StyleBlog

UGG Fall Fashion Event

August 30, 2010

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If you’re like me, UGGs bring to mind one very specific boot style. If you’re not like me, you still know what style I’m talking about: tan, chunky flats with that distinct sheepskin lining. Fall, however, brings a selection of UGG boots that surprised me with its variety. Chicago has the opportunity to view this new collection Thursday night, September 2, from 6-9pm at the UGG Australia store in the Gold Coast (909 N Rush Street).  

The fashion event celebrates the latest UGG collection, inviting guests to shop for that unmistakable UGG comfort and style while enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. The event will also raffle off a pair of one-of-a-kind UGG boots that features a sketch of the Chicago Skyline by a local artist.

Some of my personal favorites include the Rosabella ($200), Amberlee boot ($275) and Sheepskin Cuffed Boot ($200) shown above from left to right.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of UGG Austrlia

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Transitioning Into Fall

August 29, 2010

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With sunny skies and temperatures in the high 80’s, it’s hard to believe fall is upon us. The evidence is in every store and boutique I set foot in, each one packed with a new season of fashion I can’t wait to wear. Neutral palettes, utilitarian garb, bold patterns and statement accessories are here to stay even as the weather changes. While I break out my leather jacket and knee-high boots at fall’s first chill, there are trends from Spring/Summer 2010 I am holding onto for as long as possible. Cut-out wedges, Lucite accessories and short shorts are a few that make the cut, as they transition so effortlessly into fall.

These pieces are on my fall “keep list” because they take just a little adjusting to make them fit for next season. After all, isn’t summer worth holding onto as long as possible here in Chicago?

1. Theory “Iselin” leather shorts ($315; Bloomingdales). Leather shorts were big for summer, and lucky for us the heavy fabric can be easily paired with colored and textured tights for crisp nights.
2. Plastic Island tunic ($127; plasticisland.com). What I paired with denim cutoffs and flip flops for summer is now the ideal knit with leggings and combat boots.
3. Jeffrey Campbell “Mary Roks” ($120; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue). Open-toed wedges aren’t just for warm weather. Rock these with tights to keep them relevant.
4. Solid ripstop field jacket ($98; J.Crew). Use this lightweight jacket as a layering piece over a chunky sweater.
5. Frozen Flash necklace ($58; Anthropologie). Lucite accessories aren’t only summer staples; extend your purchase by incorporating them into fall’s day and night looks.
6. Alice + Olivia painted floral print top ($187; Cusp). A lightweight floral tank with a vibrant fall palette—a feminine accompaniment with a leather bomber.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of Bloomingdales, plasticisland.com, Lori’s Shoes, J.Crew, Anthropologie and Cusp

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Weekend Fashion Guide

August 27, 2010

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EVENTS

Maximalism: Fashion Show at Happy Dog Gallery (1542 N Milwaukee Avenue, 2nd Floor)
On Friday beginning at 7pm, The Sometimes Store, The Gaudy God and Sisterman will host an all nude and black fashion show, Maximalism. The show will feature 24 vintage looks from the 80s and 90s.

Randolph St. Market Festival at Plumber’s Hall (1340 W Washington Street)
The Randolph St. Market Festival is back on Saturday (10am to 5pm) and Sunday (10am to 4pm). Enjoy an exciting array of vintage and modern decor, home furnishings, art, fashion and jewelry.

Chicago Summer Antiques Show and Sale at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N River Road – Rosemont)
This weekend, more than 60 exhibitors from 38 states and various countries worldwide come to Chicago for one of the Midwest’s largest antique events. The Chicago Summer Antiques Show & Sale goes from 12 to 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 12 to 5pm on Sunday. Tickets are $10.

SALES

Caroline DeVillo Couture Semi-Annual Sample Sale (1616 N Damen Avenue)
On Saturday from 10am to 3pm, Caroline DeVillo will hold a sample sale at her Bucktown/Wicker Park boutique. Bridal gowns will go for 30% to 70% off.

Dress Up Summer Blowout Sale (1937 N Damen Avenue)
Now through the end of August, Dress Up boutique invites you to shop their Summer Blowout Sale. Customers enjoy up to 90% off new and already-marked down styles.

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 50% off.

11 Years of LILL (904 W Armitage Avenue)
LILL celebrates 11 years of business through the month of August and is having a sale to celebrate. Take 11% off everything in-store, online and at LILL on Location handbag parties. Some restrictions apply.

