{It's Monday} Peplums Please

What could possibly be more ladylike than a peplum? What is a peplum, you ask? Well, I must admit I didn't give much thought to the term until a few weeks ago when an upcoming bride of ours was describing her dress.  Intrigued, I set out to learn more about this fancy detail.

peplum [ˈpɛpləm]

n pl -lums, -la [-lə]

1. (Clothing & Fashion) a flared ruffle attached to the waist of a jacket, bodice, etc.

The word derives from the greek word peplos (meaning shawl), however the style didn't technically originate until the 19th century when current fashion dictated a short overskirt sewn into the waist of already elaborately tailored gowns. In the post war 40's, the detail was revived and thankfully streamlined...think Christian Dior's "New Look". Tired of the austere wartime fashions, ladies were decidedly ready to be feminine and sexy again. This silhouette (accentuated by a peplum) featured a nipped waist, and emphasized the hips and bust in an hourglass figure. 

This year we see yet another resurgence. Suddenly peplums are everywhere! And I, for one, love it. Always a fan of any and everything ladylike, I am thrilled with this return to gracious dressing, albeit with a modern twist. Here are a few of my favorites, including one for the bride...

Happy Monday, my lovelies. 

images via Pinterest

Patience is a virtue...

I have a love/hate relationship with patience. I can fully appreciate the process of how certain things evolve, but when I'm in the midst of the situation, I tend to lose sight of the bigger picture. I think this may be normal for most of us, yes?

This morning as I rose at 4:30am (insomnia is paying me an extended visit these days, the upside is that I am super-productive!), I noticed that it was a clear day and decided to take my morning lakefront stroll early. The sun obviously wasn't up yet, although the dawn was beautifully breaking. 

As I settled into my favorite spot, I was elegantly reminded about patience. Too often, we (I) rush from appointment to appointment, juggling projects and timelines and creative endeavors.  Waiting for the sun to peek over the horizon was a lesson in taking time to enjoy the moment. I watched as the sky grew brighter, the birds became more active and a duckling pedaled by in the water in front of me (I'm pretty sure he wasn't worried about projects or deadlines...). 

At last, a small band of red appeared over the horizon and it was all worth it.

The waiting, watching...there is something quite magical about catching a sunrise - it happens in an instant and then it's over.

The same could be said for our everyday lives.  So instead of fretting over business decisions, relationships and what the future holds, today I plan to fully embrace patience. 

Sometimes the journey is worth paying close attention to. 

Patience is certainly a virtue...

{It's Monday} Camp for grown ups

Estera Events is so lucky to be planning a few pretty spectacular weddings this year. These aren't your typical, run-of-the-mill, ballroom weddings. No ma'am, they happen to be 'non-traditional' in the very best sense. Not that there is anything wrong with ballroom weddings, it's just that we get kind of excited stepping outside the proverbial crystal chandelier box. 

Last weekend I had an opportunity to walk the site of our Bastille Day wedding. Yes, not only is this wedding on one of my favorite 'holidays', but it will be held at a former summer camp! Camp Wandawega is located near the slightly remote town of Elkhorn, WI and has a very storied past (including ties to Prohibition, Chicago's Polish community and the Latvian Catholic Church). 

I mean, I went to summer camp just like everyone else, but it was certainly never like this! The owners, David and Tereasa, have transformed the property into the chicest destination for 'vintage outdoor' enthusiasts. There is a bit of glamp, yes, in the decor, embellishments and cheeky website. However, you really have to be one with nature here.  Currently there are only 2 shower rooms (one for men, one for women - the property sleeps about 40), and although they were recently remodeled, the Ritz, this is not. There is no air-conditioning, you must constantly reapply bug spray and there are very few mirrors.  And I am completely smitten...

fishing off the dock

cozy room in the owner's lodge

I must have a chair like this!

could you sleep under this guy? 

quite possibly my favorite room, if for only fond memories of being an FFA member...

architect Harry Weese designed outhouse
(rescued from an adjacent property and soon to be a new shower cottage)

charming 50's era kitchenette 

men's shower 

all of the floors retain the original linoleum - so inspiring!

the clubhouse room...cocktails, anyone? 

 reminds me of an east coast college dorm room

wintry

who doesn't love a good rope swing?

