Second City Style Fashion Blog - Style, Luxury, Beauty & Shopping

Second City Style's 12 Days of Christmas (Shopping) '09. Taneisha Jordan's "Black Christmas" Picks

 

I wear bright colors all year 'round (especially for that bright summer sun!), so what better to wear against a snow white wonderland than a crisp jet black wardrobe that might make even Frosty turn red?!

Aida Kibur Multi Mirror Crystal Clutch

How many of your handbags can triple duty as a clutch, mirror AND a crafty piece of art? The four square, off-center over-sized stones, along with its shimmering jet black and white crystal setting, create the main focal point of this decorative hardware simply to die for..., $190.00

Report Signature Kane Thigh High Leather Boots in Black

Every girl needs a good pair of thigh high leather boots to walk them through this cold Chicago winter ( and in the Windy City, that can last for more than a few months! ). And with a removable garter belt, these boots won't just be for walkin'. $498.00

Haute Hippie Rock Fringe Necklace in Matte Silver

The easiest way to spice up any outfit is a bold piece of jewelry. This mega-watt necklace can take your clothes in any direction, from classy to rock and roll. $525.00

 

 Alexander Wang Corseted satin-jersey dress

I saw this dress and instantly fell in love, probably due to the one shoulder trend circling about. Alexander Wang can do no wrong and this black corseted dress can't either. $795.00

L.A.M.B. 'Zproject' Pump

What's not to adore about these shoes? From the grooved platform to the five inch skinny stiletto heel, everything about this pump is an art form. $299.00

Wildfox Couture Vampire Love Tee

Looking over my holiday picks, I know that I am not all "gloom and doom" for the season ( all this black, ... I blame Irena for this ). So last but certainly not least, this is just the shirt to pick the spirits up after a long day of shopping. $77.00

—Taneisha Jordan

Twelve Days Of Christmas (Shopping)

Well, that's all there is! We just completed our 12 Days of Christmas Shopping....actually 13. We found some seriously unique items for gift giving ideas. Even if the gifts are for yourself!

Second City Style editors have been compiling their fashion and beauty wish lists which just might help and inspire you with your own shopping! Here is Lauren's wish list. Read the rest of the Twelve Days Of Christmas (Shopping) 2008 on the Second City Style Blog!

Second City Style's 12 Days Of Christmas (Shopping) '08. Day 13: Simona Kogan's "It Girl" Style" Picks

Christmas is a time for Chanel, Marc Jacobs and 3.1 Phillip Lim … and since the celebs are wearing them out in full force, I think I think I’ll covet them, too. See the celeb styles I hope to get this year…

This season, I want one of the hottest celeb trends — a tuxedo dress. I love looking prim in black and white and apparently, so does Kate Bosworth. Since I couldn’t find her look, I had to go with the next best thing …Thread Social, of course.
Thread Social Tuxedo Style Dress. Not sold in the United States. £297.87 which is about $398

I’d like to look as prim and proper as Lindsay Price and it’s all thanks to the celeb stylist of the season —3.1 Phillip Lim, who’s wardrobing me in my pick for best celeb trend of the year — ruffles!
3.1 Phillip Lim Navy Ruffle-Front Shirt Dress. $695

There’s one celeb trend you can love and loath at the same time and that’s the eponymous leggings look. This year we saw them on many a celeb including Lauren Conrad, Lindsay Lohan, and Rihanna, of course. Please don’t hate me, but I actually like that new Lindsay Lohan knee-pad style. Though I don’t like that hefty price. Well, it IS Christmas…
6126 by Lindsay Lohan Leggings in Black. $132

And yes, if I’m going to go out, I’m going to do it in style. For me, it’s Members Only latex leggings, of course…the ones that Rihanna looks so great in.
Members Only Liquid Latex Leggings. On Sale: $61.60

I’m all about floral, but its winter now and I’m tired of hiding the bright colors in a thick cardigan. That’s why I’ve decided to go with the dark floral look. It’s femme, it’s sexy, and it’s a cold weather look. Kelly Osbourne does it just right and I can too!
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Nymphs Shirtdress. $400

Last but not least, shoes! Thanks to Rachel Bilson, I’m getting myself a pair of these ultra-chic two-toned patent Marc Jacobs Mary Janes.   
Marc by Marc Jacobs Mary Jane Pumps

Image Sources: Kate Bosworth: People.com, Lindsay Price: Wireimage, Lindsay Lohan: Three of a Kind, Rihanna: FlashingLights.typepad.com, Kelly Osbourne: Cosmo Uk, Rachel Bilson: Stealthestyle.com

— Simona Kogan

Second City Style's 12 Days Of Christmas (Shopping) '08. Day 12: "Shopping With Andra" Naylor's Picks

Gifts That Make Me Giddy
Topping my list this year is nothing else but a woman’s best friend – the handbag. I’ve written about Stella McCartney’s lines for both Adidas and Lesportsac, but because this is a wish list, I’m wishing for the real thing. Stella McCartney flap tote in cocoa, $1,295.

