[Chicago Dining] Fashionable Brunching at Little Goat!

In my continued quest to petition for 'Brunching' to be added as the next Olympic sport I've been staying busy with a rigorous training schedule (I know, I know it's not realistic but hey if they cancelled wrestling you never know right?).

My most recent visit was to Stephanie Izard's latest addition, Little Goat.  It did not take much prodding for me to add Little Goat to my long list of Chicago treasures to nosh at.  One of my absolute favorite restaurants is Little Goat's older sister, A Girl and The Goat.  Foolish me believed that I had experienced a number of food-gasms before but did not realize until that moment that I ate Izard's 'sauteed green beans' that I was experiencing my real first.  So naturally once I heard that she was opening an extension to her food concept with an American diner it was a definite given that I'd be making a visit.

Little Goat is nod to the vintage American diners of the past with a wide variety of food options and most importantly breakfast is served all day long.  The key difference of what separates Little Goat from any other diner is that everything is made from scratch.  This is Izard's signature attention to detail that swept me off my feet in the first place.

Not sure what to wear? Don't worry, I have you covered.  Draw some outfit inspiration from key Spring/Summer trends that you can wear now:

Items pictured above: ONE by Marna Ro Maxi Dress/ Givenchy Shark Tooth Earring/ Clover Canyon Printed Blazer/ Maison Martin Margiela Ankle Boots/ Givenchy Braided Shark Tooth Bracelet 


Check out my pics from my visit to Little Goat:

[Chicago Dining] Roka Akor Winter Menu Preview!

Anytime I get to infuse food and fashion together it's always a match made in cosmic heaven.  Roka Akor extended me the opportunity to join them recently to preview their food & cocktail winter menu.  As an appreciator of artistic cuisine featuring premiere fresh seasonal, natural and local ingredients it was definitely an event I was looking forward too.  The tasting menu was comprised of 5 different courses, a dessert and 3 different cocktails.

Being a contemporary Robatayaki Japanese restaurant, it was so refreshing to see "food as theater".  Of the 5 courses that were served my favorite was the Robata grilled Wagyu confit Short Rib with truffle maitake mushroom; grilled sweet potato with ginger teriyaki sauce.  Roka Akor is most notably known as a sushi master, but their impressive offering of succulent steak cuts is what left me craving for more.

This new seasonal menu will launch this Friday with the Winter Solstice, on December 21st through March 20th.  Check out my pics below (warning, may cause drool):

Wondering what to wear to this contemporary eastern experience? Play up the fun and sleek vibe in this "Edgy Sparkle" ensemble:

Shop the look here:

[MFW] Philipp Plein Spring 2013 Collection!

Philipp Plein presented his "Pompadour Punk" Spring 2013 Collection at Milan Fashion Week  Plein's collection is a ladylike twist to rocker chic.  The mixing of contrasts such as bubble gum pink studded pink leather moto jacket with a flower motif skinny leg pant lend to soften the edginess of the fabrics.

My favorite look from Plein's show is this shredded loose fit tunic sweater that is paired white ankle length pants.  The subtle rocker edge is in the details.  The studded patch on the knees, coupled with the zipper pockets and ankle enclosures are not overwhelming and lend to their versatility in wear.

*Photo Credit: Philipp Plein

Agree with me on this amazing ensemble's subtle & versatile rocker chic qualities?  Re-create it with my following suggestions:

CFDA 2012 Awards Red Carpet

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) red carpet is most notably known as "the Oscars of the fashion industry".  American fashion designers, fashion innovators, and style trail blazers are honored for their contributions to the American fashion industry.

Like any other notable red carpet the starlets did not disappoint.  Key trends on the red carpet were exciting all-over prints, cut-outs, and brilliant vibrant colors.  There were definite hits and misses, and as per usual one particular starlet stole the red carpet for me.

Check out my Top 5 looks of the night as well and who I awarded my best dressed of the night!

Dakota Fanning in Proenza Schouler

Zoe Saldana in Prabal Gurung (pictured with Designer)

Kate Bosworth in Altuzarra Laal

Hilary Rhoda in Rebecca Minkoff

Solange Knowles stole the night in this J. Crew yellow knit shift dress!  She looked absolutely picturesque in her signature golden color and paired so perfectly with a vintage floral clutch and Missoni sandals.  Wearing her hair natural only aide to exude this brilliant cool vibe that has become her signature red carpet style.  

Solange Knowles in Marni

Want to replicate Solange's picturesque look? Check out my suggestions below:

Pictured above: 1. Fire Lace Shift Dress 2. Missoni Knitted & Perspex Sandals (now 50% off!) 3. Vintage inspired Floral Clutch