Pretty Bras That’ll Give Even The Most Petite-Sized Gals A Push
We all know about the plight of the buxom when it comes to finding a bra that fits correctly, but what about our smaller-chested sisters? Turns…Read More
Shop It NowStreet Style: Sundress Season Has Officially Arrived!

Who she is: Isabella
Where we spotted her: On Wabash Street in River North.
Why we love her: The least-complicated, most simple-to-style wardrobe staple in a Chicago girl's closet is the coveted sundress. It's the item we look forward to wearing with baited breath all year, and now summer is truly upon us. Isabella styled her AllSaints sundress simply, with a lace-up boot and earrings she probably got complimented on all day. What's your favorite summer sundress, and what accessories (if any) do you wear with it?
Photographed by Amy Creyer
We Want Everything: This Local Jewelry Line Completely Wows Us
Slow, deep breaths. Payday will be here soon. Dollybird is a Chicago-based jewelry line designed and created by Katie Johansson. Not a fan of mass-produced homogeny, Johansson crafted pieces are handmade and unique. Along with that uniqueness comes a powerful wearability that we're drawn to like kids at a campfire. Stones, gems, and metals await you with a click through, and if you aren't already thinking about the outfits you'll pair these timeless pieces with, we'd be shocked. Just shocked. All Dollybird pieces are available directly from the designer, via her website.
Music Festival Footwear For A Chi-Town Summer
If you're like us, you can't wait to dive into Chicago's jam-packed festival season, feet first. With countless street fairs boasting impressive lineups, and the big boys of the summer music scene on the horizon, too, you've got some shopping to do. We're keeping the important stuff in mind when picking out footwear for your fun-filled weekends: comfort during those long, hot, on-your-feet festival days. But don't worry, we wouldn't let you show up at the park in anything less than a super-cute pair.
So, check out 15 shoes that will be the envy of every wristband-wearing festival-goer in Chicago. As a bonus, there's not a heel or awkward flatform in sight, so you'll stay comfy all day as you trek from stage to stage. All your fave bands and a little wardrobe superiority? If you ask us, that rocks.
So, check out 15 shoes that will be the envy of every wristband-wearing festival-goer in Chicago. As a bonus, there's not a heel or awkward flatform in sight, so you'll stay comfy all day as you trek from stage to stage. All your fave bands and a little wardrobe superiority? If you ask us, that rocks.
Street Style: Are Knee High Socks Cool Again?

