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

What to Pack for a Beach Vacation

As many of you may know, I am heading to the beach for a week of relaxation. Here is my list of what to pack for your next trip to the sun, surf and sand.

1. Bathing suits. Yes -- more than one. You don't want to have to wear the same bottoms every day of the vacation, do you? Suz -- bikini or one piece? Either. I think you should wear whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. There are plenty of cute one pieces out there. I am a big fan of JCrew's swim shop. They have a ton of different shapes and sizes. My pick for this season is:

This top is flattering on a larger bust and the skirt will help hide any cottage cheese you might have on your thighs. Gurl -- don't fret. We've all got a little.

2. Sunblock. SPF 30+

3. Cover-Up. No one wants to see you in your bikini at the local bar sipping Coronas. Please ladies -- get a cute cover-up. None of this skin-tight denim shorts with the waistband folded over crap. You are not Britney Spears and why would you want to dress like her??

If you think you can pull it off, I really like the idea of a trendy romper for a cover up. Otherwise, I recommend a cute cotton dress. Here's my pick. I love the nautical stripes. (Yes, again from JCrew. They also have some cute options like this at Forever 21.):

4. Beach Hat (no premature aging will be tolerated here). JCrew is the winner again. I love the look of a traditional sun hat. I know the panama style hat is trendy and popular again, but this hat will never go out of style.

5. A cute beach bag. My pick is the traditional "Boat and Tote" bag from LL Bean. You just can't go wrong.

6. Flip-flops. I don't think you need much instruction here. Just don't wear wedge flip flops or heeled flip flops. There's nothing I hate more than wedge flip flops. They make you look like you're wearing Frankenstein's shoes.

7. A good beach read. My picks are InStyle magazine and Us Weekly. I also recently read the Anita Shreve book, Body Surfing and enjoyed it. I am going to try and read, Beach Music, on my trip. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Until next time. Stay Stylish.

A+ for Biel's A-Team Promotion Wardrobe

Jessica Biel has been rocking the red carpet lately promoting her new movie, The A Team. I am not usually the biggest Biel fan -- maybe it's because she's dating my boyfriend JT -- but she has been looking fierce lately. Here is one of my favorite looks and how you can sport the look for less.

For this appearance at the Late Show with David Letterman Biel is wearing taupe colored wide-legged trousers with a baby blue blouse and a skinny belt. She finished the look with a beige clutch.

This blue top is from Bluefly.com and is $41. The saturated blue color will look great on all skin tones. The V-neck and cinching at the waist will flatter any body type.

The wide leg pants are from Banana Republic and retail for $79. When buying wide legged pants be sure they have a flat front and are a bit longer than what you normally might wear. A wide waistband is a flattering look on any body type. Also, make sure they aren't skin tight in the thigh -- this will make the leg appear much larger than it really is. Also, make sure the pants are long enough when wearing wedge sandals (recommended shoe with this look) or heels to cover most of the shoe and just skim the ground.

The clutch is from Hobo International and retails for $108. I love Hobo International, their purses are so beautiful. The neutral color of this bag will go with everything.

Pair with a skinny silver belt wrapped twice around the waist (see http://www.jcrew.com/) at the cinching point in the shirt and a silver necklace and you are ready to go.

Happy Shopping!

'Til next time --

Stay stylish!

Must-Haves

Top 10 List of Suz's Style Must-Haves (in no particular order)

10. Black blazer (for work, for over a great tank when going out or for when you're feeling like your arms resemble something closer to two ham hocks)

9. Black pencil skirt (to hug your enviable curves)

8. A great pair of jeans (to make your butt look scrumptious)

7. Trench coat (can also double as a cover-up over lingerie for when you want to surprise that special certain someone)

6. Hunter wellies (they are useful in all seasons -- rain, snow, slush, hail -- you're covered -- literally and you'll look super cute)

5. Black point-toed heels (they make your legs look even longer)

4. Pearl stud earrings (you'll look like Jackie even when you may feel more like It's Pat.)

3. Summer cotton dress (have you ever had to walk five blocks to the L in the August heat? trust me -- you need one)

2. Ballet flats (they look great and you can actually walk in them)

1. The LBD (duh -- did I really have to tell you that one?)