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Taneisha Jordan / February 6, 2012 9:00 am
Sunny days, 60 degree weather, and light breezes are the signs of a bright, upcoming spring season. Too bad (or good luck) because it’s only February! We’re almost out of the woods from having a cold winter this year. You might be wearing your light jackets and all-year round favorites with ease! Here are a few more pieces you can start donning now, as well as get a head start on that spring shopping.
Prints like floral and polka dots are always a prime choice to rise your blustery weather blues. You don’t have to be solely into the trendy neon or pastel colors but any primary color will help boost your spirits. These bright colors are also popping up in both shoes and accessories, especially in handbags. Even if you have a strict wardrobe policy at work, nothing can make your outfit pop like a bright handbag.
Even though the groundhog did see his shadow (Really? Six more weeks of winter?), with the weather we’ve been experiencing in Chicago lately, I don’t think many of us will mind.
1. Rebecca Taylor Starflower Blouse, $175
2. Nine West Taker Flats, $69
3. ASOS Scallop Edge Satchel, $35.81
4. Sass & Bide Coming Back Embroidered Silk-Blend Shorts, $485
5. Topshop Flock Spot Pencil Skirt, $76
6. 3.1 Philip Lim Sleeveless Sequin Dress, $794
— Taneisha Jordan
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Taneisha Jordan / January 16, 2012 9:00 am
Words you thought you never would hear: sneakers are fashionable now! We’ve gone through the high (and heel-less) Lady GaGa-esque shoes to kitten heels to wedges and now, it’s back to sneakers. It seems that designers have heard the cries of stiletto-clad women everywhere and are finally doing something about it. This is the season of the sneaker.
These shoes are a great alternative to wearing heels in the winter. You can throw them on without worrying about slipping on ice. And if you’re feeling very daring, they can go from your afternoon workout straight to a night out on the town! But you can’t just throw on any old dirty pair of gym shoes. There are a few rules to pulling off a fashion-forward sneaker look.
When you wear sneakers in lieu of heels, make sure you’re wearing loose and tailored pieces towards the bottom half of your body. If your skirts or pants are too tight, you can come off as looking vulgar and the look has the possibility of losing its chicness. Also, keep in mind to stay within the same color family unless you want your shoes to make the boldest statement. Many sneakers this season are made with wedges. This gives the wearer height without sacrificing comfort.
Sneakers are also dressing up themselves! Hints of metallic and studs are covering the soles of these wonders, adding a bit of fun to the every day shoe. If some of these studded options are too much for you, there is always the do-it-yourself option.
So what are you waiting for? Get those sneakers on!
1. DKNYC Active Forward Laceless Sneakers, $47.90
2. Lanvin Metallic-Cracked Leather Sneaker, $271.20
3. See By Chloe Gondola Lace Wedge Sneaker, $360
4. Marc By Marc Jacobs Wertmuller Sneaker Wedge, $282.94
5. UES Rivin Studded Sneaker, $90.99
6. Miu Miu Patent-Leather High-Top Sneakers, $495
7. Maison Martin Margiela Mirror Sneaker, $680
8. Nike Tenkay Low Sneaker, $60
—Taneisha Jordan
Image Layout: Amy Newling
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Second City Style / December 12, 2011 9:00 am
The year is ending and it’s about that time again! Time to find your best party dress to ring in the new year! Every girl knows that the new year is the start of a clean slate. You get to start over without any reservations and the “old” can be put to pasture.
Basically, the style of party dress you decide to wear is up to you. You can go short and sparkly which will bring out the fun and energy in those around you. Or you can choose to wear a long, floor-gazing dress and ring in the dramatics. If you want think about all the public transportation you will be needing to your party (or the fact that you hate being chilly), a sleek pantsuit can be the answer. You can even choose non-traditional materials like feathers or leather, which can bring on a funky edge to an already awesome ensemble!
Whatever you decide, just make sure it’s completely your style. You want to ring in 2012 dressed comfortably as well as stylishly, right? Happy New Year!
