Posts Tagged ‘Chicago Boutiques’
Farewell to Habit
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Sadly, another one of Chicago’s favorite boutiques is closing. After five years of fashionable service, Habit will close its doors this Saturday, July 31. This news comes some two weeks after a large storewide sale, “Best Habit Sale Ever,” that had us wondering if the end was drawing near. We hoped the tiny Division shop and its indie-chic fashion would pull through. However for some boutiques, the light at the end of this economic black hole is too distant to reach. The closure means a loss not only for patrons but also for the designers whom Habit supported throughout its lifetime.
In a letter to her shoppers, owner Lindsey Boland wrote, “I am fortunate to have made the acquaintance of so many wonderful customers and talented designers. I hope that my next adventure will be as rewarding as these Habit years.”
We hope that next venture brings more fashion to Chicago.
By Meghan Turner
Tags: Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Habit Boutique, Lindsey Boland
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
Simply Fabulous: Damen + Division Turquoise Drop Earrings
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Chicago jewelry line Damen + Division makes knock-out statement pieces rooted in artisanal glamour and vintage detail. We love these eye-catching “Suki” gold and turquoise drop earrings ($158; Sarca; 710 N Wabash Avenue).
Tags: Accessories, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Designers, Chicago Shopping, Damen + Division, Earrings, Jewelry, Sarca
Posted in Simply Fabulous | No Comments »
GAVIN Boutique + Lipstick Dinosaur
Sunday, July 18th, 2010
This Friday night (6-9pm), GAVIN Boutique and Lipstick Dinosaur team up for an unconventional fashion preview. The unlikely pair makes an interesting partnership that fuses the contemporary labels at GAVIN and the vintage treasures of Lipstick Dinosaur. The Dana Hotel rooftop bar, the Vertigo Sky Lounge (2 W Erie Street), creates a chic backdrop for a night that displays Lipstick Dinosaur’s vintage necklaces, belts, earrings, brooches, rings and bracelets against GAVIN’s summer and fall selections. Models will roam the lounge donning the fashions that also highlight Lipstick Dinosaur’s month-long pop-up shop in GAVIN. This evening, though, is a celebration of the new and old joining together for a night of complimentary cocktails and fashion eye candy.
By Meghan Turner
Image courtesy of Lipstick Dinosaur
Tags: Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Shopping, GAVIN boutique, Lipstick Dinosaur, Vintage
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
Dell x Threadless
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Now joining the likes of OPI and (Product) Red, a Chicago fashion company has partnered with Dell’s Design Studio. Threadless, the local shops that print artwork on basic tees, has created 11 skins for Dell users. Featuring 11 laptop outfits by various artists, the $85 skins range from minimalist to graphic to watercolor designs that suit a variety of personal styles. The chosen technology accessory is added to the surface of a new Dell computer, literally allowing web surfers to browse in style. This particular collaboration not only provides a way to jazz-ify that drab laptop shell, it also gives exposure to established and emerging artists.
Now all you need is the matching t-shirt.
By Meghan Turner
Image courtesy of Dell
Tags: Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Dell, OPI, Threadless
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
Trending: Fringe Detail
Sunday, June 27th, 2010
Season after season, bohemian influence runs rampant through the fashion world. The hippie-inspired style gives birth to must-have trends almost as many times as Kate Moss and Nicole Richie step out their front door. In the ever-evolving world of boho chic, fringe details are having their moment. The decorative trimming lends attitude and interest to otherwise simple shapes, be it classic or of-the-moment. Though it might be a fleeting fashion sensation, it doesn’t hinder our desire for fringe-laden garments and accessories.
Spring/Summer 2010 opened the door to a bevy of pieces covered in fringe, like vests, bags, shoes, and jewelry. Basically, anything and everything. Any such item is guaranteed to draw attention, so use fringe sparingly for a look that’s current, fresh and distinctly bohemian. Here’s some of our favorites to date:
Clockwise from upper left:
1. American Retro wool fringed dress ($124; theoutnet.com)
2. Oryany white fringe bag ($325 ; Sarca; 710 N Wabash Avenue)
3. Citrine by the Stones “Rio” earrings ($98; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Market)
4. Dip dye fringe top ($70; Topshop)
5. Fringe and beaded clutch ($169; asos.com)
6. Vanessa Bruno fringe mini skirt ($450; net-a-porter.com)
7. Alexander Wang “Dree” fringe stiletto ($650; shopzoeonline.com)
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of theoutnet.com, Oryany, Citrine by the Stones, Topshop, asos.com, net-a-porter.com, and shopzoeonline.com
Tags: Alexander Wang, American Retro, and shopzoeonline.com, asos.com, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Citrine by the Stones, Fix Boutique, net-a-porter.com, Oryany, Sarca, theoutnet.com, Topshop, Trends, Vanessa Bruno
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
The First Style Admirer Fashion Party
Monday, June 21st, 2010
Since Style Admirer’s launch in October 2009, we’ve desperately tried finding the time to plan our first fashion event. Despite our restrictive day planner overflowing with various events, editorials, photo shoots, and more, we finally found it! The premiere Style Admirer fashion party will be this Friday, June 25, and we can’t wait to share it with you, Chicago fashionistas. We’re partnering with the phenomenal American designer (and SAIC alum!), Cynthia Rowley, and Chicago’s favorite wine bar, Bin 36, to throw a stylish soiree for those who love designer shopping, vino and mingling. The fashion and wine tasting party will kick off Taste of Chicago at Cynthia’s Bucktown boutique (1653 North Damen Avenue) from 6-8pm. While shopping her Spring/Summer 2010 collection, sample red and white wines from Bin’s impressive cellar and get styling advice from the Style Admirer team. See you there! RSVP to Chicagoevents@CynthiaRowley.com.
