Hot Head

Headwear is an ever important accessory that some shy away from, and some embrace to the fullest.  With the help of Blair Waldorf, the headband made its way back into our lives and boutiques, but these were not the headbands that we grew up with.  Yes, bows adorned the bands, but better colors and fabrics were chosen for Headband 2.0.  Embellished headbands, feathered headbands  and bold accented headbands were stocked anywhere from Nordstroms to Urban Outfitters to Forever 21.  Girls were scooping up the headbands like they were hotcakes.  The look can be young, or it can be sophisticated.  Ms. Waldorf always looks so posh and high society with her headbands., but not everyone has the key (and the great hair) to pulling off a headband.

Some girls prefer wraps and other forms of headwear, a la Nicole Richie, circa a few years ago.  The girl would not leave the house with her head topper.  She loved it so much, that she worked her line, House of Harlow 1960, to include head jewels and head embellishments.  Some fashion experts say that the Axl Rose headband across-the-forehead look is dead and done (personally, I still don't mind it so much, especially in a warm weather vacation spot).

The last big headwear item that sweeps the nation is hats.  Many celebrities have their favorite hats, including the hot mess of them all, Lindsay Lohan.  She wears knit hats, fedoras, and everything in between.  The girl cannot keep herself head on straight, hence the hat.  Just my guess anyway.  

Any of the hot headed items listed above would be great paired with any JLee Silver item, or even the Erin Campbell blouses I am hearing so much about.  Whatever you choose to pair with your headwear, make it look good, stylish and confident.

Scarf it Down

It's truly a miracle how a long chunk of fabric can transform an outfit.  Scarves have always been popular for warming that little neck of yours during the Chicago winter, but turns out scarves have made themselves a year-round fashion staple.  In the winter, you may see a stylish girl in a Burberry scarf wrapped twice around her neck in an effort to stay warm, yet in the summer you may see a fashionista walking down the street with bare arms but a summer scarf loosely knotted around her neck.  Perfect example of a scarf turning an outfit into a style staple.  I tend to stick to pashminas for the colder months, they offer style and warmth.  I lie to buy a variety of styles and colors, ranging from metallic grey to basic black, creamy beige to ombre purple.  These fringed scarves make everyone look a little more put together and polished.  Even if all you're wearing is a zip up hoodie.  In the summer, the scarves drop the weight and become light and airy.  Patterns and colors become more vibrant and the crazier the better.  I did always find it weird that someone would dress in a tank dress, yet they would have a scarf on.  I guess now I understand the power of a scarf.  The summery gauzy fabric can take you to another level.  I can admit it, I was wrong before...I am now addicted to scarves.

Layers

There was once a time when I was not into layering (gasp!)  I know, it's weird especially living in Chicago, layering is the key to warmth and happiness in the cold and dark winter months.  Dressing cute in the winter has become a challenge, but I think I have figured out the way to do it.  You can still wear those summery dresses and shirts, they just need a layered spin.  For example, say you have a great summery pink tank top, and you are dying to wear it out, because, its just perfect.  If the cut allows, you can put a long sleeve underneath it or a cardigan over it.  Just because a color hits the racks in the spring/summer, does not make it a summer piece.  I wear plenty of whites and brights in the winter, it just needs to look right.  

The other night I decided to be bold and go for the jean-shorts with tights trend.  Unsure of how it would look and be received by my posse, I looked to blogs on what to pair it with.  Many fashion blogs suggested pairing the look with a blousy-wintery top, something black perhaps?  I thought about that one, and mentally perused my closet and a few items stood out.  The other option was to go distressed t/boyfriend blazer.  Because I didn't want to go that route, I was left between two choices: a blacker long sleeve Zara blouse with bold shoulders, or a black long sleeve Zara blouse with a bib-like design.  I decided to not overdo too many trends (ie bold shoulder and jean-shorts/tights) so I went with the bib-like blouse.  I finished the look with black patent platform heels, to elongate my legs, since I doubted my leg length with the shorts.  I think my friends were a bit thrown off, but not too much, and the outfit did get kudos and cred.

