Posts Tagged ‘Tula’

Where the Wild Things Are

Thursday, January 6th, 2011

There’s a “certain something” about animal prints. They’re sexy, statement-making and maintain their place on today’s fiercest catwalks. Designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli, both of whom are notorious for their use of animal-inspired collections, never disappoint when it comes to using these feminine, exotic prints in their collections. Such options include leopard, cheetah, reptile and even birds of paradise–all symbolizing the timelessness fashion can possess. From Grace Kelly to Kate Moss, the animal trend is a favorite of style icons who embrace their wilder side. Despite the pattern, these classic prints add a retro yet playful approach to any outfit.

Leopard and snake prints are fan favorites for their chameleon-like wearability. For those who prefer a pop of color, peacock prints create an energetic, flirty look. Regardless, pair your animal print with a neutral, solid counterpart, or take a walk on the wild side and pair it with a tamed, contrasting print. Additionally, printed accessories are a subtle way to add flare to your outfit while still being refined and chic.

Not only are the animal-inspired fashions endless for Winter 2010 and Spring 2011, they’re so much fun to wear.  And isn’t that the ultimate fashion bonus?

Clockwise from left:

1. Runway look from Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring ’11 collection
2. Akira Black Label zebra-print dress ($77; Akira)
3. Zebra tights ($18; Topshop)
4. Patterson J. Kincaid “African Cheetah Salvador” tank dress ($76; Bloomingdales)
5. Foley+Corrina bag is snake-embossed leather bag ($495; SHE Boutique)
6. Chelsea Flower leopard blouse ($190; Tula; 3738 N Southport Avenue)
7. Ash Impuls leopard-print flats ($150; shopbop.com)

By Courtney Cunniff

Images courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, Akira, Topshop, Bloomingdales, SHE Boutique, Tula and shopbop.com

Tags: Akira, Ash Impulse, Bloomingdales, Chelsea Flower, Chicago Shopping, Dolce & Gabbana, Foley + Corinna, Patterson J. Kincaid, She Boutique, shopbop.com, Topshop, Tula
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Trending: Ikat Prints

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

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

Tags: Anthropolgie, Antik Batik, Calypso St. Barth, Chicago Shopping, Delia's, Dries Van Noten, Fashion Trends, Gucci, Ikat, Jules Reid, Matthew Williamson, net-a-porter.com, Print Trends, Tula, Warehouse
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Fashion in Chicago: Events and Sales This Weekend

Friday, January 15th, 2010

FRIDAY EVENTS

Valentino Spring Trunk Show
Stop by the Michigan Ave Neiman Marcus from 10am to 4pm to receive wardrobe advice, and from noon to 3pm, enjoy informal modeling of the collection.

Robin Richman Group Show (2108 N Damen Avenue)
From 5pm to 8pm, Robin Richman will host a group show featuring designers and artists from Chicago and NY. Enjoy cocktails and hor d’oeuvres by Lula Cafe.

Kate Boggiano Closed Door Sale (2150 S Canalport Avenue, 3rd Floor)
Kate Boggiano is hosting an exclusive closed door sale and offering up to 55% off current, past, and sample pieces. Admittance by ticket only. Search “closed door sale” at kateboggiano.com.

WEEKEND SALES

SHE Boutique Winter Sale (shopsheboutique.com; 483 Central Avenue in Highland Park)
SHE Boutique is having their winter sale! All ‘09 styles are 50% off until 1/17. Enter online code: final50. Spring 2010 collections are excluded.

Tula’s Warehouse Sale (3738 N Southport Avenue)
Tula is having its 2nd annual Warehouse Sale from until 1/17! Stop by for huge discounts.

Veruca Salt Sale (521 N Kingsbury and 1921 N Damen Avenue)
Veruca Salt is having a huge sale now thru mid-January. Take 40% off the first item, 50% off the second item, and 60% off the third item!

Lori’s Shoes: Five-Day Jewelry Sale (824 W Armitage Avenue)
Thru 1/17, shop the entire jewelry collection and get 50% off!

