Make a Statement SS17: Earrings

Some of the best things may come in small packages, and this is most definitely the case with the luxury good of the season - the statement earring. If you want to take your carefully planned outfit from cute to colossal then this could be your key to success.

Statement earrings seem to have been around since the dawn of time. Nostalgic images of women unclipping round gold clusters from their aching lobes to answer the telephone on 1960’s television repeats are a part of the history of the statement earring. In later days, however, it has begun to forge a new path, and create its own aesthetic.

Ear cuffs and asymmetrical styles now create an updated version of this classic look. The statement earring gives the flash of colour or sparkle that so many of us are reticent to wear more of. Either because of work, family or just time, to carefully plan a runway worthy look every morning is something that few women can achieve. So the statement earring is the perfect way to enliven or offset whichever clothes have made the grade for today.

So, what should you be aiming for in a statement earring? For SS17 there are a lot of looks to choose from, but they all have to be bold. The metals are a firm favourite, and it’s really just a hop, skip and jump on from the hoop mania that has been going on for the past few seasons. Long dangling earrings give grace to the face whilst more playful designs provide the opportunity for artworks to be created and even a splash of personality.

Of course there are as many statement earrings as there are ways to wear them. Dangled in front of slick back ponytails with minimalist attire for example, or embrace the wild and allow curls, colours and ruffles to recreate yourself in homage to the Seventies. But however you do it, be sure to have a look at our run down of upcoming trends to help you nail the statement earring look.

(earrings on main page; Dolce & Gabbana)

If you’re looking for a bigger statement piece, check out our top Blazers for the season!

Pantone’s Colour of the Year Grows on Us

Each year, Pantone, the world’s leading authority on colour, nominates a colour that reflects the zeitgeist of design and fashion. Late last year, the colour crowned ‘King of 2017’ was Greenery, “a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring”.

At the close of 2016, the evocation of spring seemed a long way off, and the colour therefore an odd choice. The world was so wrapped up in its more urban considerations that the fresh tones of green seemed, as green is so often meant to, naïve or perhaps even at odds with modern city life.

The colour (specifically known as Pantone 15-0343) left many industry experts aghast because, as a reflection of the times, it failed to capture the sober mood much of the world’s population found themselves in post-Brexit, pre-American election. But , that’s kind maybe that is of the point,, Pantone is not in our corner – their role is to evaluate the current climate, to stripping it down and committing to a hue that works to drive change. And so, this year, we a’re forced outside of our comfort zones with an often under-appreciated colour that represents flourishing foliage, fertility and new beginnings.

Of course, just because Pantone (and Adele at the recent Grammy awards) give it the seal of approval – it doesn’t necessarily make for easy adoption. If you’ve never worn green, it can be a difficult shade to navigate - which is why we suggest a two-step programme.

Firstly, approach green as a pop or an accent – think shoes, belts, bags, necklaces, eyeshadowseye-shadows, nail polishes, coats and cardigans. Then, aswhen you inevitably find your affection for this fashionable hue warming up, prepare to progress to Greenery as a base. Don’t forget, green is nature’s most omnipresent neutral – -  so there is acertain logic in there, which dictates that it should be’s universally flattering.

Finally, don’t overlook Pantone’s 2017 champ in the home.  Remember, gGreen tones can fulfil our innate primal instinct to be physically connected to the natural world even as we continue to be submerged in modern life.

The key to successfully implementing this hue lies in just embracing it. Go-green is not a revolutionary concept, but it seems to be reaching its crescendo in 2017 - as these picks of womenswear, menswear, kidswear, accessories and homeware just go to prove. 

Chanel Lambskin Clutch

Dior “0204S” Mens Sunglasses

Jigsaw Curved Hem Cupro Trousers

Furla Sirena Bracelet

Barbour Gust Jacket

Nike Air Force 1 trainers

Laura Ashley Lynden Snuggler

Hugo Boss Modern Day Tote

Oliver Bonas Tealight Holder

If green isn't quite your colour, why don't you another colour of the season, Yellow! See our top yellow picks here

CITY ITINERARY: Oxford Street & Regent Street

ITINERARY: EUROPE'S BUSIEST SHOPPING STREETS

How do you sum up the Oxford Street Experience? The words dazzling and exciting are a good start. More than half a million visitors a day come to enjoy Oxford and upmarket Regent Street's 600-plus shops, many of them flagship stores. But for every huge emporium there's a quirky boutique on a side road, and you'll quickly discover the al fresco café scene on the pedestrianised lanes off the main street. Shops stay open until 9pm most evenings, and to 10pm on Thursdays – a nice bonus.

