Ghoulish + Girly: Halloween-Inspired Style Finds

Happy Halloween! The weekend may be over, but these holiday-inspired fashions are all-the-more reason to continue celebrating (and start shopping)...

shop!

top row :: tote, contrasting cuffed top, zippered clutch, skirt

middle row :: flats, handbag (on sale), leather logo bracelet, watch, printed mini-dress

bottom row :: neon sling-backs, polka dot dress, platform pumps, dress

PS: Gossip Girl returns next week, which means I'll have another Looks for Less post ready for you then. Happy Monday! -H

Project Runway: Season Finale Fashion Copycat

Did you watch last night's season finale of Project Runway? If you haven't, and you plan to, stop reading!

If so, let's chat: Whose collection did you like and dislike? Joshua's urban pieces boasted a primary palette of black-and-white; Kimberly's metallic blue hues looked uber feminine (so did she!); and Viktor said he's beach-meets-city girl.

When I first saw Anya's collection in September at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (and thereby spoiled this season for myself up until last night), I could practically hear Michael Kors gushing over her Tobago-inspired, resort-like looks. 

That model is WORKING.

shop ::  shoes, similar shorts, top, belt 

shop ::  anna sui, malene birger, similar seneca rising, madeleine thompson (it's cashmere!)

shop ::  tulle (via modcloth), mink pink inca, lulus

Four months or not, the girl can sew. I was Team Joshua M from Episode One, but I took a liking to Anya's laid-back design aesthetic as the season progressed and I'm excited to see what comes of her future in the fashion industry.  What do you think?

Happy Halloween weekend! Can't wait to see what you're wearing. -H

Trend I'm Trying: The Bowler Hat

Structured fedoras and slouchy knits will forever remain a relevant accessory in my closet, but the chapeau shape I'm preoccupied with right now is the bowler!

Ever since I noticed the bowler's re-emerging presence at Fashion Week this fall, I've been coveting the chic look and decided to try it on for size.

Hats off to you, if you're up for trying this trend! When shopping around for chapeaus, start by browsing the affordable styles of Brixton, Urban Outfitters and H&M.

Photo Recap: Gilt City Chicago Warehouse Sale

This past weekend, a few friends and I set our alarm clocks on a Saturday to raid the Museum of Contemporary Art Warehouse for Gilt City Chicago's second annual sample sale. 

Though a few of us (myself included) left empty-handed, it wasn’t unhappily: In addition to shopping, great music and drinks, 19,000 square feet of exposed brick and architectural details made for an all-around worthwhile event.

Wearing: Topshop Jacket / Romwe Skirt (similar) / Tory Burch Wedges (similar)

Sample sale shopping makes my soles tired. 

If you’re planning to attend a Gilt City warehouse sale in the future, don’t worry if the early time slots sell out (tickets are available in two-hour increments from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) The stylishly-clad Gilt City staff efficiently stocks the floor after each group. 

Until next time, I'll be getting my sample sale fix online at 11 a.m. CST everyday. How 'bout you?

Gossip Girl Fashion Copycat: Season 5, Episode 5

It's Yom Kippur on the Upper East Side, tonight! So, what's in store for us this week? Undoubtedly, a dozen story lines and an amazing array of fashion.

In this episode, I noticed the cast strays a bit from their usual girlish frocks to sport a number of separates. I love Blair (Leighton Meester) in her high-waisted trousers!

Shop 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Shop 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

In case you missed 'em, check out our Gossip Girl fashion features from episodes 2, 3 and 4. 

Until next time! xoxo

Your Rainy Day Shoe Rack

Who said that grey skies call for gaudy, plastic footwear? Equal parts stylish and functional, these smart alternatives will help you weather the storms of this season in style.

Shop: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 (on sale) / 10 / 11

All of these options come in a variety of colors and prints. What are your go-to shoes on a wet-weathered day? I play favorites with these Tory Burch boots... 

Rain, rain, feel free to stay... 

Fall Fashion Fix: 20% off on @Shopbop

If you're anything like me, you're head-over-high-heels for this season's fall fashion trends. As we inch closer to cooler temps, I'm craving as much of these classic-yet-contemporary styles as I can get.

Shopaholics, unite! Thankfully, it's Friends & Family Week at Shopbop, which means now through Oct. 20,  you get 20% off name-brand designers, like Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Brian Atwood, 7 For All Mankind, and many more. Yep, that's sale and full-priced items.

Here are the sales I'm shopping. Don't forget to snag the discount code at the bottom of this post!

Trend: Colored Denim

The easiest way to make winter’s dark layers look fresh and fun.

Shop: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Trend: The Maxi

There’s no easier way to shop your closet this season than by pulling on a cozy sweater over a floor-length frock. The combo is ultra cute and you can wear it all year round—starting now!

Shop: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Trend: The Midi

Lots of this season's midi-skirts come with high, whittled-in at the waist silhouettes, which means you can flaunt a ladylike silhouette even if you’re wearing lots of layers.

Shop: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 (bought it!) / 8

Trend: The Hobo Shopper

An ever-classic closet staple. These neutral-toned bags will never go out of style!

Shop: 1 / 2 (my all-time fave) / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Trend: Seeing Spots

There's nothing tired about the way designers are showing their spots this season.
An easy, on-trend way look pretty (or stay cozy) in prints this season.

Shop: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Trend: Graphic prints
Consider it a lesson in fashion geometry: Toss on a cropped jacket and take these prints from day-to-night!

Shop: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Offer valid on full-price and sale items until Oct. 19 at 11:59 PST. Use code INTHEFAMILY20 at checkout. Excluded brands are: 3.1 Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, Maison, MM6, Ugg, Proenza Schouler, Thakook, Reem Acra.

Happy shopping! -H

Gossip Girl Fashion Copycat: Season 5, Episode 4

It's Monday! Are you looking forward to an all-new episode of Gossip Girl tonight? 

Before tuning in, sneak a peek at Serena, Blair and the rest of their stylishly-clad cohorts in all of their Upper East Side glory.

 To quote the dapper Chuck Bass, "This is going to be fun." Indeed it is, Mr. Bass... Indeed. 

Shop this look: Splendid tank / J.Crew skirt

Shop this look: Zac Posen dress (luxe) / Modcloth dress (less) / Aldo handbag

Tory Burch Reva flats / cropped blazer (70% off)

Shop this look: All Saints sweater / Modcloth dress / Dooney & Bourke satchel 

Nine West pumps (on sale) / Kenneth Cole bangle

Can't wait to see what tonight has in store for us! 

... And in case you missed them, check out the Gossip Girl fashions from episode 5.2 and 5.3.
xoxo

Chiffon Frocks and Fall Footwear

If you didn't already know, I am slightly obsessed with fall footwear.

These faux-leather Blowfish booties are an easy way to transition a breezy chiffon frock into fall. Although you can pair them with almost  anything (think dresses and skirts, leggings or ultra-fitted skinny jeans), I opted to add some edge to an otherwise girlish get-up with these stacked wedges.

Summertime sunshine-and-70's weather is bleeding into October here in Chicago; gotta let our gams go bare while we can!

Wearing: Booties c/o Blowfish / Similar Chiffon Dress (it's 50% off!) / F21 Cardigan / Similar J.Crew Belt

If you still need a reason to add this chic and affordable shoe to your shopping cart, Blowfish is donating a portion of every online order to the Beautiful Day Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women with breast cancer.

If the booties are sold out on Blowfish's website, you can still buy them on Zappos. 

I hope you all have a lovely weekend! -H

Halloween Costume Inspiration: Anna Wintour, Rachel Zoe and Man Repeller

Halloween is nearly two weeks away! Where has October gone? If you don't have your costume finalized just yet, here's some more outfit inspiration - this week, from our favorite industry forecasters.

1. Anna Wintour

As if you need a reason to dress as a Devil in (pseudo-) Prada.

Shop Anna Wintour: Tibi Tweed Dress / Faux Fur Coat / Vince Camuto Sunglasses 

Suede Pumps (Available in 7 colors, $50/each) / Necklace (similar)

2. Rachel Zoe

The idea isn't a new one, but it's my all-time favorite style starlet costume.
AND, it justifies the purchase of that purrrfect leopard-print jacket. Right? Buh-nanas!

Shop Rachel Zoe: Faux fur Jacket / Maxi Skirt / Pussybow Blouse
Platform booties (they're RZ brand!) / Earrings / Sunglasses

3. Leandra Medine (you know her as the The Man Repeller)
Suit up to spend your night romping around town as a familiar face from the front row of Fashion Week.

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Shop Man Repeller: Jacket (on sale) / Skirt - Leandra loves Cacharel, but here's a more affordable piece)  Necklace (top) / Necklace (right) / Shoes

What I'm Wearing: Python Prints

From slinky skirts to trendy footwear and statement separates, this fall season seems to be one of sleek-and-subtly textured, patterned python prints.

Skirt, Romwe / Tank, H&M / Shoes c/o Nine West / Nail color, Essie Smokin' Hot / Watch, Michael Kors

How do you incorporate this trend into your outfit? If you're hesitant on ways to wear it, here are my three favorite ssstyle commandmentssss… 

• Accessorize! A printed clutch is an easy go-to statement piece.
• Don't overdo it. Less is more when styling this trend.
• Choose one item in python print. Pumps that pop instantly transform your style. These Nine West shoes are surprisingly easy to walk in because of their thicker heel. Prepare to turn some heads, ladies!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10* / 11

*Okay, this one is $102. But there's free two-day shipping. Happy shopping!

Don't forget to check out our $40 jewelry giveaway! -H

Gossip Girl Fashion Copycat: Season 5, Episode 3

If you are following this season, all I have to say is: So. Many. Questions! Even if you're not, though, let's talk fashion from tonight's episode!

Serena's style takes the stage front-and-center yet again; this week in gorgeous shades of emerald green.

Shop Serena's Look: 1 / 2 (comes in 8 colors!) / 3 / 4 (55% off, love this bag!) / 5 /6

I'm loving the casual vibe of Charlie's tribal-like pieces, too. Geometric-patterned ankle booties? Yes, please!

Shop Charlie's Look: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 /6 (in color-blocking pink, too)

Have a great Monday! Don't forget to check out our $40 jewelry giveaway! -H