Posts Tagged ‘Express’
Hats Off to Fedoras
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
During our cold and snowy Chicago winters, a hat must equate warmth. But as the temperatures climb, we look for headwear that packs more personality. Enter: the fedora. Traditionally worn by men, women can pull off this trendy accessory with ease and rock it better than many of their male counterparts. This hat was big for fall 2009 and will remain a hot topper for spring as well. As the fedora grows in popularity, the styles are getting more daring, giving this traditional accessory more individuality and flair. The straw style is both laid back and hip, while maintaining its distinct summer-time vibe. Whether you go with a style that has glitzy or classic accents, the choices are vast. Check out these straw fedoras that will surely earn a place on your spring shopping list.
Clockwise from upper left:
Nordstrom straw fedora ($38; Nordstrom)
Eugenia Kim “Max” fedora with crystal band ($248; shopbop.com)
Express fedora with short brim and stripped ribbon trim ($35; Express)
Banana Republic straw fedora ($35; Banana Republic)
Eugenia Kim “Toyo” straw fedora with crystal mesh band ($234; singer22.com)
By Danielle Parker
Images courtesy of Nordstrom, shopbop.com, Express, Banana Republic, and singer22.com
Tags: Accessories, Banana Republic, Chicago Shopping, Eugenia Kim, Express, Fashion Trends, Fedoras, Hats, Nordstrom, shopbop.com, Singer22.com
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
Trending: Statement Rings
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Forget dainty and classically pretty rings. These days there’s an influx of statement and costume styles, and the idea is to go big and go bold. With no prerequisite for a special occasion, you can wear these chunky pieces day or night, instantly upping the edge and individuality of your look. Here’s some statement rings bound to attract serious attention to your digits.
Clockwise from upper left:
Jeffrey Alters rose gold and diamond skull ring ($2,350; jeffreyalters.com)
Homeroom 18k gold two-finger bar ring ($106; tobi.com)
Express rhinestone burst ring ($30; express.com)
Noir Jewelry “Owen the Owl” ring ($135; noirjewelry.com)
Banana Republic “Knots n’ Chains” ring ($40; bananarepublic.com)
Marcia Moran druzy stone ring ($239; shopharmonylane.com)
By Danielle Parker
Tags: Banana Republic, Chicago Designers, Chicago Shopping, Express, Harmony Lane, Homeroom, Jeffrey Alters, Marcia Moran, Noir Jewelry, Statement Rings, Tobi.com
Posted in StyleBlog | 1 Comment »
Bundle Up
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
The weather outside is frightful, but winter coats are so delightful! If you live in the Windy City, chances are you wear your winter coats more than any other garment in your wardrobe. Given this and the arctic conditions that is a Chicago winter, we take coat shopping very seriously—fashion and practicality are nonnegotiable. To make the cut, a coat must look fantastic and hold up to lake effect snow. Impossible? Nah! We found some pretty fabulous coats perfect for frigid days like today (and the many frigid days ahead).
Mom always said wearing layers is the best way to stay warm. Club Monaco followed her lead when they layered a nylon trench over a puffy coat ($349). Besides its ability to keep us warm and dry, we love how the oversized pockets and thin belt make this a stylish, form-fitting option.
A coat is a great way to add a pop of color to your ensemble. Change the meaning of winter blues with Express‘s military-inspired coat ($126). The vibrant hue and shiny hardware will really stand out amongst the bevy of black and brown winter coats on the street.
A ladylike coat is sometimes hard to come by, but this “Wool Olga Coat” by Chicago’s own reddoll by Tatyana ($495) is exquisitely girly. Its fitted, double-breasted bodice bells into a flowy, feminine skirt, while details like a bow, a high collar, puffy shoulders, skirt pockets and silver hardware make this coat something special.
If you’re looking for a unique option that blends coverage and high fashion, we love this long, military-inspired coat by Chicago label Swaby (price available upon request). The structured collar, ribbon detail, and stream of tiny silver button is a stand-out design combo that will garner lots of attention.
Most puffy coats create a marshmallow shape that is purely function over form. For a less bulky choice that doesn’t compromise style, this light brown Add Down coat ($478; Tula; 3738 N Southport Avenue) boasts a stretch belt for a contoured silhouette. A detachable fur collar brings this casual coat up a notch.
Toggles are a classic, rustic detail with an innate ski lodge vibe, and this “Daytime Toggle Coat” by The Limited ($119) will make a timeless addition to your coat closet. Faux horn toggles balance the glamour of the faux fur collar, making this coat perfect for day and night.
Conjuring images of chilly days spent by the sea (or rather by Lake Michigan!), American Eagle Outfitters’ nautical duffle coat ($120) boasts anchor buttons, plaid lining and a cozy hood to weather those harsh winter storms ahead.
A camel coat is a wardrobe staple to be worn with everything forever. We love all the menswear-inspired camel coats right now, but there was something so lovely and simple about Anthropologie’s “New Standard Overcoat” ($180). From the double ruffle collar to the whimsical buttons to the subtle wool pattern, this loose-fitting coat is all about the details.
The snow doesn’t show signs of stopping, but the right coat can help us get through another Chicago winter stylishly and comfortably. Never compromise fashion for practicality. After all, we Chicagoans have made an art of merging the two!
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Club Monaco, Express, reddoll by Tatyana, Swaby, Tula, The Limited, American Eagle Outfitters, and Anthropologie
Tags: Add Down, American Eagle Outfitters, Anthropologie, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Club Monaco, Coats, Express, reddoll by Tatyana, Swaby, The Limited, Tula
Posted in Features | No Comments »
Button Up
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
William Rast Fall ’09 courtesy of style.com; Yves Saint Laurent Fall ’09 courtesy of
ysl.com; and Donna Karan Fall ’09 courtesy of style.com
You woke up late (again), and you can’t find anything to wear (again). For those mornings when getting dressed is the day’s heftiest task, you need a no-fuss yet polished look ASAP. Thankfully the classic white button-up shirt has the versatility and sophistication to take you from frazzled to chic in mere minutes. From ruffles and rosettes to tuxedo and bib styles, this menswear-inspired staple now comes in more styles than you can count. Here are a few of our favorites that go from dressy to casual effortlessly.
Images courtesy of Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Express
Magaschoni’s blouse ($248; Neiman Marcus) has a bow and ruffles that are ladylike and professional when paired with a tailored suit. For a look that goes from work to play, combine a pencil skirt and a white shirt with romantic details, like Valentino’s “Ruffled-Rose Blouse” ($790; Bergdorf Goodman). A fitted style, like Express’s “Essential Stretch” shirt ($30), will be casual and sleek with dark denim skinny jeans and brown riding boots. Just because these shirts have their innate formality, don’t be afraid to experiment to create your own approach.
If only rolling out of bed was this easy…
By Danielle Parker
Tags: Bergdorf Goodman, Express, Magaschoni, Neiman Marcus, Trends, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent
Posted in StyleBlog | 4 Comments »
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