EWP Spotlight: ChloeTate

Today I'm spotlighting a super adorbs Etsy shop called ChloeTate.

You know I'm obsessed with correspondence and stationery, so finding a new place to order customized personalized stationery was about the best thing ever.  Especially since I was in need of some new stationery for my photography business.

And, well, before I could do customized stationery, I actually needed a logo.  This business is new, y'all, and I had shopped from one graphic designer to another and was quoted prices that were just too much out of the budget for this stay at home mama.  Enter ChloeTate and I was saved from my logoless-ness.  She worked with me closely going over fonts, ideas, colors, shapes, whatever I needed.  She had to deal with me going "I like pink, but not too pink, and maybe bolder but not bold" and patiently sent me logo option after logo option with the color changed by a fraction of a hue.  And not once did she balk at my ridiculousness. And I must say I am OH SO PLEASED with my new logo. It's exactly what I wanted.

In addition to my fantastically awesome business notes, I got myself a personalized mama notepad, because, hey, why not?  You can pick the silhouette of the boy(s) or girl(s) you have, pick out fonts, pick out colors.  It's all totally custom. And OH SO reasonably priced.  Seriously.

Personalized Mom Notepad, $12 

I'm pretty sure I'm buying the mama notepads for every shower I attend for the rest of time.  So, Kathy, don't buy one, you'll get one in June :)

ChloeTate also features other cute paper items like these super cute mason jar cards, perfect for yourself or a newly married couple you might know.

Personalized Mason Jar Flat Notecards (Set of 20), $22

And I'm so about to buy these gift tags.  I'm a sucker for personalizing gift tags.  

Personalized Gift Enclosure Cards (Set of 40), $18

And as seasons change, so do the products.  She had some freaking adorably cute easter pails for easter, but as Easter has passed, they're not up on the site anymore.  I wonder what products she might be adding soon.  I'm obsessed and I know I'll need them.  Y'all need to check out ChloeTate, it gets the EWP stamp of approval.  

Chicago Spotlight/EWP Review: Perennial Virant

I've decided to add a new feature to this here blog - little reviews and posts about local Chicago places. I've been doing it here and there, but now it'll be more official and part of the "Chicago Spotlight" series. It might be a local boutique or local eatery, but they'll get a spotlight shined upon them and get reviewed on the following EWP scale:
0 stars = Crocs
1 star = Payless
2 stars= Nine West
3 stars= Stuart Weitzman
4 stars= Christian Louboutin

As you can guess, everyone should be shooting for the coveted Louboutin rating :)

Today I'm reviewing a new restaurant. Yes, I normally talk fashion, but what's the fun in dressing up if you have nowhere to go?


A week ago I had the supreme pleasure of dining at Perennial Virant. [Isn't it cute?!]

My friend Foodiebia was visiting from California and I knew she would totally love the local, fresh menu as much as I would.

Perennial Virant is located across from Lincoln Park and the Green City Market. As a lover of farmer's markets and specifically the Green City Market, it was wonderful to see the produce from the market make its way across the street to the Perennial Virant menu. The menu changes daily, based on what is fresh and available. I LOVE this for several reasons: 1) I get bored with menus that don't change, 2) what could be better than tasting things at their very freshest instead of off-season and trucked in from places far away?, 3) I like being encouraged to show up to a restaurant repeatedly because they have new things for me each time.

The decor was fresh and streamlined. Simple, a little earthy, some tables to be shared with other groups, but not too close to them that you're weirded out that you're sitting with other people. We actually got a shared table and the only time I noticed that I was sharing was when I would peek over to see what they were eating.

The feel is casual and friendly. There were kids in attendance, the waiters all wore plaid (but in a cute hipster way, not a lumberjack way). The only complaint of mine was a person who was a little too friendly - the overenthusiastic water refill guy. He was just a little too much for me, interjecting jokes into our conversations. He was cute, but I wasn't in the mood for a full on press joking flirtation. But better an overly present water guy than one you can't ever find as you sit there parched. So if my only complaint is an overly friendly water guy, then this place is great.

