Posts Tagged ‘Trends’
The Swimsuit Pursuit
Friday, July 16th, 2010
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)
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)
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
Tags: Calvin Klein, Chicago Shopping, Cynthia Rowley, Diane Von Furstenberg, emobi, Fix Boutique, Indah, Letarte, Loeffler Randall, Mara Hoffman, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Neiman Marcus, net-a-porter.com, Nika Butik, Roxy, She Boutique, swimwear, Trends, Undrest, Victoria's Secret
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To Dye For: Grown Up Tie Dye
Monday, July 12th, 2010
With summer underway, music festivals are in full swing. Whether you’re seeing Gaga at Lolla or counting down the days until North Coast, one trend remains ubiquitous throughout: tie dye. However, this is not your parents’ Technicolor tie dye from Woodstock. This year’s reinterpretation calls for both sleek and slouchy silhouettes in monochromatic schemes.
While many may think tie dye should have died with Hanes t-shirt experiments at summer camp, the current looks have a level of sophistication that prove this retro trend might have some staying power. With styles ranging from Gryphon’s traditional tie dye to Helmut Lang’s marbled splatters, these pieces run the gamut from funky fun to abstract art. To make the trend work for you, complement the below statement items with solid colors and fitted denim. For the more adventurous types, keep the rest of your ensemble equally daring. Think chunky heels, Lucite accessories and layered patterns.
Get Psychedelic with these looks:
Clockwise from upper left:
1. Gryphon knot dress ($250; Saks Fifth Avenue). AVersatile crew neck dress. Add some edge to with a black wedge heel.
2. “Mimi” clutch ($129; Club Monaco). A wooden handle makes this clutch especially relevant this season.
3. Vince oversized tee ($128; Intermix). This shirt’s slouchy shape is a cool silhouette on hot summer nights.
4. Rebecca Minkoff “The Clutch” ($350; Shopbop.com). During the day, wear this bag as a messenger. Come nightfall, hide the chain for a chic clutch.
5. Helmut Lang silk wrap skirt ($207; Krista K). A grown-up shape meets a playful print.
6. Elizabeth and James silk button-up shirt ($144; Nordstrom). A light and airy silk chemise: grungy yet glam.
By Leslie Garry
Images courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue, Club Monaco, Intermix, Krista K, shopbop.com and Nordstrom
Tags: Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Club Monaco, Elizabeth and James, Festivals, Gryphon, Helmut Lang, Intermix, Krista K, Nordstrom, Rebecca Minkoff, Saks Fifth Avenue, shopbop.com, Tie Dye, Trends, Vince
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A Vest-ed Interest
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
While I can forgo most of the wardrobe memories that come with it, I’m thrilled I re-discovered my treasured denim vest in an old box marked “Junior High.” Luckily, I learned one of the golden rules of fashion: never discard denim. Eventually, once dormant jean styles pop back on the scene, much like the recent resurgence of the work shirt, the wide leg pant, and the vest.
Denim vests are both a layering piece and a jolt of excitement to a mundane outfit. Taking inspiration from motorcycle gangs, 80’s rock bands, and New Kids On The Block, this season’s denim vests toughen up girly dresses and add dimension to basic tanks and tees. Much like the leather jacket, this topper complements almost any outfit and looks especially fresh when paired with stripes, flowered prints and high-waisted pants. Boxy cuts with cut-off sleeves exude a badass vibe, but lighter, fitted vests are more feminine and conservative when buttoned, or, in some cases, worn solo.
Though my treasured acid-washed vest remained intact after all these years (minus the N.K.O.T.B buttons, of course), there are hundreds of new styles to choose from this season in case you mistakenly discarded yours.
Clockwise from upper left:
1. Studded Denim Vest ($248; Juicy Couture). Both chic and tough to contrast a feminine dress.
2. Denim “Waterfall Waistcoat” ($80; Topshop). A modern cut in a light fabric is summer-ready.
3. “Leah” Vest ($180; True Religion). White and ragged feels fresh but edgy.
4. Colcci denim vest ($53; New’d, 1917 W Division Street). For a less boxy look, this preppy style offsets a loose or wide leg pant.
