Posts Tagged ‘net-a-porter.com’

The Swimsuit Pursuit

Friday, July 16th, 2010

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With temperatures hovering in the 90s, we might just have a steady stream of summer weather hanging around Chicago. That said, swimsuit season is officially in full swing. For hot days appropriately spent at the pool, beach, or on a boat, a fabulous suit is the key component to lounging lazily by the water. When considering a new one- or two-piece, the right fit, proportion, cut and pattern always come into play. However, also think about how to incorporate some of the season’s biggest trends into your swimwear. The season’s extensive variety of suits makes experimenting with new styles and patterns an exciting part of the swimsuit pursuit. Take a fashion-forward approach to that itsy bitsy teeny weeny and confront the summer sun in style. H20 optional.

All images from left to right:

1. Floral bow bandeau bikini ($140; emobi)
2. “Lorena” bikini in “Vintage Red Spat” ($114; Diane von Furstenburg)
3. Asymmetrical one-piece ($78; Calvin Klein)
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs one-shoulder, fish belt one-piece ($95; Neiman Marcus)

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5. “Cha Cha” ruffle top bikini ($162; Letarte)
6. Indah ruffle bikini ($55; Nika Butik; 143 N Northwest Highway, Park Ridge)
7. Missoni “Amalfi” cut-out woven one-piece ($580; net-a-porter.com)
8. Cynthia Rowley for Roxy “Tanlines Monokini” ($48; Roxy)
9. Neon yellow twist bandeau top with double string bottom ($37; Victoria’s Secret)
10. Mara Hoffman  ruched bottom bikini in “Kaleidoscope Pink” ($168; shopsheboutique.com)
11. Loeffler Randall zipper one-piece ($158; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Market)
12. Undrest strapless zigzag knitted one-piece ($210; net-a-porter.com)

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By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of emobi, Diane von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, Neiman Marcus, Letarte, Nika Butik, net-a-porter.com, Roxy, Victoria’s Secret, She Boutique, and Loeffler Randall

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Trending: Fringe Detail

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

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Season after season, bohemian influence runs rampant through the fashion world. The hippie-inspired style gives birth to must-have trends almost as many times as Kate Moss and Nicole Richie step out their front door. In the ever-evolving world of boho chic, fringe details are having their moment. The decorative trimming lends attitude and interest to otherwise simple shapes, be it classic or of-the-moment. Though it might be a fleeting fashion sensation, it doesn’t hinder our desire for fringe-laden garments and accessories.  

Spring/Summer 2010 opened the door to a bevy of pieces covered in fringe, like vests, bags, shoes, and jewelry. Basically, anything and everything. Any such item is guaranteed to draw attention, so use fringe sparingly for a look that’s current, fresh and distinctly bohemian. Here’s some of our favorites to date:

Clockwise from upper left:

1. American Retro wool fringed dress ($124; theoutnet.com)
2. Oryany white fringe bag ($325 ; Sarca; 710 N Wabash Avenue)
3. Citrine by the Stones “Rio” earrings ($98; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Market)
4. Dip dye fringe top ($70; Topshop)
5. Fringe and beaded clutch ($169; asos.com)
6. Vanessa Bruno fringe mini skirt ($450; net-a-porter.com)
7. Alexander Wang “Dree” fringe stiletto ($650; shopzoeonline.com)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of theoutnet.com, Oryany, Citrine by the Stones, Topshop, asos.com, net-a-porter.com, and shopzoeonline.com

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Fashion for Your iPhone

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

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For many of us, our cell phone is our lifeline. If we leave the house without it, we feel “naked,” like we do when we forget to put on our favorite jewelry. On a day-to-day basis, this gadget is literally at our side. So, why not view it as a stylish accessory? The iPhone is one of the most commonly used phones, and, consequently, there are a bevy of fashionable cases to choose from. With so many choices like cases vs. skins and leather vs. plastic, you can extend your own style to your treasured lifeline. Here’s a few we love:

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Plia Designs “Religieuse” French pastry case ($28; Plia Designs)
2. Nancy Gonzalez crocodile case ($385; net-a-porter.com)
3. Louis Vuitton monogram case ($250; Louis Vuitton)
4. AB Sutton custom leather case with silk lining ($88; AB Sutton)
5. Diane von Furstenberg “Kiss My iPhone” case ($20; Diane von Furstenberg)

By Danielle Parker

Images courtesy of Plia Designs, net-a-porter.com, Louis Vuitton, Diane von Furstenberg, and AB Sutton

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Style Admirer Spring Picks: Neutrals

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

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One of the most popular color palettes this season is, well, no color at all. Neutral hues dominated the spring runways (cue Chloé and Celine) and demanded attention despite their subtle nature. When worn from head-to-toe, they have an edge that’s still soft, effortless and sophisticated—quite the striking combo. For this reason, a nude palette tops my list of spring trends.

