Falls Hottest Trend: Wide Leg Pants: My Favorite Picks

If you haven't already noticed the return of the wide leg pant this fall, well then you have no business reading this blog due to the fact that you must be living under a rock with no access to a computer, magazine, or any sort of human contact.
I personally am a fan of the wide leg pant, and have already invested in 4 pairs. Wow, writing that down makes it so much more real, and surely I'll be kicking myself in t-minus 6 months when Vogue deems wide leg pants are officially OUT. Bummer. BUT, for NOW, I feel great about so let's focus on that! There are some fun things to do with wide legs, I personally recommend keeping them on the long side and wearing with heels. Due to their wideness, they can make one look shorter and wider when shortened and worn with flats. This, of course, is not the case for all of you ladies out there over the height of 5'8"...some of us aren't blessed with the skinny and tall model-esque genes..you can of course wear them with flats and still look tall, thin, and amazing. For those of you like me who lack some inches, leave those babies long and wear with heels. You'll look long and lean, and if they're high waisted, as many of my new wide leg trousers are, your legs appear 100000 miles long when really they're not, and let's be honest..who DOESN'T want that?!?
Here are some of my favorite picks for the season at some different price points for you fashionistas out there...
Also, here's a tip, wide leg trousers and red pants are 2 of the falls hottest trends...do I smell a mix and match situation? I dare say I do. Why not kill two of falls trendiest trends in one!? (that way when they BOTH go out of style at least you won't have invested in both separately! Genius or what? I know right.)

Alice and Olivia Wide Leg Pants from Shopbop.com

I think these are gorgeous. Definitely more difficult to wear given they're extreme wide leg and pleated design, and are not for the faint of heart. But for those of you who like to take risks and go all out, these are the wide legs for you. They drape beautifully and can be seriously dressed up (think cocktail party with beaded shirt, or chunky jewels) which makes them so versatile. They also happen to be 50% off so hurry and get your pair!

Jbrand Bette Wide Leg Trouser in Merlot from Intermix

These I absolutely LOVE (and am wearing today!) They are so comfortable and SO cute. You can get them in denim for a super 70's vibe as well through Jbrand's website. I'm wearing mine with a tucked in black silk shirt, a super drapey Helmut Lang leather jacket, high heels, and some fun bracelets. It's a great pant for day or night!

Zara Palazzo Trousers $59.99 (in red, blue, green, and black)

I personally love these in the green! I think it's a beautiful color for fall. I also love how Zara styled it with an over sized sweater for a sexy, laid back look for day time and definitely work appropriate. They're also easy to dress up with a silkier shirt, heels, and some great jewelry.

Diane Von Furstenberg Rein Ann Wide Leg Pants on Shopbop.com (Black or Red)

DVF, you've done it again. Your impeccable tailoring make me yearn for your store to be my personal closet. These pants need no introduction, nor styling suggestions. They will go with everything, whenever and wherever. Simply beautiful. Check them out in red too, they are absolutely gorgeous!

Nina Ricci Velvet Wide Leg Pant from Netaporter.com

These Nina Ricci's are definitely the most expensive of my picks for the wide leg trouser, but aren't they just beautiful. The crushed green velvet will almost look black in some light, yet with movement show off the hunter green hues that make these pants extremely special. I would pair with sparkles to dress up for an evening on the town or a cocktail party!

There you have it Fashionistas of Chicago...My picks for this falls trendiest trouser, the Wide Leg Pant. Bonus point: the wide leg allows the ability to layer underneath for the frigid winter we have been forecasted to have (ugh)!

Which are your favorites? Are you investing in some wide legs this season??

