Posts Tagged ‘Elizabeth and James’

Simply Fabulous: Elizabeth and James Feather Blazer

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

I spotted this Elizabeth and James “James” feather blazer ($575; Neiman Marcus) during a retail therapy session this weekend. The contoured fit is perfection and the ostrich feathers are breathtaking.

Tags: Chicago Shopping, Elizabeth and James, Feather Blazer, Neiman Marcus
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To Dye For: Grown Up Tie Dye

Monday, July 12th, 2010

With summer underway, music festivals are in full swing. Whether you’re seeing Gaga at Lolla or counting down the days until North Coast, one trend remains ubiquitous throughout: tie dye. However, this is not your parents’ Technicolor tie dye from Woodstock. This year’s reinterpretation calls for both sleek and slouchy silhouettes in monochromatic schemes.

While many may think tie dye should have died with Hanes t-shirt experiments at summer camp, the current looks have a level of sophistication that prove this retro trend might have some staying power. With styles ranging from Gryphon’s traditional tie dye to Helmut Lang’s marbled splatters, these pieces run the gamut from funky fun to abstract art. To make the trend work for you, complement the below statement items with solid colors and fitted denim. For the more adventurous types, keep the rest of your ensemble equally daring. Think chunky heels, Lucite accessories and layered patterns.

Get Psychedelic with these looks:

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Gryphon knot dress ($250; Saks Fifth Avenue). AVersatile crew neck dress. Add some edge to with a black wedge heel.
2. “Mimi” clutch ($129; Club Monaco). A wooden handle makes this clutch especially relevant this season.
3. Vince oversized tee ($128; Intermix). This shirt’s slouchy shape is a cool silhouette on hot summer nights.
4. Rebecca Minkoff “The Clutch” ($350;  Shopbop.com). During the day, wear this bag as a messenger. Come nightfall, hide the chain for a chic clutch.
5. Helmut Lang silk wrap skirt ($207; Krista K). A grown-up shape meets a playful print.
6. Elizabeth and James silk button-up shirt ($144; Nordstrom). A light and airy silk chemise: grungy yet glam.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue, Club Monaco, Intermix, Krista K, shopbop.com and Nordstrom

Tags: Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Club Monaco, Elizabeth and James, Festivals, Gryphon, Helmut Lang, Intermix, Krista K, Nordstrom, Rebecca Minkoff, Saks Fifth Avenue, shopbop.com, Tie Dye, Trends, Vince
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Boutique Profile: GAVIN

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Given the impressive selection of boutiques and stores scattered throughout Chicago, it’s hard to fathom shopping outside the city limits. Unless we need glassware or end tables from Ikea, why visit the ‘burbs, right? Well, here’s why: GAVIN boutique (1939 Central Street). Though slightly off an urbanite’s beaten path, this Evanston shop competes with some of the city’s best boutiques, making the 30-minute commute more like a fleeting joy ride.

LEFT: LNA ripped leggings ($110); Elizabeth and James “James” jacket ($395); LNA strapless bralette ($50); House of Harlow pearl shoe ($225); Janis Savitt emerald cut earring ($127); Annie Costello beaded fringe necklace ($305); and a silver disc ring from Morocco ($142). RIGHT: Rory Beca shorts ($165); Heartfelt top ($184); Allison Schiller bracelets ($120- $125); Trina Turk jewel crusted ring ($88); and Allison Schiller necklace ($295). Top Image: LEFT: Lauren Cavallo Runzel, GAVIN’s owner, in a Gryphon silver sequin top ($310). RIGHT: Elizabeth and James “Jett” jacket ($595); Wilt cropped top ($126); and Elizabeth Cole lion head earring ($105)

Lauren Cavallo Runzel, GAVIN’s founder and an ex-runway model, opened the shop earlier this year. Since then, she’s played host to shoppers from all over Chicagoland. They come for the goods, atmosphere and welcoming staff. This trifecta tugs fashion-lovers heartstrings—a very debilitating weakness—who seek more than just an amazing selection. Upon encountering the charming storefront, a thoughtfully curated window display beacons shoppers’ entry. It opens to a sleek, cozy space that not only promises the thrill of shopping but also the calm respite of relaxation. The oversized couch, cushy throw pillows, black lacquered floors, sparkly chandelier, and antler wall fixtures create an atmosphere that’s traditional, rustic and comfortable, balanced with splashes of modern glamour.

