J. Crew Chambray Shirt + J. Crew Crewcuts Moon Dot Twill Skirt + Kate Spade Linette Pumps + Tory Burch Clara Satchel
Friday, July 31, 2015
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Interview with Kelly of Kelly in the City
Meet Kelly Larkin! She's the lovely blogger behind Kelly in the City!
 |
| Couldn't resist throwing in a picture of Noodle, her dog, who might just be the cutest thing ever. |
Kelly's blog is one of the few that I read every day. I love all her outfits and her beautiful photography of Chicago, where she moved to from New York with her husband, Mitch, and her dog, Noodle. (a tidbit about Noodle- she's practically famous! See her very own Instagram @noodleinthecity) Kelly is definitely one of my favorite bloggers, and she's incredibly sweet.
The fact that I had the opportunity to interview Kelly made me so honored, happy, and freakin excited. I look up to her for style wisdom and inspiration, so the chance to chat with her was such a wonderful experience that I enjoyed thoroughly. She was so kind to answer a few questions about her life, style, and everything else behind Kelly in the City. Enjoy!
What is one of your favorite things to do/visit in Chicago?
One of my favorite things to do in Chicago is visit the harbors and go out on the water. No one ever told me how blue Lake Michigan would be... and I'm constantly amazed by how much it resembles the ocean in tropical locations!
What does "modern-day preppy" style mean to you, and what are some of your essentials?
I suppose "Modern Day Preppy Style" just means putting a twist on traditional preppy styles, or infusing them with current trends. Some of my essentials are a classic black dress, because the styling opportunities are endless; a tote that goes with everything; pearls, because they class up and dress up nearly any look; and Jack Rogers sandals.
Do you think there are any misconceptions people have about preppy style?
I think the main misconception about preppy style is that it's expensive. True preppy style, in my opinion, is not about owning a ton of stuff. It's about owning a few classic pieces that don't go out of style and therefore can be worn again and again. In the end, they actually save you money.
What does your post creation process typically consist of?
I’m not sure I have a process at all. I’m most inspired late at night, from about 10 PM until 2 AM, and find that my writing is far better when I do it then. I certainly don’t stay up until the wee hours of the morning on a daily basis, but I do have a couple of super late nights every week.
In terms of how most posts are structured, I typically write about what’s going on in my life—whether it’s something exciting or something completely ordinary—and touch upon what I’m wearing in the photos and what trends, products, sales or companies I’m currently loving. Other posts have nothing to do with fashion, and are simple recaps of trips I’ve taken or events I’ve attended. And others are just about what’s on my mind.
So I suppose I don’t have a real process—or format—that I adhere to. But that, in my opinion, is what makes blogging so wonderful. I don’t necessarily need to include a lede, an interesting quote from an expert, or an eye-catching graphic. How fun!
What is one of the hardest parts of starting a successful blog?
I think that one of the biggest challenges is not comparing yourself or your blog to others. Certainly draw inspiration from others’ work, but remember that your differences make your little slice of the internet stand out. Stay true to yourself and your style, and write and post about what inspires you. Be honest and real, and be proud of who you are and the life that you have. No one wants to read about a fake life! (Well, I suppose some people do. Fiction is still pretty popular, haha. But I’m sure you get my point.)
Your photos are so lovely! What are some of your favorite locations to shoot at, and some outfit-picture tips?
Thank you! Honestly, I shoot wherever is convenient on that particular day. While I'd love to go shoot in different locations all over Chicago, that would take a lot of time and planning--and I fear I'd burn out quickly. ;) I also want my blog and photos to be authentic depictions of what my life is really like, so I simply tuck my camera in my bag and shoot wherever I am that day!
In terms of the photos themselves, I shoot with a Nikon DSLR and 50mm lens. (Though I'm hoping to switch to a Canon and a 35mm in the coming year!) I'm terrible at posing, but I try my best to look as natural as possible in pictures. Still getting the hang of that!
Who's your style icon, and what do you collect inspiration from?
My style icons are my mom, grandmother, aunt and cousins. I also collect inspiration from the city streets, other bloggers, and Pinterest!
Since starting Kelly in the City, what have been your biggest "pinch-me" moments?
Since starting my blog, I think my biggest "pinch me" moments have been attending events around New York and Chicago. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd ever attend a fashion show at Fashion Week, for example, or visit some of the venues and restaurants I've visited. I'm beyond grateful for these experiences, and know that I wouldn't have them without my amazing readers! :)
Thank you so much Kelly!
~~~
If you don't already follow Kelly (which I would highly recommend), you can check out her blog and Instagram here!
Shop Kelly's style from these pictures:
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Salted Caramel Shake {featuring Quest}
I don't do a lot of food posts on this blog, so this is a little bit offbeat for me, but this shake is so good, it would almost be mean to keep it from you all.