The Kourtney Kardashian Bun: The Perfect Fall (and Rainy Day) Hair-do

This lovely miserable rainy weather that we had yesterday and looks like we will be having in the next few weeks brings with it many gifts. Let's list some off; having to carry umbrellas everywhere, chunky rainboots must be subbed in in place of our adorable shoes, and, my favorite of them all, ruining any chance of a cute hair day! If you're like me, the humidity alone seems to penetrate inside my hair creating a pouf of ugly that is untamable and unfixable in rainy weather. Not to mention the days I so often forget my umbrella and the nasty misty rain falls directly atop my hair creating, once again, a frizzy hair disaster.
As I watched the Kim's Fairy Tale Wedding 2-day, 4 hour special on E! (Don't act like you didn't tune in too) I payed close attention to Kourtney Kardashian (as I always do...she's got the cutest clothes, cutest baby, and cutest hair styles so naturally I gravitate..). I digress, I had always noticed her fun top bun (see picture below), and the many times I tried mine looked like a tiny lump on top of my head. A major hair DON'T. Clearly the problem here was lack of length of hair. If you're like me and have not quite long but not quite short hair, attempting this hair-do will land you looking like a fool with a tiny, non-bun bun on the top of your head. I looked like I had the amount of hair as a newborn, and thus I gave up on the top-of-the-head bun. Now, fast forward to this past weekend while I was watching the wedding, and once again was bitten with the Kourtney Kardashian Bun bug. I had to make it work. I tried again, and failed again, with my not long enough hair. I opened my hair supplies drawer to replace my bobby pins, giving up once again on the idea of this hair do. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a large, bright red, velvet scrunchy circa 1988 that was kept for unknown reasons. This sparked an idea. I would use this to create volume under my hair to make the bun look substantial. Success!!! I created my very own Kourtney Kardashian bun and it looked GREAT! Follow these steps to try for yourself! This hairdo is a perfect one for the rainy days as it simply sit atop your head all wrapped up and unable to frizz up! Get it wet, stand in the wind, whatever you do, as long as it's done right and hairsprayed you will look great!
What You'll Need:
1. A large scrunchy of any color (your hair will cover it if done right!)- time to dig up those 80's accessories ladies!)
2. A regular hair band
3. Bobby Pins
4. Hair Spray
What You'll Do
1. Put your hair up in a high ponytail with your regular hair band (high as in top of your head, you'll wrap hair/scrunchy around this so the higher you want the bun the higher you should put your pony)
2. Put your scrunchy doubled over your hair band
3. Begin by pulling some hair from the back of your pony over the front of the scrunchy and wrap under (all wrappings of hair should go the same way). Then pull more hair to cover the next part of scrunchy and wrap it back and under the scrunchy.
4. Once all hair is spread around the scrunchy, wrapped, and tucked back in and under it should be secured. I go ahead and secure with bobby pins juuuust to be sure!
5. I also have long side bangs, for those of you who do not, disregard this step. I take my bangs OUT of the pony tail before I start the bun. At this step I take the chunk of hair, twist it up and back around the back of the bun, and secure it into the bun with a bobby pin.
6. Spray with lots of hairspray and you're done! You did it! Congrats!

Now go out and flaunt that Kdash top bun!
I like to style with fun/dramatic eye makeup! Also looks great with some thick framed glasses for some fun!! 

DECADES pop-up comes to CHICAGO (again)

Decades vintage boutique from Los Angeles is coming to the CHITOWN! Saturday October 15th and Sunday October 16th (Next weekend ladies! Get your wallets ready!!!) Want to get in early and get a godo deal? Check out GiltCity.com right now! For $50 dollars you get an exclusive ticket to go in early on Friday the 14th from 3-8pm, as well as $50 to spend at the boutique. For $20 you get an early entry (11:30am) ticket to attend on Sunday the 16th and a $20 credit towards shopping the boutique. OR opt for the $250 for $500 credit towards merchandise! All are great deals to shop the Rachel Zoe staple vintage store! It will probably be BANANAS so get your tickets now!

Click here for the Gilt City Decades page

Happy Shopping!

Top 10 of my Top 10's...Wait, I'm confused...

Well, well well. I'm baaaack. So sorry for the long delay..I've been in the process of MANY exciting new things that have officially taken over my life and made me far too busy to take time to make ya'll keel over in laughter. One quick thought, I am officially now based in Chicago. I will be back and forth to New York for work, but will be generally based out of Chicago. Horay! However, do not fret, for I have returned. I realize we barely know each other (if any of you are even reading...) so let's get some facts out..

Since we're still just getting to know each other, I thought I'd do another post giving you peeps some more information about me. That is a nice way of saying; I am not going to vent on many things and through it you may learn a thing or two (or 100) new facts about me.
Please be advised, none of the following views are mine (yes they are). I really am not trying to offend anyone (but I might). In any case, I still love you regardless for giving my blog the time of day to read.

