I’m thrilled to be a contributor for Chicago Classic Magazine. Check out my latest article on spring trends—timeless pieces that can be styled edgier or more feminine or any other way you want. That is the beauty of classical dressing. As much as we covet intricately designed pieces from say Jean Paul Gaultier, Schiaparelli or any designer at that level, they can be harder to style because they are so specific. The classics are a blank canvas for you to design.

How’s that for inspiration?

Gosh how drastically the world can change in a month. At the end of February I signed up for an online coaching course and it couldn't have better timing. That means I haven't been following fashion for the last five weeks because my course load is kind of heavy. I also jumped off Instagram for a much needed break after 10 years. I hope you are well and doing something that enriches your life whether it is spending quality time with family, doing your business online or reading books. A feeling of progress is important to me as the world stands still.

What do I think the fashion world will look like after we get out of this? Like the rest of the world, it will be very different. People will not be interested in conspicuous consumption. We need another Chanel bag like a whole in our head. And we will not feel the need to follow every single trend. There will be a continued interest in our planet and crystal clear knowledge that the fashion industry is a major polluter. Sustainability was a buzz word before covid and will continue to be. There is a doctor on the cover of the April issue of Vanity Fair Italy. Does that mean there will be less focus on celebrities? While America has a keen interest in Hollywood and rightly so, I think there will be even more variety on the covers of Vanity Fair, Vogue and beyond.

I did get a little insight on fashion shows in particular from a well known Dutch trend forecaster Li Edelkoort. She said the designers will go back to intimate shows in their ateliers. That's the way it was when I got into the fashion industry. Everything is up for renewal she says.

For my first post of 2020 I looked back to see how far we have come in the last decade in the designer market. The dynamics are changing at a faster rate than ever before. We have seen a dramatic shift in how business is done and a shift in the perception of consignment. As designer goods became more and more unattainable, the proliferation of the secondhand market boomed. Consignment used to be dusty cramped shops for the intrepid. When we started the RealReal in 2011 the elevation of secondhand goods began. Today designer consignment while less than brand spanking new, still commands a hefty sum. Gone are the days of getting a steal on a secondhand Chanel bag.

A statistic that I stumbled on when doing this post was too compelling not to mention. thredUP reports that secondhand fashion is growing at a 21x faster rate than retail.

For those that don't want to pay for a new or used Chanel bag, there is the hush hush market of designer fakes. The replica market gets bigger and bigger every year with our voracious appetite for anything designer. The difference is that yesteryear the bags were bought in person on Canal St in New York City or somewhere else in a semi-secretive way. If the suppliers were caught there were hefty fines. Today they are bought online and you can get advice from a subset of Reddit.com called the RepLadies. They are a self-described "happy place" and discussion page about replicas and fashion at any level. This group has grown exponentially with their online presence to 71.9k members.

Elle.com says a fifth of all luxury buyers have a fake and they probably bought it using social media.  I started to wonder how every woman in O'Hare airport had a designer bag—I kind of forgot about the fake market for a second. The demand for this status symbol is at an all time high. Now that every woman has one no matter what iteration do you really want one? I think the answer is still yes. Designer or consignment is more than I want to spend but I haven't really been interested in fakes which are referred to in air quotes "Chanel bags".  Nothing wrong with it and never say never but I just don't scour the internet for bags. I recently bought a couple of high quality leather handbags the old fashioned way in person. Each company finding a great niche in the market because of the high prices out there. 

Is it safe to say that we are awash in handbags of all types? Maybe that means the prices will come down with all that supply. Not yet—not until the next recession. Oops another hush hush topic.

It's spring and I look pretty happy--who wouldn't after a winter like Chicago's. Truth is I'm still wearing layers and my coat is just feet away. Spring is no where near the marker of warm weather in Chicago. We will get a cold snap or two before the end of May. The yellow is a pick me up as are the prints. I've never worn a lot of prints because they don't go the distance. Some here and there to mix it up. Now that the mixing print trend hit the scene a year or more ago it doesn't make each print as recognizable because you can mix them in different ways. I mixed last summer when I did a post on Tomas Maier and again in an Animal print and plaid post. Both times I mixed only two prints and that's what I recommend to start out. For this post I am mixing three prints and using one of them in three different ways. I had fun and I think you will too.

