Category Archives: Fashion

Tis the Season…for Shopping

03 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in Fashion, Holiday, Shopping

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Although it may be 60 degrees in Chicago, December has officially arrived. The dreaded winter months are approaching, but before the city goes into hibernation mode it’s important to live up this holiday season! With the holidays comes family, friends, traditions, parties and of course shopping. No matter who you are shopping for, the city’s best boutiques have something for everyone on your list.

Jonathan Adler (676 N Wabash) has the absolute best gifts. The well-known designer’s Chicago storefront has plenty of holiday specific items such as festive Christmas ornaments and gorgeous Hannukah Menorahs. The bright colors and hues will stand out in any room.

menorah

(Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler)

Local Chicago jewelry designer, Erin Gallagher, sells her unique designs at Gem Bar (1013 W Webster). Browse her large collection of metals, stones and crystals or customize your own work of art. While this designer caters to all price points, you will look like a million bucks without actually spending it.

Is the man in your life as well-dressed as you would like? That answer is most likely no, so hit up the Trunk Club (325 W Ohio) this holiday season. Trunk Club is the city’s answer to helping men who are in need of a wardrobe update. With your own personal stylist, you can be sure your guy is finding trendy clothes that he loves.

For all of your upcoming holiday parties & events, be sure to pick out something fabulous to wear. From cocktail dresses to funky harem pants, Edith Hart, Sofia, Scoop NYC & Aritzia are some of my personal favs for any occasion.

EDT00267

(Photo courtesy of Edith Hart)

Happy hunting!

Inspired by Gwen’s Casual Cool

15 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by in Fashion

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The other day, I was clearing spring and summer clothes out of my closet to make room for fall and winter, and I noticed that every single pair of my shoes are some variation of brown, black or gray. Every pair.

So when I saw a photo (see below) of my biggest girl crush, Gwenyth Paltrow, wearing red Rag & Bone booties, I knew I needed to break out of my rut. Except, maybe for a bit less than $475 (Gwen’s just a little “out of touch” on this topic… as evidenced by her useful product recommendations like a $425 cleanse supplements, $485 striped sweater, and Turkish Hammam hydrotherapy as a hangover cure, all below).

Anyway…here is what I found. The Rag & Bone originals are available at ShopBop, and the rust-colored alternatives are DV by Dolce Vita, available at Piperlime. (Oh, and the Turkish Hammam above – that’s at the Trump in SoHo. In case you’re feeling a bit under the weather).

Stripes, Studs & Sunflowers

08 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by in Fashion

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A few weeks ago, a group of friends and I headed to Indiana to pick apples and pumpkins – a recent tradition that we follow with a scary movie…then usually another one that’s not so scary, given that most of us will have to drive or walk home in the dark that night.

The orchard was selling sunflower stalks for $1 each. Recently, when I saw that the new Coach legacy line included pieces made with bright, “sunflower yellow” leather, I put together the below.

1. J.Crew, 2. Coach, 3. Zara. P.S. – Sunglasses are Marc Jacobs from ShopBop.

Falling for Color

05 Wednesday Sep 2012

Posted by in Fashion

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

As all avid COAD readers know, I am a sucker for colored denim. All summer I have been rocking various hues and this coming fall, the fun continues.

As the leaves begin to turn, so are the shades of denim. Darker shades of red, green, purple and blue are making their way into our closets. Some of my fall favorites include Blank NYC’s Rhubarb skinny and Life in Progress skinny jeans in plum from Forever 21.

(Photo courtesy of Blank NYC)

In addition to the colored denim fad, I also am loving all of the pattern denim options. This season patterns are all the rage, so feel free to mix and match and emulate that style you have been dreaming of. Urban Outfitters is sporting numerous looks this fall such as their high-rise grey florals, blue leopard skinnies and the newest tuxedo trend.

(Photo courtesy of Paige Denim)

If you are looking for a more high end, long lasting pair of jeans, check out Paige Denim. Paige has endless options of color, style and patterns suitable for all tastes. Get a head start on your fall wardrobe and stock your closet with the latest denim trends!

Le Smoking Flat

09 Thursday Aug 2012

Posted by in Fashion

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The shoe of the season for Fall 2012, is, unquestionably, the smoking flat.