I’m asking for a dress in the vibrant blood orange color I’m seeing everywhere. This 3.1 Phillip Lim ruffle front dress will do. $695

Why stop at one dress? I’ve never seen anything as posh as Black Halo’s woven dress with split v neck, so that’s going on my list, too. $345

'Tis the season for sparkly bracelets. I love Rachel Leigh’s capsule bangle. Gold plated. $60

There is something so cool about Maison Martin Margiela’s textured leather pumps. I think they would look very nice under the Christmas tree. $255

Last year I asked for tall cashmere socks; this year I’m asking for long leather gloves. Now on sale for $78 at jcrew.com.

I’ve written about Vivre’s snakeskin clutches before, and I have to include on my wish list because they’re now on sale (hint, hint). $156

—Andra Naylor

Second City Style's 12 Days Of Christmas (Shopping) '08. Day 11: Beauty Writer Kelley Wood's Picks

This Xmas is different for me. I have more needs than I have wants, but that doesn't stop me from just wanting to have a few things! From watches to cosmetics, we'll just see what Santa brings ;-)

Juicy Couture 'Christy' Interchangeable Bezel Watch $250
Since I recently lost my favorite watch of 7 years, I was on the hunt for another one that I could wear daily, and spotted this beauty. This watch is cute, girly, still sophisticated, but not too stuffy. It goes with just about anything, and still has charm.

Shu Uemura False Eyelashes $25
One of my favorite makeup brands, has the best eyelashes. I want every one of my Brides and clients  to wear a pair of  Shu Uemura lashes. They are very glam, but very natural. Perfect for Weddings.

Bobbi Brown 'Copper Diamond' Beauty Kit $95
What's not to love about Bobbi Brown? This beauty kit holds all of your essentials. Products not inlcuded, but who wouldn't have fun filling this with the Bobbi Brown classics pictured above?

Garfield Makeup Chair $699
I have a Makeup Studio that is under construction, and I have to have this chair. The color is perfect, even though I would have dozens other colors to pick from. This is the perfect chair for any makeup application. You can adjust the height, headrest, and even lean it back. The back and head rest is perfect for those who fall asleep in my chair as I do their makeup.

Bliss Vanilla + Bergamot Set $84
I absolutely adore Bliss. Their products are heavily scented and very rich. I feel so luxurios everytime I use their products, and the scent last for hours. It's always a hit when I give it as a gift, but I do have to keep some for myself.

Zuca Pro Complete Set $285
This is perfect for my over stuffed makeup kit. I have gone through 5 Traincases, and 2 suitcase, and nothing has been satisfactory for going to appointments, and traveling. So, I am happy to have found this Zuca case. I love the compartments, and wheels on this case. It is not too big, and easy to lug around through the streets, and NY subways. This is a must.

Stuart Weitzman Silver Mirror Calf "Russia Hour' Sneakers $147
On a busy day when there is no room for heels, these sneakers are perfect. Stylish, polished and a great color. Perfect to dress up or down, jeans or slacks. I am glad to  have found these after I wore my comfy Cole Haan's to the soles.

Yaby Cosmetics $110-$136
I want every Eye Palette from this wonderful line. Made for the purpose of downsizing makeup kits for the working artist, the eyeshadows and paints are super pigmented! Brilliant.

- Kelley D. Epps

Second City Style's 12 Days Of Christmas (Shopping) '08. Day 10: Editor-in-Chief Lauren Dimet Water's Picks

I'm with Jacqui! Not only did we pick the same shoes (great minds think alike), we both have had enough of the doom and gloom of the season! I need a little Christmas. Right this very minute! And what can I say? I like luxury. Now it's more affordable than ever. Case in pint, many of the items I wanted for my wish list were reduced by Thanksgiving and are now gone! So I had to do some cyber window shopping to find a few replacements. Not bad work if you can get it.

