i can see you but you can't see me

Last week The Everygirl posted a fashion feature highlighting three spring trends shown two ways as styled by the talented sister duo Darlene and Stephanie of Glitterary (they're from Alaska, living in Chicago, and damn do these two have talent–seriously check em out).

Anywho, one of the looks they did was “All White” and they ventured down to the Chicago Yacht Club to photograph it. The combination of white outfits against the blue water as a backdrop was brilliant. But what really caught my eye were the sunglasses red-haired Stephanie was wearing: they were a pair of aviators with blue reflective lenses (shown in the second photo below). I feel like I've seen colored and reflective sunglasses before but all of a sudden I feel like I'm at Coldstone Creamery deciding whether I like them, love them, or gotta have them. Likely the latter.

A quick Pinterest search for "reflective sunglasses" proved quite fruitful as all the big names in the fashion bizz are sporting these–including top blogger Sabrina Meijer of AftrDrk (shown in the green lenses) and my girl Viviana Volpicelli (donning the red)...

I can't say I'm craaaazy about the vibrant colorful hues; I think the green is a bit alien-esque. Odds are if I get a pair it will likely be in the blue or colorless variety.

Would you or have you sported this look? Fun for summer, no?

what is it with fall and bags?

how is it that anything worthwhile in fashion comes out in the fall? is it the rich hues of hunter green, navy, and cognac? the metallic sheens and leather accents? the luxe, cozy fabrics? or is it because i am unconditionally obsessed with this season (allergies be damned). whatever the reason, this new handbag collection - a collaboration from jane mayle and club monaco - has got me all excited. the fashion designer closed shop a few years back which makes this limited edition series of five styles all the more appealing.

one | two | three | four | five

i love the navy stripes on #5. which one would you pick?

kate and me

my kate spade polka dotted stick-on finger nails // xo ring by madison elizabeth designs

Over the past few years Kate Spade has continuously gotten better and better, embracing pattern, color, and the overly feminine (three things I love).  And based on what I saw for their spring and summer 2013 collection, the neon brights and bow-patterned dresses show no signs of stopping. But in the mean time, it's finally October, fall is here, and the countdown to the great holiday trifecta begins (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas)! And the folks over at Kate are trading in the candy-colored accessories for more muted - but equally fun and sparkly - accessories. My birthday is on Friday, so I thought I'd whip up a dream wishlist - nothing I need, but everything I'd want if that magical limitless Kate Spade gift card showed up on my doorstep.

(clockwise from top left) polka dot pumps | dazzle earrings | bow belt | dot watch | gold strappy heel | hunter green envelope bag | eyes iphone case | sunnies

What's on your Kate wishlist for fall?

7 of Chicago's Finest for Coach

It's true. Brights are the new neutrals.

And we were so thrilled when Coach reached out to us (The Everygirl) to help spread word on their colorful Legacy collection. We pitched the idea of featuring leading Chicago ladies and how they'd style the bags, and we were beyond thrilled with the talented, amazing bunch of women we got on board: Marie Whitney of Two Penny Blue, Lauren Buxbaum and Sasha Adler of Nate Berkus Associates, Lynne Bredfeldt of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Chicago, Dana Weiss of Possessionista.com, and Val Warner and Jessie Kalin of Windy City LIVE. Hello, kick-ass lady time! They all did such an awesome job, and our amazing photographer Jennifer Kathryn was her usual genius self behind the lens.

I have my own Candace Carryall in carnelian (fancy way of saying red) and I luuuurve it and carry it with me everywhere, including all around NYC last week. Yeah, that's me showin' some leg. Ow! Ow! Anyone ever eaten at Penelope Cafe in Midtown East? It was lovely. Speaking of fashion week - stay tuned for a complete style recap coming soon!

**And by Midtown East, I meant Murray Hill. My bad!

Coach photos by Jennifer Kathryn Photography for The Everygirl
last photo via Everygirl Instagram

...she also came with me to fashion week

the kate spade bag i've been wanting since last march went on super duper secret listserve-only sale the day after my new coach bag arrived. no need to tell me this was a superfluous purchase. i'm well aware and debated hitting the "submit purchase" button for a good 30 minutes. but it's hot pink and tufted and i love it. and i haven't bought myself a bag since i turned 21 (i'll be 27 on october 5).

happy birthday, self.