Two-Tone Color Block

Some days, an excuse to get dolled up for a night out is just what the doctor ordered.

We had a big snowstorm here in Chicago this week, which has left a lot of us in the city feeling a bit defeated. Every February I can’t help but notice how real Seasonal Affect Disorder is — but hey, spring is right around the corner, right?

(And worth noting: My grocery store had Summer Shandy on sale this week! I bought two cases, LOL.)

Of course, the best way to juxtapose a less-than-sunny disposition is by pulling on your brightest, boldest colors. Even better if it’s in the form of a floor-length gown… Because, why not?

I bought this Jill by Jill Stuart dress last summer for a black-tie event in the city, and I’ve been dying for an excuse to wear it ever since. Thankfully, a recent charity event presented the perfect opportunity.

(And, guys — Taylor Swift’s dress at the Grammy’s? Bitch stole my look!)

Now, when it’s all about the dress, I like to keep my hair subtle and soft. There’s nothing worse than crunchy up-do’s, you know? They just feel so out-dated…

For fancier nights and special events, I typically trade my daily hair routine (Living Proof’s PhD shampoo and conditioner, reviewed here) for the brand’s equally as good Full collection, as shown below.

*Shop above or read more about the collection here

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I am fairly certain that I’ve tried every product on the market that claims to add thickness and volume — and honestly, this has been the only one that actually does what it’s advertised to do.

(I have actually used this product for years; it’s seriously a God-send for girls with flat, lifeless hair like me.)

My favorite of the collection is the thickening cream — it’s a lightweight solution that adds thickness to every strand, making flat hair to look naturally full, thick and touchable.

The product is powered by a patenteded volumizing molacule (PBAE), a fancy way of saying it works. I also use the thickening mousse after using the Full shampoo and conditioner in the shower.

What’s your routine like for a special night out? (And if you’re in the market for a gorgeous-looking gown that won’t break the bank, I highly recommend browsing these Jill Jill Stuart dresses.)

*IN THIS POST:

Clothing

Dress: Jill by Jill Stuart (in all sizes here, more Jill Stuart dresses here)
Bracelet: Cartier (also obsessed with Miansai’s cuff bracelet)
Shoes: Alice + Olivia (old, love this pair)

Beauty

Hair styling: Living Proof’s “Full” thickening cream & thickening mousse
Foundation: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue in ‘Natural’
Lipstick: NARS satin lip pencil in ‘Palais Royale’
Mascara: bareMinerals volumizing mascara
Eyeliner: Mac Liquidlast eyeliner

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Iron & Honey Photography

Thanks to Living Proof for partnering on this post (and to the Langham Chicago
for letting us use your gorgeous lobby)! All opinions are, of course, my own.