Archive for the ‘StyleBlog’ Category
Eternal Trend: The Trench Coat
Monday, March 8th, 2010
Fashion is fleeting and ever evolving, but there are some staples that remain in vogue season after season. The trench coat is one of those. A classic go-to for spring and fall, this jacket was invented during WWI to keep soldiers warm and dry, and now we wear it for the same reasons—but mostly for its undeniable style, of course. Even in its timelessness, the trench has been reconstructed in a variety of ways this season. From ruching to ruffles, the designs may not be totally traditional in form, but they’re no less fabulous. Whether you’re looking for your first trench, an upgrade, or a new style for your collection, spring 2010 is bringing us loads of options that pack wearability and flair, with all the chic connotations the trench implies.
Clockwise from upper left:
1. Classic trench in khaki from Banana Republic ($198)
2. Gray linen-blend trench coat from Old Navy ($50)
3. Mike & Chris “Marlton” trench with detachable hood ($341; Fix; 1101 W Fulton Street)
4. White trench with full skirt by Contrarian ($538; SHE Boutique)
5. Purple “Duchesse Silk Knotted Epaulette” trench coat by Burberry ($2,795)
6. “Ink Trench Coat” by ASOS ($111)
7. J.Crew’s “Icon Trench” in light khaki ($298)
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Banana Republic, Old Navy, Fix Boutique, SHE Boutique, Burberry, ASOS, and J.Crew
Tags: ASOS, Banana Republic, Burberry, Contrarian, Fix Boutique, J.Crew, Mike & Chris, Old Navy, She Boutique, trench coat, Trends
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Weekend Fashion Events and Sales in Chicago
Friday, March 5th, 2010
Events
N PRPA Preview at SHE Boutique (483 Central Avenue in Highland Park)
Friday is the final day to preview and pre-order N PRPA by Samantha Sleeper, a collection designed exclusively for SHE Boutique.
Alice in Wonderland Fashion Show (839 W Fulton Market Street)
Saturday night, Glam Live and Mario Ink present this Alice-inspired fashion show at Lumen. The event will feature body paint by Mario Ink, extreme makeup by Airbrush Academy, costumes by Kidi, and a live photo shoot by Goykphoto.
Exclusive Bridal Event at 1154 LILL Studio (904 W Armitage Avenue)
On Saturday from 10am-3pm, 1154 LILL Studio will host their Exclusive Bridal Event. Join them for mimosas while ordering your custom or ready-made bridal and bridesmaid bags.
Makeover Madness at Veruca Salt (1921 N Damen Street)
On Saturday from 1-5pm, head to Veruca Salt for a complimentary makeover with makeup artist Irena Schoen, and enjoy 30% off any cosmetic purchase and 20% off clothing items.
Sephora Grand Opening (108 N State Street)
This Saturday, Block 37 expands its impressive shopping selection, as it welcomes the beauty mecca to State Street.
Jean Paul Gaultier for Target (various Chicago locations)
On Sunday, the infamous Parisian designer’s capsule collection lands in Target stores!
SALES
Eclectica’s Sale (1006 W Armitage Avenue)
Thru Sunday, Eclectica is offering new samples and fond favorites from $79 to $99.
Beta Boutique Closing Sale (2016 W Concord Place)
Thru March 14th, get 40-90% off designer labels at Beta Boutique, including Marc by Marc Jacobs, BCBG, A. Cheng, Earnest, Ella Moss and more. Hurry in before the selection is gone!
Check out more March fashion events and sales here.
Image courtesy of Lumen
Tags: 1154 LILL Studio, Alice in Wonderland, Beta Boutique, Block 37, Chicacgo Shopping, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Eclectica, Glam Live, Irene Schoen, Jean Paul Gaultier for Target, Kidi, Lumen, N PRPA, Samantha Sleeper, Sephora, She Boutique, Veruca Salt
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SHE Boutique Introduces N PRPA
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
SHE Boutique made quite a name for itself between its home base in Highland Park and its nationally recognized online shop. Now the designer mecca is tightening its grip on label-loving shoppers with the introduction of N PRPA. Designed by Samantha Sleeper exclusively for SHE Boutique, the collection is a testimony to her exquisite sartorial skills and interest-grabbing vision—qualities she picked up while working at Alexander McQueen and Hermès. SHE and Creative Director Nicholette Prpa (hence the N PRPA) invite their fans to preview and pre-order the Autumn/Winter 2010 collection before it hits stores late this summer. This exclusive event is being held today and tomorrow at SHE Boutique’s Highland Park store (483 Central Avenue).
