Suede Leggings: Nordstrom (currently on sale! They come in black, and also in plus size!) Love this navy pair, this pair with just the suede front, and this cropped pair is really cute as well. // Sweater: Nordstrom (super soft 100% cashmere for only $111 and comes in so many colors!) but very similar here, here, here and here // Riding boots: Coach from Nordstrom (also available in black and dark brown–and a wide calf version, too!) // Scarf: Nordstrom (this color combo just sold out, but check back again because they’ll likely re-stock it!) but similar here, here and here // Turtleneck: J.Crew (comes in several colors!) also love this thicker sweater version // Purse: Vintage LV Speedy 25 (lot’s of used available on this site!)  Bracelets: Kendra Scott cuff and Elton bracelets // Makeup: Milani Color Statement Lipstick in “Sweet Nectar” (drugstore buy!) but I found a similar color from MAC called “Obi Orange” which will have much longer-lasting results! Dior Mascara, BareMinerals Complexion Rescue, BareMinerals Mineral Makeup, Estee Lauder Sculpting Blush in “Peach Passion” and Estee Lauder “Brow Now” Eyebrow Pencil // Hair: Curled with a Beachwaver curling iron, finished with Oribe Dry Texture Spray 
Helllooo and happy Friday!

By the time you’re reading this, I’ll likely be en route to Cancun or maybe even by the pool already 😉 (YESSSSS!)

I’m happy to report that I’ll be shooting quite a few outfits while I’m there, so you’ll be able to get a little break from all the cold weather wear! Also, it makes me feel better that we’ll be taking a California trip in February–so at least there’s another frigid weather break on the horizon. Neal just started covering California for work, so I will obviously be tagging along with those trips as much as I can! Thinking we’ll be in the LA area most of the time on our first trip out there, so if you have any suggestions–let me know!

(Helpful side note: He decided to switch to the Southwest credit card for business expenses, which means he’ll get a companion pass next year–AKA I can fly for free with him! I’d definitely recommend looking into that if you have a business credit card! Counting down the days until that happens!)

In other news, I’m popping by Kelly’s soon to say hi before we leave! We usually spend several hours per week together, but with the holidays, it’s been almost a month! WAH! I also dropped my phone on the stairs (again) walking out of the house to the coffee shop this morning and pretty much finished off what was already a struggling-to-hold-on phone case. An hour later, we were g-chatting and she sent me a photo of a brand new phone case she found in her desk and asked if I wanted it–haha! (It’s like we have ESPN or something…)

With the holiday down time, Neal and I got a chance to try out some cool new places that recently opened in our neighborhood–Publican Anker and Hotel Robey! BOTH of which you need to put on your list!

If you’re a Chicago foodie you might freak out a little when I say this, but Publican’s burger is better than Au Cheval’s. (GASP!) I went there, and I stand firmly by my statement. I think it’s one of the best burgers in Chicago. The avocado salad was also to die for.

I also happened to pass Hotel Robey on my way to yoga a couple weeks back and did a double take. I had NO idea that a hotel was opening in Wicker Park. (Basically a hotel desert.) They have the cutest cafe on the bottom floor! While I haven’t tried the food at the cafe yet, what I did check out was the 2nd floor lounge, which serves coffee and booze. (Excellent combinations when you’re getting some work done while on winter break.) It’s an awesome place to do some work. Neal met me later and we wrapped up some work stuff over a couple beers. It was so much fun!

We made friends with our server, who is the food and beverage manager, and she took us upstairs to show us their rooftop bar. (Thanks Kaylee!) You guys, it’s one of the coolest views of the Chicago skyline that exists. It’s easily the highest view in Wicker Park, so you see the city from a whole different perspective. It was packed, and its really small, so if you want to check it out, I suggest going early!

The hotel is also really nice and the prices look pretty affordable, so if you’re visiting and looking to stay outside of downtown Chicago (which I’d definitely recommend!) you should look into it!

I love wearing my suede leggings on outings like these because they feel like sweatpants (they’re warm, too!) but look way cooler than jeans! (Don’t you love when that happens?) When it comes to winter fashion staples, these really can’t be beat! I also love the look of them paired with my riding boots! This amazing sweater JUST got re-stocked in all colors and now it’s on sale! (I love when that happens!) It’s 100% cashmere and is seriously so soft. It’s such a classic staple!

Other versatile ways you can style faux suede leggings:

For work: Yes, you CAN make these work for a business-casual setting (well, of course, not ALL offices, but many of them) with a crisp white button down and classic D’Orsay pumps. Tie a silk scarf around your neck for extra credit! I love that this one has both black and navy, which means you can wear it with pretty much everything. (If you’re wondering how to tie your scarf, I did a post on that here!)

For dinner: Pair them with a pretty blouse (I LOVE the color of this one and its sleeve details) and black OTK boots (at first I thought the suede on suede thing would look weird, but with the color difference, it looks great!) I’ve been wearing mine with my new Lowland boots I got for Christmas and LOVE the combo, but my budget-friendly OTK boots look just as great, too!

For weekend brunch: Style with a cozy oversized cardigan, casual tee (this one is my year-round go-to), and sneakers!

What’s your favorite winter fashion staple?

P.S. Remember, if you’re bored this weekend, follow along on our Mexico trip via Instagram and Insta stories! ;-P 

Photos by Jules Kennedy