Hot Child In The City

ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageBlouse: Forever 21 similar here||Skirt: Nasty Gal similar here||Bralette: Forever 21||Shoes: Christian Louboutin||Rings: Akira, Vintage||Bracelets: Stolen from my friend {Shot by: Frankie de Guzman}

Oh my gosh, I am so sorry it has been so long, but I’m back… and hopefully with more consistency. So this is my first post with pictures and outfits in Chicago! Frankie from Style Through My Eyes, whom I absolutely adore, shot them right down the street from my apartment. After we shot the pictures we hit the town and literally got home as the sun was rising, it was too fun! So, after being in Chicago a month and a half, I’ve noticed many Chicago women have their uniform, I have one too, no judgement, but the Chicago lady is often seen in some version of the shift dress and flats for daytime and skirts and blouses at night. It is nice, but I wanted to find a way to take that and spice it up a bit. I was very inspired by Alexander Wang, he sent a button down buttoned similar to mine down the runway for Spring. He paired it with shorts, I did as well after I realized this skirt was just a little too short, oops! Anyway, I decided to try it out, I liked it. I suggest you try it as an effort to spice up your button downs.

bisous, Mack.

P.S. Stay up to date daily with my adventures in fashion and life by following my Instagram!

I Love You For Your Pink Cadillac

ImageImageImageImageIMG_4633IMG_4595Blouse: Forever 21 similar here||Shorts: H&M similar here||Blazer: Forever 21||Necklace: Vanessa Mooney||Belt: H&M similar here||Bra: Victoria’s Secret||Shoes: Zara {Shot by: Kaitlyn Elliott}

Memorial Day weekend was so fun, I got to go to the beach, died laughing at karaoke, and had a fabulous time at a BBQ! I think that means summer is finally here, which is the start of patios, beer gardens, and rooftops, this type of outfit is perfect for any of these summer activities! The jean shorts and sheer blouse give it a laid back vibe but the blazer and the shoes keep it smart. I always love mixing casual pieces with a more dressed up piece, it keeps things interesting, and that is what I think defines my personal style. Every person I meet says there is nothing better than summer in Chicago, so I am very much looking forward to this! I cannot wait to share with you what is going on and obviously what I will be wearing!

bisous, Mack.

Ice Cream, Chic, & Cheap

ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageTank: Zara similar here||Jacket: Vintage||Skirt: Target similar here||Shoes: Nike||Rings: The Glitter Vault & Forever 21||Necklace: Lionette {Shot by: Kaitlyn Elliott}

I am obsessed with this outfit because minus the jewelry and shoes it only costs thirty-five dollars! Everyone has some pair of tennis shoes and some jewelry, so throw it on and call it a day. Target really does have some awesome finds, like this cobalt blue skirt that I bought for fifteen dollars when I first moved to LA and was broke as a joke, and I still do not underestimate Target. It is kind of amazing! Then the tank from Zara I got on sale in Paris, I actually bought two in separate colors because I love it so much. Then this jacket, I cannot even explain to you what an amazing find this is! A vintage stand at the Hollywood farmer market ages ago, and it was TEN DOLLARS! There is no brand, no anything in the tag, but it is absolutely beautiful and I am so happy I snagged it. I stumbled into a resale shop yesterday in Chicago and found some amazing things and it just goes to show sometimes it is more fun to take the time to search through racks of vintage to find the one special piece that no one has than it is to search through every rack at Forever 21 to find the thing that everyone in the world can get! Simply saying, do not underestimate the value of a good resale shop.

bisous, Mack.

B is for Boxcar

ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageBlouse: Forever 21 similar here||Pants: Express||Shoes: Miu Miu||Jacket: unknown similar here||Necklace: Forever 21 {Shot by: Kaitlyn Elliott}

I have successfully survived my first week in Chicago without dying or having some sort of breakdown, so thats good! After a weekend that included a fabulous rooftop bar, a first date, and being a dancing queen at a club, this outfit is perfect for a low key day in the city. Flats for walking, a jacket incase it gets cold, along with a button down which always looks sophisticated and is a very easy piece to wear. A varsity jacket is definitely something to have in your closet for spring. The great thing about them is they are so versatile, you can tone down a really fancy dress by throwing one on or add it to your button down for a sporty feel. I found this one downtown in NYC at one of those like kind of trashy stores… ha, but I had to get it, it was like only twenty dollars! The things you can find if you stumble into the unknown. So this summer when you are traveling, plan your outfits accordingly. It is so easy to be comfortable and fashionable when walking around a city beyond yoga pants, you can do it, I promise.

bisous, Mack.

