Urban Style Emporium

Runway Realway

2010-09-18T14:55:00.001-07:00

Happy Fashion Week, everyone!

I hope you thoroughly enjoyed New York Fashion Week and were keeping up with some amazing collections by very talented designers.

So, this brings me to my thought of the moment. I love fashion, runways, fashion weeks, couture collections, elite designers and the like. But, what I have a problem with is its exclusivity. Like I've said in my previous posts, fashion should be inclusive, rather than exclusive.

I obsessively check http://www.style.com for the latest news in the fashion industry along with other blogs that I think test traditional style limits. Fashion blogs such as Cupcakes and Cashmere, Fashion Toast and Sea of Shoes go beyond the typical idea of just clothes. Not only do the bloggers engage their readers, but they truly care about what they think...and comment back to them, too!

I really applaud those who break unconventional norms and try something different. Check them out and add them to your Google Reader...I promise, it's worth it!

Also, some exciting updates! Urban Style's Web site is updated with new fall pictures from designers and new content! We also are featuring a calendar of Urban Style's upcoming trunk shows from Lorain Croft, Jarbo and Loreta Corsetti, our in-house milliner!

Reader's Note: Somehow, it's not allowing me to link to other sites and post pictures...I will be fixing this ASAP!

Keep on the lookout for more amazing pieces coming in DAILY to Urban Style!

Happy Fall!

Urban Style Emporium

Sweet Disposition

2010-09-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday!

Almost to another work week and back to the grind. However, here are a few things I like to start my weekdays with, making those five days a bit more bearable and a lot more sweeter.

1. Temper Trap's song "Sweet Disposition." Easy listening, with much build-up at the end. Guitars and soft crescendo= an utterly blissful 3:55.

2. As the season progresses, I have been drawn to all things autumn. Now, whether it's apple cider or the sound of crunchy leaves, I will always hold one thing dear to my fall heart: A pumpkin spice candle. Not only is it a nice swap from the harsh fluorescent lighting, but makes your room smell like a fresh baked pie. Now what could be better?

(This is my school's College Green during the fall!)

3. Lately, I've been trying to not "sweat the small stuff." This is exceedingly hard in people's hectic and busy lifestyles, but probably the most useful advice. Thus, in my room I have a piece of artwork hanging that reminds me to always keep perspective. Like I stated in the end of an earlier post, the artwork states, "Keep Calm and Carry On." Oh so true! Say it to yourself five times fast every day!

4. I am a huge magazine lover and this has translated to my friends, as well. Anything from Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and the like, we can't get enough. So, flipping through the pages of Lucky Magazine, I found yet again a line that Urban Style carries in store! The profile was on the jewelry line, Dannijo. Here's the link online to the profile Lucky wrote! I love all the line's pieces and I especially think they make great statement pieces for any outfit.

5. Now, to the fun part. Every time I dread the beginning of the week, I pick an outfit the night before to wear the next day. Not only does this save me a tremendous amount of time, but also is kind of a fun little surprise, something to look forward to. New York Fashion Week is this week and i'm anticipating all of the shows! I keep checking hour by hour to see updates...I'll keep you posted! However, what I hear is huge for this season is fur and leather. Living in a small college town, fashion risks are few and far between. Yet, a few friends and I decide to be bold every now and then and sport some looks that may get a few stares. On my must-wear list: faux-fur topper, military green cargo pants, leather shorts, fringe and huge cocktail rings.

Also, I hope everyone checked out Skif's Trunk Show this weekend in-store! Not only does Skif have a variety of colors and designs, but styles to fit each personality. The process of making these sweaters is intricate and makes the garment, I feel, more interesting and unique. I want to hear how the trunk show went and what customers favorite purchases were! Keep posting comments everyone!

Have a terrific week everyone and remember the list of things to brighten up even the gloomiest days!

Best,

Urban Style Emporium

Back to Basics

2010-09-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Again, I apologize for the hiatus in blog posts. As my last post concluded, my summer in Chicago was a whirlwind. I wouldn't have traded it for anything and I definitely took home a lot of helpful advice that will help facilitate my future.

So, with that said...I'm back in Appalachia. Thus, the title "Back to Basics." In Southern Ohio, times are a bit tough, just like the entire country. However, even with this economic depression, one thing remained the same: girl's just want to have fun.

And while I am addressing the Cyndi Lauper song, I think this mentality translates into fashion. I believe that more and more, people are looking for an escape. Whether it's the hustle and bustle, the always present sound of sirens in the city (a la Chicago) or the quiet, sleepy streets of a college town, at times everyone wants to just, well, get away.

