Archive for the ‘Features’ Category
Boutique Spotlight: Veruca Salt
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
“I want the world. I want the whole world. I want to lock it all up in my pocket,” says the bratty Veruca Salt in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Many women share Veruca’s want-it-all mentality (in a humbler way, of course), especially when it comes to shopping. When we find that perfect boutique with a vast must-have selection, we want to lock it all up in our closet. That’s precisely the type of boutique Amber Warren had in mind when she opened Veruca Salt here in Chicago.
Previously a fashion merchandiser and now a stylist, designer, and owner of two Veruca Salt locations, Amber has more than dabbled in the fashion industry. In 2006, she opened her first boutique in Bucktown (1921 N Damen Avenue), and in 2008, the River North store (520 N Kingsbury Street) opened. Since then, both have grown into a favorite for locals and travelers who love labels and love to shop. And, with the advent of Veruca Salt’s popular e-commerce site in 2008, shoppers around the US and the world gained access to Amber’s highly edited selection of clothing and accessories.
What attracts Veruca Salt’s vast clientele is the store’s mix of “funky LA and chic New York,” as Amber describes it, and its attention to customer service. This fusion aesthetic separates the boutique from other Chicago stores, and the level of service–including styling how-tos, honest feedback on fit, filling special requests, and all-around friendliness—makes the shopping experience more fun and more efficient. “I truly believe that selling something just to make a sale never works,” says Amber. “It’s so important to help people find things they actually look and feel great in.”
A selection of Veruca Salt’s F/W 2009 selection. Top image: Veruca Salt’s River North store (left) and the Bucktown store (right)
With a selection that includes James Jeans, Susana Monaco, Kyumi, Rachel Pally (all best-sellers), and English Muffin (Amber’s own line of comfy loungewear), Veruca Salt’s inventory is selected with women of different lifestyles, tastes, ages and sizes in mind. This, combined with the Amber’s gravitation toward “designers who give a lot more bang for your buck,” has helped these two stores weather an economy preying on Chicago boutiques.
Veruca Salt’s clear-cut mix of interest-adding basics and statement-making garments reflect how women shop right now. They want something that’s fresh, something that wows, and something that flat out works for them. By supplying a range of designers that together cannot be defined as one particular style for one particular woman, Veruca Salt has captured a market that’s growing and, frankly, real.
*Mention Style Admirer and get 20% off your Veruca Salt purchase!
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Veruca Salt
Tags: Amber Warren, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Veruca Salt
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Slam Dunk
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Layup? Point guard? Bank shot? I don’t speak basketball, so March Madness is one of the last things on my radar. This month, though, March Madness is taking on a new meaning. The very posh Tocco (1266 N Milwaukee Avenue) is hosting March Madness for the Fashionista, a month-long series that features four Chicago boutiques: Koros, Sarca, Veruca Salt, and Havilah. Tocco emptied its in-house window display so each boutique can present a weeklong fashion installation of their favorite spring items. Presented in the aforementioned order, each boutique’s designated week will feature a special event in its honor. In addition, when shopping at these stores this month, you will receive a 10% discount to Tocco. If you’ve never been to the chic Italian eatery, you’ll immediately see why the venue is a complementary setting for such an event, and these boutiques—some of my favorite in Chicago—are sure to present some impressive garments. Eating while you window shop. That’s a winning concept in my book.
Here’s a look at each boutique’s event being held at Tocco this month:
KOROS
Koros (1039 W Lake Street) is currently on display at Tocco and features its sensational spring collection (shown above). The reception will be on Thursday, March 11 from 7 to 9:30 pm. Koros radiates the joy of style and offers must-have basics and to-die-for collections, all hand picked by owner Kristen Skordilis. With an innate sense of style, Kristen’s selection includes designers from across the world and close to home.
SARCA
Sarca (710 N Wabash Avenue) will make its Tocco debut the week of March 15, 2010. The reception will be on Thursday, March 18 from 7 to 9:30 pm and will feature internationally acclaimed fashion label Sass and Bide. This new Gold Coast boutique founded by Alexis Cozzini is packed with exclusive lines from all over the world, catering to women who appreciate exquisite and unrivaled clothing and accessories.
