StreetStyleChi
by Alex Moresco
Kicking It In The City: New Balance Brings The Heat For Spring
Posted on March 2, 2015
A few years ago, I would walk around in a dress and sneakers and people would look at me like I was crazy. If you threw on sneakers with your outfit, no matter the brand, observers assumed you were lazy and couldn’t be bothered with proper footwear.
Take it back to Fall of 2014 and fashionistas running between fashion shows in New York were photographed in bright kicks and clean New Balance slip-ons. Suddenly, it became the “it” trend and was the new norm. While a sneaker has always been an essential part of my everyday rotation, I am happy to see people embracing how great a classic sneaker in the right colorway can be.
This spring will be no different for me. While Chicago seems to be stuck in the dog days of winter, the light at the end of the tunnel is near. New Balance makes the perfect classic shoe, with clean colorways to add an effortless pop to any outfit. Grey is my personal favorite color for Spring and it pairs nicely with everything which is great for transitioning from winter’s dark tones to spring’s bright colors and pastel hues.
Many times, I have trouble finding a colorway I want in the women’s sizing. I usually wind up taking home a men’s shoe. You can find out what size you are in men’s shoes, here.
How do you like to style your sneakers?
Photos: Kohl Murdock for StreetStyleChi.com.
This post was sponsored by Finish Line and New Balance.
Birkenstocks: Back From The Dead
Posted on May 12, 2014
I never thought I would see the day where I would willingly put a pair of leather and cork sandals on my feet. It all started in high school. I went to a small, private school, where Birkenstocks were one of the few shoe options we were allowed. I truly, honestly, hated them. How was I supposed to express my creative freedom if I was being forced to slap a pair of blander than sand shoes on my feet? Exactly.
Fast forward to a few months ago, I was scrolling through my Instagam and fell in love with something far worse…Tevas. Now, we aren’t just talking about any Tevas, but a pair of Teva inspired Prada sandals. Obnoxious, jewel encrusted, Prada/Tevas. Get the picture? Good. While I did not see this coming, I’m glad it did. With a 90s normcore revival happening right now, we are seeing Birkenstocks, Tevas, and every other comfortable, kill me now if I am wearing these shoe coming back to life in great ways.
Personally, I am happy to see a revival in this trend. Long, sweaty summer days are not meant for running around in binding leather sandals and five inch wedges, but we make do because we want to look good and not ruin the rest of our outfit. Now? We can surf the J.Crew site (or the Prada site if we so choose) and find ten different options that will compliment our summer looks, not crush them. I picked up an all white pair a few days ago, and will probably wear them every day until they give out.
How do you feel about the trend?
Little White Dress
Posted on May 9, 2014
There are many things to love about Spring. Long walks exploring new parts of the city, eating outside, nature coming back to life…you get the picture. Another thing that I love? The freedom to throw on a dress and go out the door. Often we hear about the magic of the little black dress, but we forget about the little white dress that is equally as amazing. Throw it on with nude wedges, or pack a punch with bright orange peep-toe pumps…there are endless possibilities. Here are my top seven LWDs that you should be rocking right now:
1. Tracy Reese. 2. Rachel Zoe. 3. Catherine Catherine Malandrino. 4. ASTR. 5. BCBGMAXAZRIA. 6. Adrianna Papell. 7. Laundry by Shelli Segal.
The Classic Wrap Dress & Kicks Part II
Posted on May 7, 2014
Yesterday we talked about my love of sportswear and the Nike Air Max Thea. Personally, sneakers have become an essential part of my wardrobe right up there with a pea-coat, well cut jeans, etc. A recent staple that I now consider an essential? A classic wrap dress. It will never go out of style, is appropriate for any event, and is universally flattering. Diane Von Furstenberg is known for pioneering the wrap dress and she is still on top of her game to this day. The cut of the dress hugs every curve just the right way without showing too much. Throw on a nude wedge and you are ready for an event, dinner date, brunch…I could go on and on. Due to the fact that the wrap dress ties at the waist, it creates a slim middle and draws the eye in, which is what we all aim for. I picked mine up at DVF, but you can now find them almost anywhere.