Oxford Street, London

MORNING

The Oxford Street area is linear so start at Marble Arch and make your way east. Stop in at Folli Follie for charming accessories, Watches of Switzerland for wrist-wear or Pandora for limited-edition London charms – a perfect souvenir. You shouldn't miss Marks & Spencer's flagship store: this mainstay of Britishness has been going for 127 years.

When you get to Bond Street tube station, cross the road and walk through the small, almost secret alleyway leading to St. Christopher's Place. Grab a coffee from one of the cafés (we like artisan specialists Workshop Coffee, 1 Barrett Street) before popping into Whistles’ flagship store for on-trend fashion. Back on Oxford Street, head into the top department store House of Fraser, where you can also find a Premier Tax Free Cash Refund kiosk.

If you cross in the other direction, you'll find gorgeous South Molton Street, home to high-end brands like Zadig & Voltaire and Thomas Sabo's flagship store.

Regent Street, London

AFTERNOON

When you reach the diagonal crossing at Oxford Circus, it's time to leave Oxford and head down Regent Street, fast becoming the hottest shopping street in London. Hugo Boss has its flagship store here and in 2016 Michael Kors opened a fabulous new flagship, 1,500m2 palace of a shop. But that's not all: you'll find style essentials GANT, Reiss, J. Crew, Tommy Hilfiger, Karl Lagerfield's interactive store, Brit favourites Karen Millen and ALLSAINTS, toy heaven at Hamleys and much more.

Michael Kors handbag in new store

If you haven't stopped for lunch already, make sure you investigate the charming tangle of lanes around Carnaby Street. The heart of fashion during the Swinging Sixties, the area retains a bohemian vibe and is great for indie and boutique shopping as well as hip youth brands like Jack Will. If you’re feeling hungry, try the chicken at Whyte and Brown (Kingly Court) or a few small plates in the much-loved Polpo (41 Beak Street). 

EVENING

Sure, there's lots of culture in London, but you're at the edge of London's famous nightlife district, Soho, and it's well worth sampling. From Oxford Circus, head southeast for eateries, cocktail bars and clubs galore. We love the funky Palomar (34 Rupert Street), elegant Dean Street Townhouse (69-71 Dean Street) and the excellent Ember Yard (60 Berwick Street) for food. 68 & Boston (5 Greek Street) is great for wine and cocktails.

Palomar, 34 Rupert Street

Donna Karan Is Coming to Town

This Week’s Top Story

Donna Karan—yes, the Donna Karan—makes an appearance at Winnetka’s Neapolitan Collection (560 Chestnut St., neapolitanonline.com) next Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. Excited? Store owner Kelly Golden knows just how you feel.

“I have always been a big fan [of Karan], __and her Urban Zen line speaks to our globally inspired clients,” Golden says. “Donna is an incredible designer __and leader inspiring us about the mind-body connection and yoga, philanthropy, and travel.”

During her visit, Karan will be signing copies of her memoir, My Journey, which will be available for purchase. Neapolitan also stocks women’s ready-to-wear, artisan jewelry, handcrafted leather pieces, and home décor from Urban Zen.

Top Sales This Week

Nordstrom (55 E. Grand Ave., nordstrom.com) has new spring markdowns on dresses, tops, denim, and more. Score items such as a resort-ready Maxi dress from Eliza J. (reduced from $158 to $94.80) and a polka-dot trench coat by London Fog (reduced from $198 to $129.90).

At Kate Spade (katespade.com), sale items are an additional 25 percent off. This should come as welcome news, if you’re headed to spring cocktail parties. Find a jaunty, scallop-bow dress (reduced from $328 to $230) and a fit-and-flare dress decked with oversize blossoms (reduced from $478 to $335).

Pop-Up

Gild Assembly (studiogild.com) will host a spring pop-up shop at 1211 West Webster Avenue from March 31 through April 15. Though mostly focused on home accessories, the shop will also stock tailored T-shirts from 143 Tees and jewelry from Ladybug Vintage.

Health & Beauty

Mirepoix Mercantile + Wellness Studio (mirepoixmercantile.com) is now open at 1414 North Ashland Avenue. With a plant-filled yoga and meditation studio, the space also has an apothecary stocked with goods like eucalyptus-mint bath bombs and juniper-berry soap.

