Casual Menswear

- Express Sweater, Banana Republic Pants, Aldo Shoes, Oakley Sunglasses, Fossil Watch -

I like to pretend I know about menswear, but it fascinates it how much more there is to learn about the coordination of colors when pairing two simple silhouettes. Here, I have Cecil Thomas (also featured on Saffluence) who is in a simple V-neck sweater coupled with a pair of navy blue pants. By choosing to wear a more dressy material for the bottoms, the opportunity to be liberal with the choice of shoes is great. Unlike wearing denim jeans, the fabric of these pants make the whole outfit look a lot more sophisticated and clean than typical daily wear.

Warming Up

- Victoria Secret Coat, Zara Leggings, Aldo Booties (similar here), H&M Scarf (similar here), Ray Ban Aviators -

After a month of negative temperatures, the weather in Chicago has finally taken a turn for the better. The high of today is 43 and it wouldn't be a shock to me if I were to see someone outside without a coat. The way I choose to embrace the warmer temperature is by wearing a quarter-sleeve sweater under a faux-fux vest with my all-time favorite thick leggings. I found this pair at Zara few years ago and it has been serving as the perfect pants as it is thicker than typical leggings and thinner than jeans.

Photos by Cecil Thomas

Do you have a pair of perfect pants?

Interior Architecture

Previously, I had compiled some room elements and decor for my ideal bedroom and living room so, it only seemed appropriate to do the same thing for my ideal dining room. Here is my third installment of Interior Architecture with pieces from Zgallerie and Crate and Barrel.

1. Sweet Nothings Art ($399.95)

2. Bellina Chandelier ($399)

3. Metropolitan Tray ($79)

4. Buddha Fountain ($199)

5. French Kitchen Table ($1,499)

6. Echeveria Stem ($32.85)

7. Lola Chair ($269)

8. Versailles Rug ($299.95)

9. Napkin Ring ($19.80)

10. Court Dinnerware Set ($1.95-$4.95)

What is your favorite part of the dining room?

Pretty Pleasures

- Just some coral roses to brighten up the snow gloom -

Life is short and the time to live and prosper is now. If you want to take that trip to Europe that you shouldn't spend money on? Do it anyway. If you want to rent out a boat and take a ride with your friends, what's stopping you? Forget the inconveniences in your life and embrace a more liberating experience that may give you the memories of a lifetime. 

- Channeling my natural, fresh face (sans makeup) for the #PerfectlyNatural movement started by Mary Thushara-

- The Drake Hotel -

- Sure wouldn't mind some (via Pinterest) -

- Missing the cherry blossom trees from Boston -

Sensing Scents

I was never a huge proponent of collecting multiple scents up until recently. Being in the corporate world, I find it very important to have a scent that is sophisticated yet personable for that environment. But when it is time to step out, I usually don't hold back. Here are some of my favorite scents I can't go without.

1. Prada Candy ($84)

2. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia ($60)

3. Donna Karan Cashmere Mist ($70)

4. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black ($75)

5. Ralph Lauren Romance ($68)

6. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb ($80)

7. Chanel N5 ($120)

What are your favorite scents?

Valentine Peonies

Images via Pinterest

In the spirit of Valentine's Day and for what it's worth, I had the urge to round-up the most important component I look forward to on the day - flowers. As much of a chocolate-junkie I am, flowers have a different way of portraying love and kindness in a simple, but finer way. Lately, I have been obsessing even more about pink peonies and the different types they come in, which led me to share some of the pretty arrangements I have found on Pinterest here.

Do you have a favorite type of flower?