Posts Tagged ‘Kate Spade’

Gilt-Free Shopping Event

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Shopping online via Gilt Groupe comes naturally nowadays, but the experience lacks the tangibility so many shoppers crave. For one day here in Chicago, though, that’ll change. On Saturday, March 5, the local edition of Gilt City is having a warehouse sale at The Ivy Room at Tree Studios (12 E Ohio Street) in the Gold Coast. From 10am to 6pm, swing by and shop the likes of Zac Posen, Chloe, Vera Wang, Tory Burch, Kate Spade and many more for up to 75% off. The luxury discounter will be selling tickets to the event starting today, February 24, at 12pm. The price is just $5 to attend–well worth the cost considering what you’ll save on designer duds.

To purchase tickets, click here.

By Meghan Turner

Tags: Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Evens, Chicago Shopping, Chloé, Gilt City, Gilt Groupe, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Vera Wang, Zac Posen
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »

On Point

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

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

Tags: Accessories, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Christian Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti, Heels, Kate Spade, Messeca, Neiman Marcus, Pump Shoes and Accessories, Saks Fifth Avenue, Schultz, Shoes, shopbop.com, Topshop, Trends, Valentino, Zara
Posted in Features | 1 Comment »

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
Posted in Features | No Comments »

Simply Fabulous: Kate Spade Bow Ring

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

It’s not even Thanksgiving, but Christmas decor abounds and carols are hitting the airwaves, so why not bring the holidays into your wardrobe as well? The spirited nature of Kate Spade’s “Bourgeois Bow Ring” makes a statement that is totally playful and adorable. Wrapping paper optional. ($65, katespade.com)

Tags: Accessories, Kate Spade, Ring
Posted in Simply Fabulous | No Comments »