Things I Won't Miss About NYC:
1. People who stop in the middle of NYC sidewalks when you (and others) are walking right behind them. I mean...really? All abrupt sidewalk stoppers should take cabs or at least wear mucho padding, as I will not slow down and intend to bump into you full force. And maybe even turn around, get a running start, and bump into you again. You have all been formally forewarned.
2. Dear Cabbies, WHY OH WHY do you ALL decide to go off duty at 4pm-6pm. It is extremely inconvenient. These hours would probably be your busiest, if you would decide to stay on duty. You're still driving around the streets, WHY not pick up a pedestrian who is exhaustively trying to flag you down. Rude.
3. The ridiculously high rent for the ridiculously small amount of space you receive. Really New York City?? Reeaaaally?!
4. Trash on the street and the ever present scent in the summertime. Just ew. No more comments on that.
5. Laguardia Airport. Ew. Dirty, old, smelly, and SLOW. I will not miss the many hours I have spend in that airport or sitting on a plane. JFK it is from now on!
6. Artichoke Pizza. Now here's a little doozy. Artichoke pizza may be my favorite thing in the entire world. Why then, you might ask, is it on my list of things I WON'T MISS. Easy answer. Artichoke pizza is pizza dough that is smothered in warm and creamy spinach artichoke dip and has slices about the size of two heads. The thought of how many calories spent on Artichoke Pizza is absurdly disgusting, and for that reason, I will not miss having it easily at my fingertips..or in this case... in my belly.

While there are some things I will not miss about NYC everyday, there are obviously things I will miss:

7. The always present fashion scene. This includes the display of outfits that turns the sidewalks into runways, to the garment district and all the fabric and trimmings stores that truly make you feel like you are in the center of it all. Also included all the stores and markets that truly made my closet double (or triple echem) in size. Also included is the ability to wear 5 inch heels during the day and feel totally normal.
8. The endless dining options and exploring abilities
9. The energy the city has that yes, can be exhausting, but also exhilarating.
10. Hearing Jay-Z's "New York" will truly never be the same when not actually living in NYC


A Few Fashion No-No's:
1. Tights and gym shoes
2. Tights in the summer
3. Jean skirts (in general) but especially with gym shoes
4. Bras that don't fit or No bra at all if you're bigger than an AAA- No one wants to see any of that mess ladies
5. Walking around in bikinis when not at the beach or pool. Police should give tickets to sidewalk bikini walkers. It's not attractive and most likely you're not Gisele Bundchen, and don't look as good as you might think...on the sidewalk at least...ON the beach or AT the pool you definitely look JUST like our gal Gigi so go for it.
6. Cheaply made clothing that is falling apart..it's time to stop wearing that ripped up, stained t shirt. Please.
7. Not quite mini but definitely not midi length skirts with large whale or turtle or any other type print. Usually this includes pastel colors and a cable knit sweater around the shoulders. Uh..no. It's not cute. It's just..not.
8. Leggings that are too thin and show what's underneath. Ladies out there, please check your back side in the mirror if you're wearing leggings before you leave the house. Patterned undies are not cute to see under there, and even worse is a thong that you think is helping but in actuality it just presenting your ass to the streets. Leggings I recommend so as not to face this problem: David Lerner, Vince, Victoria Secret, American Apparel (however watch these ones, after too much wash and wear they begin to thin).
9. Men who can't dress. All of them have girlfriends, moms, sisters, or friends. That's you guys. Help a brotha out.
10. Streaky, chunky highlights. That was SEMI cool in the 90's and it is faaar past being in any way attractive. Get it fixed.

10 General Things I love:
1. My family, friends, and my puppy (pics of my little nugget to come..don't you worry)
2. Fashion and all things related. ie shopping, scouring shopping websites w/o purchasing anything, reading fashion blogs, Barneys New York, sample sales, etc etc etc..I seriously could go on for a long time but  don't want to bore you)
2. Pennies. Especially old ones and ones you find heads up.
3. Blue Print Cleanse. Makes me feel AMAZING and also tastes GREAT. The best cleanse, and I would recommend to anyone!!
4. Dancing. Wherever, whenever. Always a good time.
5. Starbucks. How does one live without?
6. My Iphone. Again, how does one live without?
7. Bead stores. Specifically Beadniks in Chicago on W Division. A great place to collect goodies and make your own jewelery. They also offer classes if you're new and interested!
8. Rachel Zoe. I die for her closet AND her new clothing line AND her show AND her AND everything that has to do with her.
9. SHOES. Enough said.
10. Wine and French fries....duh...you knew this was coming. But really...can't go wrong here.

10 Blogs I Just Can't Seem to Keep my Browser Off:
1. ManRepeller.com- because we all needed someone to show us how to make fupa jeans cool
2. TheSartorialist.com- because..well..DUH
3. Thestyletribe.com- because of it's eclectic mix of styles in Chitown
4. TheBlondeSalad.com- because, well, the girls got style, and let's face it, I want to own everything she owns.
5. Chistreetstyle.com- Focusing on Chicago Street Style is A-OK with me! Let's see what's out there
6. Refinery29.com- does this count as a blog? oh well, i'm adding it. It's awesome. That's all.
7. Honestlywtf.com- If not for the DIY tips then follow for the beautiful and inspiring photos posted.
8. Psimadethis.com- Another DIY must
9. Thecut- NY times fashion blog. A must read.
10. Fashionologie.com- Well organized and up to date style advice and trend watching.