1. Theory Light Leather Jeselia Dress, $775
2. ASOS Mini Skirt with Zip, $72.72
3. Notte by Marchesa Ruffled Silk-Chiffon Strapless Gown, $693
4. Zac Posen Stretch Silk-Blend Dress, $333.75
5. Bottega Veneta Smoking Tuxedo, $3450
6. Michael Michael Kors Ostrich Feather and Crepe Dress, $375
7. Alice + Olivia Andrea Dress, $99
—Taneisha Jordan
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Second City Style / November 28, 2011 9:00 am
I’m sure the dreary weather has got you down, too. We went from sunny skies to gray in what seems like a matter of minutes. So, what could help lift up your spirits? How about some blocking? No, not football blocking… color-blocking, that is!
Bringing a bit of a 1960s vibe, color-blocking is back for the winter season. Marrying two to four different colors per piece, you have many options when choosing a color-blocked item! You can keep your look demure by wearing colors that are tone on tone, medium hued and cool, or you can add a little shock value by pairing black with a bright, neon color. Wear either a small color-blocked piece, such as socks or a necklace to punch up an otherwise blah ensemble or revolve your whole outfit around the trend.
Color-blocking is so versatile, it can be worn either day or night, dressed up or down. There’s no end to how to pair these pieces with the rest of your wardrobe. In fact, there are no major rules when deciding how to wear color-blocking. So be sure to try it out and have fun mixing and matching with this trend!
1. Miss Selfridge Sheer Dress, $19
2. Vivienne Westwood Color Block Clutch, Now 20 % Off $399.99
3. ASOS Color Blocked Skinny Jeans, $89.85
4. Diane Von Furstenberg Hatsu Dress, $375
5. Acne Freda Stripe Jacket, $570
6. ASOS Color Blocked Denim Shirt, $71.88
7. Alexander Wang Caroline Platform Booties, $525
8. Pieces Ibrock Color Block Knee-High Socks, $8.18
— Taneisha Jordan
Image Layout: Amy Newling
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Taneisha Jordan / October 31, 2011 9:00 am
Holiday parties and family get-togethers are lurking right around the corner. You have to think of an outfit fast, but you also need something to wear to work so donning a ballgown and glass slippers is out of the question. One of the easiest things to put on is something covered in lace. Although the first thought that comes to mind with lace is undergarments, there is a plethora of lacy items to add to your everyday wardrobe.
Lace evokes a somewhat delicate quality in contrast to whatever else you’re wearing without going overboard or being too cutesy. You can keep the ladylike trend going by pairing a simple lace dress with black pumps and black gloves or you have the option of making it rock and roll by adding a black leather jacket and wedge ankle boots. Just make sure to keep the minimum to one lace item per outfit, otherwise the look goes into overload overdrive.
The latest trend has to be wearing lace top with nothing but a bra underneath! This is, of course, for the daring. It is a bold look and you have to be ready to pull it off with no abandon. Also, just make sure you wear this look only for a night on the town. A lace top and bra is not something your HR department wants to reprimand you about at work.
There is nothing sexier than slipping on something covered in lace. So make sure you find you lace niche and try it out this holiday season!
1. Black Long Sleeved Lace Mini Dress By Sentimental, $138
2. Rachel Roy Crepe Lace Insert Skirt, $325
3. LORAC Oooh La Lace Baked Shimmer & Matte Eye Shadow Palette, $36
4. Emitations Noir’s Layered Lace and Faux Pearl Necklace, $39.99
5. Chinese Laundry Peep-Toe Platform Shoes, $69
6. Madewell Lacey Waves Top, $148
7. Olive & Oak Black Lace Jersey V-Neck Vest, $35.19
— Taneisha Jordan
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Taneisha Jordan / October 11, 2011 9:00 am
It’s that time of the year again! When the leaves start to change colors, the wind turns a little colder and wearing skirts without tights just won’t do anymore. It’s about time to start thinking outwear… coats!
