Popping Up Shop: Heat Wave Edition

Last week, I had the great opportunity to take part in the Chicago Sidewalk Sale at the Daley Center in Chicago's loop. Developed by the Mayor's Fashion Council, hand selected designers that call Chicago home were invited for 2 days to pop up shop in the heart of the city to talk fashion, introduce our brands to new people, and endure the heat wave in a very unique way.

Girl Talk: Unmentionables

Ladies, raise your hand if you've ever worn a slip since the 4th grade. Um, really? That few huh. Or what about the more modern and hip word for the same thing... chemise?

I read and talk a lot about well constructed garments, taking care of garments, looking for things to invest in, bla bla bla. The fact of the matter is this: Great clothes that fit well are a thing to treasure. The other fact: if you don't have the proper foundation, it's money wasted.

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The anatomy of a dress:

Fitted dresses are all constructed based on the same basic bodice and skirt form that is later cut for style and then contoured for fit. Way back when, dresses typically didn't come lined like they do today, so wearing a slip was pretty necessary all the time so that the seams weren't against your skin, and also the slinky texture allows the dress to drape on the body instead of cling to curves.

Dresses that typically come lined today are either more formal in nature, are designed to look constructed and have a little weight to it, or need something on the inside to allow the dress to flow in such a way that makes it do that little thing where you want one foot to pop up when you give hugs. I'm not the only one right?

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Why and how to buy a slip:

While it's true that most dresses that need lining come constructed that way already, there are certain garments that will flow and fall in such a beautifully uncalculated way with that little extra something.  For example, when wearing knit dresses (typically anything that has stretch to it like the cotton tshirts are made out of, many spring/summer dresses, and anything loose and slinky). Also, for those somewhat-see-through-but-its-cute-so-you-really-want-to-wear-it-anyways kind of dresses and skirts, they become a real life saver.

If you are looking into buying just one, I would suggest getting a nude or black colored, short slip that is silky and simple. This means none of those bulging bows or awkward drawstrings that completely defeat the purpose. I've done some digging, this this and this could work. For more fitted dresses, this is ideal.

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And it can be cute:

I love it when people style their looks to allow peeks of a vintage slip to show. The delicate lace and silk or satin from past decades has that romantic Parisian girl thing going on, but can also soften a tough city girl look as well. On top of that, modern and beautiful slips are one of those things that just feel ultra feminine and fierce, kind of like wearing red lip stick.

That's What He Said

Men, I know like most other things, you like to keep things easy. *Insert inappropriate joke here*

It's always the same story:

"I want to dress well, but I hate to shop. I go shopping, I don't know what I'm looking for, I don't find anything, get frustrated, and leave with random stuff I never wear or nothing. I hate shopping."

Sound familiar?  Shop more effectively to get in, out, and call the trip a success.  Here are a few top tips for men:

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Know your role.

Do you have a look, vibe, or lifestyle you're trying to dress for? Stick to places that you know will work with what you're going for.  If you're a prepster, don't bother going to Urban.  Similarly, if you're into the vintage urban vibe, know who will stock the goods you're searching for like small lifestyle boutiques or online specialty brands.

Be Different Enough
You may not want to be the guy who is known for all the wacky clothing choices, but you do want to have a little extra something about you right?  Try something that is slightly off beat, and let that be your signature look.  Mine right now is my little yellow suitcase that doubles as a handbag. I get complimented on this silly little bag all the time by men and women alike- it's just that easy.

Relinquish Label Snobbery
Labels don't equate to style, your own sartorial judgement does. Personal style and dressing yourself is about dressing the body with visual interest, and there is nothing terribly interesting about that giant horse on your shirt, guy. Pick something in the store that looks interesting, and give it a go. If you can think of 3 different ways to wear/use it, make the purchase.

Summer and the City

Hope everyone is having the most fantastic 4th of July weekend!  I've been quite the busy one between barbecues and another photo shoot this weekend.  I've also added a few more items to the pop-up shop for you to take a look at.

Want to see some of the clothes in action?  Here are a few outtakes of the shoot last weekend that I made a little cameo in. Singing and dancing, party of one. Just like nobody is looking.

This version of the Fletcher Maxi is a hit, but approaching unavailable as the summer is wrapping up- if you have custom requests before the official site launches, shoot me a note (rachel@thestylecooperative.com) and mention you caught it on the blog. I'll take good care of you.

The Style Cooperative Pop-up Shop

I'm very excited to announce that it is finally here!  Starting today,  you will be able to access select items from The Style Cooperative.  We've hand-picked combinations that look fantastic and have made them available to you in The Style Cooperative Pop-Up Shop.

My favorite looks include the Stockwell Perfect Skirt and the Fletcher Maxi Dress. Because you're all close friends, I'll be sure to keep you posted when new products are available-- and more importantly when our flashy new official TSC customization site is ready for you!

Take a look- I hope you enjoy.  If you're one of the lucky folks who already have your hands on some TSC wears, send over a picture of how you're styling the goods (info@thestylecooperative.com), and you may just find yourself right here on The Style Social.

Have a stylish and safe holiday weekend!

A Little Shoe Indulgence

I'm always really hesitant to buy anything that is too trendy, as I like to think of my closet as a collection of pieces that I'll wear forever. Then there's shoes. Usually I'll allow myself one indulgent, on trend and probably-will-not-ever-be-worn-past-the-season pair every few months or so.

It's because of this, I get really intense and spend too much time researching to know I'm getting what I'll love the most.  Style nerd, yes. That's me.

Right now, I've been consistently impressed with the looks that Jeffrey Campbell has out for summer (and they're reasonably priced!).  I'm looking for a sky high platform wedge with lots of straps, embellishments, and whatever other kind of crap they can put on it. I'm talking over the top, but with some versatile sensibility and charm.  I plan on wearing them to toughen up pretty little summer numbers.

I've got quite the list of requirements for a single shoe I suppose. The compulsive shoe research continues!

Mens Spring Picks

This past weekend, I had the good pleasure of catching up with an old friend while helping him shop around for some spring pieces.  This worked out really well for a few deep dark secrets:

1.  I don't actually enjoy shopping for myself.
2.  I LOVE shopping with men, teaching and pushing them to look at clothes differently

We talked about the shape of clothes, the use of accessories, and how to properly layer without looking like you tried too hard.  Casually cool was the name of the game, while avoiding what he called "The Uniform" (jeans, collard shirt of the plaid or striped variety, cool shoes).  After a couple of hours of shopping around and him being a good sport with trying new looks and ideas, here is my list of spring style picks for men:

Denim... anything

Pants with rolled/higher hemline

Hip-Length Jacket

Stripes

Happy Socks & Desert Boots