How To: Conquer the Walk of Shame

ImageImageImageImageImageSlip: Victoria’s Secret similar here||Sweater: H&M||Bra: Hanky Panky similar here||Shoes: Birkenstocks||Sunglasses: Forever 21 similar here {Shot by: Kaitlyn Elliott}

As I sit here typing this, I must give you a full disclaimer, I’ve never had a walk of shame, but I have thought about it.. just incase. So, this is what I came up with. I know one doesn’t necessarily carry a nightie around with them, but this is for the ladies who like to sleep at their boyfriends, sex friend, or whatever’s, house unexpectedly, but have a coffee date with the girls the next morning with no clothes to wear. Voila! Take your nightie, steal your boyfriend sweater and personally I say go for the Birkenstocks, preferably yours, or any other shoe that will tone down a nightie. If none of this is around option two is very Carrie Bradshaw, steal his work shirt, turn it into a dress, and tie his belt around your waist. I was at a store in Paris and the lady tied a belt around my waist and it changed my life. If anything, leave your own house wearing this morning after chic outfit and let everyone wonder how and why you look so fabulous! They’ll envy it. Promise!

bisous, Mack.

Fringe & Louboutins

ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageTop: from a random store in Laguna Beach similar here||Jeans: Zara similar here||Blazer: H&M similar here||Belt: H&M||Necklace: Lionette||Rings: The Glitter Vault||Bracelets: Vintage||Shoes: Christian Louboutin similar less expensive here {Shot by: Kaitlyn Elliott}

This outfit with the background reminds me of something Carrie would wear in the Sex and the City episode when she goes to Aiden’s country house and she is in heels the entire time baking pies and breaking up fights between him and Mr. Big! I love the top and I am even in love with the similar one that I posted in the outfit details. It is perfect to go with the crop top trend but to not be horribly exposed, it is also an easy top to wear from day to night. I really like the idea of something so “free” like fringe paired with a blazer for structure. The pop of pink in the shoes adds a bit of femininity to the outfit, the crystalized python and six inch heels do not hurt either! Lastly, the necklace from Lionette is a must have in my opinion. It can totally transform an outfit, anything from jeans and a white t-shirt to a ball gown! So moral of this, do not be afraid to take a more “corporate” piece and pair it with something unexpected like fringe or a crop top. Just like in life, the free spirit compliments the person in a suit on the reg, and vice versa!

bisous, Mack.

P.S. I am all moved into my apartment in Chicago for my new job! I am so excited, but now I need to find a photographer in the area. If you live around Chicago and are interested, please message me using the contact form! Thank you. xx

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageJeans: Seven For All Mankind||T-shirt: from The Swamp Shop||Buttondown: Forever 21||Jacket: Zara||Shoes: Lauren Conrad||Necklace: Vanessa Mooney||Ring: Forever 21||Sunglasses: Chanel||Lipstick: NARS {Shot by: My father, Michael Periatt}

Since last weekend was my last weekend in Toledo, my dad got us tickets for his company’s suite for the local baseball team, The Mud Hens. He knows it is one of my favorite things to do! I really like sports, especially live, I might not always know exactly what is going on but I am good at drinking beer, eating, cheering, and anything else one does at a sporting event. Now there is no excuse why one cannot be cute and comfortable at a sporting event, especially baseball! It is cold weather at the moment, so I am wearing my favorite t-shirt ever, I got it from the mens sections, women’s sports gear is seriously so horrible, I tied it up and layered it over a button down just so I had something exciting. I then added a jacket because it was cold and an amazing necklace from Vanessa Mooney, I love her stuff. Once it gets warmer I will definitely throw on a baseball hat, shorts, and little Nikes or skaters to be comfortable since it is usually sweltering heat if the game is during the day! A red lip will make anything glamorous, so why not wear one to a baseball game?! I will miss The Mud Hens, but now I guess I have to choose between The Cubs and The White Sox!

bisous, Mack.

Flawless

ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImage Jacket: Forever 21||T-shirt: Emortal Fashion Etsy store||Jean shorts: Free People similar here||Skaters: Topshop||Rings: The Glitter Vault and H&M||Sunglasses: Forever 21 {Shot by: Samira Anbar}

Like everyone, I have been obsessed with Beyonce’s album. My favorite song has always been Flawless, so naturally I had to buy a t-shirt with the best phrase ever written, “I woke up like this.” It is funny every time I wear it I get so many compliments on it; even from Grandma’s who probably do not even know that song… and I love that! I must say that this shirt definitely pairs well with these skaters from Topshop. They are definitely one of the best purchases I have made so far for spring, they are only $35 and have a bunch of different color options! So worth it, especially since Celine, Givenchy, and Miu Miu have made some awesome similar shoes that are like 50 times the price! I am lusting for these Miu Miu skaters (I need a size 38 & my birthday is soon). This outfit is definitely representing a bit of the California girl that I still have left in my blood, it comes and goes when it wants. So get your pastel items out of your closet and pair them with your daisy dukes for a cool but sweet, laid back Cali vibe anywhere in the globe!

bisous, Mack.

