styl0421

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes…….

Posted by styl0421 on May 23, 2013 Leave a Comment

Memorial day weekend is upon us, and shoes are on the brain. In particular, shoes to wear to a wedding. I’ve got a family wedding to attend this weekend out of town, and I bet many of you have weddings coming up in the next couple of months.

I’ve got three stipulations for a new pair of dressy shoes:

1. Not super expensive

2. Must be able to transition to casual (aka worn with jeans or dressy shorts)

3. On-trend but not trendy, persay

To my surprise, I found a lot of great options! I won’t divulge what I purchased (so I can Instagram about it this weekend, ha!), but what I bought WILL be included. Maybe you can guess. ;-)))

First up, something basic and beautiful. Nude platform pumps with just a touch of something different about them.

BCBG Generation Parade Pump, $89

There’s no denying my obsession with these. Subtle animal print + hot pink? Yes, please and thank you.

Joan & David Odelia Pumps, on sale at Nordstrom for $120!!!

Fell in love with these Ivanka Trump sandals/pumps once I tried them on. They look gorge on your feet. A lady walking by me in Nordstrom’s shoe department even said ” You MUST buy those, they are fab.” Can’t argue with that!

Ivanka Trump Mallorie Sandal, $129

Another Joan & David I couldn’t walk away from – gold and black will match almost any LBD in your closet.

Joan & David Siona Sandal, $169

This is the perfect shoe if you need something on the lighter side, color-wise. I love that it has a little bit of glitz to it, but it’s not a super high heel.

Sole Society Savannah Sandal, $59

Need something saucy and black? These lace ups aren’t really a lace up (thank gawd) since they zip up the back (even cooler) and – they will never go out of style.

Nine West Kenie Sandal, $89

This one is a little obvious for a wedding, but sometimes the most obvious shoes are the hardest to find!

Ivanka Trump Anita, $135

Dear Jessica Simpson, surprisingly you make some awesome shoes. Thanks, Style Spies.

Jessica Simpson Jessies, $79

Finally – if you ARE looking for something metallic – this is IT. Silver AND gold – so versatile.

Sam Edelman Allie, $130

Happy long weekend, everyone – and remember to start this season in style!

Mollie & Erin

Filed Under: Fashion, Shoes + Accessories | Tagged:

Personal Shopping Maven

Posted by styl0421 on May 13, 2013 Leave a Comment

I have been shopping like a maniac lately. Not so much for me, but for my clients (yay!). Everyone is looking for a few new spring and summer items to pop into their closets – and luckily for them, there’s a lot out there. I wanted to highlight some of my favorite things for you – some are budget friendly too, yippee!

First off, this Skater dress from Asos. It says the fabric is ‘bonded.’ What this really means is that the fabric feels like a scuba diving suit! It’s awesome. Super flattering and keeps it’s structure. Comes in this pretty green color and also coral. Only $84.85.

Having a mini love affair with floral print heels. If you’re not so sure about the floral trend ending up on your thighs, wearing it on your shoes is the way to go. These Ted Baker platform floral pumps are gorgeous, and only $74.

Another style I can’t get enough of? Camouflage print skinny jeans. They go with just about anything, and are trendy in a super casual ‘oh, i just threw these on’ way. These are from Madewell, but are Textile by Elizabeth & James. Oh yeah – they’re on SALE! Normally $192, now $139.50.

Another dress that is just easy-peasy for summer is this ribbed ponte knit number from Banana Republic. I have to give my Mom and sis credit for this one, they found it and I had to check it out for myself. The fabric is stretchy with a teensy bit of sheen, and you can show off those legs ladies! At $98 it’s a no brainer - it comes in black and cobalt blue too.

Another shoe I can’t get off my mind? This BCBG Gamma Mesh Bootie. Originally $275, it’s at Neiman Marcus’ Last Call site for $189. These are TO DIE FOR in person – trust me.

