Style Admirer

Farewell to Habit

editor — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:30:46 +0000

Sadly, another one of Chicago’s favorite boutiques is closing. After five years of fashionable service, Habit will close its doors this Saturday, July 31. This news comes some two weeks after a large storewide sale, “Best Habit Sale Ever,” that had us wondering if the end was drawing near. We hoped the tiny Division shop and its indie-chic fashion would pull through. However for some boutiques, the light at the end of this economic black hole is too distant to reach. The closure means a loss not only for patrons but also for the designers whom Habit supported throughout its lifetime.

In a letter to her shoppers, owner Lindsey Boland wrote, “I am fortunate to have made the acquaintance of so many wonderful customers and talented designers. I hope that my next adventure will be as rewarding as these Habit years.”

We hope that next venture brings more fashion to Chicago.

By Meghan Turner

Making a Statement

editor — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:19:08 +0000

For those channeling their inner rockstar, or merely accentuating an otherwise mundane outfit, look no further than the statement necklace. With this single accessory, transform even a plain t-shirt and jeans into a daringly chic ensemble.

When hunting for your new collar-wear, seek out pieces that incorporate mixed metals, twisted chains and faceted crystals. Be bold with your selection because the most stand-out designs are dazzling yet tough, and shamelessly costume-inspired. By fusing tough grunge and glitzy bling, the right statement necklace is perfectly rebellious and glamorous, melding eye-catching details like daggers, tangles, rhinestones and heavy metal.

Try pairing one of these necklaces with an innocent floral frock for an edgy look or update an old LBD with some lust-worthy sparkle.

1. FENTON/FALLON for J.Crew rhinestone “Jaws” necklace ($135; J.Crew).
2. Lee Angel chunky bead and crystal necklace ($385; Intermix)
3. “Twisted Metal and Crystals” necklace ($98; Madewell)
4. Fallon “Victoria Ball Swag” necklace ($275; Barneys CO-OP)
5. ”Flat Spikes on Chain” necklace ($32; Topshop)
6. Fool’s gold choker necklace ($250; Luv Aj)

*DYI Tip: Can’t find the perfect statement necklace? Make your own by twisting individual necklaces. Mix, match and layer each strand until it’s just right.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of J.Crew, Intermix, Madewell, Barneys CO-OP, Topshop and Luv Aj

Simply Fabulous: Damen + Division Turquoise Drop Earrings

editor — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:30:06 +0000

Chicago jewelry line Damen + Division makes knock-out statement pieces rooted in artisanal glamour and vintage detail. We love these eye-catching “Suki” gold and turquoise drop earrings ($158; Sarca; 710 N Wabash Avenue).

Ladies Night Out

editor — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:53:40 +0000

Thursday night attracted hordes of ladies to StyleChicago.com’s “An Evening of Modern Beauty.” Set in the lavish W Chicago City Center, guests circled around more than 25 fashion, beauty and lifestyle vendors while sipping complimentary martinis, wine and beer. Pampering and entertainment was the universal theme as women engaged in various feminine indulgences, such as eyelash extensions, massages, shopping and product sampling. The vendors included the likes of K. Amato, Fusion Beauty, Massage Envy, Trish McEvoy, Xtreme Lashes and Swaby. Aside from the obvious entertainment, tasty drinks and outstanding venue, women enjoyed a ladies night out and, maybe more importantly, the overflowing goodie bags. Stuffed with $250 worth of fashion, beauty and food products, the bags were worthy of the ticket price alone—something that’s hard to come by in this economy. Style Chicago outdid itself with this annual event that was bigger than last year’s and all the more impressive.

By Meghan Turner

Wear White Pieces That are Flirty and Edgy

editor — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:56:09 +0000

Julia at Pitchfork

Photography by Chicago Looks

Chicago Fashion Weekend Roundup

editor — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:30:41 +0000

EVENTS

GAVIN Boutique and Lipstick Dinosaur Party at Vertigo Sky Lounge (2 W Erie Street)
On Friday from 6 to 9pm, GAVIN Boutique and Lipstick Dinosaur invite guests to an evening of cocktails and fashion presentations. RSVP to events@zapwater.com.

SALES

Summer Sizzle Sidewalk Sale (Between Armitage & Division and Western & Ashland)
The Wicker Park and Bucktown Sidewalk Sale is back, offering shoppers major discounts on Saturday (11am to 6pm) and Sunday (12 to 5pm). See our Mil/North/Damen and Division maps for reference.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (Michigan Avenue, Old Orchard and Oakbrook Center locations)
Nordstrom’s famous Anniversary Sale is underway through August 2. Don’t miss this opportunity to save big on the latest fall merchandise.

Lipstick Dinosaur Pop-up Accessories Shop at GAVIN Boutique (1939 Central Street – Evanston)
Lipstick Dinosaur continues its ongoing Pop-up Accessories Shop through the end of July at GAVIN in Evanston. Stop by to view the collection and take advantage of exclusive discounts.

Kate Boggiano Warehouse Sale (2150 S Canalport, 3rd floor)
On Saturday beginning at 8am, Kate Boggiano is having an early bird sale at her studio. Take 60% off at 8am, 50% off at 10am, 40% off at 11am and 30% off at noon.

Best Habit Sale Ever at Habit (1951 W Division Street)
Now through the end of July, swing by Habit for their summer sale, which offers 15-50% off everything in the store.