I would seriously stay in one of the boy scout pup tents. Well, maybe...

vintage suitcases

vintage bathing suits! 

another swing

and teepees!  They have teepees!

The treehouse

love the twin beds

a wall of life vests, simple but brilliant

I do believe this may be true

{ Derby de Mayo } How will you celebrate?

It's Derby de Mayo! Can't decide which one to celebrate? Why not both!

We love mixing styles, but this concept takes it to a whole new level...

Confused about how to define this peculiar blend of holidays (err...events)?

For instance, do you don a Fancy Hat or Sombrero? Perplexed at whether to concoct a Mint Julep or Margarita? And as far as the food is concerned...is it really possible to unite more polarizing cultures?

Hold your horses! Everything will (of course) be ok, but first things first. Grab a fabulous, floppy straw hat and make yourself a strong cocktail.  We naturally suggest a Minty Margarita, but it must be authentic (no mixes here) ~ click this link to learn how Oprah likes hers.  And...repeat (the cocktail part, anyway). But what about the snacks! You can never go wrong with traditional guacamole, for a little derby flair, how about Avocado Benedictine (a classic Kentucky spread that is served with crackers and on sandwiches). Or perhaps Chicken Fried Tacos? Click here for the recipes. And for a sweet ending, we LOVE the idea of a Bourbon Peach Hand Pie - the perfect take on a traditional spanish empanada.

Ole y'all!! 

A Perfect Balance

This room has it all...

It has the pedigreed bones of a classic european apartment, clean and modern italian furniture, an interesting array of warm wood tones in the floor details, a contemporary chandelier (complete with a playful nod to tradition) and it absolutely brings me to my knees! Perhaps because it inspires my own abode or it could be the fact that I happen to love unexpected, simple elegance. Not sure ~ but I do know that it is a perfect balance between the old and new, stately and moderne, plush and austere...

Coming soon to Chicago...Renegade Princess

Estera Events is BEYOND thrilled to bring the highly acclaimed Renegade Princess to Chicago for two nights this May!  One year ago, Ann marie Houghtailing (Miss Renegade Princess) started out on a journey to write and perform her own one woman show...and this is the result...

Renegade Princess is the myth of the American fairy tale undone. Exploding with surprising, raw truth and dripping with self-deprecating humor, the autobiographical tale is woven with humanity and irreverence into a wickedly sharp narrative. Marriage, living in Japan, motherhood and the demands of post divorce life provide a rich landscape for tenderness, humor, heartbreak and depth. Renegade Princess is a quick paced, outrageous and bawdy journey of one woman’s quest to rise above the myth.

With stints in Santa Fe, New York, and San Diego, she is gracing the stage of the Chopin Theatre in Chicago on May 29 and 30.  And stay tuned...we're planning a fun post-show soiree...details to be announced soon! 

Get your tickets here, and hurry because they are selling quickly!

{It's Monday} Off Duty

Not familiar with the Wall Street Journal's fabulous Saturday/Sunday section Off Duty? 

Where else can you peruse a physically tangible piece of media highlighting...

Current trends in fashion {curated looks and ensembles)

Easily duplicated recipes from well known chefs {from around the world}

Tales of travel and adventure {to inspire your next excursion}

Interior design inspiration {including off the beaten path style and vintage resources}

Tech suggestions {hello - how to understand Spotify}

and my favorite... 

the Wine page {always interesting *almost* always affordable wines} 

Seriously ~ all of this condensed and hidden behind the pages of a mostly serious business news publication. I look forward to a ritual of reading this section every weekend. It is my return to civility. 

Don't have access to a subscription (or must read everything online)...click here