Undecided.

I Want You, Boutique 9

I am completely in lust.

I cannot stop thinking about Ildra (above) from the Boutique 9 collection at Nine West. I've thought of all the outfits I can pair them with, how perfectly they mesh with spring weather and how incredibly adorable they are.

The only problem: I can't quite rationalize spending $140 on a pair of shoes, even if they are my shoe soul mate. At my core, I am a bargain shopper (plus, I'm still trying to boycott Nine West since my last online shopping experience with them was simply dreadful).

Instead of purchasing my dear Ildra, I will post them here so I can come back and look at them when I'm having a bad day.

If there is a shoe God, I hope she discounts my Ildras at 60 percent.
xoxo,
Lisa Marie 

Suit up for Spring

 
Warmer weather makes my spirit brighter and fills my planner with festivities. Here are a few things I'm looking forward to this spring, what's in your planner?

• Ribfest Chicago - June 10-12, Northcenter
• Printers Row Lit Fest - June 4-5, Printers Row
• Kayaking - I missed the YouSwoop offer today but I hope to go before summer's end!
• Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays - May 23-July 25, Millennium Park

xoxo,
Lisa Marie 

Vintage Chicago: My Favorite Stores

I grew up in a house well-decorated with vintage items and antiques, which is where my appreciation for antiques probably began. I love when the old is merged with the new, especially in fashion and home decor.

After the leg of a beloved antique table broke off, the beau trusted B.J. Furniture & Antiques to put it back together. The store, 6901 N. Western Ave., is a gem. Their repair work is quick, reasonably priced and flawless; their customer service is amazing; and there are all kinds of goodies to look through!

Some other antique stores I enjoy:

• Hoard Antiques, 4710 N Damen. Eclectic. Awesome.
• Ravenswood Antique Mart, 4727 N Damen. Love, love, love the window displays!
• Brimfield, 5219 N Clark St. So warm and cozy.

What are your favorite vintage and antique shops? 
xoxo,
Lisa Marie 

*photo courtesy of B.J. Furniture & Antiques

British Designer Heads to Michigan Avenue

L.K. Bennett is headed to 900 N Michigan Ave, level three, this spring and it's bringing some fabulous clothes, shoes and accessories with it!

Here are some of my favorite finds from the British retailer:

                                                        Mirella sandal, about $280

Alexa blouse, about $152


Lalita necklace, about $152

I'm definitely a budget shopper but I can appreciate the finer items in the fashion world! For more information on the store's arrival, see my Examiner article.

xoxo,
Lisa Marie 

*photos courtesy of L.K. Bennett

Sunshine Make Me Bright

With the countdown to spring taking over my thoughts, here are some things that make me think of brighter days.

Milani's Pink Rocks and Fresh Teal nail colors. I went for the more subdued Goldie Locks today, which is peach and a nice combination of light color and sparkle.

Shell Pink and Vanilla Cream eye shadows from The Body Shop. A nice hint of color for those days when your sun-kissed face gives you a glow that makeup cannot replicate.

After a winter that seemed never-ending, I think Mother Nature owes all of us a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals for the spring and summer. Yes, please!

Spring is Sunday!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie 

*Photos courtesy of Milani, The Body Shop, Jimmy Choo