Get Ready

Today kicks of New York Fashion Week. Maybe you aren't headed out East to view the shows from the front row, but won't you at least be celebrating in style at home? If you want to but are unsure of quite how to do that, here are a few simple pointers:

1. Make sure you know every single trend. Otherwise you will most likely be silently ridiculed an pointed at. (I am of course being dramatic and ridiculous here. You cannot tell the tone of my voice from these typed letters.) One trend that is on the rise (again) is flared jeans. I like these Paige Jeans.
2. Keep warm but remain chic. It is cold in NY, it is cold in Chicago, it is cold anywhere but Cali and Florida. Can you think of a better way than a wool/cashmere blend sweater? That is on sale, no less. Thank you Ella Moss.
3. Accessorize. Even if all else fails and you simply cannot pull a decent outfit together from within the depths of your closet, keep cool with your accoutrements. Accessories are what make the outfit, what give it uniqueness, what update it, what make it all click. Save the day with some Shashi.

This all may not add up to the true experience of sitting in live on a fashion show. But it is the best possible substitute. Sit at your computer and watch the shows anytime, here.

Last Chance!

Ok, so Chicago sadly didn't make it to the Super Bowl. And it's okay to feel sad and disappointed about that. But that loss was two weeks ago. And so we have gotten over it. Only kind of. But whether we are in it or not, ten bucks says we will all be watching the big game today. If you haven't started the revelries just yet, you still have a chance to make the huge sale at The Denim Lounge with items up to 80% off. Something to wear to watch the game in. Or something to wear while you still cry tears of bitter disappointment. Either way, a steal is a deal!

Shop The Sale Here

Better Together

Sweet Romeo "Swing Top"
Buy it Here

Red Engine "Ruby Fit" Jeans
Buy Them Here

There is a reason why wine is so often paired with food and why chocolate almost always has a sidekick, whether it be cheese, fruit, nuts, or just more chocolate. There is a reason why popcorn must be consume while watching a movie. There is a reason why maple syrup must accompany pancakes.

What is the reason? Together these individual pieces become better. Each elevates, enhances, and amplifies the another. Alone they are certainly good enough, but together they create unmistakable magic.

For instance: I like these Red Engine jeans to a very high degree. Perfect boot leg and a really crisp, dark, clean wash that is ultra appealing right now. I am also VERY into uneven hemlines. Which is why I am really, really loving this Sweet Romeo top. It is so visually interesting that terms such as "dull grey" or "simple cardigan" never cross the mind, even though it is one even hemline away from being coined either! Pairing this top up with the jeans instantly creates a simple act of harmony. Each looks better with than without the other.

And better is always, well, better.

Beaten But Not Down

AG "Angel"
Buy it Here

There are those times when you feel like all terrible possibilities are turning into realities, hurtling towards you from every end of the universe. Murphy's Law takes effect and everything goes wrong. But never fear. All of these things only produce bad moments in time. Moments only. Blips. Instants that are gone instants later. They may leave you feeling beaten, but you will never be down. Kind of like these AG jeans. They are destroyed. But not down.

Chicago Pride

Photo Courtesy of Mike Gustafson via ThisNext

If you don't know that the Bears are playing the Packers tomorrow in the playoffs, then you probably need to get out more. As you gear up to watch the big game, keep in mind to show off your Chicago pride. It is about representing the city, not just the Bears, so even if you don't have a Bears shirt to sport, put on one of your Bulls or Cubs ones. We rally and are united as one team tomorrow: Team Chicago. Show the love. Shop here.

No Work Involved

Chaser "Van Halen" Tee
Buy it Here

A good vintage t-shirt is like a good bottle of old wine - aged, developed, matured. But, like wine, it takes time and special handling in order to eventually produce perfect results. The shirt must be washed and dried just so, making it softer and softer without damaging the fibers too much; it must not be sweat in to liberally, otherwise underarm holes will quickly develop; and it must be of good make to begin with (50/50 cotton/poly is the best!) or the whole operation will be fruitless from the get-go. Follow these steps and you will be sure to have the best vintage t in no time! Or rather, in quite some time. On the other hand, you could pick up a Chaser shirt, already made to look and feel as if you put your heart and soul into distressing it perfectly. Hmm...less work, instant gratification? Yes please.

Start From Scratch The Surface

Ella Moss "Navy Heritage Dress"
Buy it Here

Rorschach tests are used to determine who we are. We see a blot of ink, depict something recognizable from within its random chaos, and are consequently diagnosed. You see a moth, I see a butterfly. Does that mean you have happy, pretty thoughts and I have thoughts of creepy, furry things that come out only at night? Doubtful! But...maybe...?

This dress is probably more likely than an ink stain to determine who you are, stylistically anyways. It is unique, but in a clean slate sort of way so that it really is the perfect building block from which to start. How would I wear it? With red shoes, drop earrings, and red lips.

How do you see it?