 

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CODAGE Paris: Custom-made Beauty

By Stella Pelissari

Our skin is unique and requires gentle attention throughout our lives, but also our skin demands respect with the right care so it’s very important to carefully chose our beauty products that we use daily. Of course, there are plenty of choices out there, but we are never really sure what is the perfect match for our individual skin type. So the French __brand CODAGE decided to create a new concept of personalising cosmetics for clients that are 100% custom-made for each person’s specific needs.

With an experience inherited from the traditional French pharmacy, CODAGE creates unique beauty formulas with a precise dosage of its high-performance active ingredients.

Created from 100% natural vegetables, algae, minerals and biotechnological derivatives, CODAGE's assets synthesize the latest international advances in cosmetics and meet the highest safety requirements with fantastic efficiency.

Each CODAGE formula is like a "code" designed to meet the specific and individual needs of men and women, including face serum, eye contour, day and night creams, masks...

To better understand this innovative process, I had the privilege of meeting CODAGE in Paris, where I experienced a fantastic beauty treatment for the face with a detailed diagnosis of my skin and its needs.

From entering their modern boutique-spa which is located in a small and charming street in the heart of the Marais district, you already feel conquered by the concept.

After being dazzled by the exposed products and the laboratory where their formulas are manipulated, I comfortably settled into a dedicated space for skin treatment, where a professional specialist (extremely well prepared) began our "interview" about my habits, skin problems and my wishes and made a diagnosis of my skin.

 

After this dialogue and with the help of some pretty sophisticated software that crosses and analyses all this personal information – my specialist reveals to me what my skin needs and prepares a beauty treatment "Haute Couture" that lasts about 1h45.

My specialist, called Justine selected several ingredients and used them one by one on my face explaining the action of each and how and when to apply them.

A true "custom-made " course for your skin.

CODAGE offers several facial treatments that can last from 15 minutes (for the eyes) to 1h45 minutes.  All aiming to sublimate the beauty of your skin.

 

To buy your products, you must make a free consultation and you can choose between two formulas: the creation of custom cream, or the pre-established formulas.

The custom-made creams are developed using several nutri-elements and are created specifically for you. It takes about a week to get ready and is delivered throughout Europe in a personalized bottle with your initials.

The "ready-to-wear" collection with more affordable prices, but extremely effective products, these pre-made formulas combine nutri-elements for the specific purpose of your face overall.

For me (and my skin) it was an enriching experience and I definitely adopted this __brand as a favourite. It’s a clever approach to active cosmetics to help you take better care of your skin simply and effectively...

CODAGE Paris

8 Rue du Tresor,

75004 Paris,

France

For more information on unique French brands visit our brand pages.

This French Brand Specializes in Soft, and It’s Coming to Michigan Avenue

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CITY ITINERARY: Covent Garden & Mount Street

ITINERARY: A LONDON LANDMARK AND THE SMARTEST SHOPPING

As quintessentially London as Big Ben, the central piazza and surrounding streets of Covent Garden offer great shopping, street entertainers and excellent eateries. Why not take the day to explore?

MORNING

Start your morning in style at the gorgeous Delaunay, which offers an excellent brasserie-style all-day menu (55 Aldwych), before heading towards the Piazza. Stylistas won't want to miss trail-blazing Lulu Guinness' flagship store on Royal Opera House Arcade or Agnes B's pared-back chic on Floral Street. Bustling Long Acre offers Calvin Klein, Pandora and AllSaints' laid-back style. You'll also find the always-excellent Adolfo Dominguez, Gerard Darel and jewellers Links of London. For beauty and make-up, make sure to visit the market with the all-new Armani Box pop-up, or the Dior Beauty Boutique.

       

AFTERNOON

For lunch you're spoiled for choice. Consider tapas at the Opera Tavern (23 Catherine Street), fish at the renowned J Sheekey (33-35 St Martin's Court) or for something a little different, enjoy Peruvian dishes at Lima Floral (14 Garrick Street).

Then it's time to hop in a taxi or catch the tube to visit the fabulous enclave around Mount Street in Mayfair. Just west of Hyde Park some of the most exclusive luxury brands you can think of cluster together, including luxury Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille, gorgeous bags and suitcases from Moynat and fabulous trunks from Goyard, plus Ralph Lauren's atelier. South Audley Street is home to more gorgeousness, including the fashion insider's favourite __brand Erdem, who have their only store here. To the east towards Davies Street, you'll also find Porsche and the masculine elegance of Alfred Dunhill.

EVENING

As the evening descends, Theatreland beckons. However, for something a little more highbrow, head back to Covent Garden to catch a performance at the Royal Opera House (Bow Street).

