Suz On Shopping

Lately, I have been feeling the shopping itch. I have been trying to curb the itch for new fall clothes by buying things for my apartment. I think if one more box arrives at the apartment my boyfriend is going to take one of them and start living in it on the corner. So, in lieu of actually purchasing anything for fall yet since it is still way too hot here in Chicago, I will blog about my fall obsessions 2010. But Suz, you might ask, you already did a post about the hot trends for fall. Yes, that is correct. This blog, however, is about the things I am actually contemplating purchasing.

1. Brogues.

My very stylish friend, Melissa and I started talking about these cute shoes a month of so ago and now I can’t get them out of my head. I think they are a great summer-into-fall piece. You can wear them now with cute shorts or a skirt and then in the fall with jeans or tights. My favs are the Camden Leather Brogues from JCrew.


2. Plaid Schoolboy Shirts.

Again, I love the herringbone plaid shirt from JCrew. The print is classic and the updated cut is made to look less boxy then the ones we wore in '94.

3. Over the knee boots.

My favorite is from Joie. But they are very expensive at $545. There are cute, less expensive options at Nine West and Ann Taylor Loft. This pair is from Loft. These will look great with a cute skirt or a fun sweater dress.

4. Cropped Leather Jacket in fall hues. Belfast for JCrew (I know, I am a JCrew-aholic) would be my dream jacket. However, it is over $1,200.00.

This cheaper option at Urban Outfitters is 'only' $250. Plus, the fact that it is a "Members Only" ups the hipster quotient.

5. Updated anorak jacket.

You can find these almost anywhere. Ann Taylor loft has an army green one on sale right now for $39.99. JCrew has many ranging in price from $98-$148. Urban Outfitters also has a few options for around $78.

This one is from JCrew and is the Solid Ripstop Field Jacket. Pair it with a sparkly top or skirt for an updated look.

Til next time,

Stay Stylish!

Suz On Style's Style Philosophy

I wanted to publish a post addressing my fashion and style philosophy so you, my ones of twos of fans, can know a little more this blog.

First things first, I am not a fashion-ista. I am not constantly dressed to the nines in the hottest designer labels and the hottest trends. I do not spend inordinate amounts of money on clothing and accessories.

What I am is a real woman, with a real woman’s body, making a real person’s salary and shopping in real stores. I read the fashion magazines, websites, and watch fashion television shows. (I have a subscription to In Style and I die for Rachel Zoe.) I know what the trends are and what designers are vogue, but I do not generally wear any of their clothing. Why? I can’t afford it…and even if I could I’m not sure I would. I was raised in the Midwest with Midwest values and spending $2,000.00 on a dress just does not seem logical to me in real life. In my fantasies, yes. For a very special occasion, maybe. But for everyday life in Chicago, no.

What I do believe in (and what I hope to get across with my blog) is looking put together stylish. I believe in appearing polished, poised and as if you put some thought into your outfit.

I believe in good quality clothing. This means linings, quality fabrics and quality cuts. I believe in finding clothing that will flatter your body type.

I believe in thinking of what you wear as an “outfit” from head to toe. This goes from not only thinking about what pants to wear, but what top, jacket, shoes, accessories, hair-do, make-up, purse etc. This may sound like a daunting task, but once you get the hang of it – it’s not difficult.

I believe in wearing clothing based on what activities you are engaged in that day or night. This means wearing an outfit that is appropriate for the occasion – no matter the occasion. If you are going to appear in court – wear a suit and heels with an appropriate bag. If you are going to the beach – wear a bathing suit, cover-up and flip-flops with no make-up. If you are going to the bar after work with friends – wear jeans and fun top with bold accessories. You get the point.

I believe in finding stores, cuts of clothing and colors that work for you. I believe in a wardrobe of classic staples with splashes of trends. I believe in knowing what the trends are and how to make them work (or not work) for you.

I believe in feeling confident in what you are wearing. If you put on an outfit and you don’t feel secure, polished and poised – my advice would be to take it off and try again. You will not feel more confident as the day goes on, you will actually feel worse.

I shop at real stores that real women can afford and are located on the streets and in the malls where real women shop. My current wardrobe consist of pieces mainly from J.Crew, Banana Republic, H&M, Ann Taylor Loft, Urban Outfitters, Gap, Old Navy, Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdales, Club Monaco, Nine West, Anthropologie, BCBG, Target and even Forever 21.

I believe that it does not matter the designer name or the size on the label, but how the clothing makes you look and feel.

In conclusion, I hope that I can help real women find real clothes in real stores they really can afford and love to wear. I hope I can give advice on how to put complete outfits together from your current wardrobe and how to integrate trends into your look. And most of all, I hope that I can help to make you feel polished, poised and put-together.

I trust this has helped to explain my style philosophy and to explain my blog a bit more to (both of) my readers. J

Til next time,
Stay Stylish

Suz on Boutiques

Suz’s Favorite Boutiques in Chicago:

Handle With Care
1706 North Wells Street Chicago, IL 60614-5806
(312) 751-2929
This boutique has been around for 25 years in the Old Town neighborhood. They feature Suz’s favorite designers like Alice + Olivia, Free People, Hudson Jeans, Tibi, Theory, and Velvet. Suz on Style gives it 4 Stilettos.

Riley
1659 N Damen, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-0101
This Bucktown boutique is great because it features items in every price point. Plus, they have lots of great necklaces. Suz on Style give is 5 Stilettos.

Lori’s Shoes
824 West Armitage Avenue Chicago, IL 60614-4390
(773) 281-5655
Unless you’ve been living under a rock while in Chicago, then you know about Lori’s. They not only have a wide selection of shoes, they also carry great bags from Suz's fav designers like Tano and Hobo. Suz on Style gives it 4.5 Stilettos.

Stinky Pants
844 West Armitage Avenue Chicago, IL 60614-4308
(773) 281-4002
This boutique specializes in children’s clothing and accessories. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Suz recently went a little crazy in here picking out cute shoes and clothes for three year old style-ista niece Emma. Plus, there’s a fun merry-go-round right outside the door to keep the little ones occupied (or the older ones.) Suz on Style gives it 4 Stilettos.

Akira
This Chicago boutique has many locations with the flagship store being in Wicker Park. While many of the clothes are made with poly-blend fabrics, are unlined and are cut for a 14 year old, this store does carry some good brands beyond the Akira label. Plus, they carry a ton of great shoes, jeans and accessories. Suz purchased her fav brown and grey boots at Akira. Suz on Style gives it 3.5 Stilettos.

Til next time,
Stay Stylish!

Suz's Style Forecast

Being the trend whisperer that I am, here are Suz's picks for the hot fall trends, 2010:

1. Leopard Spots. Mee-yow! Think accessories -- scarfs, shoes and bags.

2. Fifties inspired dresses. Think Betty Draper and Grace Kelly meets Dita Von Teese. Cinched waistlines with full skirts.

3. Nudes. Colors -- that is.

4. Capes. Less Dracula more Ladies Who Lunch.

5. Equestrian. Gitty-up! I've already got my outfit picked out for my lunch at the polo club.

Til next time,
Stay Stylish