Posts Tagged ‘LaRok’

Holiday Sparkle

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

The holidays are upon us, and that means cocktail and dinner parties galore. Maybe it’s all the sparkly holiday décor, but this time of year makes me want shiny attire for all the parties scheduled on my iPhone calendar. Since many get-togethers are after work, I went hunting for versatile sequins that can go from day to night. Thankfully, there are zillions of pieces to choose from this season. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. This tank by Wren ($308; She Boutique) packs the comfort necessary for a full day’s wear. Pair it with a pencil skirt, a black tuxedo blazer, and a peep-toe bootie for a glamorous yet office-ready look.

2. A menswear-inspired piece is an unexpected way to wear sequins. This vest ($16; Forever 21) will dazzle atop a white button-up shirtdress, black tights, and over-the-knee boots.

3. Baby, it’s cold outside, and sometimes only a cozy sweater will cut it! This sequined cardigan by LaROK ($244; shopbop.com) is conservative enough for the office and glamorous enough for cocktail hour.

4. A scarf can add sparkle in moderation. This one by Rozae by Rozae Nichols ($198; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Street) is a super wearable piece that can be mixed and matched with a variety of looks, from a body con LBD to wide-leg trousers and a fitted tee.

5. We women of Chicago depend on flats as a main form of transportation. Not only meant for comfort, a fashionable pair of ballet flats are perfectly acceptable party attire, especially these BC patterned ones ($56; zappos.com). Try them with a black chunky knit sweater and gray leggings.

6. For a touch of flair, sequin headbands, like this gold and black one ($4; Forever 21), can add that extra oomph of pizazz to just about any look.

7. The right handbag can take an outfit from chic to spectacular. This Angel Jackson sequin and stud bag ($387; farfetch.com) will be show-stopping against a black fitted turtleneck and black cropped pants. Cross the chain strap over you chest for a fabulously uniform look.

Rarely does a season come around when sporting sequins during the day is an acceptable fashion move, so discard standard sequin etiquette while you can!

By Meghan Turner with Arin Agase

Images courtesy of She Boutique, shopbop.com, zappos.com, Forever 21, farfetch.com and Fix Boutique

Tags: Angel Jackson, BC, Fix Boutique, Forever 21, LaRok, Rozae by Rozae Nichols, sequins, She Boutique, shopbop.com, Trends, Wren, Zappos
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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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