CHIQ.COM BLOG

  • SHORTS IN WINTER? YES!
    [ Posted by: Anne Shisler-Hughes , 07 November 2011, 08:11 ]

    Let me put it this way:  if you’re going to wear a skirt in the wintertime, you might as well make that piece of clothing a short.  Why?  Because a pair of shorts will not flair up when a big gust of wind hits you as you’re walking down the street or standing outside waiting for a friend.  Plus, you will say to the world, “I’m fabulously sassy and a little brave,” even though you’re really just looking to keep things covered up and be comfortable.

     

    Wearing shorts in the colder months also gives you a chance to show off those really fantastic opaque tights that are increasingly appearing in interesting weaves and patterns and colors.  Pair a pair of shorts with a smart blazer or a big, droopy sweater or a pretty, silk, long-sleeved blouse and you’ve got yourself a downright great look.

     

    I recently bought at a sample sale a pair of fantastically thick grey flannel shorts by emerging designer Alice Ritter.  Last year she participated in the Incubator program, a partnership between the City of New York and the Council of Fashion Designers of America to nurture and give real support  (cash prize, studio space, publicity, mentoring) to up-and-coming designers.  The shorts have a kind of contemporary, Alexander Wangish thing happening – they’re pouffy, feature a cross-over drape across the front and they have big pockets.  I feel very chiq in them indeed and can’t wait to sally forth in style.

     

    So, what’s out there that’s intriguing, flattering or just plain affordable?  Let’s take a look.

     I think these, the Pia Lace Shorts by BCBGMAXAZRIA, are simply divine – short and pretty with a lacey personality that could be great for holiday events.

     

    Chiq link: http://www.chiq.com/bcbgmaxazria/pia-lace-shorts

     

     

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  • POINT YOUR TOES
    [ Posted by: Anne Shisler-Hughes , 13 October 2011, 02:10 ]

    There’s something really special about wearing a pointy – and sometimes even dainty – toe.  It’s not only fantastically feminine, it’s sexy and assured. 

     

    Manolo Blahnik, for example, has never stoped making them for us.  He does a classy and nostalgic court shoe and one delightfully fancy D’Orsay shoe.  A long elegant toe, a skinny kitten heel, a pretty bit of silver on top.  

     

    But it’s not all opening night at the opera or honorary dinners or other occasions for Judith Lieber bags.  We’re also seeing pointed shoes on studded numbers and contemporary clunky ankle boots and straight-forward pumps suitable for work.  Look, we love a good platform, but a sleek pointy toe?  Now that’s one indisputable way to dress like a lady.

     

    As I mentioned, it’s impossible to talk about elegantly pointed pumps without bringing Manolo Blahnik into the conversation and giving the designer his due props – how many of us have chiq’ed up his Hangisi court shoe?  Well, here’s his lovely Velvet & Snake D’Orsay pump, tricked out with the fun animal prints of fall 2011.

     

    Chiq link: http://www.chiq.com/manolo-blahnik/velvet-snake-dorsay

     

     

     

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  • LEATHER GOODS
    [ Posted by: Anne Shisler-Hughes , 27 September 2011, 05:09 ]

    Does anyone remember Wilson’s Leather? It was a chain store located in malls around

    the country – much as Victoria’s Secret or Zales or The Gap. Wilson’s was a place to get

    all things leather – jackets and hats and gloves and purses and pants. Don’t think rock-

    and-roll like Rick Owens or John Varvatos, the personality was more woodsy, geared

    toward good-old-fashioned warmth. The smell in the stores was lovely and soothing and

    you were there to buy something sturdy and lasting, something that would be in your

    closet at least a few years. Wilson’s is still at large, and they’re still a great source for

    leather goods, they’ve just adjusted their presence in the fashion marketplace.

     

    A lot of the leather ware we’re seeing out there is decidedly substantial and straight-

    forward – the designs are informed by the material to match its solid personality. The

    boots and bags and jackets are substantial, made for warmth and strength. But they’re

    also sleek and sexy, so as to allure and captivate.

     

    Will this post be a little heavy? Will it feature a lot of black? Yes to both counts. But

    sometimes, to face the world, you just want to zip or lace up or buckle or button into a

    serious piece of leather.

     

    I’m guessing that’s what Chloe had in mind when she spotted and chiq’ed up these bold

    Platform Fur Zipper Boots, whose wooden platforms look rich against the solid black

    upper.

     

     

    Chiq link: http://www.chiq.com/womens-platform-fur-zipper-high-heel-shoes-ankle-boots

     

     

     

     

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  • A LITTLE FALL FUN
    [ Posted by: Anne Shisler-Hughes , 13 September 2011, 10:09 ]

     It’s fall, the season that marks a definite gearing up – whether it’s a return to school or a return of all the big bosses to the office – whatever it happens to be, we hunker down and hone in on what has to be done.

     

    We carry that sense of purpose and seriousness into our wardrobes, and we start to want to put on more somber earth tones and heavier fabrics and sturdier shoes.  That’s all well and good, but let’s not forget about our eye for style and tendency toward spunky self-expression.

     

    Because, let me tell you, right now in the stores and online you can find hippy chiq zig zag knits and jewel toned separates and floppy felt hats and soft suede shoes and gobs of faux fur just waiting to be adorned.  Here are a few pieces that will make the serious Mr. Fall just a little more fun.

     

    First off, I’m very excited about the limited edition collection Missoni did for Target.  Target, as we all know, has a tradition of partnering with serious designers to make the fabulous affordable, and they’ve really gone to town on this one: not just clothing but accessories, tableware, luggage, linens, and on and on.  It’s cheap!  I can’t stress this enough.

     

     

     

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  • STRAIGHT-UP SEQUINS
    [ Posted by: Anne Shisler-Hughes , 13 September 2011, 12:09 ]

     There’s only one trend on my mind to talk about with the chiq.com community today – sequins.

     

    Sequins were invented for the vaudeville stage – to catch the light and lend dazzle and energy to a performer’s performance. When you’re playing to the back of the house and the audience expects to be wowed and thrilled, every little bit helps.

     

    Applied in just the right way, sequins still work so well, lending a shimmer to Santa Claus leotards for Rockettes, MTV awards ensembles, Mermaid Parade fins, mother-of-the-bride jackets, little purses for prom, tap dancing recitals – the list goes on and on.  

     

    Well, why not rockin’ hot pumps?  I think it’s a perfect fit.

     

    Steve Madden does, too.  He’s sending up some fun numbers.  Here’s his Jersie pump, shared by Valeria and AuntieGlam.

     

    Chiq link: http://www.chiq.com/steve-madden/jersey

     

     

     

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