Friday Night has changed a lot for me over the past few years. I used to love getting dressed up and having fun dinner reservations every weekend with my girlfriends, but then we all came back down to reality (and our budgets) and settled into a much calmer, low key routine. We’ve really come to enjoy more casual dinners, good company and lots of catching up post a long day at work and make bigger plans on Saturday nights.

This past weekend though our friend Heather was in town and so some of my work girlfriends and I went to one of our favorite spots in Chicago, Quartino. I’ve been in and out of town for the past few weekends and it felt like it had been ages since I had headed home to change and “get ready” for a Friday Night out. I was pretty excited until I stood in front of my closet and thought.. what in the world am I going to wear? You’ve been there too, you know it! It’s almost like the pressure of going out makes it impossible to think creatively!

I keep my favorite pieces front and center in my room and closet, so when I saw this peachy pink blazer that I’ve been wearing nonstop lately hanging from my rack I decided to build something simple around it that was more dinner appropriate. There’s a draped front top from Zara with leather shoulder detail that I picked up last summer that is my go-to for a staple black top with a little something more to it. I went simple with my clothes and let the accessories do the talking. These earrings are named firecracker for a reason! They add a powerful punch and made a simple top and blazer standout more. The bag was a surprise gift from Danielle after the feature I did on her last week and has not left my side since it arrived. Last but certainly not least, these heels were the result of a 6 month hunt for lace up strappy sandals that came in my size. I actually first discovered them in the winter and bought them on the spot rejoicing in the fact that I had finally found what I was looking for. They’re comfortable, also sexy and chic, and compared to your other options in this style (trust me, I’ve hunted them all down) relatively affordable.

Speaking of favorite spots in Chicago, I have an exciting post for you next week that may have even more of what that list entails for me! My sister is in town this weekend and I can’t wait to share some of my favorites with her while she’s here. For those of you visiting or who have never been, don’t forget to check out my go to list! If you’re in the city, I’d love to see you at the Anthropologie Summer Fashion Show that I’m co-hosting next week!

SHOP THE LOOK

JACKET / Topshop blazer  •  TOP / Zara drape front top (similar)  •  JEANS / Madewell skinny legging jean  •  SHOES / Vince Camuto ‘Jillie’ strappy sandals  •  BAG / Danielle Nicole mini ‘Alexa’ tote (c/o)  •  EARRINGS / Bauble Bar ‘firecracker’ drops (c/o)  • LIPS / Maybelline color elixir in apricot

Photos by Heather Mowatt