Chi City Closet: Proenza Schouler Curved Wedge Sandals

I have been obsessing over these Proenza Schouler wedges ever since I saw them on the runway. As part of their Spring 2010 collection, shown over a year ago, I knew they had to have these wedges no matter what.  Although I originally wanted the neon version, I found out after much research those were never made into production for sale.

Photo Credit

Thankfully I found the black and white version (and on sale on The Outnet!) and I had to buy them immediately. Although I can’t wear them right now due to the mountains of snow we have in Chicago, they will be the first shoes I wear once Spring hits!

Diane Kruger Graces the March cover of Glamour

A sneak peak at the March issue of Glamour magazine with cover girl Diane Kruger.

Photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth in New York City, Diane graces the cover in a Chanel jacket, Daryl K T-shirt, J Brand shorts and Chanel Fine Jewelry necklace.

 

Here’s a sneak peak at the editorial spread and exclusive interview…

Jacket, shirt, pants, Balmain; earrings, ring, Pomellato Tango Collection; scarf, Collection 18.

Blazer, Stella McCartney; bra top, Viktor & Rolf; pants, Theyskens’ Theory; earrings, necklace, Chanel Fine Jewelry; belt, Linea Pelle Collection; shoes, Christian Louboutin.

Jacket, shirt, pants, Balmain; earrings, ring, Pomellato Tango Collection; scarf, Collection 18.


Sweater, Isabel Marant; shirt, Band of Outsiders; skirt, Giambattista Valli;cuff, H.Stern; belt, H&M; shoes, Walter Steiger.

 

On her love of fashion…
“I truly, genuinely like clothes. Making them is an art form, and wearing them is a form of self-expression. I find it very emotional because I can remember moments in my life—my mood, how I felt—through these clothes.”

On what her favorite look is…
“A well-cut dress. It’s all about the cut. I love three-quarter sleeves. I definitely like it classic; less is more. The thing I despise most is vulgarity, and there’s a lot of that here [in L.A.].”

On her biggest fashion splurge…
“The biggest fashion purchase I ever made I thought about for six years. I’m not kidding. All my life I wanted to own an Hermès Constance bag, and when I signed with Calvin Klein, I decided this was the time that I could afford it. I truly broke a sweat when I paid for it.”

On her boyfriend Joshua Jackson and his style…
“We go shopping. But he likes it. I definitely wasn’t fond of these blue sneakers that he wore all the time for about a year and a half.”

On realizing she wanted to pursue performing as a career…
“I’m from a small village [in Germany], and it never occurred to me that you could actually make a living performing. It was a hobby. I always thought you had to live in Hollywood. So the urge really came later, when I became a model.”

On marrying and divorcing when she was younger…
“Without sounding pessimistic, I learned that I don’t believe in marriage. I believe in a commitment that you make in your heart. There’s no paper that will make you stay.”

Her advice to young women pursuing their dreams…
“Ask questions. Surround yourself with people who will help you advance. You should be smart enough to know that you don’t know everything. But you have to believe in yourself. I certainly do.”

 

Don’t forget to pick up the March issue of Glamour magazine. Available on newsstands and digitally (iPad, iPhone, iTouch and the Barnes & Noble Nook Color) February 8.

Photos courtesy of Glamour

Nicole Richie, Fabulous Sweaters & a Valentine’s Day Treat

I am very excited to share with you all of the great things happening on Gilt this week! It’s not just your ordinary flash sale website anymore. Along with amazing new sales daily, they have new features each week with various style tips, exclusive videos and more!

Starting at 12/11c today, you can shop the Spring collection of Nicole Richie’s lines House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate…before these pieces hit stores! Pick up some boho-inspired clothing and accessories, handpicked for the sale by Nicole herself, and be the first to sport her new Spring collection.

As part of the 360 Sweater sale, also starting today at 12/11c, expert stylist Lindsey Calla showcases a video featuring her favorite items + style tips from the sale. The video will be available on Gilt’s Facebook page.

Check out my favorite sales happening on Gilt this week…

  • Tracy Resse (2/3)–The looks here fall into two categories: fluid and draped or slim and body-sculpting. In either case, the feel is one of modern elegance. The appliquéd silk and studded twill pieces are stand out finds and will be sure to land you on the best dressed list at your next event.
  • Dolce & Gabbana (2/4)-Curve-hugging fits, corset-style dresses and fierce animal prints. Explore your closet’s wild side with tie-dye floor length gowns, ruched mini dresses and netted pieces. Glam yet ladylike separates and shoes, this sale cannot be missed on Gilt this week!
  • Denim Shop (2/5)–Whatever your denim preference is, Gilt has you covered. Skinny jeans, high-waisted flares, tapered jodhpurs, baggy boyfriends, and everything in between—no matter what style is on your wish list this season, you’ll be sure to find something you love.

