Black and White

Well fall is now upon us and one of the many trends I am absolutely loving is the popularity of black and white.  This trend has been just as, if not more, popular than the highlighter/neon trend last year.  I mean, who doesn't own a great black top or a must have pair of white jeans??

I recently took a trip to the big apple and while in NYC, to reminisce my time living there, I went to one of my favorite spots in the city: The windows on 5th Avenue.  I have blogged about these windows before.  They are the display windows at Bergdorf Goodman's and the other high-end designer stores located on 57th & 5th.  I noticed that almost every store had a black and white display.  It was great to see the variety of textures, prints, and styles that were presented amongst each designer.  

Bergdorf Goodman's

Bergdorf Goodman's 

Bergdorf Goodman's

Chanel 

Chanel

These looks are so classic and timeless.  If you are looking to update your wardrobe now is the time to shop!  Black and white are both considered basic colors.  For example: when a clothing company releases a new collection there are fashion colors and basic colors that are produced.  The usual standard that buyers use when buying for a department store is two basic colors and one fashion color per style.  If you have a crew neck t-shirt: the buyer might buy a black, a white, and a red.  The black and white are considered basic and the red would be the fashion color.  

Because black and white are so basic, the fashion is going to be in the details... pay attention to fabric choices; some great options are: leather paired with a knit, ribbed- particularly in pants creating a more slimming look, and lace.  Printed pants are huge right now, as well.  Tribal prints and floral motifs, polka dots, and leather, leather, leather!!!! 

I now leave you with a couple of my favorite pieces for fall:

Black and white by burkholder-blair 

Take care,

love, Blair

Hello again...

So I've noticed that my writing hiatus time frame continues to exceed the previous time span. I think this post is going on 10 months later! Apologies in advance for my next hiatus... unfortunately, when life throws me crazy curve balls I hibernate from writing.

With that said, it's GREAT to be back!

Currently playing: "Anything Could Happen" by Ellie Goulding. That woman knows what she is doing when it comes to music.

Currently reading: Nothing at the moment; Wanting to pick up Malcom Gladwell's newest book: "David and Goliath"

Currently wearing: All FALL trends; bought my first pair of motorcycle boots complete with too many holes for the laces, exposed zippers, and hidden studs!

Currently loving: all things pumpkin; Starbuck's PSL (pumpkin spiced latte), pumpkin pie, pumpkin candles, pumpkin carving (on the October bucket list), etc.

Without exposing all craziness the past 10 months have been like nothing I have ever experienced.  I have overcome trials and seasons that have been harder than anything presented before me, but in the end have become an incredible, stronger, faith-filled woman!!!

For now...

Take care, love Blair

My Life from The Gram

With the Instagram craze I thought I would update the blog with pictures that I have taken recently.  As some of you don't have Instagram (ahem, Mom!) and might not get to see the beauty of my life through filters. :)

The coffee table & media center: This has been a long time coming, but with my birthday money from last year and my Christmas money this year, I was able to go out and purchase a matching coffee table and media center.  Thank you to the papa for the new TV!!! Loving the fact that I can now decorate with the new living room setup. :)

Jeremiah 29:11; "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

Jeremiah 29:7; "Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."

**Basically, I realized that I am to stay in Chicago a while longer. :) **

Excited to enter a new season (per the post below) and move on into Spring, in the Windy City...

At just the right time, my friend Mindy came to town and placed herself in the Stylemax Trade Show at The Merchandise Mart in January.  I had the fortunate ability to help her out each day.  What an experience? I have worked trade shows before, but to see a friend's passion come to fruition and have the ability to help her to drive sales for her product was something I have NEVER experienced before.  I felt like a proud mother each time we would open the booklet to write an order. Congrats again Mindy!!! 

In addition to my already expensive coffee budget, one of my new friends has gotten me hooked on Intelligentsia coffee.  SMH.... such a good espresso!!!!

Sock buns and glasses have been my style lately.  Loving the uniqueness of my Warby Parkers and any way that I can place my hair on the top of my head...I'm in! :)

Happy reading...

Blair

Seasonal Changes

Photo courtesy of K. Babcock and her pick-me-up pics

Well, based on the date of my last post we can all see that some time has passed.  Let's just say that the past 3-4 months were not my favorite time of the year. However, isn't it amazing in what we learn through each trial? We grow within ourselves.  The hurdles that we have to jump over outline how far we can go until we reach our limits.  They show us that no matter what comes our way we can be strong individuals/women and fight against the storm!

As I was talking to a new friend that has come my way, she started explaining that these hard times are almost like seasons.  She kept referring to her life as, "in this season," "in that season", etc... It really made me start to think...we really do have seasons in our lives.  This was a great way to look at things. It brought more light at the end of my tunnel. 

If you look at the calendar year, there are 4 distinct seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.  As I started to think about the calendar seasons and our own personal seasons, I came to the conclusion that some seasons may be longer than others or shorter than others.  They may be in conjunction with the calendar seasons or they can be set in their own timing.  For myself: October-Jan Wk 2 was it's own season, one in which I am glad is now over. I am currently entering a new season.  I just recently had some major changes with work and my faith and am solely relying on the grace of God to get me through right now.  With that said...

