Chi-town Chic

This is Bananas

In the spirit of Gwenyth Paltrow's GOOP, Rachel Zoe is launching a newsletter and website of her own.  Sources say it will start tomorrow (August 4th) and will feature Zoe's thoughts on apparel, accessories, and "lifestyle" (whatever that means). 

Though Zoe claims her opinions will be independent of advertising interests it comes at a very convenient time as her show starts back up on Bravo in a few weeks.  Personally, I am excited to see the train wreck, I mean the Zoe Report continue to unfold...

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Kenley, Kenley, Kenley

 I always believed in my heart that Kenley Collins (finalist on last year's Project  Runway) was crazy.  And I don't think I was alone in that thought.  Now we have real proof!  Read This.   That is right people...she was charged with assault for, among other things, throwing her cat at her fiance!!! Something tells me that a happy marriage is not in the cards for those two.

 Domestic Violence is not funny...but you have to admit it is kind of funny when the weapon of choice is the family pet (please cat lovers, I already know I am evil, do not send hate mail).  I find secret satisfaction in this because I really disliked Kenley during the show (i.e. I would have thrown a cat at her if I had the option). The woman drove me nuts.

This does not bode well for Kenley's career.  She isn't established enough to be seen as eccentric.   Though she has some really innovative ideas, she will now forever be known as the crazy lady from Runway.  Love it.

In Memoriam

"Fashion fades. Style is eternal." Yves Saint Laurent

Project Runway's Rami Kashou

If you liked Rami's style (from Project Runway: one of the best shows ever!) then get excited because he is currently selling his latest collection in stores!  You can get his designs at Maneater Threads online with free ground shipping...not a bad deal!

Summer Whites

When I think of wearing all white I automatically think of sun tans, vacations, and summertime.  I am not a stickler about the Memorial Day-Labor Day rule when it comes to whites.  I really like this Diane von Furstenberg design.  The wide leg pants are classic with a cuff buttom and the pleated chiffon top has 3/4 length sleeves, a v-neck, and a rope trim.  The rope trim detailing gives a nautical feel. I want to spend some time on a boat or at a yacht club so that I have an excuse to wear an outfit like this one!

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Layers, Layers, Layers

I love to layer.  I might even go as far as to call myself the "Queen of Layering."  I layer for many different reasons: sometimes I am cold (often the case), sometimes I am trying to keep my clothing looking appropriate, and sometimes it is because that is what is necessary to make clothing look good (especially on an ugly day) 

Anyway, I was reading We Covet and discovered this. The topless undershirt! What a wonderful idea!  It allows you to have a longer layer without all the bulk up top, straps, etc.  I know this isn't a new concept, but this is the first I have seen it for non maternity usage.  I must admit that it made me a wee bit sad that it is sold in their "mama clothes" section...since I am not a mom yet I feel the need to own it, but I am sure I will get over that quickly when I am wearing it.  I am dreaming right now of all the shirts I have shrunk that can come back into wardrobe rotation!

The undershirts can be found at Bediboo for $15 and comes in five colors (black, brown, white, teal, and tan) and in small, medium, or large.

April Showers...

I am not a big fan of the rain (growing up with curly hair I wanted straight...made rain and humidity my enemy #1) but if I have to walk through the rain I want to look stylish while suffering through it!

Having a cute umbrella is a must have fashion accessory if you life anywhere in a rainy climate (which is pretty much all spring around here).  Fortunately plenty of places are selling cute umbrellas this season! I could buy dozens of them...and at the rate I seem to leave them places I think I will need too!

Below are some great options: I like the bright colors in the two top ones but I also couldn't help but fall in love with the whales!

Coach Umbrella- $88

 

Marc by Marc Jacobs- $58

J. Crew- $39.50

Number One

And finally...the number one way that Nordstrom suggests you bring a glamorous global twist to your look...

Gladiator Sandals!  But since we know how I feel about gladiator sandals (see previous post) I am choosing my own #1 global twist....drumroll please....

Animal Prints.

I know that not everyone feels bold enough to pull off an entire dress of leopard print, but animal prints in even a small accent (a scarf or purse) can be a fun way to spice up an outfit.

I chose this beaded dress by L.A.M.B. because it was fun and flirty and bold without being loud and obnoxious.  There is nothing worse than someone in head to toe hooker style animal print.

The ruffle at the front and back of the scoop neck with the beading and mesh at the empire waist show the great details.  I also like the way it falls...it flows instead of just hanging under the waist. 

If you are looking to add a little fun to your spring/summer wardrobe...try some animal print.

Number 5

Moving to the middle...onto the number five way that Nordstrom suggests you can give a global twist to your spring look...

#5: Natural Materials

As becoming "green" is increasingly trendy...so is wearing clothing made from natural materials.  Shoes (and other items) made of cork, wood, and bamboo are everywhere this spring.  The neutral palette makes them perfect to wear with other earth tones or to tone down some of the bright colors, patents, and metallics that are popular as well. 

Nordstrom's Top 10 things to add a glamorous global twist to your look

Nordstrom just promoted a 10 ten list of how to add a global twist to your wardrobe.  Many of the looks you can find in the current magazine ads because "global" is popular this spring. 
I really liked the ideas so I am going to count them down...choosing my favorite looks from Nordstrom's suggestions. 

Starting with #10:  Handmade Details.

This top is made by Free People.  The front has a pretty horizontal stripe with a loose fit that ends with a wide banded wast. The floral knit cutout in the back has lots of detail and I think a great contrast to the stripes in the front. 

I like that it is casual but feminine and it shows off great shoulders and back muscles (well at least on the model!)

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