And now let's get to the food. Perennial features small plates to share, so of course we ordered a million things. And every single thing was divine. Even the cheese plate, and I'm not a cheese person at all. But the cheese plate had these delicious Spanish almonds that had Foodiebia, Mr. EWP, and myself all swooning. And I don't even like almonds! We had short ribs, corn cakes, green beans, heirloom tomatoes with baked ricotta. All super delicious. But there were two standouts from the meal: 1) The beef loin. That was an incredible piece of meat. Mr. EWP is a meat guy, he's picky about his beef and he was drooling all over the table and basically fainted from the awesomeness of the beef. 2) The wings. Yes, a fancy restaurant that serves wings. Can you say EWP heaven? I'm a wing nut. I don't know why but I super super love chicken wings. But you can't really get them anywhere but a sports bar, but enter Perennial Virant and the most delicious barbecue wings of all time. They had been drenched in liquid smoke which really upped the flavor factor. I was literally licking my fingers and may or may not have considered ordering another round.

And lastly I have to show y'all the patio. Because it is adorable. If it hadn't been 95 degrees that day, I would've totally been sitting outside. I'll be there again soon I'm sure, I love me some outdoor dining. I'm seriously already thinking about when I can go back.

I give Perennial Virant an amazing Louboutin rating! (aka 4/4).

Look at that, a Louboutin right out of the gate for Chicago Spotlight. Wonder who'll be getting the EWP inspection next....

Website Spotlight: Emily Kate Hargrove - Capital Style

Today we're shining the spotlight on my new favorite website: Emily Kate Hargrove - Capital Style.

My dear, wonderful, and lovely friend Emily after many years toiling as a lawyer in DC thought, as lawyers eventually do, "I don't want to be a lawyer." But unlike the rest of us lawyers who sit around complaining about our life of lawyering, Emily actually did something about it, she quit the law and focused on her true passion - fashion.

Now you can head to Emily Kate Hargrove - Capital Style for help in styling, wardrobe makeovers, and catching up on the latest trends. I really love her blog feature where you'll find such fun things as Fascinator Fridays (SWOON!) and the LWD.

LWD by EmilyKateDC on Polyvore.com

Emily Kate Hargrove - Capital Style doesn't get the EWP stamp of approval because Emily is a friend of mine, but because I honestly truly love the site. So be sure to check it out, add it to your favorites, or plug it in to your Google Reader. It's a must visit!

EWP Gift Guide: Cute Cosmetics Bag

If the person you're shopping for is all set in the makeup department, why not give her something to carry all that face paint in?

I have a Kate Spade cosmetic bag and just love it. Super cute and just enough space for my gargantuan amount of makeup I like to cart around when travelling. Or you could get the smaller size like a normal person :)

Kate Spade, $85-$145 @

@Available in more colors

EWP Gift Guide: Magazine Subscription

There's nothing more exciting than getting mail. Well, mail that you actually want. So aside from a promise to write a personal note to your giftee every week/month, why not go with a magazine subscription? It's the gift that they'll enjoy all year long. And maybe longer depending on what kind of subscription you get them.

My personal magazine faves:
For the fashionista - InStyle, Elle, Marie Claire, Vogue, W
For the celeb gossip junkie - UsWeekly, People
For the domestic goddess - Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple
For the guy - GQ, ESPN the magazine

EWP Gift Guide: Hunter Boots

I wouldn't normally put shoes on a gift list. Buying shoes for a person can be hard. Unless you're me, then you'd be awesome at it ;)

But these boots are too awesome not to be in everyone's closet. These rain boots are no joke. Sturdy and super dry, Mr. EWP has informed me that they're the brand the Queen of England wears when she's out hunting. I'm going to have to watch The Queen to fact check him, but I'll believe it, these boots are just that good.

