Spanish Tapas

This week I went to Cafe Ba Ba Reeba in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on Chicago's North side for Restaurant Week. During Restaurant Week you get to select for dinner an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a Prix Frixe price of $33 (lunch is $22). RW is a great way to try out a more expensive restaurant and three courses all on a smaller budget. For this restaurant, it was actually more cost effective for our group of five to order separate tapas and share. Below are photos of just some of the dishes we enjoyed.

Stuffed spinach mushrooms

Dessert Platter (all so good and I ate every one of those)

Chicken & Chorizo Sausage Skewer

Octopus & Potato dish

Spicy potatoes (the sauce was amazing)
Braised lamb with almonds, spinach and couscous (my personal favorite)
Fried calamari with another amazing spicy sauce
Shrimp in Garlic Sauce

And of course, Sangria!

I've been to a couple of tapas restaurants in the Chicago area, and I must say this is my new favorite. Very affordable and every dishes sauces and flavors were just drool worthy.

Sidenote: As a true foodie, from time to time I will feature some of my favorite restaurants, since Chicago has some of the best eats! And I will do my best to take outfit posts at the actual restaurants as well. Hope you enjoy this new feature.

{Pause} For Look of the Day

Garcelle Beauvais at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon

Love the pink and blue pops against the white suit, so fresh for Spring!

Happy Friday everyone!

70's Inspired

The fashion inspired by the 70's has made a huge return as of late. I adore everything about the era, from the flare jeans, the floppy hats, the loose boho tops, and don't forget the platforms.

This is one of the skirts I thrifted recently brand new for about $3. Since it has a vintage feel to it, I thought it was the perfect time to style it up 70's style.

Just playing around with layers to get the full 70's vibe.

Vintage Leather Coat - US#1

Skirt - American Thrift Store

Tee - Old Navy

Kelly & Katie Boots - DSW

Fur Vest - Estate Sale

Cardigan - Upscale Boutique (Dallas)

Belt - Filene's Basement

Hat - Urban Outfitters

I can't wait for warmer weather when I can wear my JS platforms with it.

Are you trying out the 70's look right now?

Everyday Inspiration

One of my favorite ways to get inspiration is from street style photo's. Everyday individual style usually inspires me more than the actual runways or even magazine fashion spreads. Recently I have been inspired by Essence.com's NYFW street style photos. I saved about three looks that I think I can pull off.

Here is one that really caught my eye and inspired me to try it with things already in my wardrobe.

I decided to tie my scarf in a loose bow and wear a shorter length blouse underneath.

Sweatshirt - H&M

Blouse - NY&Co

Leopard Scarf - Target

Slacks - The Limited

Boots - Nine West

What inspires your style the most?

Brighter Moods

The weekend was so refreshing just being with good friends, laughing, and enjoying great food. Restaurant Week is here in Chicago so I'll be checking out a new tapas place this week as well.

Saturday I got a chance to go thrifting and purchased a couple of skirts I can't wait to show you guys. Color is in full effect, starting now.

Jacket - Marshall's

Blouse - Akira Chicago

Nine West Jeans - Macy's

Madden Girl Boots - Filene's Basement

Lipstick - Electro by Mac

So High

There is something so dramatic about high collar coats and jackets that puts an extra pep in my step. I added the belt to give it more shape and style, but without a belt it is fine too. Normally for our casual Friday's I wear jeans, but this is a nice switch up from that with the denim trench.

Harem Pants - Forever 21

Madden Girl Boots - Filene's Basement

Jacket - Filene's Basement

Obi Belt - The Limited

Fur Vest - Estate Sale

Warmer weather bonus: The sleeves can be rolled up and snapped in place to elbow length.

Have a fab and stylish weekend!

Let's Get Free

Late last night I decided to get rid of some items in my closet that I just don't wear. I am determined to only have things that I love and adore and of course a few wardrobe essentials (tees & tanks). Why hold on to things that aren't being worn? I'd rather donate them and free up space for new things that I will wear and cherish for years to come.

Nine West Blazer - Macy's

Top - Marshall's

Skirt - Forever 21

Boots - Nine West

Vintage Necklace - Very Best Vintage Chicago

I love this maxi skirt I recently got from Forever 21 and I can't wait to style it for an upcoming beach vacation!

Melt Down

The snow is finally melting from the several inches we got hit with a couple weeks ago. It's a lovely 40 degree day and I was finally able to put away my big ugly down coat and trade it for a more stylish coat.

Here are some quick snaps before I left for the office today.

Chico's Sweater Tunic - Thrifted

Leggings - Old Navy

Madden Girl Boots - Filene's Basement

Fedora - Urban Outfitters

Giacca Coat - Overstock.com

Bag - Ace International Trading

Ring - Macy's

Leopard Print Bracelet - Avon

Vintage

When I first started this blog, I showed my love for vintage and certaintly nothing has changed. My favorite shape of dress for my body type is the a-line cut. I used the original belt from the dress as a head wrap and then added another belt I had to better cinch the waist.

Vintage Dress - Thrifted

Nine West Shoes - Ross Dress

Belt - Marshall's

Everyone enjoy your weekend!

In The Red

Remember to always say "I love you" to those you care about and don't wait for a specific time or holiday to do so. Love is all around us and should be expressed everyday in various ways, to those we hold dear or towards a complete stranger.

Sweater - Arden B

Dress - JC Penney

Shoes - Nine West

Scattered Thoughts

Hello my dear readers. I had a lovely weekend spending time with two of my younger female cousins. We talked about life, relationships, love and everything under the sun. It was truly refreshing to get a younger woman's point of view on things. As older ones we should never think we can't learn from the younger generation.

Dress - H&M

Tights & Bracelet - Target

Madden Girl Boots - Filene's Basement

I'm dedicating today's post to a dear friend of mine who is ill. I'm wishing her well and my thoughts and prayers are with her.

Rock It or Stop It

Palazzo Jersey Pants

What do you think? Rock It or Stop It?

See Your True Color

Since I'm stuck inside with 20 inches of snow outside, I thought I'd try to have happy thoughts of Spring. I've already decided I want lots of color, bold or pastel, doesn't matter. More on my Spring wishlist later.

I first saw this layered blouse in a charcoal grey, but when I turned the corner I saw it in this pretty yellow green color and in royal blue. Since I recently bought a royal blue dress, I thought this was the better choice.

Blouse - Marshall's

Jeans - Old Navy

Pumps - Nine West

Earrings & Necklace - Jenny Dayco

Lipstick - Fresh Moroccan by Mac

Wood Ring - Macy's

Still loving my suede purple pumps and I think they go great with the color of the blouse.

If you are affected by the snow, stay safe and inside if you can!