LEFT: SASS & BIDE bones top ($100); Elizabeth and James blazer ($395); Vintage1 jeans ($207); Marc Bernstein Egyptian trip wrap bracelet ($92); and Erickson Beamon earrings ($298). RIGHT: Allison Schiller gold earrings ($135); Meg McGuinness leather fanny pack ($298); Elizabeth and James sleeveless boyfriend shirt ($245); Genetic Denim “Shane” cigarette jean ($180); Elizabeth Cole gold chain bracelet ($68); JADEtribe shell bracelet ($44); Celine set of four bangles ($188); and Elizabeth Cole Virgo necklace ($78)

Part of that glamour hails from the extensive selection of contemporary labels, both well-known and up-and-coming. For such items to make their way into boutique, they must fulfill three criteria: “chic, cool, and a bit badass,” as Lauren describes GAVIN’s aesthetic. “I try to buy some old favorites, like J Brand and Alice + Olivia, plus some new designers we discover, like Agent 001. Regardless, I avoid what other stores like Barneys and Neimans sell.” This rationale gives birth to a shop that has something for everyone. With designers like Elizabeth and James, Gryphon, House of Harlow, James Perse, and SASS & BIDE on the hangers, the selection is rooted in different design sensibilities. Some are rock ‘n roll, some are girly, some are ethnic, some are glamorous. It creates an interesting mix that makes roaming the racks an addicting adventure for women of different ages and styles. “I love the refreshing atmosphere of the young and old shopping here together,” she says.

 
LEFT: Torn by Ronny Kobo Paris tee ($75); Gryphon gray cardigan ($310); Mima earrings ($148); mother of pearl ring from Morocco ($172); Allison Schiller pyrite memory bracelets ($125); and Goldsign white cutoff shorts ($150). RIGHT: Elizabeth and James sequin Tokyo top ($365); Lauren’s belt from Morocco; Goldsign “Bon Bon” pleated shorts ($180); Kain Label pocket tank ($78); silver stone ring from Morocco ($292); Allison Schiller pyrite memory bracelets ($125); JADEtribe small prayer bead bracelet ($32); and Elizabeth and James cross earrings ($105)

This atmosphere may have something to do with Lauren’s shopping excursions with her six children (the store’s actually named after her second-born daughter). She understands the importance of addressing different styles, without letting the selection or experience suffer. By using her role as a mother and background as a fashion model, she tantalizes customers with must-have fashion, an inviting space, and staff that’s more like girlfriends than sales people. It’s quite the dynamic trio even if it is outside the city. As Lauren says, “Everyone finds something they love at GAVIN.”

Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Model: Lauren Conrades
Special thanks to Maia McGinley

Tags: Alice + Olivia, Allison Schiller, Annie Costello, Barneys, Céline, Chicago Boutiqes, Chicago Shopping, Elizabeth and James, Elizabeth Cole, Erickson Beamon, Evanston, GAVIN boutique, Goldsign jeans, Gryphon, Heartfelt, House of Harlow, J Brand, JADEtribe, James Perse, Janis Savitt, Kain Label, Lauren Cavallo Runzel, LNA, Marc Bernstein, Meg McGuinness, Mima, Rory Beca, Sass & Bide, Torn by Ronny Kobo, Trina Turk, Wilt
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Cheeky Style

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

CheekyChicago.com’s mission is to entertain us fun-loving Chicagoans. So, it’s no surprise we had a blast at the lifestyle website’s “Cheeky People of Style” last Thursday night. It was a luxurious and intimate evening of fashion, shopping and mingling. What’s not to love?

To start off the night, we headed to the fifth floor of Michigan Ave’s Saks Fifth Avenue, where we were greeted by flutes of champagne, trays of hors d’oeuvres, and racks of lust-worthy designer labels. The evening honored Saks’ “Contemporary Week” and featured a fashion show and appearance by handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff, whom we happily chatted with (our convo to come!) about her versatile, fashion-forward Spring 2010 collection. A definite must see.

We peeled ourselves away from Rebecca and all the spring wears begging to be bought and found ourselves in seats lining a bubblegum pink runway (very Cheeky Chicago) woven through the sales floor. Instead of somber models working the catwalk, six of Chicago’s well-known stylites lit up the runway with individual personality and energy. A very “real” approach. These impromptu models were Julie Darling (Julie Darling PR), Lynne Bredfeldt (Park Hyatt Chicago), Itika Oldwine (Harpo), Arturo Gomez (Rockit Ranch Productions), Marcus Riley (NBC Chicago), and Michael Mason (James Hotel), who presented some of spring’s biggest trends and hottest designers, including Helmut Lang, Elizabeth and James, and Catherine Maladrino. The show was lighthearted and friendly, like so many of our city’s fashion events. Not pompous or intimidating, rather just plain fun with a stylish twist.

After the show, we headed to JBar Lounge for an afterparty with friends, complimentary cocktails and treats. The James Hotel hotspot, clad in brown leathers and flickering candlelight, shifted the evening’s tone to a much sexier vibe. Between sips of our delicious martinis and nibbles on some beautiful desserts by David Burke’s Primehouse Pastry Chef Jove Hubbard, we chatted with the stylish partygoers. Everyone agreed: being cheeky is fabulous.

By Meghan Turner

Image (left) courtesy of CheekyChicago.com

Tags: Arturo Gomez, Catherine Maladrino, CheekyChicago.com, Chicago Fashion Events, Elizabeth and James, Helmut Lang, Itika Oldwine, James Hotel, JBar Lounge, Julie Darling, Lynne Bredfeldt, Marcus Riley, Michael Mason, Rebecca Minkoff, Saks Fifth Avenue
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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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