There are few things better than catching up with your girlfriends over a mimosa (or three, yes?).
I was lucky enough to knock back quite a few delicious breakfast cocktails with some of my favorite women on several occasions the past few days! Grabbing brunch at Zed451 with my best friends from college for a belated birthday breakfast (their $35 all you can eat brunch is to die for) and swapping stories with some of my blogger friends over a couple DIY mimosa buckets at Bull & Bear (seriously, this might be one of Chicago’s best kept brunch secrets!) After which, we snapped these photos!
At first, I won’t lie, I kind of felt like a big dope in this hat when I first tried it on at H&M. Like, Curious George The Man with the Yellow Hat style. It really grew on me though, and now I’ve come to kind of adore it. I think I’ll be wearing it to the beach this weekend!
And now, for the outfit: I can’t get enough of this lightweight sweater from JCrew. Perfect for cooler summer days (although the day this was photographed, it was NOT one of them. Woops!). I also scored these shorts on sale earlier this summer from JCrew Factory.
I also have to admit, I once hated Birkenstocks when they were a thing back in the early 2000’s (they were definitely not cool in Arizona, just sayin’) but I’m really glad they’re back now. I got this pair at H&M. But word to the wise, I ended up walking a few blocks to Starbucks after this shoot, and my feet were completely torn up. If you’re wanting to get the same look, go for these super comfortable Sam Edelman ones instead.
With the hat doing most of the talking, I kept things simple with accessories and makeup– my tiny gold J pendant and new Daniel Wellington watch (my birthday present this year from Neal!) and minimal makeup with just a pop of orangey-red. Pictured here is my all-time favorite lipstick is from Goldplaited. This Lincoln Park beauty bar makes their own [to die for] products. It’s a must check-out for you Chicago gals.
Can you believe it’s already Friday? What are you up to this weekend?
Photos by Blair Culwell and Emily Charron
Shop Sunday Afternoon
That’s how I feel when I try on most hats, but maybe I’m the only one who thinks that? I’ll try again this weekend haha. I’m visiting Chicago in mid-September and I’m hoping to try out one of these places for brunch! Keep the recs coming 😉
YES you definitely need to! Chitown is the best in September — you’ll love it!
That hat is so fun!! I’m scared of wearing hats but you make it look so easy and effortless!
I know you can pull them off, Sarah! 😉
Jess, I recently stumbled upon your blog and it’s safe to say, I. Am. OBSESSED! I started blogging a couple of months ago and of course my blog is nothing like yours but I’m hoping one day, it will be! Ahh, I just love it and your effortless style!
Keep posting- I’m always reading! 🙂
Megan Panwar—> http://www.thepanwarpalace.com
Thank you so much, Megan! You’re doing so awesome for only starting a couple months ago! I love your beauty tips! Keep it up 🙂 And so happy to have you following along!
You look so pretty Jess! Love the entire outfit and the soft pastel colors…the hat also looks amazing on you!!