Posts Tagged ‘Markus Lupfer’
Boutique Spotlight: Sarca
Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
Unlike most chain stores, boutiques offer an experience. The limited, handpicked selection and intimate, singularly decorated setting go beyond the mere exchange of money for goods. At a boutique, the anticipation of not knowing what you’ll find and how those items will be presented makes the excursion less predictable and far less drab. When I found Sarca, predictable and drab flew right out the storefront window.
Sarca found a niche that separates it from other local boutiques. The shop’s highly edited selection is loaded with Chicago-exclusive labels that fill a breathtaking, rustic-glam space—complete with an antler chandelier and cowhide rug. Located in the Gold Coast, Sarca only opened in November of 2009 and has already found its client: a woman who wants impeccable clothing, shoes and accessories without worrying that she’ll see it on countless other women. “She’s someone who appreciates fashion and wants to stand out,” says Alexis Cozzini, the store’s owner. “She wants something different and wants to be styled.”
Alexis, 27, often styles shoppers herself: another perk that comes with visiting this boutique. She can usually be found in the store helping her customers find that perfect ensemble regardless of the occasion. From cocktail dresses to deconstructed jeans, Sarca has labels you know and many you probably don’t. Like a fashion awakening, the store serves as an introduction to international and up-and-coming designers—like Bourne, Jane Carr, Liza + Tara, and Generation Love—that can’t be found elsewhere in the city. Since Alexis only orders a small sampling of each piece, that designer selection also ensures exclusivity, thus a lack of disgruntling street repeats.
Clockwise from upper left: Pink cage shoe by Leopoldo Giordano ($445); garments available at Sarca; lavender“ dress by Contrarian ($400); Alexis Cozzini, Sarca’s owner; “Deco” cuff by CC Skye ($245); and the “Odyssey” open-toe pump by Ruthie Davis ($1,095)
The pieces Alexis sells are statement makers. This isn’t the place to find your everyday basics. The selection fuses girly, sexy and edgy aesthetics without being overly trendy. The designs build on classic sensibilities to create fresh and interesting interpretations through dramatic cuts, luxe embellishments, and bold patterns. You can find a lavender cocktail dress by Contrarian (above) that’s perfectly sweet in the front, but a backless cut makes it a little naughty too. Or there’s a relaxed Jonathan Saunders tank that’s a little psychedelic and a lot rock ‘n roll. And the shoes? Oh, the shoes… The selection is incredibly vast for an independent clothing boutique, and the designs are beyond lust worthy. Sarca’s impressive shoe collection includes designs by Tania Spinelli, Leopoldo Giordano (both Chicago exclusives), and Ruthie Davis.
The label selection goes on and on with names like Camilla & Marc, Jen Kao, Markus Lupfer, Sass & Bide, CC Skye, and Damen+Division. Whether seeking wardrobe additions that are understatedly cool or full-out glamour, Sarca will expand your label awareness and provide a unique fashion experience from the moment you walk through the door.
Sarca, 710 N Wabash Avenue, shopsarca.com
Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori and Kaitlyn Groth
Tags: Alexis Cozzini, Bourne, Camilla & Marc, CC Skye, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Contrarian, Damen+Division, Generation Love, Jane Carr, Jen Kao, Jonathan Saunders, Leopoldo Giordano, Liza + Tara, Markus Lupfer, Ruthie Davis, Sarca, Sass & Bide, Tania Spinelli
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Trending: Stripes
Tuesday, April 20th, 2010
Spring 2010 is about making the old new again by taking a timeless look and giving it a fresh spin. As one of the season’s biggest trends, striped garments are one such look. This classic pattern has the surprising ability to take on many personalities: Parisian chic, sporty, nautical, and even bohemian. There are so many striped options out there this season, it seems we can wear the print in any way imaginable.
For a classic approach, go with stripes that are clean and simplistic. There’s the standard black and white stripe, a tried and true staple. The BDG tunic is a perfect basic that can be given a Parisian spin by wearing it with wide-leg trousers and a long, gold chain necklace. Nautical is another trend that’s always big for spring, so head for the high seas in navy and blue stripes with gold accents, like this Markus Lupfer “Allegra” dress.
If you go for a look that’s more edgy, urban and tough, designers have taken a bold approach by stepping alway from the classic stripes. For a look that’s less predictable and structured, wear a graphic stripe with haphazard lines à la Givenchy. For a completely fresh approach, mix a striped tank with contrasting prints, such as paisley short or polka dot cardi. To push the sartorial envelope even further, combine two striped garments of contrasting colors. Finally, if you’re anything like me, spring brings out your inner hippie. I’m following Isabel Marant’s lead and wearing bright, textured stripes on looser fabrics for a look that has globetrotter written all over it.
Here’s some other striped garments that will allow you to wear stripes however you want this season.
Clockwise from upper left:
1. Givenchy striped shoulder pad jacket ($1,275; Givenchy)
2. Juicy Couture striped military cardigan ($248; piperline.com)
3. Isabel Marant “Alamo” silk-chiffon pants ($850; net-a-porter.com)
4. Markus Lupfer striped “Allegra” dress ($350; Intermix or Sarca; 710 N Wabash)
5. Marano clutch by Anya Hindmarch ($161; vivre.com)
6. Paul Smith stripped dress (Paul Smith)
7. Alexander McQueen geometric strip pump ($810; Alexander McQueen)
8. BDG 3/4 sleeve striped tunic ($48; Urban Outfitters)
9. Balenciaga stripped mini dress ($1,641; farfetch.com)
Images courtesy of Givenchy, piperline.com, net-a-porter.com, Intermix, Vivre, Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, Urban Outfitters, and farfetch.com
Tags: Alexander McQueen, Anya Hindmarch, Balenciaga, farfetch.com, Givenchy, Intermix, Isabel Marant, Juicy Couture, Markus Lupfer, net-a-porter.com, Paul Smith, piperline.com, Sarca, Trends, Urban Outfitters, Vivre
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