I’m an avid blog reader (my Bloglovin’ account resembles the yellow pages), but sometimes life gets in the way, and I’ll go week without reading certain sites. However, there are a select few reads that I squeeze in regardless of how hectic my day is. At the top of that list is Sequins & Stripes, a Chicago-based blog that reflects my taste to a T! Liz is cute as a button and has that magic ability to put together outfits that are both classic and on trend. It’s no surprise she works as a stylist—what is a surprise is that I haven’t hired her yet…help me, Liz! Plus, she creates the cutest graphics: She’s mastered the art of simplicity. I strongly suggest you check out Sequins & Stripes and follow Liz on Instagram—prepare to be inspired. (And Liz, if you’re reading this, let’s meet for lunch and a shopping sesh soon.)

Who is a blogger that you would love to have lunch with?

XO,

Casey

Lincoln Park Zoo Ball has topped the Skirt PR list of favorite summer events in Chicago for a few years, and we’re confident this year will be no exception! Seriously, with a theme like “Wild at Heart” and silent auction prizes (including a trip to South Africa and a Neiman Marcus shopping spree – hello!), it’s bound to be one for the record books.

As we kick off the final countdown to the event (23 days!), three Chicago fashion bloggers have put together stylish looks that are emblematic of the “Wild at Heart” theme. Take a peek at all three looks below and then head to the LP Zoo Ball Facebook page to cast your vote by liking or commenting on your favorite photo. The blogger with the most votes will win a pair of tickets to Zoo Ball, which means lots of fun Instagram photos and maybe even a blog post recapping their wild night!

For more information about Lincoln Park Zoo Ball, visit www.lpzooball.org or follow @lpzooball on Twitter.

We can’t be the only ones who love seeing what items other people are lusting over, right? Today, executive office director Christine Bosnjak gives us a glimpse at ten items that are currently on her wish list:

1) Dana Rebecca Diamond Bar Earrings: I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of bar earrings, and these are definitely it! I do have a birthday coming up…

2) Yayoi Forest Black Diamond Ring: I want everything from Catbird (who doesn’t?), and this ring would be a nice start.

3) Madewell Satchel: I spent an hour admiring this bag at Madewell; you can even personalize it with your initials. Love!

4) Madewell Dress: A wish list of mine would not be complete without multiple Madewell items. This dress would match the satchel well, no?

5) Zara Shoes: I started an unhealthy and expensive addiction ever since I found out I could actually fit my size 11 feet into Zara shoes a few months ago. Since then, I’ve purchased three pairs of their heels, and I’d like to add these to that collection of shoes I never wear.

6) Jonathan Adler Letter Pillow: Yes, another personalized initial item on my wish list. How much is too much to spend on a pillow?!

7) Taylor Swift: The Red Tour: I already have three-day tickets to Lollapalooza and will be attending The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, so what more do I need? Tickets to see Taylor Swift at Soldier Field in August, obviously. Let’s add a 12-year-old girl to my wish list so it looks like I’m just chaperoning.

8) Vacation: One of the perks of working at Skirt is three weeks of vacation time. I’d love to spend some of those days lying on a beach in Croatia this summer!

9) Chanel Cap-Toe Ballerina Flats: These are one of those items that will forever be on my wish list. Sigh.

10) Chandelier (or, just one of everything please?): Jayson Home is my own personal heaven; I could spend hours there just browsing. This chandelier is perfection.

The minute it gets warm outside, I switch from sweaters to dresses and from boots to heels. Since the weather in Chicago is so unpredictable, I paired this look with one of my favorite jackets. I found the dress and jacket last year – proving that some trends work for a few seasons! – and I snagged the shoes from a GILT sale (What can I say? I’m obsessed).

What are your favorite spring-to-summer pieces?

XO,

Whitney

(Yes, that is Mrs. Lilien’s cocktail swatchbook peeking out from behind!)

How you style your cart is almost as important as the piece itself. Here are some of the images I looked to for inspiration. Get ready to serve, mixologist mavens! 

via // I love how Miss Renaissance blogger Eva styled her gorgeous brass piece with pops of pink. And those teacup candles? Feminine and fantastic.

via // Simple, organized, and adorable. I stumbled upon another rendition of my beloved bar cart. The stacked books add height and style – a winning combination.

via // Lucite lovers, search no more. How gorgeous is this Jan Showers creation? Working a lamp into the styling mix is chic and functional, and I love all of the crystal glassware and buckets.

via // I’m of the mindset that Pellegrino and lemons make everything look better. An oversized wheel doesn’t hurt either!

Your turn! How do you style your bar cart?

