Packing Tricks!

The holidays are coming up so I figured it was a perfect time to shed a little light on packing!  I am a major OVER packer by nature!  It wasn't until my post college year of backpacking through New Zealand that I discovered many skills in downsizing my necessities. Having the true comfort in knowing exactly what every item I had in my possession was and exactly where to find it was fierce!

Now, packing in a backpack that you will literally carry on your back for a year is much different than packing in luggage for a holiday vacation filled with fun/stylish events or even a trip out of the Chicago winter on a cruise to the Bahamas (which I actually just had the luck of returning from!)  But many of the packing tricks hold true no matter what you're packing in or where you're packing for!

My favorite thing to do when packing for any trip is to run through each day in my head, and photograph the outfits I will need for that day.  I include everything from jewelry, shoes, and undergarments.  If there happens to be a few different events, I will try to use the same pieces throughout as much as possible.


Here is an example of just one day on my cruise last week.  Each day consisted of a beach/pool outfit, a day outfit for enjoying the ports, and an evening wear outfit for our fancy dinner on the ship!   





By giving yourself a visual of what you will wear every day for each occasion, it will alleviate all the stress when getting ready on your trip, leave you with more time to enjoy the vacation and hopefully more space to bring home some souvenirs!

Shopping Girl XOXO has packing specials where I will come to your home and put together all of your outfits for your trip, help pack, take pictures, and even bring options of new clothing to take with you (whatever you're looking for!)  contact us @ www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com to set up your holiday packing package!!!




Create your own Style In The City you're traveling to this season!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora

Fashion Focus Chicago ALL NEXT WEEK!

Fashion Focus Chicago is happening NEXT WEEK people!  So many great trunk shows, parties, and fashion events to attend!  You can get the full schedule of events starting Monday at http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/supporting_narrative/events___special_events/events/mose/fashion_focus_chicago.html

 I am extremely excited and honored to have been chosen as one of Chicago's top "Style Makers" to participate in the Modern Vintage Chicago Randolph Street Markets Stylist's Choice for Charity!  You will be able to find amazing vintage pieces that will take your whole look to that fashion forward level we're all looking for!  By purchasing one of the pieces that I have highlighted in the Market, you will be donating to Susan G. Koman in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.!  It doesn't get much better than shopping, major fashion, supporting a great cause, and seeing what stylist of Chicago have chosen as statement pieces for the upcoming season!

In the heart of supporting local designers I have chosen a few of my favorite local brands that I love to support!

Squasht by Les,(http://squashtbyles.com/) is a fun, free spirited line with an eclectic edge!  Her hats are a hit to anyone who has the pleasure of trying them on!  Cute and reversible with interchangeable pins!


Heart Felt by Aviva, (http://heartfeltbyaviva.com/) is a unique line of hair accessories that every client smiles when wearing!  The hand made adorable styles look great with up dos or loose flowing locks!

Orlando Espinoza (http://www.orlandoespinoza.com/) is a well established Chicago designer with classic, beautiful investment pieces that any woman would be honored to wear and own!

Check out the schedule of events and I hope to see you all next week supporting Chicago Fashion!
Be sure to purchase one of my stylist choices at the Modern Vintage Chicago Market (Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington St.) and create your own Style In The City!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,

Lora

FASHION NIGHT OUT IN CHICAGO!!!

Many of you know that I spend most of my shopping time hopping from boutique to boutique in this awesome city filled with such character!  I adore supporting small businesses and finding one of a kind pieces for my clients!  That's why Fashion Night Out in Downtown Chicago is a perfect excuse for me to dive into the large department stores of Michigan Avenue, stock up on my cosmetics, and scope out the styles for the coming year in mass proportions!

Last night was a great evening filled with lots of excitement, crazy style, great fashion shows, and plenty of bubbly!  If you were unable to venture downtown, or got caught up in one store and just couldn't bare to leave (it happens!!! :)  Here are my highlights of the evening!  :

*  CLOTHES/STYLE/SALES!!!!!  So many huge sales on NEW clothes in large department stores, the amount of merchandise on sale was ALMOST overwhelming, but the excitement trumped that!  :)   My conclusions from the sales, 1.) I'm obsessed with Jessica Simpson dresses!  So adorable and practical! 2.) Lace should be everyone's new best friend this fall, and 3.)  color blockin is still a'rockin!  Loving it in clutches and over the shoulder satchels!




*  THE STYLE OFF at North Bridge was super fun!  Different groups partnered with a specific store to present live models in their Fall Fashion, then guests got to vote for their favorite!  I loved The LOFTS models, because it was the one set that I feel like stood out as unique as opposed to something that would always be in the store windows.  But they were all fab!   P.S. how do I get signed up as a stylist for next year!?!?





*  TWEET TIME!  I missed the timing of visiting Real Housewives of New York Aviva Drescher at the Macy's on State Street....but I DID get a direct tweet from her (possibly the highlight of my week!) saying we should shop together next time she's in town, so I can show her my favorite boutiques!  Um, DONE!  :)



CLUSTERNESS:  As much as I enjoyed the 900 block and Water Tower, I am super glad I started my evening out further south and was able to enjoy some actual fashion and shopping before I hit the clusterness of the north end of Michigan Ave!  But, it was a great party!  Mojitos and cotton candy always equal a good time!

Overall a fab night of fashion, can't wait until next year!
Hope you all went out and created your own Style In The City on the night in Chicago where you can wear that crazy outfit you never have a place to wear!

XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora

My Fall Fashion Favorites!

Fall is the perfect season for a wardrobe revamp!  My clients love to add a huge boost of confidence and excitement into their wardrobe around this time to get them through the fact that summer is winding down.  When I visit a home for their wardrobe revamp, I always bring a custom picked "shop" from my favorite Chicago boutiques hand-picked just for their style and taste!  Of course, the Fall trends influence my picks in order to keep my clients on trend!  This Fall, my favorite trends to incorporate into existing wardrobes are :

Sophisticated Sheer

I'm completely in love with the sheer trend!  The look can go from office appropriate to night out on the town and works for all ages and styles!  I love to tuck it into a pair of great tailored, straight leg pants and add a blazer when going to the office, then un-tuck, switch out the blazer for a statement necklace and own the city after work!  A great, classic, well rounded addition to any wardrobe this Fall!





The excitement of a hint of sparkle in the
retro inspired trend makes me
smile!  There are so many options for

Jeweled Collar

a jeweled collar!  Diamonds, pearls, colorful, or neutral, they all add a perfect touch of style to any outfit!  You can find this trend on dresses, tanks, and tops all over the city, but my favorite way to incorporate this fun fashion into your wardrobe is though accessories!  You can get a jeweled "collar" necklace so that it is interchangeable with all of your favorite tops and dresses!

Blush to Burgundy

Blush and Burgundy are a perfect color choice this Fall when trying to add a pop of color to a drab palate or trying to choose the perfect color dress for the event of the season!  A variation on the little red dress will make you feel girly and sexy all at the same time!  I can't get enough of this color palate for the months to come!  Check out Tory Burch's Fall line for inspiration!

Geometric Prints

Geometric prints are such a statement!  This look was found walking the streets of New York Fashion Week this year!  What a fabulous skirt with so many options for mix and matching!  A geometric print can be added into your style in a subdued way through jewelry, shoes, or even a great purse!  Or go for a bigger statement with a fabulous skirt like the one shown here!  Easy to take from day to night and a great way to show your personality through your clothes!




By incorporating a touch of these trends into your wardrobe in the coming months you will be sure to feel confident and beautiful knowing you're right on trend!  Be inspired and interpret your own Style In The City!


XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora LaPratt
www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com

My Top Ten Styling Tips For Men!

My male clients often want a quick, easy, simple rule book for styling tips!  While I am a firm believer that fashion has no rules, these are my simple styling tips for men just looking for an answer.  (Also a great guide for any girlfriend/wife/daughter/sister/friend when asked advice)  If you're ever unsure, these little gems will help you on your way to feeling confident and looking great!

1.  Every outfit should have a timeless accessory.  I recommend a watch!

2.  Don’t be afraid of color, a little pop can modernize an entire outfit in one simple step!  I recommend  starting with socks, a fun watch face, or a scarf.  
 












3.  When choosing shirts and ties to mix and match you can never go wrong with one solid and one pattern.  Stick with the same color categories.  













4.  Slimmer fits are more modern…whether it is pants, jeans, shirts, jackets, lapels, etc. 
 











5.  Layer, layer, layer!  A great V-neck sweater over a shirt and tie and under a suit jacket for the office.  Simply un-tuck, take off the tie and jacket and you’re ready for the bar!  
 








6.  Always show your shirt cuffs!  It adds character and elongates the arm.
 












7.  A great bag can add to your style while making transitioning from office appropriate to evening appropriate a cinch.      













8.  Your belt and shoes should match!  Black and black/ brown and brown (socks should follow the same rule unless playing with colors)
  












9.  Pick comfortable pieces that still look great and pulled together for those days/nights that you’re in the mood to go out but not get dressed up.   
 












10.  Be confident!

Hope this helps in creating your own Style In The City for all you men out there!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora LaPratt
www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com

Boutique Hop Party Season!!!

If you're looking for the perfect girls weekend activity, I have your answer!  Picture a beautiful sunny Chicago day.  Mix in your favorite girlfriends (and maybe a token GBF or two).  Now imagine a professional Chicago stylist on hand to guide you through some of Chicago's best boutiques.  Shopping Girl XOXO offers eclectic experiences in the neighborhoods from Roscoe Village, Lincoln park, Gold Coast, to Wicker Park.   All include VIP treatment at each of the specially chosen shops.   Champagne, treats, discounts, and hands-on styling tips will make this outing a stylish and fun excursion you'll never forget!


Shopping Girl XOXO will customize the trip for each individual group!  Think limo service door-to-door throughout the city, private showings, special cocktails, you name it!  Boutique Hop Parties have become a blast in Chicago for reunions, birthday parties, work mingles, bachlorette weekends, or just an excuse to get together with your friends to shop!

VIP Bracelets!

Since this is the perfect season for enjoying the weather, hanging out with your friends, and especially showing off your amazing style, setting up a boutique hop party just seems like the right thing to do!  It is guaranteed to give you a new list of favorite boutiques to visit, some great new additions to your wardrobe, and some quality time with your girls!

All you have to do is email me at lora@shoppinggirlxoxo.com and Shopping Girl XOXO will contact you about all the details! 

You can tie it in a knot, you can tie it in a bow!

It is a HOT one out there this summer!  With all of the heat, it is important to stay "cool" with both your temps and your wardrobe!  :)  One of my favorite trends to try this sizzling summer is knots!  I love to knot up a shirt to make it just the right crop.  Tie a button down together in the front giving off a little fifty's vibe with some skinny cropped pants, a fun full skirt, or some great scalloped shorts! My obsession at the moment is also tying my maxi dresses in a knot to shorten the length and keep it clean when wearing my flats in the city!

    

Whatever your style, remember a knot is a fun way to add a little va-va-vum to your outfit!  It works for casual and fancy attire!  Just remember to mix and match your knotted piece with a tailored piece to keep it modern!  Rock out your knots and stay "cool" with your own Style In The City!

XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora
www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com