Every cloud has its silver lining

This summer, in Chicago, has been a wet one!  Rain rain and more rain.  But, as they say, "every cloud has its silver lining."  In this case, such intense weather and the need of rain gear and umbrellas presents the ideal excuse to splurge on a wanted-yet-not-needed home accessory: the umbrella stand.  Check out some attractive options that can reside in your entrance way by the time the next cloud rolls around.

(1) Boot Umbrella Stand in White, $49.95, Z Gallerie, (2) Alessi 'blow-up' umbrella stand, $250, fratelli campana (3) Owl Umbrella Stand, $150, Two's Company (4) Porcelain & Brass Umbrella Stand, $199.90, Neiman Marcus

Work out in style

Going to the gym can be dreadful enough.  But finding cute clothes to wear to the gym and show off that hot body shouldn't be.  Think outside the usual t-shirt/shorts combo and don't be afraid to shop for workout gear outside the athletic department.  Here is an example of how you can look stylish, even at the gym.

(1) Noelle, $60, A&F (2) Zella 'Carrie - Elliptical' Tank, $44, Nordstrom (3) Bauhaus Streamline Weekender, $375, Matt & Nat (4) Perfect Butt Boot, $50, A&F (5) Women's K-Street Sneaker, $69.95, PUMA

(1) Carnivore Tee, $24, dELiAs (2) Nike Dri-FIT Terry Hoody, $65, Nordstrom (3) Round Logo Cap, $40, Ralph Lauren (4) Zella “Soul” Shorts, $48.00, Nordstrom (5) Cell Volt Wn’s, $90, Puma

Oh, those summer niiiiiiiiiiiiiights

Summer nights out are a great reason to accessorize!  Think of all the fun belts, head pieces and bracelets.  Here are some ideas for a casual, yet stylish, summer night out.

(1) Dream shawl cardigan, $118, J Crew (2) Cotton-silk strapless top with flower, $128, J Crew (3) Wave, $142, Hobo International (4) Halogen Denim Pants, $68, Nordstrom (5) Kelsi Dagger 'Cara' Sandal, $94.95, Nordstrom
 

(1) Screw-post skinny belt, $35, Banana Republic (2) One Shoulder Knit Maxi Dress, $99.50, Martin & Osa (3) Beaded Applique Headwrap, $24, Urban Outfitters (4) Sparkle, $69.95, Carlos by Carlos Santana

Use your own artwork

An inexpensive and creative idea to decorate your home: use your own artwork. Remember those pictures from last year's Europe trip or the ones from the visit to the Botanical Gardens? Don't be afraid to frame them and hang them up in a lonely hallway or living room wall. Looks professional and makes you look like a brilliant artist!  Here is an example of some flowers I shot and framed in my stairway.

Or, if you don't have any of your own photography, you can frame any prints that appeal to you - it does not need to be a store bought frame/insert set.  Create your own masterpiece.  Consider large-format books (with pages you can tear out) or a pretty postcard.  Staying in theme, such as color or object, will make any framed prints look professional and commercial.  Yet, they are still all you.

Item of the week

Here is a gorgeous orange fruit bowl with a colorful textured flower on the INSIDE! 

Fruit Bowl, $20, Kohl's

Summer's last fling

It's the end of August, so hurry up and get the most out of your favorite summer clothes.  It's no secret that some of these outfits will never be worn again... because by next summer, the style will change, the fit will change and there will be a cuter outfit to wear!  Here are some adorable summer outfits.

(1) Rhinestone Lock w/ Key Layered Necklace, $48, Betsey Johnson (2) Cotton Shell Tank, $39.50, Martin & Osa (3) Halogen Denim Pants, $68, Nordstrom (4) Yvona, $88.95, Calvin Klein (5) Fall Forward Tote, $95, Liz Claiborne

(1) Black Diamond Bangle Set, $70, Ann Taylor (2) Susina Ruffle Camisole, $24, Nordstrom (3) Lightweight cashmere wrap, $70, Banana Republic (4) Dawn Short, $60, Abercrombie & Fitch (5) Patent tortoise ballet flats, $125, J. Crew

 

(1) Dolman sleeve drapey tee, $48.50, Victoria’s Secret (2) Wave, $142, Hobo International (3) Open-toe wedge, $79, Jessica Simpson (4) Vanessa Skirt, $60, Abercrombie & Fitch (5) Stone Necklace, $28, Urban Outfitters

Welcome to DG Style!

Welcome to my blog. I am so excited to share my ideas and thoughts with you that will help you style your wardrobe and your house. I hope to inspire you by taking ordinary items, founds at many retail outlets, and making them fit into your chic lifestyle. Enjoy!