Eye-4-Style

I’m a curious person and like to know what people think; what their habits are. It is interesting to me that some people are very rigid in their habits. They may never set foot in Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus. They won’t buy from catalogs because of returns. They only shop at Target or Macy’s because they think they can’t afford or won’t find anything in a boutique or higher-end store. I say, don’t limit your choices. There are possibilities everywhere!

I’m a big catalog or on-line shopper. I like seeing clothing on models as it’s easier to visualize the outfit on my body. The larger retailers have made returning items very easy. You usually have a return label and an amount is deducted from your return amount. When I calculate time and gas, the amount to return the item is less than what I’d spend on the streets. Just be sure to try on the items right away; keep the original packaging; package the item the original way best as possible; return as quickly as possible. I’ve ordered a lot and returned a lot. I’ve also kept a lot. It is worth it to me when the stores I’m ordering from are further away or “on-line” has so much more to offer.

I enjoy going to the boutiques on Oak Street in Chicago. I purchased items from Juicy Couture and Kate Spade when I was there last November. They are fun to visit but there is a limited amount of space available to display their wares. If your time is limited, I’d go to Nordstrom or Saks, Bloomingdales, Macy’s. They will have your favorite designers and all under one roof. When I visit Chicago, I plan my time carefully. Some boutiques with some department stores. Also, Ralph Lauren on Michigan Avenue is a must. You will see it all in their flagship store. While some labels are out of reach for the average consumer, it is an adventure to see the fabrics and designs they are offering. Believe me, you will see that filter down to your price level in a different fabric, but it makes you aware of what is out there and a better-informed consumer. Also, RL (the adjacent restaurant) has the best cosmos I’ve had anywhere!

I remember many years ago when we were in San Francisco. My daughter and I visited the “high-end” stores to relish in the beautiful fabrics and displays. She is able to fit into larger children’s’, women’s petites and juniors. We had several departments to visit and there are always sales. We ended up buying some gorgeous clothing at wonderful prices. We paid the same prices we would have at Target or Bon-Ton stores or Macy’s. You just have to have an open mind and “hunter/gatherer” intuitiveness to search out what you’re looking for.  Don’t be afraid: Go there!  If you need help, contact me and I can help you reorganize your closet or shop for your spring/summer wardrobe.

Karen Kane is a line I’ll always check out at Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Boston Store: wherever they sell her clothing. Here is a fun display at Macy’s at Coastland Center in Naples, Florida.  Karen Kane is fashionable, fun to wear -  items ending up in your shopping bag.  Check it out – try it on.  Nice – fun – easy.

INC is one of my favorite lines.  It is reasonably priced and “fashionable.”  The clothes fit girls with curves and are flattering.  I check out INC’s display at Bloomingdales and Macy’s. Price range is usually $59 to $99.

Here are examples of great outfits.  In the “brown” display, I especially like the blouse with white tie and sweater.  It is classic and lovely.  The outfits I’m  unsure about are the ones with the shiny puffer jackets.  Both black and brown displays showcase this look.  The looks here are okay because the shiny puffer is paired with a traditional bottom – tweed skirt.  If you just have to have the shiny puffer, I don’t think I’d stray much from how it is shown here.  Save puffy for the tweed pants or skirt.  I can see the black puffer with a pair of Ralph wool charcoal-grey with thin white stripe pants I have.  Throw on a white cashmere turtleneck underneath.  Personally, I find the shiny puffer very limiting, and it would not be at the top of my “to buy” list.

Here is a great display of Calvin Klein found at Bloomingdales on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue.  Leggings are big this year and the teal color is complementary to  many complexion and hair colors.  The middle outfit  is my favorite.  I saw a lot of leather out there and it is soft and comfortable.  This pairing with a tweed skirt gives you a chic edge.  Flats or the “now popular” boot along with a messenger bag and scarf will give you a professional yet approachable look for work, errands or a business meeting.  Heels, necklace, decorative headband and fancier purse will take you to “happy hour” and dinner afterward at a nice restaurant. If weather dictates, I’d wear a pair of black and brown leather gloves- something with a subtle pattern.

I like this look because you can easily change the outfit with footwear and accessories.  Also, you will use this outfit for years.  A simple update would be a trendy scarf or bracelet.

NOTE:  15% SALE AT BLOOMINGDALES through Sunday, Oct 18th when you use your Bloomingdale’s card!