Posts Tagged ‘Oscar de la Renta’
Jewel Box
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010
Let’s face it, winter in Chicago can be like living in the Arctic. Thankfully, there’s a trend heating things up. Jewel tones electrified the Fall/Winter 2010 runways of designers such as Oscar de la Renta and 3.1 Phillip Lim. The goal of this dazzling display of color is to lure ladies away from the typical black and brown. Why? The trend has the power to make any girl stand out in a crowd, especially in a sea of neutrals. And, frankly, it adds a bit of excitement to our wardrobe. By opting for colors like ruby, tanzanite and emerald, clothing and accessories get a jolt of energy and flair rather than meshing with the colorless pieces that dominate most closets. With this trend, we can turn our winter blues into a brilliant cornucopia of turquoise and fuchsia.
One crucial thing to remember when wearing this style is to keep it simple and clean. When wearing an entire outfit of jewel tones, it’s important to balance the colors to create a cohesive look. Pair a brightly patterned blouse with a solid skirt in a matching shade, or a mix a multi-hued dress with a black belt and opaque tights. But, jeweled accessories cannot be overlooked. Try bright cobalt or indigo pumps or booties, and chunky collar necklaces, chandelier earrings and bangles as an easy way to add a bit of oomph to a look.
Clockwise from left to right:
1. Runway look by Oscar de la Renta
2. Coach “Kristin” satchel in emerald ($398)
3. Runway look by 3.1 Phillip Lim
4. Callula Lillibelle fuchsia petticoat dress ($594; SHE Boutique)
5. Tibi cap sleeve dress with floral print ($380; Perchance; 3512 N Southport Avenue)
6. Sam Edelman ‘Novato’ slingback in ruby red ($100; Nordstrom)
7. See by Chloé’s purple skirt ($207; net-a-porter.com)
By Courtney Cunniff
Tags: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Callula Lillibella, Coach, net-a-porter.com, Nordstrom, Oscar de la Renta, Perchance, Sam Edelman, See by Chloé, She Boutique, Tibi
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Chicago Bridal Hotspots
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
If your summer was anything like mine, wedding season took its toll. Friends and family tied the knot, basking in the “happiest day of their life.” In all the merriment, my attention always focuses on the sartorial centerpiece: the wedding gown. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to search for some of the best bridal shops in Chicago. After all, with the exception of the bride and groom themselves, isn’t the dress the crown jewel of the festivities? Oh, I DO believe so!
VWIDON
Carla Hwang and Kenneth Park, the husband and wife team behind VWIDON (360 W Superior Street, 1st Floor; 312-654-9078), have been dressing Chicago brides for 10 years. The gown label and River North boutique designs a 40-piece collection annually but offers a selection of about 80 dresses total. VWIDON’s 3,200-square-foot showroom is filled with one-of-a-kind wedding gowns rooted in detail and comfort. You’ll shop VWIDON originals—from minimalist to elaborate—with prices ranging from $2,500 to $3,900.
Belle Vie Bridal Couture
Belle Vie Bridal Couture (34 E Oak Street; 312-751-2222) prides itself on treating each bride as a personal guest. Each client is paired with her own personal stylist to help select the perfect gown. Amidst the chic French ambiance, peruse dresses by Anne Barge, Christian Lacroix, Reem Acra and more that start at $2,800 and go up to $20,000. During the first appointment, scan lookbooks for styles that grab you, and then the stylist will give you some dresses that best flatter your figure. According to Belle Vie Bridal Couture, the process of finding, receiving and altering a gown takes about a year. So, brides-to-be should start looking ASAP.
Ultimate Bride
The Gold Coast’s Ultimate Bride (106 E Oak Street; 312-337-6300) set out to compile the world’s best designer gowns under one roof. The high fashion labels include Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier and Angel Sanchez. By offering a multitude of designers through its inventory and trunk shows, the boutique gives brides their choice of the amazing gowns. Ultimate Bride offers other services as well, including helping with final dress arrangement for the big day, to ensure the bride’s needs are taken care of.
House of Brides Couture
With multiple locations in the Chicagoland area, this bridal hotspot is convenient for brides in the city and the suburbs. At House of Brides (730 N Franklin Street, Suite 300; 312-475-0500), expect to find a vast selection of gowns including couture designs and plus sizes. You can also find various accessories, from bras and shapers to shoes and headwear. House of Brides’ e-boutique also gives busy brides the option to shop on the net. Even with online orders, this shop ensures all bridal purchases will arrive on time.