I love Quest Nutrition. They are most famous for their delicious, healthy Quest protein bars in amazing flavors (can you say COOKIE DOUGH???) which have a cult following. They also produce wonderful protein powders, snacks, and more. All of their products are high in protein and low in sugar.
In addition to a few of their Quest Bar flavors, which are wonderful to start the day off right or fuel yourself after a workout, I've also tried a few other products like Quest pasta and two of their protein powders, the Chocolate and Peanut Butter flavors. Both are super good and blend really well into a thick, creamy, and delicious shake.
With the release of two new flavors of protein powders in addition to their delicious flavors, the kind team over at Quest Nutrition was so sweet to send me a few of their new protein powder shake packets to try out!
This recipe uses the new Salted Caramel packet. Blended with your milk of choice (I use Silk unsweetened cashew milk), ice, and a pinch of salt and baking soda (this is for flavor, just trust me), it creates a healthy, decadent, and delicious milkshake with a serious nutritional punch.
Let's shake it!
 |
| P.S. The photographed shake is about half the recipe: my cute lil milkshake glass wasn't big enough to fit the entire thing in! So this is half of the shake, the rest was in my blender. :-) |
Salted Caramel Protein Shake
Serves 1
1/4 cup Quest Salted Caramel Protein Powder (about 2/3 of a packet)
1 cup milk of choice
1/2 cup ice
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp baking soda
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Add in more ice as needed. To chill it after blending, refrigerate for 20+ minutes or put it in the freezer for 5 minutes. You can also drink it immediately!
Protein: 16 grams - Calories: 92 - Fat: 2 grams (0 grams Saturated) - Sugars: <1 gram *
Bon appétit! Stay tuned for another Quest recipe coming soon!
 |
| Sneak peek... |
This post was brought to you by Quest Nutrition. I was sent samples of Quest protein powder for sample and review. All opinions are honest and my own.
*Nutrition info depends on the milk you used. This was calculated with Silk Unsweetened Cashew.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Shell Me About It
You might have seen from Instagram (or my last outfit post ;-) that I spent a little vacation in Hawaii! I had so much fun on my two week vacation. The first I stayed in Honolulu on Oahu, which I usually visit twice a year (once during summer and once during winter for Christmas and the New Years). The second week I spent on the Big Island, starting in Kona then kicking back and relaxing at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort.
I love the Waikoloa Resort! It's incredibly gorgeous, complete with gardens, beaches, pools, lagoons, canals, shops, restaurants, and a spa (which I enjoyed particularly!) They even had a boutique with Lilly Pulitzer resort wear, and I couldn't resist adding this top to my vacation wardrobe. I had already brought along two Lilly dresses, one Lilly skirt, and four Lilly clutches, so needless to say my outfits in Hawaii were quite bright!
The shell print of the top called for some nautical accessories, so I added striped rope wedges and KJP bracelets, along with my absolute FAVORITE pair of sunnies. (thanks, Polette!)
I really loved my time at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, and I can't wait to go back. If you ever visit, I highly recommend getting a facial or treatment at the Kohala spa, stopping by Na Hoku jewelry to ogle at the gorgeous pieces (pearls galore!), and kicking back by the pool to relax.
For grabbing a bite to eat: I loved the acai bowl from Waikoloa Coffee Co. The Lagoon Grill has a great island veggie wrap, and their vegan burger also looked delish. If you stop by Kamuela Provisions Co, the organic local greens salad is delicious. And don't forget to grab a scoop to enjoy at the Marble Slab Creamery! The passion orange guava sorbet is fresh and delicious.
Lilly Pulitzer Karrie Crew Neck Top in Shell Me About It + Gap Full Panel Boyfriend Shorts + Kate Spade Boardwalk Wedges in Stripe + Tory Burch Mini Kira in Indian Rose Champagne + c/o Polette Vikki Sunglasses + Kiel James Patrick Vickers Bow in Nantucket Summer Regatta + Kiel James Patrick Turk's Head Mariner and Cape Hoge Bay Bracelet
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Monday, July 13, 2015
Hawaii Snapshots - Summer 2015 pt. 1
 |
| Bracelet: Kiel James Patrick |
 |
| Ala Moana Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii |
 |
| Sunglasses: Polette ℅ Tee: Tory Burch |
 |
| Berries on the beach |
 |
| Shorts: David Lerner Shoes: Ferragamo Bag: Louis Vuitton |
 |
| Vegan Acai, Coconut, and Matcha Soft Serve with Organic Berries |
 |
| The Original Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation (also vegan!) |
 |
| Accomplishment- completed the maze in 29 minutes with my best friend. So much fun! |
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
