Social Stylists

Chicago’s Fashion Future

SocialStylists — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:01:33 +0000

Fashion And Media Extravaganza

The international fashion shows for the Fall 2010 season are just closing. Fashion eyes are looking at what’s coming up from big name designers for the next season.
But what about the next several seasons?
Here in Chicago, we just saw the annual F.A.M.E. (Fashion And Media Extravaganza) show featuring students at the Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago.

The designers showcased last night may not have a huge following (yet), but many of these designers are capable of great things in the future. I will definitely be watching.

There were so many great designs, but here are just a few favorites:

Relyn Aguero won the award for sportswear design.
Krista D’amato’s sherbert looks in the Spring Ahead set.
Becky Mueller won the Whole Foods FEED 100 award. Designers created looks from feed bags and proceeds go towards providing food to children in Rwanda.
Savannah Shreves’ “Wonderland” looks in the Structured Chaos feature were a crowd favorite and award winner.
Coral Manor topped of the evening with a show-stopping evening dress complete with a peacock-feathered train. It was also the evening wear award winner.
Bese Guzeldere of Zeyno showed part of her A La Turka collection.

Relyn Aguero Winning Look Sportswear

Relyn Aguero from the Going Green Feature

Relyn Aguero Sportswear

Krista D'Amato Looks from Spring Ahead

Becky Mueller's Winning Look for Whole Foods FEED 100

Whole Foods FEED 100 Looks

Savannah Shreves's Wonderland looks for Structured Chaos

Coral Manor Winner - Evening Wear

Brett Bischoff

Angie Ortega Suenos Collection

Nicole London Textured Dress

Coral Manor Linear Luxury Dress

Spring Debate: Scarf versus Necklace

SocialStylists — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:54:03 +0000

What’s your spring accessory of choice? In the spring, you have to choose between a fantastic necklace and a bold scarf. Wearing both can make you look like you threw on everything you own before leaving the house.

Scarf v. Necklace Orange & Gray Tones

First let’s agree that when it comes to this season’s jewelry, it needs to be bold. Save the dainty stuff for formal outings, big is in.
And then for scarves, the spring choices should be lightweight materials, soft and comfortable, in fashion colors and/or great prints.

But beyond those few guidelines of the current season, the rest is up to personal taste and lifestyle.

So what’s right for you? What does it say about you?

Can you never decide? Go with the scarf, you can take it off easily and then put it right back on – without a mirror. Messing around with a necklace in public just gets you stared at. No one notices the girl that quickly whips off the scarf.

Green and Pink: Scarf v. Necklace

Do you love the layered look? You are definitely a scarf gal, it allows you to do layers even in warmer weather.

Are you a minimalist, a jeans and tee kind of girl? Necklace would probably suit you better because they are usually more simple.

Do you love lots of prints and patterns? Scarf, its the easiest way to wear all the prints you love without looking overdone.

Do you want to blend in more? Necklace, since there is less bulk it won’t draw attention to you in a crowd.

Are your eyes your best feature? Necklace, it will draw the attention to your face instead of your outfit.

Do you have long hair that you like to wear down? Necklace, it’s difficult for long hair to lay properly over scarves.

Do you have fun spiky hair or wear your hair up? Scarf, opposite of above.

Blue Hues: Scarf v Necklace

What you choose on a given day will of course depend on your mood, your hair-day, what you are wearing, etc. The most important thing is don’t get in a rut. You have options, mix it up.

And don’t avoid the scarf (even though you love them) because you are nervous about tying them correctly. Google “how to tie scarves” images and you will come up with lots of options.

Original Soles

SocialStylists — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:00:07 +0000

Editor’s Note: Social Stylists does not receive any compensation for comments regarding Kindred Sole – or any other topic we blog about. We put the Kindred Sole link on the right side of the page solely (pun totally intended) because we love the site and want to share it.

Normally I post about designers or trends. But there is an online shoe boutique that I want to share with everyone – I adore KindredSole.
It’s the most fun you can have shoe shopping. I could go on and on about the site’s inspired shoes and fun links, but instead let’s do an interview with Liz & Beth the duo behind the site & shoes.

