Monthly Archives: August 2011

Sharp Dressed Men

Posted by Amara in Uncategorized and tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

Every fashionista needs a little arm candy who knows what he’s doing (i.e. drop the ‘graphic tee’ loser and enter, sharp dressed man), but sometimes, you’re dealing with the non-creative, not fashion-minded type that need a little bit of guidance. As we become established professionals, it’s important to not only have an established resume, but an established wardrobe to match. This can be especially difficult for men due to the monotony of the suit-and-tie look. So, why buy generic when you can go custom? It is, after all, an investment.

I spoke with an old friend today who directed me to the BALANI Custom Clothier Facebook Fan Page. I don’t think he actually expected that I would read it, let alone blog about it, but I couldn’t help noticing the top-notch merchandise, staff and customer service that BALANI delivers. In my book, those are three irresistible qualities in any  brand.

Networking & collaboration during the Chicago Magazine & Mercedes-Benz event, Men of Style at BALANI in Chicago

BALANI Custom Clothiers utilizes their Facebook page to promote current events and trends that are consistent with the brand’s modern and sleek look and feel, as well as poll consumers on their preferences when it comes to style. The brand also promotes useful fashion tips for every day use and promotes their special events via the fan site. Their product offering ranges from Suits, Blazers and Tuxedos to Outerwear, Shirts and even Packages and Gift Certificates. It goes without saying that there is something for everyone.

Although your man (or you, men, if you’re reading) may be hesitant about spending more on a custom suit, rather than heading to the nearest department store for an “almost perfect fit,” BALANI Custom Clothiers will far exceed any expectations. Based in Chicago and nearly 50 years into business, the fresh and modern viewpoints of the business provide a relaxing, aesthetically pleasing and unique experience for each customer who walks through the door. Chicago Magazine even named BALANI the “Best Custom Clothier.”

For more information, “like” them on Facebook or go to their website. Pass it on!

From the Vault: NYC

Posted by Amara in Uncategorized and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Last year, my mom had to take a business trip to NYC over my birthday and instead of leaving me behind, she took me along for the ride! Thanks to the continuous circulation of the same air during the flight, I was blessed with an AWFUL cold for the entire trip – I couldn’t even bring myself to have a drink on my own 21st birthday. Talk about a buzzkill! Still, we had a blast and looked fab doing it. If anyone taught me anything about how to style myself, it is definitely my mother. Take a look at the styles we sported in the Big Apple:

She’s going to be so mad at me for putting this on, but I think she’s fab! The scarf is Louis Vuitton (last year-ish) – I have one that is Coach (from last Christmas) and nearly identical! And, as we’ve been over countless times, I’m in love with leopard print. Rawr.

Outside of Ladder 9 – one of the first respondents to the attacks on 9/11. I’m wearing Betsey Johnson Wayfarers ($20 on eBay!), a Juicy Couture terry cloth dress and Louis Vuitton Handbag.

We sat 2nd row at the Broadway musical, Promises Promises, starring Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes! Those two were HILAR together – and you can’t miss a beat when you’re practically on stage with them! I’m wearing a black, one-shoulder dress from Akira and belt from Express.

And finally… we walked all over Soho to find Carrie Bradshaw’s famous stoop. After all, she is our inspiration! I’m wearing American Apparel high-waisted shorts, top and scarf (as a belt!) with Chinese Laundry flats and a Burberry clutch.

I’m so glad we finally found the camera from this trip – it’s hardly a year later, but better late than never! Hopefully NYC can give me a second chance to storm the streets when I’m not quite so ill :)

Friday Affirmation

Posted by Amara in Uncategorized and tagged with , , , , , ,

Sometimes you need a little end of the week pick-me-up, something to tell you “YES, I can make it through work today!” Well, I have it for you. In two forms. One trick I used to use when I was in college (sigh) was posting inspirational quotes around my mirror – it really works!

Or, you can take a page out of this gal’s book and let everyone know what you’re thankful for!

Travel in Style

Posted by Amara in Uncategorized and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lately, it seems as though I have been living out of a “suitcase.” But, in all reality, unless you’re getting on a plane, you probably don’t need a suitcase to get where you’re going. I am a huge fan of weekend trips – whether it be to my alma mater to relive the glory days, up north for a family gathering or down to Chicago to celebrate 22 years of fabulousity. However, my trips would not be nearly as successful without the practical, fashionable designs from Vera Bradley. If you’re looking to travel well, take a page out of her book:

The duffel bag comes in small, large or XL and a variety of patterns. The small version is perfect for a quick overnight trip – with minimal “appliances” involved. Once you have to start packing multiple pairs of shoes, a hair dryer and a flat iron, you’re best to go with the large.

