Book Review-Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman

 

victoria-roberts-i-want-my-ashes-scattered-over-bergdorf-s-new-yorker-cartoon

Cartoon by Victoria Roberts

Based on the cartoon above, the book Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman, is a history of the famous department store along with personal stories by many designers, celebrities, and Bergdorf employees.

I had heard of the book before I picked it up (actually, I really spent a little time seeking it out due to my New York move) but I didn’t know a ton about it.  I wish that there had been more about the history of the store and more about how Bergdorf is run today.  I think that would be especially interesting given how much the retail world has changed in the last decade. The stories in the last section of the book become a bit repetitive and could have benefited from some editing.

That said, I may be nitpicking.  By the end of the book I’ve come to idolize Bergdorf’s and, now, dream of the day when perhaps my lingerie line could hang on their storied racks.

IMG_1037

Ultimately, the book is a bit of a long form advertisement for Bergdorf Goodman-but in a way that is quite endearing.  If you subscribe to the idea that retail therapy should be covered by health insurance this charming book is for you.

Friday Finds

It’s Friday (yay!) so it’s time for a quick roundup of some of my favorite things of the week!

Let’s get started with something important.  Shoes!

I’m totally coveting these Sophia Webster shoes.  The on trend pointy toe, the bright color, and the patent leather, which I am always a sucker for.

Sophia Webster Shoes

 

 

If you’re looking for all the fun of the color and shine those shoes provide at a more manageable price point may I suggest a little Sunday Funday from Essie’s latest collection?  This shimmery coral shade screams summer and so does it’s name.

Sunday Funday from Essie

Sunday Funday from Essie

And, because what would summer be without a beach read, I have two new book finds this week (hey, you’ve gotta do something while that nail polish dries).

I picked up Paris by Edward Rutherfurd.  If you have’t read any of this other books (Dublin, London, The Princes of Ireland…) you should check them out.  He takes the history of famous cities and weaves it in with the very human drama of a family.

This isn’t going to be a quick read, but judging by his other books, it should be a good one.

Bonus-this would make a great last second Father’s Day gift and then you could borrow it back from dad when he’s done.  Not that I’m planning on doing that or anything…

Paris

Paris

And a book that isn’t likely to be a good one for dad, The Devil Wears Revenge.

I’m picking this one up today.  Basically, its the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada.  The book picks up 10 years later with our main character Andy who appears to be living out her dreams running a bridal magazine and marrying the love of her life.  But all is not as rosy as it seems (because, duh, that wouldn’t make much of a book) and Andy has to go back and confront her devil.  Looking forward to reading this one.

revenge

What are your favorite finds of the week?

~Maggie

 

Friday Finds

My biggest find this week was clearly an apartment in New York.  But as that’s not really a relevant find for anyone else.  I haven’t had much time to spend online shopping this week but here are a few of the things that jumped out at me.

Net-a-Porter Sale While this isn’t a specific find, if you can’t find something you want at Net-a-Porter I don’t really want to know you.

takeover-banner

This white Asos dress. The mesh overlay is a more modern look on the lace trend that we’ve been seeing for the last few seasons.

Asos

Asos

 

I love these preppy pink shorts from J.Crew are perfect for summer.  Personally I like my shorts a little shorter but I realize that not everyone (or my mother) would agree.

J.Crew

 

 

Spring/Summer Trend Roundup

It finally seems as if the Chicago weather might actually be turning toward summer temperatures (though we still have to figure this whole “sunshine” thing out) so I thought it was time to talk summer fashion.

Here are a few of the trends I’ll be wearing as the summer starts.

Summer Black-This might be the easiest, most wearable trend ever.  After several seasons of white being a trend its time to break out your LBD again!  The best think about this trend is that there really is a little black dress for every shape and every occasion.

In fact, you probably already have one in your closet.  But, just in case you want to buy something new, I’d check out this DVF dress on ShopBop.  I love the drop waist and you can wear this day or night depending on how you style it.

DVF Drop Waist Dress

DVF Drop Waist Dress

 

Stripes- The obvious way to wear this trend is nautical, and you really can’t go wrong with a little striped sweater or t-shirt.  However, if you want to do something different I think that this Hive and Honey dress on Piperlime is a great choice.  Not quite stripes, not quite chevron but very modern.

Hive and Honey Dress from Piperlime

Hive and Honey Dress from Piperlime

 

Floral Prints- Florals are everywhere this year.  If you think that you’re not a floral girl you can take a riff from the more graphic versions seen on the runway like this Asos one that mixes a kaleidoscope like pattern with a little black color blocking to toughen it up.

Floral Bodycon Dress from Asos

Floral Bodycon Dress from Asos

 

Skater Skirts-This one is from Bloomingdales but I also saw quite  a few at Urban Outfitters the other day that were a little more casual.

Skater Skirt from Bloomingdales

Skater Skirt from Bloomingdales

 

What trends are you loving this season?

~Maggie

Friday Finds

Here’s a quick roundup of the things that I’m loving this week.

These Steve Madden shoes.  They are totally, inappropriately high and I am aware that I will look sort of absurd in them but I don’t care.  I bought these (on sale!) at the Steve Madden store in Bucktown.  You can look for me tottering around Chicago in them all summer.

Steve Madden Xternal

Steve Madden Xternal

 

Nars is always my go to for lip gloss and this has become my trusty new color for spring.  There’s a reason they call it “larger than life lipgloss” but don’t be afraid.  Though you can layer this lipgloss to a very bright and bold finish, you can start out with just a dab and use your finger to blend it into more of a sheer stain like look which allows you to use this gloss for both day and night looks.

 

Nars Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Place Vendome

Nars Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Place Vendome

 

 

At $580 this Missoni swim suit isn’t exactly in my budget (and no, I didn’t buy it) but I spotted it on Net-a-Porter and it was too cute not to buy.

Honestly, at this point I’d be glad to glad to drag out my Target swimsuit if it meant that it was warm enough to wear it in Chicago.  Currently at 42 degrees as I’m typing this.  Sigh. A girl can dream.

Backless Missoni Swimsuit

Backless Missoni Swimsuit

What were your favorite finds this week?

~Maggie

What could be more chic than custom shoes?

 

 

File-1368567436

Sort of a trick question because of course, the answer is nothing-unless you answered custom shoes at half price.

Living Social has a deal for Chromatic Gallerie this week-50% off your order.  I’d never heard of this company before but as a shoe lover it seemed like it was my duty to check it out.  The shoes come in three different heel heights, 45 colors, and 4 different materials.

Although the styles are more basic than groundbreaking, they would be perfect for brides and bridesmaids -they even offer discounts when you buy multiples of the same shoe!

scarlet-fever-4-inch-front

 

Photos from the CG website

Wai Ming Trunk Show at Roslyn

Wai Ming '13 invite

Looking for something fashiony to do tomorrow?  Head to Roslyn between 1 and 5 pm.

It’s a little short notice but Parson’s graduate Emily Brady Koplar will be in the store showing her spring/summer 2013 collection.  And there will be sparkling wine.

Located in Bucktown, Roslyn is always  worth stopping by.  With brands like Vera Wang’s Lavender Label hanging along side independent designers this boutique is one of my go to’s for formal wear.  If you’re not acquainted with this shop now’s a great time to check it out!

~Maggie

Roslyn main

Roslyn-2035 N Damen Ave. Chicago