November 24, 2011

Have a Stylish Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving all! I hope you’re prepping to feast on turkey (or tofurky for the vegetarians), stuffing and of course…pumpkin pie. If you feel yourself wondering what to wear on this food-filled occasion, I recommend stretchy pants (leggings, specifically…I’ll be wearing my favorite by David Lerner).

With the city looking mostly burnt orange/brown/mustard yellow due to all of the leaves on the ground, I thought I’d take this opportunity to showcase my favorite Thanksgiving-appropriate fashion finds. Enjoy!

Photobucket The Row Hamilton wool-crepe coat

Photobucket Sonia By Sonia Rykiel Pleated Jersey Pants

Photobucket Proenza Schouler PS1 Keep All leather and jacquard bag

Photobucket Giuseppe Zanotti cutout suede sandals

Photobucket Alexander Wang Robyn textured leather hobo bag

Photobucket Rag & Bone Leather-trimmed wool-felt fedora

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Of course I can’t forget about the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Although I love fashion and I sometimes can go a little overboard with the shopping, I’m beyond thankful for everything I have. I’m extremely thankful to have amazing readers like you who have supported ChiCityFashion over the last [almost] 2 years. I wouldn’t be where I am without you…so thank you!

October 14, 2011

My Favorite Fall/Winter Coats For 2011

A few weeks ago, I shared with you my favorite capes and ponchos for 2011. Although I love capes and ponchos, they aren’t for everyone. However, who doesn’t need a great coat for the Fall/Winter season? (especially those of us in Chicago!) I picked my favorites in a variety of styles and price points so I hope you can find one you love.

A fun print & an easy piece to dress up or down: By Malene Birger Leopard Coat

To add some texture to your look: Rag & Bone Brent textured wool-blend coat

A fabulous fur option: Elizabeth & James Salma Rabbit Fur Coat

A versatile, stylish & affordable find: Elizabeth & James Duster Coat (and it’s currently on sale!)

A simple way to add a pop of color to your look: ASOS Coat With Fold Over Collar

For those that don’t wear real fur, this is an amazing faux fur option: Anna Sui Mid Length Faux Fur Coat

My absolute favorite cozy find: ADAM Long Wrap Coat

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I’ve tweeted about this one a few times so it only made sense to be included in this post: Burberry Prorsum Collarless Wool Coat
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Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments section below!

September 30, 2011

My Favorite Capes & Ponchos For Fall 2011

As I mentioned the other day I was quoted in the Red Eye about capes and ponchos for this season. In Chicago it is so important to have great outerwear because that’s what most people see about 75% of the year. Having a non traditional coat is just a fun way to spruce up your outerwear collection without compromising practicality.

Because I only got to pick one of my favorites for Fall 2011 for the Red Eye, I decided to dedicate an entire blog post to the best capes and ponchos in a variety of colors, styles and price points…so you’ll be sure to find one you love!

Photobucket See By Chloe Wool Cape with Leather Fringe and BucklesRag & Bone Leighton wool and cotton-blend cape (as seen here)

Photobucket Minkpink Hendrix Fringed Poncho Wrap

Photobucket Gypsy 05 Hooded Poncho in Asphalt

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Emilio Pucci Leather-trimmed tweed cape

Elizabeth & James Salma Poncho

Which one is your favorite? Will you be sporting a cape or poncho for Fall? Let me know in the comments section below!

September 16, 2011

My 10 Favorite Looks From New York Fashion Week

Now that Fashion Week is over in New York, we will now move across the pond to London. But before that happens, I wanted to pick out my top 10 favorite looks from New York Fashion Week. I hope to be either wearing these next Spring or seeing these on the red carpet come awards season. We’ll see!

Photobucket Alexander Wang

I’m a huge Alexander Wang fan but this season wasn’t my favorite. However, I love how sporty yet chic this look is and the shapes on the top really make the outfit.

Photobucket Christian Siriano

This was actually one of my favorite Siriano collections to date. I love how he makes ball gowns but yet still finds a way to casualize his looks. I’m so thrilled chartreuse is in for Spring ’12…I am definitely looking forward to wearing it!

Photobucket Marchesa

It’s like liquid Marchesa pewter just melted over her body. This is so stunning and I really hope someone wears it to the Oscars this year!

Photobucket Jason Wu

If I had to wear a gown, this is what it would be. (duh…neon)

Photobucket Oscar de la Renta

I’m not sure who would really wear a cropped sweater with an enormous skirt but I’m really hope someone pulls this off on the red carpet.

Photobucket 3.1 Phillip Lim

You know I love me some neon but I’m actually really into the pastel hues for Spring ’12. Phillip Lim did it beautifully and he completely captured my attention after seeing this first look.

Photobucket Prabal Gurung

Of all the Spring ’12 collections, I’d have to say Prabal Gurung was my favorite. The details, the colors, the silhouettes…it was all incredible. I love how this purple “drips down” into the skirt. I just want to wear it now!

Photobucket Rag & Bone

The jacket absolutely makes this look. It’s a great color, amazing fit, and the white trim is striking but not overpowering. And of course…I love the pop of orange.

Photobucket Proenza Schouler

It’s Proenza…and I’ll leave it at that.

Photobucket Rodarte

There are so many elements of this look that intrigue me. From the blue/purple metallics to the sheer portion of the skirt…it’s just jaw dropping gorgeous. Another one I hope to see on the red carpet!

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What were your favorite collections and/or looks from the New York Fashion Week Spring ’12 collections? Let me know in the comments sections below.

Photos: Style.com

July 8, 2011

Food Pairings: The Bedford Meets Rag & Bone

THE PLACE

Once a bank and now one of Chicago’s hottest restaurants, The Bedford is the place to be in Wicker Park. With a gastro-pub feel, this neighborhood dining destination is far from ordinary. Have you had a cocktail inside a vault while staring at safety deposit boxes? Probably not…unless you’ve been to The Bedford of course.

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THE FOOD

With casual bar snacks like deviled eggs and chicken wings, seafood staples like mussels and oysters, and even dining delicacies like duck confit and rabbit, there is something for everyone at The Bedford.

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My meal went like so…

Fried green tomatoes with baby arugula & creamy giardinera

Mussels steamed with chilies, garlic, spring onions, Schlitz & a touch of cream

Grilled cheese on toasty dark rye with onion jam, roth kase gruyere and aged cheddar

THE COMPANY

It’s not just just about the food…having great company makes the dining experience that much better. Plus, the dishes are meant for sharing, so why not bring a friend or two? 🙂

My best friends Jennifer & Emily

Jennifer & I

THE PAIRING

A trendy hotspot (that I predict will last longer than most trends) with delicious food incorporating familiar aspects with a slightly sophisticated twist…what does that remind me of? Rag & Bone of course. Designers Marcus wainwright David Neville are the epitome of casual cool. Their collections always include classic silhouettes and versatile garments with their own downtown chic elements added to each. They make wardrobe staples that are actually exciting.

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Photobucket Rag & Bone Resort 2012: Style.com

Laid back, cool and familiar but still unique enough to buy into…nothing goes better with The Bedford than some Rag & Bone.