But, like I said, I feel that people are now embracing reality and truly getting back to enjoying life. And even more so, living life.

While there has been a shift in focus for the fashion industry, people will always love style. We at Urban Style Emporium love the change of seasons and the prospect of promise and fresh beginnings.

This fall we are carrying a variety of lines that capture this very life aesthetic. We not only are excited to have these new fall lines from Ivan Grundahl, Elm, Skif and Studio Rundholz, but we are thrilled to share them with you!

Here are a few photographs from designers we are carrying this fall:

From Ivan Grundahl's Fall 2010 Line
(As you can tell, we love Ivan)

Photographs from Studio Rundholz
(Doesn't this last picture just epitomize tranquility?)

Keep looking on our Twitter and Facebook for daily updates and our annual trunk shows! Skif will be featured in the next week, don't miss it!

From all of us at Urban Style Emporium, "Keep Calm and Carry On."

European Exposure

2010-08-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in blog posts, everyone! As my time in Chicago comes to a close (I leave Friday morning!) I have come to experience the city to the fullest, enjoying the myriad of things to do here.

Whether it's exploring the various neighborhoods (Lincoln and Wicker are fantastic!), trying each food genre or observing the fashion industry in Chicago, I have truly come to love this city and feel as if it is home. And hopefully it will be!

Walking down Michigan Avenue to work every day has opened my eyes to Chicago's fashion possibilities. As such in a big city, people are willing to try their hand at expressing their own individuality and I suppose by seeing this, it has rubbed off on me.

Looking at storefronts, whether it's Louis Vuitton or H&M, i've summed up my own mantra on fashion:

STYLE is not about the price tag, it's about the feeling. The mentality. I always thought that I needed the "it" bag or trendiest piece. The realization is this, my fellow friends: Style is innately you and as amazing as it would be to have that "it" bag, I have to keep telling myself, "you're still in school and thus, let's snap back to reality."

From this mindset, I scour fashion magazines and find myself drawn to European design aesthetics. Modern, contemporary and cool, the clean lines and edginess that is European fashion interests me as I translate high-end looks to my own wardrobe.

Bringing this all home, working at Urban Style Emporium for the last two months has allowed me to see a variety of designers from different countries, all with different, individuals styles. One line that I first got exposure to a few weeks back is from Ray Harris, a designer right out of London.

Wondering about his own approach to fashion, I asked him a few questions on European design and his own line:

1. First off, how does living in England affect your design philosophy? Are you inspired by places and things around you?
The English sense of the eccentric is who I am.

2. How do you choose the materials in your pieces? Does it come from a utilitarian standpoint?
Fabrics are chosen for their tactile qualities and the way that we can mix modern fabrics with traditional techniques.

3. How do English and American fashion differ and do you design for both in mind?
We design beautiful things which we like regardless of the market, but we find that we often sell different pieces in America and England. The American market tends to like more extreme designs, such as more relaxed and sporty or more glamorous and dressed at the other end of the spectrum.

4. Favourite piece for fall?
The favourite pieces for fall are the Organza Blanket Jacket and the Pleated Fleece Elbow coat. They are both very different, but great pieces to have for fall.
----

I am thrilled at the chance to see these amazing, one of a kind pieces that encompass hand-crafted design, fluidity and modernity all in a garment. I encourage you to visit Urban Style Emporium in the next few weeks and months as we feature, along with Harris, another European designer who now lives in New York, Lorain Croft.

Again, keep checking our Facebook and Twitter for more fall photographs from your favorite designers such Elm, Ivan Grundahl, Planet, Cookie Johnson, Studio Rundholz, So Hung and more!

All That Glitters...

2010-07-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a bit rainy here in Chicago the past few days, hasn't it?

Well, during my battle to defeat gloom, I checked my daily fashion blogs to see what's in, what's fun and what my favorite bloggers are wearing.

Now, I have a variety of blogs that I love to check daily (Urban Style should be yours!), but one of my favorites is a blog called FashionToast. Starting her blog in 2007, Rumi Neely has many fashion followers like myself who love to see her twist style, breaking the rules of typical style.

With that said, I was surprised to see one post of Neely's focusing on Dannijo, a jewelry brand we sell at Urban Style! Exciting, to say the least. Dannijo is a brand by two sisters headquarted in the Meat Packing District in New York City. The brand specializes in intricately twisted, chained necklaces that add a bit of modernity and freshness to any look.