VERUCA SALT
Veruca Salt (1921 N Damen Avenue, 520 N Kingsbury Street) will show off its latest fashions at Tocco the week of March 22, 2010. The reception will be on Thursday, March 25 from 6 to 9 pm, with a trunk show featuring owner Amber Warren’s signature English Muffin line that combines high fashion and everyday wear. Veruca Salt thrives on carrying items customers truly love to wear, including emerging and established designers.
HAVILAH
Havilah (869 N Larrabee Streeet) will be showcasing its finest spring fashions at Tocco the week of March 29, 2010. The reception will be on Thursday, April 1 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Havilah’s selection is as unique and fresh as the boutique’s name, which is a biblical reference meaning abundance of blessings and precious jewels. Shoppers find comfort in Havilah’s selection and welcoming atmosphere.
By Meghan Turner
Tags: Alexis Cozzini, Amber Warren, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Havilah, Koros, Kristen Skordilis, March Madness for the Fashionista, Sarca, Sass and Bide, Veruca Salt
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CFF’s 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
As Chicago’s fashion community grows, it’s critical that we support and cultivate the young talent in our city. This is a mutually beneficial pursuit, as it recognizes the designers’ work and promotes our budding fashion industry as a market in which they can lend their sartorial vision. The Chicago Fashion Foundation (CFF) has made this their mission, and on Thursday night, the non-profit held its 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit to honor local fashion students.
Held in the Narcissus Room in the Macy’s on State Street, the event attracted quite the crowd of industry insiders and admirers, who were treated to an open bar, silent auction and runway competition. With a fresh cocktail in hand and bids on the line for designer jeans, yoga packages, and more, guests took their seats and watched as the nine finalists–chosen from 30 design entries–presented their skill and creativity. The challenge: design an ensemble inspired by one of Chicago’s 28 sister cities around the world.
Eunyoung Joo’s winning look (left) and Michael Schellenbach’s third place look (right). Above: Randy Rusnadi’s second place look
As the models strolled down the u-shaped catwalk, each designer’s skill was obvious. Though the looks weren’t all particularly wearable, the abroad influence was there, captured in a unique and interesting way. The creations made for a tough call among the judges, who included Chicago magazine’s fashion director, Stacey Jones; “Project Runway’s” Steven Rosengard; Akira owner Erikka Wang; ZZAZZ Enterprises, Inc.’s Producer/Director, Tracey Tarantino; and Macy’s North and Northwest Director of Media Relations, Andrea Schwartz.
Unfortunately, only three designers could take home one of the three scholarships: $5,000, $1,000 and $500. Eunyoung Joo (International Academy of Design and Technology) won the competition for her Moscow-inspired dress with a fur collar and bishop sleeves. Randy Rusnadi’s (Harper College) Athens-inspired navy military jacket, gold silk top, and navy silk skirt took second, while Michael Schellenbach (Illinois Institute of Art) brought home the $500 scholarship for his red menswear jumpsuit with fur trim and Chrysler emblem belt, also inspired by Moscow.
One of our favorite looks: Anna Gaukel’s Paris-influenced design
Overall, the event was a success, bringing in about $5,500. Those funds will go back to the Chicago fashion industry through CFF’s many runway shows, scholarships and networking events that have generously supported the community for years. We look forward to seeing what next year’s finalist bring to CFF’s runway, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s finalists do in the future.
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of the Chicago Fashion Foundation
Tags: Akira, Anna Gaukel, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Chicago magazine, Columbia College, Erikka Wang, Eunyoung Joo, Harper College, Illinois Institute of Art, International Academy of Design and Technology, Michael Schellenbach, Project Runway, Randy Rusnadi, Stacey Jones, Steven Rosengard
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Ding! Ding! Boutiques Battle on the Runway
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Last Friday night, six local boutiques took to the runway for the second annual Battle of the Boutiques hosted by Chicago’s own PoorLittleRichGirls.com. The lifestyle website attracted some 300 guests for an evening of fashion, fun and friendly competition. Amidst the flow of hors d’oeuvres, sushi rolls and lots of cocktails (all for a minute $25 cover), the stylish spectators filled the seats at Lumen and watched on as 2 Sisters Boutique, Wolfbait & B-Girls, Dress Up, Hubba Hubba, RE.STOCK Shop, and le Dress presented five looks that were both fashion-forward and affordable. At the end of the show, a panel of judges, including Chicago Sun-Times Fashion Editor Jessica Sedgwick, ABC 7 News anchor Karen Jordan, and “Project Runway” contestant Steven Rosengard declared the fashion champion.
