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

Shopping. CUSP Memorial Day Special

Receive a special gift when you shop CUSP this Memorial Day!

With any purchase of $400 or more, you will go home (or to the beach!) with a special organic tote filled with select goodies like a Matt + Nat envirotote, Lauren Merkin wallet, Jemma Kidd ultra soft cleansing wipes and more!

Promotion available in stores only May 22 - May 27 while supplies last.

California
CUSP Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd.
Space #15
Los Angeles, CA 90067
310.552.0300

District of Columbia
CUSP Georgetown
3030 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202.625.0893

Illinois
CUSP Northbrook Court
1206 Northbrook Court
Northbrook, IL 60062
847.205.4543

Virginia
CUSP Tysons Corner Center
7863 - L Tysons Corner Center
McLean, VA 22102
703.228.1940

Shopping With Andra. Keeping Fashion Fun

Andra Naylor for Second City Style Magazine

Spring is the time to lighten things up and luckily this season's trends are fresh and playful. Here's a round-up of some of the latest looks to work into your wardrobe.

To The Max
You°ve been hearing all about it — the long dress. Called the maxi, it's best when served up in a bold print and sweeps the floor. Pair it with a three quarter length sleeve cardigan and minimal sandals. Go strapless for the evening like Anthropologie°s "Cool Water Dress" ($158) or casual with a silk/cotton look from Banana Republic ($140).

Dainty No More
I swore I would never wear chunky shoes again, but never say never. I can°t get enough of strappy leather, woven platforms, statuesque wedges and gladiator pumps. They're fierce without being too tough, and add an element of interest to any outfit. There has been no shortage of serious shoes on the runway, like Bottega Veneta°s woven panel sandals ($940) and the new crop is slowly showing up at more attainable prices as well like these L.A.M.B. goldy high heel metallic sandals ($295).

Read more "Keeping Fashion Fun" here

Natayle’s Addiction: Feeling Little Guilt with GILT Groupe

My name is Natayle and I’m a shopaholic . . . For many suffering from this “disability” or "affliction" they seek help. I’m not sure that I’m ready to take that leap—especially now that I’ve been introduced to GILT!

GILT is this amazing invite-only sample sale website that features top designer fashions at a fraction of the cost! From Michael Kors to Valentino you can find pretty much every high-end line here! Shop to your hearts content, but remember the early bird catches the worm. As with any sample sale, there are limited quantities of each item, so shop fast! (This is perfect justification for impulse buyers like me!) The sales are only live for 36 hours so if you snooze you lose sisters . . . and brothers. Trust me, I’ve spent countless hours on this site and know there are some ladies and gents out there with quick fingers!

Jill Stuart Katherine Dress
Strapless empire waist floral print mini dress with ruffle hem. 30 inches in length from high shoulder in Raspberry. This retails for $525, but Gilt Groupe will be selling it for $198.

I shouldn’t be telling all of you about it because now my sizes are sure to go even faster, but I can’t keep this a secret any longer! For a limited time you too can be a part of the GILT Groupe. You can be my (and SCS') special guests by visiting   www.gilt.com/secondcitystyle . Sign up and shop away!

So again, my name is Natayle and I’m a shopaholic and proud of it! Gilt is one addiction that I do not want to recover from!  I feel no guilt. Happy shopping!

- Natayle Henry

Sign of the Times. Bloomingdale's Catalogue Is No More

According to WWD, the Bloomingdale's By Mail catalogue will be discontinued early next year, and the chain will accelerate enhancements to its Web site. Some jobs will be cut due to the change, but many will remain to continue work on the Web site. Michael Gould, chairman and CEO, explained, "Bloomingdale's is focused on growing its online business, increasing profitability and reflecting a seamless brand and merchandise selection, whether it be in-store or online." And in a brilliant spin move, he also raised the point that dropping the catalogue supports sustainability initiatives. Shop online, save a tree! Visit the store online at Bloomingdales.com.

Discount Alert! Second City Store Offering 15% Off for Spring!

That's right! We know the economy is tough, but everyone needs some new threads and jewelry for spring/summer! So enjoy 15% your entire order (plus free ground shipping) at the Second City Store. Simply enter code 'Spring15' at checkout.

Here is a sample of what you will find

Jules 11-Strand Bracelet $160, now $136
We still love this bracelet and now it comes in a variety of combinations for spring.

Melanie Nicole Triangle Halter Dress $250, now 212.50
This dress can be worn a multitude of ways and packs like a dream. How versatile!


Elyse C. Bec Elegant Green-Grey Wrap $145, now $123.25
Perfect for those chilly nights by the beach.

Cyndi Chan Short Rain Resistant Trench $350, now $297.50
The same Cyndi Chan Signature Trench styling (as seen on Oprah) but this coat is water resistant and a little shorter!

