Last week I had the pleasure of hanging out with my friend Jill of Hot Pink Style. We talked about her favorite trends, pool day essentials, and what she loves most about Chicago in the summertime. Check out some photos and an interview with Jill below:

Hat: CooliBar // Cover-up: H&M // Wedges: J.Crew // Sunnies: Zara 

Cover-up: Roberta Roller Rabbit // Hat: H&M // Sandals: Tory Burch //
Bag: Old (similar, similar, similar) // Sunnies: H&M

1.) What made you want to start a blog and how did you come up with the name?
I wanted to start my blog to go along with my personal shopping company, Jill of All Trades Chicago, because I thought it would be helpful for clients to see my style before they decided they would want me to shop for them. The name came from my favorite color: hot pink! I grew up with my older brothers and my dad so pink became my girly rebellion!

2.) How would you describe your style?
Colorful and bold. Full of fun patterns and classic shapes. Of course with all of this, I still keep it professional being a teacher- just maybe the brightest dressed teacher in school.

3.) What trends are you loving this summer?
I am loving the romper trend this summer to an almost obsessive degree. Seriously, I own way too many. As much as I never thought these words would come from me, I am loving the crop top trend. Who wants to tuck in a shirt in the hot summer heat? And as far as summer hair goes, I’m loving all the fun crown braids for how easy they are and how they help me look stylish while saving my hair from the blow dryer!

4.) What are your beach bag essentials?
My beach bag must have some good chick magazines, my personal favorite is Lucky. I always need a tube of Rosebud Lip Salve and some fruit for a snack. Also I need some hair ties and bobby pins to hold back my curls when my hair gets crazy.

5.) Tell me about your favorite summertime activities in Chicago?
Since I work all year teaching, summer is playtime for me. I love to try new workout classes all over the city and ride my bike. I of course love to shop and work with some new clients for Jill of All Trades. This summer we don’t have any big trips planned, but my husband and I love to travel. I just came back from New York and have a trip to Seattle at the end of the summer. Next summer we have a trip to Switzerland and Prague in mind!

Hat  // Sandals // Sunnies // Swimsuit // Towel

PHOTOS BY PEGGY KOLLIAS

* To see what’s in my beach bag, click on over to Hot Pink Style for more photos + an interview I did with Jill.