Beth (left) and Lizzie (right) of KindredSole

Your love of all things shoes shows in the website, how did you develop the site?

We’ve been developing Kindred Sole for the past 3.5 years now and it’s already flown by. We started with the idea that we wanted to provide something different, something that wasn’t everywhere else! Kindred Sole is all about the customer (cliché, I know but true). So the logical place that we started from was the customer. We began with a detailed profile of our customer: what type of life she leads and consequently what type of shoes she wants to fit her lifestyle.

Two of my favorite links are Shoe are You & Shoe is She How do you come up with the ideas?

Shoe Are You?

These characters refer back to our customer profile research – every woman has an alter ego and what’s to say that every day we all feel the same? Some days we want a casual fashion vibe, other times we want to channel our inner ‘Style Siren’ with our Style Overtime section.
And for the quirky in us all there is ‘Shoe Is She?’ We’ve all walked past a woman and thought ‘Oh my gosh – what is she wearing on her feet’ and this was the vision behind ‘Shoe is She!?’ It’s great to be quirky and you can do that in a conservative way or really push the boundaries – and make a wild impression. A picture says a thousand words, but to us a pair of shoes say that and much more!
These sections are works in progress and we’re enjoying expanding them – it’s a nice change to have a visual of a style that’s approachable, not just an airbrushed fashion image!

Shoe is She

How do you find vintage shoes?
The Vintage Sole section of Kindred Sole is really exciting and we’re enjoying researching old trends and sourcing designer’s vintage styles. We find our vintage shoes in a various locations (a girl can’t give away all her best secrets!) but for instance Lizze and I are going to Paris next week and are hoping to not come home sans shoes!
One important lesson we have learnt when buying Vintage shoes – you cannot delay – if you see a pair don’t hesitate – it’s a true gem when you find a fab pair!

Vintage Bridal is coming soon – what will you be looking for in vintage bridal shoes?

Oh my gosh, we’re so excited about the Vintage Bridal collection! We worked on the traditional idea of ‘Something old, something borrowed and something blue’ and that’s where our inspiration came from! To start it will be a smaller collection but we’ve got some great things – we have a mixture of traditional styles that lots of brides opt for as well as some more unusual styles!
Sneak peak: We’ve got a fabulous vintage Salvatore Ferragamo pair that may just be my personal favourite!

Claudio Rocco Vintage

How did you come up with the idea to do a Designer’s Corner?

We both only graduated last July from university so it was important to us to be able to offer other newly graduated students employment opportunities. Both of us are highly creative and did a Fashion Retail Buying degree. And we’ve witnessed first hand what amazing design talent is out there with students. We wanted to be able to use Kindred Sole as a stage to launch their ideas in collaboration with us and to launch a Kindred Sole Brand label with these up and coming designers.
The response we have gotten from Designers Corner has been fantastic and surpassed our expectations. We’ve been contacted by designers world-wide – not just current students and graduates but also established designers. So watch this space!!

What is your favorite new trend for shoes / what do you see coming up that we all need?
With Spring/Summer just around the corner, we’re really hyped about several fantastic styles and silhouettes that any woman in the fashion-know needs to have in her wardrobe next season.
Our personal must haves are clogs (Chanel revived this style so successfully that they are going to be everywhere!) cuffed sandals and wedges. And that’s just to name a few!

So there you have it, some of the reasons I love Kindred Sole – www.kindredsole.com. There is also an International Shoe Size Conversion chart in the Help Hub. Liz and Beth have made it so easy, thanks gals!

Heading into Spring

SocialStylists — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:38:13 +0000

Lauren Nicole Accents Headband with Spring's best Colors

An outfit without accessories is boring – just an opinion.

My go-to for cold weather accessorizing has been fun tights. But when the weather gets warmer, I have to start thinking of another option.
And for this spring, I’m thinking vintage-inspired headbands, ala Lauren Nicole Accents.