K. Amato - The Fremont $48, now $40.80
We just love Kristen's affordable chic jewelry!

Vika Stretch Silk Satin Sleeveless Dress With Lapel $370, now $314.50
The color of this dress compliments every skin-tone. Perfect for the office or a night out.

Laura J. Designs Green Amethyst Teardrop Earrings $75, now $63.75
The only tears you will cry will be of joy for getting these earrings at such a great price!

Shop the Second City Store now!

Trends. Shorts of All Shapes.

Shorts are a trend that many women shy from... but why? With the right style, they'll exponentially expand your wardrobe. Though a satin pair with a negligible inseam might not be the look for you, everyone can find the shape that flatters them. For instance, if you don't have too much behind you, bermudas! If you have more to balance out, a wider leg bermuda. Slouchy if your style isn't too prim, pressed safari-style shorts if it is. High-waisted if you have the torso to carry it. Pleats if you need a little volume. Embellished to make a statement, classic to pair with focal top. Wear them with gladiators or flats to dress it down, or wedges or espadrilles for more summertime leg. With so many options, there's just no reason to avoid shorts entirely! Simply find your fit.

So don't run scared... shop these looks here!

Shopping News. Juma Opens Online Store.

Canadian clothing line Juma recently launched its online store at the aptly-titled website, www.jumaonlinestore.com! The store features a ready-to-wear, contemporary Spring collection from the design duo. Siblings Alia and Jamil Juma find inspiration for the innovative designs from their urban surroundings, eclectic group of friends and extensive travels. They have been creating comfortable, composed pieces known for their downtown feel, high quality and fashion-forward refinement.  The Toronto-based designers have a strong creative vision of developing fresh silhouettes with modern details for the young, sophisticated, and professional with an astute fashion sense. These sound and look like practical, fashionable clothes, appropriate for our lives. We're glad to be able to get their stuff Stateside!

Sign-Up! Ideeli's Exclusive Sales & Luxury Product Giveaways Should Not Be Missed!

ideeli.com is a  red-rope online shopping community that connects luxury brands with the consumers who covet them. ideeli offers a curated selection of in-style luxury accessories at 50 to 90% off, plus weekly giveaways...for a limited time only.

Brands include Oscar de la Renta, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Burberry, Zac Posen, etc.

 

Here's how it works:

1.  You need to score an invitation.

No worries. Second City Style has you covered. We have a special invite for our readers. Use this link to sign up.

2. Browse.

You will begin to receive emails showcasing designer items (like designer bags, jewelry and the like)  that will become available over the next 30-60 days. Several sales and giveaways take place throughout the week.

3. Select membership type.

ideeli's standard membership is free, however, if you want front row access (first crack) there is a $7.99 monthly membership fee. This elite status not only allows you to purchase an hour before everyone else, it entitles you to the giveaways.

4. Shop!

Once the item is available for purchase, act fast. There is only a limited supply of inventory. You can be alerted via email or a text message.

Follow this link to sign up today!

Designer Shopping. Oh Happy Day...Balenciaga Online!

According to WWD, Nicolas Ghesquière is the latest fashion designer selling online. Balenciaga plans to open its first e-commerce site on May 15, 2008. It will sell proposing bags, shoes, sunglasses, scarves and jewelry. “It is an extension and adaptation of the existing balenciaga.com site,” said a Balenciaga spokesman of the imminent online boutique.

Oh happy day indeed. I think this is bigger than the Pope being in NYC, actually!

Source: WWD

New Chicago Shopping. Intermix to Open Third Location in Bucktown.

Chicago will welcome a new Intermix location by the end of Spring. Joining the Armitage and Rush Street locations will be a new store on Damen Avenue in Bucktown. New stores will also be appearing in Charlotte, East Hampton, and Orlando. Customers will find designer collections, luxury handbags, jewelry, footwear, denim and contemporary pieces from designers such as Stella McCartney, Chloe, Jay Godfrey, J Brand, Herve Leger, Elizabeth and James, Brian Atwood, Diane von Furstenberg, Sergio Rossi, Giuseppe Zanotti and Madison Marcus. CEO of Intermix Khajak Keledjian explains the reasoning behind the new openings by saying, “Women in these markets celebrate individual style and are inspired by everything fashion. They have a passion for discovering new designers as well as embracing the classics - an experience synonymous with Intermix.” Chicagoland ladies, I would take that as a compliment! Here are some styles I've been eying online and will be looking for in the Bucktown boutique:

Stella McCartney Ruffle Sleeve Floral Blouse $695

Dakota Martin Jewel Neck Scarf Halter Cami $168

Diane von Furstenberg Kawai Ombre Knit Dress $298

Rory Beca Beckham Accordion Pleat Dress $328

M Missoni Perforated Knit Tank Dress $595

If you can't wait to get to the store in person either, check out the Intermix online store for more styles!

- Hayley Wells