Posts Tagged ‘Coach’

Jewel Box

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

Let’s face it, winter in Chicago can be like living in the Arctic. Thankfully, there’s a trend heating things up. Jewel tones electrified the Fall/Winter 2010 runways of designers such as Oscar de la Renta and 3.1 Phillip Lim. The goal of this dazzling display of color is to lure ladies away from the typical black and brown. Why? The trend has the power to make any girl stand out in a crowd, especially in a sea of neutrals. And, frankly, it adds a bit of excitement to our wardrobe. By opting for colors like ruby, tanzanite and emerald, clothing and accessories get a jolt of energy and flair rather than meshing with the colorless pieces that dominate most closets. With this trend, we can turn our winter blues into a brilliant cornucopia of turquoise and fuchsia.

One crucial thing to remember when wearing this style is to keep it simple and clean. When wearing an entire outfit of jewel tones, it’s important to balance the colors to create a cohesive look. Pair a brightly patterned blouse with a solid skirt in a matching shade, or a mix a multi-hued dress with a black belt and opaque tights. But, jeweled accessories cannot be overlooked. Try bright cobalt or indigo pumps or booties, and chunky collar necklaces, chandelier earrings and bangles as an easy way to add a bit of oomph to a look.

Clockwise from left to right:

1. Runway look by Oscar de la Renta
2. Coach “Kristin” satchel in emerald ($398)
3. Runway look by 3.1 Phillip Lim
4. Callula Lillibelle fuchsia petticoat dress ($594; SHE Boutique)
5. Tibi cap sleeve dress with floral print ($380; Perchance; 3512 N Southport Avenue)
6. Sam Edelman ‘Novato’ slingback in ruby red ($100; Nordstrom)
7. See by Chloé’s purple skirt ($207; net-a-porter.com)

By Courtney Cunniff

Tags: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Callula Lillibella, Coach, net-a-porter.com, Nordstrom, Oscar de la Renta, Perchance, Sam Edelman, See by Chloé, She Boutique, Tibi
Posted in StyleBlog | 2 Comments »

Trend Watch: Bucket Bags

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

The bucket bag is making a comeback, and we’re happily welcoming it back into our wardrobe. Its 80’s quirkiness and au courant urbanity make it a versatile accessory that pumps up an outfit’s style power—plus, it totally negates the “It Bag” mania. The variety of shapes, sizes, colors and strap lengths make it a fantastic everyday accessory, but it’s the drawstring detail that really draws us in. Any one of these bucket bags is an amazing way to add yet another 80′s-inspired trend to our closet.

Brighten these dreary Chicago days with Coach‘s drawstring bag in melon ($258). It may be small but its crossbody strap and fresh hue make it a worthy carryall.

Since it’s mega popularity in the 80′s, MCM is reinventing itself for today’s shopper, and this small black bag with a chain strap ($695) is proof they’ve still got it.

Accessory design is a newby on Alexander Wang‘s resume, and boy did he master the craft quickly. This “Diego Studded Bucket Bag” ($795) has the signature studded bottom that speaks to the designer’s beloved originality.

A handbag in an expected color is eyecatching and statment-making. Balenciaga’s “Arena Giant Covered Pompon” in “Maldives Blue” ($1,895; Barneys) won’t blend with any other bag on the street.

Deux Lux’s bucket bag ($140; shoprumor.com) in chocolate has simplicity with an edge. The gold disk studs and rich brown leather is a classic combo refashioned for this handbag trend.

Do you need any more reasons to get a new bucket bag of your own?

By Meghan Turner

Tags: Accessories, Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Barneys, Chicago Shopping, Coach, Deux Lux, Handbags, MCM, shoprumor.com, Trends
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Purple Craze

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Purple has always been my favorite color, so I was particularly excited when Pantone named “Purple Heart” a color trend for fall. I seem to make lots of purple-y purchases—from my iPhone case to my throw pillows to my cardigan—and this season’s color report gives me more spending ammo. To feed my craving of all things plum, lavender, grape, and every shade in between, I went hunting for some great purple pieces for fall.

If you’re a fashionista living in Chicago, a stylish winter coat is as essential as what’s under it. Esprit’s wool coat ($180; esprit.com) in “Passion Shade” has classic lines and interesting details that make it stand-out outerwear—plus, you won’t fret about how your black coat doesn’t match your brown boots.

Tights are an effortless way to jazz up any dress, skirt, shorts, and even a cropped pant. These “Twilight” opaque tights by Hue ($12.50; Bloomingdale’s) will be an unexpected accent to a LBD or a fashion-forward statement when paired with wool shorts and booties.

I know, I know. Skirts are often left hung in our closets as we get further into winter, but purple skirts are such a fantastic combo of sophistication and whimsy. KYUMI’s silk skirt ($165; revolveclothing.com) is one such example that’s also a transitional piece for spring and summer.

Sparkles are meant to draw the eye, and when those sparkles are a gorgeous shade like this Coach sequin bag in “Amethyst” ($198; Coach), it’s sure to grab lots of attention. Along with its shimmer, this bag’s silver chain strap makes it the quintessential party bag.

