There may be many bold colors to choose from, but there’s even more ways to incorporate them into your look. Instead of the predictable graphic prints of seasons past, try one of spring’s biggest trends: colorblocking. Mix high-impact separates in different hues to wow on the street. If that sounds too loud for your taste,  just incorporate color with small accents like a skinny belt, cross-body bag and nail polish. Minimal classics and monochromatic whites are an immaculate backdrop for pops of color. Or, for the disco queens out there, embrace the 70’s revival with glittery, silky fabrics paired with gold accessories.

Whichever style resonates with you, don’t be intimated by vibrant hues. They have the innate power to bring excitement, life and playfulness into your look. To do just that, check out some of our favorite fashion pick-me-ups below (clockwise from left):

1. Lavin Summer 2011 satin gown in poppy
2. American Apparel “Manilla” nail polish ($6; American Apparel)
3. Nixon “Marmalade Marble Vega” watch ($60; Nixon)
4. Jil Sander long pleated skirt ($895; Neiman Marcus)
5. Rebecca Minkoff “Grape Studded Rockette” bag ($150; Gavin; 1939 Central Street, Evanston)
6. Issa halter gown ($714; shopbop.com)
7. Rag & Bone cobalt denim legging ($185; Intermix)
8. Logan blue metallic platform sandals ($160; Topshop)
9. Petit Bateau yellow raincoat ($144; Penelope’s, 1913 W Division Street)
10. Asos lime belt ($14, asos.com)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Lavin, American Apparel, Nixon, Neiman Marcus, Gavin, shopbop.com, Intermix, Topshop, Penelope’s and asos.com

I never thought I’d support a revival of the pointy-toe shoe, but after years of round shapes and months of clunky boots, this classic style couldn’t be more refreshing. Unlike most footwear trends that rotate out of the closet after a season or two, the right pair of pumps are an investment that will reemerge for decades. Why? They’re timeless, versatile and loved by woman of all ages.

Basically, pointy-toe pumps equip us shoe collectors with all the practical reasons to justify coming home with another box of Manolos. Pointy toes transition from season to season, and more importantly for modern ladies, from day to night. There’re an array of styles–from d’Orsay stilettos to unconventional straps to kitten heels–that suit every occasion and taste. Whether your style is classic, edgy, glam or preppy, and you’re headed to work, date or cocktail reception, you’ll delight in all the pointy styles available for spring.

Practicality aside, though, there’s another reason these shoes are a must have: attitude. Ladylike yet fierce, these heels have a way of saying, “I’m sweet and classy, but get the hell out of my way.” Ranging from conservative ‘50s styles to full-out mod, pointy toes can tone down or amp up a look with their leg-lengthening silhouette, eye-catching embellishments, austere cuts and slew of delicious colors.

Simply choose one (or two, or three…) of the hundreds styles and pair it with cocktail dresses, pencil skirts, tapered trousers, boyfriend jeans, miniskirts, et al. One can’t deny the resurgence of this timeless trend is one chic, fashionably versatile move that allows us to accent just about any outfit with pointy toes. This spring, I think you’ll all join me by saying, “Welcome back, pointy-toe pumps!”

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Schutz lavender suede pump ($214; shopbop.com). The chicest pump for spring. Understated enough for work, pretty enough for tea and fierce enough for drinks.

2. Kate Spade “Licorice” pump ($285; Shirise; 341 Park Avenue, Glencoe, IL). Basic, black and just plain sexy.

3. Valentino studded lace ankle wrap pump ($995; Neiman Marcus). Edgy and fearless. This shoe is not what you would expect from a comfortable and surprisingly versatile shoe.

4. Blue pointed pump ($90; Zara). There’s a reason Elvis wrote a song about blue suede shoes. Colorful, fun and a perfect pick-me-up to cure the winter doldrums.

5. Giuseppe Zanotti red patent leather “V” strap pump ($550; Saks Fifth Avenue). Va-va-voom! Femme fatale at its best.

6. Christian Louboutin “Pigalili 120 mm” ($3,545; Christian Louboutin). The power to stop ‘em dead in their tracks. Literally.

7. Messeca “Jesenia” pump ($110; Pump Shoes and Accessories; 1659 W Division Street). Add some swing to your swagger with these show-stoppers.

