Friday
Sep142012
tagged 
Fall Trends, Polyvore in El-Buy
Fall Trends, Polyvore in El-Buy Entries in Polyvore (23)
Thursday
Sep132012
tagged Fall Trends, Polyvore in El-Buy
Fall Trends, Polyvore in El-Buy Wednesday
Sep122012
tagged Fall Trends, Footwear, Polyvore in El-Buy
Fall Trends, Footwear, Polyvore in El-Buy Tuesday
Sep112012
El-Buy: Fashion Week - Leather
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 I am loving these fabulous leather looks for Fall! Here are some of my favorite pieces...
tagged Fall Trends, Polyvore in El-Buy
Fall Trends, Polyvore in El-Buy Monday
Sep102012
El-Buy: Fashion Week - Wine
Monday, September 10, 2012 It's Fashion Week here at El-No Chicago! I'll be showing you my favorite trends for Fall (that are all available at mass fashion retailers). Get your credit cards out, we have a lot of shopping ahead.
Trend: Wine (I love to drink it and I love to wear it)
tagged FFall Trends, Polyvore in El-Buy
FFall Trends, Polyvore in El-Buy Monday
Aug132012
El-Yes: Nights In White Satin
Monday, August 13, 2012 No, I am not listening to the Moody Blues. Chicago in White is coming in a few weeks and I have nothing to wear!
I love a good party (I should buy stock in Casapri Inc as I have probably kept them afloat with my addiction to cocktail napkins). Anyway, on Saturday, August 25th, the ultimate dinner party will be occurring.
Chicago in White is a foodie flash mob that will be attended this year by over 2,000 guests in a surprise location. Each diner will the packing their picnic supplies and heading to the destination in head to toe white ensembles. A totally chic way to say farewell to summer.
So back to my closet... What the heck am I going to wear?
I rounded up my favorite white dresses and accessories on Rent the Runway. These designer duds are all available for the weekend of the white dinner. So, better hop to it ladies!
*** Readers, if you want to purchase a ticket to this amazing event, click on this link. ***
Wednesday
Aug082012
El-Yes: Falling For Dressage
Wednesday, August 8, 2012 Naturally, I am going to like any sport that includes the word "dress" in the title.
I have been glued to the television watching the Olympic equestrian events. With each jump, my craving for Fall clothing has gotten stronger. I know that most girls want a pony, but I think that I am really salivating over the riding pant/ boot/ blazer combos. These horse people know how to dress.
I think that I might need to wear this fabulous equestrain inspired ensemble as soon as the weather gets cooler. I am especially loving the peplum jacket!
Thursday
Sep082011
El-Buy: How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?
Thursday, September 8, 2011 
Problem: Maria Pinto has really good taste.
I fell for Fall.
Well, really I fell in love with Maria Pinto's version of Fall fashion. It is as cozy and crisp as a glass of apple cider.
Last night, I met the Chicago designer and now creative director of Mark Shale. She was fabulous (as were her sassy upturned cat eye glasses). She detailed our her Autumnal must haves to a crowd of bloggers and shoppers.
Pinto and her team have revamped the Chicago fashion staple with new brands and a refined approach to fashion. She talked about wardrobe building with signature pieces or classics. The store is packed with clean lines, rich cashmere (loving the Mark Shale cashmere long cardigans), and zippy twists.
While I would like EVERYTHING in the newly styled store, my favorites were from By Marlene Birger, Rene Lezard, and Blue Duck Shearling.
* Thank you to Nicki from Fashionista Chicago
tagged Fall Trends, Polyvore, Womenswear in El-Buy, photo
Fall Trends, Polyvore, Womenswear in El-Buy, photo Wednesday
Aug242011
El-Buy: Eat Your Heart Out F. Scott Fitzgerald
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Regrettably, I have not been practicing the Charleston. It just hasn't made it into my fitness regime.
So this Friday, I plan to sip speakeasy cocktails and twirl my ropes of pearls from the side of the dance floor. I will be channelling the Jazz Age at the Junior League of Chicago's annual Summer Soiree: A Gatsby Garden Party.
I will be celebrating this fete with some fabulous flapper fashion. Flappers, the young social set of the Twenties, got their name from their dresses. Their drop waist dresses were embellished with sequins and spangles- which made flapping noises while the girls were dancing. Those are some hot moves mama!