This new necklace from Gorjana is insanely cute on. Trust me on this!!! So original but not trendy, you will want to wear it every day. Greer Bow Tie Necklace, $80.

One last thing. The peplum trend just isn’t going away – and that’s ok with me. It is flattering on a lot of body types – that’s rare. Shopbop has done an exclusive peplum top with Alice + Olivia in some pretty pastels with an exposed back zipper. Mint green and peach. Pretty with white or light denim, white slacks, a printed skirt (as shown), or even dressed down with some cut off jean shorts and cool gladiator sandals.

Have I given you any inspiration? Anything you’re obsessing over these days? We’d love to hear.

Signing off in Style,

Mollie (& Erin)

PS – want to see more things we love? Follow us on Pinterest of course!

Filed Under: Fashion, Shoes + Accessories | Tagged: Tagged With: Alice + Olivia, Asos, Banana Republic, BCBG, Floral trend, Gorjana, Shopbop

How to wear 1 {fabulous} skirt – 3 ways.

Posted by styl0421 on April 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

Often when I am working with a client I find this problem: ’I love love love this piece, but I only wear it with this or that. How else can I wear it?’

Normally the items my clients are pairing with their one fabulous piece are the items that the salesperson at the store suggested or even better, the outfit was the what the mannequin was wearing. Pretty foolproof, I must admit. But the idea is to get more wear out of your clothes, no?

So – I recently bought a gorgeous maxi skirt at Anthropologie that ironically I had recommended on Pinterest for another client (#shoppingaddiction #yesIhaveone). Here it is:

Ping Embroidered Maxi Skirt, $168

This skirt is just so versatile, yet with the embroidery and bright blue color, it can be a bit tricky to pair other things with it (other than an obvious orange tank like the model is wearing, or a white tank). So…..I decided to do a little show and tell with items found in my own closet.

Of course I do not have a professional photographer on hand, nor do I trust my 5 year old to hold my fancy camera and take pictures. So – please mind the selfies taken into my mirror! ;-)

Look #1

Look 1: Denim shirt from J Crew + Men’s hat from Saks off Fifth + Target Mossimo wedges

I threw on my chambray shirt from J Crew (similar HERE), added one of my favorite spring/summer fedora hats that I found at Saks off Fifth last summer in the Men’s department (similar HERE), and some oldie but goodie wedges from Target (similar HERE).

Just another shot so you can see the view from the front and the hat a little better.

Look #2

Skirt paired with silky Vince tank top, J Crew cargo vest, and Stella and Dot necklace. Same shoes as prior.

This is a go-to look for me. I have worn both this tank and vest A TON; the money spent on each has been well worth it! Find the Vince tank HERE, and a similar vest HERE.

I also love this Stella and Dot Rebel Pendant necklace – it goes with everything and anchors a flowy top well.

Stella and Dot Rebel Pendant, $79

Look # 3

Last look – J Crew linen cable knit sweater and knock-off J Crew necklace. Worn with flat sparkly sandals.

For the last look I went a little more casual. The J Crew boatneck sweater is a linen blend, which makes it perfect for spring time weather, and I threw on my turquoise bubble necklace that is a total knock off of the original J Crew necklace that was EVERYWHERE last spring. Brighthouse Baubles is THE place to get affordable jewelry that looks like the real thing. Check them out!

J Crew no longer has that sweater, but for a similar look – check out these lightweight cardigans at the Gap. I like the kelly green with the blue skirt.

The shoes are just a sparkly flat that I have had FOREVER. Any kind of metallic sandal dresses up this outfit just enough.

That wraps up today’s lesson in fashion – hope you’ve enjoyed the peek into my closet and now you know what I’ll be wearing my new skirt with this season!

Signing off in Style,

Mollie & Erin

Filed Under: Closets, Fashion | Tagged: Tagged With: anthropologie, fedora, J Crew, maxi skirt

Cleaning out a Man’s closet

Posted by styl0421 on April 8, 2013 Leave a Comment

Men’s closets. Typically a mess, not organized in the least, and in need of cleaning out and reorganization on a semi-regular basis. Now I know some of you know men out there who are super neat and particular about where things go. They are a-typical, let me tell you!

