Posts Tagged ‘American Eagle Outfitters’
A Vest-ed Interest
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
While I can forgo most of the wardrobe memories that come with it, I’m thrilled I re-discovered my treasured denim vest in an old box marked “Junior High.” Luckily, I learned one of the golden rules of fashion: never discard denim. Eventually, once dormant jean styles pop back on the scene, much like the recent resurgence of the work shirt, the wide leg pant, and the vest.
Denim vests are both a layering piece and a jolt of excitement to a mundane outfit. Taking inspiration from motorcycle gangs, 80’s rock bands, and New Kids On The Block, this season’s denim vests toughen up girly dresses and add dimension to basic tanks and tees. Much like the leather jacket, this topper complements almost any outfit and looks especially fresh when paired with stripes, flowered prints and high-waisted pants. Boxy cuts with cut-off sleeves exude a badass vibe, but lighter, fitted vests are more feminine and conservative when buttoned, or, in some cases, worn solo.
Though my treasured acid-washed vest remained intact after all these years (minus the N.K.O.T.B buttons, of course), there are hundreds of new styles to choose from this season in case you mistakenly discarded yours.
Clockwise from upper left:
1. Studded Denim Vest ($248; Juicy Couture). Both chic and tough to contrast a feminine dress.
2. Denim “Waterfall Waistcoat” ($80; Topshop). A modern cut in a light fabric is summer-ready.
3. “Leah” Vest ($180; True Religion). White and ragged feels fresh but edgy.
4. Colcci denim vest ($53; New’d, 1917 W Division Street). For a less boxy look, this preppy style offsets a loose or wide leg pant.
5. Distressed vest ($40; American Eagle Outfitters). A fitted, medium-hued style is figure-flattering and timeless.
6. Denim vest ($88; J.Crew). With a light wash and a classic cut, you can’t go wrong.
Images courtesy of Juicy Couture, Topshop, True Religion, J.Crew, American Eagle Outfitters, and New’d
Tags: American Eagle Outfitters, Colcci, Denim Vets, J.Crew, Juicy Couture, New'd, Topshop, Trends, True Religion
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Bundle Up
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
The weather outside is frightful, but winter coats are so delightful! If you live in the Windy City, chances are you wear your winter coats more than any other garment in your wardrobe. Given this and the arctic conditions that is a Chicago winter, we take coat shopping very seriously—fashion and practicality are nonnegotiable. To make the cut, a coat must look fantastic and hold up to lake effect snow. Impossible? Nah! We found some pretty fabulous coats perfect for frigid days like today (and the many frigid days ahead).
Mom always said wearing layers is the best way to stay warm. Club Monaco followed her lead when they layered a nylon trench over a puffy coat ($349). Besides its ability to keep us warm and dry, we love how the oversized pockets and thin belt make this a stylish, form-fitting option.
A coat is a great way to add a pop of color to your ensemble. Change the meaning of winter blues with Express‘s military-inspired coat ($126). The vibrant hue and shiny hardware will really stand out amongst the bevy of black and brown winter coats on the street.
A ladylike coat is sometimes hard to come by, but this “Wool Olga Coat” by Chicago’s own reddoll by Tatyana ($495) is exquisitely girly. Its fitted, double-breasted bodice bells into a flowy, feminine skirt, while details like a bow, a high collar, puffy shoulders, skirt pockets and silver hardware make this coat something special.
If you’re looking for a unique option that blends coverage and high fashion, we love this long, military-inspired coat by Chicago label Swaby (price available upon request). The structured collar, ribbon detail, and stream of tiny silver button is a stand-out design combo that will garner lots of attention.
Most puffy coats create a marshmallow shape that is purely function over form. For a less bulky choice that doesn’t compromise style, this light brown Add Down coat ($478; Tula; 3738 N Southport Avenue) boasts a stretch belt for a contoured silhouette. A detachable fur collar brings this casual coat up a notch.
Toggles are a classic, rustic detail with an innate ski lodge vibe, and this “Daytime Toggle Coat” by The Limited ($119) will make a timeless addition to your coat closet. Faux horn toggles balance the glamour of the faux fur collar, making this coat perfect for day and night.
Conjuring images of chilly days spent by the sea (or rather by Lake Michigan!), American Eagle Outfitters’ nautical duffle coat ($120) boasts anchor buttons, plaid lining and a cozy hood to weather those harsh winter storms ahead.
A camel coat is a wardrobe staple to be worn with everything forever. We love all the menswear-inspired camel coats right now, but there was something so lovely and simple about Anthropologie’s “New Standard Overcoat” ($180). From the double ruffle collar to the whimsical buttons to the subtle wool pattern, this loose-fitting coat is all about the details.
The snow doesn’t show signs of stopping, but the right coat can help us get through another Chicago winter stylishly and comfortably. Never compromise fashion for practicality. After all, we Chicagoans have made an art of merging the two!
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Club Monaco, Express, reddoll by Tatyana, Swaby, Tula, The Limited, American Eagle Outfitters, and Anthropologie
Tags: Add Down, American Eagle Outfitters, Anthropologie, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Club Monaco, Coats, Express, reddoll by Tatyana, Swaby, The Limited, Tula
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Rural Influence
Monday, November 30th, 2009
Clockwise from upper left: Bomber jacket ($50; American Eagle Outfitters), ballet flats ($30; Gap), button-up top with ruffle detail (Beta Boutique; 2016 W Concord Place), wool coat by Don Luce ($140; Veruca Salt; 1921 North Damen Avenue), tulip skirt by Pink ($295; Bloomingdale’s), down vest ($79; Eddie Bauer), scarf with fringe detail ($35; Ann Taylor)
City life and rural life are like oil and water, but sometimes the two find common ground. Right now, it’s fashion. Well, parts of fashion, that is. Rugged plaids are making their way to the glamorous metropolis and bringing along their coziness and versatility. Here in Chicago, choosing between fashion and warmth can be a daily gamble, but this trend supplies style and comfort that easily adapts to any winter wardrobe. Here are some easy-to-wear plaid items, with style for the pickin’.
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of American Eagle Outfitters, Gap, Beta Boutique, Veruca Salt, Bloomingdale’s, Eddie Bauer and Ann Taylor
Tags: American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor, Beta Boutique, Bloomingdales, Chicago Shopping, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Plaid, Trends, Veruca Salt
Posted in StyleBlog | 2 Comments »