Lady Gaga’s Stylist Wants to Meet You

This Week’s Top Story

Brandon Maxwell is looking forward to a “nice, quiet dinner at RL” this week—but first, he wants to meet you. The designer, who styles Lady Gaga in addition to heading his eponymous line, will be at Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave., neimanmarcus.com) today from 4 to 6 p.m.

“We are so excited to showcase the arrival of the Spring/Summer 2017 collection,” Maxwell says. “I hope that the women of Chicago will love the ease of the collection. I feel like there is really something for every occasion here.” That means everything from jackets that pair nicely with jeans to cocktail dresses that play well with pumps.

For those who follow Maxwell’s work, he hints that this collection has something new to offer. “It was really an evolution from the previous two [collections,]” he says, noting that he’s “branching out into color” with blush __and olive tones, __and that his new pieces feature feminine shapes.

“Ease” is a word Maxwell uses often in reference to the collection, and comfort is at the heart of his style philosophy. “Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you feel the most comfortable,” he advises. “The better you feel, the more your beauty, confidence, and power shows.” The appearance will take place on the retailer’s second floor.

Top Sales This Week

“Diamonds” and “discount” don’t normally belong in the same sentence, but here’s an exception. Sale pieces at Elements (741 N. Wells St., elementschicago.com) include an 18-karat- gold-and-diamond leaf necklace (reduced to $1,600 from $3,200) and a diamond-studded, starburst pendant necklace (reduced from $1,450 to $725).

French brand Anne Fontaine (annefontaine.com) is offering 50 percent off select items. Score a puffed-sleeve shirt (reduced from $695 to $486), leather shorts (reduced from $695 to $486), or an embroidered organza biker jacket (reduced from $650 to $325).

Health & Beauty

Kiehl’s Since 1851 (kiehls.com) has partnered with the Chicago-based Bright Pink on a series of initiatives. For one, the brand’s new Butterstick Lip Treatment Duo, which offers clear and rose-tinted balms, donates all proceeds to the charity. Additionally, the Kiehl’s store at The Shops of North Bridge (520 N. Michigan Ave.) will host a Bright Pink workshop on Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. Offering catered breakfast and co-branded swag, the event will teach guests how to take preventative steps against breast cancer.

Opening

Free People (1101 W. Randolph St., freepeople.com) opens in its new, Randolph Street home on Friday. According to reps for the brand, the new space is meant to evoke the studio workshop of a “rugged girl”—but Free People’s essentially bohemian character will remain intact. The six, sparkly-walled dressing rooms will be decked in coin curtains and woven pendants, for example; the whole space will be bathed in natural light.

This outpost of the shop will be one of few to carry beauty goods and the athletic FP Movement line; it will also carry dresses, statement jackets, graphic tees, and shoes. That selection may sound overwhelming, but fret not: personal stylists offer one-on-one appointments. Get a sneak peek at the store from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight. The event will offer champagne and snacks from Bad Hunter.

 

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Shades of Sunshine - The Spectrum of Yellow SS17

The various Fashion Week’s around the world have now closed, leaving us with lessons in style for A/W17. It was, however, on the street that style was most influential with bloggers, journalists, off-duty models and editors embracing the trends that are immediately accessible. One of the messages that spoke the loudest was the fashion world’s current flirtation with the colour Yellow.

Primrose Yellow for example, which is officially known as Pantone 13-0755 TPX, is rich in vitality and heat - set to evoke the happiness of the sun on your face, sun-kissed holiday skin, unspoiled sandy beaches, sunrises and sunsets. While, in reality, most of us are struggling to get through the dregs of winter, Pantone is using yellow to transport us to “a destination marked by enthusiasm, good cheer and sunny days”.

This colour is a natural transition from the Spicy Mustard hue that dominated most wardrobes in 2016, only it’s more spring-worthy. Of course, without the added piquant, Primrose Yellow could stand to be a wash-out and yet it’s golden glow serves as a platform to show-off a fun side by catching the eye and provoking a smile.

No other colour serves to lift the mood quite like yellow, so use it as a platform to show of your sunnier disposition. If you are a little more nervous of yellow then opt for unisex pops and flashes of hue. For the braver amongst you try colour blocking, colour clashes, and pattern collisions. If full on yellow is a little too mellow, as it can seem for minimalist urbanites, then pay homage to this shade with little quirks like rings, keyrings and wallets. And don’t forget that fashion doesn’t end on the body - transition your home out of winter with the sunshine splashes of yellow throws, cushions, and accessories. 

It’s time to shake off winter with the best in yellow womenswear, menswear, kidswear, accessories and homeware.

