Posts Tagged ‘Cusp’

FALLing in Love

Sunday, November 7th, 2010

In Chicago, there are only a few quick weeks of brisk fall weather before winter’s frosty temps set in. While those weeks may be short-lived, they’re still highly anticipated by the fashion community. Season after season, fall collections are the most exciting, and we get to sport autumn must-haves before covering them up with the dreaded winter coat. This new season brings us a shift in color and texture—a dramatic change from summer’s threads. Bright patterns and flowing fabrics have now moved to the back of our closets to make room for new fall additions, including structured pieces, somber colors, luxe leather, surprising cut-outs and long-sleeve minis. Here’s a glimpse at my lust-worthy picks for Fall 2010.

Clockwise from upper left:

1. A.L.C. mini jersey dress ($298; Intermix). A simple long-sleeve mini in the season’s most coveted color and ruching at the hem makes it extra flattering.
2. Alexander Wang “Willow Frame Messenger” ($925; Barneys NY). The messenger bag grows up with a structured, ladylike shape and sultry red hue.
3. Sam Edelman “Zachary” ($208; Lori’s Shoes). A platform bootie that looks amazing paired with tights.
4. Drape neck sweater ($100; Zara). Cozy and chic, a modern cowl neck top is appropriate for work o play.
5. Ali Ro cutout dress ($264; Cusp). Unexpected cutouts give this cocktail dress a fresh approach.
6. Dana Rebecca Designs “Samantha Elizabeth” earrings ($1,540; Dana Rebecca). Black onyx paired with super Seven Quartz make these statement earrings a justified splurge.
7. Helmut Lang shearling jacket ($1,840; net-a-porter.com). Style meets function in this edgy yet warm jacket.
8. Essie’s “Sew Psyched” nail polish ($8; Essie). A refreshing alternative to fall’s standard Bordeaux nail lacquers.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of Intermix, Barneys NY, Lori’s Shoes, Zara, Cusp, Dana Rebecca, net-a-porter.com and Essie

Tags: Barneys NY, Chicago Shopping, Cusp, Dana Rebecca, Essie, Fall 2010, Intermix, Lori's Shoes, net-a-porter.com, Zara
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Naughty Meets Nice

Monday, October 11th, 2010

I must admit that with the arrival of fall, my inner vixen comes out. I trade in my innocent floral frocks for a decidedly darker look. In past seasons, I’ve craved tough leather jackets and motorcycle boots, and that’s still the case for Fall 2010. However, I decided to take a softer, yet still sexy approach. Enter my new favorite fabric pairing: leather and lace.

The coupling of these two unlikely fabrics creates a fashion juxtaposition that’s hard to resist. Soft, supple leathers meet delicate lace for a combination that makes a downtown ensemble that’s distinctly ladylike too. To keep the look current, stick with black leather and white or cream laces. Looking to sharpen your edge? Pair with a strong red lip and layered silver chains, nothing is chicer.

Channel your inner vamp with the below items (clockwise from upper left):

1. CCSkye “Nika Lace Leather Pouchette” ($308; shopbop.com). From the shape to the print, this on-trend bag is perfectly girly.
2. Lace tee ($110; J. Crew). A dressed up fabric in a laid-back cut.  
3. Christian Louboutin “Lace Crepe-de-Chine” pump ($725; Bergdorf Goodman). The ultimate feminine pump: sexy and ladylike.
4. Diane von Furstenberg tiered leather skirt ($625; Cusp). Flirty and romantic with an edge.
5. Dolce Vita leather lace-up boots ($212; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue). This boot’s laces give it a throwback vibe, but the buckle and shape make it au courant.
6. Leather biker jacket ($310; Topshop) A tough jacket to contrast delicate laces.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of shopbop.com, J.Crew, Bergdorf Goodman, Cusp, Lori’s Shoes and Topshop

Tags: Bergdorf Goodman, CCSkye, Christian Loutboutin, Cusp, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dolce Vita, J.Crew, Lace, Leather, Lori's Shoes, shopbop.com, Topshop, Trends
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Transitioning Into Fall

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

With sunny skies and temperatures in the high 80’s, it’s hard to believe fall is upon us. The evidence is in every store and boutique I set foot in, each one packed with a new season of fashion I can’t wait to wear. Neutral palettes, utilitarian garb, bold patterns and statement accessories are here to stay even as the weather changes. While I break out my leather jacket and knee-high boots at fall’s first chill, there are trends from Spring/Summer 2010 I am holding onto for as long as possible. Cut-out wedges, Lucite accessories and short shorts are a few that make the cut, as they transition so effortlessly into fall.

