Derby style.

When your friend asks you to participate in a Derby shoot and your only requirement is to find a fancy dress and a big floppy hat...you oblige. It gets better. You daintly sip Stella Artois Cidre with seven of your favorite pals over a delectable lunch at one of Chicago's hottest spots - Fig and Olive. The answer is yes! yes! yes!

Not a bad way to kill your lunch break on a Thursday. Just sayin!

The food, in a word, amazing! And colorful! And perfectly Spring-y!

Plenty of laughs were had as we tried to "appear" ladylike on Oak Street with the wind whipping our dresses up over our heads. No big deal. We do this allllll the time. (so not model material!) It was a blast though and who doesn't like fancy dresses and hats all in the name of the Kentucky Derby?

I had to share despite the races taking place on Saturday. Too much color makes it too good not to share! Happy Monday!

Shop my outfit below:

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Diner en Blanc
Diner en Blanc

What’s white, chic and rosé all over? I’ll tell you! It’s Chicago’s Dîner en Blanc! Truly my favorite night of this summer and also a first for Jack and I. I’ve been hearing about it for years but this was our year to finally take part in the festivities.

Grid system.
Grid system.

Two things about New York:

  1. It’s incredibly hot in July.

  2. It’s impossible to get lost if you know about the grid system.

Intricate.
Intricate.

Life is intricate and one dress does not fit all occasions. That was a major life lesson for me over the years. Some are flirty and some are for business. This is my “get down to business dress.” I found it at Vici, no longer available, but I’ve linked some fun alternatives if you like the cut and style. Regardless, if you like their price points, they have a myriad of lace options that are perfect for summer. Most of their clothes fit TTS for me which seems to be the consensus with most bloggers.

Summer strolls.
Summer strolls.

Summer speeds up and slows down all at the same time for me. Yes, there are endless activities, parties and sleepovers but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The “slow” usually hits right around July; specifically on the weekends. Lazy backyard BBQs, bike riding and a heavy dose of strolling. And when I say strolling…I really mean strolling. One of our favorite Saturday activities is to plan an event and a city lunch. This is where the strolling comes in. Walking the neighborhoods at our own pace is probably my single, most favorite pastime.

Dinner date.
Dinner date.

If I am going to add a print anywhere in the wardrobe mix, it’s undoubtedly going to be cheetah. A little bit sassy and a whole lotta fun. This is my ideal summer night outfit, too. A simple, well made tank with a flouncy skirt. Add a denim jacket for layered warmth and you’re good to go.

Zip and go.
Zip and go.

After our March trip across the pond, I became passionate about some of the new labels I stumbled upon. Conditions Apply was one of them; also carried at Anthropologie. Known for their whimsical prints and strong use of color, it was just the brand my closet needed to take a break from my uniform B&W routine. And while you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, I can vow that the two pieces I now own will become permanent fixtures in my closet.

Vacant.
Vacant.

Fashion should be fun. I’ve been so uninspired lately. I have to tell you. Casual items - my wish list is long. Dressier options - not so much.

It's my birthday week! ...and 6 things that no longer scare me about getting old.
It's my birthday week! ...and 6 things that no longer scare me about getting old.

Birthdays are always a time for reflection aren’t they? This year, no milestone, just another trip around the sun. It’s been anything but boring though. I can assure you of that. Eminent growth, many rewarding wins and only a few tough moments. Nothing to complain about, right? Exactly!

Brunching BAEs.
Brunching BAEs.

How was your Mother’s Day? Admittedly, mine was perfect and I am not saying that in a braggadocios manner at all. I asked for two things this year: an excellent, champagne-filled brunch and a nice, long nap. I got both so color this momma happy.

Okay with today.
Okay with today.

Last week I posted 21 facts about me that my Insta fam may or may not have known. Original post found here. Needless to say, I was really surprised at the responses. All loving, incredibly sweet and relatable which got me thinking… “How did I get here? How did I find my inner confidence to put myself out here?”

FashionJohanna GrangeOutfit of the Day, Let's Get Dressed, dresses, Saks, designers, Louboutin, shoes, blogging, friends, accessories9 Comments