Chicago native Lauren Kessler launched the Lauren Nicole Accents line to combine her love of vintage and couture. A fashion over-achiever, she’s currently attending Syracuse University and has already interned at Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta.

Feminine Colors w/ Jewels

What makes Lauren Nicole Accents headbands special? First, they are handmade. And Lauren creates looks to match what she sees coming up for the season. Check this spring’s jewel-encrusted headbands. Lauren also made sure to incorporate all the best colors of the season. When you have a fashion-insider like Lauren concentrating on one accessory, you can’t help but get great results.

The freedom to pair them with patterns is one of the things I personally love about headbands. Wear them with florals, tribal prints, graphic patterns, whatever. A lot of times with jewelry, it can be difficult to pair great pieces with bold patterns without clashing. Since headbands aren’t right up against the patterns, you have more leeway – and so can have more fun.

But probably the best part is that headbands are an inexpensive way to add your accents. They can change the look with one piece – economically. So you are free to grab a few to go with lots of fun summer looks.

Accessories separate the styled from the dressed. A well-accessorized inexpensive outfit looks better than expensive clothes worn without accents, any day.
You can find all the headbands and more at www.lnaccents.com
By the way, I’m putting down Lauren Kessler as a name to watch for in the fashion world. She’ll be seen next on WGN April 2nd discussing what’s new for spring.

Cynthia Rowley & my Groupie Moment

SocialStylists — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:21:09 +0000

Cynthia Rowley & Me

Yesterday I got the opportunity to meet Chicago’s top fashion export, Cynthia Rowley. I gushed to her, “I’ll try not to go groupie on you, but I’m a big fan.”

If you aren’t from Chicago, you may think Cynthia Rowley is an indie designer gaining serious traction. She’s recently guest judged on Project Runway and made guest appearances on David Letterman, the View, and more. But here in Chicago, she’s the benchmark of success for young designers. She is also rapidly becoming a global brand.

A bit of background – Cynthia Rowley grew up in a Chicago suburb and then attended the School of the Art Institute Chicago before launching her line. Her designs have the 3 Fs to make women feel pretty – fun, flirty, & feminine. She takes simple silhouettes and adds the “wow” factor. (See Cynthia’s Fall 2010 Runway Show pictures).

Beyond the designs, Cynthia Rowley has the boldness needed to go from local girl to global brand. When as a senior at the Art Institute she sold her first collection of 8 pieces to New York department stores, Cynthia grabbed control and ran – to New York. Once there legend has it that Ms Rowley held her first runway show in her apartment and invited all the major NYC fashion editors and Andy Warhol. None showed, but Cynthia was definitely on her way.

Cynthia's Studded Tights

What was the designer wearing? She had on a fantastic brocade top with an embellished neckline paired with a tutu-style layered skirt and the most amazing studded tights, all her own. The tights are sold out on her website but I’ll be stopping by the Lincoln Park store today to see if they have any left. (Full list of Cynthia Rowley boutiques).

Now it’s been announced that Cynthia Rowley will take on the project of redesigning all the uniforms for United Airlines – pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, everyone. It’s a tremendous job and a huge challenge for someone that is still her own company. But then, like my favorite quote from the Widow (Veuve) Clicquot, “one must act with audacity.”

By the way, she simply could not be any nicer, and yes, she is that adorable in person.

The State of Luxury

SocialStylists — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:44:22 +0000

Louis Vuitton Logo

Last week I got caught up watching CNN’s Luxury Life reporting on the status of luxury retailers in the current economy. What really got my attention was the new marketing strategy CNN was reporting that Louis Vuitton is about to embark upon.
The new LV campaign will focus on the details that go in to creating luxury.
My first reaction was, “Do consumers care?” Don’t the people buying Louis Vuitton already know that they are paying for the craftsmanship?

Rodarte for Target

But then the report went on to say that Patek Philippe has been minimally hurt by the recession. The same was true for Hermes. Basically, the true luxury houses haven’t been hurt as much by the recession as the mid-level luxury retailers.
At a time when we’ve recently seen Escada bought out, and we are waiting to see what happens at Prada, it might be time to think about what is luxury and what is high-end fashion. It’s no secret that Prada has been significantly hit by the recent recession. Reports are that Prada is nearly $1 billion in debt and will soon need outside financing.