Here are some ideas to wear to this Prohibition themed extravaganza. Go get your ticket and your feathered headband today!
tagged Accessories, Footwear, Polyvore, Womenswear in El-Buy
Accessories, Footwear, Polyvore, Womenswear in El-Buy Thursday
Jul282011
El-Yes: Everything's Coming Up Roses
Thursday, July 28, 2011 Best mood ever.
I love Van Morrison. Instead of a cup of coffee, I started my day off with Ro Ro Rosey. I've been singing all morning.
Ro ro ro ro ro ro ro rosey,
Ro ro ro ro ro ro ro rosey.
You're the apple of my eye,
Ice cream in my cherry pie, pie.
I think my outfit today might need to reflect my rose colored disposition. How about this beautiful Rebecca Minkoff top?
tagged Polyvore, Womenswear in El-Yes
Polyvore, Womenswear in El-Yes Friday
Jul222011
El-Buy: Diner en Blanc
Friday, July 22, 2011 The first Chicago Diner en Blanc is over a month away. Needless to say, I am excited for the pop up picnic and even more excited to wear a fabulous white dress.
The all white dining flash mob started out in Paris. A Frenchman named Francois Pasquier, invited a group of friends for a picnic in the park. He asked all of his dining companions to wear white so that they would easily find each other. They had such a great time that they decided to do it the following year- each attendant brought friends and the Diner En Blanc was born.
Looks like mama needs a new white dress and a copy of the Thomas Keller cookbook (for the fried chicken recipe obvi). Here are some of my favorites:
Friday
Jul012011
El-Vacation: Red White and Blue-BQ
Friday, July 1, 2011 Beer, burgers, and fireworks. Yes please!
I love summer bbqs. I plan to get my fill over this long weekend. Of course, I will need some fashionably patriotic gear to get me through the weekend.
Cue Lilly Pulitzer.
tagged Polyvore, Womenswear in El-No
Polyvore, Womenswear in El-No Tuesday
Jun072011
El-Buy: A G&T and Critter Pants For Me
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 Nothing says "Summer" like crabs on your shorts and a picnic basket filled with treats.
I am a firm believer that critter pants are a win when served up at a summer gathering and a hint of whimsy. But be careful! Worn with too much severity and you’ll end up looking like an embroidery loving d-bag.
Eek! Why are they so bright?
Sportswear evolved in the Twenties as clothing that was worn casually on the weekends (by those with enough money to relax on the weekends). As the wealthy migrated to warmer weekend destinations, their clothing got more colorful and garish. In a 1976 Esquire Magazine article, author Tom Wolfe called these bright pants and shorts the “go to hell” look. He asserts that wealthy weekenders used these pants as a sort of tribal color code.
Join the critter tribe with these preptastic favsies. They can be found at Vineyard Vines, Castaway Clothing, Lilly Pulitzer, and Murray’s Toggery.
Thursday
May122011
El-Vacation: You Don't Know Jack
Thursday, May 12, 2011 It's vacation time y'all!
I am off to the land of sweet tea and southern sun. I am taking my trusty travel buddy, Jack Rogers, along with me to enjoy the beach (I didn't get him a plane seat though... awkward.).
Jack Rogers is a classic American resort brand that has been around since the Sixties. A favorite of Jackie O, the company initally launched with a focus on footwear. Recently they moved into fashion and woven accessories.
This fabulous black and white cardigan has me whistlin' Dixie. Love!
Since you can't join me in the Carolinas, I suggest you spend this weekend watching Shag, drinking Beevos, and wearing some Jacks.
This Southern Belle will see you on Monday.
tagged Accessories, Footwear, Polyvore, Preppy, Womenswear in El-Vacation
Accessories, Footwear, Polyvore, Preppy, Womenswear in El-Vacation Friday
Mar042011
El-Buy: Yo Homes Smell Ya Later
Friday, March 4, 2011
Literally.
I keep the shopping bags to use for my lunches. I use the boxes for storage (because I love how they look). I even ration out the free samples so that they last as long as possible.
I started off this morning with the intoxicating scent of my Pomegranate Noir body lotion and felt guilty for keeping it all to myself. You should experience this too! Here are my favorite scents and products- they are all available in the Jo Malone section of Saks on Michigan Ave.
Jo Malone by ElNoChicago on Polyvore.com
Wednesday
Feb232011
El-Read: Orange You Glad I Didn’t See A Banana?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 
During my morning commute I saw a very strange tableaux.
