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Elise Ford / July 25, 2011 10:00 am
Craving fall fashion yet? Here at Second City Style, we’re seeing spots! An iconic print of the ‘40s is in vogue once again – polka dots. This classic motif was spotted allover the runway at Diane Von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs and Lanvin just to name a few. My new mantra is don dots; dismiss stripes and plaids!
For just a fraction of the price you, too, can emulate the must-have-pattern for the upcoming season. Dive in and rock a bold polka dot dress for a retro, pin-up style, or work the trend with your staple pieces: pair a polka dot blouse with jeans, flats and a chic jacket for daytime.
If you’re a dare-devil, mix dots with prints such as leopard or floral for an eclectic vibe. Keep in mind your stature when selecting your polka dots: petite ladies should stick with smaller spots whereas taller gals can pull off substantial dots. I am already scouring shops for the perfect sheer blouse in this symmetrical print!
1. Sweet and sexy, these sheer tights are speckled to perfection! Sporting a subtle touch of this fall’s trend, comes off flawless whether edgy, classic, corporate or casual. The Limited Sheer Dot Tight, $12
2. Pitch your basic tee and make this your new go-to blouse! A simple style that flatters all shapes; team this top with denim and a pair of killer boots. I love streamlined pieces that easily intermix with the rest of my wardrobe. Old Navy Women’s Ruffle-Trim Gauze Shirts, $27
3. This dress is tres magnifique, selected by the one and only stylist to the stars, Rachel Zoe! As cocktail attire or a daytime frock – think bold red lips and a sweeping chignon – you’ll be oh so chic in this flirty look! MM Couture Polka Dot Dress, $88
4. Even bohemian girls can pull off the dot! This skirt serves as a wonderfully blank canvas complimenting any top. For a laid back look, try a loose blouse, lace up shoes, and top it off with an of-the-moment fedora. Madewell Scribble Dot Skirt, $68
5. What is there not to love about this ethereal, Grecian spotted number? This is how a polka dot can feel modern and exciting! An empire sash creates an instant focal point. Topped with a draped bodice starkly juxtaposed by a strong geometrical shoulder, this is one unique piece. Jessica Simpson Sleeveless One Shoulder Polka Dot Printed Cocktail Dress, $138
6. Tailored men shorts get the ultimate feminine twist with these pretty polka dots. Upscale your shorts collection with patterns and pleats with this surprisingly wearable style. J. Crew Ink-Dot Chino Short, $65
—Elise Ford
Runway Image: runwaydaily.com
Image Layout: Elise Ford
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Kate Michalowski / July 5, 2011 9:00 am
One of the easiest ways to look fabulous on a budget is to go vintage (read: thrift). If, when you read that, your first thought was “Who has the time to sift through someone else’s old stuff?” I have the answer for you! I found the most amazing blog for thrifting – the writer does all the work for you! She has the most fabulous items and sells on the cheap. Not to mention the styling and beautiful photography – there’s no way you won’t be inspired to create something magical! Did I mention she is incredibly, effortlessly beautiful and hilarious to boot? Come on – not fair!
1. Hellloooo Panama chic! I love the breeziness of this outfit – the dress, the scarf, and the hat lend themselves perfectly to that boho vibe that is perfectly on trend this summer.
Calypso St. Barth Blue & Tie Dye Summer Dress, $19.99 and Ginger Couture Italian Purple Silk Large Scarf Wrap, $9.99
2. Black cigarette pants with a simple metallic tank are perfect to transition from work to night, and at these prices, why wouldn’t you scoop them up immediately?
Kensie Black Streatch Boot Cut Cigarette Length Pants, $9.99 and Theory Soft Black Tank Top With Sequin Metallic Top, $9.99
3. I am dreaming of so many iterations of this classic black and white check trench. It looks perfect as pictured over a slinky black dress, but I can also picture it undone with a bright orange or pink pop of color underneath.
Linda Allard Oversized Black & White Silk Check Trench, $14.99
4. Now this last look is not for the faint-hearted. You have to own this one and rock every inch of it down to the mock turtleneck and keyhole back! This fitted Roberto Cavalli is sexy in a very 70s kind of way. The uniquely bold pattern will really help you stand out in a crowd of LBDs.
Roberto Cavalli Sexy Stretch Long Sleeve Short Dress, $39.99
Shopping vintage further proves the point that I’m always harping on – you do not have to be a zillionaire to look fabulous! Lucky for us, we have baubles, bangles and beads and other vintage sites to keep us in the know with incredible pieces on a pauper’s budget. Check them out for more amazing outfits and styling ideas.
