Whispers of Blue 💙












Sometimes I just love the simplicity of a pencil skirt and a blouse.  Not a lot of accessories or fuss-- just simple, sleek and out-the-door I go. I actually consider pencil skirts one of the staples in my wardrobe. In the summer, I can tuck in a button down for the office and when it starts to get cooler, a little cardigan twin set is just perfect. Along those lines, a pencil skirt looks just as cute with some knee-high boots in the fall as it does with strappy sandals or heels in warmer temperatures.  You can get your money's worth out of these guys.  This Zara blouse is just a dream – – it is whisper thin and such a beautiful color. My skirt is from Nordstrom and it's the first time I've tried this line called Halogen. I really like it so far.  And it is super reasonably priced. If you don't have a few pencil skirts in your closet, you should consider investing in a few. 

 I am getting ready to head back to Chicago this weekend for a wedding and I'm having such a hard time deciding what to pack. The forecast calls for thunderstorms, which would make me think to pack warm clothes, except it will be in the 80's, which is just confusing!  In the best circumstances, I am an over-packer but with a wedding and rehearsal dinner and my daughter to worry about, I might just have six suitcases! Even though I've read the articles and seen the YouTube videos about how to pack lightly, I'm just not the kind of person who will bring four articles of clothing and make them work for a week. Are you? Do you like to bring everything you own or pack just the necessities? 

 I hope your week is off to a wonderful start and as always, it means so much that you stopped by. Xx Michelle

Chasing the Cup (East)

 How cute are the elevators at the United Center?

I wish there was volume on this picture...LOUD!

 

 

Aren't these buildings just gorgeous? This may be one of my favorite corners in Chicago!

Ummm, is it just me or is a letter missing? "Take a picture of me in front of the Trump building" seemed like a pretty simple request...Nice camera work, right? 😌

Do you remember the Elephant Parade last summer in Dana Point? Well, these painted horses are similar except they are to commemorate fallen Police officers.  😔👮🏻

   



 

Yeah? Not soon enough for me! Come RIGHT NOW!

 

This is an exciting post for me! I did something way way WAY outside of my comfort zone! My husband B and I headed to Chicago (his home town) for a quick little 24 hour trip! Why, you may be quite understandably asking yourself? To see game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals and the Chicago Blackhawks of course !!  B grew up playing hockey and still plays in a men's league a few times a week and the Blackhawks are one of his obsessions (his other obsessions being the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. Wait, and the Chicago Bulls. Anyone sense a pattern here?)  So we decided to act like we are spontaneous and carefree (he is, I am for sure NOT- I plan the beJesus out of every day!) and we flew into the City with enough time Wednesday to throw our things in a hotel room, grab a cab, and head to the United Center.   I am a sports loving girl and have been to Stanley cup finals games in the past for the Kings and the Ducks but I have never experienced anything like these fans- it is BANANAS!! Everyone is dressed in Blackhawks colors, everyone is on their feet cheering and screaming and high fiving for the WHOLE game!  And it is loud. LOUD. Louder than you would believe. Thank goodness the Blackhawks won...as I was sitting there in our massively overpriced seats (and the game was tied)...I began to worry about the plane ride home if they didn't!

After the game, we walked around the city. All of the buildings were lit up with red lights, and there were Blackhawks banners everywhere! There is something about a city at night that changes everything about it.  The lights and the cars all become softer somehow. Chicago may be known as the Windy City but it should also be known as the late night city. We had dinner at midnight and it felt like it was 9 PM- the restaurants were crowded and the streets were full!  This was an even bigger treat for me because my parents were watching my daughter back in CA and I. Was. Free.  :)

The next morning, we got up early and were out on the street to grab a coffee and just soak it up.  These beautiful streets are enchanting-- Michigan Avenue and Whacker---filled with people on their way to work. Everyone is dressed beautifully and there's so much architecture in and around the buildings for your eyes to take in (by the way, if you have the opportunity to take the architectural boat tour- -do it. I've done it at least 4 times and would do it again in a heartbeat).  We walked all along Michigan Avenue, and then went down to the lower level by the Riverwalk.  It was a beautiful morning and we were able to take some photographs by the river and then across the Michigan Avenue bridge (I have a thing for bridges) and then over by the beautiful Wrigley building.  Oh, this city.  I am a girl that would live in the city if I could. I always say that I must have been a city dweller in another life because I love them.  I feel alive in them.  The noise, the crowds, the hustle-and-bustle.  And there's so much history in Chicago (on that topic-- read The Devil in the White City if you can.  Great great read about Chicago) I am wearing a little Zara sheath that zips up the back. It's adorable and comfy and was easy to pack.  I brought a little fur vest because the weather gets weird here- it changes fast.   And that, my loves, was that!  We already have 2 more trips planned here this summer and I cant wait to get back here and explore! Happy Saturday and thanks so much for taking the time to stop by! Xo Michelle

All Tied Up With A Bow 🎀







Okay, I am officially in love with this shirt. I saw it on-line at Nordstrom (You can get it here) and wasn't 100% sure of it but I gave it a go.  I love buttoned up, conservative looks at work. I usually don't like too many layers (I would not survive for a single winter outside of Orange County) because sometimes, it just feels too constricting.  When I am in the office, I am dictating or typing and I need to have good range of movement. (Not that I am whipping my arms all over but you know what I mean!)  Usually, I wear thin camis under my blazers but this shirt is whisper thin.  For full disclosure, it's pretty sheer and if you are planning on wearing it alone, you will need something under it.  If I wore this to court, I would probably pull my hair back in a ponytail and leave the headband at home. I think low sleek pony tails are so chic. The suit is from Banana Republic - I wear a ton of their things to work. It doesn't wrinkle and its great quality- win win. Ok loves, hope your week ahead will be fantastic! Xo Michelle