At Style Spies, we also clean out and organize men’s closets. It’s actually a lot of fun because most men are of the ‘whatever you say’ attitude! So if you’re like me (a teensy bit bossy) you will be in your own personal kind of heaven. Today, I wanted to share with you my husbands closet. I bust in there about every six months with or without his permission and clean/purge/organize for him. I know you’re probably saying – he can do that himself! Trust me, he cannot. When left to his own devices, he is never sure what is spring and what is fall, nor is he sure what is navy or black!

Oh but I love him so! Isn’t he handsome?

Alright so here are some ‘before’ shots.

I realize that there are many closets that are much worse off than his, but……..he does live with me. A messy closet is not in my vocabulary.

A little disheveled, dry cleaning bags that are never taken off, mixed up seasons, and some choice folding techniques.

The shoes aren’t that bad – but the after pictures show how you can make more room for your shoes.

Now, for the ‘After.‘

Colorized and sorted.

Pants hung together, and all short sleeve and summer shirts together. Don’t want to accidentally break out the linen pink and white shirts too early! ;-)

Heavy winter sweaters on the top shelf, spring sweaters and cardigans below, denim and denim-related pants folded up together. I also like to teach my clients the art of folding denim. Many years in retail taught me that the easiest way to decipher which jeans are which is to fold them with the rear pocket facing up.

My husband doesn’t wear a full-on suit to work everyday, so he only has a couple. We keep them in a hanging bag to help with the dust settling on the shoulders. His ties and belts hang on organizers next to the hanging bag (you can’t quite see them), and behind that are all of his blazers, sport coats and casual jackets. And yep – a few of my dresses made their way into his closet. ;-)))

Organized shoes. Nothing better. More space was made by purging a few, and then flipping each shoe so you can see the back and front of each pair.

After cleaning out his shoes, there were some extra shelves at the top that were empty. Seeing as how the pajama pants were living with all of his jeans before, I thought this would be a good place for pj pants and work out/chill out related attire.

And that’s it! Voila! A concise, easy to work with closet. Being able to see things clearly makes it SO much easier to get dressed in the morning.

Please let any of us at Style Spies know if you know a man who needs some help with his closet – or some shopping help!! In many cases, our clients have asked us to help their husbands or significant others, because the guys just might be a little more receptive to someone other than their wife or girlfriend telling them to get rid of those A&F multi pocketed pants circa 1999.

Signing off in Style,

Mollie & Erin

Filed Under: Closets, Misc | Tagged:

Swimsuit season is {almost} here…….our top picks!

Posted by styl0421 on April 2, 2013 1 Comment

It is so hard to find a swimsuit each season, let alone try them on in a store with the harsh lighting and hot dressing rooms. That is why I haven’t actually bought a swimsuit in an actual brick and mortar store in years.

Shopping online and trying them on at home has been the answer to my prayers! There is A LOT out there, and from Target to J Crew to Shopbop and Zappos, and we’ve picked our favorites.

Vix Swim has always been a go-to for me since my days in the buying office at Bop. The fabric is high quality, it’s lined perfectly, and the sizing is spot-on. I even wore one of their bikinis six months pregnant in Hawaii and it was perfect! This is actually the one I just bought for this season. Nautical stripes never go out of style, and the little leather details on both the top and bottom make it a little more luxe.

Vix Malawi Tube Top, Navy, $98

Vix Malawi Banded Bottom, $98

L*Space is another brand that’s at the top of my list right now. They seem to be setting the trends in the swimwear world – I found a knock off of their fringe bandeau at Target today actually! This year’s twist on their best-selling fringe bandeau is their Audrey Fringe Bikini top – giving those of us who have a little more up top the chance to sport the trend (bandeaus just don’t work for anyone with C cup or higher). You can find L*Space at Shopbop & Zappos.