—Kate Michalowski
Image Layout: Molly Murphy
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Kate Michalowski / June 13, 2011 9:00 am
Although I didn’t make it Coachella this year, I quickly secured my tickets for Lollapalooza and Pitchfork to make up for it. Plus, there are a million street fests in Chicago each summer, so the opportunities to display effortless style are endless. I’m already planning my summer festival outfits with a little help from these celebs.
Diane Kruger kept it basic and elegant with perfectly composed summer essentials: a racerback tank, crinkled maxi skirt (Diane wore the Zara skirt, but I also love this chiffon rendition), gold studded belt, espadrilles, turquoise necklace, bracelets and a summer fedora. I absolutely adore the simplicity of this ensemble.
Vanessa Hudgens beat the heat by taking the “barely there” route. She showed off her rockin’ bod in a triangle bikini top and breezy palazzo pants. For this unfussy boho look, it’s all about the accessories: big sunglasses, a floppy hat and the right jewelry. The key here with the jewelry is to pile on several necklaces and finish off with a few bracelets. She has a lot going on, and I love that it’s not all matchy-matchy. She chose feathers, turquoise, what appears to be some sort of pouch necklace, a stack of colorful bracelets, and a unique gold arm band. ”Important” note: I sported a silver arm band to my 8th grade dance – you could say I was ahead of the times. She was smart to choose comfy flat sandals for a day of dancing and being on her feet.
A lace crop top makes Isabel Lucas’ 80s dress feel fresh and current. (I’m certain my mom had one in every color, including blue denim). The fact that she’s barefoot and has very few accessories but somehow remains fashion-forward is really quite a feat (pun intended).
Never did I ever think an American flag sleeveless shirt and cutoffs would make my best dressed list! This could have gone all wrong in a 4th of July trashy way, but my girl Kate Bosworth chose the right proportions and accessories to pull off this ultra cool look.
Sienna Miller is one of my go-to style icons, and she is really in her element in this scene. The funky hat, the romper, and the slouchy boots hit all the right notes. Since it can be a pain to carry a purse at concerts, I love the idea of a belt with a pocket. And are you kidding me with that adorable safety pin closure?! Love that punch of whimsy.
Spotted: Alessandra Ambrosio in the same wide-brimmed floppy hat as Vanessa! It’s a “Who Wore it Better” throwdown. I like the look so much, I decided to share another version with you. In this environment, you can get away with things that you might not otherwise explore. Exhibit A: see-through white top with a black bra. The fringe on the bottom of her shirt works unexpectedly with the black crochet vest. Ask any of my friends and they’ll tell you how gaga I am over the Native American trend happening right now, so you can imagine my delight at Alessandra’s chevron beaded earrings and dream catcher necklace. Forever21 has a lot of cool pairs – and at prices between $2.80 and $10, I’ve stocked my jewelry box with about 20 of them. Although you can barely see them peeking out from under her top, a pair of short denim cutoffs are to festival fashion what beer is to festival fare.
One thing I really love about music fest style is that you don’t have to have the paycheck of a celebrity to look like a natural in the scene. Anyone can look amazing in a designer dress for a red carpet event with a full crew of stylists and hair and make-up people. It’s when you can put together a winning look with easy, everyday basics spruced up with practical accessories that really impresses me. This is the one time where you cannot easily distinguish the celebrities from the other amazingly fashionable festival goers, so I raise my beer in a plastic cup to all of you!
Diane Kruger: American Apparel Chiffon Double-Layered Full Length Skirt, $58
Vanessa Hudgens: River Island Tribal Printed Palazzo Pant, $43.08
Isabel Lucas: Gone to the Grasslands Dress, $54.99
Kate Bosworth: UNIF American Flag Fringe Tee , $79
Sienna Miller: Kimchi Blue Henley Romper, $59
Alessandra Ambrosio: BB Dakota Stevens Black Sweater Wrap, $73
—Kate Michalowski
Image Layout: Jillian Jaslowski
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Kate Michalowski / May 16, 2011 12:01 am
Spring in Chicago can be defined as the two days between a swarm of ankle-length puffy coats with fur-lined hoods and a sea of skimpy bikinis on the beach. The recent heatwave has me dreaming about this beach scenario, and I want to make sure I get a few great suits to show off my sunburn (just kidding – go SPF!). Now, I’m a girl with at least 20 swimsuits, so my hunt for the perfect addition to my collection began many months ago, but I really stepped up my game this week to find some stellar suits to share with you.