It's so refreshing to know that with the end of one season comes the beginning of another new season.  Allowing us to leave the hardships aside and focus on the greater things that are to come. 

So, if you're starting to feel confused or you are going through a hard time right now... just look at it as another season and, "This too shall pass."  There really is light at the end of the tunnel and in due time... things will get better. For now, have faith and know that THE BEST IS YET TO COME! 

Glad to be back into writing...

For now...

Take care, Love Blair

The Golden Gate Experience

And...FALL IS HERE! Although, in Chicago, it is more brisk than everyone would like. However, I will take it! Scarves, leggings, sweaters, and the purple and burgundy trend; I love it all!  

This weekend was the first official weekend of Fall, based on the seasonal calendar system, and with that I am going to work on welcoming in a new attitude. Summer ended in a bit of a hazy fog.  I kicked off summer with a bang and was so excited to get to the beach and take bike rides, etc.  Towards the end of summer I was trending fall so much and looking forward to wearing my new riding boots that I took the last few days for granted.  

As most of you know, I just got back from a trip to San Francisco.  I was invited to attend the Grand Re-Opening of The Men's Store in Union Square in downtown San Fran.  I chose to fly out earlier than needed to do some sightseeing and exploring.  I had never been to SF and was so excited to see what that city had to offer.  

What a trip!  I would love to go back again and visit, however, I don't think it will be by myself again.  Not that it was a bad trip, but there were experiences that I had, that I would love to share with someone else, the next time I go back.  This was my first, true adult vacation.  The city is a great city to visit.  The Golden Gate Bridge is so pretty.  I would love to go bike riding over it the next time as well as take a trip to Napa and Sonoma for an official California Wine Tasting.

Now that I have had some time to reflect on the trip, I am so glad that I took it.  I am also so proud of myself for going out there solo for a couple of days to explore.  During that time I was able to pack in some QUALITY writing time!  Needless to say, my journal is almost halfway done. :)

Planning out my day at a coffee shop in Fisherman's Warf

Back in Chicago and ready to trend fall appropriately, I am excited to see what this season brings.  In just a few more months I will be at my one-year anniversary.  It will be here before I know it. :)  My how time flies.  Enjoy the pictures below! 

For now,

Blair

The entrance to Fisherman's Warf

Alcatraz Prison

Golden Gate Bridge- So pretty

Loved these images

The Random Life I Live

Whenever my friend Mindy comes to visit me in Chicago, she always laughs because she thinks that the most random events happen to me.  Well, as much as I would like to consider myself a normal, mundane person, that is just not the case.  I have to say...I am starting to agree with her. 

The other day I was offsetting my hours for work (had the day off) and was getting ready to walk into Water Tower Place to do a little shopping.  Before I knew it I was stopped by a blonde woman with a clipboard, asking me if I would be willing to be an audience member at The Steve Harvey Show taping tomorrow.  I didn't really know what to say, but considering I had the day off on Thursday as well, I decided to accept her offer.  

Thursday evening around 4pm, I entered the NBC building to attend The Steve Harvey Show.  What an experience.  Given the demographic of the average audience member I stood out like a sore thumb.  Also, I will have you know that when we walked onto the stage to hold the taping, they were playing, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire and Salt-n-Peppa's Push It!  :) I would expect nothing less.  

The taping took 4 hours which is a long time to hold a show.  They will edit that down and it will be a one-hour show.  I ended up sitting beside the coolest girls.  One was a South African Diplomat and the other was a French Ambassador.  It just goes to show that you shouldn't be afraid to go out and attend various activities by yourself because you never know who you will end up meeting.  The funny part about everything was that they just kept asking me about my employee discount with Macy*s or what sales were coming up.  At the end of the day...girls are girls and we love a good sale. 

For now, 

Blair

The Weekend Update

So with the chaos that living in a city can bring, I decided to head home this weekend for a relaxing few days with my parents.  The benefits of going home don't even compare to any vacation I could ever take: 

1. Hugs from my momma

2. Morning coffee chats with my poppa

3. Soft water to make my locks nice and shiny

4. Wine, wine, and more wine

5. Naps on my favorite couch

At the New Buffalo Farmer's Market

After a couple great days at home, my parents and I decided to head up to Southern Michigan and explore the various wineries in the area.  The first one that we went to was Founder's Winery in Baroda, MI.  While there, we struck up conversation with the owner and ended up extending our tasting to every bottle they had to offer.  "That was one of the best tastings I've ever had,"-Jana Burkholder

At Founder's Winery

Following Founder's we traveled to Sawyer, MI to get a flight of beer at the Greenbush Brewery.   The flight was delicious.  Split between the three of us, we were able to try 6 different beers. 

 

Our flight

We ended our trip to Pure Michigan with a dinner at Skip's restaurant.  I had a delicious wasabi tuna steak! Yumm!

Overall, the weekend was full of laughter, hugs, and amazing conversation between myself and the parentals.  I am so truly thankful for both of them!!!!  

As my mom puts it, "Remember, you can always go home again!" 

Take Care,

Love Blair