Another Helping

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

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

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

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

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

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

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