Posts Tagged ‘Calvin Klein’
Chicago Boutique Profile: Pump
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Everyone has his/her favorite neighborhood joint. Maybe it’s the corner bar, the local deli or the coffee shop that has your latte ready before you order. Well, my favorite spot serves a different kind of deliciousness altogether. Pump Shoes and Accessories (1659 W Division Street) is a retail wonderland where I find respite in a tempting selection of footwear and the promise of unsurpassed customer service.
Upon entering, it’s apparent that though the shoes are perched like mini pieces of art, the boutique is unpretentious and cozy. A gigantic, plush ottoman sits beneath a twinkling chandelier, beaconing shoppers to plop down and try on a pair (or two or three…). The boutique carries styles ranging from casual to formal by labels including Dolce Vita, Hunter, Calvin Klein, Jeffrey Campbell (“a bestseller,” according to owner Maureen Longua Bueltmann) and many more. In addition to the impressive shoe collection, Pump sells accessories galore: handbags, jewelry and hats worthy of the Kentucky Derby.
Pump has provided fabulous accessories to Wicker Park’s shoe addicts since 2004. When asked why she only sells shoes and accessories Maureen replies, “You never have to suck in your gut to wear them.” Unlike trying on clothes, shoes come without consequence and the need to lose five pounds. Guaranteed happiness!
Besides the irresistible selection, much of the shop’s 6-year success is rooted in Maureen’s commitment to her clientele. “As cliché as it may sound, they come here for the experience, and we come to work for the same reason,” she says. “I love what I do because of the customers.” As a cult follower I agree, and weirdly enough, my boyfriend does too. While on an agonizing search for my birthday gift, he wandered into Pump. In 10 minutes, the staff helped him find the best present I’ve ever received. They knew my name, knew my wish list and, craziest of all, knew my shoe size. The result was a luscious pair of over-the-knee brown leather Jeffrey Campbell boots.
Maureen’s impeccable taste—as my birthday present proves—and enthusiasm for shoes is contagious. “The Pump customer agrees the process of trying on shoes is as much fun as wearing them for the first time,” she says. In a city as diverse as Chicago, it’s easy to find a store where you can enjoy trying on amazing shoes. But, few stores have Pump’s abundant selection, fair price tags and outstanding customer service—the service that builds relationships with shoppers. It’s hard to find a shop where you feel at home, not swindled into a sale or snubbed. Though you won’t be handed a non-fat vanilla latte when walking through the door, you’ll be greeted with something with far more lasting power: an exceptional experience while perusing delcious shoes and accessories.
Images courtesy of Pump
Tags: Calvin Klein, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Jeffrey Campbell, Maureen Longua Bueltmann, Pump Boutique, Pump Shoes and Accessories Boutique, Shoes
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The Swimsuit Pursuit
Friday, July 16th, 2010
With temperatures hovering in the 90s, we might just have a steady stream of summer weather hanging around Chicago. That said, swimsuit season is officially in full swing. For hot days appropriately spent at the pool, beach, or on a boat, a fabulous suit is the key component to lounging lazily by the water. When considering a new one- or two-piece, the right fit, proportion, cut and pattern always come into play. However, also think about how to incorporate some of the season’s biggest trends into your swimwear. The season’s extensive variety of suits makes experimenting with new styles and patterns an exciting part of the swimsuit pursuit. Take a fashion-forward approach to that itsy bitsy teeny weeny and confront the summer sun in style. H20 optional.
