One Day, Two Outfits

The day of Fashion's Night Out was a busy day with two trips to Saks, and not one, but two outfits. So thought I'd let you know what I wore.

The Brian Atwood 10022-SHOE event was at 10 AM, so something a little more demure was necessary, in my opinion. An opinion not shared by some of the folks who showed up in sequins, but hey, not everyone can be EWP. I opted for a feminine dress and kept accessories to a minimum - just went with a watch and diamond studs. So here's what I wore:

Bag: Chloe
Dress: Nanette Lepore
Shoes: Valentino

Then a few hours later, I grabbed my friend Niki, and decided to pump up the style for a little more of a night look. Wearing skinny pants without a big ol top on top was definitely out of my comfort zone, what with the baby blubber left over and all, but I decided to try it out anyway. Got to get out of your comfort zone and try new things! I felt better about my outfit choice when I got this odd compliment from Mr. EWP. I was freaking about the skinny pants post-baby and he asked, "Are you wearing Spanx?" To which I responded that I wasn't and he said, "Nice, good job!" Haha, so good job to me for looking spanx-like without spanx.

Blazer: Gap
Top: Bebe
Earrings: Bebe
Pants: Club Monaco
Shoes: Valentino

Chicago Spotlight: Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago 10022-Shoe & Brian Atwood

I had the great privilege of being invited to the media unveiling of Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago's newly remodeled shoe department.

They remodeled it to look like Saks New York's shoe salon

That one is so big it has its own zip code: 10022-shoe, hence the name of this one.

I'm not going to lie, they definitely needed the remodel. The old shoe department was so sad and dark, not where you want to head to try on sexy designer heels. But the new one is so bright and airy and full of new designers they didn't carry before. And you know how I feel, the more the merrier!

Of course we had to check out the fabulous Brian Atwood collection.
This one was my fave. Who doesn't need a little sparkle in her life?

Speaking of sparkle...

And then sexy shoe god, designer Brian Atwood arrived to cut the ribbon.
Seriously, the man is gorgeous. I was drooling all over the floor. It was a little embarassing.

Once the ribbon was cut, it was time to wander 10022-Shoe and check out all the yummy shoes.

Seriously *drool*

Then I learned that Brian Atwood has a less expensive line called B Brian Atwood. That was fun to learn about. All the yumminess for half the price!

And then I started checking out shoes that were on people's feet.

There was plenty of good shoe watching at the event.

And then I got to meet the very yummy, very sweet Brian Atwood. *swoon*

In between swooning I did manage to spit out a question for Mr. Atwood and asked what he thought was the must-have shoe for fall. To which he responded "My shoe with ostrich feathers. That's a wow shoe, when you walk in anywhere in those, people will notice." And then I, being EWP, gave him this look like he was insane. OSTRICH FEATHERS are the must-have shoe for fall???? Are you kidding me???! And then seeing the incredulousness on my face, he quickly followed up with "And, you know, a platform pump is always good to have." Yes, a platform pump is always good to have. Ostrich feathers.... not so much.
Thanks for inviting me to the event, Saks! It was a blast and you better believe I'll be spending a lot of time at 10022-Shoe :)

Michael Anthony 20th Anniversary Celebration

Last week was Michael Anthony Salon Spa's 20th anniversary celebration. Staff from all 4 salons, plus their new Canadian business partners, and the 20 clients from the photoshoot were all invited.

Look! It's me!

They had the party at this adorable floral shop/event space with a darling outdoor area.

I dragged my friend Kim with me. She was more than happy to show up to an event where people actually dressed well. We'd both seen enough shabby lawyers and were excited to be among stylish stylists. I figured as this was a fun salon event, it was definitely a place to whip out the ol' fascinator. It looked awesome.

I, however, did make a bit of a miss on the dress choice. In my head I know I went up two cup sizes from this whole nursing BabyWP thing, but I guess I hadn't really noticed in real life, so I donned a Nanette Lepore dress that had previously been borderline appropriate in the cleavage department and now was just plain scandalous. And I didn't realize until I got back and looked at the pictures. What a hoochie I am! My weirdo pose isn't helping matters either.
Left is my aesthetician Tilly and right is my colorist Allie. They're both fantastic, you must see them.

Kim decalred at the end of the night "I know why you spend so much time at your salon, these people are so nice!" It's true, the Michael Anthony folks are super wonderful. We had such a great time! And I did score some swag: a yummily soft robe, a giant picture of me (which was a nice gesture, but, um, what on earth am I going to do with that??!), and a $250 gift card. I'm going to spend that in, oh, .23 seconds. Mr. EWP definitely appreciates that last gift. Sadly, no digitals from the shoot, which I was really looking forward to. I'll have to harass them for those.