This is also a time when we are watching fashion darlings like Rodarte and Jean Paul Gaultier design for Target. And then there is Sonia Rykiel and Jimmy Choo designing for H&M. This makes it even more transparent to the consumer that name and design are different from quality and craftsmanship.

So will learning more about what goes into creating luxury help you decide to buy it? Or is the bottom line how something looks?
For me, this makes it all clear – there is luxury and there is fashion. Both have their place. But only rarely do those two ever cross paths. And when they do, the price is steep.

Editor’s note: I am very excited for the Rodarte collection at Target! I have been impressed with the quality of the designer offerings so far at Target.

Great Expectations in Pilsen

SocialStylists — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:35:29 +0000

Last week I had the opportunity to stop by Anna Brown’s studio in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago to meet the designer. I was immediately struck by how down-to-earth she was and how she has more to offer the fashion world than I think even she knows yet.

Anna Brown's Sketch Book

Her first small collection that she did for school (Columbia College Chicago) was selected for Fashion Focus Chicago 2009 Dress Code and immediately people starting expecting great things of Anna Brown. Post school she settled into a Pilsen area studio and started working on her own.

Right now Anna is currently working on a 15 piece capsule collection that she will be unveiling late summer / early fall. The collection is inspired by aerodynamics – the way the wind flows over an object and the pattern created after the air is disrupted.

When I first looked at Anna Brown’s pieces, my immediate thought was, “architectural draping.” It seems contradictory, but the draping Anna does has structure. She achieves the structure through the positioning and construction of her seamlines – rather than force it with extra fabric. So her designs end up with structure in a soft silhouette.

Asymmetrical elements also have a strong presence in Anna’s designs. And in a show of confidence, the materials Anna chooses to work with are simpler fabrics such as men’s woolens and shirting fabrics. She also avoids using lining in her designs, preferring to let her garments stand alone.

A work in progress

Dress with Asymmetrical Pocket

For now Anna is still doing all of her own sewing, and the details in the looks show her commitment to her designs. If you were to turn an Anna Brown piece inside out, you will find the interior seams done with the same details as what you see on the outside. To Anna everything is important – what you see and what you don’t.

Put down Anna Brown as a designer to watch.

Anna-Brown.com
Email contact@anna-brown.com
Special Orders available

FASHION BY THE RULES: The Unlikely Classic

SocialStylists — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:02:18 +0000

Jeffy Bruce

Thanks to Jeffy Bruce for this weekend’s post. He is busy right now at New York Fashion Week.
Jeffy Bruce’s fashion history includes styling celebrity clients, design director for well-known international stores, and work as a buyer.
CLIENTS:
Linda Grey , Linda Evans, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild, Anne Bass, Brooke Astor, Farah Dihba, Victoria Principal and many unnamed social types from coast to coast.
He is also a weekly and monthly columnist to the following publications: Oligoville, Woman2Woman Business Magazine, and JeffyBruce.Blogspot.com
(I know I left out something since he has worked in just about every area of the fashion industry, but we are very happy to have Jeffy Bruce contribute).

Leopard Print in Color

It would seem that something, once regarded as cheap and tawdry, would not become a staple in fashion, from haute couture to mass retailing, but the appearance of Leopard at every level of fashion retailing has become ubiquitous.
For over 20 years I have actively sung its praises and have regarded it as a must for any season in almost any classification. I exercised my belief when I was a buyer and its merits were well proven. The pattern has withstood the sands of time and is visible in the collections of Dior or Dolce to the selling floors of Kohl’s to Walmart.

Christian Louboutin Boots

I find that the most effective use of Leopard is when used as an accent and used in tandem with black or red or if you dare………grey flannel. The one caveat of leopard is not to overdo it. Too much of a good thing …..well can be too much !!