5. Distressed vest ($40; American Eagle Outfitters). A fitted, medium-hued style is figure-flattering and timeless.
6. Denim vest ($88; J.Crew). With a light wash and a classic cut, you can’t go wrong.
Images courtesy of Juicy Couture, Topshop, True Religion, J.Crew, American Eagle Outfitters, and New’d
Tags: American Eagle Outfitters, Colcci, Denim Vets, J.Crew, Juicy Couture, New'd, Topshop, Trends, True Religion
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Anchor’s Away: Nautical Style
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
This season calls for yet another revival of the ever-classic nautical trend. Evoking thoughts of tried and true Americana and the French Rivera, this preppy yet classic look is a casual counterpoint of the LBD—eternally in style. This 4th of July weekend, get on board by updating your summer wardrobe with Breton stripes, flashes of gold, wicker accessories, and boat-inspired kicks.
While yachting might be out of the budget, keep this season’s nautical look afloat by taking it to the street. The summer’s maritime-inspired pieces create a fresh approach to sea-worthy style and prove to be a wise investment, as elements of this timeless trend return season after season. Set sail with a mix of patriotic colors, clean lines, and metallic touches for added flare—a suitable combo for the office, summer strolls, and, of course, a yacht.
Clockwise from upper left:
1. Cape-stripe swimsuit ($112; J. Crew). The essential suit for summer afternoons on land or sea. Pair with a crisp white oxford for a chic cover-up.
2. Platinum Sperry Top-sider boat shoe ($85; Nordstrom). A metallic edge on a classic style.
3. Rag & Bone red skinny jean ($175; Barneys). A pop of primary color adds a vibrant flare to a sleek cut.
4. Twisted chain collar necklace ($38; Lori’s Shoes). A statement chain necklace that makes knots a chic embellishment.
5. Kain Label pocket tee ($88; Saks Fifth Avenue). A super-soft tee with preppy stripes can be dressed up or down.
6. Slouchy tote ($350; Tory Burch). A straw tote with a timeless shape suits the beach and work.
By Leslie Garry
Images courtesy of J.Crew, Nordstrom, Barneys, Tory Burch, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Lori’s Shoes
Tags: Barneys, Breton Stripes, J.Crew, Kain, Lori’s Shoes, Nautical, Nordstrom, Rag and Bone, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sperry, Tory Burch, Trends
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Trending: Fringe Detail
Sunday, June 27th, 2010
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
Tags: Alexander Wang, American Retro, and shopzoeonline.com, asos.com, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Citrine by the Stones, Fix Boutique, net-a-porter.com, Oryany, Sarca, theoutnet.com, Topshop, Trends, Vanessa Bruno
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Casual Chic Weekend Wear
Sunday, June 27th, 2010
Jena
Photography by Chicago Looks
Tags: Chicago Looks, Chicago Street Style, Stripes, Trends
Posted in StyleHunter | No Comments »
Donning One of the Season’s Hottest Trends: Leather Shorts
Sunday, June 20th, 2010
Sarah
Photography by Chicago Looks
Tags: Chicago Looks, Chicago Street Style, Trends
Posted in StyleHunter | No Comments »
Trending: Jumpsuits
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
No longer just for the flower child, the jumpsuit again made its way onto the must-have list. The all-in-one outfit appeared on the fashion scene during the ‘60s and became a staple for women taking on male dominated trades, Studio 54 and Woodstock. With a little help from designers like Halson, the jumpsuit quickly grew into a sartorial symbol of the empowered woman—much like the ‘80s power suit that followed. The jumpsuit adapted over time, but this time around, it’s more fluid, versatile and feminine to allow different style interpretations.
Starting last year, this onsie’s comeback gives younger generations the opportunity to experience the liberating, fashion-forward trend. Options range from utilitarian to ladylike and are found in a multitude of fabrics (jersey, silk, cotton, et al), lengths (shorts vs pants) and cuts (sleeves vs sleeveless vs strapless). Regardless of the style, the playsuit—as they’re appropriately called overseas—is whimsical, confident, ageless and practical. It’s a wearable look that requires little styling and minimal fuss. Whether you wear it to work or on the dance floor (disco ball optional!) you’ll feel as empowered as those before you.
1. Floral jumpsuit ($148; Free People). Completely fitting for the farmers’ market, or a night on the town.
2. Crinkle drawstring romper ($49; Arden B.). Kill two trends with one piece neon pink shorts style.
3. Dolce Vita “Berkley” Romper ($235; Urban Outfitters). An elegant silk jumpsuit is an unexpected choice for a casual summer wedding.
4. Jully Kang ruched tube jumpsuit ($120; Veruca Salt; 521 N Kingsbury Street). The print is incredibly bold, and the style is more current than a maxi dress.
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs “Wythe” sateen jumpsuit ($248; Bloomingdale’s). The classic-shaped top and modern harem bottom makes this style an interesting mix of feminine and masculine.