Efficiently Effortless

ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageTop: Forever 21||Pants: White House Black Market||Shoes: Christian Louboutin similar Louboutins, similar more affordable here||Necklace: Aldo||Bracelet: Vintage {Shot by: Samira Anbar}

There is something so effortless about black and white, and it is even better when the black and white outfit is comfortable! I was wearing this all day with my white Birkenstocks, then I switched into heels for dinner. I bought these pants for a job interview and they have become my new favorite! I love the tulip hem and the sophistication of them makes it easy to pair with different tops and shoes for endless day and night options. A great pair of black pants are a staple for everyone, if you are in need I definitely suggest these! Another great piece for a seamless day to night look is to add a statement item. It will dress up any outfit instantly and really is so easy and effortless!

bisous, Mack.

From Tickled Pink To Feeling Blue & Back

ImageImageImageImageImageImageIMG_4536ImageImageImage Dress: Zara||Shoes: Zara||Earrings: Forever 21 {Shot by: Samira Anbar}

You know those days where everything is perfect? Got off from my job early, it was beautiful out, and Michigan Ave. was right around the corner, so I decided to do some light shopping. Which is like one dress from wherever and cheap accessories from Topshop. That was the plan. As I was handing over my sensible black dress and a much needed basic button down to the dressing room attendant at Zara, I received a text message that turned my blissful mood sour. Instead of screaming the inevitable “UGH” (which I would never do… in public) I put my sensible things on hold and came back with half the store. Most of the stuff was cut for my sister, a 5’10 leggy beaut, so I only ended up with this outfit, which my bank account is thankful for, but it made me laugh how when I was kind of upset I chose the happiest of colors to cheer me up. I do not regret buying this outfit in lieu of the basics, it put me in a semi-better mood. The shoes are amazing and the dress is a great classic cut and color! I love the button details, especially the ones on the back of the arm. Beyond that, and I’ve said it before, this spring and into fall is all about pastels, get on it! Even if it is just one item for spring, be sure the cut is flattering on your body and not too frilly, unless that is your thing, I guarantee you will not regret it! I am planning on wearing this to Easter mass with the fam, but it is also a great look when attending a wedding. The point of all of this is, every once in a while step out of your comfort zone and do not buy the thing that makes sense, bad mood or not, the “neccessity” will ALWAYS be there in some way, shape, or form. Pastel pink heels are not something I will wear everyday or come across all the time, but when I am wearing them, I know they are making a statement.

bisous, Mack.

Socks, Sandals, and Normcore Thoughts

ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageTop: Forever 21||Pants: Express||Shoes: Birkenstock||Clutch: Target||Sunglasses: Forever 21 similar here||Jewlery: Vintage||Socks: similar here {Shot by: Miriam Taylor}

Unless you are like me and research fashion daily, you are probably thinking what is on her feet? Is this not a major fashion faux-pas? Well, it is but it isn’t. To put it simply, the Olsen’s wore socks and Birkenstocks the other day, and they do no wrong in my eyes, so no this is not a faux-pas. To many others, the Birkenstock, or the “ugly sandal,” is a no go in itself, let alone pairing them with socks. This style of shoe was shown down the runways at Celine, Prada, and Givenchy, so get on that. The socks and sandals were shown down some runways as well, but was strongly brought into light by street style mavens. I personally am embracing it, I liked my outfit, I was comfortable and got to wear my new shoes!

Style forecasters have called the theory of normcore, blending in by dressing in what is perceived as “normal”, the biggest thing of the decade. Think an average family of tourists in NYC, Seinfeld, or someone like my beloved father whose style rivals Steve Jobs iconic look, that is normcore. I am not sure if I should be honored or ashamed that this style is strongly inspired by the people of the Midwest. Are we finally having our fashion moment?! Honestly I am not quite sure how excited I am about this. I am a little bitch and roll my eyes at people who are not at least trying to look presentable, it is not that hard, and if I embrace this trend will people who aren’t psychos about fashion do that to me? It already happened when I was getting frozen yogurt, I knew what she was thinking, I just put my toppings on and thought, “you’ll understand one day.” Then I realized no you won’t because most people dress like this, and that is what makes normcore so interesting. I honestly do not see people who simply enjoy fashion diving head first into this trend, because why wouldn’t one want to stand out? At the same time, even when the Olsen’s rocked it, they still looked like something special (the crocodile bag helped), and that is what I personally see happening with normcore. People will visit the ugly or the “normal,” but will still maintain a sense of themselves, which is what clothing and trends are about really. What are your thoughts?

bisous, Mack.