I was raised a suburban girl, but I was born to live in the city. From the shopping to the nightlife, Chicago has as many places to see as Sarah Jessica Parker has Manolos. These places—boutiques, festivals, parties, fashion shows, and more—beg for my attention, and I’m more than willing to oblige. Whether I’m heading to work or a wine bar, I’m a city girl on the go, so it’s important that my wardrobe keeps up with wherever the day and night takes me. Incorporating a sense of urban sophistication, comfortable silhouettes, and au courant trends, my spring must-haves are built around a day planner brimming with meetings, parties and, of course, shopping. Here’s how I’m able to look great all day without an unnecessary wardrobe change.

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Racerback tank in “Imperia Beige” ($50; Banana Republic). A basic that’s essential for summer layering.

2. White fitted button-up shirt ($44; Gap). A true classic that’s polished enough for day and easily accessorized for night.

3. Aviators by Gucci ($275; Nordstrom). Aviators add a slight edge to an otherwise understated outfit.

4. “Christine” black pump by Calvin Klein ($98; zappos.com). The cutout designs adds interest to a timeless heel.

5. Ankle Cigarette Jean by BDG ($40; Urban Outfitters). This skinny jean goes with everything, and the price is just right.

6. “Kali Tank” by Zamrie ($78; Zamrie; 1213 W Diversey Avenue, by appointment only). The hand-painted print on this silk top is breathtaking.

7. Fold-over bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($466; farfetch.com). When going from work to play, this bag has the storage room to carry everything I need.

8. Scalloped zipper cardigan in black ($98; J.Crew). This ladylike cardigan adds the finishing touch to a sundress or tank.

9. “Spring Break Scarf” ($18; Francesca’s Collections). This scarf adds a touch of color and is perfect for those breezy Chicago days.

10. Leather “Bailey” jacket by Cynthia Steffe ($525; Perchance; 3512 N. Southport Avenue). This lightweight yet luxurious jacket is my alternative to the omnipresent blazer.

By Danielle Parker

Images courtesy of Banana Republic, Gap, Nordstrom, zappos.com, Urban Outfitters, Zamrie, farfetch.com, J.Crew, Francesca’s Collections, and Perchance

Clockwise from upper left:

1. “Lame Kid Smoke Flats” by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($300; shopbop.com)
2. “Rizing” oxford in silver by Boutque 9 ($130; zappos.com)
3. Sam Edelman “Cory” flat oxfords in “Gold Snake” ($129; Bloomingdale’s)
4. Deena & Ozzy “Wingtip Oxford” ($58; Urban Outfitters)
5. Moschino Cheap & Chic “Henry” in beige suede ($300; piperline.com)
6. “Jezebell” flats by Steve Madden ($100; Steve Madden)

By Courtney of ModernJap

Images courtesy of shopbop.com, zappos.com, Bloomindale’s, Urban Outfitters, piperline.com, and Steve Madden

It’s no secret that bold prints are one of the season’s biggest trends. From geometrics to florals, the variety is extensive, but today it’s the leopard print that’s driving us wild! Such patterns can be an intimidating addition to your wardrobe, but when done right, you can look impeccably fearless and chic. To harness your inner tigress, we went on the prowl for some statement-making leopard prints that are as fierce as they are easy-to-wear. Take a look at these pieces and discover how surprisingly simple it is to master this trend!

1. Throwing on an amazing winter coat is one of the easiest ways to add serious style in mere seconds. Rebecca Taylor’s “Runway Ruffle Coat” ($495) is discretely dramatic, with its dark hues and girly ruffles.

2. What fashionista doesn’t want a handbag that attracts a little attention? This leopard bag by Karen Millen ($199) has a sassy print and edgy hardware, but it won’t overwhelm your look.

3. We love tights and cherish the opportunity to go all out with this accessory. Pair these leopard tights ($20; Dillards) with a LBD and neutral heels for a polished look with lots of attitude.

4. A pencil skirt is one item every woman needs in her closet. Step away from the classic black and venture into new territory with this “Ocelot Pencil Skirt” by MICHAEL Michael Kors ($80; zappos.com).

5. Hello, Lover! Giuseppe Zanotti’s leopard slingback pumps ($635; Saks Fifth Avenue) have us dizzy with delight. At first glance, you may think you’ll only wear these with a few cocktail dresses, but this heel is totally versatile. Try a casual twist by pairing them with skinnies and a fitted tee or boyfriend chinos and an oversized sweater.

6. We have a pretty deep affinity for belts, whether they’re barely noticeable or outfit-completing accents. This one ($40; J.Crew) will play up neutrals or add an interesting contrast to other prints.

7. The thought of these gloves ($150; Tory Burch) with a solid-colored wool coat is truly exciting. It’s one of the little ways you can add an unexpected edge to your outerwear.

8. Shorts in fresh prints will be a major player this spring, and these cuffed ones by Peter Som ($680; Saks Fifth Avenue) boast the neutral hues necessary to create a bevy of looks. Pair these shorts with a simple tank or even a vibrant floral top.

9. If you ask us, this is the perfect leopard flat ($40; Steve Madden)—no bows, frills, etc. Just a classic, delicate shape in an intriguing print.