L Space Viridian Skin Audrey Bikini Top, $84

Here’s the Target version – $14.99 per piece!

Target Xhilaration Bikini, $14.99 per piece

Another favorite brand in my more recent years is Seafolly. Based in Australia, this brand ROCKS. They make tons of options for bigger busted women, lots of beautiful one pieces, and they also have beautiful prints. I own a hot pink bandeau-style one piece that I literally get compliments on each and every time I wear it. I love this two piece; the Rococo Rose print is beautiful, and the bustier top gives a little lift!

Seafolly Rococo Rose Bustier Bra Top, $99.75

Seafolly Rococo Rose Ruched Bow Bikini bottom, $64.84

This Seafolly one piece is my favorite from this season – and I found it on Amazon.com, for $161. Comes in both Emerald and Black – I love the emerald because it’s different, but I love the black because it’s so chic with those pleats.

Seafolly Goddess Pleated Maillot, $161

Seafolly Goddess Pleated Maillot, $161

For another awesome one-piece, look no further than J. Crew. This skirted twist bandeau tank is $118 (great price), ruched in the right places, strapless (no tan lines) and in a ton of colors! The purple is on sale right now for $79.99, which is a great deal, especially since it’s such a fun color.

J Crew skirted twist bandeau tank, $118

J Crew skirted twist bandeau tank, $79.99 (on sale)

I’m also super inspired by all of the cute rashguards J Crew has right now. Maybe that’s the way to go when I’m playing in the pool with my kids? Throw it on over my bikini and no more worrying about one of them accidentally pulling my top off! ;-) And great SPF to boot!

This stripe color combo is preppy and chic at the same time, and my favorite. But there are other options if you click thru!

J Crew Stripe rash guard, $75

Finally, I can’t go a swim season without checking out what Target has to offer. There are some definite winners and losers there (as there are every season) but these two are probably my favorites. The ruffled two piece also comes in a pretty bright coral (my favorite color, yay), and the chevron is well, chevron. At $14.99 a piece you can’t lose – in fact you could get like three suits and still not feel bad about it!

Target Xhilaration Ruffle Two Piece, $14.99 per piece

Target Xhilaration Chevron 2 Piece, $14.99 per piece

I hope you liked my swimsuit round up this season – I’m sure we’ll all be posting about more of our favorites as the season goes on…….but for now, grab a couple of these up before they’re sold out!

Signing off in style,

Mollie & Erin

Filed Under: Fashion, Misc | Tagged: Tagged With: Bikini, J Crew, L*Space, Maillot, One-Piece, Seafolly, Swim, Swimwear, Target, Vix

The Ultimate Ballet Flat

Posted by styl0421 on March 26, 2013 Leave a Comment

Today I’m bringing you a GREAT ‘look for less’ story. Last week I happened into a local boutique here in Chicago and fell in LOVE with these Chloe ballet flats. In LOVE.

Via Instagram – follow me at ‘molliestylespies’

I did not, however, fall in love with the price. $485. I think at the boutique I was in they were marked to $525. Here they are on Bloomingdales.com.

Chloe Ballerina Flats, Masha Dancer – $485

The happy ending to this expensive love story? Browsing through my Sundance catalog over the weekend I found THESE!

Everyday Ballets, $130

And, they come in black too!

Everyday Ballets, $130

Happy Spring Break (aka Online Shopping week to escape your own home for a few moments) week!

Signing off in Style,

Mollie & Erin

Filed Under: Fashion, Shoes + Accessories | Tagged:

On Target

Posted by styl0421 on March 19, 2013 Leave a Comment

I cannot stop shopping for spring at Target right now! They have really nailed the trends and the basics this season, at a price point everyone can afford. We have a trip scheduled to Scottsdale at the end of April and I have been looking in my closet lately to see what pieces I’m missing for the upcoming warmer season. One would think that maybe I could wear a few of these pieces now since it’s March 18 – but one look outside at our ‘wintry mix’ and that’s a solid NO. Argh Chicago weather!!