As a whole, the evening reflected Chicago’s practical, accessible style mentality, as each outfit remained under the $200 mark and was totally wearable—not overly styled or overly serious. This made for a light-hearted show that was just plain fun for the attendees and the participating boutiques. “We had a great time,” says Julie LaBarge, owner of RE.STOCK. “Everybody did a great job on their outfits, and I really loved the outfits by 2 Sisters Boutique.”
From left to right: Looks by 2 Sisters Boutique, Hubba Hubba, and Wolfbait & B-Girls. Top Image from left to right: Looks by le Dress, Dress Up, and RE.STOCK Shop.
In fact, 2 Sisters Boutique won the runway competition after showing such looks as a ethereal teal frock and layered organza dress. RE.STOCK, which is Chicago’s only traveling designer boutique, pulled from its ever-changing inventory and showed pieces like a hooded sweater by local designer JLee Silver. Wolfbait & B-Girls displayed a range of hippy-chic-meets-urban-cool threads, and Hubba Hubba wavered between rocker glam and classic shapes that work for a variety of personal styles. Last year’s winner, le Dress, showed us five flirty dresses that had attendees longing for the warmer days to come. “It was fun to [compete] again,” says Eva Anderson, co-owner of le Dress. “Last year, we didn’t know what to expect, so this year we went in it to have a good time and show great clothes.”
Indeed, we did see some great clothes, but there was a more important message to be had: Chicago’s boutiques offer relevant and interesting garments that don’t have to cost a month’s rent. In fact, shopping at local boutiques is more critical now than ever, as our fashion community has drastically downsized in the past year. “This was a great event to have,” says Eva. “Especially nowadays when so many local boutiques have closed. People could come see what boutiques have to offer.” And Battle of the Boutiques showed us exactly that.
By Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth
Tags: 2 Sisters Boutique, Battle of the Boutiques, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway Show, Dress Up, Hubba Hubba, Jessica Sedgwick, JLee Silver, Karen Jordan, Le Dress, Lumen, PoorLittleRichGirls.com, RE.STOCK Shop, Steve Rosengard, Wolfbait & B-girls
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The Creative Lounge Chicago: Nurturing Chicago Fashion and the Arts
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
Some say that in life, nothing’s free. However, four Chicago fashion designers are proof that some things do come with a zero dollar price tag. In 2008, Toyota chose up-and-coming designers Anna Fong, Evil Kitty, SERPICO, and Agga B. to help launch the first and only US-based Creative Lounge. One of only three Toyota-funded design studios around the world, the lounge is a rare opportunity that reaches beyond the realm of fashion design. Though these women are the only designers with free reign of the studio, the lounge’s mission is to support and cultivate the local arts as a whole, while also promoting a collaboration between an unexpected pair: Toyota engineers and Chicago creatives.
This collaboration first took shape when the designers were flown to Japan to create garments inspired by Toyota design. When they got home, an enviable 4,000-square-foot piece of Wicker Park real estate was waiting for them. As if the free rent in a vintage building with two floors of work and storage space wasn’t enough, the car company threw in new sewing equipment, furniture and décor. Despite the sketching, crafting, and brand building going on in the studio, the adjacent reception and presentation area caters to a much larger audience with its ability to transform into a party room, sales floor, gallery, stage, screening room, conference room, and photo studio (for us!). For a deeper look at the unique possibilities that lie within the Creative Lounge Chicago, here’s a glimpse at each designer and her thoughts on this extraordinary opportunity.
Anna Fong with her designs. Top: The designers in the Creative Lounge Chicago
Anna Fong
Anna Fong, who was born and raised in Wicker Park and graduated from Columbia College, launched her line nearly three years ago. After working at Ralph Lauren in New York City, she moved back home to Chicago, where the fashion industry was finally taking shape. Since then, the Anna Fong label has grown with the industry to become an award-winning, celebrity-followed clothing line. The classically chic designs combine edgy details, dramatic cuts, and feminine silhouettes that cater to the everyday woman with a penchant for elegance and style.
Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Anna says:
“This is a great opportunity to give so many talented artists exposure. The lounge
is a place where we can share ideas and learn from each other.”
Lidia Wachowska of Evil Kitty with her designs
Evil Kitty
With no intention of becoming a fashion designer, Lidia Wachowska moved from Poland to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. While studying to be a painter, she soon found an interest in graphic design, which ultimately changed her career path. Thus begins the story of the Evil Kitty. In 2005, she launched the line that’s anything but conventional. Through her designs, Lidia bridges the gap between two very different worlds: a funky and playful aesthetic—reminiscent of Japanese street style and punk rock—and a much softer aesthetic that nods to the ‘40s,‘50s, and film noir.
Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Lidia says:
“Being in this environment is amazing and really boosts your creativity.
We can do lots of things here, so the sky is the limit.”
Melissa Serpico Kamhout of SERPICO with her designs
SERPICO
Melissa Serpico Kamhout’s label, SERPICO, has grown into a successful line revered for its impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality materials. After studying fashion design and receiving degrees from both Loyola University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Melissa’s career started in a studio on Halsted. She has since expanded into a studio-boutique space where she designs and sells her collections. Though she doesn’t use the Creative Lounge as her main studio, Melissa’s contribution to the space is no less relevant.
Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Melissa says:
“It’s a great example of Toyota’s generosity, and [the four of us] have learned from each
other in unexpected ways–both in business and creatively. There’s a strength in numbers.”
Agga B. Raya with her designs
Agga B.
For Polish designer and stylist Agga B. Raya, fashion runs in the family. The daughter of designers, Agga was 16 when she orchestrated her first fashion show. She later moved to Chicago to work as a stylist, and now her clients include Oprah and Elite Model Management. After two years in Chicago, she moved to New York City, where she started her line, Agga B. The label is rooted in classic silhouettes, accented with a modern flair. Very elegant and very wearable. For the past three years, she’s been here in Chicago, emerging as a prominent figure in the Chicago fashion industry.
Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Agga says:
“We have the best intentions to reach out and make it work. We want to invite as many
people and as many talents as possible to the lounge so they can showcase their work.”
For information about the Creative Lounge Chicago and its events, email connect@chicagocreativelounge.org.
Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth
Tags: Agga B Raya, Agga B., Anna Fong, Columbia College, Creative Lounge Chicago, Elite Model Management, Evil Kitty, Lidia Wachowska, Melissa Serpico Kamhout, Oprah, Ralph Lauren, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, SERPICO, Toyota
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C/FAN’s Fall 2010 Preview
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
New York Fashion Week kicked off last Thursday, and here in Chicago, we got a show of our own. That same evening, local designer Christina Fan debuted her fall 2010 collection to a crowd of Gen Art members, fashion insiders, and media at the Dubhe Carreño Gallery.
The artsy West Loop setting created a stark canvas on which C/FAN’s designs were presented in an edgy-meets-sultry fashion installation. Christina’s guests crammed themselves in the narrow gallery, where wine flowed, hors d’oeuvres were devoured, and a local DJ created a hip audio backdrop. Toward the rear of the gallery, a light installation of white umbrellas illuminated the presentation area and sculptures by Anne Drew Potter acted as a backdrop. Models soon appeared in sets of three, and one-by-one they walked the teeny, tiny “runway.” What was originally meant to be a typical installation turned into a pose-hold-walk routine that offered views to only those standing in the front couple rows.
If you were as lucky as I to see Christina’s designs, you were treated to a show of luxe fabrics and an earthy palette ideal for fall. The overall theme seemed to be sharp, daring cuts, including exposed midriffs, plunging necklines, asymmetrical hems, and batwing sleeves. Texture was also a key element as satiny silks, coarse goat and lamb furs, and liquidy velvets made their in and out of the installation. As Christina is known to do, the fall 2010 collection is loaded with wearable pieces that keep Chicago’s fashion sensibilities in mind, while also appealing to fearless trendsetters. “My inspiration is a woman who is carefree while still being sensual and soft,” says Christina. “She’s someone who isn’t afraid to experiment.”