All images from left to right:
1. Floral bow bandeau bikini ($140; emobi)
2. “Lorena” bikini in “Vintage Red Spat” ($114; Diane von Furstenburg)
3. Asymmetrical one-piece ($78; Calvin Klein)
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs one-shoulder, fish belt one-piece ($95; Neiman Marcus)
5. “Cha Cha” ruffle top bikini ($162; Letarte)
6. Indah ruffle bikini ($55; Nika Butik; 143 N Northwest Highway, Park Ridge)
7. Missoni “Amalfi” cut-out woven one-piece ($580; net-a-porter.com)
8. Cynthia Rowley for Roxy “Tanlines Monokini” ($48; Roxy)
9. Neon yellow twist bandeau top with double string bottom ($37; Victoria’s Secret)
10. Mara Hoffman ruched bottom bikini in “Kaleidoscope Pink” ($168; shopsheboutique.com)
11. Loeffler Randall zipper one-piece ($158; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Market)
12. Undrest strapless zigzag knitted one-piece ($210; net-a-porter.com)
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of emobi, Diane von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, Neiman Marcus, Letarte, Nika Butik, net-a-porter.com, Roxy, Victoria’s Secret, She Boutique, and Loeffler Randall
Tags: Calvin Klein, Chicago Shopping, Cynthia Rowley, Diane Von Furstenberg, emobi, Fix Boutique, Indah, Letarte, Loeffler Randall, Mara Hoffman, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Neiman Marcus, net-a-porter.com, Nika Butik, Roxy, She Boutique, swimwear, Trends, Undrest, Victoria's Secret
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NY Fashion Week and Live Shows Online
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
In case you haven’t heard, New York Fashion Week starts tomorrow! Fall 2010 will debut in all its fashion glory, and we can’t wait to see what the designers produce and how they present it. If you aren’t headed to the tents, many of the designers, like Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Rodarte and Calvin Klein, will stream their shows live online for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own home (or office!). Here’s the schedule by Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and show times for the live streams:
. Alexander Wang: Saturday, February 13th at 4pm CST via SHOWstudio.com
. Marc Jacobs: Monday, February 15th at 7pm CST via his website
. Rodarte: Tuesday, February 16th at 11am CST via SHOWstudio.com
. Calvin Klein (Women’s): Thursday, February 18 at 2pm CST via Facebook and CK’s website
. Calvin Klein (Men’s): Sunday, February 14 at 2pm CST via Facebook and CK’s website
By Meghan Turner
Tags: Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, Fall 2010 Fashion Week, Marc Jacobs, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Rodarte
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Long Lengths
Monday, January 4th, 2010
If over-the-knee boots still conjure images of Julia Robert’s thigh-high patent boots in Pretty Woman, then it’s time to rethink this footwear trend. You don’t need Julia’s 44-inch legs to rock this look, and you can do it completely void of any “hooker boot” connotations as well. With the bevy of styles, colors, and fabrics, these sexy, effortlessly chic boots are perfectly wearable—as flats and heels—and stand out in any wardrobe.
Calvin Klein’s “Mayson” boots ($220; zappos.com): These have an elastic cuff that hits just below the knee, which keeps the soft suede from sliding down your legs.
Type Z’s “Archer” boots ($155; zappos.com): The epitome of sexy heels, these suede boots will elongate and slim your legs, making them appear as if they go on forever.
Progetto boots ($326; Lori’s Shoes): Urban meets rural in the form of these brown suede boots. The feminine over-the-knee silhouette is a striking contrast to this rustic riding boot.
Steve Madden’s “Xenonn” boots ($170; Steve Madden): Bound to draw attention, these purple suede boots are hip yet glamorous with the platform sole, slouched shape, and tied cuff.
Eric Michael’s “Vogue” boots ($250; Nordstrom): A girl needs options, and these boots supply it. The adjustable buckle allows for an OTK style, or it can be cuffed for a different look.
See, over-the-knee boots aren’t as over-the-top as previously perceived.
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of zappos.com, Lori’s Shoes, Guess, and Nordstrom
Tags: Accessories, boots, Calvin Klein, Chicago Shopping, Eric Michael, Guess, Lori’s Shoes, Nordstrom, Over-the-knee, Progetto, Trends, Type Z, zappos.com
Posted in StyleBlog | 2 Comments »
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