And to keep that special someone both dry and warm when the weather takes a dip, try buying some Hunter fleece liners - available in cable knit or plain - Foodiebia says they are ridiculously warm.

Hunter, $125 @

Hunter, $40 @

Hunter, $30 @

@ Available in more colors

EWP Gift Guide: Chic Aprons

A true fashionista looks great wherever she is - not just at work or out with friends, but also at home lounging or cooking. So what better gift for a lovely lady in your life than a chic apron?

There are TONS of options out there, especially on Etsy, and Anthropologie has a million super adorable ones. I swear I want to buy them all, but I own, no joke, 6 aprons, so I'm set. I'll just have to content myself with telling y'all to buy some!

Apron Queen, $26.95

CreativeChics, $28

Anthropologie, $32 @

Anthropologie, $32

Anthropologie, $38

@Available in more colors

EWP Gift Guide: Amazon Kindle

I like to call it the gift that keeps on giving. The Amazon Kindle is any reader's dream gadget. And even will make a reader out of a non-reader. I swear in all the time I've known Mr. EWP, I maybe saw him read 3 books, but as soon as I got my Kindle, he was always stealing it and reading my books. So I thought it was high time to get him his own, and he has not put it down in months. And the fun part of a Kindle, buy multiple on the same account like I did and all the books each person orders are available on all the Kindles on the account, so we can share books without actually handing our Kindle to the other person.

Stores 3,500 books, weighs less than a paperback, and is so freaking small it can be thrown in any purse and taken on the go. And, my personal favorite feature, it is NOT backlit (computers/phones/ipads, etc. are backlit). Back lighting is a huge strain on your eyes and reading a book that is backlit really can cause some damage on your peepers, but without backlighting, read away like you would any regular book. And with the 3G Kindle, you can download books ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. Never again will you lug 6 books with you on an international trip, just grab your kindle and you are all set. It's seriously amazing.

Y'all, I'm telling you, my Kindle may be the best thing that's ever happened to me. Don't tell my hubs. Actually, I'm sure Mr. EWP would understand, he really loves his Kindle too.

Buy one immediately. For yourself. For your brother. For your dog. Everyone needs one.

Amazon, $139 wifi, $189 wifi +3G @

@Also available in white.

EWP Stocking Stuffer: Envirosax

I've blogged about these before. They are totally my favorite thing. What's more useful than a big, and super cute, shopping bag that rolls up to conveniently tuck away into your purse for use at a moment's notice. I love Envirosax bags and keep them in all my purses. Yes, I have a million.

So what better stocking stuffer can there be? Super cute and super useful! And won't go straight to your thighs like a bunch of candy.

Or you can skip the wrapping paper or gift bag this year and just use an Envirosax bag to wrap up your gifts! I do actually plan on doing that. All that gift wrap going in the trash has always seemed like such a waste.

So be sure to pick up a few of these bags this holiday season.

Envirosax, $8.95, packs of 5 available for $35 @

@ Available in more colors

EWP Holiday Tip: Holiday Cards

Now that it's after Thanksgiving, we can officially talk Christmas. Nevermind that I'm basically done with my Christmas shopping. Good thing I got it done early, now I have more time to help all of you!

First up, something that needs to be ordered early so it has time to be printed, addressed, and mailed: holiday cards.

Here is a MAJOR MAJOR EWP pet peeve in the holiday card department - photo holiday cards printed on glossy photo paper. Yuck yuck. Maybe I'm a stationery snob, but cards should be sent on card stock, not photo paper. If your card comes and is on photo paper, I swear I won't even put it up on my fridge. I can't even look at them. If you're going to go the personalized card route, don't do it halfway and cheap out with a glossy photo paper card, throw in the extra few cents and go with card stock.