The next day, Nicole Richie was photographed wearing the jean-short/tights trend while debuting her Winter Kate line.  I couldn't be happier that I took a fashion risk and went for it!  Thank you, Nicole Richie, for validating my fashion sense.

NYFW 2010

Fashion is in the air!  NYFW Fall 2010 came equipped with amazing designers and one-of-a-kind styles that graced the runway.  Models strutted the catwalk in many fashions, but two of the hottest trends were the mico-minis (so short they could have been mistaken for belly shirts) and sharp shoulders.  One of our favorites was the Jill Stuart show that showcased plenty of plaid, chunky knits, and body-con dresses.  I would love to have for this one color-blocked cream and grey coat, so adorable.  Paired with a one-shoulder body-con dress and tights would kill.  I wasn't so hot on the one piece dress-jumpsuit, but if that's fashion forward then by all means go for it.  I don't think I would necessarily rock it, but the models sure can.  Stuart's luxe knits were perfect for curling up by the fire with a warm mug of hot cocoa...my mouth is salivating for this!  Stuart went full force into velvet and velor, and made amazing dresses out of a fabric that is normally unflattering for most women.  The hats that graced the model's head were reminiscent of a Ralph Lauren collection, a little bit of a riding style seemed to flow throughout the clothes.  Ugh, I wish I was at fashion week!  Til the next blog, ta ta!

A Touch of Spring

Out with the old and in with the new!  Everyone is familiar with that saying, and in our office, we are no different.  Yesterday, Lindsay, our customer service connoisseur, condensed our Fall/Winter 2009 inventory, and made room for the Spring 2010 shipment that arrived moments ago.  Virbant colors like pinks, blues greens and bright whites spilled out of the overstuffed boxes, and it was a moment like "AHHHHHHH!" (you know, like in a movie when a door opens and a ray of light is shining, yeah, it was similar to that.)  So Spring has arrived...early in fact.  The rest of the shipment arrives Friday, which gives us fashionstas something to look forward to despite the wintery mix we have so graciously received.  I plan on making my way ASAP into stores and boutiques to pick up some new Spring arrivals...just as soon as I can bear walking in the city in this blistery cold.  Duty calls!

Snow Day!

Not really, but I wish it was.  Isn't it weird how you hope and pray for a snow day when you're younger, but it seems as though when you're older you still hope and pray for one, but it never comes?  And, when you're working, it's like you cannot miss a day.  My how things have changed!  Especially snow day fashion.  Remember having your mom or dad bundle you up in winter gear (aka snowsuit, snow pants, parka, hat, gloves, neck-warmer, ear-warmer, the list goes on) just so you could go outside for 5 minutes, roll around, build a snowman and then comes inside and jump into a warm shower?  These days my winter snow day wardrobe has changed significantly.  For one, I no longer want snow, I want sun.  When Mother Nature, as lovely as she is, blesses us Chicagoans with a dumping of snow, I panic.  This means that I have to bundle, but in a different way than my younger years.  Jeans do not suffice in this cold, and can become damp too easily.  I usually stick to dri-fit leggings (LuLu Lemon Under Wunders are genius!), two pairs of socks (thin ones and then the Hunter Wellie Fleece inserts), and I craft a layering plan for my top half.  Normally it consists of at least a tank (for when you get inside a store or work/school and the heat is blasting), with a long sleeve over it and possibly a sweater.  Although this technique adds bulk, there is no other way to stay warm. Complete the look with a pashmina or a scarf, a knitted headband, knitted gloves or mittens, and slap on that parka and you are good to go.  The most flattering looks of the year?  Definitely not, but it will make do for the snowy day.

