Frosty Silhouettes

Tobi X Melony Melrose—Part II

You know how sometimes you slip on a dress and suddenly feel like the baddest gal on the planet? That's how I feel in this dress.

This style post is the second of three collaborations I'm doing with online retailer Tobi. If you missed the first one, check it out here.

This LBD is from the brand's winter dress collection, and is an ideal choice for holiday parties and other black-tie occasions. But it could also be the perfect dress for wedding guests looking to be elegant and sexy while maintaining a simple profile as to not outshine the bride. It comes in three other colors, including blush, cream and orchid—perfect colors for the other seasons.

It has a sophisticated silhouette, but the leg slit and exposed back give it a sexy flair, and the bow on the hip helps accentuate your shape.

I paired it with some black leather pumps to embolden the look, though it also could go with flats. I was experimenting with camel-colored heels or white lace-up flats, but keeping the shoes black and solidifying a monotone look kept it simple and timeless. I added an elegant gold chain and the look was complete.

Outfit Destinations:

Gala

Black-tie event

Valentine's Day date

Dress: Tobi | Heels: Steve Madden

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

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A Periwinkle Winter

Tobi X Melony Melrose—Part I

With the holidays in full swing, finding outfits to wear to numerous parties and events can get overwhelming. It can sometimes feel like you're running out of options.

That's why I'm partnering with Tobi, an online retailer that sells clothing, shoes and accessories from brands like Steve Madden and Dolce Vita. Over the next two days, I'll be revealing more looks from Tobi's winter dress collection, so be sure to check back here for more fashion updates!

The dress I'm wearing below has reawakened my love for pastels. Though they are generally summer colors, they can be paired well with the monotone background of winter, especially in Chicago.

With a lavender lace overlay and beige mesh, the dainty style is perfect for dressy occasions. It has a built-in bra and hugs my body perfectly. (I'm wearing a small.) I paired it with simple jewelry like my new fav Swarovski ring and an Henri Bendel bangle. I kept the shoes simple as to be sure not to clash with the colors in the dress.

Outfit Destinations:

Holiday party

Wedding

Commencement 

Dress: Tobi | Heels: Madden Girl | Ring: Swarovski | Bangle: Henri Bendel

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

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Ultralight Beam

As my style has evolved, I have kept in mind the importance of simplicity and neutrality, two things that give garments longevity and ensure they will stay in style as trends pass.

The outfit I'm wearing below is one my favorites, precisely because it's simple and sleek. If you’re like me, you’re most comfortable in black. All black is always a great choice, though not so great to photograph. That’s why I switched out a black shirt for this asymmetrical lavender blouse. Manufactured by Zara, it gives my outfit an edge without taking it over the top.

I wore this outfit on a day out with my friends. We were shopping, stopping at Starbucks and even went on an apartment viewing. And later that night, it was the ideal outfit for a dinner date.

Identify your favorite neutral colors—like beige, grey, white, black and earth tones—and stick to them. Before you know it, everything in your wardrobe will match and you’ll have endless outfits.

Outfit Destinations:

Shopping center

Lunch

Apartment viewing

Back at it again with the Street Level Tote!

Shirt, Scarf & Jacket: Zara | Jeggings: Lucky Brand | Booties: Marc Fisher |

Street Level Tote: Urban Outfitters | Bracelet: Express

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Blank Space

My personal style is ever-changing. It can be so difficult sometimes to want to wear the same clothing I was wearing just last month. But one area where my tastes remain the same: Accessories. That's why I love this Marc Jacobs hobo so much. It's remained a staple for me since the fall, and I don't see it going out of style anytime soon. Durable, neutral and totally dreamy, it surpasses my expectations of a fabulous handbag.

Outfit Destinations:

Dinner

Movie theater

Shopping center

Shirt, Jeans & Coat: Zara | Booties: Steve Madden | Handbag: Marc Jacobs

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Is Canada Goose worth the investment?

When freezing temperatures hit and you’re looking for a winter coat, some of the obvious brands are The North Face, Columbia Sportswear and Eddie Bauer—all fairly affordable options when looking for a quality parka.

But one brand gaining popularity this season is Toronto-based Canada Goose, which charges more than $700 for down coats.

Recently I have been considering purchasing one, but I can’t help but think: Is it worth it?

Canada Goose manufactures their down material from geese and duck feathers—like many other brands—and lines their hoods with real coyote fur. They claim that all of their animal products are harvested ethically and that the coat will keep you warm even in the coldest places on Earth. I'm assuming that means Chicago.

I’m getting by with a suede Michael Kors coat and a short down coat made by Zara this winter. I also have an ankle-length Eddie Bauer parka, but I don’t particularly like it because it makes me look like I’m wrapped in a sleeping bag. Regardless, all three of these coats combined cost me less than what a Canada Goose would.

You can purchase a North Face parka anywhere from $250 to $400, and with the extra $400 to $500 you’d spend on the Canada Goose option, you could buy yourself a quality pair of boots, a scarf and a pair of gloves.

Before you consider purchasing one, make sure you've exhausted all of your other options and are sure it's the best coat for you. Canada Goose advertises itself as one of the warmest options on the market. It may be warm, but so are others.

Besides, it’s really not that stylish or unique and may pose ethical issues for those who choose not to wear real animal fur.

If Canada Goose made a model with a cinched waist and some fleece lining, I might just go ahead and buy it. But until then, I think I'll stick with what I already have. Maybe next winter I'll consider otherwise.

What are your thoughts? Tell me on Twitter.

Passing Slowly Through Winter

December was a fairly mild month for winter weather in Chicago, but January has been chilling me back to reality. It's certainly time to bundle up, which is why I've been regularly wearing this suede Michael Kors coat. I got an extremely good deal on it at T.J. Maxx, paying only $150 for what was originally a $300 coat. Don't underestimate that place, people!

Street Level Totes are some of the trendiest handbags on the market right now. This particular one doesn't belong to me. I borrowed it from Natalie in the City for this shoot, but I later bought my own and it's easily become one of my favorite bags.

This wool sweater has served as a winer staple for me. Manufactured by Anthropologie, this neutral piece is sophisticated and practical. It can be paired with many different kinds of pieces, like jeans and skirts.

Outfit Destinations:

Class

Dinner

Movie theater

Shirt: Zara | Sweater: Anthropologie | Jeans: Lucky Brand | Coat: Michael Kors | 

Booties: Marc Fisher | Fitbit: Tory Burch | Street Level Tote: Nordstrom

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }