The Next Kate Moss

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If you don’t know Cara Delevingne, it’s time to familiarize yourself. With admirers from Rita Ora to Karl Lagerfeld, and even the Queen herself, Cara is practically running the fashion world with her statement eyebrows and quirky personality. Found from the same woman who discovered Kate Moss at an airport, Cara has been a force to be reckoned with since the age of six. Delevingne was featured in Cadbury Chocolate advertisements before rapidly gaining momentum in 2011. Two years ago, Cara became a face difficult to ignore thanks to Burberry and H&M.

Once 2012 rolled around, everyone wanted “the next Kate Moss.” Cara’s iconic eyebrows mixed with her flawless bone structure were seen on billboards, in magazines, and on the runway. In 2012 alone, Delevingne walked in over 39 runway shows (Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, just to name a few). Dubbed the “star face” of the season as well as given the title of Model of the Year in 2012 by British Fashion Awards, it was apparent that the young girl from London was not going anywhere.

As 2013 comes to a close, Cara has found herself to be the face of Burberry, Pepe Jeans, DKNY, Fendi, Mulberry, Ochirly, and more. Strictly as a creative force, Delevingne nabbed a leading role in the British film “Kids in Love,” and has been in the process of creating music with the release date to be announced.

Check out the video below to see Delevingne in action.

- Leah

Boots You Need

As a self-declared shoe hoarder, I think there a few styles every girl should have for the fall and winter months. Here in Chicago, boots are a necessity and warm ones at that.



For cold weather (especially snow and rain), L.L. Bean's classic Bean Boot has proven to be a favorite among many fashion bloggers (i.e. Lily Davenport) and almost everyone in my home of Raleigh, North Carolina. They are durable and worth the cost as they will keep you warm and last you years to come. There are several different heights and colors to choose from. If you live in a particularly cold place, the shearling lined Bean Boots are a good bet. Hunter's increasingly popular wellington boot is also a splurge you wanna make. With dozens of color options, they fit everyone's personality and are functional while still being comfortable and cute.

Fall is my favorite season for one big reason: riding boots. I have dreams about wearing the several hundred dollar pair of Tory Burch riding boots I wouldn't ever buy. There is something about a tall, brown leather boot that is just classic to me. I have both Steve Madden's Intyce as well as Sam Edelman's Penny. I couldn't be happier with either. Both were in the 150 to 200 dollar range. Most good-looking and decent riding boots will be in this price range. Check out Madewell's Archive boot regularly 300 dollars but on sale for 150 with free shipping too! An ankle bootie is a must too. All of my personal favorites tend to be suede but they look lovely with a shift dress or a simple blouse and jeans. This is a pair you could definitely save money on as they are more ordinary (try these and these to save or these to splurge).

Embrace boot season!

- Meghan

Louis Vuitton's Big News

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Many know Nicolas Ghesquière for his groundbreaking trends that have continuously defined the fashion world for a plethora of seasons. Meshing sportswear, tailoring, and shapes cut with couture-like precision, Ghesquière is a figure that is difficult to ignore.  After severing ties with Balenciaga last year, there was much speculation about the direction Nicolas Ghesquière was going to go. The wait, however, is finally over. As of Monday, November 4th, Nicolas Ghesquière is the new women’s design director at the iconic home of Louis Vuitton, replacing Marc Jacobs, who parted from the company only a month ago.

At the powerhouse that is Louis Vuitton, Ghesquière will be the artistic director of women’s wear, as well as the head supervisor over all advertising campaigns.

Nicolas’s first show with Louis Vuitton will be the much anticipated autumn 2014 collection. Until then, he refuses to give any interviews or hints about the direction he plans to take.

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So who exactly is Nicolas Ghesquière? He is a man with a humble childhood. Born and raised in France, with a father that was a swimming coach and a golf course manager, Nicolas found himself focusing on the attire roaming on said golf course. In 1990, Ghesquière worked with Jean Paul Gaultier to perfect the “aesthetic of mixing.” A handful of years later, Ghesquière was hired by Balenciaga to design innovative golf wear. Creating intriguing combinations and in turn gaining the admiration of many, Nicolas took the fashion world by storm and has not stopped since.

Many are eagerly anticipating how Nicolas will show his personal style through his creations all whilst staying true to Louis Vuitton’s iconic design aesthetic.

- Leah

Mad for Menswear

I know we are all ladies here, but c’mon every once in a while it’s kind of fun to channel your inner testosterone and what better way to do that than through your fashion choices? All across the runways for Spring 2014, menswear inspired pieces could be spotted. Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, and Helmut Lang all showcased structured blazers, fitted trousers, and monochrome pant suits in their collections.  

How do you sport this trend you may ask? Well, if you’re not the boldest fashionista out there try incorporating one menswear inspired piece in your outfit. That could be anything from a leather pair of brogues to an oversized blazer that resembles a men’s sport coat. Or if you are comfortable being a bit more daring, I suggest a full pant suit (either a blazer/trouser combination or a full length romper).

When you’re out shopping or even just looking through your closet, here’s how to spot menswear inspired pieces:

1. Look for tailored pieces that define body shape. Nothing that is drape-y or loose. For example, fitted blazers, blouses, trousers, cropped pants and a-line skirts.
2. Focus on fabrics as well as muted prints/patterns. Keep an eye out for plaid, houndstooth, and pinstripe prints along with tweed, wool, and linen fabrics. However, a pop of color can’t hurt either!
3. The trend even extends into footwear. Target flat shoes such as loafers, brogues, and booties in neutral colors. But don’t be afraid to wear your favorite heels to add a girly touch.
   
   
   Here are some of my favorite looks styling the menswear trend:
   Simple Black & White

   

   Alexa Chung

   Jessica Alba

   Selena Gomez
   

   
   Incorporating Color
   
   
   

   

   Emma Stone
   
   Julianne Hough
   
   Blake Lively

   - Gretchen

How To: Maximize Your Wardrobe

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So we all know the feeling of opening our closets FULL of clothes and thinking to ourselves, “I have nothing to wear!” Why is this such a common problem among all of us shopaholics? Maybe it is the common human greed that lies within every one of us since we always want more. Or maybe it is a lack of definite style that holds us back from. 

The reality is that most shopaholics don’t know how to shop to accommodate what they already own. What we tend to do is just buy anything that looks good in the store. These kinds of purchases are usually only worn once or twice because they don’t go with anything else we own. Most people don’t take the time to think about what they already have when out shopping. Keep these tips in mind the next time you shop

1. Look at your closet before you leave and pre-determine what you need to buy to enhance everything you already own. This way you can find what you need faster therefore saving time and energy when you are in the store.

2. Sometimes it is better to splurge on something you can wear 100 times rather than buying a bunch of sale items that don’t go with anything you own. Even if you haven’t quite determined your exact style, keeping this in mind is an easy way to maximize your wardrobe.

3. Plan purchases around your wardrobe as a whole, not just for a single outfit. If you do you will only have one outfit to pair the pieces with.

Once you follow these simple guidelines, your wardrobe will seem so much bigger. When your clothes go together you will be left with infinite outfit possibilities. And isn’t that what every shopaholic wants?

– Allison

Inspiration: Black and White

Black and white take up a huge portion of my wardrobe and how can they not? They are sophisticated, classic, elegant, simple. They embody all that I wish to. Now that it's November and winter is approaching, black and white appear in my daily outfits more and more. Black and white staples are great because their simplicity allows them to work with practically everything else you have.

 

Black is known to be particularly edgy and it is in biker chic styles, even with hints of white. A black leather jacket is an investment you'll want to make at some point in your lifetime. Add it to any outfit for an original bit of attitude.

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But black doesn't have to be harsh or known as depressing. Black looks gorgeous alongside white in delicate outfits. The three photos above show feminine looks you could wear both to work or on a date. Black and white's straightforwardness also allows you to add accessories with fun patterns like leopard (as in the second picture).

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An all black ensemble is as easy as an athletic outfit but looks much more chic! So next time you're feeling tired or lazy, opt for something like the outfits above. All of these outfits have different textures that make the look work. In the first picture, Olivia Palermo's browns sunglasses and Hermes bag contrast with her black fur vest. The second picture is a more laid-back look that you might wear to class: a simple black sweater, black jeans, black booties, and a black bag. Anyone could pull it off! Miranda Kerr's bold red lip and leather leggings and bag play off her sweater and wool coat. Another picture of Palermo shows her in a comfy oversized DVF turtleneck sweater paired with black leggings and knee-high black leather boots.

- Meghan

Beauty: Orange is the New Red

As the temperature adjusts, the snow melts, and fashion heats up, it is important to shed the winter boots and enter Spring 2014 with style. The craze behind the classic red lip is understood, for it is undoubtedly iconic. However, this year there is a new shade seen all over the runway that simply cannot be ignored. Orange lipstick is the new red. From Rag & Bone, Tory Burch, to Prabal Gurung, the trend was difficult to ignore during New York Fashion Week when Spring 2014 collections were showcased. With enough shades to compliment every skin tone, how could anyone not be thrilled? 

- Leah

Yves saint laurent makeup
bloomingdales.com

MAC Cosmetics lips makeup
macys.com

Lip Maestro - Lip color from Giorgio Armani Beauty
giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Chanel lipstick

chanel.com