I'm wearing a knit jumpsuit by Reformation which is a fun way to spice up your wardrobe and doesn't break the bank. So comfortable and perfect for travel is what I'm thinking. We won't talk about it's drawbacks cause you probably already know what they are. I am definitely going to take it on my trip to Paris in May. Two or three outfits in one. I'm always looking for ways to travel light.

PRINTS are a Versace scarf, a Proenza Schouler t-shirt and Sam Edelman sling backs.

I've been wearing Wolford tights for years and yes they are expensive but they last for years. Sheer hosiery has been out of style for those years because it looked kind of dated and old lady-ish. Now I feel like sheer is new again. I felt sexy and feminine when I put them on.

Be careful what you pair them with so you don't look old lady-ish. Here I wore them with a charcoal window pained skirt and Alexandre Birman boots.

We found that museum lighting was not good for showing the fine details of an outfit because you can't use a flash. The whole outfit is charcoal gray except the black cashmere sweater with a gray trim. Don't you love this Rauschenberg?

Love love Lichtenstein!

Here is one with a flash that went off by accident and you can use see the outfit a little better. These pieces have all been in my wardrobe for many years (charcoal chalkstripe blazer, black cashmere s/s sweater and a charcoal gray window pane mohair skirt) only the boots are new. Oh and the sheer Wolford hosiery too. Anyway I am excited to add sheer hosiery back into my wardrobe and I love Wolford. They are the best.

Fanny packs used to be déclassé or at least that is how I remember them. I wore one in the 90's when I walked my dog. I wouldn't of imagined wearing one as a fashion statement. Now the major designers are doing them and if you don't want to spend a lot on such a small little thing then you have to look a little harder for a good one. I found a white one at Bloomingdales that I love (below). The strap is not long enough to wear cross body so I went hunting for one with a longer strap.

I found this pinky nude color one at Nordstrom and it has the long strap that I was looking for. Fanny packs are perfect for me because when I am not carrying a LL Bean tote, I like to be footloose and fancy free. In other words I don't like to carry a heavy purse. I think fanny packs are great for moms with small children and a stroller so they can be hands free. Honestly I think they are great for everyone. Men included. They need to have somewhere to put their wallet, phone and keys. You can't fit all that in your pockets anymore.

For questions: email me at mc@marcycarmack.us

I was obsessed with finding white boots this season but there were not a lot around this fall unless I ordered online. Many of you are old pros at ordering online but I just don't like the returns and especially with shoes. You have a better chance of getting the right size with clothing than with shoes unless you are ordering a Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik or something else you have worn before. I recently ordered some Sperry rain boots that as it turned out ran one size too large. Luckily I could return them to Nordstrom but it's still a hassle. 

Finally I got these Vince white boots and am loving them but finding it a bit more difficult to style them. For instance how will I wear them with dresses? If I were in California you would just go bear legged. Here in Chicago you can not. Do I do white tights or white hose (I've seen signs of hosiery coming back)?

I'll let you know but in the mean time I'll show how I have styled them so far. 

I did a cream colored turtleneck with dark skinny jeans. I like the jeans to be short enough to show the boot. Maybe I'll try a white sock next time, ha!

With my coat the whole look is dark, which really makes the boots pop.

Keep it simple with white boots because it is a modern look and you don't want to muck it up with a lot of stuff going on. All photos taken at Soho House Chicago.

mc@marcycarmack.us

Balenciaga has been on the forefront of the shoulder pad revival for at least two years but it has not gone mainstream yet. It can take awhile but this is a particularly tough one to bring back. People are honestly kind of afraid of shoulder pads I think. The 80s were not our crowning moment in fashion. Aside from the exaggerated shoulders there was often some bad hair and makeup that went into the mix. Fear no more, today's interpretation will undoubtedly be fresher and more modern.