Image courtesy of Caroline DeVillo

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Two Hot Hues for Fall

August 24, 2010

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From left to right: Gucci, Celine, Stella McCartney and Prabal Gurung

Fall is quickly approaching, and that means it’s time to once again rethink our wardrobe. One of the key ingredients—and easiest tactics—for updating a look is incorporating the season’s hottest colors. Sifting through all the minimalist neutrals, ladylike pastels and bold jewel tones on the Fall 2010 runways, two shades continuously caught our eye: heather gray and lipstick red. Though these hues aren’t exactly neighbors on the color spectrum nor are they particularly new on the scene, they’ve still got the power to wow.

Heather gray boasts a flattering neutrality and universal appeal that make it a welcomed choice for fall. From nail polish to a completely gray ensemble, this muted shade is everywhere this season. Chances are you already own some heather gray garb, but working in items with au courant shapes and cuts will be an instant wardrobe refresher.

Lipstick red, on the other hand, is a bit trickier. Some women love its vibrancy; others hate it. When worn from head-to-toe, the shade can be a bit overwhelming for paler skin tones, but when used in smaller doses, this red is a radiant jolt of color. Find pieces with lipstick red mixed into the print or one-tone basics, such as a pencil skirt, cardigan, blouse, tights, bag or flats. Such options are plentiful for fall, allowing you to add an unexpected surge of color via dramatic, versatile pieces.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Gucci, Celine, Stella McCartney and Prabal Gurung

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Fearless Fashion

August 23, 2010

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If you’re absorbed in the Chicago fashion community, chances are you’ve heard of the Stitches Fashion Program. If you haven’t heard of Stitches, its mission is to help Chicago’s fashion entrepreneurs establish effective sales and financing so that they may blossom right here in the Second City. Tomorrow night, the program sponsors Fear No Art and Fashion, a celebration of art, fashion, innovation and creativity. Saper Laws Fashion, Media, and Entertainment Practices will co-host the event from 6:30pm to 8:30pm with Dr. Julia Rahn, owner of Flourish Studios, and Elysabeth Alfano, creator, executive producer and host of WTTW11’s Fear No Art Chicago. Along with hors d’oeuvres and fine wines, enjoy the company of other Chicago creatives in Flourish’s beautiful space (3020 N Lincoln Avenue). Also purchase goods from Stitches Fashion Program designers, including K. Amato, Kate Boggiano and Mata Traders, and enjoy an informal fashion show featuring the latest collection by Lauren Lein.

Tickets are $25 at the door.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Lauren Lein

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Fashionable Weekend Entertainment

August 20, 2010

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SALES & EVENTS

The Vintage Bazaar Pop-up Shop at the Congress Theater (2135 N Michigan Avenue)
The Vintage Bazaar, a flea market pop-up shop, will be at the Congress Theater on Sunday from 12-7pm. Shop a multitude of vendor, and enjoy free admission.

Share and Shop at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
Join The 900 Shops this weekend for a shopping event to benefit Dress for Success Chicago, Share Your Soles and The Glass Slipper Project. Shoppers receive a 15% savings pass for each gently-worn donation.

Spring/Summer Bag Sale at Madison and Friends/The Denim Lounge (2004 W Roscoe Street)
On Friday from 10:30am to 6:30pm, Madison and Friends & The Denim Lounge are running an All-You-Can-Shop Clothing event. Purchase a bag for $225 and keep whatever you can fit in it. Seriously!

Metropark’s Fall Fashion Event 2010 (all Metropark locations)
On Friday from 5pm to close, all Metropark locations will offer a free gift bag with every purchase of more than $100. Additionally, customers can get up to $100 off their next purchase.

Dress Up Summer Blowout Sale (1937 N Damen Avenue)
Now through the end of August, Dress Up Boutique invites you to shop their Summer Blowout Sale. Enjoy up to 90% off new and already-marked-down styles.

11 Years of LILL (904 W Armitage Avenue)
LILL celebrates 11 years of business through the month of August and is having a sale to celebrate. Take 11% off everything in-store, online and at LILL on Location handbag parties. Some restrictions apply.