Radley Taplow Bag                                                                                                                

Laura Ashley Golden Lace Blouse

Cath Kidston Rose Printed Cushion

Missoni Coffee Pot

Folli Follie Uptown Beauty Yellow Handbag

Jaeger Off Shoulder Top with Drawstring

River Island Coat

Hugo Boss Leather Purse

Marks & Spencer Lois Yellow Armchair

River Island SS17; standout pieces for the season to come

River Island SS17

As the clouds part and the temperature begins to rise, it is finally time to open up your summer wardrobe and start furnishing it with some up to date pieces. If you are looking for the best place to inject some spring freshness into the SS17 version of yourself, then look no further than River Island, a __brand that can take you from the office to the party and back again. Your smart-casual SS just got sorted.

Embrace Americana with Pretty Western florals, reminiscent of Little House on the Prairie, but a lot more grown up. Retain the romance in ruffles and pleats, but off set them with the rugged edge of a buckled belt or cowboy inspired boots. Or keep it smart and chic with a Neo Classic look. Pale denim and tailored blouses create an elegant image that is as chic for the office as it is for the evening.

Denim looks have a touch of the pirate about them, team with big hoops or bandanas for a modern twist on a Nineties classic. Patches, slogans and embellishments keep everything feeling very young and exciting, it is going to be festival season before long after all.

The Rosa look embraces the femininity that is everywhere at the moment; soft pink shades and flourishes wherever possible. Blend cute and cool with slogan t-shirts and embroidered bags. Keep shoulders free of fabric to create a hint of seduction without giving too much away.

Co-ords are still everywhere; the bralette is an important piece for the coming season, so why not team it with matching fringed jeans for a statement look. Some of the best denim looks for the season will be fringed or wide leg denim, both of which look amazing when paired with Bardot style off the shoulder numbers. Or go big bold and billowing with a range of smocks and shirts to help you cool off as it gets warmer.

What are you waiting for, get stuck in to Spring at River Island.

How to Wear: Blazers SS17

Blazers have had a mild flirtation with our wardrobe for a few years, but now, lead by the likes of Balenciaga and Gucci, this classic piece has taken centre stage. Its versatile form makes the blazer a wardrobe staple; it can turn a summer dress into a work appropriate outfit, make shorts acceptable away from the beach and even raise the game on a plain tee/jeans combination. Here, we’ve broken down some of the key blazer trends from the SS17 collections…

Big Bold Shoulders

One of the most exciting blazer trends is oversized shoulders. There is a reason everyone was wearing giant shoulder pads in the Eighties; enlarging your silhouette is a fun and liberating way of making a grand entrance, and fuelling a powerful self-image. Demna Gvasalia, who sits in the driver’s seat at Balenciaga, is one of the key proponents of the boxy blazer, and the brand’s astronomic rise to the top is surely one of the reasons we are seeing the return of this particular interpretation.

Embellishments and Detailing

Embellishments are back in a big way. This trend seems to be a direct turn around from the waves of minimalism that have been pouring in for the past few years. And while there is always a place for the simple things in life, the idea of adorning your outerwear with anything from brocade patterns to glistening gems sounds pretty glorious to us. Follow the lead from the Gucci SS17 lines where swirling dragons dance across formal jackets, or go bold with Dolce & Gabbana’s bejewelled pieces.

Heritage Check

There are so many different check styles featuring in the SS17 collections that if you are not already a convert, you soon will be. The classic Chanel skirt suits have been given a modern lift with matching baseball caps and frilled cuffs, while Stella McCartney keeps it beautifully androgynous with sharp tailoring and Gucci creates a retro narrative with this classic take.

Double-Breasted

The double-breasted blazer is making a swift return to high streets and runways alike and it doesn’t look like it will lose momentum any time soon. Fitting flawlessly with the current Fashion Week theme of utility and modern military, this is the perfect piece to set against a romantic gown for city glamour or conquer the neutral silhouette with a wide trouser. Keep it traditional with Marks & Spencer’s edition, make a daring statement with Louis Vuitton or, for a thicker coat-like version, look to ALLSAINTS.

Pink

The return to pink is a reclaiming of this much-maligned, most girly of feminine colours. Valentino and Bottega Venetta have paved the way with their SS17 collections featuring burnt rose in several variations, and creating a wonderfully romantic aura. This shade is given an edge worn as a blazer, curbing any overt femininity if that is too much of step for you. For a high street alternative, Zara is the place to go.

Final Note: Although we have highlighted this as a blazer trend, pink, in all its celebrated variants, is the colour of the moment so keep it on your wardrobe radar…