Whenever I go shopping, I gravitate toward classic pieces with a fresh twist. The timelessness of taupe, white, gray and tan, combined with interesting shapes and cuts, is just that. From menswear to bohemian, neutral pieces come from a variety of inspirations, but they always create looks that are impossibly chic and effortlessly cool. Here are some neutral garbs that’ll have you in the buff too.

1. House of Harlow “Sunburst” ring ($50; revolveclothing.com). This cocktail ring beacons attention without being too flashy or overpowering.
2. A look from 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Summer 2010 collection. Proof that head-to-toe neutrals are totally chic yet cool.
3. Gap straw fedora ($17; Gap). With so many fedoras out there, I love the simplicity of this two-toned style.
4. Paloma Barceló “Marina” espadrille ($195; net-a-porter.com). The straw and suede materials on this wedge give it rich texture.
5. Pitaya pleated shorts ($26; Pitaya; 1463 N Milwaukee Avenue). Shorts are the quintessential summer staple, and I love the breeziness of this style.
6. No. 6 silk romper ($318; Steven Alan). The lightness of this romper can be anchored with an edgy belt.
7. T by Alexander Wang tank dress ($105; Alexander Wang). The T line is my favorite for tees, but this dress—worn with a fedora, classic belt and gladiator sandals—is a summer go-to.
8. Stella McCartney silk slub “Hibari” jacket, lace “Ruma” top, and silk slub “Shiro” trouser ($1,895; $1,435; and $955, respectively. All by Stella McCartney). This look is the epitome of understated glamour.
9. See by Chloé single-breasted blazer ($515; farfetch.com). A white blazer can be worn over everything. My favorite combo for summer is with jean or silk shorts. You can really mix it up.
10. J.Crew belt in “glazed hazelnut” ($35; J.Crew). The color of this belt is an unexpected substitute for a brown shade.
11. Tylie “Madison” bag ($398; shebang; 1616 N Damen Avenue). A bag has to get me through the day, and I can fit anything is this one.
12. Maybelline Express Finish in “Sheer Satin” ($3.50; Target). With just a hint of pink, this polish is classic and totally on trend this season.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of revolveclothing.com, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Gap, net-a-porter.com, Pitaya, Steven Alan, Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, farfetch.com, J.Crew, shebang, and Target

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Wear Short Shorts

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

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What do you wear when it heats up? Yes, cute frocks and skirts are the common choices, but they lack a little….je ne sais quoi. Enter: shorts. With so many styles, fabrics and patterns to choose from this season, they’re made to be worn in unexpected ways. Shorts have a new-found chameleon-like versatility that makes them a staple for day and night.

With the onslaught of choices, you can stretch your imagination far and wide when selecting your new shorts and creating outfits around them. Try a sweatpant version with funky heels or a short with an unconventional animal print and a contrasting patterned top. As always, there’s a plethora of denim to choose from, but update your jean shorts by opting for high-waisted short shorts or a looser boyfriend cut. Some unexpected styles, like biker shorts, pleated versions, and skorts, are reemerging on the scene as well. Don a lacey biker short with an oversized denim shirt, or channel Chloé with a leather pair and nude silk blouse. Drapey skorts and balloon shorts are comfy and romantic, and paper bag shapes balance body con tops. A silky, lingerie-inspired tap short can soften the masculinity of structural pairings, like a boyfriend blazer. For a bold, party-perfect short, rock a metallic style that screams individuality.

Regardless of your budget, body type or personal style, there’s shorts out there with your name all over them. Approach this season as an opportunity to reinvent how you wear this summer staple.

1. Elise Overland leather shorts ($736; forwardforward.com)
2. What Goes Around Comes Around boyfriend shorts ($183; piperlime.com)
3. Beholic bloomer bamboo shorts ($148; Free People)
4. Topshop lace cycling shorts ($20; Topshop)
5. Alexander Wang striped apron skort ($425; Barneys)
6. Kimchi silky lace tap shorts ($28; Urban Outfitters)
7. Rift Valley shorts with giraffe print ($98; Anthropologie)
8. Cheap Monday high-waisted shorts ($55; Penelope’s; 1913 W Division Street)
9. 3.1 Philip Lim lamé harem shorts ($380; net-a-porter.com)
10. Monrow vintage long shorts ($88; Intermix)
11. Thakoon sequin crepe shorts ($1,349; theoutnet.com)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of forwardforward.com, piperlime.com, Free People, Topshop, Barneys, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Penelope’s, net-a-porter.com, Intermix, and theoutnet.com