My card site of choice is TinyPrints.com. I love that place. Shower invitations, holiday cards, even personalized stationery for BabyWP, all of it gets ordered from Tiny Prints. There are of course lots of sites to use - minted.com is also an adorable one - but I'm lazy and only got examples from Tiny Prints. But you get the idea. Say no to glossy photo paper. Say yes to card stock.

Another tip for your holiday card buying - pick a picture that actually tells the recipient something. If you've got children, you're in the clear. Just putting those cute munchkins is perfect. But I get so many generic posed couple shots but that doesn't really say anything to me. Did you get married? Buy a house? Have a baby? Go on a trip? Try to pick a picture that lets me know just a little something about your year.

Tiny Prints, $.86 - $1.69/card depending on quantity

Tiny Prints

Tiny Prints


Tiny Prints

Happy card shopping!

Reader Question: Slip Sliding in Flats

What are you supposed to do about sweaty feet in flats? (And no, baby powder is not a solution.) The primary reason I have to resort to sneakers many times is that my feet get very sweaty when I'm not wearing socks, and I have yet to find a pair of flats that work with cotton socks... And when chasing down a run-away toddler, it's just not a good idea to be sliding all over the place in flats, which I have a tendency to do. So what's the solution?

Lots of flat questions these days! And obvi I am totally happy to help.

Below are a few tips to keep you from sliding out of your flats:


1) It's all about the fit.
If you buy the right size, there won't be room for your foot to slide around. I know we all fudge sizes a bit when we see a shoe we like, or if it's a really good deal. But when you want things to be just right, you have to invest the time and the money to find the right pair. If your foot is as snug as a bug in a rug in your flats, then there will be no slippage issues to deal with.

2) Create some traction.
Buy some inserts to put in your shoe that cancel pesky slippage.

Foot Petals, $6.95

Foot Petals, $12.95

3) Ditch the socks.

Most people don't wear socks with their flats. I definitely don't. Ditch the socks and you will definitely no longer slide out of your shoes.

Too worried about odor and sweat to go bare? Then check out the next few tips to keep your sockless tootsies dry and odor-free in your flats.


4) Leather is better.

Fact: man-made materials (e.g. plastic) do not allow your feet to breathe which leads to lots of sweating and lots of smelliness. Switch to natural materials, like leather, and your feet will breathe a sigh of relief and cut out that sweating.

5) Inserts

There are a host of inserts for the bottoms of your flats that will keep your feet dry.

These are both leather and ventilated - double the freshness!

Aldo, $8.99

These inserts can easily be popped out of your flats and popped into the washing machine. Soak up any unwanted sweatiness, and washable for wear after wear. What more could you ask for?

Aldo, $7.99

6) Sprays and powders.
I know you said baby powder wasn't working, but baby powder, for all its virtues, isn't specifically for fixing foot issues. I suggest you try something a little more specialized.

This kills odors

Odor Eaters, $5.99

This absorbs both odors and wetness!

Dr. Scholls, $7.99

Try those out and your sliding worries will be gone. Happy flats-wearing to you!

A Day at the Spa

No trip to Arizona is complete without a day at the spa. You all know well that I'm a spa addict, but I was doing it for my cousin. I swear! I figured the mother of an 18 month old didn't get a lot of me time and needed some pampering. So I booked us a couple appointments at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale.

I've been to a few spas, but this was definitely one of my favorites. The service itself was a little weird -- I decided to step out of my deep tissue comfort zone and try something new, ending up with something called "rollersage" that involved hot stones -- but still enjoyable. The thing that really got me though were the facilities. Most spas have steam rooms and showers available, but they don't have showers like these. Wowee, one shower at this spa was bigger than my master bath. There were multiple shower heads, and it was just delightful. I was afraid I might not ever drag myself out of the shower. And the prices were still comparable to what I'd pay in Chicago. Not bad.

So for any of you planning on being in Scottsdale, I would definitely recommend the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.