You don’t know which coat style is for you? There are several trends you can look forward to this season:
Classic trench shapes are always a favorite. Tried and true basic shapes in fitted A-line styles work for years to come. These ladylike pieces always bring a sophistication of luxury with basic rich neutral tones and minimal styling. This style probably has the most seasonal wear, due to its fitted shape and ability to add layers without being bulky.
Faux fur is fun fur! Basic colors like brown and black work but even bright and fun ones can impact your look and take it from everyday to fashion-forward. And the look is a glamorous one. Just make one note to check the weather before leaving the house. Faux fur is very hard to clean and get back to it’s original condition after it gets wet.
Shearling keeps you warm without sacrificing style. New shapes keep the the form fitting style without looking too bulky and overwhelming for the wearer. This is a classic piece that would work any year!
Bright, fun colors are a great addition to the upcoming dreary winter months ahead. Seeing a bright color pop would make you (and others around you) smile at just of the thought of the future upcoming summer colors again. This is one to be a bit careful of… If you wear bright colors all the time, make sure you don’t clash wearing a bright jacket with a bright pant or skirt.
Coats are one of the most basic pieces of outwear, easily identifiable to the outside world of your personality. You can get a piece that follows the current trends or have a timeless, classic shape. It’s up to you. Just make sure you get it right!
1. Emanuel Ungaro Belted Cotton-blend Gabardine Coat, Now $699
2. Badger Faux Fur Car Coat, $295
3. A.L.C. ‘Emerson Double Collar Leather Jacket, $1,560
4. Charles Gray London Wool Coat, $298
5. Moschino Leather-Fringed Wool Coat, Now $1,315.50
6. J. Crew Double Cloth Metro Coat, $298
—Taneisha Jordan
Image Layout: Amy Newling
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Taneisha Jordan / September 26, 2011 9:00 am
Looking up at the night sky, everything looks so beautiful. The clouds, the stars, the moon… it’s a feat that happens every night but never stops being less gorgeous each time. So what could be better than wearing those nighttime traits?
Living in a very busy (not to mention well-lit) and chaotic city, it’s pretty hard to see the sky at night. Night sky prints are fun because they are a great, unexpected addition to your wardrobe but the look is easily recognizable. All it takes is one standout piece to bring your whole outfit together.
Granted, this is something that might not be the best idea for work. Stars and cosmic prints are more of a fun, nighttime look so bringing that look to the corporate world might be a daunting task unless the print is small and fairly muted. And it must be kept light, as in a necklace or blouse underneath a blazer. Bright and neon colors are best left for the dark (so to speak).
Whether it be a dress, clutch or shoe, using the cosmic sky to punch up a simple ensemble is “out of this world!”
1. YSL 1980s Star Print Silk Dress, $485
2. Pretty Polly ‘House Of Holland Superstar’ Tights, $34
3. Jimmy Choo Gold Star Print Wool Scarf, $324
4. Kenneth Jay Lane Star Cuff, $175
5. Bebe Galaxy Rhinestone Trim Dress, $229
6. Jeffery Campbell Darian, $144.95
— Taneisha Jordan
Image Layout: Amy Newling
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Second City Style / August 29, 2011 10:00 am
There is nothing more classic than a polka dot print. And nothing emotes more of an easy going yet whimsical feeling than black and white polka dots. You can take the ladylike route and wear a simple, ruffled dress with the pattern, or try a fashion-forward approach and wear it all over. It’s really up to you how far you can take the trend! Marc Jacobs always has polka dots front and center. For his upcoming Fall and Winter collection, dots of all sizes were dominant, both big and small. I’m sure there are few doubting Mr. Jacobs fashion styling abilities.
The best thing about adding polka dots is you can wear them anywhere. Wear a small scarf around your neck or go full tilt and wear a matching top and pants outfit. Dresses are always the easiest way to pull off polka dots but you can change things up a bit by wearing shorts or a fuller skirt.
If you are feeling extra daring (you rascal, you!), try throwing in a bright accent piece like a neon red purse or a simple yellow belt . You may be scared that you will look Minnie Mouse-ish if you take the trend full blast, but you shouldn’t be! A little confidence is all you need to make this trend work for you.