By Meghan Turner
Tags: Chicago Shopping, N PRPA, Nicholette Prpa, Samantha Sleeper, She Boutique
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CFF’s 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
This Thursday, the Chicago Fashion Foundation (CFF) is doing its part once again to advance our city’s budding and talented fashion designers. The 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit will be held at the Macy’s on State Street and hosted by Catie Keogh of NBC’s 24/7 Chicago. After the finalists present their wares to a panel of judges, three of the emerging designers will take home the coveted scholarship money. The evening begins at 6pm and ends at 8pm. Tickets for members are $30 online and $35 at the door, and non-member tickets cost $40 online and $45 at the door. The online pricing ends today, so be sure to snag your tickets, which go toward CFF’s future events and scholarships that nurture Chicago’s fashion community.
Get tickets HERE.
By Meghan Turner
Tags: CFF, CFF 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Runway Show
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Chicago Fashion at London Fashion Week
Monday, March 1st, 2010
The always titillating London Fashion Week commenced last Wednesday, and we were immediately intrigued when we learned Chicago designer Borris Powell was there showcasing his Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. Known for his romantic elegance, Borris stuck with that aesthetic for his latest collection, which he presented on models with slick buns and dramatic makeup (that somewhat distracted from the clothes themselves). Inspired by a recent trip to Rome, Borris’ A/W designs are laden with flowing silks and structured bodices that incite “beauty and power,” according to the designer.
The audience of fashion insiders and press looked on as regal gowns, backless cocktail dresses, and two-toned frocks made their way down a stark runway that kept all eyes on the feature attraction. Equally obvious were Borris’ sartorial skills and knack for eveningwear that caters to women of various tastes and body types. Though the show was part of the off-schedule LFW programming, we’re always thrilled to see Chicago fashion taken to the international arena, and we look forward to seeing what Borris Powell brings to the runway next.
By Meghan Turner
Photography by Carl Yeung
Tags: Borris Powell, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Fall/Winter 2010, Fashion Week, London Fashion Week
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Weekend Fashion Events and Sales
Friday, February 26th, 2010
EVENTS
Battle of the Boutiques at Lumen (839 W Fulton Market)
Tonight at 7:30pm, PoorLittleRichGirls.com is hosting the 2nd Annual Battle of the Boutiques at Lumen.
The Vintage Bazaar at Dank Haus (4740 N Western Avenue)
On Saturday from 12pm to 5pm, more than 40 vendors will be at The Vintage Bazaar selling their vintage clothing and accessories at Dank Haus in Lincoln Square. Admission is free.
SALES
Mulberry & Me End-of-Season Sale (2019 W Division Street)
Thru the end of February, stop by Mulberry & Me for 50-70% off fall/winter clothing and accessories.
Eclectica’s Sale (1006 W Armitage Avenue)
Thru March 7, Eclecticais pricing their new samples and bestsellers from $79 to $99.
RE.STOCK Redux (1022 W Armitage Avenue)
RE.STOCK is extending their stay in Lincoln Park for a special 2-day sale this Saturday and Sunday. Designer clothing for men and women will be up to 80% off retail.
Image courtesy of Eclectica
Tags: Battle of the Boutiques, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Sales, Dank Haus, Eclectica, Lumen, Mulberry & Me, PoorLittleRichGirls.com, RE.STOCK, The Vintage Bazaar
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Marc Jacobs to Open
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
A rendering of the new Marc Jacobs store
After much delay and anticipation, the Marc Jacobs Collection store is finally set to open its doors this Thursday, February 25. Located in the new luxury Elysian Hotel, the opening completes Chicago’s Marc Jacobs shopping experience, which first started in 2008 with the opening of the Marc by Marc Jacobs boutique in Wicker Park (1714 N Damen Avenue). While the collection line is obviously more costly than the Marc by Marc Jacobs diffusion line, the Walton and Rush Street location (near the Oak Street shopping district) is an appropriate one for a store of the MJ caliber. Though the clothes and accessories are the main attraction, the space in which the collection now calls home impeccably marries Marc’s forward-thinking, individuality-trumps-all aesthetic with pristine, contemporary architecture that heightens the shopping experience.
