Style Sleuth: Reach for the Stars!

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

Style Sleuth: Seeing (Polka Dot) Spots!

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

Style Sleuth: Fall Trends to Try Now

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

Style Sleuth: An Easy Way To Get Ahead!

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

Style Sleuth: From Workplace To City Streets: Shoes To Last All Day

I must confess: I have had a burning obsession lately. I have been clawing through my closet trying to find the right outfits to wear for work during the day, and to also change it up into something at night. Finding the right outfit is never really the problem. It is finding the right shoes.

There are more issues than you would think when picking the right pair of shoes to wear for day. You don’t want to wear stilettos during the day at work (which may warrant side-eyed glances from co-workers), nor would you want to strap on your everyday flats for the whole day. Carrying a pair of shoes in your handbag would seem like the best idea but if you can’t check your bag at an evening event, you will end up lugging that extra weight around for the rest of the night (spoken from numerous personal experiences).

Wedges are always one of your best options. They have the ability to add height without killing your feet all day. Kitten heels are another good choice, allowing you to run around without having the severity of a higher heel. You can also shake things up with one of the newest shoe trends for women: oxfords. They add immediate sophistication to anything you are wearing without awkwardly towering over everyone in the office.

And if you find that you have no chance of lasting in any kind of height all day and must bring a pair of flats to wear, roll-up shoes are always the best option. You can throw them in your bag and they won’t weigh as much as any other kind of shoes. You can save yourself from any back problems for just one more day.

1. ASOS Hottest Suede Peep Toe Wedge, now $43.10
2. Fendi Micro Logo Wedges, now $275
3. The Nubuck Sahara Sandal, now $119.99
4. Bloch Nora Oxford, $100
5. Jeffery Campbell Zag Slip-On Wedge, $174
6. French Sole Black Woven ‘Vanilla’ Flats, $114
7. Lanvin Patent-Leather Ballerina Flats, $495
8. Alexander Wang Karmen Patent-Leather Loafers, now $222.50

—Taneisha Jordan

Image Layout; Jillian Jaslowski

Style Sleuth: Summer Lovin’ Happened So Fast!

Summer is finally here! After the never-ending rains and the long, dreary winter nights the sun has finally come out to shine. So what better way to celebrate than to get a slew of new summer pieces to wear out on the town!

Cut-outs are huge this summer. Besides providing cool ventilation to keep you from over-heating, you can wear one of these pieces all day, as long as you cover up under a fitted blazer. A cut-out dress can do double duty for day and night.

One of the best parts of the summer is staying cool when running over subway grates without fear of flashing any passers-by because of unexpected gusts of wind when you slip on an awesome pair of shorts. Leather is no longer just for the fall. Just make sure that you do not overdue it with the heavy fabrics in the summer or you could overheat. What’s even better than amazing shorts or a skirt? Wear a colorful playsuit or romper!

Do you want be able to do a quick change in a flash? Then wear a (flashy) top! Sequins and embellished necklines are great for working days that turn into hot summer nights.

Summer is great for trying out new trends so if you see anything you like and have never worn before, try it once before September rolls around!

1. Madewell Fernwood Croquet Dress, $168

2. ASOS Printed Neoprene Bodycon Dress, $36.93

3. Tibi Eclipse Sequin-Embellished Silk Top, $695

4. Diane von Furstenberg Tadd Two-Tone Silk-Crepe Playsuit, $365

5. DKNY Sequined Silk-Blend Playsuit, $595

6. Diesel Textured Leather Shorts, $390

7. Marc by Marc Jacobs 10th Anniversary Bow Wow Striped Dress, $278

—Taneisha Jordan

Image Layout: Molly Murphy

May Flowers Are Here!

If there has been something I have been missing in the last few months, it definitely has been color. Chicago has been doused with snow since what seems like last September and just when we got a glimpse of the wonderful summer to come, we’re back to the drenching trenches again. But April showers can only bring May flowers!

Floral prints are in again this season. Between the runways of New York and the streets of Los Angeles, floral prints could be seen everywhere. You even have the choice of abstracts or photographs of actual flowers. If you want to have a floral print for day, any color will do. Many sundresses are floral but you can take it up a notch by trying a floral bralet or turban to incorporate a different piece to your ensembles. That way, if you feel like a dress if too overpowering, little touches of floral can work. For a nighttime flair, try bolder and richer colors. They will stand out against the harsh street lights and solid color frocks.

You can style your floral piece any way you want. Of course, keeping it short and sweet in a dress could be the way for you, and then you just need to add neutral color wedges. You can also toughen up your outfit by adding leather accessories like a belt or jacket.

Because they work on every skin tone and every size, the choices are endless. Just make sure the print isn’t too overwhelming for you to carry off for the day (or night)!

1. Alexander McQueen Floral Design Top $412
2. Miss Sixty Floral X-Back Halter Dress $128
3. Nordstrom ‘Photo Floral’ Square Silk Scarf $78
4. ASOS Blurred Floral Wide Leg Pant $62.76
5. Tibi Printed Silk Wrap-Effect Dress $460
6. Dr. Martens Women’s 1460 Boot $120
7. Valentino Floral-Applique Satin Clutch $2495

—Taneisha Jordan

Image Layout: Jillian Jaslowski

Ask The Bean: Craving A Spring Trend

Dear Bean,
As I gather up my spring and summer wardrobes, there’s an obvious presence of previous seasons’ garb, but I have room (in my closet closet and wallet) for at least one new trend. What do you recommend I invest in?

Sincerely,
Craving a Craze

Dear Craving a Craze,

As temps get higher, hemlines seem to take a drop — down to your feet, that is. It seems like they missed their perfectly manicured company. The reemerging free-flowing, gypsy-inspired fashion staple of long skirts is back with delicate flutters in lightweight fabrics like organza and chiffon.

Straight from spring runways like those of Mark Jacobs, Jil Sanders and Lanvin, this garment is getting an extended welcome amongst all the fashion-crazed out there. Though it may take some getting used to, don’t surrender the possibility to reinvent your spring and summer wardrobe with this new length made to work for all heights, as a slender skirt can elongate a shorter frame.

Get creative with peek-a-boo textiles like those of transparent chiffons and noisy, wild patterns to supplement the lack of bare legs. Introduce this new trend to a boyfriend blazer, an assortment of jewels, a rugged cross-body hobo and a pair of bulky platform wedges, and your gypsy alter ego is free to roam the city. As sensed by the fashion cosmos, this three-to-four year trend is worth the investment.

1. Theyskens’ Theory Sorga Slub-Silk Maxi Skirt $425
2. Preen Line Tulle Maxi Skirt $545
3. A.L.C. Pleated Satin Skirt $695
4. Emilio Pucci Convertible Printed Jersey Maxi Skirt $1195
5. Michael Kors Linen-Crepe Sarong Skirt $1295
6. L’Agence Jersey Maxi Skirt $190
7. MICHAEL Michael Kors Tie-Dye Jersey Maxi Skirt $80

Image Layout: Molly Murphy

If you would like to submit a question, please send your email to: askthebean@secondcitystyle.com.