Posts Tagged ‘Alice + Olivia’

Transitioning Into Fall

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

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

Tags: Alice + Olivia, Anthropologie, Bloomingdales, Cusp, Fall 2010 Trends, J.Crew, Jeffrey Campbell, Lori's Shoes, plasticisland.com, Theory
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Boutique Profile: GAVIN

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Given the impressive selection of boutiques and stores scattered throughout Chicago, it’s hard to fathom shopping outside the city limits. Unless we need glassware or end tables from Ikea, why visit the ‘burbs, right? Well, here’s why: GAVIN boutique (1939 Central Street). Though slightly off an urbanite’s beaten path, this Evanston shop competes with some of the city’s best boutiques, making the 30-minute commute more like a fleeting joy ride.

LEFT: LNA ripped leggings ($110); Elizabeth and James “James” jacket ($395); LNA strapless bralette ($50); House of Harlow pearl shoe ($225); Janis Savitt emerald cut earring ($127); Annie Costello beaded fringe necklace ($305); and a silver disc ring from Morocco ($142). RIGHT: Rory Beca shorts ($165); Heartfelt top ($184); Allison Schiller bracelets ($120- $125); Trina Turk jewel crusted ring ($88); and Allison Schiller necklace ($295). Top Image: LEFT: Lauren Cavallo Runzel, GAVIN’s owner, in a Gryphon silver sequin top ($310). RIGHT: Elizabeth and James “Jett” jacket ($595); Wilt cropped top ($126); and Elizabeth Cole lion head earring ($105)

Lauren Cavallo Runzel, GAVIN’s founder and an ex-runway model, opened the shop earlier this year. Since then, she’s played host to shoppers from all over Chicagoland. They come for the goods, atmosphere and welcoming staff. This trifecta tugs fashion-lovers heartstrings—a very debilitating weakness—who seek more than just an amazing selection. Upon encountering the charming storefront, a thoughtfully curated window display beacons shoppers’ entry. It opens to a sleek, cozy space that not only promises the thrill of shopping but also the calm respite of relaxation. The oversized couch, cushy throw pillows, black lacquered floors, sparkly chandelier, and antler wall fixtures create an atmosphere that’s traditional, rustic and comfortable, balanced with splashes of modern glamour.

LEFT: SASS & BIDE bones top ($100); Elizabeth and James blazer ($395); Vintage1 jeans ($207); Marc Bernstein Egyptian trip wrap bracelet ($92); and Erickson Beamon earrings ($298). RIGHT: Allison Schiller gold earrings ($135); Meg McGuinness leather fanny pack ($298); Elizabeth and James sleeveless boyfriend shirt ($245); Genetic Denim “Shane” cigarette jean ($180); Elizabeth Cole gold chain bracelet ($68); JADEtribe shell bracelet ($44); Celine set of four bangles ($188); and Elizabeth Cole Virgo necklace ($78)

Part of that glamour hails from the extensive selection of contemporary labels, both well-known and up-and-coming. For such items to make their way into boutique, they must fulfill three criteria: “chic, cool, and a bit badass,” as Lauren describes GAVIN’s aesthetic. “I try to buy some old favorites, like J Brand and Alice + Olivia, plus some new designers we discover, like Agent 001. Regardless, I avoid what other stores like Barneys and Neimans sell.” This rationale gives birth to a shop that has something for everyone. With designers like Elizabeth and James, Gryphon, House of Harlow, James Perse, and SASS & BIDE on the hangers, the selection is rooted in different design sensibilities. Some are rock ‘n roll, some are girly, some are ethnic, some are glamorous. It creates an interesting mix that makes roaming the racks an addicting adventure for women of different ages and styles. “I love the refreshing atmosphere of the young and old shopping here together,” she says.

 
LEFT: Torn by Ronny Kobo Paris tee ($75); Gryphon gray cardigan ($310); Mima earrings ($148); mother of pearl ring from Morocco ($172); Allison Schiller pyrite memory bracelets ($125); and Goldsign white cutoff shorts ($150). RIGHT: Elizabeth and James sequin Tokyo top ($365); Lauren’s belt from Morocco; Goldsign “Bon Bon” pleated shorts ($180); Kain Label pocket tank ($78); silver stone ring from Morocco ($292); Allison Schiller pyrite memory bracelets ($125); JADEtribe small prayer bead bracelet ($32); and Elizabeth and James cross earrings ($105)

This atmosphere may have something to do with Lauren’s shopping excursions with her six children (the store’s actually named after her second-born daughter). She understands the importance of addressing different styles, without letting the selection or experience suffer. By using her role as a mother and background as a fashion model, she tantalizes customers with must-have fashion, an inviting space, and staff that’s more like girlfriends than sales people. It’s quite the dynamic trio even if it is outside the city. As Lauren says, “Everyone finds something they love at GAVIN.”

Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Model: Lauren Conrades
Special thanks to Maia McGinley

Tags: Alice + Olivia, Allison Schiller, Annie Costello, Barneys, Céline, Chicago Boutiqes, Chicago Shopping, Elizabeth and James, Elizabeth Cole, Erickson Beamon, Evanston, GAVIN boutique, Goldsign jeans, Gryphon, Heartfelt, House of Harlow, J Brand, JADEtribe, James Perse, Janis Savitt, Kain Label, Lauren Cavallo Runzel, LNA, Marc Bernstein, Meg McGuinness, Mima, Rory Beca, Sass & Bide, Torn by Ronny Kobo, Trina Turk, Wilt
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