Leopard offers up choices for cold weather wear or swimwear, for coats or lingerie or even for shoes and handbags……….the pattern has a long history (from Fredericks of Hollywood) but has truly stayed its course thru the channels of “high fashion” which assures its place at every level of retailing for many years to come……………what is very revealing of the pattern is that its appeal spans from infants to adult and everything in between.

Tory Burch Flats

Marc Jacobs Tote

Leopard Print Wide Belt

Leopard Print Accessories

Classic Leopard Print Dress

After having spent a few hours doing web research on the pattern, I have been proven correct from Netaporter, style.com, Neimans, Saks Kohl’s and more. My suggestion is to have a look and decide where Leopard fits into your wardrobe.
For upcoming coverage of the Fall 2010 collections, please follow me at http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/ or on Facebook

Spring’s (Scary) Stark White

SocialStylists — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:52:55 +0000

Black Halo Paris Sheath

I spent last week unpacking the spring orders at my boutique.
It’s generally a happy occasion when I remember, “oh yes, I ordered that. “
But then every so often – and any buyer should admit to this – there will be an “uh, I hope people like this” moment. Which is what I thought when I opened this season’s version of white.

I’m not talking just white or bright white.
I’m talking put-down-the-teeth-whitener-you-are-glowing white.

Is it practical? Will people embrace it?
Will people buy it??

I did a couple of pairing tests.
One of my favorite looks is crisp white against browns or tans. The very stark white of this spring looks uneven against earth tones. This shade of white will pair best with blacks, primaries and metallics.

And with the primaries, this spring’s white is strongest with graphics prints. Florals looked unnatural when paired with the unrealistic white. A more subtle white – one that might actually be found in nature – would pair much better. The metallics however, look fantastic with this shade.

Piazza Sempione Sheath

Burberry Hooded Jacket

Marc Jacobs Satchel

Maybe it when it warms up someday (a gal can dream), it won’t seem so dramatic.

A few years ago, I felt the same way when I opened a box full of bright orange bags. My initial reaction was “are these meant to be caution cones?”
It took a day or so, but I fell in love with that color.
And that color turned out to be my biggest seller – ever.

Work Hard and Stay in Style.

SocialStylists — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:43:23 +0000

Oasis Ponte Cut Away Sheath in Turquoise

You are very busy at work these days. And sadly that means no time for shopping – at least not when stores are open.
So you’ve been online at odd hours looking at the new collections. Some things are easy to buy online: Shoes, Accessories, Make-Up, etc.
But clothes are all about the fit, so you need to see them in person.

You need to check out the Worth Collection.
It’s perfect for working women – especially ones with hectic schedules. Having been around since 1991, The Worth Collection has ironed out the details to make shopping effortless.

Look 29 Cinnabar Group

Convenience is the first thing the Worth Collection tackled. You shop when it’s right for you. Once a new collection is introduced (4 times a year), a Worth Representative sets up a trunk show for clients to view the new line. You make an appointment with your Rep at a time that works into your schedule – before work, after work, on your lunch hour, whenever.

Second, you’ll get personal attention. No waiting to find a salesperson that is working with other busy women trying to cram shopping into their lunch hour. And your rep will also help you with overall looks. It’s like having a stylists/personal shopper in one.

Black Dot Faille Sweet Sheath

And finally when it comes to quality, one turn through a Worth Collection trunk show and you’ll know that these clothes are the highest materials and fit. The attention the designers pay to style detailing (buttons, stitching, etc) is a major reason for Worth’s growing popularity. It’s all so well thought out.

Then after you find the looks you love, you place the order in your size – Worth carries sizes 0 – 20, plus Petites 0 – 14. There is no wondering if your size will be available, because it always is attainable. Then in two to four weeks, you new looks arrive.

Why? Because Worth understands that you work long hours, and lunch time is way too rushed for you to go to a store. The weekends, well those are for catch-up and giving much needed attention to a boyfriend or husband or yourself.

My Worth Representative in Chicago is Beth Prew – email her bprew@worthcollection.com to view the current collection.
Find one in your area at WorthNY.com