Tags: Chicago Events, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Kate Boggiano, Lori's Shoes, Robin Richman, She Boutique, Tula, Valentino, Veruca Salt
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Shop Chicago: Tula

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Chicago’s fashion and shopping scene has yet to surpass New York City’s, but we still have some spectacular boutiques that negate our Second City status. Tula is one such venue that balances Manhattan’s high fashion with Chicago’s practical style. The Southport Corridor store, owned by mother and daughter duo Sue and Laura Westgate, caters to hip shoppers with a vested interest in quality, timeless fashion.

Tula has an impressive selection of European and American designers that include the big-name labels, like Theory, Vince, and Alexis Bittar, to the lesser-knowns, like Hache and Sue. The clothing and accessories are not trendy, so to speak, but rather chic wardrobe additions that will remain in you closet for seasons to come, while working seamlessly with what you already own. “We choose merchandise that is versatile, well-crafted, and timeless,” says Laura. “We follow our own sense of what will fit well and hold its own in your closet.”

Right: Tula owner Laura Westgate

For as classic and easy-to-wear as Tula’s selection is, it still caters to the season’s popular looks, such as blazers, chunky knits, and white button-up shirts. “Our customer likes to look on-trend but not trendy,” says Laura. “She’s not concerned with fast fashion, but more so with timeless investment pieces.” By paralleling the season’s hottest trends without sacrificing quality for one-season-wonders, Tula provides “effortlessly sophisticated” looks that resonate with Chicago shoppers.

Tucked in a cozy house on Southport Avenue, the shop has an inviting storefront, with a bay window offering a peak at the goods inside. Tula’s polished, earthy interior boasts white brick walls, dark wood furniture, and simplistically arranged clothing and accessories (and some home décor scattered throughout). It’s a charming boutique that’s also accessibly refined and tasteful.

Much of the Tula aesthetic stems from Sue Westgate’s Grand Haven, Michigan, boutique, Panache, which opened some 20 years ago. “I grew up working in the store and going to the shows in New York, and we always wanted to open a store in Chicago.” Upon graduating from Indiana University in 2004, Laura relocated to Chicago. She worked as an editor for a local real estate magazine, but shortly afterward, in 2006, the two ladies opened Tula. Sue continues to run the shop in Grand Haven while Laura manages Tula.

Part of what keeps this boutique’s clientele coming back is the high level of customer service. Using an approach that favors a vested friendship versus fleeting moments of pushy salesmanship, Tula creates a welcoming atmosphere and the fashion finds seal the deal. It’s local boutiques like Tula that help make Chicago’s emerging fashion scene that much more impressive.

Tula; 3738 N Southport Avenue; tulaboutique.com

By Meghan Turner

Be sure to check out Tula’s Warehouse Sale next week!

Tags: Accessories, Alexis Bittar, Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Hache, Jewelry, Laura Westgate, Panache, Sue, Theory, Trends, Tula, Vince
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Bundle Up

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

The weather outside is frightful, but winter coats are so delightful! If you live in the Windy City, chances are you wear your winter coats more than any other garment in your wardrobe. Given this and the arctic conditions that is a Chicago winter, we take coat shopping very seriously—fashion and practicality are nonnegotiable. To make the cut, a coat must look fantastic and hold up to lake effect snow. Impossible? Nah! We found some pretty fabulous coats perfect for frigid days like today (and the many frigid days ahead).

Mom always said wearing layers is the best way to stay warm. Club Monaco followed her lead when they layered a nylon trench over a puffy coat ($349). Besides its ability to keep us warm and dry, we love how the oversized pockets and thin belt make this a stylish, form-fitting option.

A coat is a great way to add a pop of color to your ensemble. Change the meaning of winter blues with Express‘s military-inspired coat ($126). The vibrant hue and shiny hardware will really stand out amongst the bevy of black and brown winter coats on the street.

A ladylike coat is sometimes hard to come by, but this “Wool Olga Coat” by Chicago’s own reddoll by Tatyana ($495) is exquisitely girly. Its fitted, double-breasted bodice bells into a flowy, feminine skirt, while details like a bow, a high collar, puffy shoulders, skirt pockets and silver hardware make this coat something special.

If you’re looking for a unique option that blends coverage and high fashion, we love this long, military-inspired coat by Chicago label Swaby (price available upon request). The structured collar, ribbon detail, and stream of tiny silver button is a stand-out design combo that will garner lots of attention.

