Second Time Around (STA) Comes Around to Chi-town

The beautiful, boutique-like consignment shop Second Time Around (STA) is officially open in Chicago! Located on the lovely Armitage Avenue corridor (right across from Charlie Trotter's--delish), STA is set up like a fine clothing store, with prices that will make you grin from ear to ear.

Attending the grand opening tonight (akin to attending an after-party inside a really big walk-in closet), I was thrilled at how many people showed up. It proves that even in challenging times, we are still drawn to good style in fashion, and it doesn't have to cost a small fortune to look fab.

It also didn't hurt that Alex McCord, who is currently working with STA, attended the opening. (For those unfamiliar, Alex is featured in the Bravo series "The Real Housewives of New York," and she definitely knows her way around fashion. She is also very nice, and very willowy. The lady knows how to fit her frame!)

Alex's presence, combined with delicious free food and drinks, made for a really celebratory mood, with guests scooping up their finds and purchasing on the spot! (The cash registers were "cha-chinging" in the background like a musical number)

If possible, make it a point to support STA. You will no be disappointed!

Second Time Around
823 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL
773-698-6260
http://www.secondtimearound.net/

Storefront Style #1: MaxMara

What is Storefront Style?
Storefront Style is a running feature on Windy City Fashion Forum (WCFF) dedicated to the beautiful storefront windows in our fair city and uncovering which pieces will work for you. After each item is listed, the letters following it will tell you which looks to try for yourself.

LETTERS
A= Athletic (broad shoulders, muscular build)
C= Curvy (hourglass/pear shape)
F= Full-figured (big and beautiful)
P= Petite (5'4" and under)
T= Tall (5'8" and up)




Storefront Style #1: MaxMara
Before my interest for fashion reached its current fever pitch, I frequently mixed up the designers MaxMara and Max Azria (throw in BCBG Max Azria, BCBGirls, and CBGB's in New York and I was one confused lady). Thankfully, I now know the difference between the two, and happily pass MaxMara on my daily commute. This Italian brand, formed by Achille Maramotti in 1951, excels at classic luxury in each piece they put forth.

(Another reason to love MaxMara: they change their windows every couple of weeks. Who doesn't love an endless parade of clothes?)

Their beautiful knits, dresses, coats, bags, and shoes are reason enough to swoon over it. The helpful staff is another reason: no high-pressure sales, just friendly support and a love of their product. On the day I entered the store, I was immediately greeted by the lovely and very knowledgeable Sheliah, who was incredibly helpful. The two pieces featured below caught my eye immediately, and Sheliah was able to make additional pairings with both the leather/shearling swing coat and timeless suit.

Though the clothes definitely fall under "investment piece" prices, everything is so gorgeous you can see why the cost (and bulk!) of ten hooded sweatshirts would never compare to one of their flawless cashmere pullovers.



The Goods

The two fantastic jackets pictured at right are true staples and can be tailored to any woman's specific look.

The "Hilde" jacket at near right is part of a two-piece suit, with flawless construction and pants that fit me better than any I've tried before. The jacket is the perfect length, hitting at the "sweet spot" on the hips where it looks just right. The waist is perfect, and would make anyone who wears it look proportionate. Imagine a great skirt, dark denim, a camisole peeking out, a loud statement necklace, vintage band pins running up and down the blazer's lapels...any of these would work fantastically.

The "Tenente" leather/shearling swing coat at far right is a more specific style, feeling both Jackie and Audrey-like without being retro, and is absolutely chic and perfect for fall and winter. Paired with elbow-length leather gloves (the lipstick red ones did it for me), the look proves you can be both warm and fashionable while living in Chicago. Oh, and being reversible doesn't hurt, either.


"Hilde" suit (made of virgin wool/nylon) runs for $1595 and is available in sizes 0-14
LETTERS: C, F, T

"Tenente" (made of butter-soft leather and shearling) runs for $2495 and is available in sizes 0-14
LETTERS: A, C, T, P

Store Information
MaxMara
900 N. Michigan Avenue
312-475-9500
http://shop900.com/shop/maxmara

The first post...praising the Ballet Flat

As I sit here in a sarong and half-cami, in between washing dishes and getting dressed for my best friend's wedding shower, it occurs to me that now, more than ever, fashion has to be multi-purpose. Not in the style of a Norma Kamali sleeping bag coat, but multi-purpose in the sense that we all (men, women, teens, pets) need clothing that fits our needs and goes many places in a day. Just like we do.

With that said, this post will be short (previously mentioned dishes and wedding shower), so I will take a moment to give praise to a wardrobe staple no woman should ever be without, since it is the absolute definition of multi-purpose: THE BALLET FLAT. Easy to store, forever chic, and perfect with almost anything you wear, the best ones lengthen your legs without giving them the "hoof-y" look (thanks to my friend Kelly T. for that perfect term). They make walking and commuting in a city like Chicago a possibility, and they easily slip into your bag when you need to trade up to the heels.

Given the choice between a ballet flat and anti-microbial clog...ballet flats win every time.

Above fab shoe: Kenneth Cole "Ballet Parking" (my personal favorite); though it came out last season, searching for it online will lead to listings on amazon.com and zappos.com. A perfect shoe, in my book.