A big grey pile of snow had been sprinkled with neon orange Cheetos. It was a magical cheesy dusting. Doppler radar couldn’t have predicted this cheddar precipitation. It was so ugly and yet so evocative of the carroty trends coming our way for Spring 2011.
According to the recent WSJ article “Orange Crush,” the color of the moment is “zesty” and “flamboyant.” “In the Netherlands, orange is the official color of royalty. In India, the flag's saffron band represents courage, and the hue is holy in Hinduism. Orange is also having a moment in the fashion zeitgeist.”
The Cheetos were burned in my brain and just wouldn’t disappear (much like the neon dusting when it gets on your hands). I reinterpreted this image in a fabric… I think it looks a little nicer than a big pile of slush.
Embrace this citrus hue with a spectrum of delicious treats from Tory Burch!
Monday
Feb142011
El-Buy: Here Comes The Sun
Monday, February 14, 2011 Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right
Alright Winter weather, I'm over you. I am sick of the chill and the grey slushy snow. I am done with layering. I'm ready for sunshine and tulips.
Judging by all of the trend reports, we can look forward to pops of orange and honeysuckle pink in our future. What better way to show off these warm brights than with a canvas of white and blue?
Here's how I am setting the scene for Spring. Enjoy!
tagged Accessories, Footwear, Polyvore, Womenswear in El-Buy, photo
Accessories, Footwear, Polyvore, Womenswear in El-Buy, photo Friday
Jan212011
El-Yes: You Minkoff Me Crazy
Friday, January 21, 2011 Enter to win this Dee-lightful Spring 2011 clutch!
Just use the Polyvore Mini Editor below to style a Spring outfit to wear with the clutch. Designer Rebecca Minkoff will pick her favorite look and the winner will be gifted with a clutch. Talk about Dee-vine!
*The winner will be selected on January 23rd. Good Luck!
Get your own Mini Editor from Polyvore
tagged Accessories, Designer, Polyvore in El-Yes
Accessories, Designer, Polyvore in El-Yes Wednesday
Dec222010
El-Buy: Chicago Procrastinating Giftapalooza
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 I am usually so good at Christmas.
Beautiful wrapping paper and thoughtful gifts are usually piled under the tree by mid-December. I don't know what happened this year, but it seems that I am tardy for the party.
Cut to me spending two hours at Borders on State Street yesterday. Hour one was spent fighting my way through the browsing crowds of pressie procrastinators. Hour two was spent waiting in line to check out. Don't even get me started on my little jaunt to Macy's.
It is terribly hard to be thoughtful when stores are so crowded with fellow holiday slowpokes. (On an up note, the Loop was FULL of El-No contenders yesterday- Hurray for bad fashion!)
For all of you gifting dilly-dallyers out there I have pulled together a list of my holiday favsies for your favorite ladies. The best part? All of these little treasures are available in Chicago stores. Call ahead to put your gift on hold and then stop on in to collect!
Interior Design Lovers: Celebrate American design with some fabulous Dorthy Draper books from your favorite bookshop or get whimsical with Jonathan Adler pottery.
Foodies: Time for Sprinkles baking mixes! Stop by Willams Sonoma or Sprinkles in the Gold Coast. Yum.
Fitness Fanatics: What could be better than a handful of Lululemon headbands?
Accessory Admirers: Two words: Kate Spade. Hop on over there and pick up this cute birdy bag or this gorgeous orange purse.
Fashionistas: Get ready for resort! I love this sensational stripped number from Kate Spade. Swing by your favorite bookseller for a copy of Breakfast at Tiffany’s (the book and the movie make a sweet combo).
Girly Girls and Mommas: Pick up a Jo Malone fragrance wardrobe or a makeup set from Sephora. Both options offer little luxuries to throw in your purse.
I.O.U.: Schedule a Laudi Vidni or 1154 Lill date for your custom loving dame. She can make her own purse while you foot the bill.
Wednesday
Dec082010
El-Yes: Orange You Glad I Didn’t Wear Banana?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 
I love a pop of color in the winter. Notice I said POP.
I saw Miss El-No doing some shopping in this ginger colored topcoat. She looked deliciously stylish. Like sprinkles on a Christmas cookie, her orange coat and made the snowy day seem a bit more beautiful.
But color can be scary for some. Instead of shelling out for an investment piece, try on some of these Boden coats for size. Easy on the pocketbook, you will make a Rainbow Connection in no time!
