Go Left

Bows & Sequins styles a casual summertime work outfit: white denim jeans, a silky blank tank top, a long black vest, a scarf tied at the neck, black pointed toe pumps, and a black tote!

Man, oh man! Today feels like the Monday-est Monday in quite some time… I don’t necessarily mean that in a bad way, but there’s a lot of fresh starts happening today. It’s officially August (where has the time gone?!) and it’s the first time I’m sitting down to my desk in the morning for a regular work day in well over two weeks, probably closer to three! I just got back from a two-week trip to Italy on Saturday night and there’s so much content to sift through to share with you all, so it’s going to be a busy week. Stay tuned for all of that! If all goes according to plan today, my guide to the Amalfi Coast will be up on the blog tomorrow… Fingers crossed!

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely. Pictured here are two of the smoothies and the avocado toast!

One of my favorite parts about traveling is the shift in perspective, along with how much it changes you. When I’m out of my normal routine and in a new place, big-pictureย thinking comes a lot easier. And when you’re physically away from people/places/things in your life for a while, you really start to realize who and what matters.ย I had quite a fewย of moments of clarity on the trip…ย friendships, relationships, good habits, bad habits, etc. And I feel empowered to start making some necessary changes to live a life that’sย more me. As they say, you’ve got to get rid of toxic people/places/things from your life to create the spaceย for and to attract the right ones.

Bows & Sequins styles a casual summertime work outfit: white denim jeans, a silky blank tank top, a long black vest, a scarf tied at the neck, black pointed toe pumps, and a black tote!

Kind of deep for a Monday morning, sorry! I currently have next to no concept of what time it is, what day it is, etc. The jet lag is real this time around! I’ve been in bed by 8pm each night since I’ve been back and have been waking up at hours that I’m normally still awake at (4:45am, 2:15am, etc). Hopefully it all sorts itself out soon!

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely. Cute blue chairs in the outdoor patio, too!

Left Coast is a relatively new healthy spot that opened in Chicago (in Lakeview!) earlier this year, in late spring/early summer. The avocado toast is so good, and you definitely can’t miss the fresh juices and delicious smoothies. There’s a good amount of seating (outdoors, too!) so it makes for a great spot to get some work done at during the day.

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely!

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely. Jessica's workday essentials are pictured here: a GigiNY leather journal and a gold Apple Macbook.

Bows & Sequins styles a casual summertime work outfit: white denim jeans, a silky blank tank top, a long black vest, a scarf tied at the neck, black pointed toe pumps, and a black tote!

When it’s not too hot and jeans are bearable, this simple outfit is one of my go-to’s for a summertime workday. A long vest is the perfect topper to pull your outfit together, without weighing you down! Same goes for the fall and winter, too, which makes vests the ultimate layering piece year-round. You can easily toss your vest on over a long-sleeve top, or layer it under another jacket for extra warmth (and style!).

Here are a few more options that I’m loving…

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely!

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely. Pictured here are two of the smoothies and the avocado toast!

Bows & Sequins styles a casual summertime work outfit: white denim jeans, a silky blank tank top, a long black vest, a scarf tied at the neck, black pointed toe pumps, and a black tote!

Get the Look…

Topshop Long Black Vestย (similar hereย &ย here!)
Azalea Black Tank (sold out; similar here, here, & here!)
Old Navy White Denim
Kate Spade Black Pumps
Valentino Rockstud Sunglassesย (similar here, here, & here!)
3.1 Phillip Lim Medium Pashli Bag
Nordstrom Scarf (sold out; similar here & here!)
Michael Kors Watch

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely. Pictured here are two of the smoothies and the avocado toast!

Bows & Sequins styles a casual summertime work outfit: white denim jeans, a silky blank tank top, a long black vest, a scarf tied at the neck, black pointed toe pumps, and a black tote!

Bows & Sequins styles a casual summertime work outfit: white denim jeans, a silky blank tank top, a long black vest, a scarf tied at the neck, black pointed toe pumps, and a black tote!

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely. Locally grown and good vibes!

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely. You can see fresh juices being made!

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely. They've got a great espresso bar!

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely. Jessica's workday essentials are pictured here: a GigiNY leather journal and a gold Apple Macbook.