A special thanks to the Cynthia Rowley and Bin 36 teams for all their help and support.
By Meghan Turner
Tags: Bin 36, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion Events, Cynthia Rowley
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
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.
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
Posted in StyleBlog | 1 Comment »
Chi-town Fashion Happenings This Weekend
Friday, June 4th, 2010
EVENTS
Kate Boggiano Trunk Show at Florodora (330 S Dearborn Street)
From 12pm-6pm, stop by Florodora for Kate Boggiano’s latest trunk show. Her Spring/Summer collection will be on display and available for purchase. Enjoy complimentary wine while you shop!
Eastside Millennium Art Festival (Michigan Avenue & Lake Street)
The Eastside Millennium Art Festival will take place this weekend and will feature multiple jewelry and accessories designers. Hours for the festival are: Friday from 12-5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm.
Krista K Multi-designer Trunk Show (3530 N Southport Avenue)
From Friday through next weekend, stop by Krista K for its Multi-Designer Trunk Show. This dress showcase will feature more than 500 dresses, and you’ll enjoy 20% off all these summery frocks.
SALES
Robin Richman Annual Yard Sale (2108 N Damen Avenue)
On Friday and Saturday from 10am-5pm, Robin Richman is holding its annual Yard Sale. In addition to the many racks of discounted merchandise, shoppers will enjoy 25% off the Spring/Summer merchandise.
Do-Division Sidewalk Sale (Division Street between Ashland and Leavitt)
From 12pm-10pm on Saturday and Sunday, stop by the Do-Division Sidewalk Sale, where some of Chicago’s most popular boutiques reside. Enjoy discounts, music, food and tons of vendors during this festival. Visit the Division Street Shopping District page for a complete listing of stores.
More upcoming Chicago fashion events and sales
Image courtesy of Robin Richman
Tags: Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Sales, Chicago Shopping, Kate Boggiano, Krista K, Robin Richman
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
Borrow a Dress Couture Anniversary
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
A Bryan K. Osburn dress for BADC
The holiday weekend has come and gone, and there were many exciting events that kept us busy. One of the highlights was Borrow a Dress Couture’s (BADC) one-year anniversary party at Bon V in the West Loop. It was a testament to BADC’s belief that the everyday woman can look like a million bucks and spend very little cash doing so. The event featured a cocktail hour, goodie bags, and a fashion show to display the new BADC summer rental selection, including Chicago label Bryan K. Osburn Collection. Bryan’s custom creations are a recent addition to the long list of designer frocks available for rent at BADC, which also includes names like Alexander McQueen, Badgley Mischka, Hervé Léger, Vera Wang, Marc Bouwer, Abaete, and more. You can either rent Bryan’s dresses or choose a style you love that he’ll custom create for you to own. Dress rental prices range anywhere from $25-$175, but if you’re interested in getting your own Bryan K. Osburn dress, prices start at $800.
All in all, BADC rocked the boutique with a stylish celebration commemorating a successful first year of business. And now, we can’t wait to celebrate year two with them as well!
By Danielle Parker
Images courtesy of Borrow a Dress Couture
Tags: Abaete, Alexander McQueen, BADC, Badgley Mischka, Borrow a Dress Couture, Bryan K. Osburn, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Show, Chicago Shopping, Herve Leger, Marc Bouwer, Vera Wang
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
Two Chicago Boutiques Open
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
When a new Chicago boutique opens, I can’t help but experience a little surge of excitement. So, it’s with double the pleasure that I inform you of two store openings: Cerato and Muse. After the demise of so many boutiques this past year, it’s like our retail community is experiencing a mini fashion resuscitation. Thank goodness!
Cerato
Our affection for Chicago designers holds no bounds. So when we learned Cerato (3451 N Southport Avenue) holds a store-full of local designs, we knew this shop was something special. The Southport Corridor storefront opens to a sunlight space that has a calming, organic aesthetic, with its blue floral wallpaper on one wall and industrial-style bricks on the other. There’s a simplicity to the space, which highlights the incredible selection, including designs by Anna Fong, jules, Kristin Hassan, Horacio Nieto, Eskell, frei, C/FAN and more. Whether it be clothing or jewelry, Cerato’s selection is a magnificent display of Chicago fashion.
Muse
Slightly off Chicago’s beaten streets, Oak Park’s got a new reason to venture beyond the city limits. Muse boutique (106 N Marion Street) caters to those seeking something special, something individual—all in a superb setting. The charm of Marion’s brick street continues into this adorable yet distinctly stylish shop. The boutique aims to inspire women of different styles with its carefully selected contemporary lines of up-and-coming, obscure and well-know labels, like Hudson, Runaway Pony, 2Love, Leigh & Luca, and many more. And, its man room in the back has seating and a flat-screen to keep your hubby occupied while you do your thang.
By Meghan Turner
Image courtesy of Cerato
Tags: 2Love, Anna Fong, C/FAN, Cerato, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Eskell, frei, Horacio Nieto, Hudson, Jules, Kristin Hassan, Leigh & Luca, Muse boutique, Runaway Pony, Southport Corridor
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »