Posts Tagged ‘Arden B.’

Trending: Jumpsuits

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

No longer just for the flower child, the jumpsuit again made its way onto the must-have list. The all-in-one outfit appeared on the fashion scene during the ‘60s and became a staple for women taking on male dominated trades, Studio 54 and Woodstock. With a little help from designers like Halson, the jumpsuit quickly grew into a sartorial symbol of the empowered woman—much like the ‘80s power suit that followed. The jumpsuit adapted over time, but this time around, it’s more fluid, versatile and feminine to allow different style interpretations.

Starting last year, this onsie’s comeback gives younger generations the opportunity to experience the liberating, fashion-forward trend. Options range from utilitarian to ladylike and are found in a multitude of fabrics (jersey, silk, cotton, et al), lengths (shorts vs pants) and cuts (sleeves vs sleeveless vs strapless). Regardless of the style, the playsuit—as they’re appropriately called overseas—is whimsical, confident, ageless and practical. It’s a wearable look that requires little styling and minimal fuss. Whether you wear it to work or on the dance floor (disco ball optional!) you’ll feel as empowered as those before you.

1. Floral jumpsuit ($148; Free People). Completely fitting for the farmers’ market, or a night on the town.
2. Crinkle drawstring romper ($49; Arden B.). Kill two trends with one piece neon pink shorts style.
3. Dolce Vita “Berkley” Romper ($235; Urban Outfitters). An elegant silk jumpsuit is an unexpected choice for a casual summer wedding.
4. Jully Kang ruched tube jumpsuit ($120; Veruca Salt; 521 N Kingsbury Street). The print is incredibly bold, and the style is more current than a maxi dress.
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs “Wythe” sateen jumpsuit ($248; Bloomingdale’s). The classic-shaped top and modern harem bottom makes this style an interesting mix of feminine and masculine.

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Free People, Arden B., Urban Outfitters, Veruca Salt, and Bloomingdale’s

Tags: Arden B., Bloomingdales, Chicago Boutiques, Dolce Vita, Free People, Halston, Jully Kang, Jumpsuits, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Trends, Urban Outfitters, Veruca Salt
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Fashion to Ring in the New Year

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

The holiday season is drawing to a close, but there’s one final celebration to tackle: New Year’s Eve. As we say goodbye to all the good and bad of this decade, we also say hello to a dazzling new outfit to commemorate the evening’s festivities. We see good things happening in 2010, so what better way to ring in the New Year than with an ensemble worthy of 2009’s best-dressed list? Check out these five looks that will have you counting down to the stroke of midnight in style.

Romancing the Stone

This jewel-embellished ensemble is fun yet romantic and sure to impress your New Year’s Eve date. The jeweled dress ($348; BCBG Max Azria) exudes a flirtatious energy with its sweetheart bodice and draped, bubble skirt. It’s not everyday you can get this blinged out, so continue the stone detail with a crystal and satin clutch ($148; J.Crew) and minimal jewelry, like this rock crystal bracelet by Chicago designer Erin Gallagher ($180). The gray Promiscuous pump ($76; zappos.com) won’t compete with your carefully planned embellishments.

Flower Power

The red taffeta dress has a rose front and sweetheart neckline ($55; Arden B.) to bring out your inner girly girl. For this number, we went with a nature-inspired theme by adding a sequin floral clutch by Marciano ($150; Nordstrom) and an 18k gold and Swarovski crystal bird ring by Kenneth Jay Lane ($106; shopbop.com). To give this glamorous hippie look an edge, pair it with these black Zigi Soho heels ($60; DSW).

Uber Chic

For that refined New Year’s gala, we were inspired by Angelina Jolie’s simplistic yet mind-blowing elegance at the ‘09 Oscars. This LBD ($148; French Connection) is an all-round glamorous piece, with its long-sleeve, asymmetrical cut and figure-flattering pleats—topped off with a shoulder bow. Keep with a predominately black palette by throwing on the black satin “Gia” pump with bow detail ($140; Lord & Taylor) and a black satin bag, like this La Regale pleated clutch ($42; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue). If Angie’s 115-carat emerald teardrop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz aren’t in your budget, these green Cubic Zirconia drop earrings ($60; Noir Jewelry) are lighter on the pocketbook and the earlobes.

Rainbow Bright

Sometimes a girl needs some color to cure the winter blues, and this 80′s-inspired look is designed for just that. The metallic blue strapless dress ($129; Bebe) truly makes a statement when paired with a mini quilted bag in “Fragola Pink” ($128; Nordstrom) and the “Deep V” ankle bootie in black ($118; Free People). A colorful bib necklace ($74; Art Effect; 934 W Armitage Ave) completes the look, so you’re ready to rock out to those infamous late-night 80’s tunes.

Party Girl

You can always rely on the sparkle of a sequin dress to ring in the New Year. This one by Ya ($72; Veruca Salt; 1921 N Damen Avenue) is a sultry and dazzling piece that can be styled a number of ways. We gave it a rocker chic vibe with these faux snakeskin pumps by Kelsi Dagger ($65; Nordstrom) and an oversized metallic clutch by BCBGeneration ($58; Macy’s). Finish off this rebal glam outfit with a spiked ring ($85; Noir Jewelry) that says “bring it on 2010.”

The final moments of 2009 are upon us, so toast another year passed and a new year ahead with an eye-catching outfit that wows the party crowd. To all you fashionable Chicagoans, have a stylish New Year!

By Danielle Parker

Images courtesy of BCBG Max Azria, J.Crew, Erin Gallagher, zappos.com, Arden B., Nordstrom, shopbop.com, DSW, French Connection, Lord & Taylor, Lori’s Shoes, Lorraine Schwartz, Noir Jewelry, Bebe, Free People, Art Effect, Veruca Salt, and Macy’s

Tags: Arden B., Art Effect, BCBG Max Azria, Bebe, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, DSW, Erin Gallagher, Free People, French Connection, J.Crew, Kenneth Jay Lane, La Regale, Lord & Taylor, Lori's Shoes, Lorraine Schwartz, Macy's, Marciano, Noir Jewelry, Nordstrom, Promiscuous, shopbop.com, Swarovski, Swarovski crystal, Trends, Veruca Salt, zappos.com, Zigi Soho
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