Taking a cue from Balenciaga, I bought my vintage Perry Ellis camel hair coat at auction two years ago. I know the people of Chicago think I am wearing a coat that is several sizes too big for me but that's ok. You have to be comfortable with looking a little funny at times unless you want to dress like everyone else.

Email me at: mc@marcycarmack.us

For at least a century, an elite group of fashion editors, photographers and patrons have dictated beauty. It used to be women could only imagine being beautiful if their body image some how resembled Cheryl Tiegs in the 70s or Cindy Crawford in the 80s. While their beauty could of resembled them, they would never measure up to these goddesslike creatures. Women can have only felt inadequate when comparing themselves to these gifted humans.

Then along comes Instagram, the photo sharing app in 2010. Now girls of every color, race, age and socioeconomic status can be considered beautiful and develop a following. What a breath of fresh air.  Now any young woman can find an Instagram influencer that she can relate to and that makes her feel good about herself. Beauty doesn't have to fit into some kind of mold. 

In an era of dwindling readership of magazines this proves to be another stumbling block. I think that major fashion magazines will feel pressure to showcase these women even though they don't meet their requirements for beauty? Will they cannibalize their magazines? Hard to say but the influencers are here to stay. Our democracy will keep them in power.

           Clockwise: @mayemusk, @thatsnotmyage, @shionat, @doublexposure                      

These gals are just a small representation of Instagram stars. 

What do you think of the change? Do you see any downside?

mc@marcycarmack.us

Both of my favorites are happy brands and of course chic. Roxanne Assoulin is a jewelry designer that is not new but has a brand new look. She dreamt up her latest signature chick-let look a couple of years ago and it took off like lightening with Instagram's help. Most of the bracelets are multi-colored and I also love the gold and silver below. I follow Roxanne on Instagram (@roxanneassoulin) and the copy on her posts is always fun and irreverent. Her tagline is an uncomplicated indulgence.

Oh and if you know Rosie Assoulin, who is a rising star in New York fashion, that is Roxanne's daughter-in-law. All in the family as they say!

Clare V. is a hand bag company that is based in LA. The founder, Clare Vivier is a former journalist who lived and worked in Paris so it is no surprise that her first pop-up is in gay paree for this holiday season. She has successfully infused a French mood into her collection that gives it a certain je ne sais quoi. Go on her site and check it out at www.clarev.com

I'm partial to this little red bag. 

I just posted on capes yesterday and look who is wearing one with the drama and confidence I am talking about. Amal certainly wears it best! Read a great story on her in Vanity Fair, Amal Clooney and the Lost Art of Dressing for the Occasion. 

Saint Laurent cape; Photo courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

I love a cape or capelet for one simple reason -- it is dramatic. You can sweep into a room with confidence that you may not even have that day. I made mention of one of Valentino's in his couture show a couple of weeks ago and said, "get one if you don't already!" This week I delve further into different variations that cost much less than couture. A cape is my pick for an instant update to your wardrobe this fall.

Mui Mui $2455

Jacquemus $410

Alice + Olivia $485

Saint Laurent $2750

tibi $650

All available on Net-a-Porter.com

Chalk boutique on the North Shore of Chicago is my new favorite style home. The little jewel box of treasures is extremely well curated. Carrie Kane and Sharon Watrous are co-owners. 

With a plethora of 20-something gals photographed wearing amazing frocks on their fashion blogs, I was encouraged by my friend Damion Matthews, founder of SFLUXE, to do the same for the 40+ set.

I started with a Veronica Beard striped tunic with an attached white shirttail that makes a dress. The design duo is very clever about reinventing classics and with a trompe l'oeil effect. This look is a great transitional piece into fall. It's what we call 'buy now' to wear now and into early fall. The Elyse Walker suede fringe wedges are a fantastic element to add an edge to this classic with a twist look. The choices for a shoe are endless in my mind. Chalk has some Golden Goose sneaks that would be fun and you could also do Toms, Keds, Vans or even the right Nike for running around.  