Hot Child in the City
I’m sorry, but this couldn’t get any hotter without crossing over into skanky! Look closer – the crocheted fabric with a subtle print will stand out among any others rocking the monokini, the newest to the neighborhood.
1. In The Heart Sweetheart Monokini, $76
Trusty Sidekick
The macrame back of this ‘kini is not only right on trend with the 70s/bohemian vibe, but it also brings some interest to an old favorite – the white triangle top – for those who love a good staple.
2. Macramé Triangle Top, $33
Here Comes the Sun
Ruffles give a little extra oomph for smaller chests, and this bandeau differs from its counterparts with its full cut. With that smoldering fiery color and amazing price point, this is one you’ll want to stock up on. Now the matching bottoms are too adorable for words, but I love a good mix-and-match, and I’m totally digging an unexpected teal pairing here – very fire and ice, isn’t it?
3. Women’s Ruffled Bandeau Swim Top, $19.50
4. Women’s Mix & Match Hipster Swim Bottom, $11.50
Retro Chic
It is pretty difficult to be daringly different with such little fabric, but this 50s shape up top paired with a higher waisted bottom differentiates just enough. I just love love love all things retro.
5. Retro Longline Top, $36.95 & Retro Shirred Hipster, $34.95
Sugar and Spice
I was excited to find out that Express is selling swimwear! A bright floral print sweetens up this skimpy two-piece, which would be perfect for a petite frame.
6. Ruffled Halter Bikini Top, $17.94 and Ruffled String Bikini Bottom, $14.94
Ruffles Suddenly Aren’t so Innocent
I love the idea of mixing up the bikini scene with a sexy one-piece. This color isn’t one you see a lot on the beach but would look so amazing on you ladies with that perfectly bronzed skin I covet.
7. ASOS Front Frill Plunge Swimsuit, $56
Too Good to be True
If you haven’t checked out H&M’s swimwear line, you must drop whatever you’re doing and run to the nearest store now. With price tags that brag $4.95, you could (and should) buy one of every style in every color. I love the unexpected color pairing of this colorblocked suit. It feels very California surfer and glamorous starlet all at once.
8. H&M Bikini Top, $4.95 and Mix and Match Bottoms $4.95
Rather than the awkward farmer’s tans or spotty burns Chicagoans often get early in the season because our bodies have forgotten what sun even looks like after eight months, these suits will put the tan lines right where you want ‘em.
—Kate Michalowski
Image Layout: Jillian Jaslowski
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Second City Style / April 21, 2011 2:37 pm
Kate Michalowski
I know you have heard by now that Spring 2011 is all about a 70’s reincarnation, and let me tell you – I could not be happier. All winter long I was into sharp lines, sparkle, leather, tough accents and black, black, and more black. Then as soon as there was any indication that I might eventually be reunited with my old friend the sun, Joni Mitchell has been playing nonstop in my mind, and I have turned into a full-on flower child ready to trade in my skinnies for some ultra-flares. The Bohemian thing has been rearing its beautiful head for a few years now, but this year’s translation has to be my favorite thus far. Each of these pieces dream up the romantic scenes of outdoor music festivals, Chicago’s movies and concerts in the park, and that sweet scent of warmer weather.
I have had an affinity for crochet for as long as I can remember, and this sweet vest just really hits the mark for me. I would wear it over a flowy white dress as pictured or more simply with a slim white tank and high-waisted flares.
1. ASOS Cotton Crochet Vest $53.79
The combo of high waist, slit pockets, wide legs, and pocketless rear give theses jeans that cool, effortless feel that I could die for.
2. High Waist Widelegger Jeans $125
Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect 70s staple: white wide-leg pants. These GAP pants have just the right amount of flare while keeping things slim at the top where we might need a little extra control. And since, all-white ensembles are so killer and these pants do all the work, you can keep it simple on top. I would pair them with a white silky camp shirt and skinny brown leather belt for work and then a blousy white silk tank, braided belt and wedges for night.
3. Perfect Trouser Pants $59.50
4. Silk Epaulet Blouse $110
5. Aerie Inside-Out Skinny Braided Belt $24.50
6. Matiko Roxy $159
My best friend and I just happen to both be drooling over these Nine West platforms, which hit a double whammy with another huge trend this season: color blocking.
7. Stylin Color Block Sandal $89
An all-white lace tank with denim cutoffs is the epitome of simple and sexy.
8. Pins and Needles Battenburg Tan $54
9. AE Distressed Denim Midi Short $36.50
Image Layout: Molly Murphy
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