Some things I may or may not have already taken home?

This pleather jacket is SO CUTE on. It comes in 4 different colors, but this blue is gorgeous. And it doesn’t look like pleather. Trust me! The ruching on the side is such a great detail.

Target Xhilaration Faux Leather Jacket, $39.99

The contrast pocket on this hi-low tank got me. Super cute under a jean jacket, comes in three other colors, $12.99. Donesies!

Mossimo Supply Co Hi-Lo Tank, $12.99

I’m always looking for cute but not juvenile (this is a key point here people) graphic tees. These Mossimo ones are perfect. They’re not too tight, not too long – great with shorts, jeans, flip flops or flats.

Mossimo Supply Co Graphic Tee, $14.99

I knew i needed this shirt the minute I touched it. It’s a nice rayon/spandex mix, and is very similar to a style by James Perse that usually goes for $125!!! I tried it on – drapes beautifully. Are you saying – that’s so BASIC! Exactly. Every woman needs a great white casual blouse – think of the jewelry options you can put with this ‘basic’ blouse. Statement necklaces galore!

Converse One Star Long Sleeve button down top, $22.99

Finally, a Stuart Weitzman knockoff done right. Obsessing over these at SW for a couple of seasons, now I can get them for $24.99! Wear with everything. Literally.

Mossimo Pam Wedge, $24.99

One of my favorite ways to punch up a handbag that’s been around the block a few times is to tie a cute scarf onto one of the handles. This fits the bill. Colorful but not too much; the fringe adds to the hip factor.

Global Girlfriend Black Wildflower Scarf, $24.99

Love Target style? Me too – here’s another way to obsess: the Target Style blog: On the Dot.

Signing off in Style,

Mollie & Erin

Filed Under: Closets, Fashion, Shoes + Accessories | Tagged:

Giftbar + Style Spies

Posted by styl0421 on March 13, 2013 Leave a Comment

About a month ago, Style Spies (Chicago) partnered up with Giftbar. What is Giftbar, you ask? I will tell you! Giftbar is the brainchild of a couple of Chicago gals who realized how difficult it can be to buy a gift certificate from local boutiques and small businesses.

Giftbar aggregates all of the best of the best stores, restaurants, and services in your city (right now Chicago and New York are on Giftbar, LA coming soon) and allows you to buy a gift certificate online. A lot of these smaller businesses may not have that online ability – you’d have to buy it over the phone or physically walk into the store.

Here’s what they have to say about themselves:

Giftbar is a digital gift card marketplace that offers insanely curated gift cards for the best, local merchants in your neighborhood. Our selection of shops are carefully chosen – so you don’t waste your time trying to find the perfect gift! We find simply the best shops and restaurants for convenient and thoughtful gifting.

Not sure what to buy for that special someone? No problem. The shops here will make anyone swoon. Sort them by neighborhood, price or your rich aunt’s personality type. Still not sure? Check out our GiftbarTender and let us help you out. Or just send our popular, Giftbar of Choice, and let them do the choosing. To make things even better, we let you customize your gift card with beautiful, digital wrappings and photos, so your gift card isn’t just a piece of boring plastic. Did we also mention that Giftbar gift cards are crazy smart. We can send them 24/7 via email, mobile or mail and we provide reminders making it easy for anyone to use, even if, ahem, your man is always forgetting gift cards at home. Now grab yourself a cocktail and get to gifting. That filthy dirty martini won’t drink itself.

Giftbar is such a great service, you must check them out (and Style Spies’ page) for yourself. How else can you learn about Giftbar?

Like them on Facebook.

Follow them on Twitter.

Tell your friends you want a Style Spies gift certificate, and send them to https://chicago.giftbar.com/.

Signing off in Style,

Mollie & Erin

Filed Under: Closets, Fashion, Misc | Tagged:

A spring in HIS step!