XO,

Katelyn

We can’t be the only ones who love seeing what items other people are lusting over, right? Today, social media maven Dana Farber gives us a glimpse at ten items that are currently on her wish list:

1) Burberry Biker-Style Wellington Boots: I’ve secretly always wanted to let my inner “Sons of Anarchy” out with a pair of biker boots AND I always ruin my shoes in Chicago’s torrential downpours, so these seem pretty amazing!
2) 10-Season Box of “Friends”: While I can recite every line from every season of “Friends,” my DVD collection still does not feel complete without this box set. Could it BE any more amazing?!
3) Clarisonic Skin-Cleansing Brush: Every beauty blogger I stalk read is obsessed with this, and I’m nothing if not a follower.
4) Jonathan Adler Pisces Zodiac Pillow: I’m a huge horoscope buff, and I pretty much believe anything I read, so why not have a constant reminder of my gullibility on my couch?
5) The Original Barbie Doll: I remember when I was a little girl and my mom had custom Barbie clothes made for all my dolls, because the ones sold at Toys“R”Us were just not good enough. Plus, how amazingly fierce was old school Barbie before she met Ken? #singleladies
6) Cartier Love Bracelet: If my future husband is reading this, take note for our anniversary. If not, then Mom, have I told you how much I love you lately?
7) ’80s Purple Ray-Ban Wayfarers: So I can live out my lingering Andrew McCarthy in “Weekend at Bernie’s” fantasies.
8) $1,000,000 iTunes Gift Card: I hate the idea of illegally downloading music, but I also hate paying for my ridiculously large music library, so anyone who has a million dollars to spare is more than welcome to buy me an iTunes gift card.
9) Macarons: Just all the macarons.
10) A date with Leonardo DiCaprio circa “Romeo + Juliet”: Please and thank you.

What’s on your wish list right now?

XO,

Dana

I just got this new skirt from ASOS; it’s another indulgence for my serious obsession with drop-waist ruffles this season. Don’t tell Lauren Berg, but I think I’m going to let her borrow it for one of her many upcoming wedding functions! Here, I paired it with a J. Crew button-down and Steve Madden heels.

What trend are you loving for summer?

XO,

Caryn

The Best Summertime Sangria

Last summer I threw the BEST Fourth of July party (yes, I’ll go ahead and pat myself on the back!). In all fairness, it may have been due to the sangria. As a self-professed Pinterest junkie, I was on the hunt for a festive mix that would be easy to make in large quantities. I came across a recipe that I tweaked to perfection…Feel free to add it to your book of tricks!

Ingredients:
Sliced strawberries
Blueberries
Diced pineapple
(The amount of fruit is up to you – but I used about a handful of each)
2 bottles dry white wine (I prefer Sauvignon Blanc because it is one of the driest, crispest wines – it has a well-balanced acidity with a hint of fruit!)
1 cup Triple Sec
1/2 cup Smirnoff Dragon Berry Vodka
1/2 cup simple syrup
Juice of two large lemons

Mix all the ingredients together and let the mixture settle in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Then, serve in a pretty glass! Or, if you want the sangria to-go, (movie in the park, anyone?!), sift out the fruit and pour the mixture back into the wine bottles!

What’s your go-to summer cocktail recipe? Let us know in the comments and @SkirtPR!

XO,

Whitney

Here are a few songs that I’m currently into and a few that have popped back onto my playlist! Note: I haven’t had a chance to hear the new Daft Punk album yet, so I apologize because I’m sure I should have something from that featured below…!

Dan Croll – From Nowhere

I believe critics are describing his music as, “folkie-endorsed electronic music,” but I just like the overall vibe of this song. You’ve got to love anyone who says he’s influenced by Paul Simon and Burt Bacharach.

Alt-J – Breezeblocks

(OF course) I heard this song while shopping at American Apparel and instantly had to track it down. I love that this music is described as “folk-tronica” and think they offer solid vocals, good beats and some fun instrumentals.

Lumineers – Stubborn Love

As far as I’m concerned, my husband is the master of music. When he suggests a band — I listen. So, when he started playing The Lumineers waaaaay before “Hey Ho” became what it is, he loved “Stubborn Love.” It has become an instant classic in our house. 

The Wombats – Jump Into The Fog

This song reminds me of something I would find on the soundtrack to a great John Hughes movie because of its new wave ’80s sound. I can picture the Brat Pack dancing to it, which makes me smile!

 Phoenix – Trying to be Cool

Like the movie, “Jerry Maguire,” this title had me at hello. If you like the regular version, you may also like the funked-up version that Breakbot recently created, too!

What are you listening to right now? Let us know in the comments and @SkirtPR!

XO,

Adrienne

On Katie: H&M top (similar), H&M collared shirt (similar), Theory jeans (similar), Velvet Angels shoes (similar)

Let’s talk about peplum for a minute: I’m not 100% sure where it came from, but I’m obsessed and want more! I scored this little floral number at H&M and paired it with a collared shirt (also from H&M; sorry I’m not sorry – love that place!) and my favorite Theory white jeans. My shoes are by Velvet Angels and look pretty fierce – am I right?

 Have you found any great pieces on the cheap lately? Spill!

XO,

Katie