SPECIAL FEATURE: GILT CITY CHICAGO

This was too great of an offer for me to keep all to myself! If you’re looking for something different, spectacular and romantic to do for Valentine’s Day, look no further! Starting today, Gilt members can purchase a demo with Charlie Trotter at his famous restaurant for February 14th. Hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and 4-course dinner and wine included…all for $250!

If you’re not a member, JOIN NOW and shop these exclusive sales. Keep checking in each week to get a sneak peak at upcoming Gilt Groupe sales.

Ted Baker Introduces Spring/Summer 2011 Collection to Chicago

Ted Baker unveiled his first Midwest location at 1009 North Rush Street less than 2 months ago. I was very excited for this store to open because whenever I am in LA I always visit the Ted Baker store on Robertson, and I always pick up some new cool pieces that I can’t find anywhere else.

The new Chicago store highlights the best of English design elements while catering to our city’s ever-changing climate…which I can always appreciate when it comes to Chicago retail stores!

The Spring/Summer 2011 womenswear collection is simple with soft draped silhouettes yet playful with intricate, abstract prints. The menswear collection brings a softer and relaxed edge to traditional tailored looks by featuring offbeat color combinations, vibrant prints, and beautiful textures.

Take a look at some of the looks from Ted Baker Spring/Summer 2011…

For more information visit www.tedbaker.com and if you’re in Chicago, stop by the new location at 1009 North Rush.

Photos courtesy of Ted Baker

Red Carpet Fashion: 2011 SAG Awards (Part 2)

If you haven’t yet, please see part 1 of the SAG Awards Red Carpet Fashion. If you have, let’s continue with the best and the worst…

 

Jennifer Lawrence in Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2011

It is very difficult to pull off hot pink and black without looking too Avril Lavigne. Unfortunately, I don’t think this was styled right. A metallic belt of some sort would have been a better choice (as seen on the original model ) and then maybe the shoes would have worked. But in this situation, I hate the shoes. Overall, not my favorite of the night.

 

Julie Bowen in Catherine Malandrino

I applaud her for taking a risk and doing pants on the red carpet. She actually looks great and her body is perfect for this outfit. However, the details are what makes me not love the outfit. I am usually against clear jewels and black together (very Jessica McClintock circa 2002) so I am not loving the jeweled detail at the shoulders…I would have liked it better in gold. This outfit could use some color as well but I’m just being picky. She’s working those pants and I’m not hating it!

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

Has she ever been on my worst dressed list? I don’t think so. I loved this dress on the runway and I love it on her. The belt is the perfect way to subtly dress it down. The hair is done but with a little beachy feel to it. Her body looks amazing in this and its overall perfection. She always does it right!

 

Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011

First off, I love seeing Alexander McQueen on the red carpet. Some of the designs can be risky for certain occasions but I always appreciate a fashion risk taker. However, this dress was on the safer side (as far as a McQueen) but it’s perfect for this event. Her hair looks flawless (I actually wish for my hair to look like this on a daily basis) and she just looks AMAZING. The belt was not shown on the original model and I’m actually kind of loving it with the belt. Belts were big for the SAGs this year…have you noticed?

 

Natalie Portman in Azzaro Spring 2010

Not a store bought cake  (see my commentary from the Golden Globes) so that’s a step in the right direction. I’m not the biggest fan of black accessories with a white dress and I am definitely hating the hair. Regardless, she’s pregnant so I can’t be too picky and the dress is really beautiful.

 

Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci Pre-Fall 2011

I actually really like this dress (especially the lace back) but I’m not loving the styling here. The hair is flat and drab. The necklace ruins the entire look for me. And I’m needing a few bracelets in the picture. It’s a good base for a look but just not executed well.

 

Rosario Dawson in J. Mendel

I applaud her (and/or her stylist) for the unconventional accessory pairings. I feel like we would normally see a nude shoe here so I appreciate the bronze peep toes. I also think the blue/green earrings are the perfect touch of color to this pastel dress. This is a simple dress styled right. Love it!

 

Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli

This is just okay for me. The good is that her body looks amazing (did you hear the E! camera guys loving on her?) but the bad is that it looks a little cheap to me. I love that color blue but I like it better when the carpet is not red. The two colors always clash (especially when the dress is long) and it’s something I can’t get passed. Overall, she looks stunning but the dress isn’t my favorite.

 

Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2011

I think this is the best Tina Fey has EVER looked on the red carpet. I normally don’t even like red dresses but the texture of this one is absolutely beautiful and it makes her body look amazing. I don’t love the hair and I prefer a metallic bag with a red dress but those are just minor details. So happy she went with color!

 

Photo Credit

Feel free to share your best and worst dressed picks in the comments section below!