These pieces are on my fall “keep list” because they take just a little adjusting to make them fit for next season. After all, isn’t summer worth holding onto as long as possible here in Chicago?

1. Theory “Iselin” leather shorts ($315; Bloomingdales). Leather shorts were big for summer, and lucky for us the heavy fabric can be easily paired with colored and textured tights for crisp nights.
2. Plastic Island tunic ($127; plasticisland.com). What I paired with denim cutoffs and flip flops for summer is now the ideal knit with leggings and combat boots.
3. Jeffrey Campbell “Mary Roks” ($120; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue). Open-toed wedges aren’t just for warm weather. Rock these with tights to keep them relevant.
4. Solid ripstop field jacket ($98; J.Crew). Use this lightweight jacket as a layering piece over a chunky sweater.
5. Frozen Flash necklace ($58; Anthropologie). Lucite accessories aren’t only summer staples; extend your purchase by incorporating them into fall’s day and night looks.
6. Alice + Olivia painted floral print top ($187; Cusp). A lightweight floral tank with a vibrant fall palette—a feminine accompaniment with a leather bomber.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of Bloomingdales, plasticisland.com, Lori’s Shoes, J.Crew, Anthropologie and Cusp

Tags: Alice + Olivia, Anthropologie, Bloomingdales, Cusp, Fall 2010 Trends, J.Crew, Jeffrey Campbell, Lori's Shoes, plasticisland.com, Theory
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Trending: Wedges

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

As Chicago finally heats up, I can’t wait to show off a fresh pedicure in spring’s biggest footwear trend: wedges. Though the wedge has cycled on and off the “must have” list for decades, it got its start in 1935 when Salvatore Ferragamo created the first pair. Since then, these chunky shoes have resurfaced in the ‘70s, the early ‘90s, and are now making another appearance for spring ‘10.

The wedge has an undeniable ability to lengthen and slim bare legs, and offer a relaxed alternative to heels. After all, sometimes in the laid-back days of spring and summer, heels can feel a bit too contrived. With the wedge, you can have height, comfort, and an attitude that won’t scream, “I’m trying too hard.” This season, choose a pair (or two!) that is daring and versatile.

As if it isn’t hard enough to make that choice, a wedge can range in height from one to five inches and are found in a multitude of materials (cork, leather, rope, wood) and forms (boot, strappy, mule, clog). The options really go on and on. Alexander Wang supplies his “it girl” cult following with the coveted animal print wedge. For a casual but über sexy style, Cynthia Vincent’s zip-up gladiator is made for day-to-night wear. Boho chic? Joie’s unique fringe version will look amazing with a tunic and cut-off shorts. This season, welcome the wedge back into your wardrobe with one of these styles:

1. Giuseppe Zanotti black suede star wedges ($639; Bluefly.com)
2. Cynthia Vincent “Luella” wedge ($355; Niche; 1566 N Damen Avenue)
3. MIA “Maiden” in “Sand” ($68; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue)
4. Alexander Wang “Alla” wedge mule in leopard ($650; Alexander Wang)
5. Miu Miu leather espadrilles ($585; net-a-porter.com)
6. Guess “Kinai” wedge ($99; Guess)
7. Joie “Rock Steady Fringe Wedge” ($345; Cusp)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Bluefly.com, Niche, Lori’s Shoes, Alexander Wang, Net-a-Porter, Guess, and Cusp

Tags: Alexander Wang, Bluefly.com, Cusp, Cynthia Vincent, Giuseppe Zanotti, Guess, Lori's Shoes, MIA, Miu Miu, Net-a-Porter, Niche
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