10 Places I Like to Spend my Moolah$$
1. Barneys New York- to ogle the things I can't afford and settle on the things I can
2. Intermix- for similar reasons as the above
3. Sofia- for a great mix of vintage and new and brands you can't find other places
4. Shopbop.com- for the largest selection of styles and brands, and, let's be honest, the free 3 day shipping and free returns ain't hurtin' them either! Am I right ladies?!
5. Net-a-porter.com and theoutnet.com- for beautiful clothes, and great deals (on the latter of course)
6. Modaoperandi.com- for the ability to buy off the runway and split payments in 2 (one right away and one when it ships) not only does this make me feel less guilty about buying things as the price APPEARS lower, but also allows for my bank account to not be ravaged all at once :) Every penny counts!
7. Zara- for the stylish, well made clothing at unbeatable prices.
8. Topshop- (YAYYY, welcome to CHICAGO!) for some fun and flirt, also great prices. AAAAND..have you checked out their shoes!? I don't haaaate iiiit.
9. Furla- Great purses at great prices. And some of the best wallets I have found.
10. Vince- The coziest of the cozy sweaters, and the hottest leather leggings!
(okay I lied, I'm adding a FEW MORE)
11. 900 Shops Including Bloomingdales- a great mix of brands and the department store as well. Always a good time.
12. Randolph Street Marker- A great place for vintage jewels and clothing, as well as art and furniture!
13. Gramercy Project- For any of you nyc-ers out there. It's a great, cute little place with some awesome stuff
14. Brooklyn Flea Market- A great place to find new and upcoming designers as well as vintage fun things! If you're up for the trip...

I'm sure I'll  be adding more to these in due time....

Now that you know all these random facts about me, let Wine and Fries TRULY begin. Expect more posts and tweeting. Expect fun things, and always a good laugh.
Thanks for reading!
XX

Welcome To Wine and Fries

I know what you're thinking.."Did she mean Wine and Cheese?!?". Well no, smartass, I did not. In case you didn't notice, it happens to be pretty hard to misspell Cheese as Fries on a keyboard...don't act like you're not checking out key placements right now...Anywhooo, you can all thank my wonderful parents, and probably my first grade teacher, for providing the brain knowledge to know that fruit and veggies are the most important food group, and thus, I give you, Wine And Fries. Welcome.


Wine and Fries is a blog about...everything and anything I choose to write about. I am interested in a variety of things (fashion, food, people, venting, places, shiny things, tv shows...you get the picture...oh that reminds me, add art to that list). You may wish to think of this blog as a box of chocolates..if I tell ya what you're gonna get...then how could I make fun Forrest Gump references!?! No matter how you drink your grapes or eat your potatoes (yes youngins, that includes you, please mentally replace the word “wine” whenever you see it in this blog with the word “grape juice” (also please reference the blogs contact email) It all still applies to you) there will eventually, at some point, maybe never but I’ll try, be something in here for you. Until then, I hope you continue to read Wine and Fries anyways, as I will, at the very least, attempt to entertain you.


And now, a little about the writer...that's me.
I entered this world and grew up in the wonderful city of Chicago. I currently reside in New York City. It is smelly. Why the Chicagoans didn’t think to call up the New Yorkers and be all “Yo, why don’t you make some alleys” back in the good ole days is beyond me. I mean, it’s not like we have the capabilities to have magic shrinking trolleys that can fit through the cracks of buildings (Harry Potter reference anyone??...just me?...moving on…). I’m also pretty sure that if one more person moves to the island of Manhattan it is sure to sink. In the few seconds it took me to write that sentence it is probable that 100000 new people just moved here so bear with me as I continue to write to you from beneath the sea (Don't worry, I’ll tell Sebastian and Ariel you all said ‘Sup from down unda'). I love fashion, my family, my dog, and my friends. I also wasn't joking when I said I never met a fry I didn't like but, more about that later. I galavant around the city and hope to take you along on some of my journeys. I also would LOVE to hear from you so tweet, email, tumbl, comment, etc, etc. whenever you feel like you just have to. I promise to respond...or at least think about it and dwell and possibly forget but eventually get back to you :) just kidding. Now, settle down in front of the tv and relax with some wine (grape juice...see how that works kids?) and fries, and enjoy.


Also, you can always find this lovely post under the about me section so you can read it daily, if you must..