Celebrities such as Beyonce Knowles, Gayle King, Alecia Keys and Mary Louise Parker all have been spotted in Dannijo pieces ranging from necklaces, rings and cuffs.

In fact, Terri (Urban Style's owner and my lovely boss) allowed me to borrow a Dannijo necklace for an event I was attending with the Chicago Fashion Foundation. Having the theme "Little Black Dress" I was stumped how to add a bit of flavor to my classic black dress. Being the Chicago novice that I am, I asked for directions several times. Each time, the person so generously assisting me commented on the necklace and how fantastic it was. This gave me added confidence and the compliments didn't stop on the street!

When I arrived at the event, the women who served on the board of the Chicago Fashion Foundation said my necklace was great and asked who the designer was and where did I get that piece of glorious jewelry.

Needless to say, I felt amazing and the necklace really transformed and completed my look. Here's my roommate Alyssa Scheid and I posing for a photograph in the Dannijo necklace.

All in all, it was a fantastic evening and I am so happy that I not only had the opportunity to experience Chicago fashion, but wear it as well!

From all of us at Urban Style Emporium, have a great week and stay stylish!

Another Helping

2010-07-18T21:14:00.001-07:00

Bonjour, Aloha, Guten Tag, Hola, Gidday!

Hope all of you Urban Stylers had an amazing weekend. So many exciting things happen daily in Chicago , sometimes it's hard to catch everything. Speaking of catching, did you find any great deals at our sidewalk sale this weekend? I've heard from a number of sources everyone was very stylishly pleased! Keep checking in-store through the upcoming weeks and month as fall lines will be placed on the floor! Remember, military greens, leather and fur is in for fall, so don't miss out!

To break up the monotony of wordy posts, I thought I'd mix in a little recipe that I feel, is quintessentially summer. An Italian staple, Bruschetta can be seen as an appetizer, meal, and well hell, even a dessert. In times of chaos and hunger, I tend to opt to whatever is either easy and/or cheap. Bruschetta usually fits the bill.

So, here's a quick recipe to change up summer dining:

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups cubed white nectarines
1 ¼ chopped yellow or orange tomatoes
½ cup coarsely chopped arugula
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons Pavone Sonoma Sage Vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 Serrano chiles, seeded & minced
Mix all ingredients, season with salt & pepper and serve on grilled baguette slices. Or use as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.

Directions:

Preheat a broiler or prepare a fire in a charcoal grill.

In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, olive oil, vinegar (Check out the one we sell in-store at Urban Style! It's from Sonoma and gives it an extra twist!) and salt and toss well.

Check out their Web site to purchase at: http://www.pavonesonoma.com/Home.html

Place the bread on a baking sheet or grill rack and broil or grill, turning once, until lightly toasted on both sides, about 2 minutes total. Remove from the broiler or grill and immediately rub one side of each slice with the garlic cloves.

Arrange the grilled bread, garlic side up, on a serving platter and spoon on the tomatoes, dividing evenly.

Voila! Simple, delicious and doesn't try too hard. We at Urban Style not only like this mentality, we'll have seconds.

Red Hot Savings

2010-07-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

It's the time we've all be waiting for! Drum roll, please...

Urban Style Emporium's Annual Sidewalk Sale is happening TOMORROW (Thursday) through Saturday, normal business hours!

Everything in store is 50-80% off, assuring you some amazing one-time deals! We're transitioning from summer to fall, with select pieces from amazing designers such as Ivan Grundahl to Lorrain Croft on sale. Be one of the lucky individuals to own a piece by these favorites at Urban Style!

No matter what your price point, the sidewalk sale offers a little bit of "Urban Style" for everyone! Pieces range from ten dollars to two-hundred, including some amazing jewelry, handbags, accessories and apparel.

Comfortable faded t-shirts from Jenny B. for $25/30 come in several colors such as green, red, blue and black that are perfect for summer nights! Paired with some amazing jeans that are now $40, it's a look you can't beat, without beating your wallet!

For a reminder, the sale is happening Thursday through Saturday.

Thursday Hours: 11-7 p.m.
Friday Hours: 11-7 p.m.
Saturday- 11-6 p.m.

On behalf of the staff at Urban Style Emporium, we look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Styling on a Dime

2010-07-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

I hail from a rather small town in Northeast Ohio. With that being said, picturesque suburbia can have its benefits and downfalls. Close knit families line the side streets residing in uniformed houses while children roam the lawns with adolescent splendor.

