shoes, shoes, shoes HERE

my new love…the espadrille bootie (yep, that’s right! & super perfect for spring/summer ) HERE

stock up on your stripes and solids here, here & here

stripes & solids shown above 1 / 2 / 3

grab some graphics here, here & here

graphics above 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Arlene really gets it right with this denim and denim ensemble (that’s right, you can wear denim with denim!) The button-up is a perfect choice (she can roll the sleeves up or down as temp dictates), and the short sleeve jacket is sheer genius when you’re not sure of what the level of chill will be. She also gets it right with a pair of peep-toe ankle booties — toss a pair of socks in your bag (seriously) and thrown them on if you get cold.

And it’s all the perfect backdrop for her awesome collection of turquoise and coral bracelets (handed down to her from her parents — she still recalls the family road trip and the roadside jewelry stand where the pieces were originally purchased).

For me, I really wanted to wear this vintage YSL silk rose print dress I purchased a couple of months ago. I’ve been dying for the weather to get warm enough so that I could wear it. Weather wasn’t cooperating, so I layered it. Take that, Chicago Spring! I topped it with a thrifted jean jacket that we cut the sleeves off of for a photo shoot. The vest offers a nice little layer of warmth, and also makes the perfect canvas for my beloved deconstructed corsage from Chicago designer, Kristin Mariani of Red Shift.

And on a side note, Arlene and I honestly didn’t plan this — we just both happened to show up in outfits that feature both red and denim elements. We’re of the same mind, I tell you!

{On Arlene: Steven Alan button-up, Anagram by Gary Graham parka, Nobody boyfriend jeans, Rachel Comey Avenger peep-toes, vintage turquoise and coral bracelets.

On Brandon: vintage YSL rose print dress, Old Navy denim vest, Mayle boots, Red Shift deconstructed corsage.}

Thanks to Becky Hill for the awesome photography! Shot on location at one of our favorites spots, the Lill Street Art Center.

images via wool and the gang

more inspired work spaces…here

and casual chic maxi’s here, here, here and here

images: 1 (so sorry don’t know where i came across this one) / 2 / my bad, this one too / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

We’ve been fans of Rue since the beginning and have been trying to get our work featured in this awesome magazine ever since they launched. We can’t even begin to express how thrilled and honored we are to be included. And to have our shot on the cover? Well, it’s almost more than we can stand!

From a completely objective perspective, we think this issue is the very best one yet. A few highlights:

Spring entertaining ideas (and some yummy recipes):

Sherbet-colored shopping ideas:

A fabulous Raleigh-Durham pad with some over-sized, covetable artwork (and the cutest little dog ever):

And, of course, an over-the-top fashion story styled and produced by us:

catch our story on pages 56-67

Check out all these stories and much, much more in the latest issue at Ruemag.com. It’s a beauty from start to finish!

{photo credits: *cover and Refined Riot — photography by Erika Dufour, wardrobe styling and production by TwentyThirtyForty, prop and set styling by Kelly McKaig, hair by Chrisondra Boyd, make-up by Kerry Huesges, model: Bel from Ford Chicago, furniture from Revision Home Chicago; Sips & Snacks photography by Featherlove; Carolina Cool — interior design by Heather Garrett, photography by Emily Johnston-Anderson}

We knew we had to be cute and represent — we were (are) Midwest gals, styling one very influential style blogger. But we also knew (we’re not new at this) that we had to be comfortable. I think I’ve mentioned it here before,  but when my feet hurt, I full on SHUT. DOWN. Can’t do anything. So Arlene rocked some (always comfy and stylish) Rachel Comey ankle boots and I turned to my trusty and awesome Margiela booties (purchased at a La Garconne warehouse sale during a weekend jaunt to NYC).

We are both big believers in skirts and dresses — always chic and always easy (chic and easy: our 2 favorite words when it comes to fashion) — so we broke out a couple of our respective faves: a DVF lips dress for A and a vintage maxi skirt for B. And the layering pieces are key, too. Believe it or not, styling can make you sweat! If there’s any sort of chill in the air, it’s always a good idea to dress in peel-able layers.

{On Arlene: vintage Halston sunglasses, Diane von Furstenberg lip print dress, Surface To Air basket weave sweater, Rachel Comey Mars ankle bootie; On Brandon: vintage Claude Montana maxi skirt (from Saffron Vintage — I hate to share my sources, but girl deserves some love for her awesomeness!), Marc Jacobs blazer, Margiela ankle booties, and graphic tee from the F11 Pamela Love presentation (thank you VERY much, People’s Revolution. I wear that thing to death!)}

*all photography by Nathan Michael

looking fab at lunch with your girlfriends…check!  looking fab paired with a gorgeous blouse to work…check!  looking pretty & flirty for date night or lounging around…check!  looking fab in an old dress cause you layered it with a chiffon slip…check!

see the LONG chiffon slip in motion here…oh so cool that gary graham!!

and go get it here

found via design for mankind

images via colagene