Once confined to the drawing rooms of the the Hugh Hefners of the world, and accompanied only by silk pajamas, these comfortable loafers are now perfectly acceptable paired with skinny jeans and sidewalks.

Any they’re available at every price. Prada and Jimmy have issued their takes – but lucky for those of us who can’t afford to buy shoes as expensive as our rent, also available are the bright, spotted and studded versions below.

TopShop, Nine West, Jeffrey Campbell, Dolce Vita

Summer Festivals: Old Town Art Fair

06 Wednesday Jun 2012

Posted by in Charity, Culture, Events, Fashion, Food

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Summer is finally here, and that means so are street festivals, outdoor concerts, farmer markets and art fairs. This weekend,  June 9th and 10th, the Old Town Art Fair will be in full effect from 10am – 8pm on Saturday and 10am – 6pm on Sunday.  The main gate is located at Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street.

This particular fair brings artists, jewelers and foodies from all over together, and is topped off with bands and feel-good music. Last year I indulged in some local eats, beautifully unique piece from Jules, sold at CityBlue and a throwback ‘Beatles” concert. This year you will find the “Gallery of Gardens (a garden walk through more than 50 urban home gardens)”, a music stage featuring local talent, a children’s corner offering arts and crafts activities, and a food court populated by local eateries.”  All donations are raised for improved living, working and recreational conditions in the area. (The requested donation is $7.00.)

Get outside and enjoy all that this amazing city has to offer!

Maxed Out on a Budget

16 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by in Fashion

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

My go-to this summer is the maxi. This past mother’s day I wore my recently purchased green maxi dress – no one believed it was from Old Navy, for only $29! It’s a fashionable and fitting cut that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

Above are some of my favorites this season. One of my favorites are the uniquely-cut chiffon maxi dresses and skirts from TopShop. Others include FELICITY & COCO’s Belted Jersey Maxi Dress and Joie’s Griffin Maxi Skirt.

Vintage, California Cool Hits Chicago

11 Friday May 2012

Posted by in Events, Fashion, Shopping

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

This is a big weekend for shopping in Chicago, as two L.A. retailers bring their brand of California-cool to the Second City.

Decades, famous for both its luxury vintage couture and modern designer wares, will set up shop in Space519 at 900 North Michigan Avenue today through May 13.

E-tailer Rad + Refined is also making a return to Chicago’s Waldorf Astoria, to host a pop-up shop benefitting Parkinson’s Disease Research Society (PDRS). Those who make a purchase from Rad and Refined will also be given an awesome gift bag filled with Mink Pink, Digital Tape Machine, Chill Entertainment, Cheeky Chicago and eDrop-off!

Stand by for COAD’s finds at each, and a preview of next week’s sale at Krista K in Lakeview!

Turban Style Headbands

01 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by in Fashion, Shopping

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

After scouting out all of the Coachella trends, I noticed one standout: the turban style headband. Perfect for day or night and of course for various summer festivals, these headbands are here to stay.

Inspired by the festival look and more importantly by my style icon, Nicole Richie, I had to give in to the trend myself. Find the color and style that best represents you.

Etsy, a place to buy and sell various handmade, vintage and artsy items, is my new favorite accessory hub. For under $20, this site has the best selection of solids and patterns to suit every personality.


(Photo courtesy of Etsy)

Bohemian chic is forever in style and the clothing and accessories at Free People represent this look best. Deep hues and crochet fabrics are just some of their latest spring looks.

(Photo courtesy of Free People)

For a more expensive look, make your way to ShopBop for a great assortment of headbands. Leopards and bright colors are among my personal favorites.

(Photo courtesy of ShopBop)

Which color and pattern will you rock this summer?

Earth Week: Denim Therapy

23 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by in Do Good, Fashion, Green

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

For decades, “hippie jeans” recalled extra-wide bell bottom flares and  high waists paired with platforms and fringe.

That was before Denim Therapy, a mail-in denim repair service that promises to make your washed out, holed up jeans look like new. You simply mail-in your denim, wait for a repair estimate to arrive by email and then eagerly anticipate your jeans’ arrival. (Then feel good about yourself, because your closet and your wallet are now greener.)

This Earth Week, Denim Therapy is offering 10 percent off its services – simply enter the code EARTH12 at checkout! For a full explanation on how Denim Therapy works, check out the how-to video below.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 379 other followers