$70 – $108, small duffel pictured in Folkloric

Cleverly named “The Weekender,” this bag has a structured bottom and cross-body strap to make your weekend travel a cinch! I’m a fan of this one for the pockets and compartments on the outside and inside, making it easy to store smaller objects (such as hair accessories or jewelry).

$94, shown in Plum Petals

One of these is simply not enough. Literally. I have about 3 at any given time. No one has the patience to wait for their iron to cool down before putting it away – we’re women on the go! You could opt for the classic “wrap it in a hand towel” move, but this option is so much cuter! Practical for every day use and for travel.

$20, shown in Safari Sunset

Last, but certainly not least – every power chick needs a garment bag to keep her wardrobe wrinkle and crease-free! There are countless ways to tote this bag around – shoulder strap, hanger, top handles- you name it. Load it down and hit the road!

$135, shown in Baroque

If you’re not totally sold on Vera yet, give a smaller piece a try. The patterns can be a bit overwhelming at times, but they are constantly changing and SO fun to mix and match! Veebs also has a stellar microfiber line in solid colors, if thats your thing. You definitely get what you pay for with VB and her merchandise is truly built to last. Many Hallmark stores carry the brand, in addition to some college bookstores. Or, for the girl-on-the-go, there is always VeraBradley.com :)

How to Walk in High Heels

Posted by Amara in Uncategorized and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Camilla Morton is an author from the UK and, quite frankly, a genius. I picked up a copy of her book, How to Walk In High Heels, a couple of years ago at Urban Outfitters. I couldn’t put it down. Now, I’ve never finished a book that was required for school (don’t tell my professors), let alone put sticky notes on the pages for referencing later. I can safely say that my copy of HTWIHH is thoroughly marked with reference points.

One of my favorite lessons from this book (and there are very few that I would classify as non-favorites) is…

Always Wear the 4 P’s to Work: 

 

Pink! (ok maybe not this much… Betsey is a little crazy)

Pumps (Loubi’s are obviously a top 3 coveted item, but Morton features Manolo’s in her book)

Pearls, as any classy lady would

and Perfume.

I don’t leave the house without it. If you’re really dedicated, get your favorite scent in a “roll-on” bottle to keep at your desk (use sparingly!).

 

Remember, less is more! And we can obviously settle for a stellar pair of flats for “Casual Friday” if you must insist! Get Camilla Morton’s How to Walk in High Heels at Barnes and Noble for only $19.10!

 

Mad Men

Posted by Amara in Uncategorized and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I havent actually seen the series, Mad Men, but I have heard about it – and they’ve all been good things. What I do know is that it’s about New York advertising agencies in the 1960′s and it’s pretty B.A. I feel like a lot of the styles that I’ve been seeing lately are based off of 50′s and 60′s ideas, so why not keep to the trend? I’m loving it. Ergo, I’m loving Banana Republic’s new Mad Men-inspired line. Too.Flippin.Cute. There are a ton of pieces, but these are the looks I liked the most:

This look has it all – sophistication, class and a dash of sass. LOVE the leopard print bag (obviously) – and it seems to be big enough to fit all of the essentials: cell, notebook, lip gloss, maybe even the iPad? I also love the lace top. The lace over nude (as you can see in Cute Crossbodies and Clutches… For Less!) is totally hot right now. And the gloves SCREAM “up to something scandalous” like closing a fabulous deal or handling a top secret client. I love it. It’s hot hot hot!

This Nancy Drew/undercover look is working for me! First of all, I love tights in the fall and winter – I think they are an easy way to pull a look together and be seasonally-appropriate, as well as office appropriate (as opposed to leggings). The classic black pumps allow for the jacket and chunky belt to steal the show – and they do a mighty fine job of it. This girl looks like she’s kicking ass and taking names. Love that.

This look is radiating power! Again with the tights, but this time sheer with a pattern, lightens this look up to be less morbid and amps up the chic factor. The boots are a great touch, they play up the LBD to be a little less “first-lady” ish. A fabulous spin on a classic piece. Well played. This girl looks like she’s about to take over the world.