Posted by styl0421 on March 5, 2013 Leave a Comment

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of working with a male client – cleaning out his closet and then working with him online to suggest items that would fit well into his current lifestyle and closet. It was SO much fun.

This particular guy has great style to start with; it just needed a little tweaking. Some of my favorite items in his closet were his Bonobos colored khakis. I mean…..I can only WISH my husband would wear these!

Bonobos Slim Straight in Key Limes, $68

Bonobos Straight Leg in Sun Belts

Bonobos Slim Straight Khaki in Pink Tarnation, $68

The problem with the colored khakis always ends up being this: what to wear with them? The idea is to tone them down but still show them off……here are a couple suggestions we liked:

Bonobos chambray shirt in Fall River, $88

J Crew Slim Pindot Shirt, $88

J Crew Slim Flagstone Henley in Colorblock, $65

We also decided that his shoe collection could use an update. These driving loafers are SO similar to some much pricier brands, and they are perfect for that casual but not too casual work enviornment.

J Crew Thompson Driving Penny Loafer, $148

That said, for that REALLY casual work enviornment that a lot of men do work in, ya gotta show off your style somehow…..

Nike for J Crew Vintage Collection Air Epic Sneakers, $98

Some other great basics we pinned?

Bonobos Slim Fit Oxford, $78

Bonobos Sport Shirt, $88

Boden Board Shorts, $46

Boden 'Poacher' jacket. On sale for $168. I would also like to 'poach' the model. Did I just say that?

Boden ‘Poacher’ jacket. On sale for $168. I wonder how much this model goes for? ;-)

J Crew Broken-in V-neck tee, $24.50. These come in ALL colors, but having at least two white, two grey, and two black is a great way to start.

J Crew 484 Selvedge Jean in Resin, $155

Finally – one thing men always need (aren’t guys always wearing socks with holes in them?) are socks. Socks don’t have to be just black, brown, navy or grey anymore. Spice up your wardrobe with some fun ones! One of my favorite sock lines for men is Richer-Poorer.

Richer-Poorer is out of LA, the socks are $12, and they come in every print and pattern under the sun!

Couple of favorites….

Richer Poorer Socks, Grad Orange, $12

Richer Poorer Trekker Grey Socks, $12

That about wraps up some favorites I recommended for my client – but if you’d like to see more basics and things I think he could benefit from adding into his wardrobe, check out my Pinterest board for him!

Signing off in style from snowy Chicago,

Mollie (and Erin)

Filed Under: Closets, Fashion, Misc | Tagged:

The Becky Jacket

Posted by styl0421 on February 27, 2013 Leave a Comment

I can’t get enough of this Becky jacket by Rebecca Minkoff. I might even go so far as to say I want one in every color (well, except yellow). It’s just SO versatile!

You can see below that the stylists at Shopbop have paired it back to regular and white denim, leather, a mini dress, and printed skinnies! In the spring/summer I’d throw it on with some cut-off shorts and a cute pair of gladiator sandals.

Details? Silk with welt hip pockets, buttons on an asymmetrical hem, light shoulder pads.

Cute in Coral

Love the mint

This ‘Tesselation Print’ is Exclusive to Shopbop

Front view of Tesselation Print

So chic in forest green & grey denim

Royal blue is, well….royally fab!

Tuxedo combo always good – and it’s 50% off on Shopbop!

So – if you MUST have this jacket like us – get it on Shopbop now! They are having their ‘Spring Shopping Event’ where the more you spend, the more you save.

As always……

Signing off in Style,

Mollie & Erin

Filed Under: Fashion | Tagged:

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes…….

Personal Shopping Maven

How to wear 1 {fabulous} skirt – 3 ways.

Cleaning out a Man’s closet

Swimsuit season is {almost} here…….our top picks!

The Ultimate Ballet Flat

On Target

Giftbar + Style Spies

A spring in HIS step!

The Becky Jacket

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