Image courtesy of The Vintage Bazaar

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New Boutique: Local Lookbook

August 18, 2010

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Aviation is an unexpected platform from which to launch a career in fashion. Halli Mulei, however, did just that. Now the owner of Local Lookbook (1211 W Wester Avenue), a new boutique in Lincoln Park, Halli is a 14-year veteran pilot with a clear understanding of style. With this new endeavor, she offers a selection of clothing and accessories that puts Chicago designers at the forefront. With local labels such as Evil Kitty, Zamrie, Marisa Swystun, jlee silver, TZEN and Objets D’Envy, the boutique sells some of the most popular fashion brands owned and operated right here at home. Other labels include Crystal Wells, caro and Elizabeth Smith, which creates a well-rounded inventory in a charming, Parisian-inspired shop.

It’s a lovely thing when local fashion fosters local fashion.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Local Lookbook

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Share and Shop

August 16, 2010

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Don’t you love it when cleaning out your closet translates into buying new things to refill it? From Thursday, August 19 through Sunday, August 22, stop by The 900 Shops for Share and Shop. This shopping event benefits three organizations: Dress for Success Chicago, Share Your Soles and The Glass Slipper Project. For four days only, shoppers can donate their gently worn duds—including daywear, suits, formalwear, accessories and shoes—to these non-for-profits and receive a 15% off coupon for every donation. Each pass is redeemable on one item at any participating retailer, including United Colors of Benetton, Solstice Sunglass Boutique, Charles David, Mark Shale, Original Penguin, DNA 2050, Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa, Fogal, Space 519, Glasses, Ltd., Enchanté Lingerie, Alternatives Shoes, Yolanda Lorente and Glove Me Tender. 

In addition, the first 100 customers to donate will get a 900 swag bag, and all shoppers will also be entered to win a $500 shopping spree. Finally, a special $10 five-hour parking rate will be offered with a minimum purchase of $50.

Let the fall shopping begin!

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Karen Millen (located in The 900 Shops)

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Fashion Happenings

August 13, 2010

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EVENTS

Macy’s Glamorama 2010 at the Chicago Theater (175 and 111 N State Street)
On Friday beginning at 8pm, Macy Gray and Eric Hutchinson help kick off Macy’s annual fashion soiree at the Chicago Theater. The fashion presentation is followed by an after-party at Macy’s on State Street. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Lana Trunk Show at Krista K Boutique (3458 N Southport Avenue)
Krista K invites you to be one of the first to view Lana’s two new collections on Friday from 10am to 7pm. Attendees will receive exclusive discounts on the merchandise.

SALES

The Denim Lounge’s Jean-Swap (43 E Oak Street; 2004 W Roscoe Street)
Friday is the last day for The Denim Lounge jean-swap event. Trade in your old jeans and get $40 to put toward a pair of new ones. Previously worn jeans will be donated to the Association House of Chicago.

Nika Anniversary Sale at Nika le Butik (143 N Northwest Highway – Park Ridge)
On Saturday, Nika will have a huge sale in celebration of their anniversary. From 9am to 6pm, customers can take 30% to 75% off all items including new fall merchandise. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.

Erin Gallagher Summer Sale (1013 W Webster Avenue)
Erin Gallagher will hold her big summer sale on Saturday (11am to 5pm) and Sunday (12 to 5pm). All non-custom jewelry will be 30% to 70% off.

Gamma Player Tax Holiday Sale (2035 W Division Street)
Sunday is the last day for the Gamma Player 2010 Tax Holiday Sale. Enjoy special markdowns and reduced taxes on items under $100.

Dress Up Summer Blowout Sale (1937 N Damen Avenue)
Now through the end of August, Dress Up Boutique invites you to shop their Summer Blowout Sale. Enjoy up to 90% off new and already-marked-down styles.

11 Years of LILL (904 W Armitage Avenue)
LILL celebrates 11 years of business through the month of August and is having a sale to celebrate. Take 11% off everything in-store, online and at LILL on Location handbag parties. Some restrictions apply.

Image courtesy of Lana Jewelry

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Macy’s Glamorama

August 10, 2010

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This Friday night, Macy’s Passport presents the always-popular, star-studded Glamorama. Starting at 8 pm, the four-city tour stops by the Chicago Theatre with an exciting fashion and entertainment showcase. With performances by Grammy award-winning singer Macy Gray and young hit-maker Eric Hutchinson, Macy’s elaborate fashion presentation hits the runway to display looks by Marc Jacobs, Just Cavalli, Sonia Rykiel, Jean Paul Gaultier and many more. This over-the-top event—with an opening theatrical segment by Chris March, a Project Runway season four finalist—will once again benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Tickets range from $50 to $1,000 and can be purchased here. Also swing by the exclusive afterparty at the Macy’s on State Street.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Macy’s

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