Memorial Weekend BBQ

Chicago lucked out with the weather the next day as well.  I was invited to two BBQs but opted to go to my friend’s farewell party.  She just found out she is moving to Miami!  Lucky!!  I made my way over there early in the evening and managed to catch up with her before the commotion.  Once the others arrived it got a little crazy.  We had a great time! 

Memorial Day BBQ!

Sunday on Memorial Day weekend my friends decided to throw a BBQ.  Who could pass up an invitation like that??  Me and my friends made our way to Skokie for some backyard fun.  The weather was HOT and the food was delish!  It was nice catching up with everyone.  So many things are coming up for the summer; it's getting harder to figure out how to plan for some of it.
Number one for me has always been:  what to wear.  I am NOT a dress person.  Yes, I've worked in retail over the years, and I know how important it is for women to find a flattering dress for these summer occasions.  And it's not easy.  I've been shopping online for the past 4 years and have completely ruled out shopping at the mall.  I've been the same dress size for years so trying something on has never been a problem for me.  It's more of scrambling through tons of dresses that drive me crazy.  Not to mention, I'm pretty much always on a budget.  If the sky was the limit, then yes, life would be much easier.  But I'm not wealthy so I have learned how to shop for myself over the years.
What I have learned:
Let's face it.  You're not a little girl anymore.  You pretty much know what looks good on you by now.  When it comes to certain occasions, look for what has worked for you in the past.  You know your silhouette.  If  you have a great pair of legs, then don't wear a maxi dress.  Show them off!  If you have a tiny waist, don't wear an empire dress.  Stick to dresses that accentuate your body and not hide them because of whatever trends are happening this season.  For the most part, up to this point in your life, it's been trial and error.  But you'll never forget those times when people have come up to you to tell you how great you look!  Those are unforgettable moments!
What's your color??  I have a friend that always wears black because she feels it looks best on her.  She feels more confident because it slims her down and she doesn't feel so exposed.  I have another friend that wears rich colors like magenta and royal blue well.  It looks great on her skin tone.  Everyone has a color! 
Do you have a favorite brand or shop that has always been your go-to for shopping?  I have 5 brands; shops that have worked for me in the past.  I usually luck out when I shop there.  I usually start there before branching out to other stores. 
Now that you're "aware" of what has worked for you in the past, it's time to know what occasion you are shopping for.  I have a couple of baby showers and baptisms coming up, as well as a work function.  For the most part I know I will be looking at day dresses and work dresses.  It narrows down your search tremendously when you know what you're looking for.
I have yet to find my dresses.  Over the years, I have managed to look for good deals online and out and about.  There have been times when I've bought a dress because of how well it fits, despite knowing where I would wear it to.  My rule of thumb has always been to get the dress.  You never know when something pops up.   

Memorial Day!

On Memorial Day Monday my friend hosted a small gathering at her new condo.  She wanted people to bring champagne while she took care of the grill.  I thought that was a splendid way to spend the holiday!  Girl talk and enjoying the hot weather.  It was officially HOT so I busted out the shorts.  The funny thing about switching seasons is looking through your summer stash of clothes.  I got rid of 2 bags full of out-dated clothes and gave them away to friends and family.  As we're now in the middles of August I'll be doing the same thing again for fall/winter clothes.  I've been trying to be more thoughtful on my spending as well.  I worked in retail for over 10 years and accumulated a huge wardrobe over the years.  I've also learned a thing or two on what to invest in and what to be thrifty with.
First of all, summer clothes basically consist of shorts, tees, and tanks.  And here in Chicago, the humidity is what makes it feel scorching.  I try to wear breathable materials such as cotton because it helps dealing with sweat.  If I wear a pricey silk item, I'm consciously aware that that sweat won't absorb as well.  The last thing you want is to wear a sweaty silk top trying to look cute.  Polyester tops work better only if they're sleeveless (since it's not a natural fabric).  In this end, it's best to go "cheap" for summer clothes in natural cotton and skip out wearing the pricier silk items since they do not work well in humidity.
Dresses,  Dresses are a sensitive subject for me because I'm not a dress girl.  I have friends, though, that ONLY wear dresses in their wardrobe, so I understand how dresses have an impact when it comes to shopping.   I do although have a rule of thumb when it comes to dresses.  If a dress fits you perfectly, and you absolutely love it, no matter what the occasion the dress is for (cocktail, day dress, clubbing, etc.), BUY IT.  There were times in my life that I did buy a dress for just that reason alone, and it has worked for me over the years.  I have a beautiful white wrap dress that I bought 10 years ago and I still get compliments on where I got it from.  I've worn it a bunch of times and it hasn't failed me once.  In this factor, price does not matter.  Whether it's high end, or from forever 21, I still take extra care of my dresses regardless, mostly because I want to have multiple wears out of it.  If I do buy a dress, it's because I absolutely am in love with it, plain and simple.  Occasions will arise out of no where and you'll be glad you can rock your beautiful dress.  Patience is the key.
I've had my share of impulse buying and that has never worked for me, mostly because you're buying something for the sake of buying.  You just want to walk out with something in your hand and that's crazy because you're not even sure if you like what you just bought.  Try to purchase items you're in love with and you won't go wrong. 
Shoes are definitely an investment item, so there you might spend a pretty penny.  It has been my experience that my pricier shoes have lasted longer over the years AND bottom line, they are more comfortable than my cheaper shoes.  They are simply made better so it's best that you invest in shoes and get your money's worth.
The following weekend I went to a country concert at Joe's on Weed Street with my friend who had an extra ticket.  I rarely do country outings but I had a good time watching the show.  Joe's reminds me of the spots I visited in Nashville, so if you want to do the live-country music-scene, go to Joe's.   

Memorial Day BBQ with champagne and these lovely ladies!

Checking out Cadillac3 at Joe's on Weed Street!

They rocked!