Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Independently Chic

Hello everyone!

It's almost Fourth of July and you know what that means...another excuse to dress up! And of course, celebrate America's Independence. Thus, the title: Independently Chic.

Ah yes, yes. The Fourth of July usually brings in a slew of red, white, and blue emblazoned shirts, adorned with flags, rhinestones (i've seen it) and even some fur (it's hot outside...I applaud them).

However, I say people can dress for the occasion in a much more, well, tasteful way that's fit to one's budget and would make Lady Liberty proud. At Urban Style, we encourage individuality and the mantra "if you feel good, you'll look good."

So, to make you a hit at any party this weekend, I encourage a few things to try on for size (ha, a little fashion joke).

First off, when going to a July 4th celebration, one does not need to dress like the American flag. Yes, it's beautiful, but on a flag, not a person. Wearing pieces of white, blue and red will make you stand out...in a good way.

Asking around the store, I wanted to know what the Urban Style staff thought would be the best Fourth of July outfits. Ines told me that bits and pieces of color make an outfit, whether it's a bold, red reef necklace like the one we have in-store (so chic!) or a fitted blue jacket to keep you warm when it pushes into the evening hours.

Terri agreed with her sentiments and said that subtlety is key. I personally think nothing looks better on the Fourth than a white v-neck shirt, quintessentially Americana blue jeans paired with a nice, comfortable pair of sandals either in white or in a shade of red. It's hinting that you appreciate all things America, but not smacking your friend in the face with your USA pride.

Also, play up on classics, twisting the pieces to make them uniquely your own. White jeans or linen pants look great as well as classic flats! Coming in all colors, styles and sizes, this is one of the easiest and quickest ways to dress up/or down any outfit.


Here's some pictures that inspired me this Fourth of July:



Courtesy of: Pretty-Lil-Things.blogspot.com





Courtesy of: LadyLicorice.com



Courtesy of: L.L. Bean



Red ballet flats, an L.L. Bean tote and navy dress? What could be better?

Anyway, that's all for now. Hope you all have a safe, fun and patriotic Fourth of July Weekend!

Remember to check out Urban Style's Web site at http://www.urbanstyleemporium.com/ and our Twitter and Facebook!


Go USA!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Summer Wind

Hello Everyone!

After a few months hiatus, Urban Style Emporium's blog is up and running once again! First off, I should probably introduce myself. I'm Aimee and the intern at Urban Style for the summer. It's my third week and i've already learned so much about the industry--it's nuts!

Some updates on Urban Style Emporium! Like we've stated in previous posts, we have moved to 200 East Delaware in a brand new location! On our Web site (www.urbanstyleemporium.com) we have specific directions that i'll place in the post, too.

We are located UNDERGROUND on the northeast corner of Delaware Place and Miles van der Rohe. Walk east on Delaware Place one block past Michigan Ave. to Mies van der Rohe and turn left. Look for the brick stairs leading down. We are located just inside on the right. For handicap accessible, just past the steps you will see a walkway at street level leading into the building. Take the elevator to the lower level. STORE ENTRANCE IS ON MILES VAN DER ROHE DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM CAFE MED BY BICE.

Since opening up the store at the new location, owner Terri Vizzone, Ines Manrique and Andrea Slack have been working hard to get the Urban Style name out to the masses! For the summer and into the next few weeks, we have MAJOR sales happening! The majority of items in the store are 25% off and an extra 20% at the register...can't beat that! We also are having our Annual Indoor Side Walk Sale in the next few weeks, so keep looking at our Web site, Twitter (twitter.com/urbanstyleemp) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/urbanstyleemporium)!

Sale items include pieces from Elm, Planet, Ivan Grundahl, Lorain Croft and more! We also have a lot of great opportunities for you, the customer to benefit!

On our Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/urbanstyleemporium) post a picture of a Urban Style outfit and get the chance to win an $100 gift card in store during the Fall season!

I'd say that's a pretty sweet deal for summer. And speaking of fall's lingering possibilities, keep a look out for trends that will be popular during the autumn months. Leathers and furs are a must to keep warm in the Windy City and if that's not your thing, try the hot-selling line of jeans by Cookie Johnson with a basic t-shirt and bold, statement necklace! Dressing up or down, Cookie Johnson's jeans are a must have for fall!

Just a little preview for the beginning of the week, but every post i'll pose (a little alliteration for you folks) a question at the end!

So, this week's question is...

Who is your favorite designer and what is on your fall MUST HAVE list?