Winter is finally fading away and spring is peeking its head through the Chicago gloom. At this time of year in Chicago, I always make sure that I'm carrying two things with me: a scarf and an umbrella. Layering is key during these transitional temps, so a light scarf is the perfect thing to throw on when you're running out the door. As for the umbrella, I do my best to be prepared for the sporadic spring showers that have a tendency to sneak up on us so I always make sure I have one in my tote …
OOTD
Black Turtleneck & Metallic Brocade
There's nothing quite like a statement piece when it comes to concocting the perfect outfit! Sometimes it's fun jewelry, occasionally it's bold lipstick, and other times it's a specific item of clothing. When I came across this Kate Spade skirt I was obsessed and I knew exactly how I wanted to style it! I added contrast with all black clothing (besides the skirt of course) and coordinated with the pattern by throwing on gold-toned accents and accessories. …
Austin Instagram Roundup
I've been sharing a lot of photos on Instagram from my recent trip to Austin, including the various outfits that I wore while I was there. When I was packing, I did my best to put together looks that I could mix and match. I didn't want to overpack! (I'm a serial over packer so this was no mean feat for me, BUT I'm happy to report that my suitcase was underweight both there and back. Which is an accomplishment for me in itself!) I've included links to all of the items in each outfit. …
Snake Booties on Central Ave
As winter wraps up and the first day of spring approaches (March 20th, come faster please!) the weather in Chicago becomes less and less predictable. Just this week we had a day in the high sixties with a day after it that was in the low thirties! With these crazy up and down temperatures layers are key whenever you're walking out the door. …
Why I Love My J.Crew Cocoon Coat
Living in Chicago, it's crucial to have a variety of coats for the colder months. Temperatures jump all over the place and weather patterns have a tendency to be unpredictable! Some days it can be negative twenty degrees and then the next day it can be as warm as fifty degrees! I have a decent selection of coats that I wear between mid-October and early April, but my J.Crew Cocoon Coat is by far my favorite! …
24 Dresses & Tops for Valentine’s Day
February is known as the month of love by many, thanks to Valentine's Day (which is in less than 10 days)! Whether you're planning a fun girls' night out to celebrate "Galentine's Day" or if you've got a hot date with your significant other, you've got to be ready to dress to impress. No matter the occasion, there's a look for you in this post! I've compiled twenty-four different dresses and tops in various shades of pink and red that are perfect for any v-day event. I found some fancy cocktail …
Winter Floral Fun – Six Year Blogiversary
Six years ago, on January 20th, 2012, I sat down at one of the computers in the basement lab of Loyola Academy (my high school) and published the first blog post to ever go live on Bowtiful Life. It was a very brief and simple introduction, just a few seemingly insignificant paragraphs. I had no idea as I pressed "publish" on that very first post that I'd be sitting here, 6 years later, still writing and creating content for Bowtiful Life. What a wild ride it has been!!! …
Pearl-fect Accents for a Little Black Dress
When it comes to jewelry and accessories, I LOVE pearl accents! There's something so delicate and feminine about them while also having a clean and chic look. This ring and these earrings were the perfect pairing for this little black dress! …
Why White is My Favorite Neutral
There's a cleanliness to white, a freshness, an ethereal quality. As artist Pierre Auguste-Renoir once said, "White does not exist in nature." (For those of you who never took Art History in high school or college, Renoir was a French artist during the Impressionist period, which is the period that many of my favorite pieces of art come from!) Although there's truly no such thing as a 100% pure white in nature, white is a color (or lack thereof) that remains a constant in fashion. …
My 2018 Mantras & NYE Outfit Inspo
I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas Eve and Day surrounded by your friends, families, loved ones, and lots of yummy food! After a few days off for the holidays, I'm back to share some of the mantras I'm keeping in mind for 2018 as well as some New Year's Eve outfit inspiration! …