Help Needed!

I was invited by Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago to attend a private media event Thursday morning for the unveiling of their new shoe department and to meet shoe god Brian Atwood. Then that evening I'm also invited to their big Fashion's Night Out event. Which leads to the most important question of the week: WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR????????

I so far have picked out my foot attire. Since they are the most recently purchased and this season, I'm going with the Valentinos.
But what to wear on top???! I just picked up some adorable black skinny pants from Club Monaco (darn them and their lack of online shopping, so I can't post a pic), which I think would be cute with the heels. *GASP* I know, I'm contemplating wearing pants. What has become of me?

I need your help coming up with possible outfits. Mr. EWP has somehow agreed that I need a new outfit to meet Brian Atwood (I'm not sure what he was smoking at the time, but it'd be nice if he continued to do so). Since this event is in just two days, I don't have time to deal with online purchases and must work with what I can get to around my 'hood. So come up with options that I can pick up at: Scoop, Intermix, Nanette Lepore, Club Monaco, Cynthia Rowley, Marc Jacobs, or any of the many cute boutiques in Bucktown. HELP! HELP!

Please post links to actual pieces or ideas for the outfit in the comments or send me an email.

Possible prize for any suggestions I end up using.

Thanks!
xoxo,
EWP

How Much Is That Doggy In The Window?

As you know, I've just moved to a new neighborhood in Chicago, which means lots of new stores to check out! Lucky for me (and unluck for Mr. EWP), within 2-3 blocks of me there is a Club Monaco, Marc Jacobs, Intermix, Scoop, Cynthia Rowley, and Nanette Lepore, just to name a few stores. I'm in heaven.



I am a ridiculous sucker for Nanette Lepore. Her dresses and, well, everything are just so tailored, chic, and feminine. I want all of them. All the time. And those jerks over at Nanette Lepore must know this about me, because they change the window display ALL. THE. TIME. Every time I walk by with little miss BabyWP in her stroller, there is a new dress, top, something in the window. And they all make me swoon.



But this one I had to share because for the first time since having Miss BabyWP, I wished I was back at work. Why? Because then I would have somewhere to wear this:

Nanette Lepore, $398

Look at those darling pin stripes! And the perfect grey! And the shape flattering ruffled waist! *SWOON*



Well, I know how much that doggy in the window is, and I hope someone can find it a good home, because I just can't bring it home with me right now.

Sorry!!!!

So sorry to have been MIA, bleeps. I was busy packing for the move, then moving, then was without internet, then was unpacking, then injured my back while unpacking and had to lay around in pain for a while. But I have internet now. And my back is on the mend. And since I can't actually finish unpacking due to my fun back restrictions, might as well jump back into blogging.



And we have some fun things coming up! Next week I have an event for Michael Anthony Salon Spa's 20th Anniversary and an event at Saks Fifth Avenue where I will meet the shoe making god Brian Atwood in person!!! SQUEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of fun coming up. Whatever shall I wear???!



I've also decided to make September a dos and don'ts month. A whole month of EWP tips on what to do and not do (e.g. flip flops: don't, dark wash trouser jeans: do).



Sorry to have left y'all for so long. But I'm back now.



xoxo,

EWP

It's Here! It's Here!

Well, sort of. My big modeling gig photoshoot made its first appearance in the following invite for an event for the salon. Can you find your favorite EWP?

Look at me getting my model face on. That was the face I made when he told me to "smile, but not really" I had NO idea what I was doing. I'm pretty sure I look very confused.



My move is tomorrow and I have no idea when the stupid internet installation people will be showing up, so hope to see you within a week.



xoxo,

ModelWP

I'm Definitely Not Meant to Be a Model

Yesterday was my big photoshoot for my salon's 20th anniversary/thank you to clients/ad campaign/thingamabob.

Every girl at some point in her life has dreamt of being a model. Admit it, there was a time when you dreamed of getting your picture taken and walking the catwalk - maybe just at the mall's fashion show when you were 8, but you definitely thought about it.

I fully admit that I had many times growing up thought how fun and glamorous it would be to be a fancy model, try on clothes, have all the attention as people take my picture. Yesterday was my big day to live out that fantasy. And, oh my god, it is really not for me.

