Rock On Beautiful People!

Have you ever noticed how kids love to dress up in costumes and rock them everywhere whether it be hanging out at home, going to the grocery store or out to dinner?  I love this for its carefree and fun-loving spirit but I also identify with it.  Costumes can become like armor giving you super powers and protecting you from the mad world we live in.  Fashion can become your costume. As of late, I have been collecting a small yet powerful arsenal of fashionable items that make up my adult version of a costume, the rockstar, which whenever I put them on I feel like a true badass. When I find these items, I know immediately. And when I look in the mirror, I think to myself Rockstar Status.  While not everyone is going to want to wear edgy, crazy items, I do believe everyone should have some things in their wardrobe that makes them feel a little daring, a little crazy and a little beautiful.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to achieve this.

1. Shades.  A great pair like these ($15) we have at the store, can make you feel totally cognito and incognito at the same time.  Only a superhero rockstar could achieve such an amazing contradiction.  Sunglasses not only look great but protect your eyes from the sun. Clearly, a rockstar move.


2. Leather.  Everyone knows leather = rockstar.  Our faux leather leggings ($45) from Hue fit really well, look great with boots and sweaters and have back pockets.  They also add a really stylish texture element to any outfit. You can easily wear a black sweater with these pants with lots of layered necklaces and look instantly cool. 

3. Black jewelry.  I can never resist a good black and silver jewelry piece. It goes with everything and I can always layer it with other silver items I own and it definitely has an edge.  Chan Luu always has something with this combo and inevitably I always end up ordering one for myself and one for the store. 
The wrap to the left ($178) is a classic style of hers that we always keep in stock. 



4.  These Frye boots currently at Williams Shoes are the very definition of badass.  They look like you have been touring for the past year, gotten in a few bar fights and won.  The best thing about these boots is you don't actually have to do any of that that to get them to look like this.  These boots come ready to wear without the hangover and lack of sleep.

5.  A great nail color.  I was one of the last people to the manicure party but now that I've shown up I'm obsessed.  A great manicure is a real game-changer and an affordable luxury.  It's just the little oomph that can make you feel put together and edgy.  I love this color called "Go Overboard" by Essie.  Very apropos for a rock star don't you think?


6. Leopard print.  Evanston has greatly resisted all leopard print items I have ever had at the store but I encourage you all to find one thing you love in this print and give it a go. Nothing says confidence like wearing leopard and owning it!




What items do you have that make you feel like you can take on the world?
I would love to know!

Granny Chic

They say age brings wisdom.  Well, it can also bring great fashion!  "Granny chic" is a current trend that has been around for a bit now and I love it!  This trend is not about looking old but more about looking like you raided your grandmother's closet and hit the jackpot because she was a stylish biddy.   You took those things and added them to some more updated pieces so you don't look like you time warped straight from the 20's.  Below are a few items you can put together to look Granny Chic.

1. Lace up boots or booties.  My two favorites at Williams shoes right now are this little Burgandy Rieker that laces up and the black lace up boot from Steven Madden                                             

2.  Next it's all about layering.  Our 7 yr skirt at Williams Next Door is perfect paired with shoes like the above mentioned and a great pair of tights.  To really wear this trend through winter come in and grab a pair of our cashmere tights or get a little funky with our black patterned HUE tights.















3. Throw on a sweater with a vintage looking print or one like our cotton shawl sweater out of Italy











4. Layer on the long necklaces from our local jewelry section and you are good to go!


Not only is this style easy to execute, it's warm, which is all I can think about as the temp drops.  Will you be rocking the granny chic trend?  I know I will. I just bought the black lace up booties pictured above and I'm obsessed! Cheers to being stylish despite the weather and cheers to all the Grannies out there who have given us this inspiration!

chilly confusion

So, generally I try to focus on the positives of fashion and how to put things together.  As many of you who follow my blog know, I often say if you feel good in it forget the rules and express yourself that is the most important thing.  I feel obliged however, to discuss a fashion "no-no" that plagues the Midwest annually.  Just in the past few weeks as the temperature is cold in the morning and warmer once the sun heats things up and drops again at night.  I have seen these fashion offenders cropping up just as they do every year.  Yes, you know what I am talking about.  It's when someone is wearing some clothes appropriate for a hot summer day and other items appropriate for a cold fall/winter day.  I'm not totally heartless.  I know even the most fashion saavy get confused and end up under dressed or over dressed .  The weather report gets it wrong a good portion of the time and Chicago is a temperamental lady to say the least.  This can easily be forgiven for to err is human as they say.  However, illogical dressing is a crime of a different nature.  It's just not logical!  If you have bare legs you should not be wearing a big wool scarf or a heavy sheerling coat.  Wearing fur lined boots a tank top as your upper half is ill-advised.  So, in conclusion, pick a season and stick with it.  What are your thoughts on this?  Is this a fashion "Do" or a fashion "Don't"?