1. Steven Alan Cynthia Polka Dot Dress, $385
2. The Limited Dotty One-Shoulder Dress, $89.90
3. Madewell Darling Dots Dress, $158
4. J.Crew Dotted Tulle Fineline Cami, now $39.99
5. Dolce&Gabbana Leopard Print Calf Hair Slingback, $825
6. Betsey Johnson Betsey’s Secret Garden Dragon Fly Illusion Necklace, now $52.61
—Taneisha Jordan
Image Layout: Molly Murphy
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Taneisha Jordan / August 8, 2011 9:00 am
It’s here! It’s finally here!!
The summer season has finally started to cool down and it’s safe to exit your home without completely bursting to flames. Right before the leaves start to change colors, we gear up for our favorite time of the year: New York Fashion Week! Nothing is better than knowing the newest trends are coming. Before you can do that, you need to be current on the trends happening right now!
But wait.. before you get ready for Spring/Summer 2012, you have to be ready for fall first! After all, you can’t be showing up to New York Fashion Week with the same old summer trends now, can you?
Graphic prints are always a show-stopper. Black and white colors are easy pieces that you probably already have in your closet. If you want to try something a little different, tribal prints can be mixed and matched. Just make sure that the colors are in the same family or you run the risk of looking like you have what I call Print Overload Syndrome.
Maxi dresses are always an easy transition piece. They can go from summer to fall in a flash with a change of accessories and shoes.
One surprising trend was how many designers used feathers for their collection, which goes well with another trend: sequins. For hitting the town, you could use a little or a lot of both! Too much is never enough! The same also goes for lace insets. A little lace goes a long way.
These are some of the easiest trends to add into your fall wardrobe this season. Now you have no excuse for not being ready for Fashion Week! And if you need a refresher, you can always look back at the Second City Style’s NYFW Fall/Winter 2011 wrap-up!
1. Camilla and Marc Meta Dress, $460
2. Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Helga’ Sweater Dress, $228
3. Rick Owens Lilies Cascade Maxi Skirt, $755
4. Acne Long Skirt with High Slit, $300
5. Prabal Gurung Embroidered Ostrich Tank, $1,895
6. Alice & Olivia ‘Phebe’ T-Shirt Dress, $289
7. Sue Wong Seafoam Ostrich Feather Beaded Dress, $354
8. Leaf Flower Lace Tee, $38
—Taneisha Jordan
Image Layout: Molly Murphy
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Taneisha Jordan / July 18, 2011 11:00 am
I have a bit of an obsession lately. It seems to have appeared out of nowhere. I can’t explain why but for some reason, I have this insatiable urge to… put something on my head. Maybe it’s because I feel the need to block my head from the intense heat of the sun as of late. Or maybe it’s because the stormy Chicago winds have been out of control, but wearing some kind of headpiece gives me comfort that everything will soon be alright.
I actually do have a method to this madness. I do not just want to throw any old baseball cap and call it a day. There are ways of making headpieces become part of your outfit without going overboard or looking like you threw on a hat carelessly. A simple fedora is a staple that never fails to liven up an outfit. A piece like this adds just a bit of whimsy to whatever you’re wearing. Veils and fascinators are also high in the fun department. And with the right makeup, it can give you just an air of vintage mystery without making you completely unapproachable.
Sometimes, you may start with a simple outfit. Maybe a white button down and shorts, or a little black dress. This is where the outlandish headpiece comes into play, also known as the “conversation starter.” Feel free to get as crazy as you like. From oversized bows to awkward vintage pieces, if it can sit on your head, then wear it! Just a quick tip: not many people can forget (or resist) a cute girl in a tophat.
1. Gucci Trilby Hat, $495
2. Madewell Panama Hat, $58
3. Diesel Preben, $40
4. Blugirl Bluemarine, $180
5. Portolano Black Wool Sequin Beret, $115
6. Eugenia Kim Carmella Linen Slouchy Cap, $165
7. Goorin Brother Macey Floppy, $44
—Taneisha Jordan
Image Layout: Molly Murphy
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