04.17.2013

Spring Break

Spring Break

The weather in Chicago has been dismal, so I'm holding onto visions of our recent trip to the Dominican Republic. We indulged in delicious meals and local cocktails, spent time in the pool and the sand, and truly unplugged for the first time in ages.

My daughter made a friend from Venezuela, and despite the language barrier, they loved every minute they spent together. Although our place is not advertised as a family resort, it had the cutest bunk room for the kids (along with tiny robes and slippers), which made bedtime easy, and our evenings much more relaxing. It was the perfect balance of grown-up amenities, with child friendly touches, so the whole family was happy. 

Here are a few glimpses of our getaway....

Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
The golf cart was the most exciting part of the trip for my car/truck obsessed son
Spring Break
My favorite perch
Spring Break
My daughter and her new friend
Spring Break
Spring Break
The kids bunk room
Spring Break
The view from our favorite, beach side restaurant

CATEGORIES:   Kids and family, Places

04.12.2013

Spring Fashion - Tina Unlocks the Code

Spring Fashion - Tina Unlocks the Code
When the spring shows took place last fall, I remember thinking "wow, the designers are all over the map!" Some showed fur for spring while others showed diaphanous, sheer dresses.  Even the fashion magazines can't agree.  I recently read that patent leather pumps are out (totally wrong). You will find an infinite variety of pointy patent pumps in neon yellow, sapphire blue and of course black. If Gucci has them, the others will follow! How to make sense of all of this? Focus on who you are, what your needs are, and leave a little room in the budget for the dreamy stuff.  For me, the dreamy stuff usually involves a long flowing gown for what I call "the fabulous life of Tina," which is the fantasy life I wish I had. Other items that made it to my closet this spring include: pointy pumps, more ballet pink/nude tops to build on what I bought last spring, a totally chic sapphire blue play on the pantsuit, a great pair of Stella McCartney off-white skinny jeans, and fabulous Louis Vuitton denim culottes (can't wait to wear them). What I love about these pieces is that they can be worn all year round.  So, here's my advice: (1) step out of your comfort zone for one or two pieces - this is where you add the crazy dress that looks awesome on you; (2) stock up on fabulous shoes in a variety of colors (at least three pairs - 1 being pointy); (3) update your jeans - look for faded blue with a 70's flare or cropped; and (4) look for pretty blouses and delicate sweaters that will match your jeans and shoes.  Happy Spring!

 
 

 

Spring Fashion - Tina Unlocks the Code
Nude/ballet pink blouses, including one from last season.
Spring Fashion - Tina Unlocks the Code
Matching nude shoes
Spring Fashion - Tina Unlocks the Code
Pointy toe pumps!!!
Spring Fashion - Tina Unlocks the Code
LV denim culottes
Spring Fashion - Tina Unlocks the Code
The new pantsuit - a tunic and pants in sapphire blue!

CATEGORIES:   Beautiful things

04.04.2013

The road less travelled, by Tina

The road less travelled, by Tina

Several years ago, my husband told me of a coworker who takes stock every 10 years of what she is doing with her life and where she wants to go next. I did the same not so long ago and decided that my law career had run its course. While I had a great job in a cutting edge area of law, my heart has always leaned toward a more artistic sensibility. I am fortunate that my husband has a great job that he loves, thus allowing me the opportunity to take a risk and find a more fulfilling way to spend my days.  Coincidentally, it was 10 years ago that I last pursued my interest in fashion, writing a monthly column for a magazine and putting together fashion segments for our local CBS station.  I did all this while still working at my day job at a big law firm. It was a crazy period but I learned that, in Chicago, there are few jobs that are truly in the fashion industry.  Opportunity came knocking a few months ago, when a very good friend of mine (an über stylist) proposed a business that made a lot of sense.  We decided to take all of the no-longer-needed couture clothes from his clients' closets and sell them in our own showroom, called VMR (vintage, modern, resale). We will not be on eBay or online. We will be on Oak Street! The point is to have an experience - the opportunity to work with an extremely talented stylist and have him (and me) dress you. We had our first photo shoot last month for Splash, a Sun-Times publication. I am excited about the future, nervous about the challenges in front of me, and I am thankful for the support of my family. I also have plans for Ellie D as well.  Let's see how the next ten years pan out! Cheers!

 

The road less travelled, by Tina
Mark, me and model Jaslene wearing our Valentino dress and Prada coat
The road less travelled, by Tina
Me at the shoot wearing a Prada dress selected by Mark

CATEGORIES:   Kids and family