Pretty Pastels!

Things are starting to warm up a bit (knock on wood and fingers crossed), new merchandise is starting to flow into the store and thankfully much of it involves color!  After a long hard Winter even the most die hard neutral lovers are ready to inject some serious color into their fashion lives, myself included.  This Spring it's all about a softer palette.  Pastels were used by designers in everything from clothing, to handbags to accessories.  In my last blog I touched upon what I like to call big bird yellow and which the Pantone people are calling freesia.  While I have not quite started going all out with these colors simply because it still feels pretty chilly, I have started to dabble and easy myself into the Spring trends.  About a month ago I got a manicure in the periwinkle color which is going to be so big for Spring.  This color is super easy to wear because it looks really good on all skin tones and goes easily with neutrals. It popped against my often all black ensembles and I got tons of compliments which never killed anybody.  I also started to play around with the lavendar.  I haven't picked it up in clothes form yet (we have some amazing stuff coming in this color) but I did do it in an eyeshadow which was a fun change.  The mint color I just got in a super soft button up shirt that just came in.  I wore it with black jeans which kind of reminded me of my favorite childhood ice cream (baskin robbins mint chocolate chip).  As those of you who follow my blog know, I love to wear neutral colors and in the past have added a pop of color with accessories.  The Spring colors make me feel like I can take baby steps to wear more color in clothing.  While I do think it all looks great with black, I'm actually more excited to wear it with lighter wash jeans, greys, beiges (also part of the Spring 2014 Pantone color report) and of course with eachother!  After feeling like I've been in a shell all Winter I'm ready to bust out and just float along in these pretty pastels!

What do you think?  Will you embrace the Spring 2014 palette?  Come check us out soon becuase new things are arriving daily in all these colors and more!

Big Bird Yellow

For Spring, a huge color I have been seeing in everyone's collections from handbags, to clothing, to accessories is yellow. It's a true pop of color and every time I see it, I am reminded of Big Bird and his yellow feathers, thus, I have dubbed it Big Bird Yellow.  I have never been a huge yellow fan but after this never ending Winter I am feeling ready to embrace it, wear it, and am really looking forward to the yellow totes we have coming, yellow baggallinis (already here), and other yellow accessories to pop your wardrobe. I plan on personally getting a handbag or tote in this color (I'm not ready to go for it in clothing just yet) and wearing it with greys or black.  I think this gives a really fresh and exciting injection to my otherwise neutral and go-to basics.  This bright yellow just feels like sunshine and Spring which, Lord knows, we all are ready for.

To see some more looks for Spring 2014 featuring big bird yellow click here

Lupita the Godess

Fashion can now be officially divided into B.L. (before Lupita) and A.L. (after Lupita).  Yes, I am referring to Lupita Nyong'o.  This woman rocks my world!  She is so gorgeous, not afraid to take fashion risks, knows what colors look good on her and pulls it all of with sickening grace and confidence.  I did a little reading up on her as well and it just gets better.  Lupita was born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents and according to tradition was named after events of the day.  She graduated from Hampshire college and then Yale and has written, directed and produced a documentary about the treatment of Kenya's albino population.  It doesn't stop there though, as well as starring in television shows, and major hollywood movies she was recently named one of the 2014 faces for Miu Miu.  This woman is leading and inspiring by example. Go Lupita!  

A Glimmer of Hope

I know we should be living in the moment and not wishing the time away, but when its as cold as a witch's boobies (I remember the first time I heard the real version of that when I was little and my silent shock.  I still laugh when I think about that) it's hard not to be dreaming of summer.  Oh the parties, the barbecues, the beach, the bike rides!

At a shoe show I went to earlier this week I was looking at sandals with such longing and excitement and then it happened.  I spotted her from about 25 feet away.  She was so classy, so fun, so practical yet glamorous at the same time.  I was in love!!!  Yes ladies, that's right, I found the most glorious summer sandal that I can wear to any and every function possible.  I am already planning on getting two pairs.  One to wear and one to have in the wings once I wear the first pair out.  So hopefully the thought of yourself wearing a sandal that you feel amazing in AND can walk in with the sun shining and your head held high (not crunched down into your coat) will bring a smile to your face and give you a glimmer of hope that warmer weather will eventually come. Just know, that Williams Shoes and Williams Next Door will be attending several shows in the next months, planning and carefully choosing the best styles and price-points for you for Spring/Summer 2014.

