Posts Tagged ‘Zappos’

Shearling Boots

Friday, December 11th, 2009

As with any winter, my footwear dilemma is finding a weekend boot that’s comfy, on-trend and fall-proof. This season, it’s the heeled shearling boots that fit my requirements. Their woodsy appearance is a refreshing footwear option—different from the omnipresent Ugg and riding boot. Add to the mix a chunky rubber heel or wedge that can hold up to a Saturday of shopping, and I’m sold.

1. Diane Von Furstenberg’s “Java” boot in “Grape” ($239; zappos.com) adds a splash of color to your winter wardrobe, and the gold zipper is a glamorous touch to this otherwise terrain-treading style.

2. For a playful look, Dollhouse’s “Zest High Heel Work Boot” ($60; dollhouse.com) has green stitching and laces that give it a personality all its own.

3. If your style is more classic chic with an edge, this Colin Stuart lace-up bootie ($79; Victoria’s Secret) has a timeless shape with a touch of attitude.

4. In my opinion, Michael Michael Kors shoes are a reasonably priced, fashion-forward go-to season after season. The “Berkshire Wedge” ($169; shoes.com) is no exception, with its chic take on a worker boot.

5. If one of your weekend boot criteria is holding up to snowy slush, these faux patent boots ($210; City Soles) will stand up to puddles and make a statement.

6. Looking at Rocket Dog’s “Bonfire” boot ($90; piperline.com), you know you’ve found a shoe that’s as comfortable as it is stylish.

Comfy? Check. On-trend? Check. Fall-proof? With my clumsiness, I sure hope so…

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Zappos, Dollhouse, Victoria’s Secret, Shoes.com, City Soles, and Piperline

Tags: Boot, Bootie, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, City Soles, Colin Stuart, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dollhouse, Michael Michael Kors, Piperline, Rocket Dog, Shearling, Shoes.com, Trends, Victoria's Secret, Zappos
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Holiday Sparkle

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

The holidays are upon us, and that means cocktail and dinner parties galore. Maybe it’s all the sparkly holiday décor, but this time of year makes me want shiny attire for all the parties scheduled on my iPhone calendar. Since many get-togethers are after work, I went hunting for versatile sequins that can go from day to night. Thankfully, there are zillions of pieces to choose from this season. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. This tank by Wren ($308; She Boutique) packs the comfort necessary for a full day’s wear. Pair it with a pencil skirt, a black tuxedo blazer, and a peep-toe bootie for a glamorous yet office-ready look.

2. A menswear-inspired piece is an unexpected way to wear sequins. This vest ($16; Forever 21) will dazzle atop a white button-up shirtdress, black tights, and over-the-knee boots.

3. Baby, it’s cold outside, and sometimes only a cozy sweater will cut it! This sequined cardigan by LaROK ($244; shopbop.com) is conservative enough for the office and glamorous enough for cocktail hour.

4. A scarf can add sparkle in moderation. This one by Rozae by Rozae Nichols ($198; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Street) is a super wearable piece that can be mixed and matched with a variety of looks, from a body con LBD to wide-leg trousers and a fitted tee.

5. We women of Chicago depend on flats as a main form of transportation. Not only meant for comfort, a fashionable pair of ballet flats are perfectly acceptable party attire, especially these BC patterned ones ($56; zappos.com). Try them with a black chunky knit sweater and gray leggings.

6. For a touch of flair, sequin headbands, like this gold and black one ($4; Forever 21), can add that extra oomph of pizazz to just about any look.

7. The right handbag can take an outfit from chic to spectacular. This Angel Jackson sequin and stud bag ($387; farfetch.com) will be show-stopping against a black fitted turtleneck and black cropped pants. Cross the chain strap over you chest for a fabulously uniform look.

Rarely does a season come around when sporting sequins during the day is an acceptable fashion move, so discard standard sequin etiquette while you can!

By Meghan Turner with Arin Agase

Images courtesy of She Boutique, shopbop.com, zappos.com, Forever 21, farfetch.com and Fix Boutique

Tags: Angel Jackson, BC, Fix Boutique, Forever 21, LaRok, Rozae by Rozae Nichols, sequins, She Boutique, shopbop.com, Trends, Wren, Zappos
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Double Duty

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Seasonal trends are like ticking time bombs for our wallets. We want every must-have look in every must-have color, but drastic times call for drastic shopping measures. With the bevy of glorious trends for autumn and winter, we’re helping you maximize your purchases to get the most trend bang for your buck. We compiled six items that tap into multiple trends so you can stretch your dollar and still get some of the season’s hottest looks.

Mini Dress + Structured Shoulders
A bodycon mini dress is a going-out necessity this fall, and shape-forming structured shoulders are a nod to the ‘80s resurrection. Mix them together, and you’ve got a hot dress that’s sexy but not over-the-top. Wear it with gladiator heels and a boyfriend blazer for an all-around fashion-forward look. Dress by Topshop, $80.

Velvet + Leggings
The holidays are around the corner, and velvet has a way of spreading some fashion cheer. It’s a classic fabric that’s been getting lots of runway attention, making it as hip as it is elegant. When it’s applied to leggings, it’s a stylish (and warm!) substitute for tights. And let’s face it, tights aren’t particularly desirable for Chicago ladies waiting in the snow and wind for delayed public transit. Leggings by J. Cooper at Lord & Taylor, $58.

Sweats + Blazer
Fashion and sweats rarely go in the same sentence, but cotton sweats are heating things up this season. We’re all for fashion that’s comfortable, so as long as it doesn’t resemble gym clothes, we’ll take it. When our favorite garment, the blazer, sports the comfy fabric, we’ll wear it until it’s a pile of lint. Blazer by Blake Standard, $158.

Drapery + One-Shoulder
When a dress combines draped satin and a one-shoulder neckline, the effect is a beautiful and flirty frock that satisfies the trend craving while maintaining a sense of classic fashion. Drapery awed on the fall runways and the one-shoulder grabbed attention for its youthful appeal, so this elegant pairing is an inspired duo that will awe your friends as well. Dress by Foley + Corinna at Intermix, $360.

Sequins + Metallic
Sequins and metallics are two trends that put a little sparkle in our eye. From handbags to dresses to cardigans, they’re on every imaginable accessory and garment this season. Many of the items are designed for day and evening, so you’ve got some creative freedom. One of our favorite fall looks is a gold sequin tank under a matte black double-breasted blazer. Tank by Club Monaco, $189.

Booties + Over-the-Knee
We’re shocked by this boot’s versatility and practicality. Each zipper removes a section of leather, taking the height from over-the-knee to bootie in seconds – just zip and go! The silver zippers give the boot a trendy edge whether it’s in one piece or not. Boots by Kors by Michael Kors at Zappos.com, $550.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Topshop, Lord & Taylor, Black Standard, Intermix, Club Monaco and Zappos

Tags: Accessories, Blake Standard, booties, Chicago Shopping, Club Monaco, Foley + Corinna, Intermix, Kors Michael Kors, Lord and Taylor, Over-the-knee boot, Shoes, Topshop, Trends, Zappos
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