The getting my hair and makeup done part I truly enjoyed - you know me, I'm a sucker for pampering - but the whole stand there and get your picture taken thing made me so uncomfortable. I actually felt really self-conscious with all the attention and camera in my face. I didn't know what to do with my arms. I didn't know what to do with my mouth. If you've met me, you know I'm a big grinner. I have never taken a closed-mouth, non-smiling picture in my life. But this was serious photography, I couldn't be grinning like an idiot (even though I tried to). This was a close-your-mouth-smile-but-not-really photoshoot. Yeah, I had no idea what I was doing. Add on top the whole crane-your-neck-to-elongate-it-in-the-most-unnatural-position-ever thing. My neck was so tired at the end. But it was fun to see photography tricks, like having my hair pinned forward to make it look like I had lots more hair. And there was definitely a fan involved.

Oh, and there was my constant embarassment because my hair is falling out. Yes, I'm going through that fun post-baby hair loss everyone had warned me of. Just globs of it coming out. And when the salon mogul/photographer would adjust my hair for shots, his hands would come back covered in clumps of hair. It was both gross and horrifying. He, thankfully, understood, but it didn't stop me from feeling so so bad. By the end of the shoot there was like a carpet of hair around my feet. I'm super surprised I'm not bald.

And so ended my first and last day of modeling.

I'll get digital copies of the pics eventually once they've been edited. Can't wait to get them and post them for y'all!

ModelWP

No, I haven't taken up modeling. I just got a very exciting phone call today.

You know my salon Michael Anthony, the one that I frequent ENTIRELY too much?


Well, I got a phone call from them this morning saying they were doing a new ad campaign and wondering if I'd come in for a photoshoot to be part of it!!!! Two whole hours dedicated to making me pretty and taking pictures of me. You know I can't turn down an opportunity to have my hair played with, so I obviously said yes. And luckily this time my mother-in-law can watch BabyWP so we don't shelling out a bunch of money for me to have my hair played with, like we did last time.

The pictures will be used on their website, in their salons, on their facebook page, and other promotional materials. Eep!

They'll be doing my hair and makeup, but they asked me to bring in 3 outfits for me to wear. OMG WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR???? I'm particularly fond of this new dress of mine (yes, I bought it. No, I shouldn't have). But the salon person said that they would prefer solids. And that dress is very not solid. Once again, WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?????????????????????????

I think I'm going to have to try on outfits and post pics and have y'all decide.

The photoshoot isn't until July 13th, so there's time. Anyone want to come over and go through my closet with me? Or, you know, go shopping and pick out all new things to wear?

I knew my salon addiction would pay off eventually! And by payoff I mean not pay me anything but let me live out a modeling fantasy for an afternoon.

Updo? Don't Mind If I Do

Sorry for the lack of posting round these parts. Blogger has been giving me lots of trouble. I do believe it's time for me to throw in the towel and move on over to Wordpress. But that's a headache for another day. I'll let you know when the big move happens.

For now, let's chat about my hair.

My trusty stylist asked me to be her hair model Monday afternoon. The salon was closing for a mandatory updo class for all its stylists to learn and practice looks they normally didn't do. And my stylist wanted me to be her updo guinea pig. I've only seen my stylists for cuts, so I actually had no idea what her updo capabilities were, but an afternoon of having my hair played with sounded just too fun to pass up.

So we hired a sitter, (Yes, I got a sitter just so I could get a bunch of updos for an afternoon) and I went off to be the best hair model I could be.

First thing my stylist exclaimed was how I had so much hair. This was a surprise to both of us as we both have been waiting for it all to fall out. (Apparently after you have a baby, you go bald. Who knew?) Lucky for both of us, I have not yet gone bald and she had plenty of hair to style.


First up: the french twist


Verdict: it made me feel very fancy, but I don't think it looks very good on me


Style Two: the smush and pin.

Verdict: this is actually something I do with my hair all the time. Who knew that I was such a master of hair that I could do my own updos? Definitely not shelling out $65 to have someone do this for me.

Style #3: The Sexy Pony

Verdict: Y'all, I am a big fan of the sexy pony. I myself suck at making a nice, clean, high ponytail. Shameful, I know. What girl doesn't know how to do a ponytail? But this sexy pony was, well, sexy. I liked it. I think I need to do that more often.

Random in between looks shot: There was A LOT of backcombing involved. I looked kind of like the bride of Frankenstein in between each style. Also, man oh man was my scalp sore by the end of the afternoon.

Style #4: Chignon

Verdict: I've never had a chignon before, though I feel like I see it sported on celebs for big events all the time. And, well, I liked it. It didn't really go with my casual dress, but if I was being fancy, I'd def love to have a chignon. I felt uber fancy in it.