The Stylish Little Pig

You may have heard of the 3 stylish little pigs. The first built  her wardrobe out of flimsy materials that lost their shape.  The second built her wardrobe out of trendy items that went out of style in a season.   The third little pig built her wardrobe out of stylish yet timeless pieces investing in good quality for the things she knew she would wear all the time.  Long story short, out of the 3 pigs the third one looked effortlessly cool, lived a more stress free life and was known as a stylish gal for all of her days.

At one point or another, every woman I know has had her room in total chaos with clothes strewn about everywhere 10 minutes before she is supposed to be heading out the door.  Why do we do this to ourselves?  In times like these I think there are two things to do to mitigate the insanity and pull off looking and feeling good.

1. The first is the old acronym my SAT instructor was always mentioning, K.I.S.S. (keep It Simple Stupid).  You can always take the basics and pair it with something a little more zesty. Having simple, classic, flattering pieces will always be great building blocks.

2.The second thing is to have the basics already in your closet.  Don't wait until the last minute to try and find these. When you see them and you like how they fit, get them!  You won't regret it.  Below are a few of my favorite basic items every woman should have which will take the stress out of dressing. 

A great pair of black pants.  Our ponte pant (they have a slimming line down the front) has been a best seller and we now have all sizes back in stock.  Comfortable, slightly dressy and super flattering.  They are a must!  $95





                                                                                                                                                                               

This black and silver necklace makes a statement, is nice and light and goes with everything.  Unique enough to add a finishing touch, simple enough to not overpower.  $32

A basic black pair of boots (sandals in the summer) you can wear with dresses, skirts and pants to slightly dressier events AND everyday.  Not only that but they are super comfortable.  Your basics should be as comfortable as possible because you will be wearing them a lot! $185





Once you have amazing good quality basics, adding inexpensive, trendy and more flavorful pieces with prints textures and sass becomes easy.  Just remember: the smartest stylish little pigs build their wardrobe with great basics!


What do you think?  What are your favorite basics?

Chiberia Street Style

So as the new year gets rolling,  I am going to be incorporating a street style portion to my blogging.  Today, with temperatures of around -10 degrees I decided to start doing this.  Needless to say it was challenging.  I have not sorted out the details of a fancy camera just yet and on top of it all, it is so so cold outside it makes doing much of anything difficult.  I hope you enjoy despite the amateur nature of my first Chicago street style blog.  

  

I love the "his and hers" look this couple's got going on.  I also like the big pompom she has on her hat.  It gives a whimsical touch when pure practicality reigns.

While this outfit may not appear to be much, the print on this jacket is really quite fabulous.  Purple ombre and plaid; at the same damn time!  

And putting us all to shame is this woman rocking her leopard coat and stylish hat at the grocery store.    Far and away the most put together person I saw out and about and you all know how I feel about leopard print.  'Nuff said.

Mirrored reflections.  Gotta give the masses, splashes, of color, even if I do live in Chiberia.

2014 Could Be Your Greatest Mistake

With the new year just a few days away it's hard to avoid at least a bit of reflection.  

In review, this year was BANANAS.  So many of our amazing clients inspired me, cheered me up, made me laugh, shared personal stories with me and reminded me, again and again why I love what I do and why fashion is art and art is simply a tool for expression and life.  I would like to thank all of you who decided to shop with us and spend your hard earned dollars at local businesses and encouraged us that we are on the right track!  I am fully aware that without you, there would be no us. 

I remember when I was 6 years old and when my dad came home from work I told him that I had gone ice skating with my class.  I very proudly, with a toss of my head, declared that I had not fallen once!  He looked at me and said, "That means you didn't take any risks, and didn't try anything new.  Falling means you are learning." I was left speechless.  Sometimes, dads know what they are talking about.  

 As you think about the year ahead, think of this:

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.

Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.” 
― Neil Gaiman

So ladies,  cheers to making mistakes in fashion, love, friendship, hobbies, travel and more.  Cheers to being afraid but going for it anyway.  Cheers to US!