Left Coast Food in Chicago is one of @bowsandsequins' favorite spots for healthy eating and working remotely. Pictured here are two of the smoothies and the avocado toast!

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22 Comments

  1. 8.1.16
    Amelia said:

    Love that scarf and can’t wait to hear more about your trip!

  2. 8.1.16
    Ellen said:

    I’m always on the hunt for some great avocado toast, and this one looks delicious! Hope the jet lag goes away soon! I’m heading on a trip this week with a three hour time difference, which is the biggest difference I’ve ever experienced. Hopefully my jet lag won’t be too bad.

    Ellen | A Pop of Pink

  3. 8.1.16

    Travel really does help put things in perspective. Glad your trip was such a good one!

  4. 8.1.16
    Jessica said:

    Can’t wait to see all your Italy photos! Loved your snaps. And this spot looks delicious. I haven’t been to Chicago in a while and I am in desperate need of a visit back (before the cold weather starts of course!)

    xo Jessica
    My Style Vita

  5. 8.1.16
    Natali said:

    Looks like a really wonderful, cozy and delicious place! You’re looking flawless in this monochromatic outfit. ๐Ÿ™‚

    http://www.lartoffashion.com/2016/08/01/pepsi-girl/

  6. 8.1.16
    Emma said:

    This is an adorable coffee place!
    emmastyleguide.blogspot.com

  7. 8.1.16

    That scarf is so pretty!!

  8. 8.1.16
    Jenn Lake said:

    Such a chic look on you, lady! Left Coast is so yummy – their aรงai bowls are amazing! Happy Monday!

  9. 8.1.16
    Lulu said:

    This place looks SO cute! I’m putting it on my list for my next Chicago visit. Plus, I’ve been searching for the perfect long vest like this since last November… needless to say, I found it thanks to you!

  10. 8.1.16
    Helen said:

    Can’t wait to hear more about your trip!!! Outfit is fab! Good luck with the jet lag!

  11. 8.1.16
    Angela said:

    I can’t wait for your Amalfi coast recap! Your pictures on Instagram were stunning!

  12. 8.1.16
    Jen said:

    Love the aesthetic of this place — the handwriting on the chalkboard is unbelievable, and I love cold-pressed juice! Agree with you about how traveling refreshes your perspective. Had a similar experience this past weekend. Looking forward to seeing/reading about your trip! x

    Jen | affecionada

  13. 8.1.16
    Kate said:

    Nothing better than a black and white outfit!
    -kate
    Katekoutures.blogspot.com

  14. 8.1.16
    Lauren said:

    Loved today’s post! I totally agree about needing to let go of toxic things in order to pave the way for good things! Also such a cute outfit and I’m lovin’ that scarf! I’m moving to Chicago next week and am always adding cool places to my list of must-see’s and Left Coast is definitely one of them… it’s so cute!

    Lauren
    http://oliverstwistblog.com

  15. 8.1.16
    Melissa said:

    Cute outfit and want to go here!
    xo,
    Melissa
    MissyOnMadison.com

  16. 8.2.16
    Olivia said:

    Mmmm this looks so yummy!! fashion on http://www.oliviaschueller.com

  17. 8.2.16
    Kari said:

    Do you think this outfit would work with black pants & white on top? I have a long white vest but not sure how to wear it and it just sits in my closet.

  18. 8.2.16

    This is my new favorite place! I just moved a few blocks away soon after it opened. It’s been quite dangerous haha

    Hope you’re doing well and to see you for drinks soon ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. 8.4.16
    Ivory said:

    I just returned from a three week trip to Croatia and completely feel the same way about how travel (especially for that length of time) can change you. Now that I’m back, I’m trying to figure out how to keep that feeling, stay motivated to make big changes, and, as you stated, focus on a life that is more “me”! It was great to hear you experienced the same thing! xo
    PS. Love your blog!

  20. 8.4.16
    Andrea said:

    Will try Left Coast when I’m back in Chicago (two weeks!); any other recommendations on places like this one? Love the outfit, BTW.

    http://www.twentyishbrunette.blogspot.com

  21. 8.8.16
    Tonya said:

    I just drove by this today and immediately thought, “I have to go there!” Good review, now I definitely need to go.

  22. 8.13.16
    Emily Piskulick said:

    this place looks so cute! xo

    http://www.dearserendipity.com/