Tag Archives: fashion

January 18, 2012

Line For “Less” Pierre Balmain

If you’ve ever wanted to buy Balmain, but can’t afford a $12,000 jacket, you’re in luck because the brand has now created a line for “less”–Pierre Balmain. A contemporary level collection, Pierre Balmain has the same edginess you love about Balmain but it’s definitely more toned down.

Keep in mind I use “line for less” quite loosely because the jackets still run around $900+ (but that’s a steal compared to the usual $10,000 average).

Here’s a look at some of the key pieces from the collection.

Photobucket Cotton Moto Jacket $945. Silk Gown $915. Leather Shorts $1,025

PhotobucketPaisley-Print Inset Shift Dress $460. Paisley-Print Chiffon Scarf $360

Photobucket Peak-Lapel Jacket $920. Paisley Blouse $430.

Photobucket Metallic Leather Baseball Jacket $1,335 (my favorite piece!)

Photobucket Beaded Insect Dress $710.

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All much more reasonable than a $38,000 jacket right? (on sale for under $8,000 by the way–a steal in Balmain world). What do you think of the Pierre Balmain collection? Will you buy any of these pieces?

January 17, 2012

New Online Shop: Rad And Refined

I always love discovering new shops, especially online. For those of us who don’t always have time to shop brick-and-mortar (which I do try my best to make my rounds at least once a month), it’s so convenient to find one-stop shops, especially online. And thankfully…there’s Rad and Refined.

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Coolest part about this site (besides the sick merchandise of course)? It’s founded by 24-year-old Chicago native, Jacqueline Rezak. It all started with her blog that consists of images she found to be rad and refined. And as of December 2011 (yes, just last month), this turned into a full blown store appropriately named Rad and Refined.

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The name says it all…it’s a curated selection of edgy (rad) and classic (refined) fashion, all in one place. Carrying an array of designers, both Chicago and LA-based, this shop caters to a wide audience. Shop designers like Wildfox Couture, Dana Rebecca, and WGACA Vintage. And if you happen to be in the LA area, you can make an appointment to try on the clothes yourself.

Want to get shopping already? Use code ‘WELOVECHICITY‘ at checkout before January 31 to receive 15% off your entire purchase!

January 15, 2012

Red Carpet Fashion: 2012 Golden Globes (Part 1)

Wow there were a lot of great celebrities at the Golden Globes tonight, right? You know what that means…LOTS of dresses to judge. There were quite a few trends on the red carpet including canary yellow, dark teal, blush tones (most of which were extremely unflattering by the way) and surprisingly…headbands. Were there any trends you were a big fan of?

While you ponder that question…here’s part 1 of the red carpet fashion from the 2012 Golden Globes.

Photobucket Jessica Alba in Gucci

Styled by the one and only Brad Goreski, I thought Jessica looked gorgeous in Gucci. Can you believe she just had a kid? I don’t know how celebs do it. They’re definitely magical creatures like that. Although the dress is a safe choice for the red carpet, you can’t deny that she looks amazing.

Photobucket Zooey Deschanel in custom Prada

This is just so hard for me to make a decision on. I love the idea of the dress and most of it is fantastic, however the lace around the neck and that awful hair is really throwing me off. Would love to get your opinion about this…

Photobucket Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta

I’m always hoping Tina will wear something decent on the red carpet, and for her this is….fine. I don’t know whoever said ruching is flattering because I’ve always hated it, and combined with the ruffles here it’s just not her dress.

Photobucket Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackerman

You know those things that “fashion people get” but the general public just seems confused about? I’m usually one of the people who gets it, but when it comes to Tilda Swinton…I don’t.

Photobucket Stacy Keibler in Valentino

Such a safe choice, it almost bores me. But she’s so beautiful it just bores me a little.

Photobucket Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

This is probably my favorite dress she’s ever worn on the red carpet. THIS is her silhouette and it’s definitely her color too. The texture at the bottom is amazing (and surprisingly photographs well) and this was obviously custom because it fits her absolutely perfectly.

Photobucket Shailene Woodley in Marchesa

Shailene, this is NOT your silhouette (mostly meaning strapless is not your friend).

Photobucket Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier

Of ALL the dresses you have to choose from…THIS is what you go with. She said her kid picked it out for her (and clearly this child will not have a future in fashion) so hopefully she learns NEVER to listen to children again (at least when it comes to an outfit choice).

Photobucket Sarah Hyland in vintage Dolce & Gabbana

Was not loving the nude trend on the red carpet (mostly because it blended in with just about everyone’s skin tone) but in this case, Sarah does have a glow and it’s nice to have the black lace to break it up. She looks pretty but I’m not WOWed.

Photobucket Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci Pre-Fall 2012

She’s just been killing it on the red carpet lately so I really expected to be blown away. It’s definitely true to her style and she looks amazing, but I just hoped to see something a little more exciting.

Photobucket Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen

Love her. Not in love with the dress. Pretty forgettable…especially because it blends in with the carpet.

Photobucket Piper Perabo in Theyskens’ Theory Spring 2012

When I first saw this, I hated it. The more angles I looked at, the easier it was to come to this conclusion; great dress, wrong girl. I think she would have looked better in the original black version but this color isn’t her friend. And if she really wanted it to be her friend, she would have had some better accessories.

Photobucket Paula Patton in Monique Lhuillier

I do appreciate color on the red carpet, but this silhouette should never be made in this color yellow. It’s just a little too much (and that’s coming from me who lives by “more is more”).

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Be looking out for part 2 coming tomorrow! And don’t forget to let me know your favorites of the night.

Photos via Entertainment Weekly
January 12, 2012

Modahnik Spring/Summer 2012

Often in Chicago, or any other city where it’s freezing most of the year, we tend to resort to black and neutrals. But local designer Kahindo Mateene is challenging that.

Starting her colorful clothing line Modahnik just 2 years ago, Kahindo has now earned one of those coveted spots as a Designer in Residence for the Chicago Fashion Incubator program. Her unique prints and amazing use of color is what really makes her designs stand out. I love the combination of feminine silhouettes with the bold use of fabrics. Modahnik fun fact–all of her designs are produced in Africa using sustainable fair trade practices. Awesome!

Here’s a look at a few of my favorite looks from Modahnik Spring/Summer 2012.

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January 11, 2012

Prabal Gurung Pre-Fall 2012: A Work Of Art

I think it’s obvious by now I live by the 3 Ps: Prabal, Proenza…and pizza. So we’re going to break it down one P at a time and focus on Prabal right now, specifically Prabal’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection…which by the way is a work of art.

From structured separates to feminine dresses, this collection is versatile not only in the silhouettes but in the prints and colors as well. Although some may fear a print, the ones seen here in Prabal’s Pre-Fall ’12 collection are easy to fall in love with. According to Style.com, Prabal was influenced by India for this collection and not the “obvious India,” but more of the “muddy India” that most don’t think about. Who knew that this insanely gorgeous collection would ever be influenced by a muddy country?

From the impeccably constructed clothes, to the perfect styling, and everything in between…this was a [yet another] WIN for Prabal Gurung (even though I’m still obsessing over Spring ’12) and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us next month at fashion week. And although it was nearly impossible to decide, here are my favorite looks from Prabal Gurung Pre-Fall 2012.

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And on a side note…if anyone knows when/where/if these sunglasses and shoes will be available? Please notify me immediately. Thank you 🙂

Photos via Style.com