Minimalist and futuristic designs are making it big this season, and, based on what we saw on the spring runways, that won’t change next season either. Elizabeth and James’ “Masquerade” silk sheath dress ($345; Bloomingdale’s) has both trends covered. Its two-toned, graphic bodice and tulip skirt creates a flattering figure all around.

I immediately fell in love with Velvet Angels’ “Rue B Peep Toe Pumps” ($206.50; shopbop.com). The platform gives it a sexy shape for night, while its peep-toe and tassel detail make it totally work-appropriate as well.

Chicago’s own Foxglove Accessories uses old stamps to create unique jewelry that not only makes an interesting accessory but also a great conversation piece. This ring ($35; etsy.com) is made with sterling silver, resin and a purple 1920s Danish stamp. I doubt you own anything like it!

For an everyday bag to work for me, it must hold ballet flats, files, a notepad, a wallet, a compact, a slew of lipsticks, and much more. That’s not an easy feat, but I think this Kate Spade purple croc satchel ($347; Kate Spade; 56 E Oak Street) can handle the load. It has a polished, sensible look that’s completely professional but not too serious.

When a color trend happens to be your favorite color, a girl can easily get carried away. As I work on controlling my purple craze this season, I can’t help but enjoy this trend while it lasts.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Esprit, Bloomingdale’s, revolveclothing.com, Coach, shopbop.com, Foxglove Accessories, and Kate Spade

Tags: Bloomingdales, Chicago Shopping, Coach, Elizabeth and James, Esprit, Foxglove Accessories, Hue, Kate Spade, KYUMI, Pantone, Purple, revolveclothing.com, shopbop.com, Trends, Velvet Angels
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What a Stud

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Biker chic is in full throttle this fall. It’s a dynamic duo of punk and glam that makes getting dressed an event fit for a rock star. While there is much that can be said about this trend, I’m honing in on one teeny, tiny detail: studded embellishments. This season, the hardware can be found on every imaginable accessory and garment, from gloves to the must-have leather jacket, so I compiled a select few of my bedazzeled favorites found online and around Chicago.

Fashion is meant to be fun, and it was a blast sifting through the bevy of oh-so-studdly items. Handbags were the first stop, and I fell in love with Miu Miu’s studded leather tote ($1,465; mytheresa.com). With its irresistible fusion of classic form and edgy detail, it’s great for day or night. Be & D’s “Studded Garbo Convertible Clutch” ($695; saksfifthavenue.com) packs glamour and attitude like few can, but the versatility to wear it as a clutch or shoulder bag puts this accessory over the top.

If you want to work studs into your ensemble but in smaller doses, there are infinite possibilities. Belts are a go-to statement maker, and Linea Pelle’s black skinny belt at Perchance ($98; 3512 N Southport Ave; perchanceboutique.com) looks great with nearly anything. When it comes to jewelry, what girl doesn’t love a little bling? CC Skye’s “Pave Pyramid Stud Earrings” at Krista K ($150; 3458 N Southport Ave; kristak.com) is an unexpected substitute for your everyday diamond (or cubic zirconia!) studs. If you want to amp up the attitude, the “Hematite Cuff” by Rachel Rachel Roy ($75; macys.com) demands attention with its punk, urban vibe, while Coach’s “sterling pyramid stud” ring ($98; coach.com) says “I’m a rebel” with ladylike sensibility.

For clothing, I went with softer pieces that are just plain wearable. If you maxed out your interest in vests last fall, this one by 3.1 Phillip Lim ($450; net-a-porter.com) is sure to rekindle your interest. Easily dressed up or down, this vest’s gorgeous cream wool-blend strikes a perfect balance between the masculine and the feminine. For those days when you want comfort and style, LaROK’s “Studded Pocket Cardigan” ($328; nordstrom.com) is cozy enough to sleep in. Paired with leggings and flat booties, you’ve got a look that’s effortlessly chic.

When it comes to shoes, it’s a wonder I was able to narrow down my selection to only two pairs. I’m fixated on booties this season, so I went with one closed-toe and one open-toe. The Jeffrey Campbell booties at Lori’s Shoes ($154; 824 W Armitage Ave; lorisshoes.com) are loaded with hardware. The chrome studs and buckle and the wedge heel have a toughness that can vamp up a floral print or top off a leather bomber. The “Wrappp” [sic] suede open-toed bootie ($160; stevemadden.com) has studded straps that wrap around the ankle and drape over the heel, like a necklace for your shoe! For a fearless get-up, wear these heels with a leather skirt, boyfriend blazer and textured tights. Harley optional.

Images courtesy of mytheresa.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, Perchance, Krista K, Macy’s, net-a-porter.com, Nordstrom, Lori’s Shoes, and Steve Madden.

By Meghan Turner

Tags: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Accessories, Be & D, Boutiques, Coach, Krista K, LaRok, Lori's Shoes, Macy's, Miu Miu, Perchance, Steve Madden, Trends
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