Photos: Kohl Murdock
Kicks: Air Max Thea C/O Finish Line
The Bean, A Gold Trench, and Kicks. Part I
Posted on May 6, 2014
A few posts back, I discussed trying to find my “thing.” Back in April, I was asked by Marie Claire what I thought my signature look would be. This was incredibly challenging to answer considering that my look changes day to day depending on how I feel that morning. One day you can catch me whizzing through the city in a sundress, the next running to class in patterned chinos and wedges. Most women have their signature look on lockdown…a bright red lip, a signature designer, etc etc etc.
After wracking my brain for quite a while, I realized that I always have some form of sporty element to my look. I love mixing things up and pairing items in ways others would not think to. A baseball hat with a maxi-dress? Yes! Sneaker wedges and a floral skirt? More please! In particular, a dress and sneakers just feels right. Between running from class, to meetings, to events…sometimes heels just feel like a little bit too much. A sneaker helps to dress a look down, while still keeping it fun and updated.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not talking about those dirty running shoes you have had sitting in your closet since 8th grade. If you want to try this look out, pick up a pair of sportswear shoes. What is sportswear? Essentially, athletic clothes or shoes that are not actually meant to be seriously run in, or be at the gym period. Sportswear is a main element to my style, and Nike has seamlessly perfected it.
My pick right now? The Nike Air Max Thea from Finish Line. Super light weight, durable enough to face the city streets, and incredibly comfortable due to the midsole having injected Phylon for a great cushiony feel, a visible Air-Sole unit to absorb shock, and a Solarsoft sockliner, to provide a forgiving, easeful feel in every foot strike. The small dot pattern on these kicks keeps them on trend, but not too busy so I can pair them with everything and anything. Look out for part two on the site tomorrow.
Coat: Lagi Nadeau.
Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg
Bag: Sophia Webster
Sneakers: Nike, at Finish Line
Photos: Kohl Murdock
Nike Air Max Thea: C/O Finish Line & Nike
Currently Craving: Spring Sportswear
Posted on May 1, 2014
Last week I was asked to describe my “signature look” for an editorial. Although I have a strong sense of self, style included, I stumbled to an answer. What is my thing? After turning this over for a little while, I came to the conclusion that while my style is ever changing depending on how I feel when I get up that day, I always have a sporty element to my look. A floral skirt with a varsity jacket, a spring dress with a baseball hat…you get the picture. Spring is all about bright colors, sporty knits, and the midi skirt, so here is what I’ll be mixing into my closet.
1. Nike Patterned Spandex Shorts. 2. Nike Colorful Windbreaker. 3. Adidas White T. 4. Adidas Polka Dot Jacket. 5. Nike Windbreaker Poncho. 6. Adidas Black Hat.
Best Spring Oxfords
Posted on April 23, 2014
It’s not hard to update your wardrobe for Spring. A simple, light weight, oxford with jeans and boat shoes is a classic look that will never fail you, day or night. There is never an excuse for leaving your apartment in a sloppy outfit. Putting on nice shirt and jeans is just as easy as throwing on sweatpants and a t-shirt, right? It doesn’t matter if you are an office guy in business, or a fratty guy at the bar, grab a few polished oxfords to update your look. It’s time to give up the gym shirts.
1. Teal Oxford. 2. Light Red Oxford. 3. Navy and White Striped Oxford. 4. Dark Blue Floral Oxford. 5. Chambray Oxford.
Get The Look: Nicole Richie in Givenchy Florals
Posted on April 8, 2014
There is not a lot Nicole Richie hasn’t done. She shaved her eyebrows off when she was 11, had a hit reality show, and now is one of the top fashion icons…all while still saving time to tend to her at home garden. This past weekend at the Lucky Mag weekend, I found out that she wears dresses because her daughter loves it, and it was also her daughters request that she dye her hair lilac. While Richie looks like a princess in the eyes of her daughter, she showed up to FABB looking nothing short of glam rock. The piece that grabbed my attention? Her over-sized Givenchy floral blazer. Can’t afford to drop a cool $3,000? No problem. Here are some other floral options perfect for Spring!
1. Markus Lupfer floral sweatshirt. 2. Milly racer-back dress. 3. Koral floral skinny jeans. 4. Cartonnier botanical blazer. 5. Topshop floral shirt. 6. Alice & Olivia floral party skirt.
My Little Pony
Posted on March 31, 2014
I’m always on the hunt for a statement bag that can quickly transform my outfit…and what’s cuter than a little pony? This version is budget friendly at just $38.00, is made out of durable leather, and the inside is fully lined. Now the next question is…what do we name it??
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