If wearing leopard prints, remember to use discretion when pulling your look together. These prints can hold their own, so don’t layer these pieces with competing garments and accessories and other animal prints. Sometimes too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Rebecca Taylor, Karen Millen, Dillards, zappos.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, J.Crew, Tory Burch, and Steve Madden

If over-the-knee boots still conjure images of Julia Robert’s thigh-high patent boots in Pretty Woman, then it’s time to rethink this footwear trend. You don’t need Julia’s 44-inch legs to rock this look, and you can do it completely void of any “hooker boot” connotations as well. With the bevy of styles, colors, and fabrics, these sexy, effortlessly chic boots are perfectly wearable—as flats and heels—and stand out in any wardrobe.

Calvin Klein’s “Mayson” boots ($220; zappos.com): These have an elastic cuff that hits just below the knee, which keeps the soft suede from sliding down your legs.

Type Z’s “Archer” boots ($155; zappos.com): The epitome of sexy heels, these suede boots will elongate and slim your legs, making them appear as if they go on forever.

Progetto boots ($326; Lori’s Shoes): Urban meets rural in the form of these brown suede boots. The feminine over-the-knee silhouette is a striking contrast to this rustic riding boot.

Steve Madden’s “Xenonn” boots ($170; Steve Madden): Bound to draw attention, these purple suede boots are hip yet glamorous with the platform sole, slouched shape, and tied cuff.

Eric Michael’s “Vogue” boots ($250; Nordstrom): A girl needs options, and these boots supply it. The adjustable buckle allows for an OTK style, or it can be cuffed for a different look.

See, over-the-knee boots aren’t as over-the-top as previously perceived.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of zappos.com, Lori’s Shoes, Guess, and Nordstrom

The holiday season is drawing to a close, but there’s one final celebration to tackle: New Year’s Eve. As we say goodbye to all the good and bad of this decade, we also say hello to a dazzling new outfit to commemorate the evening’s festivities. We see good things happening in 2010, so what better way to ring in the New Year than with an ensemble worthy of 2009’s best-dressed list? Check out these five looks that will have you counting down to the stroke of midnight in style.

Romancing the Stone

This jewel-embellished ensemble is fun yet romantic and sure to impress your New Year’s Eve date. The jeweled dress ($348; BCBG Max Azria) exudes a flirtatious energy with its sweetheart bodice and draped, bubble skirt. It’s not everyday you can get this blinged out, so continue the stone detail with a crystal and satin clutch ($148; J.Crew) and minimal jewelry, like this rock crystal bracelet by Chicago designer Erin Gallagher ($180). The gray Promiscuous pump ($76; zappos.com) won’t compete with your carefully planned embellishments.

Flower Power

The red taffeta dress has a rose front and sweetheart neckline ($55; Arden B.) to bring out your inner girly girl. For this number, we went with a nature-inspired theme by adding a sequin floral clutch by Marciano ($150; Nordstrom) and an 18k gold and Swarovski crystal bird ring by Kenneth Jay Lane ($106; shopbop.com). To give this glamorous hippie look an edge, pair it with these black Zigi Soho heels ($60; DSW).

Uber Chic

For that refined New Year’s gala, we were inspired by Angelina Jolie’s simplistic yet mind-blowing elegance at the ‘09 Oscars. This LBD ($148; French Connection) is an all-round glamorous piece, with its long-sleeve, asymmetrical cut and figure-flattering pleats—topped off with a shoulder bow. Keep with a predominately black palette by throwing on the black satin “Gia” pump with bow detail ($140; Lord & Taylor) and a black satin bag, like this La Regale pleated clutch ($42; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue). If Angie’s 115-carat emerald teardrop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz aren’t in your budget, these green Cubic Zirconia drop earrings ($60; Noir Jewelry) are lighter on the pocketbook and the earlobes.

Rainbow Bright

Sometimes a girl needs some color to cure the winter blues, and this 80′s-inspired look is designed for just that. The metallic blue strapless dress ($129; Bebe) truly makes a statement when paired with a mini quilted bag in “Fragola Pink” ($128; Nordstrom) and the “Deep V” ankle bootie in black ($118; Free People). A colorful bib necklace ($74; Art Effect; 934 W Armitage Ave) completes the look, so you’re ready to rock out to those infamous late-night 80’s tunes.

Party Girl

You can always rely on the sparkle of a sequin dress to ring in the New Year. This one by Ya ($72; Veruca Salt; 1921 N Damen Avenue) is a sultry and dazzling piece that can be styled a number of ways. We gave it a rocker chic vibe with these faux snakeskin pumps by Kelsi Dagger ($65; Nordstrom) and an oversized metallic clutch by BCBGeneration ($58; Macy’s). Finish off this rebal glam outfit with a spiked ring ($85; Noir Jewelry) that says “bring it on 2010.”

The final moments of 2009 are upon us, so toast another year passed and a new year ahead with an eye-catching outfit that wows the party crowd. To all you fashionable Chicagoans, have a stylish New Year!

By Danielle Parker

Images courtesy of BCBG Max Azria, J.Crew, Erin Gallagher, zappos.com, Arden B., Nordstrom, shopbop.com, DSW, French Connection, Lord & Taylor, Lori’s Shoes, Lorraine Schwartz, Noir Jewelry, Bebe, Free People, Art Effect, Veruca Salt, and Macy’s