Call Me Old-Fashioned...

And now, something to drink! After all, you must be parched. Let's go with the always-delicious, classic, and amazing Old-Fashioned. I was inspired to learn how to concoct the perfect one after watching Ryan Gosling knocking 'em back in "Crazy, Stupid, Love." I know, I know, Ryan Gosling? That's so 2011. But, I did think it would make the perfect winter cocktail for you all to try. Girls, you'll love it for its unexpectedly sweet, soothing taste.

Recipe adapted from (where else) Esquire
Sugar cube
Bitters 
Basil Hayden's (a light, smooth bourbon whiskey and my favorite); buy it here.
Club soda
Orange peel

Place sugar cube in tumbler. Add three drops of bitters and then a splash of club soda. Crush sugar cube with back of spoon until dissolved. Add a couple of ice cubes. Pour shot of bourbon whiskey and add orange peel for garnish.

Oh My God, It's Back Again

Backstreet's back...all right!

Okay, not really, but I'm here and have decided to rekindle the romance by asking for your forgiveness after a long pause.

But let's not get too schmaltzy. So, without further ado, here's what I've been obsessing over the last few months. 

Start ogling...it'll help us bond again. I promise.

Wildfox for "Clueless." See the whole collection here.

Finding a new favorite blog: How Two Live.

Cara Delevingne's rise to model stardom. 

Balmain's Spring 2013 collection.

Getting ready for warmer weather with Clover Canyon's new threads.

Hoping to "steal beauty" in Italy soon.

In Exchange for Vacation

Rachel Zoe

According to tough-as-nails The New York Times fashion critic, Cathy Horyn, viewing resort wear collections is "practically like being on vacation." If  that's true, I plan on religiously devoting myself to regular viewing  sessions for each and every collection every year for the rest of my life. 


Yves went nautical with anchors and all (kinda cliche?), but served up an awesome dose of 50's flare. Rachel Zoe knocked it out of the bananas bunch with her assortment of glamorous revival pieces. Chanel was very "black and white," yet once again showcased ethereal frocks for princesses at heart. 


And, even though I love him as a man, I don't relate well to Michael Kors as a designer. His looks often border on "Safari Barbie." However, this year, his resort wear appeared young and hip, welcoming neons into the picture. OK, OK, it's a little Bond meets Austin Powers, but you gotta love his chutzpah. 

Rachel Zoe

Chanel 

Michael Kors

Yves Saint Laurent
All photos nymag.com

Unusual Bag Suspect: Reed Krakoff

Photo via NET-A-PORTER

The cliquish sea of Givenchy, Celine, Prada, and Chanel bags can be intimidating to some up-and-coming lines, but for designer Reed Krakoff that just ain't true. Want to know why? Because he's the Creative Director behind Coach and knows how to make leather into wearable art.

With his independent line of high, but actually-OK priced handbags, Krakoff has started to make editorial waves in the couture universe. I love his clean shapes, sophisticated ideas, and contrasting neutral color schemes. Splurging on one of his creations would be easy due to the fact that they're all simply timeless.

Not enough? Krakoff does shoes, clothes, and jewelry too; also in a timeless yet edgy fashion. Find out more about his ingenious empire here.

photo via Saks Fifth Avenue

photo via love-handbag.com

photo via Popbee.com

Miu Miu is Shady

Just when I though I had kicked my sunglasses addiction, Miu Miu's fall 2011 collection had to go and do this to me...It just isn't fair!!! Jump on board and join the wait list. Kind of annoying, kind of snobby, but kind of worth it.

photos via StyleCaster

Avery

Since you the readers have been a bit neglected (and starved) for the past couple of weeks, I've decided to feed you something unique and hearty, a street style photo courtesy of moi.

For my first go at the art of fashion photography, I picked a male subject truly in sync with his surroundings. Avery claims he gets asked to be snapped all the time. And why not, as he represents the epitome of fashion-forward Bucktown, Chicago and exudes what I love most about humid spring afternoons in the outskirts of the Windy City: casual, cool, cutoff bliss.

Rosie's Look for Less

Rosie Huntington-Whitely with Jason Statham
photo via Knight Cat

Lately, fellow fashion bloggers have been crushing hard on Victoria's Secret beauty, Rosie Huntington-Whitely. I can see why; she effortlessly captures that no-frills, refined bohemian look Kate Bosworth also lives by.

However, some of us can't afford that Alexander Wang hobo she's sporting in the photo above, so let's see how we can achieve the day look for less. I plan on trying to pull off the ensemble while strolling through Bucktown, my favorite part of Chicago, in a couple of weeks.

Outfit total: $330

Untitled by vfriedrich featuring a jumper sweater