Dope Ambition

I’ve already posted a few things about the nearing smootchy-mushy-gushy holiday, but when dope sneaks enter the picture, I say forget love and lace up.

The canvas upper, stitched on white details, and patent leather swoosh all make for a shoe that is both sweet and sassy.

Scoop them on Limited EDT for now until they hit more retailers.

images via sneakernews

Who ever said never to lean on fashion as a crutch obviously did not consider the temporarily handicapped: when all else fails, strap on a gladiator sandal to rival that cast and deflect attention away from your foot and up to your hair/eyes/dress.

Perfection.

image via adventuresinlaslasland

Although the S/S 2010 runway shows have since passed ans given way to pre-fall and resort collections, ad campaigns are actually in tune with how the world words instead of being a ridiculous three seasons ahead.

Designers and collections of all sorts have released their ad campaigns just when temperatures reach their lowest, giving us something to look forward to.

Which campaigns/themes are your favorites? Some of mine are Kate Moss for Just Cavalli (because she is always stunning), Tilda Swinton for Pringle of Scotland (because she is quirky and I love it), and the Balenciaga campaign (because it is very different and artistic).

^Dree Hemingway for Jean Paul Gaultier

^Amanda Norgaard & Kiki Kang for Topshop

^Anna de Rijk for Vera Wang

^Angela Lindvall by Terry Richardson for Jimmy Choo

^Karlie Kloss for Hérmes

^Tilda Swinton for Pringle of Scotland

^Emma Maclaren for Angelo Marani

^Vanessa Hessler for GUESS

^Karlie Kloss for Dior

^Nimue Smit for Giorgio Armani

^?

^Anja Rubik for Fendi

^Rasa Zukauskaite for Prada

^Patricia, Iselin, and Mirte Mass for Balenciaga

^Kate Moss for Just Cavalli

^Alana Z. and Marike Le Roux for Sonia Rykiel

^Natalia Vodianova for Yves Saint Laurent

^Claudi Schiffer for Salvatore Ferragamo

^Georgia May Jaggar for Versace

^Freja Beha for Chanel

all images via fashion copious

The urban-chic collection has become many an about-town-girl’s favorite, and understandably so. The line is trendy without being over-the-top. These pieces embody certain rocker/rebel trends, but still maintain the laid back attitude that arguably draws many to the collection.

images via high snobette

For those of you who thought the strong silhouette/bold shoulder craze was over…

THINK AGAIN!

This season still boasts statement pieces with over-the-top shoulders, whether they be padded up to the clouds or embellished with every jewel ever made. Take advantage of the trend: the bold silhouette can actually make your waist look smaller. Isn’t that what we all want?

jak and jil

Natalie Portman, as many recognize, has a European beauty and a mega-watt talent that many envy. Even when she shaved her head for V for Vendetta, Miss Portman was still radiant in red-carpet gowns. The talented actress graces the cover of ELLE UK for the month of February. The photo of her profile is my favorite.

images via fashionography

When many of us think of Chicago shopping, we think of strolling down Michigan Ave with a Starbucks Latte in hand. We think of window shopping and perhaps buying a unique item every third time we walk into a store, but knowing deep inside ourselves that we cannot afford to spend upwards of 500$ on a barrette at a French-sounding boutique where the salesgirl rolls her eyes at us because we did not buy the snakeskin handbag with four different straps for 2,000$.

Well, dolls and gents, it is time to reconsider the way you shop when you shop Chicago. The newest and arguably greatest addition to the Chicago boutiques is Evanston store Gavin, opened and run by Lauren Cavallo Runzel. The woman behind the store has been around the block in the fashion industry, the only place where such a phrase is a coveted compliment. Lauren was a high fashion model in Europe for many years, even living in France and making her way into Elle magazine before she decided to return to her hometown of Evanston. The neighborhood darling is well known amongst fashion’s elite as well as neighbors and family friends.

Cavallo Runzel was practically born into fashion: her sister was also a model, and her father was an investor in a boutique called Couture Ltd. From a young age, she learned the ins and outs of effortless chic, a trait she still has and implements today, especially through her store and raising her six children, who I hear all have an impeccable eye for fashion, though unique in their own ways of self-expression. (One of her daughters, Gavin, is the store’s namesake).