Dress $395; Suede wedges $575; Sunglasses, The Row $459. All available at chalk boutique, telephone 847.424.0011 

The look above is a MSGM shirtdress and a Sonia Rykiel wool tweed jacket for easing our way back into fall. Sonia has added a clever kilt element to the jacket by using a fringe edging and a pin for the closure instead of the expected button. A couple of blog posts ago I was singing her praises. Scroll back to June 2, 2015 or click on 'Style Icons' under CATEGORIES on the right hand side to see more from her Fall 2015 collection. I am wearing the Elyse Walker wedge again so you can see how versatile this bootie can be. In warm weather climates they can be worn all year round. 

MSGM shirtdress $510; Rykiel jacket $1880; Suede wedge $575; Sunglasses, The Row $459. All available at chalk boutique. Earrings, bloggers own.

                                                                    

This last look is the most fashion forward with the Rosie Assoulin tilt-a-twirl pant. I paired it with an exquisitely tailored Norisol Ferrari white blouse. I love the pointed cuffs that come down on the hand but I must say that I would not wear the blouse to a lunch for fear of dipping it in the soup. Cocktails only. For the chilly days to come, I have topped the look with a Giambattista Valli mohair sweater. Just gorgeous with a gradient yarn that starts out a soft red and ends in burgundy. The Chloe fur mini tote and the Chloe purple suede shoe booties blend perfectly with the burgundies for a decidedly unmatchy matchy look. The purple suede is slightly darker than the bottom photo. Rosie pant $1485; Norisol blouse $1195; Giambattista sweater $650; Chloe fur tote $1990; Chloe bootie $995; Sunglasses, The Row $495 All photos Sam Doyle.

To purchase any of the items on the blog, please call chalk at 847.424.0011

chalk boutique 2611 prairie avenue evanston, il 60201
847.424.0011 telephone
www.chalkboutique.com

If you have not heard, Warby Parker is quickly making a mark in a very exclusionary market monopolized by a few old boys. They are doing it through an online business as well as continuing to open up stores around the country.

lu·mi·nar·y

ˈlo͞oməˌnerē/

noun

1. 1.

   a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.

The Luminary Collection which launched today is a group of 5 styles and the frames themselves are made with titanium in both eyeglasses and sunglasses. The above young woman just might be an icon in the making.

Let's look at some of the iconic wire rims specs that were either put on the map or reinvigorated  by musicians and actors. John Lennon in his iconic frames, Brad Pitt wears an aviator and I think Don Draper is wearing the squared aviator. Don't forget Ozzie Osborne and Elton John with their own iconic styles.

The women in the next grouping are not wearing metal frames but I had to post so you can see just how much of a signature glasses can be.

On left Iris Apfel. Top down are Tiggy, Jackie O, Amal Clooney and Jenna Lyons. 

Warby Parker is making these cool shades and eyeware at prices accessible to many more peeps.

Brassieres

I found the woman above in Paris and made her part of a previous Styles and Trends in Paris post on July 21, 2010 ( you can refer to it by clicking on Paris under Categories on the right hand column of my blog). The women below I found in New York sporting the backs of their bras as a focal point of their look. It will be interesting to see how this trend shows up around the country.

Style and trends in Paris

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Paris was awash in a sea of converse sneakers. I can't leave it at that so had to share a few other stylish Parisians.


The children in Paris are probably the chicest. These sisters were attending the fantastical Les Lalanne sculpture exhibit at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.



These young men I found on the street, definitely not homeless.


This shop girl was taking a cigarette break in white pants and boots which might seem counterintuitive to some but gives the look gravitational pull.




Lastly, I saw a lot of women not just showing their brassiere straps, as was a la mode for years but the entire back as this young lady did at Mama Shelter, a Philippe Starck designed hotel and restaurant. Which was, by the way, fabulous.