The Left Bank
Once you’ve found the perfect gown, you’ll need the perfect accessories. The Left Bank (1155 W Webster Avenue; 773-929-7422) has everything for just that. With shoes, veils, bridal jewelry and brooches, the Lincoln Park boutique completes the bridal ensemble—it’s the icing on the cake. Appointments aren’t necessary, as it promotes casual browsing. Also keep an eye out for designer-attended trunk shows at this French inspired shop.
By Danielle Parker
Image courtesy of VWIDON and Belle Vie Bridal Couture, respectively
Tags: Angel Sanchez, Anne Barge, Belle Vie Bridal Couture, Carla Hwang, Carolina Herrera, Christian Lacroix, House of Brides Couture, Kenneth Park, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, The Left Bank, Ultimate Bride, VWIDON
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Spring Forward: A Look at the Hottest Trends for Spring
Sunday, February 7th, 2010
Spring is upon us (thank goodness!), and that means it’s time to reflect on the season’s hottest trends. The Spring/Summer 2010 runways gave us an array of exciting looks—be it reintroduced classics or futuristic newbies—and we pulled together a list of our favorite six to kick off the season. Though it’s hard to get in a warm weather state of mind during a winter weather advisory, the mercury will soon rise and we’ll bask in a new season of fresh fashion. Take a look at these spring trends, and let spring fever set in!
DIGITAL
Moving beyond solids and into the world of prints isn’t always an easy feat. We love our black and white, but truth be told, prints are one of the easiest ways to add interest and individuality to your look. Enter: digital prints. Like a shot of fashion adrenaline, these graphic styles offer more edge and energy than any floral ever could.
Images: Givenchy (left) and Versace (right)
DENIM
Remember your acid wash jacket from grade school? Oh, yes you do. Well, denim is back, and you’ll see light and mid-tone shades on everything: jackets, jeans, dresses, shirts and even overalls. This may be a hard trend to warm up to right away, but we’re sure you’ll come around soon enough.
Images: Ralph Lauren Collection (left) and Mulberry (right)
WHITE
White is the consummate color of spring, and this season, the way to wear it is from head to toe. Such a style approach is innately chic and sophisticated, and always a stand-out outfit. The runway showed us flirty, girly looks and edgy, sexy ways to wear this color, so you really can wear this trend however you choose.
Images: Oscar de la Renta (left) and Gucci (right)
SHORTS
We saw lots of shorts last spring, and now the trend seems even bigger. Any hem goes this season, from Daisy Dukes to the Bermuda, so load up on several pairs and experiment with the endless ways to wear them. Our styles of choice are: jean shorts and footless tights and chino shorts and a classic button-up shirt.
Images: Pringle of Scotland (left) and Fendi (right)
KHAKI
A true classic, khaki is probably one of the easiest trends to wear, and the runway demonstrated its infinite possibilities. Take the color from drab basics and into any garment realm you can imagine. From a menswear-inspired suit and military jacket, khaki has your every spring need covered.
Images: Chloé (left) and Chanel (right)
PASTELS
Spring wouldn’t feel quite like spring without pastels. This season, these pretty hues make another graceful appearance, displaying their ladylike, fashion-forward properties for us to relish. Whether you go with one color or mix and match, pastels have a distinct beauty that’s always spring-ready.
Images: Valentino (left) and D&G (right)
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Givenchy, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Mulberry, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, Pringle of Scotland, Fendi, Chloé, Chanel, Valentino, and D&G
Tags: Chanel, Chloé, D&G, Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, Givenchy, Mulberry, Oscar de la Renta, Pringle of Scotland, Ralph Lauren, Spring 2010 Trends, Spring trends, Valentino, Versace
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Dana Rebecca Gets More Red Carpet Action
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
Last week, we showed you Nikki Reed wearing diamond bracelets by Chicago designer Dana Rebecca, and Monday night she sported the fine jewelry again at the LA premiere of New Moon. Nikki looked sweet yet hip in her canary blue Burberry dress, accented with Dana Rebecca earrings, ring and bracelets.
Her cast mates, Kristen Stewart, Ashley Greene and Dakota Fanning, also vamped up the evening. Kristen glowed in Oscar de la Renta, Ashley was sexy and classy in Prabal Gurung, and Dakota kicked her little girl image to the curb in an edgy Valentino number.
Images courtesy of Wire Images
Tags: Accessories, Ashley Greene, Burberry, Chicago Designer, Christian Louboutin, Dakota Fanning, Dana Rebecca Designs, New Moon, Nikki Reed, Oscar de la Renta, Prabal Gurung, Valentino
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