The Weather Outside is Frightful, but These Boots are So Delightful

The snow is really coming down this morning in Chicago. I think it's time I finally admitted winter has arrived. And while I normally advocate for the cutest of cute commuter shoes, I throw all such advice out the window come winter. Why? Because the heavy salting of the roads will ruin any nice shoe you wear through it. Please be nice to your shoes, and don't wear them on salted streets. Your shoes and I thank you.

So what do I wear? I wear these boots, the bestest boots ever. They're not the most hideous snow boots ever invented, which is as much of an endorsement as a snow boot will ever get from me. And wowsa are they ever warm, which is necessary when the weather drops down to -20. And most importantly, they are waterproof. Ever waded through 6 inches of slush water at a street corner? This is a regular occurrence in the city, and will put any assertion of "waterproof" to the test. And I must say, these boots kept my toes dry time after time of clomping through slush. They get the EWP stamp of approval.

UGG Belfair, $180@

@ Available in more colors.

p.s. I would do a little searching for this style at other shoe locales. I got them in black but zappos doesn't seem to have those anymore.

EWP Giveaway - Best Makeup Remover EVER!

This week is going to be a doozy. Had a 14 hour day on Monday and a 13 hour day yesterday, and who knows what kind of day today. So, as there will be little to no posting out of your fave EWP this week, I'm having a giveaway!

This week I'm giving away another one of my favest products - The Nature's Alternative (or maybe it's Mario Tricoci brand... I can't remember, it's at home) makeup remover (retails $25). I have trouble with makeup removers because my eyes are extremely sensitive and everything makes them sting, burn, and turn red. That is until I picked up a makeup remover at Mario Tricoci. Mario Tricoci is a Chicagoland salon. I picked up the remover on a whim and have been in love ever since with its gentleness and its very convenient pump. My dear friend small&mighty shopper tried it out when she was over a few months back and she went gaga for it too. Unfortunately, this product, as far as I've been able to see, is not available online. But because I love you, when I went to pick up one for myself on Saturday, I picked up an extra to give away to one of you!

To win this awesomest of awesome products, answer me this:

What do you do for winter outerwear and do you think I would approve?

I was going to do a post on winter outerwear and staying bulk-free, but no time, so this question is the best I can do for now towards my un-bulking ends.

Only one entry per person. Anonymous entries are ineligible. You may enter through Friday11:59 PM CST. Winner announced on Saturday (maybe).

[P.S. There were going to be cool pics of the product so you could see it, but, as I said, no time for an EWP photoshoot, so you're just going to have to live without a picture. Hey, it's not like it's clothes, you don't actually need to see it.]

Reader Question - Favorite Winter Item - UPDATED

so, what is your favorite winter wardrobe item?

So short. So simple. So tough. So tough, in fact, I can't narrow it down to just one item. When I think winter there are two things I would just die without - sweater dresses and tights. Love, love, love sweater dresses and tights.

Tights help me stay in my daily routine of dresses and skirts without freezing my little tootsies in the harsh Chicago winter, and they add a little fun if you throw on a pair of patterned tights. Love patterned tights. So yummy and fun.

And then there are sweater dresses. That's another level of deliciousness that I don't have words to describe. But this is a blog, so I will go ahead and find some words. I enjoy clothes that can only be worn for a few months out of the year. Makes them more special I guess. And I also enjoy anything cozy that doesn't look like the dreaded c-word: comfortable. *shudder* Whenever someone describes something first as "comfortable" you know it's just... well... ugly. Sorry, it's true. So please, don't describe things as comfortable and please don't justify its existence in your closet as it being comfortable. Those are offenses I will not forgive. But back to sweater dresses. They can range from cute to classic to chic. And can be cozy and yummy at the same time. I wouldn't survive a winter without my trusty sweater dresses. My favest fave are my two Calypso cashmere dresses. They're super girly and cute, and that's all well and good but, gosh, nothing compares to walking around in cashmere all day. Mmmmm.....

If being labeled an EWP favorite isn't enough to get you out and shopping, I don't know what will.