8. Topshop “Glitz Bow Point Court Shoe” ($125; Topshop). Conservative for the office, but fashion-forward for the weekend.

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of shopbop.com, Kate Spade, Neiman Marcus, Zara, Saks Fifth Avenue, Christian Louboutin, Pump Shoes and Accessories, and Topshop

Year after year, knitwear is a necessary wardrobe staple. This year, though, bulky textures and bold styles separate the au courant styles from the outdated. Such new approaches to sweater dressing–including cropped hems, oversized shapes and unexpected cuts–put a spin on the otherwise conventional look.

Nothing is more practical, or fashion-forward, right now than a giant sweater. Thankfully, some of the most popular styles are blanketed looks and menswear-inspired cardigans, commonly referred to as the grandpa or boyfriend sweater for their relaxed look. There’s also a rainbow of hues to keep things interesting, including pastels that inject a shot of color into the gloomy winter months.

Give the vast variety of styles out there, the chunky knit’s functionality is endless. Plus, it’s so easy to wear. Try layering a boyfriend cardigan with slim, feminine pieces, or leave it open and belted. Cropped sweaters are best worn during the winter with maxi lengths and high-waists. Finally, chunky knits and slim pants are a guaranteed winning combo, with they’re urban yet sophisticated feel.

Check out some of our favorite knits for Winter 2010:

1. Aleksandr Manamis belted, backless sweater ($630; Sofia Vintage; 72 E Oak Street)
2. See by Chloe cardigan ($460; lagarconne.com)
3. Wilfred gradient sweater ($115; Aritzia; 835 N Michigan Avenue)
4. Coral knitted top ($65, Topshop)
5.  Chunky cable turtleneck sweater ($248; Intermix)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Sofia Vintage, lagarconne.com, Aritzia, Topshop and Intermix

I may not be drawn to jewelry like most women, but I still feel the need to invest in at least one accessory that carries me through the season. With fall comes the desire to tweak one’s wardrobe, and since I have worn my chunky statement rings to the bone, I’m taking a new appraoch to accessorizing. Enter: the long-chain, medallion necklace.

This belly-grazing accessory claims the spotlight for fall. The abundance of styles can cause one’s indecisiveness to surface, but whether you choose a vintage medallion, whimsical charm or a bold pendant, you can literally do no wrong in the selection and styling. Use it to dress up a t-shirt and jeans, update a little black dress or add some glam to a chunky fall knit.

Go for a sophisticated, 70′s look by combining a vintage-inspired necklace with wide-leg jeans and a silk blouse; or try piling on multiple chains for a gypsy feel. If you’re an 80’s gal, mimic Madonna with the comeback of Rosary-inspired cross. Get adventurous and even try wearing the strand backwards with a backless top or dress.   

Accessories complete a look—they’re the icing on the cake, and these long-chain, medallion necklaces make it easy to add interest to both statement-making and simplistic ensembles. This versatile piece has maintained its staying power by resurfacing for decades. Though these trinkets are housed in nearly every closet, there’s always room for expansion. Here’s some of our favorite medallion necklaces for Fall 2010.

From left to right:

1. Jennifer Tuton gold rings necklace ($196; Perchance Boutique; 3512 N Southport Avenue) 
2. Whistle necklace ($140; Cynthia Rowley; 1653 N Damen Avenue) 
3. Jules “Bijoux Pegasus Ox” layer necklace ($175; shopjules.com) 
4. Alexis Bittar starburst pendant necklace ($295; shopbop.com) 
5. AK Vintage “Isle of Earth Necklace” ($104; tobi.com)
6. Guitar necklace ($5; Forever 21)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Perchance, Cynthia Rowley, Jules, shopbop.com, tobi.com and Forever 21

Camel is a chameleon of a color that can create looks that range from military to office-chic. One of my favorite ways to wear this trend is to pair it with crisp whites or by opting for a monochromatic, head-to-toe camel-hued ensemble. Now, if you want a burst of color to jazz up such a neutral outfit, add one of the season’s beauty trends: Bordeaux nails and lips.

Indulge in the below luxurious neutral items on your next fall shopping binge.   