This was my second encounter with C/FAN – the first was at Gen Art’s Fresh Faces last October. The fall collection maintains the same aesthetic I enjoyed then, but Christina brought the design and craftsmanship up a notch and presented some quality designs I look forward to seeing on the backs of stylish Chicagoans.
Christina Fan (center) with her models
By Meghan Turner
Photography by Tim Musho of Fig Media
Tags: Anne Drew Potter, C/FAN, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Runway, Christina Fan, Dubhe Carreno Gallery, Fall 2010, Gen Art
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Spring Forward: A Look at the Hottest Trends for Spring
Sunday, February 7th, 2010
Spring is upon us (thank goodness!), and that means it’s time to reflect on the season’s hottest trends. The Spring/Summer 2010 runways gave us an array of exciting looks—be it reintroduced classics or futuristic newbies—and we pulled together a list of our favorite six to kick off the season. Though it’s hard to get in a warm weather state of mind during a winter weather advisory, the mercury will soon rise and we’ll bask in a new season of fresh fashion. Take a look at these spring trends, and let spring fever set in!
DIGITAL
Moving beyond solids and into the world of prints isn’t always an easy feat. We love our black and white, but truth be told, prints are one of the easiest ways to add interest and individuality to your look. Enter: digital prints. Like a shot of fashion adrenaline, these graphic styles offer more edge and energy than any floral ever could.
Images: Givenchy (left) and Versace (right)
DENIM
Remember your acid wash jacket from grade school? Oh, yes you do. Well, denim is back, and you’ll see light and mid-tone shades on everything: jackets, jeans, dresses, shirts and even overalls. This may be a hard trend to warm up to right away, but we’re sure you’ll come around soon enough.
Images: Ralph Lauren Collection (left) and Mulberry (right)
WHITE
White is the consummate color of spring, and this season, the way to wear it is from head to toe. Such a style approach is innately chic and sophisticated, and always a stand-out outfit. The runway showed us flirty, girly looks and edgy, sexy ways to wear this color, so you really can wear this trend however you choose.
Images: Oscar de la Renta (left) and Gucci (right)
SHORTS
We saw lots of shorts last spring, and now the trend seems even bigger. Any hem goes this season, from Daisy Dukes to the Bermuda, so load up on several pairs and experiment with the endless ways to wear them. Our styles of choice are: jean shorts and footless tights and chino shorts and a classic button-up shirt.
Images: Pringle of Scotland (left) and Fendi (right)
KHAKI
A true classic, khaki is probably one of the easiest trends to wear, and the runway demonstrated its infinite possibilities. Take the color from drab basics and into any garment realm you can imagine. From a menswear-inspired suit and military jacket, khaki has your every spring need covered.
Images: Chloé (left) and Chanel (right)
PASTELS
Spring wouldn’t feel quite like spring without pastels. This season, these pretty hues make another graceful appearance, displaying their ladylike, fashion-forward properties for us to relish. Whether you go with one color or mix and match, pastels have a distinct beauty that’s always spring-ready.
Images: Valentino (left) and D&G (right)
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Givenchy, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Mulberry, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, Pringle of Scotland, Fendi, Chloé, Chanel, Valentino, and D&G
Tags: Chanel, Chloé, D&G, Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, Givenchy, Mulberry, Oscar de la Renta, Pringle of Scotland, Ralph Lauren, Spring 2010 Trends, Spring trends, Valentino, Versace
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Get Shorty
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
This season’s trends have gifted us with 80’s inspired neons that electrify our senses and sweats that fuse style and comfort. Both have been wildly adopted by fashion-lovers alike, so we turned our sights on Shorty Clothing, an up-and-coming Chicago label that included both looks—among others—in its fall collection.
Shorty Clothing is for fervent trendsetters with a vivacious wild side. From a “Canary” metallic satin skirt (shown left) to “Worn-in Black” sweatpants with gold embellishments (shown below), the designs are not for the fashionably meek. While having an obvious focus on fearless fashion with lux details, the designers also pride themselves on creating pieces that fit real women with various body types. Their client is one who is effortlessly chic by day and glamorously sexy by night, and—more importantly—one who refuses to look like any other woman on the street. “The Shorty Clothing woman is confident, bold, sexy, glamorous, and can rock anything she’s wearing,” says Catherine Hudon, the label’s CEO. “It’s all about an attitude.”
The fall ‘09 collection, “Rock Meets Rococo,” encapsulates that attitude, with its vibrant display of bright hues, metallic fabrics, short hems and curve-hugging silhouettes. The collection includes stretch satin dresses and jackets, a metallic satin skirt and dress, jacquard coats, a silk cotton tank and blouse, a bamboo knit dress, and French fleece sweatpants and jumper. Having launched in fall 2008 and debuted that year at Gen Art’s Fresh Faces runway show, this is the label’s second collection.
Behind this label is a team of four women, all working to grow the Shorty Clothing brand. In addition to Catherine, who manages the business side, the other three partners include: Janna Boyd, a designer who lends an “urban and sexy” design approach to the label; Sophie Lin, a second designer with a “romantic and classic” aesthetic; and Chalcea Park, an entertainment lawyer in LA and the label’s first investor. When some might think that’s a lot of cooks in the kitchen, the four find balance and inspiration in each other’s creativity and motivation. “This marriage is really special, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without all of us,” says Catherine.
Top image: “The Misfit” blouse in “Green Kelly” ($195), “The Petite Pouf” skirt in “Canary” ($185), Cleobella “Danielle” Ikat and fringe handbag ($207), and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent “Luella” wedge ($414). Second image: “The Marquise” in “Hot Fuschia” ($245), Carolina Amato leather gloves ($44), and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent snake print grocery bag ($267); ”The New Wave” sweatpants in “Worn-in Black” ($95), Cynthia Vincent pale pink handbag ($348). All accessories available at Fix Boutique (1101 W Fulton Street).
As this label continues to grow both creatively and as a business, Catherine, Janna and Sophie—who all call Chicago home—remain dedicated to the city’s fashion community. “Our goal is to highlight Chicago fashion as competitive and relevant to the industry,” says Janna. “We want to continue to produce and manufacture locally and support the retail industry in the Midwest.”
“It’s been an amazing first two years here in Chicago,” says Catherine. But I think we’ve just tipped the iceberg.”
To see more of Shorty Clothing’s designs, visit shortyclothing.com
By Meghan Turner
Photographer: Ace Ujimori
Creative Director: Meghan Turner
Model: Katie Liberatore
Makeup: Jennifer Schulze
Special thanks to: Kaitlyn Groth and Fix Boutique
Tags: Carolina Amato, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Cleobella, Fix Boutique, Shorty Clothing, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent
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Where the Wild Things Are
Friday, January 15th, 2010
It’s no secret that bold prints are one of the season’s biggest trends. From geometrics to florals, the variety is extensive, but today it’s the leopard print that’s driving us wild! Such patterns can be an intimidating addition to your wardrobe, but when done right, you can look impeccably fearless and chic. To harness your inner tigress, we went on the prowl for some statement-making leopard prints that are as fierce as they are easy-to-wear. Take a look at these pieces and discover how surprisingly simple it is to master this trend!
1. Throwing on an amazing winter coat is one of the easiest ways to add serious style in mere seconds. Rebecca Taylor’s “Runway Ruffle Coat” ($495) is discretely dramatic, with its dark hues and girly ruffles.
2. What fashionista doesn’t want a handbag that attracts a little attention? This leopard bag by Karen Millen ($199) has a sassy print and edgy hardware, but it won’t overwhelm your look.
3. We love tights and cherish the opportunity to go all out with this accessory. Pair these leopard tights ($20; Dillards) with a LBD and neutral heels for a polished look with lots of attitude.
4. A pencil skirt is one item every woman needs in her closet. Step away from the classic black and venture into new territory with this “Ocelot Pencil Skirt” by MICHAEL Michael Kors ($80; zappos.com).
5. Hello, Lover! Giuseppe Zanotti’s leopard slingback pumps ($635; Saks Fifth Avenue) have us dizzy with delight. At first glance, you may think you’ll only wear these with a few cocktail dresses, but this heel is totally versatile. Try a casual twist by pairing them with skinnies and a fitted tee or boyfriend chinos and an oversized sweater.
6. We have a pretty deep affinity for belts, whether they’re barely noticeable or outfit-completing accents. This one ($40; J.Crew) will play up neutrals or add an interesting contrast to other prints.
7. The thought of these gloves ($150; Tory Burch) with a solid-colored wool coat is truly exciting. It’s one of the little ways you can add an unexpected edge to your outerwear.
8. Shorts in fresh prints will be a major player this spring, and these cuffed ones by Peter Som ($680; Saks Fifth Avenue) boast the neutral hues necessary to create a bevy of looks. Pair these shorts with a simple tank or even a vibrant floral top.
9. If you ask us, this is the perfect leopard flat ($40; Steve Madden)—no bows, frills, etc. Just a classic, delicate shape in an intriguing print.
If wearing leopard prints, remember to use discretion when pulling your look together. These prints can hold their own, so don’t layer these pieces with competing garments and accessories and other animal prints. Sometimes too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing.
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Rebecca Taylor, Karen Millen, Dillards, zappos.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, J.Crew, Tory Burch, and Steve Madden
Tags: Dillards, Giuseppe Zanotti, J.Crew, Karen Millen, Leopard Prints, Michael Michael Kors, Rebecca Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Steve Madden, Tory Burch, Trends, zappos.com
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Shop Chicago: Tula
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Chicago’s fashion and shopping scene has yet to surpass New York City’s, but we still have some spectacular boutiques that negate our Second City status. Tula is one such venue that balances Manhattan’s high fashion with Chicago’s practical style. The Southport Corridor store, owned by mother and daughter duo Sue and Laura Westgate, caters to hip shoppers with a vested interest in quality, timeless fashion.
Tula has an impressive selection of European and American designers that include the big-name labels, like Theory, Vince, and Alexis Bittar, to the lesser-knowns, like Hache and Sue. The clothing and accessories are not trendy, so to speak, but rather chic wardrobe additions that will remain in you closet for seasons to come, while working seamlessly with what you already own. “We choose merchandise that is versatile, well-crafted, and timeless,” says Laura. “We follow our own sense of what will fit well and hold its own in your closet.”
Right: Tula owner Laura Westgate
For as classic and easy-to-wear as Tula’s selection is, it still caters to the season’s popular looks, such as blazers, chunky knits, and white button-up shirts. “Our customer likes to look on-trend but not trendy,” says Laura. “She’s not concerned with fast fashion, but more so with timeless investment pieces.” By paralleling the season’s hottest trends without sacrificing quality for one-season-wonders, Tula provides “effortlessly sophisticated” looks that resonate with Chicago shoppers.
Tucked in a cozy house on Southport Avenue, the shop has an inviting storefront, with a bay window offering a peak at the goods inside. Tula’s polished, earthy interior boasts white brick walls, dark wood furniture, and simplistically arranged clothing and accessories (and some home décor scattered throughout). It’s a charming boutique that’s also accessibly refined and tasteful.
Much of the Tula aesthetic stems from Sue Westgate’s Grand Haven, Michigan, boutique, Panache, which opened some 20 years ago. “I grew up working in the store and going to the shows in New York, and we always wanted to open a store in Chicago.” Upon graduating from Indiana University in 2004, Laura relocated to Chicago. She worked as an editor for a local real estate magazine, but shortly afterward, in 2006, the two ladies opened Tula. Sue continues to run the shop in Grand Haven while Laura manages Tula.
Part of what keeps this boutique’s clientele coming back is the high level of customer service. Using an approach that favors a vested friendship versus fleeting moments of pushy salesmanship, Tula creates a welcoming atmosphere and the fashion finds seal the deal. It’s local boutiques like Tula that help make Chicago’s emerging fashion scene that much more impressive.
Tula; 3738 N Southport Avenue; tulaboutique.com
By Meghan Turner
Be sure to check out Tula’s Warehouse Sale next week!
Tags: Accessories, Alexis Bittar, Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Hache, Jewelry, Laura Westgate, Panache, Sue, Theory, Trends, Tula, Vince
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