That being said, as usual I am all about a great coat, shoes and a bag! OK, toss in a few extras too...

Lela Rose Rosette Trench Coat $1,995
I love the rose detail on this trench and I'm due for a new one. It's so Audrey Hepburn and for that reason alone I can not resist.

Christian Louboutin Bloody Mary Ankle Boots $1365. What can I say? These shoes take my breath away. From under the tree to my feet...I would never take them off. Maybe to shower, but then they would be right back on my feet!

Yves Saint Laurent Pebbled Leather Easy Y Satchel $1,195

Every year I want a new YSL bag and why should this year be any different? I love the styling of this bag.

Engaging Rings by Dana Stone Modern Lace Earrings $995 (30% less with discount code HOHOHO30)

I adore the yellow diamond accents, not to mention the design of these stunners. They are elegant without being too over-the-top.

Miu Miu Rosette Leather Jacket $2,835

Are you noticing a trend here? I like rosette details and I have been wanting a tough, yet feminine leather jacket all season. This on fits the bill.

Go Green Dog Hoodie $26.99

Everyone in our household is doing their part to go green...including the dog.

SERPICO Belted Coat $1242 (less 30% with discount code HOHOHO30)

Ah, the belted coat. You can't go wrong and it's in my favorite color. Black.

Blackberry Storm

I have been waiting for this to come out for months! To be honest, if this is all Santa brings me this year, I will be happy. My new addiction? The Crackberry.

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Second City Style's 12 Days Of Christmas (Shopping) '08. Day 9: Gabbie Perez - Pret Reporteur's Picks

Gabbie’s Very Merry X-Mas List: Christmas Colored Bright

Forget red and green—give me lots of shocking neon. Remaining my favorite trend in recent years, I want everything—from shoes and scarves to my electronic gadgets—to be bright and bold this Christmas.

Talk about bright… the new iPod Nano was the inspiration for my Christmas list theme. Shocking purple is my absolute favorite color, and to my luck it, it is now available on an iPod. And I thought my baby blue iPod Mini (circa 2005) was cool…

Apple: iPod Nano- starting from $149

I recently discovered these unusual jewelry creations. Taking natural crystals encased in vintage bullets, every crystal has a different meaning (amethyst is calming and courage building, topaz brings understanding and success, etc.). And I absolutely adore the contrast of the machine aesthetic against the raw organic rock crystal.

Unearthen: Ruby .22 Caliber necklace- $360 at seeunearthen.com 

Ooo la la- this is #1 on my Christmas hit list. In the ultimate combination of art and fashion, Hermes introduced the Josef Albers limited edition scarf collection in October. With six reproductions of his works, from the series Homage to a Square (1950-64), I would be happy with any of the minimalist prints.

Hermes: Josef Albers limited edition silk scarf- special order, starting at $2,500

The painterly prints of 2008 proved to be my favorite trend of the year. Again perfectly combining art and fashion, I adore this watercolor print top by , Catherine Malandrino, Unearthen, Crystals, .

Catherine Malandrino: Electricity Print blouse- $325 at ShopBop

These remind me of a (cheaper) pair of Louboutin’s that I should have bought this past summer. Davis by Ruthie Davis 4 and a half inch platforms in neon—does a pair of heels get any better than this?

Davis by Ruthie Davis: Core Hidden Platform Neon Pump- $455 (on sale!) at ShopBop

I have been the #1 fan of the American Apparel Gym Bag since I bought it two years ago and now it is available in a weekend duffle size. This bright, durable nylon sac (which can fit everything you can possibly imagine) is so much cooler than any LL Bean canvas tote…

American Apparel: Nylon Pack Cloth Weekender Duffle- $32

Colorful headphones are proving to be the next big trend in the street of Europe, particularly in Paris and London.  I don’t know about you, but I find old school headphones like these far superior to ear buds (not to mention the sound quality is infinitely better). I found these at The Conran Shop on Rue du Bac, but they are also available online through its U.S. website.

WESC Sitar Marshmallow headphones- $120 at The Conran Shop

I have had the same wallet since high school (yeah… I know), so this is probably the only item on my list that I actually need. Ahhh—I just love the combination of the bow detailing and red patent leather! All I want for Christmas is Miu Miu….