Clockwise from upper left:

1. APC corduroy blazer ($400; Net-a-Porter). A luxe velvet blazer to dress up your slim cargos.
2. Chloé ribbed wool skirt ($490; Nordstrom). A form fitting skirt to offset a billowy silk blouse.
3. J Brand skinny twill jeans ($111; shopbop.com). A sleek pant to go with everything.
4. Romygold biker slash tote ($585; Intermix). An edgy handbag sporting this season’s hottest hue.
5. Mackage “Bessie” hand-woven cape ($495; Perchance; 3512 N Southport Avenue). A cozy knit in a fashion-forward shape.
6. Smythe cadet coat ($995; Nordstrom). The quintessential fall coat with impeccable tailoring.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of net-a-porter.com, Nordstrom, shopbop.com, Perchance boutique and Intermix

Read more about GAVIN here.

By Meghan Turner

The Vintage Bazaar Pop-up Shop at the Congress Theater (2135 N Michigan Avenue)
The Vintage Bazaar, a flea market pop-up shop, will be at the Congress Theater on Sunday from 12-7pm. Shop a multitude of vendor, and enjoy free admission.

Share and Shop at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
Join The 900 Shops this weekend for a shopping event to benefit Dress for Success Chicago, Share Your Soles and The Glass Slipper Project. Shoppers receive a 15% savings pass for each gently-worn donation.

Spring/Summer Bag Sale at Madison and Friends/The Denim Lounge (2004 W Roscoe Street)
On Friday from 10:30am to 6:30pm, Madison and Friends & The Denim Lounge are running an All-You-Can-Shop Clothing event. Purchase a bag for $225 and keep whatever you can fit in it. Seriously!

Metropark’s Fall Fashion Event 2010 (all Metropark locations)
On Friday from 5pm to close, all Metropark locations will offer a free gift bag with every purchase of more than $100. Additionally, customers can get up to $100 off their next purchase.

Dress Up Summer Blowout Sale (1937 N Damen Avenue)
Now through the end of August, Dress Up Boutique invites you to shop their Summer Blowout Sale. Enjoy up to 90% off new and already-marked-down styles.

11 Years of LILL (904 W Armitage Avenue)
LILL celebrates 11 years of business through the month of August and is having a sale to celebrate. Take 11% off everything in-store, online and at LILL on Location handbag parties. Some restrictions apply.

Image courtesy of The Vintage Bazaar

Aviation is an unexpected platform from which to launch a career in fashion. Halli Mulei, however, did just that. Now the owner of Local Lookbook (1211 W Wester Avenue), a new boutique in Lincoln Park, Halli is a 14-year veteran pilot with a clear understanding of style. With this new endeavor, she offers a selection of clothing and accessories that puts Chicago designers at the forefront. With local labels such as Evil Kitty, Zamrie, Marisa Swystun, jlee silver, TZEN and Objets D’Envy, the boutique sells some of the most popular fashion brands owned and operated right here at home. Other labels include Crystal Wells, caro and Elizabeth Smith, which creates a well-rounded inventory in a charming, Parisian-inspired shop.

It’s a lovely thing when local fashion fosters local fashion.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Local Lookbook

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.

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Pump

Last night I made a long-overdue trip to a new boutique I’ve been dying to check out for months. space 519 in The 900 Shops is the latest brainchild of Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel, the former owners of the infamous Jake boutique in the Gold Coast. After Jake’s highly publicized and messy closing, the two opted for a slight change in retail concept. space 519, named after its spot in the mall, took the art, design and fashion worlds and bundled them under one roof.

I shopped the mixture of well-curated books, apothecary, clothing, nail polish, furniture, house wares, jewelry and more, while chatting with Jim as he showed me some of his favorite goods. As we walked around sniffing luxurious candles, fondling cashmere dresses and ooh-ah-ing over a supple leather clutch (that will be mine when it arrives in black!). He described the boutique as “our version of a general store.” It’s definitely a general store for the style-conscious only—those seeking wardrobe and home additions that add a little oomph to their life or someone else’s (the gift ideas are amazing). From the retro-inspired furniture and décor to the J Park drawstring dress, the selection makes this shop anything but ordinary.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of space 519