Most puffy coats create a marshmallow shape that is purely function over form. For a less bulky choice that doesn’t compromise style, this light brown Add Down coat ($478; Tula; 3738 N Southport Avenue) boasts a stretch belt for a contoured silhouette. A detachable fur collar brings this casual coat up a notch.

Toggles are a classic, rustic detail with an innate ski lodge vibe, and this “Daytime Toggle Coat” by The Limited ($119) will make a timeless addition to your coat closet. Faux horn toggles balance the glamour of the faux fur collar, making this coat perfect for day and night.

Conjuring images of chilly days spent by the sea (or rather by Lake Michigan!), American Eagle Outfitters’ nautical duffle coat ($120) boasts anchor buttons, plaid lining and a cozy hood to weather those harsh winter storms ahead.

A camel coat is a wardrobe staple to be worn with everything forever. We love all the menswear-inspired camel coats right now, but there was something so lovely and simple about Anthropologie’s “New Standard Overcoat” ($180). From the double ruffle collar to the whimsical buttons to the subtle wool pattern, this loose-fitting coat is all about the details.

The snow doesn’t show signs of stopping, but the right coat can help us get through another Chicago winter stylishly and comfortably. Never compromise fashion for practicality. After all, we Chicagoans have made an art of merging the two!

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Club Monaco, Express, reddoll by Tatyana, Swaby, Tula, The Limited, American Eagle Outfitters, and Anthropologie

Tags: Add Down, American Eagle Outfitters, Anthropologie, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Club Monaco, Coats, Express, reddoll by Tatyana, Swaby, The Limited, Tula
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Modern Marble

Friday, October 16th, 2009

For many women, spotting a pair of tie-dyed jeans sparks thoughts of “What would I ever wear with those?” or “I can’t pull those off.” These two style restraints motivated us to create several looks that prove marble jeans are way easier to wear than you think. And when both pairs are priced under $25, why not experiment a little?

The first outfit is designed around what’s already in your closet. A long, black cardigan ($98; J.Crew) and basic white tee ($18; American Apparel) break up the drama of the tie-dye print ($23; Forever 21). A flat bootie, especially one with hardware ($68; Urban Outfitters), gives this outfit a little more edge. Grab your favorite black tote and you’re ready to go!

Second is the party outfit. Perfect for the holidays or Saturday night, the sparkle on this gold tank ($250; Calypso St. Barth, 50 E Oak Street) glows against the jean’s deep wash, and its loose fit and delicate detail soften the pant’s hard edge. Metallic accessories are a must-have for fall, and this bag ($38; Francesca’s Collections) will pick up the undertones in the sequined top and glamorize any other outfit. Finally, let your wild side show with Graffiti 4725’s sexy leopard booties ($348; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue).

For the third ensemble, we went tie-dye crazy. This look creates a daring yet girly outfit for running around the city or a casual night out. The multi-color tee ($88; Three Dots) grabs attention while contrasting and complementing the white marble jean ($20; Forever 21). So much print requires solid accessories, so we added a pink cable beret ($5; Kmart) and purple suede boots ($345; City Soles; 3432 N Southport Avenue).

Last but not least, the third outfit combines a wispy, floral blouse ($49; Victoria’s Secret) with the jean’s rock ‘n roll vibe. An unexpected pairing, the voluminous top balances the pant’s tight fit, and the soft pink and white wash are a surprisingly harmonious fusion. To keep with this look’s ethereal feel, we added Monserat De Lucca’s brown tote with a subtle graphic print ($276; Tula; 3738 N Southport Avenue) and Faryl Robin’s brown suede booties with ladylike laces ($285; City Soles; 3432 N Southport Avenue).

Now there’s no reason to fear the tie-dye jean.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Forever 21, J.Crew, American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, Calypso St. Barth, Francesca’s Collections, Lori’s Shoes, Three Dots, City Soles, Kmart, Victoria’s Secret and Tula.

Tags: American Apparel, Calypso St. Barts, Chicagao Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, City Soles, Forever 21, Francesca's Collections, J.Crew, KMart, Lori's Shoes, Three Dots, Trends, Tula, Urban Outfitters, Victoria's Secret
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