Head to www.fashionheist.com for perfect layering pieces:

 Co Op Tunic: $99

Bel Air Cardi Wrap $150                       Ajax Hoodie Tunic $99

Streeterville Fleece Blazer $99

Touchdown! Superbowl 2010

Last night's Superbowl was kinda a let down.  Before you want to kill me, let me elaborate.  The commercial were not up to par, the game in itself was mediocre, and surprisingly, no shots of Kim Kardashian!  Where was she?  My friend and I guessed the Kardashian crew was filming in a box at the game of course, but come on, they didn't eve show her when Reggie's team won!  WTF?!?!  That's what I was holding out for.  Superbowl is a chance to get together, eat plenty of good-bad food, and pretend watch the game with the best of 'em.  What exactly is proper Superbowl attire?  A comfy and stylish, yet relaxed outfit.  While you're busy gorging on the food, you don't want your pants to tighten up.  The only solution to the problem?  Leggings!  Last night I paired a newly purchased men's plaid shirt with shiny leggings and brown boots.  The look was not trying too hard, and perfect for a rugged football game.  All in all, a great night...GO SAINTS!

Keepin' it Nautical

This spring, it looks as though Nautical is very in.  I happen to think Nautical prints and the Nautical theme is classic Americana.  It represents our country, our pride, and what we stand for.  Red, White and Blue are perfect for sailing away on a boat (if you can manage to get to one!) or even perfect for a spring barbecue.  The other day, a girl walked by me wearing high-waisted jeans with brass buttons, similar to a sailor-pant, and a navy and white striped v-neck top with a hood.  She topped off the outfit with a chunky red beaded necklace, and the entire ensemble screamed "NAUTICAL!"  Kudos to this girl, she was embracing the nautical theme for spring, and was eager to show off her outfit.  There is a way to get TOO into this look.  For example, no sailor hats please.  Those should remain on the cute sailors that just hopped off the ship.

Grammy Fashion

Last night's Grammy's brought out a slew of hits, misses, and hot messes.  The carpet was adorned with long flowing dresses, short tight mini's, and pretty much everything in between.  The most interesting red-carpet walk was Gaga, who showed up in a solar system-like orbital fixture, with more yellow than golden locks.  She kept a straight face, and looked just as strange, yet amazing, than ever.  Her follow up bold-shouldered, green sequined leotard for the night's opening performance stole my heart.  I loved the segment with Elton John; how he played along with a dirt-covered faced and the rhinestone encrusted glasses...it just worked!

 

 

My vote for best-dressed was Beyonce's nude and textured Stephane Rolland gown with a cleavage plunging neckline.  I wasn't very obsessed with many dresses that strolled the carpet.  Beyonce's was pretty and the color made the look feel more simple than it actually was.  On the other hand, her performance was a little off.  She just won for song of the year, yet she didn't even perform "Single Ladies"?  Confused.

 

Another favorite of the night, and major kudos, goes to Glee's Lea Michele, who has seriously stepped up her game for awards season.  Her Globes gown was a little prom-ish, butshe rocked the SAGs in that amazing green Grecian gown.  Her Grammy frock was short, rocker-chich and super fun.  My roommate happened to strongly dislike is, saying "Who can ever pull off feathers?"  I agreed at the time, but the more I look at the dress, the more I noticed how great she looked.  And what great legs shes been hiding under those frumpy clothes on Glee!  

I loved the Black Eyed Peas performance, it got the crowd going and seriously, how cool is Fergie?  Sometimes I think she is harsh looking, but since she chopped off the dead ends on her hair, she has looked much better and healthier.  She rocked the the performance in her skintight leather clad ensemble.

I hated Pink's performance, it was such a downer and i would've been PISSED if I was sitting underneath her.  Not cool to spray water all over the audience and get celebrities' gorgeous gowns wet, and ruin their makeup..umm no!





In general, the show could have been better.  It was off to a great start with the Gaga-Elton John performance, but shortly wen downhill.  I would have preferred a better Beyonce performance, along with a bit more from T Swizzle.  The banjo made her performance kinda hokey.  Grammy 2010...not so hot.