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Trending: Ikat Prints

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

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In case you’re not aware, Cinco de Mayo is this Wednesday! To commemorate this festive affair, we’re taking a look at the season’s tribal print trend, specifically ikat prints. Believed to have originated in Indonesia, the intricate patterns are also made in Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala and others. It has an inherent ethnic vibe that’s simultaneously alluring, artistic and delightfully dizzying, so it’s no wonder we’re seeing the print on the runways again. These patterns not only offer a way to incorporate more prints into a solid wardrobe, but they’re also a refreshing alternative to other more conventional prints, such as stripes and tie-dyes. Whether the ikat takes the form of a symmetrical inkblot or abstract floral, these colorful, dynamic patterns are perfect for the Mexican holiday and beyond.

From left to right:

1. Blue and white pants ($960; Dries Van Noten)
2. Pink and white flared trousers by Jules Reid ($495; Calypso St. Barth; 50 E Oak Street)
3. Ikat print bikini by Matthew Williamson ($295; net-a-porter.com)
4. Ikat tee ($15; Delia’s)
5. Pink and white dress ($3,450; Gucci; 900 N Michigan Avenue)
6. Antik Batik print silk dress ($358; Tula; 3738 N Southport Avenue) 
7. Batavia raffia clutch ($250; Anthropologie)
8. Warehouse silk maxi ($110; ASOS.com)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Gucci, Dries Van Noten, net-a-porter.com, Calypso St. Barth, Tula, Anthropolgie, and Delia’s

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Trending: Stripes

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

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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)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Givenchy, piperline.com, net-a-porter.com, Intermix, Vivre, Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, Urban Outfitters, and farfetch.com

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Be All You Can Be

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

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Today we’re saluting one of the season’s biggest trends: army jackets. Though not exactly feminine in nature, this outerwear commands attention for its distinct G.I. Jane-esque attitude. From its army-green hue to its utility form, these jackets cover two spring trends at once. How’s that for a styling tactic? Aside from that, you’ll be surprised at how easily an army jacket will coordinate with just about any casual look you can throw together. Wear it as a blazer substitute over a flirty dress, jeans and a tee, leggings and a button-up shirt, and so on. Plus, if this summer shapes up to be as temperate as last year, you’ll need a hip, versatile jacket that’ll serve you throughout the season. Check out these army jackets ready for spring recruitment.

Clockwise from left:

ONE. Marc Jacobs twill military jacket ($2,200; Marc Jacobs; 11 E Walton Street)

TWO. Old Navy twill cargo jacket in “Dried Grasses” ($40; Old Navy)

THREE. Rocha. John Rocha multi-pocket military jacket ($61; Debenhams)

FOUR. Juicy Couture military shirt-style jacket ($200; net-a-porter.com)

FIVE. Delia’s “Dallas Military Blazer” ($30; Delia’s)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Marc Jacobs, Old Navy, Debenhams, Net-a-Porter.com, and Delia’s

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Simply Fabulous: Alexa Bag by Mulberry

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

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Inspired by Alexa Chung’s sig style, Mulberry’s “Alexa” bag ($1,250; net-a-porter.com) is one of the most coveted bags on the market. Its distinct preppiness and understated elegance make it as versatile as it is stylish.

Image courtesy of net-a-porter.com

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A Love Affair

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

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I’ve never been a Valentine’s Day kind of gal, but I do love V-Day-themed fashion (the non-tacky kind, of course). The key to finding that ideal accessory is to consider its versatility. Can you wear it after Valentine’s Day as well? Whether you’re dropping clues to your significant other or treating yourself to something special, here are a few adorable, love-perfect accessories for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

Clockwise from upper left:

Cupid may or may not have found you true love, but this angel wings necklace by Heroine Chic ($85) is sure to attract his attention.

V-Day is a great excuse to splurge on new lingerie. I adore the dainty, glamorous styles by Elle Macpherson Intimates, including the “Dentelle Contour” bra ($65) and “Dentelle Culotte” briefs ($30).

Topshop’s over-the-knee heart socks ($16) bring me back to my childhood, when all my tights were embellished with hearts, stars or dots.

Love is in the air, and now it can be on your finger too. This “Love Ring” by CC Skye ($125) will be an eye-catching finishing touch to your Valentine’s Day ensemble.

It’s said that you should wear your heart on your sleeve, and with Jess L.C.’s heart bracelet ($68), you can.

Diamond earrings are a classic gift, but Dana Rebecca’s “Julianne Himiko” turquoise and diamond heart earrings ($880) are a refreshingly unique approach.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Heroine Chic, net-a-porter.com, Topshop, CC Skye, Jess, L.C., and Dana Rebecca Designs

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