Check out some some sweater dress and tights options below:

Tibi, $265 @

Loeffler Randall, $550

Design History, $138

Design History, $128

Catherine Malandrino, $475





Charnos, $9.99 @





Jonathon Aston, $6.99

Aristoc, $11.99

Banana Republic, $15 @

Banana Republic, $17

@ Available in more colors

UPDATE: Since I got two great work-appropriateness questions, I thought I'd address them in the post instead of the comments. First thing's first, as a base line for work-appropriateness, you are the best judge of your workplace and what is okay or what level of formality it requires. What works at my office may not work at yours. So what I may wear to work and put an EWP stamp of approval on for work-appropriateness, I might totally give a veto to if I saw your workplace.

1) Sweater dresses for work: When shopping for sweater dresses for work there is one MAJOR thing to check (other than making sure sweater dresses aren't too casual for your office), and that is skirt length. MANY sweater dresses are pretty short. Entirely too short for any office. I had this one J.Crew girl pushing a cute sweater dress on me last year, and it was definitely at least 5 inches too short for work. She was convinced I could wear it to a law firm and I laughed at her. Clearly there is a different standard for work appropriate when you work at J.Crew. Short dresses and skirts have no place at an office. 3 out of my 5 sweater dresses are too short for work. 1 is only appropriate if worn with dark tights and flats (borderline length). And 1 is a totally appropriate length. I would guess that all the sweater dresses in this post are probably too short to wear to work (depending on your height), though the brown, ruffled Design History might eek its way into appropriate levels. Appropriate lengthed dresses do exist (my friend Monica wore the CUTEST sweater dress to work today that was a completely appropriate length, great color, and was from Target of all places), you just have to look a little harder.

If your work is on the more formal side, the average sweater dress might be too casual. I would look for finish and construction that elevates the dress -- fitted waist, tie belt, a cute wrap instead of the regular sack-type sweater dress.

2) Tights at work: Once again, you have to feel out your work to know what you can get away with. My firm is definitely on the more casual side as far as BigLaw goes. I can wear super patterned, ridiculous tights and no one would look twice. I do, however, have some rules for keeping myself work-appropriate. Almost all my tights for work are black, brown, grey, or navy; i.e. I keep it to neutrals. I do have some colored tights I will wear, but they are wine, which is about as daring as I will get for work. When it comes to patterned tights (of which I have many. they are just so fun!) I will only do them in a neutral. No patterened wine tights for me. But hello polka dot navy tights and argyle black tights! Once again, that's what works for me. If your firm is more conservative (which many are), then just stick to the plain neutrals or a very lightly patterned neutral (like a ribbed tight).

Hope that helps!

EWP Lesson #6438: Don't Buy Prada Shoes

This blog isn't just for telling you about things that I love that really work well that I think you should get. It's also here to show you any fashion missteps I take so you can be a better-advised shopper. I'm always trying new things and am happy to report to you the outcome - good or bad. Which brings me to today's post...

Remember these shoes? At over 6" they made my legs pretty darn hawt. And let's not forget to mention how ridiculously comfortable they were. Yes, 6 inch heels can be comfortable. I was totally in love.
Just another shot so you can remember what they looked like.

Now feast your eyes on them:

I will now tell you this is the result of five wears. FIVE. And I wasn't hiking or anything. I went to dinner. I've worn my tan loubs more times in one week and they never had this happen.

I will also now tell you that these shoes cost hundreds of dollars. I'm not bragging, I'm just pointing out that you would think if you have to drop down such a hefty chunk of change, that they might last more than five wears. But I've frankly found better craftsmanship at Payless.

This is just unacceptable for any designer item. I called Barney's today to get Prada's customer service number. Barney's, however, said to bring them in and they would take care of it. I'm not sure what "take care of it" means, but I'm hoping it involves hot new shoes. I'll keep you posted.

Guess this esquire doesn't wear prada anymore.