Cavallo Runzel also emphasizes that being chic is more important than striving to be beautiful: “Beautiful can be really cheap. I’d much rather be Coco Chanel who may not be traditionally beautiful, but is chic. You can be chic at 15 years old and you can be chic at 75 years old. Beauty fades with age.” She cites celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Pamela Anderson, who are beautiful by American standards, but who are not necessarily chic. Celebs such as Sienna Miller and Angelina Jolie embody the “chic” Cavallo Runzel describes.

“French women get it. American beauty is so tacky; it is too obvious. To French women, this is not beautiful. There has to be mystery; sophistication…it has to be classy.” Which of course, has died in many places here, where the paparazzi catch celebs doing literally everything, so that not much is left to the imagination (hint: the No Panties era in Hollywood, as well as the Sex Tape era and the Paris Hilton era). “I just think it’s good for people to know: you don’t have to be rich, classically beautiful or thin to be chic.”

In other words, we all have the potential to be chic and outlast the beauty-whores who overdose on Botox and Restalyn. America must re-emphasize chic and kick youth-associated beauty to the curb.

The Store

Gavin, located on 1939 Central Street, in Evanston Illinois, boasts a cozy, modern-chic interior. The eclecticism in the chandeliers juxtaposed with antlers and plush couches invites a potential customer in, but the service, feeling, and perhaps an espresso or glass of champagne keeps them in the store, if not returning the next day. In a world where luxury is more lusted after than ever because of its almost unattainable status, a store with such a warm and welcome feeling, (not to mention a 1,000$ and under price range) is sure to out-survive the stuffiness of other boutiques and locally owned shops.

“We don’t force styles or ideas on people ,” Lauren tells me over the phone. “We teach women that they have chic within their own styles. I say, try something new. If you don’t like it, you never have to wear it again, but we aren’t snobby. We aren’t pushy.” This is a relief coming from someone who has the credentials to be a personal stylist, yet does not push her advice or expertise anywhere where it is not welcome or asked for. For the self-proclaimed experimental dresser, throwing motorcycle boots on with a cocktail dress can be the perfect concoction of chic, whereas the “matchy-matchy” idea she says many women feel the urge to implement needs to be overthrown.

As far as what you can find at Gavin, keep your eyes open for the necessary wardrobe staples by Nicole Miller and Paul and Joe, but also the special finds ranging from BB Dakota leather jackets to Elizabeth and James frocks to J brand denim to items by Alice + Olivia. An about-town girl/woman can literally find anything she needs to complete her own personal style whether it be glamorous, bohemian, classic, sexy or rocker chic.

So forget the Starbucks Latte (you can sip on champagne or a bottle of water), and forget strolling down endless avenues window shopping to avoid the vulture sales persons waiting inside; instead, bring your friends, boyfriend or mother for an amazingly relaxing yet productive shopping experience at Gavin. Chances are, you won’t leave empty-handed.

For more photos of the store, brands carried and the idea behind chic versus beautiful, visit their site, ShopGavin, where she hopes to have a full-inventory online shop in the next few months.

As we all know, Christian Louboutin has my heart clenched in his shoe-making palms. The elegant red bottoms and the covetable sky-high heel will always triumph over other labels, in my eyes.

However, Paris-based Raphael Young surprises us with a strong color palette for summer 2010. Forget corals and pastels; rich reds and the blackest blacks make this line one to invest in while also making a bold statement. Taking it back to basics with a definite presence of primary colors, Young succeeds in creating an accessible Summer 2010 line for everyone to lust after.

images via imelda

Not everyone has to agree on the haircut or the piercing, but I must point out that this is a chic way to wear red lipstick without going overboard on the rest of the face. Some false lashes, subdued face makeup, and minimal eyeshadow (if any) complete an elegantly simple way to make a statement.

image via lastnightsparty

I love when lookbooks are comprehensive and vivid; the colors and settings have lost their importance in the overall apperance of lookbooks as of late, which is why I enjoy Danish brand Matinique. The setting: New York. The male model: an alluring Spaniard, Jon Kortajarena. This lookbook offers views of both their Blue Label, which is considered more laid back, as well as the more formal Black Label, offering sophistication paired with easy pieces. The label is also well rounded and offers pieces for men as well as women, though there is a definite emphasis on the menswear.

Here gentlemen: a post that includes you. Breathe easy.

images via view on fashion