Sarca Summer Sale (710 N Wabash Street)
Now through the end of August, stop by Sarca and take advantage of the exclusive summer sale. The Gold Coast boutique offers all summer merchandise at discounted prices starting at 40% off.

Sunday Brunch, Sunday Best at Fix and the Publican (1101 and 837 W Fulton Market, respectively)
Now through August 8th, celebrate summer and Sundays with this special discount opportunity. Make a Sunday purchase at Fix Boutique and receive 15% off Sunday brunch at the Publican; grab Sunday brunch at the Publican and get 15% off your Sunday purchase at Fix.

Photography by Ace Ujimori

Lolla Style #1: Music Inspiration

editor — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:30:43 +0000

There’s no better place than Chicago during the first weekend in August. Since I missed Coachella earlier this summer, I’ll definitely be at Lollapalooza—blanket and camera in tow. The three-day festival melds my passions for music and style, and because one often inspires the other, my Lolla looks nod to the musicians I can’t wait to see. While I want my get-ups to seem effortlessly superb, there’s still a decent amount of planning to stylishly battle the heat and humidity.

FRIDAY

Show above.
Though I’m not a die-hard fan of her music, I do admire Gaga’s humor and artistry. The lady sure knows how to fly her freak flag, so I’ll honor her opening day performance with skin-tight Lycra and quirky pieces.

1. Quontom cutout dress ($90; Topshop). Edgy cut outs are cool and hot.
2. Dolce Vita “Indy” shoes ($36; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue). While sky-high heels are more Gaga’s style, they just aren’t practical for Lolla.
3. “Chain Mail Perfection” body jewelry ($300; Litter San Francisco). Fashion-forward enough to make Gaga herself jealous, this embellishment is bound to be a conversation piece.
4. Paloma vintage sunglasses ($173; Akira; 1849 W North Avenue). An interesting, modern approach that rivals Gaga’s standout eyewear collection.

SATURDAY

I’ll revisit my youth Saturday night. Memories of pre-mainstream Green Day and Social Distortion have inspired me to rock elements of punk and alternative from the early 90’s. Who knew I’d regret dumping my old Doc Martens?

1. Urban renewal cutoff shorts ($28; Urban Outfitters). Denim shorts are a festival must-have—hands down.
2. Vintage Doc Martens ($128; Free People). Comfortable boots to trek Grant Park.
3. Plaid “Dakota Gilet” ($68; AllSaints). The cut-off sleeves are edgy and airy.
4. “Yes please” cutoff tank ($64; The Trend Boutique). Nothing says “punk” like pairing stripes with plaid.
5. “Diego” bucket bag ($825; Alexander Wang). This gorgeous cross-body bag keeps hands free and luggage minimal.
6. Ray Ban wayfarer sunglasses ($170; Sunglass Hut). You can’t go wrong with this classic.
7. Low Luv knuckle ring ($80; Saks Fifth Avenue). Positively badass.

SUNDAY

If I survive this music marathon, the carefree, barefoot hippie within will shine through on Sunday. What better way to come off an intense weekend than to lounge in the grass swaying to tunes? Wolfmother (hauntingly reminiscent of Led Zeppelin) evokes a laid-back vibe that carries me back in time when peace, love and music ruled the earth.

1. Shady Brady hat ($70; Alcala’s; 1733 W Chicago Avenue). Be weary of UV rays by shading your face from the summer sun.
2. Nightcap Clothing “Penelope” dress ($275; Shopbop). Beat the heat with an airy white dress.
3. Vintage bottle necklace ($578; Free People). A perfect addition to the part boho, part rock ensemble.
4. Zara Terez holster bag ($125; p.45; 1643 N Damen Avenue). The most practical festival bag yet; it’s just big enough for all your necessities.
5. Hudson buckle boot ($345; Niche; 1566 N Damen Avenue). Add a masculine touch to an otherwise feminine outfit.

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Topshop, Lori’s Shoes, Litter San Francisco, Akira, Urban Outfitters, Free People, AllSaints, The Trend Boutique, Alexander Wang, Sunglasses Hut, Saks Fifth Avenue, Alcala’s, shopbop.com, P.45, and Niche

GAVIN Boutique + Lipstick Dinosaur

editor — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:31:05 +0000

This Friday night (6-9pm), GAVIN Boutique and Lipstick Dinosaur team up for an unconventional fashion preview. The unlikely pair makes an interesting partnership that fuses the contemporary labels at GAVIN and the vintage treasures of Lipstick Dinosaur. The Dana Hotel rooftop bar, the Vertigo Sky Lounge (2 W Erie Street), creates a chic backdrop for a night that displays Lipstick Dinosaur’s vintage necklaces, belts, earrings, brooches, rings and bracelets against GAVIN’s summer and fall selections. Models will roam the lounge donning the fashions that also highlight Lipstick Dinosaur’s month-long pop-up shop in GAVIN. This evening, though, is a celebration of the new and old joining together for a night of complimentary cocktails and fashion eye candy.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Lipstick Dinosaur

Simply Fabulous: Elizabeth and James Feather Blazer

editor — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:11:22 +0000

I spotted this Elizabeth and James “James” feather blazer ($575; Neiman Marcus) during a retail therapy session this weekend. The contoured fit is perfection and the ostrich feathers are breathtaking.

Simple, Classic Shapes and Patterns Always Feel Au Courant

editor — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:22:41 +0000

Karyn

Photography by Chicago Looks