Who she is: Falin
Where we spotted her: Downtown.
Why we love her: While we get a sense of awesome confidence from Falin that borders a little on badass, we're also quite taken with her style. We haven't spotted the knee high sock/chunky heel combo in awhile, so this was a nice surprise to spot on the Chicago streets. Her military-inspired jacket and pendant necklace are a little more current, though, so her look has balance. Is this a welcome blast from the past that you'll be trying, or did you get enough knee socks the first time around?
Photographed by Amy Creyer
Style School: 7 Ways To Retire The Jeans-And-A-Button-Down Routine
Guys, we love you, but we need to talk. Going out on the town in Chicago is one of our favorite pastimes, but lately we're noticing a groundswell in the boring boy wardrobe department. The jeans and button-down shirts you're relying on could be so much more, when styled properly. We wouldn't bring this up unless we had examples, so we're about to show you seven photos (outfit ideas) snapped by our photog Amy Creyer at last night's Gold Coast cocktail party thrown by Mr. Porter.com. Click through, and take notes. Instead of stepping out in something expected, get a little creative (even adventurous) and turn a few heads.
How To Wear All Black And Look Chic, Not Goth
Like a trusted friend, the most reliable color in our wardrobe never lets us down. Our little black anythings are always there for us, ready to make us look amazing, seeing us through any party, date, or professional schmooze-fest. The danger, though, is that when it comes to ultra-dark outfits, you can have too much of a good thing and end up giving off a scary impression.
If you're craving new, never-tried ways to wear this standby shade, you'll want to take notes. We assembled three all-black outfits that show off your mad style skills, instead of hiding them in goth shadows. If you pay attention to details (and fabrics, and silhouettes), you can pull of a monochromatic look (even in the dead of summer!) that's all about confidence, creativity, and sartorial smarts. Click through for a trio of R29-styled outfits, and see how they'll inspire some of your own bright ideas.
If you're craving new, never-tried ways to wear this standby shade, you'll want to take notes. We assembled three all-black outfits that show off your mad style skills, instead of hiding them in goth shadows. If you pay attention to details (and fabrics, and silhouettes), you can pull of a monochromatic look (even in the dead of summer!) that's all about confidence, creativity, and sartorial smarts. Click through for a trio of R29-styled outfits, and see how they'll inspire some of your own bright ideas.
This Classic-Cool Trunk Show Is Worth A Trip To The 'Burbs
How often have you purchased a to-die-for dress (or top, or coat, or...you get it), only to realize that, out of the dressing room light, it doesn't look as fabulous as you thought? Optimism can turn to defeat when you realize that your new trousers actually don't make your butt look great. Enter the fresh label Isoude, a line that truly gets it. Designer Kate Brierley specializes in working personally with clients, and in making sure that each piece in her collection truly fits and flatters each of her customers. She'll be stopping by Neapolitan Collection in Winnetka this week to preview her newest designs, and help you get the best bang for your buck, fit-wise. The best part? Every single one of Isoude's pieces are made in the good ol' US of A, and they're eco-friendly, natch. We asked Brierley what she was most excited to show Chicago shoppers, and as expected, she's got our tastes all figured out. "Women look to Isoude for various reasons, either they need that chic uniform piece that seems great for a million occasions, or some women just love to collect our special limited edition pieces. The process is really intimate, we take measurements, pick out made to order pieces together, and this is something we love to do." Still need convincing? Click through for a sneak peek at the designer's trunk show offerings.
When: Wednesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Neapolitan Collection, 715 Elm Street (at Arbor Vitae Road); 847-441-7784.
When: Wednesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Neapolitan Collection, 715 Elm Street (at Arbor Vitae Road); 847-441-7784.
Accessory Stalking: 20 Chic Adornments Spotted In Chi
If you live for accessories, well, join the club. The quest for the perfect necklace, bracelet, earrings, or ring is a never-ending story—and we don't mind. We can easily spend hours (err…days) pining away on Pinterest and clicking add-to-cart on web stores, but how much more inspiring are snaps of real Chicago gals taking to the streets in their favorite fashion extras?
We're getting pretty good at our stalking game, so we scoured the recently sunny Chi-town streets to bring back enough accessory inspiration to last all summer. Go ahead, let these 20 perfectly adorned pics light your sartorial fire today. Because the next time our cameras start clicking, they might just be focused on you!
This Sweet Local Lookbook Arrives Just In Time For Awesome Weather
Satisfy your local fashion cravings right this minute. Local line Hound Design just released a summer '12 lookbook that begs for sunshine, and it's just the mood-lifter we need on a Monday. It doesn't get much more homegrown than this — the designs, model, background design, and photogs are all from Chi, and the photos that await you earn this city some serious bragging rights. If your wardrobe lacks a seasonal print or two, Hound Design can fill the gap. The collection is available online, and with seasonally appropriate weather finally on horizon, we suggest you locate the "add to cart" button, stat.
Photography : Julia Stotz and Brian Guido
Model : Courtney Stone courtesy of Ford Models
Hair & Makeup : Sara Jean Stevens
Print Design : January Prints
Background Design : INDO Projects
Photography : Julia Stotz and Brian Guido
Model : Courtney Stone courtesy of Ford Models
Hair & Makeup : Sara Jean Stevens
Print Design : January Prints
Background Design : INDO Projects
1 Blazer, 3 Ways: The Perfect Summery Essential
We love it when our clothing packs a versatile punch. After all, there's no reason why our favorite blazer should be confined to the office. There's so much more it can do! We spotted one summer-perfect option that's got a ton of chic-outfit potential (and is easy on the budget, too). To prove it, we styled it in three ways for you.
Whether you're meeting friends for happy hour or just chilling out on the weekend, these looks will have you breathing new life into your everyday go-tos. And yes, we'll give you some fresh tips on rocking this essential at the office too. We promises anyone in dire need of some new workwear ideas will be completely satisfied. So, if you're in a style rut, you're in the right place. We'll help you find new ways to click with this closet classic, in an instant.

H&M Blazer, $29.95, available at H&M; Lanvin Cuff, $589, available at Far Fetch; Oasis Lantern Dress, $105, available at Oasis; Whistles Fleur Shopper, $234.83, available at ASOS; L.K. Bennett Sledge Court Shoe, $298, available at L.K. Bennett.

H&M Blazer, $29.95, available at H&M; Lanvin Cuff, $589, available at Far Fetch; Oasis Lantern Dress, $105, available at Oasis; Whistles Fleur Shopper, $234.83, available at ASOS; L.K. Bennett Sledge Court Shoe, $298, available at L.K. Bennett.
Lookbook Love: Local Bridal Couture Just In Time For Wedding Season
We're no strangers to Veronica Sheaffer's bridal gowns. In fact, we've been looking forward to seeing this lookbook for like, ever. The Chicago designer just released her collection of fall '12 wedding gowns and accessories, just in time for our city's busiest season for getting hitched. In the slideshow that awaits, you'll see an inspired collection of full, bohemian silhouettes with delicate, feminine details (velvet leaves!). The designer's aesthetic always impresses with a harmonious mix of old with new, and her most recent offerings are no exception. Anyone who loves the look of vintage wedding gowns but wants her dress to be her "something new" should contact Veronica Sheaffer immediately. All gowns are available for purchase directly from the designer. We do, you do, I do.
Chicago's Newest Fashion Line Wants You At Its Launch Party

Here at R29, we love to represent Chitown (and its local designers!) as often as possible. Which is why we're clearing our calendars this Thursday for the launch party for City of Win, an uber-hip new streetwear brand straight from stylish local dudes. The designers will be at Beauty Bar fête-ing the debut of their line, as well as the release of their album, W1N Volume I. The disc features tons of local hip-hop talent, including YP, Scheme, and Chandler London. The party promises to be the place to be, and they'll (naturally) have the city's best DJs spinning for revelers. Doors open at 9 p.m. (no cover, #thankyouverymuch), and if you arrive early you'll get to take home a copy of the new EP. Winning, indeed.
When: Thursday, May 10, 9 p.m.
Where: Beauty Bar, 1444 West Chicago Avenue (at North Bishop Street); 312-226-8828.
Photo: Courtesy City of Win