Miu Miu: Patent Leather Bow wallet- $330 at Net-a-Porter

— Gabbie Perez

Second City Style's 12 Days Of Christmas (Shopping) '08. Day 8: Becky Ellis' Vintage Vantage Picks

Everything old is... well, still old. And that's why I love it. While everyone else takes home the same stuff from major labels and big-box retailers, getting (or giving) vintage means a unique gift that someone put a lot of thought into. Shopping for vintage gifts online can be tough, but Etsy is a great place to troll for housewares, and Marion Mercer has amazing clothing and accessories (with one of the best designs and selection of quality photos I've seen in an online vintage store). And if you can't get vintage, you can always get vintage-inspired...

Whiting and Davis Metal Belt $250
The perfect way to rev up any little black dress (and just about anything else), this belt is disco-fabulous.

Silver and Turquoise Cuff $95
This cuff manages to be delicate and chunky at once; I'd wear it every day as a signature piece.

iWood ecodesign Organic Macassar Ebony Sunglasses $222
Not exactly vintage, but I love the retro shape of these sunglasses, and the wood makes me think of a paneled 70s basement. Plus, they're made of sustainable wood and have 100% UV protection.

Vintage Koeshki Trinket Box $14
Playful and lovely without being cheesy, this trinket box makes me smile.

 

Berman's Motorcycle Jacket $395
I've been wanting a leather jacket, and this retro number is the coolest I've seen. Love the zippers.

- Becky Ellis

Second City Style's 12 Days Of Christmas (Shopping) '08. Day 7: Joseph Ungoco's Male Box Picks

Every year, my friends and family fret over what to get the Editor who has (almost) everything. Here’s a short list of five items I really want.

1. Baccarat 2008 Annual Ornament, UNICEF Crystal Snowflake

This gorgeous collectible ornament benefits UNICEF. Each year, the ornament commemorates the enormous crystal star that Baccarat installs at the intersection of 57th street and Fifth Avenue. Next to the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, nothing says Christmas more to me. Baccarat UNICEF Ornament, $89

2. Cartier Love Bracelet

I have always loved this classic design and, ever since I lost out in the bidding at Sotheby's for the one that the Duchess of Windsor gave to the Duke, I have still wanted one. cartier.com

3. Ferrari Engineered by Officine Panerai Watch

Since I doubt I’ll be owning a Ferrari anytime soon, let alone driving it on city streets, this is the next best thing. I can take it with me everywhere I go. ferraristore.com

4. Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Roadster Weekend Bag

Damier Graphite has become the it bag for fashionable guys. While I love the messenger bag for every day, this weekend bag is sure to get me invited to chic weekends away on private jets. If you carry it, they will invite.

5. Cabela’s Bridger Mountain Man Coyote Hat

Just in case you thought my tastes were all high end, here’s something that a little lower on the luxury scale that I’m simply obsessed with. I don’t plan on attending any mountain man retreats any time soon, but you never know what you’ll be invited to and in my book it’s best to be prepared for any occasion. Added plus, no one I know will be wearing the same hat saving me from any embarrassing “I Love Lucy” type situations. cabelas.com

- Joseph Ungoco

Second City Style's 12 Days Of Christmas (Shopping) '08. Day 6: Jacqueline Zenn's “Let Them Eat Cake” Edition

Something about all the incessant doom and gloom recession talk is beginning to bring out my inner Marie Antoinette – I’m sick of hearing about how everyone is cutting costs and how our economy is going to hell in a handbasket. Therefore, my (imaginary) wishlist features only the most extravagant items this year; perhaps it is escapism or perhaps it is a healthy appreciation for luxury and the finer things in life, so here we go:

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Handbag – It is crafted from exquisite skins and that cool pewter gray is a fabulously chic hue.

Anna Sui Viennese Jacket – Rich velvet covered with gold embroidery makes for a coat fit for a princess – or a Czarina. 

Dolce & Gabbana Leather Bomber – For the days when I want to look a little bit dangerous, and the bomber style is perfect for adding some edge to more feminine ensembles.

Herve Leger Cocktail Dress – Nothing fits and flatters curves like a Herve Leger bandage dress.

Christian Louboutin Bloody Mary Ankle Boots – Glamorous and a little over the top, these are the perfect shoes to wear on a decadent night out.

       
Bijoux Heart Necklace and an Erickson Beamon Icon Crystal Necklace – Because a princess needs her jewels.

- Jacqueline Zenn