I've never realized how many things differ and stay the same no matter what area you're in. So, for the summer, like I said, I live in Chicago and intern at Urban Style Emporium . Skyscrapers and busy streets are common here and for a college student like myself, i've run into some big issues with living on a budget.

HOWEVER, what I have come to realize about this Windy City (and I realized it wasn't just called that because it's windy...) is that you live in your means, still have an amazing time and be stylish. It just depends on your attitude and outlook.

While the sales tax may be a little more high (9.75% to be exact) than Ohio's, I have become voracious in my attempt to live on a budget and be styling on a dime.

And, as I live very close to the luxuries of Michigan Avenue with stores like Chanel and Max Mara, I realize that no matter what your price point, in the words of Tim Gunn , "Make it Work."

Speaking of sales, luxury and individuality!

Urban Style Emporium is having their Annual Sidewalk Sale THIS WEEK! I know, I can't hardly wait, too. From Thursday through Saturday, Urban Style will be on sale (50% off!) and this includes jewelry, accessories, clothing, etc. One of the best deals all season, don't forget to check us out during our normal business hours from 11-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 11-6 on Saturday.

If you forget where we're located here's something to refresh your memory:

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.

Designers such as Elm, Ivan Grundahl , Planet , Studio Rundholz and the like will be on sale and for fifty percent off, how can you beat that?

From the Urban Style team, can't wait to see you there!

We Can Work It Out

2010-07-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Urban Stylers!

Hope everyone had a great July Fourth weekend. The weather in Chicago has been fantastic, sunny and warm, perfect for barbecues and enjoying fireworks!

An interesting little tidbit was brought to my attention the other day which is rather exciting! So, on June 2nd, 2010 Paul McCartney was honored at the White House for winning the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, an award given by the Library of Congress. In attendance was everyone from the Jonas Brothers, Jerry Seinfeld and Faith Hill.

So, when it comes to events at the White House, a true fashionista is asking, "what did they wear?" For the event, Michelle Obama was wearing a Byron Lars dress, one that Urban Style Emporium is carrying for the fall! Now you too, can channel your inner First Lady and own a piece from the innovative designer and look like a million bucks.

Urban Style also carries a piece from Lars that has been featured in Essence Magazine. Coming in tan and olive green, this dress has a belt that can cinch in the waist and has a variety of pockets to hold everything your heart's desire. Great for the office or for an evening dinner, this dress has a zipper in the back making it open or closed for your comfort.

If you're asking who Byron Lars is, he is an American designer that has been desigining under his own label since 1991 and as Urban Style likes, twists American classics. He also designed a limited edition line of clothing for Mattel's Barbie and now is directing his attention to the line Byron Lars: Beauty Mark that specializes in knits, sportswear and dresses with affordable prices.

Keep on the lookout for amazing styles from Lars and other designers at Urban Style!

Also, don't forget to keep checking our Web site, Twitter and Facebook!

The ending question for this week is:

"What has been your favorite decade for clothing?"

Independently Chic

2010-06-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

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!

Summer Wind

2010-06-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

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?

Naughty Or Nice

2009-12-05T13:01:00.000-08:00

Naughty Or Nice
We Don't Care
Let's Celebrate The Holiday Season In Style!!

50 - 75% off Fall Goods

NEW ARRIVALS!!

Great Holiday Gifts Under $50

Join Us For Some Holiday Cheer!

Happy Hour Begins December 11th

"THE DOORS WE OPEN AND CLOSE EACH DAY, DECIDE THE LIVES WE LEAD"

2009-09-19T08:28:00.001-07:00

And so begins the change....actually, the change began a year ago, when the world started shifting and adjusting to the many changes thrust upon us. Although we are always in a constant state of flux, it is how we react to this change that creates our experience....damn...what a year!!

I visualized the change and set it in motion......highs, lows, joy, fear...all part of the game!! I'd like to take credit for being so bold but no woman is an island....I am surrounded by friends, family, co-workers, business associates , and customers that have been nothing short of FABULOUS!!!

So what is an emporium anyway?? A marketplace full of many treasures from fashon to art! Beauty comes in many forms....the cut of an exquisite garment, the feel of a handmade shoe, creative ceramics, bold wall art, savory and sweet treats, sweet smelling soaps, organic olive oil, a tempting truffle.......all crafted by individuals who are passionate about their craft. The possibilities are endless.

So it my goal to create a space that is creative and expressive, comfortable and inviting, and full of possibiliy! It will shift and change, as all things do...it will expand and grow....and it is my wish that artists of all venues are drawn to our emporium.....a space brimming with 'urban style'.