Images courtesy of Free People, Arden B., Urban Outfitters, Veruca Salt, and Bloomingdale’s
Tags: Arden B., Bloomingdales, Chicago Boutiques, Dolce Vita, Free People, Halston, Jully Kang, Jumpsuits, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Trends, Urban Outfitters, Veruca Salt
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8 Summer Styling Tips
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
When summer rolls around, we naturally wear less clothing. That doesn’t mean warm weather prohibits cool styling techniques just because we’re working with less garb. The season’s array of trends—like bold prints, neutral to neon palettes, and stand-out accessories—can be worn in endless ways. Even with sticky temps, you can look smashing and be comfortable in the summer sun. Here’s eight ways to work some of Spring/Summer 2010’s biggest trends into your wardrobe, without skimping on style.
1. White Out. There are few things—if any—that are as chic as an all white ensemble. Always eye-catching, this look can be captured with a white sundress for day or gown for night, head-to-toe white separates (don’t forget the floppy hat!), or even a white bathing suit. This summer, let’s experience a white out. (Pucci gown from Summer ’10.)
2. Flower Power. We all know floral prints are huge for S/S ’10. Instead of dresses, skirts, blouses, etc., try incorporating flowers on items that are a little less predictable. A floral bag, belts, shoes, and even sunglasses are subtle ways to introduce these flirty blossoms to your wardrobe. (Rebecca Taylor floral portfolio clutch; $295)
3. Boots Are Made for Walkin’. And that doesn’t mean only in the winter. Summer boots are the alternative to wearable flats this season. Whether you go with an ankle style or a knee-high, boots give an extra dose of style to jean shorts, flouncy skirts, and whimsical sundresses. (Mea Shadow peep-toe bootie; $195; City Soles; 1566 W Damen Avenue)
4. Try a New Silhouette. A-line, skinny, boyfriend…been there, done that. This season, the fashionably adventurous are experimenting with new, interesting silhouettes. The harem pant, bodysuits (see #6), jumpsuits, cropped tees, and more are back, bringing with them their ability to deliver fresh ways to look incredibly on-mark. (Karen Millen jersey jumpsuit with harem pant, drapery pockets, and tapered legs; $350)
5. Get Knitted. No longer just for dainty doilies and grandma’s shawl, crochet has entered the fashion frontier. It shed its homely image for a look that’s organically chic. This knitwear has a lovely simplicity despite its complexity and detail, and now it’s being crafted into figure-flattering garments. (Crochet dress; $80; Topshop)
6. Power Suit. Another throwback to the ‘80s, the bodysuit is reclaiming its place in the limelight. Its form-fitting silhouette is the perfect complement to oversized shapes, like slouchy pants and boyfriend blazers. The styles are extensive, including lace tanks, turtlenecks (big for fall!), long-sleeve boatnecks, and more. (American Apparel v-neck bodysuit; $36)
7. Body Paint. Our lips, eyes and nails are like built-in accessories. Make good use of them! This season brought us subtle and dramatic palettes, like soft beiges and vibrant neons, that can create endless beauty possibilities. Try new applications, like dramatic teal eyes, hot pink nails or fuchsia lips. (Make Up For Ever in Aqua Cream; $22; Sephora)
8. Mix the Hard and Soft. Every girl has a rebel side and a soft side. This season is the time to embrace them both. Such a fashion mixture is a dynamic, interesting way to play with your own style. Soft pieces, such as floral prints and flowy dresses, combined with harder items, like leather vests and biker boots, is never a dull ensemble. (Photography by Chicago Looks)
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Pucci, Rebecca Taylor, City Soles, Karen Millen, Topshop, American Apparel, Sephora, and Chicago Looks
Tags: American Apparel, Chicago Looks, City Soles, Karen Millen, Make Up For Ever, Mea Shadow, Pucci, Rebecca Taylor, Sephora, Spring 2010, Style Tips, Topshop, Trends
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Wear Short Shorts
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
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)
Images courtesy of forwardforward.com, piperlime.com, Free People, Topshop, Barneys, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Penelope’s, net-a-porter.com, Intermix, and theoutnet.com
Tags: 3.1 Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, and theoutnet.com, Anthropologie, Barneys, Beholic, Cheap Monday, Chicago Shopping, Elise Overland, forwardforward.com, Free People, Intermix, Kimchi, Monrow, net-a-porter.com, Penelope's, piperlime.com, Rift Valley, Shorts, Thakoon, Topshop, Trends, Urban Outfitters, What Goes Around Comes Around
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