Rock the Vote

My Fellow Americans (and all of you wonderful international readers!) - if you haven't noticed: TODAY IS ELECTION DAY! 

{Pins and Needles Blazer, Akira Dress, Topshop Sunglasses, Knit Tights, Steve Madden pumps}

For this momentous occasion, I've transformed my favorite date night dress into the ultimate election day duds with a smart blazer, thick black tights and red and blue accessories to bring it all together. 

Rather than trying to push my political opinions in these last few voting hours, I am simply here to state that I hope each and every one of you exercised your right to vote for what you believe in today. 

Voting absentee from Illinois for my home-state of Minnesota, it was extremely important for me to VOTE NO to both the Marriage Amendment and Voter Restriction Amendment on this year's ballot. 

I am also incredibly proud to say that just as I was in 2008, I am in full support of President Barack Obama in the 2012 election. I hope Chicago will be celebrating tonight just the way we did all over the streets of downtown four years ago.

Note: In stating my political opinions, I am in no way saying that they should be yours or that they are right. They are simply what I believe in and I am not here to start any sort of argument!

Date Night in Stripes

{Akira Leather Jacket, Akira Dress, Alex and Ani bracelet, Stella McCartney for Adidas purse, Steve Madden combat boots}

Living in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area has not only opened up countless possibilities for exploring, but it has also pushed me to try out different styles with no reservations.

Hence mixing and matching a club-worthy backless dress with tough leather elements and throwing in a sporty Stella McCartney for Adidas bag to infuse a bit of the athletic-inspired trend. 

On a particularly warm September night, this look made me feel sexy, scrappy and sporty all at once while taking in a tantalizing Thai dinner at Silom 12.

Or maybe I was just feeling hot from the red pepper curry? 

IFBCON 2012: Day One

From the moment my nude, round-toed pumps stepped out of the taxi and carefully made their way down the cobblestoned street of 82 Mercer, I could tell I was in for 2 jam-packed days of high-fashion and fierceness for the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference in New York City.  

Beautiful bloggers in all shapes, sizes, colors and crazy patterns came together to learn from industry leaders, experienced bloggers and one another in what was the best experience I've had in my blogging career thus far.

While build a balance doesn't solely focus on fashion, I've always loved clothes and scouring through fashion magazines and blogs so I decided to take the plunge and sign up!

Sponsors like Julep and bareMinerals made the day extra fun with stations for getting our nails done, touching up our makeup and creating DIY projects.

We also listened to panels on various blogging and fashion topics including, "The Future of Digital Fashion," and "The Business of Blogging," with some of the industries' key players.

We even got to listen on as Coco Rocha interviewed the fabulous Derek Blasberg.

But I think my favorite part of the whole event was seeing all of the outrageously wonderful fashion!

My IFBCON Look: 

  

             {Akira Dress; Aldo Pumps & Purse}                                                                         {Twinsies reppin' Twin Cities}

After discovering Essie's Penny Talk while visiting Jacqueline in Boston, I was so excited to see how well it looked with the copper of my collar and made sure to swipe a bit of copper shadow across my lids to bring the look together. 

While she was speaking on the "How to Make Friends and Win Readers" panel, I noticed that Kate Arends of Wit + Delight also had the same fabulous fashion choice as me and rather than getting upset, I had to embrace my twin who just so happens to blog in a wonderful city near and dear to my heart -- MPLS represent! 

You should also take a look at these fresh fashionistas (and new friends!)...

  

From left to right: Niani of the fierce fantasy  // Aminta of clothes & fashion // Tracy of the right shoes

Chicago Pride Parade

The 43rd annual Chicago Pride Parade was held this Sunday with rainbow colors, positivity and glitter galore! 

How have I never been to this before?! As a first-timer to the parade, I had no idea what to expect. I could only hope for flamboyant gay men, free condoms and a day of fun in the sun, but it turned out to be everything I had anticipated and more.

Not only did I receive a ton of compliments on my tight, see-through maxi from Akira...

....but I saw a ton of bold & bright fashion that absolutely screamed PRIDE!

And of course, Candice and I made some new friends.

All the while, the parade was in full swing! Only during Pride can you booty pop on a cop, parade around half naked, dress up in total drag and crowd the streets, waving flags of every color while gogo dancers shower you with condoms and after-party invites from the rooftops! 

But the greatest part was what the whole event represented. Feelings of overwhelming pride (okay, yeah obviously), excitement and gratitude kept coming over me as I looked around and realized what an open and accepting city I live in and how far the Gay Rights Movement has come.

Over 850,000 people came out to show their support for the LGBT community on Sunday and I couldn't help myself but to have corny moments of hugs and congratulations for the steps towards equality that the parade, festival and whole pride month in Chicago has made. 

I can't WAIT for next year!

Photos by John Koeger
(minus Fashion section photos by moi!)