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

BANGLES!!!!!!!!!

I am obsessed with piling on the wrist adornments!  I just love a good assortment of mixed metals and precious stones with a fierce watch in the mix!  You can make this hot no matter what your style might be!

BoHo Babe ~  Mix in friendship bracelets, colorful pieces and patterns using string and hemp styles!

Classy Chic ~  Mixed metals, a large faced watch and chuncky chain links will add a classic nautical twist!

Bold and Beautiful ~ Sparkles, large charms, and wide cuffs will make this a bold statement!

Edgy Rocker ~  Black, studded cuffs, and leather wraps will make this look rock!

 

Stack on your favorite bangles and create your own Style In The City!

XOXO,

Shopping Girl,

Lora

www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com

EMBRACE YOUR AU-NATURALNESS!

When it comes to the summer heat, a lot of things can make you want to take the "less is more" approach and for the most part I say GO FOR IT!  The top of my summer Au-natural beauty regimen is hair and makeup!!

Absolutely Gorgeous!  Natural and Beautiful!

 When it comes to putting any extra layers on in the 90 + degree weather, I can't help but cringe!  One of my favorite parts about summer is that my makeup routine is cut down to three simple components:  my go to Neutrogena lightly tinted moisturizing sunblock (uber important), Burts Bees SPF lip tint, and Maybelline mascara!   Whala!

Next on the list, my hair!  Embrace your natural texture, whatever it might be!  I personally have a long thick curly head of hair that took me over 20 years to accept!  Chicago humidity and my own acceptance of myself have helped me learn to love my natural curls...my simple summer hair routine = condition, condition, condition!  I apply Garnier Fructis sleek and shine leave in conditioner to my damp locks and go!  It's that simple and I feel like I'm adding moisture rather than piling on product that weighs it down!

My typical casual summer style!  :)

I've learned to love and embrace every freckle, laugh line, and crazy curl!  Whether you have porcelain skin, a
freckle infused face, crimped and tousled hair, or a super straight main, just make sure you own it, love it and protect it this summer!
Rock your own Au-natural Style In The City beauty routine this summer with confidence!

XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora
www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com