Marc Jacobs in located at 11 E Walton Street
By Meghan Turner
Tags: Chicago Fashion News, Chicago Shopping, Elysian Hotel, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs Chicago, Oak Street Shopping District, Wicker Park Shopping
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Hats Off to Fedoras
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
During our cold and snowy Chicago winters, a hat must equate warmth. But as the temperatures climb, we look for headwear that packs more personality. Enter: the fedora. Traditionally worn by men, women can pull off this trendy accessory with ease and rock it better than many of their male counterparts. This hat was big for fall 2009 and will remain a hot topper for spring as well. As the fedora grows in popularity, the styles are getting more daring, giving this traditional accessory more individuality and flair. The straw style is both laid back and hip, while maintaining its distinct summer-time vibe. Whether you go with a style that has glitzy or classic accents, the choices are vast. Check out these straw fedoras that will surely earn a place on your spring shopping list.
Clockwise from upper left:
Nordstrom straw fedora ($38; Nordstrom)
Eugenia Kim “Max” fedora with crystal band ($248; shopbop.com)
Express fedora with short brim and stripped ribbon trim ($35; Express)
Banana Republic straw fedora ($35; Banana Republic)
Eugenia Kim “Toyo” straw fedora with crystal mesh band ($234; singer22.com)
By Danielle Parker
Images courtesy of Nordstrom, shopbop.com, Express, Banana Republic, and singer22.com
Tags: Accessories, Banana Republic, Chicago Shopping, Eugenia Kim, Express, Fashion Trends, Fedoras, Hats, Nordstrom, shopbop.com, Singer22.com
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Fashionable Events and Sales in Chicago
Friday, February 19th, 2010
EVENTS
Sonia Rykiel for H&M Launches
This Saturday, the highly anticipated Sonia Rykiel women’s and girl’s line for H&M hits stores.
JF&A Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (Rosemont, IL)
This Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am and 5:30pm, The Jewelry, Fashion, & Accessories Show is back.
SALES
Clever Alice Winter Sale (1920 N Damen Avenue)
Thru Saturday, save up to 70% off Clever Alice’s designer goodies, including V Italia boots, Veronica Riley Martens jewelry, and much more.
RE.STOCK Pop-Up Shop (1002 W Armitage Avenue)
RE.STOCK is Chicago’s only traveling designer boutique, and this weekend from 12pm to 6pm they’re popping up in Lincoln Park again.
The Denim Swap at Krista K and Krista K Maternity (3458/3530 N Southport Avenue)
Thru the end of February, bring Krista K or Krista K Maternity your unwanted jeans and receive 20% off a new pair.
Image courtesy of Clever Alice
Tags: Clever Alice, Denim Swap at Krista K, H&M, JF&A Show, Krista K, Krista K Maternity, RE.STOCK, Sonia Rykiel, Sonia Rykiel for H&M
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Battle of the Boutiques
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Looking for something new to do next Friday night? Chicago lifestyle website PoorLittleRichGirls.com is hosting its second annual Battle of the Boutiques at Lumen, where local stores will compete for the title of “most stylish” boutique. This year’s contenders include Wolfbait & B-Girls, 2Sisters, Hubba Hubba, Dress Up Boutique, and RE.STOCK, who will compete against the 2009 defending champ, le Dress. Each boutique will present five looks that will be judged by former “Project Runway” contestant Steven Rosengard, Chicago Sun-Times Fashion Editor Jessica Sedgwick, ABC 7 News anchor Karen Jordan, and the audience. B-96’s Showbiz Shelly will be the evening’s emcee.
Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show ends around 10:30pm. General admission tickets are $25 and include two hours of complimentary cocktails courtesy of Ultimat Vodka & PAMA Liqueur, appetizers by Hub51, swag bags, and giveaways. VIP tickets are $35 and provide access to the VIP lounges (a guaranteed seat for the show), deluxe swag bags, and champagne. Attendees will also have the opportunity to shop Studio-808, which will feature accessories by local designers.
For tickets, click HERE.
Tags: 2Sisters, ABD 7 News, B-96, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway, Chicago Sun-Times, Dress Up Boutique, Hub 51, Hubba Hubba, Jessica Sedgwick, Karen Jordan, Le Dress, PoorLittleRichGirls.com, Project Runway, RE.STOCK, Showbix Shelly, Steven Rosengard, Studio 808, Wolfbait & B-girls
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