Edition: Chicago Architecture 101
Chicago Fall Fashion 2007
Author: By Blake Gernstetter
The autumn look exudes confidence and beauty. Chicago’s choicest boutiques offer up the latest in luxury, from the perfect tailored ensemble to delicate, detailed separates. With our fall fashion forecast, your new heels will be hitting the sidewalk of the Magnificent Mile before the first golden maple leaf.
The Gray Area
Designers are drawing a blurred line between structure and freedom, masculine and feminine, and daytime and nighttime looks. That’s why gray is the perfect new basic to invest in this season. A neutral that can show off a steely resolve or reveal a softer edge, every shade of gray is yours to play with. Try layering a heather gray sweater dress (Macy’s on State Street, 111 N. State St., 312-781-1000) with textured tights and ankle boots with a kick, like Betsey Johnson’s in black patent leather (Nordstrom at Westfield North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Ave., 312-327-2300). Send your smoke signals high by adding a flash of neon to your look with a hot pink or vivid purple accent for candy store prices at Forever 21 (Westfield North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Ave., 312-327-2300).
The Shine Factor
Looking good is about feeling good, so why not slip into something satiny smooth? It’s time to turn up the shine, and designers aren’t just talking about after-dark sparkle. The daytime glow is showing up in breezy tops, mod dresses, brocade jackets, adorable flats and smart clutches. Add a touch of midday glamour with a shimmering top under your favorite suit. Or go bolder with a sixties sensibility in an amethyst scoop neck dress by INC (Macy’s on State Street, 111 N. State St., 312-781- 1000). For an evening look that’s all style, no pretense, check out emerging boutique Gamma Player (2035 W. Division, 773-235-0755). The owners hand-pick ultra exclusive labels from Paris to Berlin to Seoul, and their frisky dresses, fresh cuts and fine details will impress even the most jaded shopper.
The New Silhouette
The high-waist is back with gusto, a retro favorite that, with the right outfit, can take your look from predictable professional to polished pinup. The trend is a throwback to women dressing like women, highlighting the hourglass shape. Go figure! A high waist pencil skirt looks pulled together with a slim cashmere shell or unexpected print (Banana Republic at The 900 Shops, 900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-915-3916, M9;P2). Wrapping a narrow or wide belt around your waist accents the curvaceous silhouette and adds a dash of personal style to the look. Wide leg trousers with a higher waist, like Nanette Lepore’s menswear-inspired pinstriped pair are also in this season, and look chic when worn with a crisp white blouse, like Theory’s puff sleeve shirt (both at Bloomingdales at The 900 Shops, 900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-915-3916). A fitted jacket completes both looks and is great for those Chicago days of unpredictable weather. Don’t forget to slip into a pair of exotic Stuart Weitzman heels (Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., 312-440-3166) to elongate your shape, and balance your top and bottom so as not to overwhelm your frame.
Macy's
835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Part of Water Tower Place, this is a second downtown location of this famed department store.
The 900 Shops
900 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
A Chicago shopping haven for the most fashion-savvy among us, this 900 Michigan Avenue location houses some of the most elite names in designer goods. With names like Bloomingdale’s, Coach, and Gucci, these stores require serious shoppers. Complete with a fitness center, salon and spa, movie theatre, and a variety of dining options, it is worthy of a visit.
Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St, Chicago, IL 60602
Taking up an entire Chicago shopping block on State Street, this landmark department store opened in 1852 and continues to offer top levels of service and merchandise.
