Tips & Tricks: Candles

At last! I have found an invaluable tip on how to clean wax out of an empty candle holder. I watched this video and the clouds in the sky parted above my head. I have been doing it wrong all of these years... and it turns out the right technique for dewaxing containers is basically common sense.

Little Luxury: Bird's The Word

It's April 13th. And it is snowing in Chicago. Pretend you are somewhere warm and use these amazing Flamingo glasses from Ikea. The best part? They are 99 cents each, so you can buy a ton of them and have a tropical cocktail party for you and 100 of your closest friends. Bon voyage! Ikea Sommarfint Glass

Little Luxury: Fur Cowl

I stumbled on this gem at yesterday's Dose Market. While it didn't seem like a necessity yesterday in the late-season 70 degree weather, I was wishing I had it in my closet this morning as I got dressed in some much chillier temperatures. Coming in a bevy of colors (all priced at $158.00), this item is definitely on my holiday wish list. C/FAN April Infinity Cowl.

Birthday Suited

I love shopping for birthday gifts. It's fun to try to come up with creative, unique gift ideas for friends that they most likely wouldn't purchase for themselves. Here is a quick roundup up glitzy birthday gifts that will make your favorite gal pal swoon.

1. Leif Glitter Tart Server. You only get a birthday cake once a year. Might as well let it sparkle.
2. Benefit They're Real Mascara. The ultimate mascara. Looks like falsies- but comes off at the end of the night.
3. kate spade Champagne Coupe Glasses. Champagne is way more fun to drink out of a vintage-style glass.
4. Leigh Viner Art Print. A little art goes a long way.
5. House of Harlow Triangle Cuff. Birthday bangle- perfect for a party.
6. Jonathan Adler Muse Votive Holder. Perfect for all the knick-knacks on your dresser.

Sounds: Lianne La Havas

Lianne La Havas has been getting a lot of buzz in the past year and a half: a nomination for the Mercury Music prize, featured performer at fashion week parties, and media coverage across the globe. But La Havas proves she is more than just hype; this talented 23-year old Brit is truly an artist, penning and playing her own music with a style that refuses to be categorized and voice that is soulful beyond her years. Her album, Is Your Love Big Enough?, definitely deserves a listen on a chilly fall afternoon.

City Secrets: Floriole

Photos via Now You Know Events and Floriole

Tucked away on a tree-lined street in Lincoln Park, Floriole is a world class bakery, creating some of the best breads and pastry that the city of Chicago has to offer. Situated next to that other well-known Lincoln Park bakery, Floriole is a quiet respite on a Saturday morning, bringing its patrons delicious food and drink, a beautifully designed interior, and a wonderfully refined atmosphere- something akin to France. Try it once and you will be hooked.

Floriole, 1220 W. Webster Avenue, Chicago.

Shop Now: Zara Home

My addiction to Zara is pretty out of control. And it looks like things are about to get a little bit worse when the store launches U.S. eCommerce for Zara Home next Tuesday, October 9. Before long, we will all have luxe, Euro-inspired pieces in our homes- fortunately priced at Zara's reasonable levels. Can't wait to check it all out next week! Info here.