and my body is starting to automatically wake up every few hours). So I am ready to blog again.

First up? A review of Shop 857's Anniversary and True Blessyn's Launch Party. My amazing students Emily and Michelle hopped on over to the party and interviewed the boutique owner Kelli Jones and the True Blessyn designer Shani Brown. Some event attendees included blogger ‘Ana Fonua and Fame Production Group founder Kristin D. Williams.  Thanks ladies for the recon mission!

Emily did a great write up of the event and also included some pictures. You can follow Emily on Twitter @emily_morano

Background – Shani Brown

 Currently working full-time in Corporate America, this mother and designer has a lot on her hands. Originally from Jamaica, Shani has always dreamed of being a designer. She attended the International Academy of Design to pursue this dream.  

Her typical day includes working on her Spring 2013 collection, meeting with her manufacturer, sourcing fabrics, and spending time with her daughter. When asked who her favorite designers were, Shani wasn’t quick to name off a celeb designer but instead likes supporting the local ones. “It isn’t all about the labels for me.” Having worked at Gap for four years, Shani still very much enjoys shopping there for their great basics. For Spring, Shani is loving the pastels and pleated maxi dresses! 

Her advice to anyone who wants to be in fashion? You have to be business savvy! If you want to be a designer, know who you are designing for. Be persistent, stay true to yourself, and follow your dreams. 

Spring 2012 Collection

Inspired by “Dream Chaser,” Shani’s Spring collection is made up of bamboo cotton, linen-like denim, and hand-painted designs done in collaboration with artist Sam Kirk. My personal favorite was a t-shirt with the words “Confidence Doesn’t Whisper” with a pair of pouty lips. Shani said this collection was all about chasing your dreams and goals and not letting others get you down in the process.  

Fall 2012 Collection

Inspired by her ups and downs as a designer, Shani used red, black, and white in her Fall collection. A simple white blouse with a bow detail on the left shoulder, a layering tank with a hand-painted cross on the front, and a fun black and white patterned knee-length skirt were all part of the simplistically classic Fall collection.  

El-Vacation: A Very Stylish Girl

I'm taking a petite break from blogging.

Don't worry, it's nothing you did. We aren't breaking up!

On Thursday, our little girl was born. She is adorable and requires loads of attention and cuddles. I'm sure that she'll be scoping out fashion faux pas from her stroller ASAP.

See you in a few weeks!

El-No: You Need A New Best Friend

As I write this, two chubby little french bulldogs are snoring away to my right. These little loves provide oodles of kisses, licks, and laughs. They are also quite fashion savy and would never let me leave the house in this type of ensemble.

Woof! Don't even think about wearing that shiz. See? 

It appears that Miss El-No's canine bestie is not schooled in the art of styling. Clearly the dog is responsible for the hideous Reeboks and pant/ skirt layering situation. Fido should have chewed up those kicks the minute they were removed from the box.

While still nodding to Springtime brights, Miss EL-No can do much better than this look. How about these turquoise fitted skinny jeans from Forever 21 ($15.50)? For a dog walk, I'd pair them with these adorbs plaid laceless Keds for $45. 

*Thanks for the photo SR

El-No: Saved By Sonia

Every Sunday I take a trip to the local produce market. Lately, I have been stocking up on citrus fruits and photos of horrible outfits. 

Yesterday was no exception. 

Over by the breads, I discovered Miss El-No and her ridiculous hat. By "ridiculous" I mean "hideous headpiece that belongs on a pre-adolescent boy on a ski slope." 

What the heck was she thinking? This topper isn't even witty or ironic. It is just bad. 

I am loving this Sonia Rykiel Two Tone Bow cap at Nordstrom for $125. Rykiel, a French designer, is known as the "Queen of Knits" and introduced the idea of individualized clothing. She encouraged women to wear their clothing inside out and personalize the fit. These two ideas earned her a spot as one of the world's most elegant women. 

El-Buy: Pops for Spring

Sometime in the next two weeks, a baby will be arriving at our house. I'm expecting equal parts snuggles and sleepless nights. 

I think that I am going to be needing some visual pick me ups to keep me moving forward. Fortunately for me (but not for le wallet), there are some amazing brights headed our way this Spring. Here are a few of my current favorites: 

Top: J.Crew Navy and Kiwi Colorblock Stripe Boatneck Tee for $45

Skirt: J. Crew Warm Jade Long No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double Serge Cotton for $128

Pants: Gap Red Modern Boot Cut Pant for $59.95

Jeans: Kate Spade Broome Street Colored Jeans for $198

Jumpsuit: Edith Shawl Collar Royal Blue Jumpsuit for $495

Sandals: J.Crew Festival Green Savina Studded Sandals for $265

Mini Clutch: Kate Spade Backstage Suze Clutch for $338

Sparkles: Bauble Bar Acrylic Personalized Necklace for $56