Style #5: The 20s finger wave

Verdict: I was most excited for this look. I am a huge fan of the retro glam finger wave look. Alas, it was the first time my stylist had ever done it (hence that whole learning in a class and practicing thing) and I was not fond of how it turned out. So disappointing because it was really how I wanted to spend the rest of the day, but it all fell out basically as soon as I left. Oh well, you can get the basic idea and I def think it's an updo I should get (albeit from someone else) for a future event.

What do y'all think? Do you do updos? Or are you a hair down kind of gal?

Portrait of an EWP

I've told y'all before that I've been taking an intermediate photography class. Well, last night was the last class and we had to turn in a final - two self-portraits, one that was traditional and of me and one that was a bit more abstract and of a part of me or an object that somehow represented me.

And because I love fashion, this blog, being an EWP, and really high heels, this is my self-portrait:

EWP Goes to the Fanciest Mall Ever

No vacay anywhere is complete without a day of shopping. It's been my rule since ever since I can remember. With three daughters and years of shopping trips, my dad can't set foot in a mall without breaking out in hives. But now the tradition has been passed on to Mr. EWP and he's actually doing quite well with it. He did the shopping research all on his own. He googled "Christian Louboutin" and "Chloe" and found some places to shop. I was seriously impressed that A) that he did the shopping planning on his own, and B) that he even knew what Chloe was. AND he said I could buy anything I wanted. Anything. I was very excited.

First stop: The Miami Design District. I was really excited. I always think other big cities have something fun like Michigan Ave. where it's just lines of nice shops and people wandering in and out.Well, um, the Miami Design District was not like that. It was deserted, in the middle of a gorgeous Saturday! And the whole area was kind of warehousey and not cute. There'd be one nice store I'd consider shopping in, and then a bunch of faucet and plumbing stores. It was SO WEIRD.

But they did have this store. My mecca. My home. I love you, Christian!

I was hoping to try on these shoes that I'd been coveting for a while, but they didn't carry them.

But they did have these adorably Parisian be-bowed, polka-dotted heels.

Funny story. I tried these on and Mr. EWP goes, "the heel's kinda low" and the saleswoman balks and goes, "they're four inches!" hahahhaha. I guess I've conditioned him to really ridiculous heel heights. I was wearing 6 inchers this day.

As cute as I thought they were, and as much as I could see me spending the whole summer in them, I just didn't think they were as cute as the piped canvas mary jane peep-toes. So I said goodbye.

From there we wandered over to Marni where I learned a very important lesson: never ever go to a store starved for customers wearing shoes from that store. OMG, once those 2 sales associates saw my shoes, they were tripping over themselves to show me everything in their store. Including stuff in the back they hadn't put out yet! They were all, we got a new collection, would you like to see it? No, I would not, people. You're scaring me.

It was high time to leave the Design District. So we crossed the bridge and headed over to what turned out to be the fanciest mall I've ever been to.

Sure I've been to nice shopping places, but none like this. It was discerning, it was high class.

Sure there were trees like other malls

And the fish were pretty cute.

But it was the stores that got me. There was no Banana or Club Monaco to be seen. The upstairs were the "lowly" stores - Tory Burch, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs. Things I can manage to swing in the budget.

But downstairs, wowee, downstairs was something else.

Hello, Carolina.

And Lanvin! I don't believe I've seen a Lanvin in person before. Not that I went in, I didn't feel worthy.

I was on a handbag hunt. I marched into Chloe looking for the bag I saw back in Chicago, but they didn't carry it. So we wandered to some other stores and looked at bags. Some had comical prices ($3,000??? WHAT?) and others were maybe buyable.

I wandered into Valentino to check out their rosette bags that I totally love. And the Valentino clerk totally did a once over of my bag and turned up his little nose at me. I wanted to be like, "It's Kate Spade, not Guess, dude!" And I wanted to inform him that he worked in a store. But I didn't.

For better or for worse, the people at Dior gave me much better service. Well, better as in they were attentive, not that they actually understood anything I was saying. I went in and said I wanted a plain, basic bag. I like my bags pretty basic. And the Dior woman took me to a bag that had bulky chains weaved through. In what world does "plan and basic" mean "bulky chains"?? And then, oh my and then, she brought me a bag with an across the body shoulder strap. I tried to smile politely, but I was really just trying not to vomit. Because one cannot vomit in Dior. But it was tough, people. It was tough. Across the body shoulder strap?? Who are these people?

So, even though I had the green light from my husband, nothing was purchased that day. Guess I really just love my Chicago shopping.