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Peek into the CRAVE Closet

February 25, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (0)

Our very own Melody Biringer had her closet raided! MyCloset.com, a website dedicated to airing people’s dirty laundry (literally), recently featured the CRAVEcompany founder in its scintillating Celebrity Closets installment. Among the hangers and hampers, a myriad of wardrobe gems were unearthed from all over the world. Woolen leg-warmers from Amsterdam, Ilse Jacobsen rain boots from Seattle, a bold purple dress from Vancouver, BC… how can that much cuteness exist in one closet? Lucky for us, Melody divulged a few of her shopping secrets and we can all check out her fashion favorites for ourselves. Below check out some of her most-cherished boutiques.

Moscow (moscowdesign.nl)
Runstraat 8, 1111 AA, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Horseshoe (horseshoeseattle.com)
5344 Ballard Avenue Northwest Seattle, WA 98107

Lambs Ear (lambsearshoes.com)
3516 Fremont Place No.inesgloves.com Seattle, WA 98103

Ines Gloves (inesgloves.com)
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 132 1012 DV Amsterdam, Netherlands

JC Studio (jcstudio.ca)
46 West 6th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Y 1K1

sonja | clothes to live in (sonjatacoma.com)
2701 N 21st St, Tacoma, WA 98406

Switch Shoes (switch-shoes.com)
7871 Southwest Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219

For a truly in depth look into the world of women-owned boutiques, check out the CRAVEguide for a city near you. These books are brimming with local women you need to know, whether you want to satisfy a craving for your closet, appetite, business, or piece of mind.

Put a Spring in Your Step with these Hot Colors

February 22, 2010 by Madeline | Comments (1)

When we think of spring we think of pastels and floral prints, but those just seem a little too passé and boring. What will you be wearing this spring to spice up your wardrobe? Here are some of the color trends that you won’t want to miss out on. Pick up a few bright accessories that are both trendy and timeless.

Turquoise – We’re pretty sure this is on EVERYONE’S hot-list, along with other aqua-colored hues. This vibrant color turns every outfit up a notch, making you just exude that cool confident aura that will make you the center of attention. Splurge on a Jamie Joseph brightly colored stone ring. We love this Sea Blue Chalcedony Ring for a beautiful eye-catcher.

Light Pink – More specifically, champagnes and corals are two “light pinks” that won’t have you gagging on pastel and cotton candy. Champagne is the closest you can get to a nice neutral color while adding a little pop! And for coral, try some of Cara Lyndon’s hairpins, we recommend Coral Wheel . Whether your hair color is light or dark, this feminine flair will turn heads.

Yellow – In every shade and size. Add a dash here or there or a big bright bag to have everyone around you smiling. Evoking sunshine and happiness, everyone could stand to integrate this cheerful color into their wardrobe or even their home. Try a bright throw pillow to add to your living room, we like the yellow Gloria pillow from Henry Road. The great thing about throw pillows is, when spring is over, you can just throw them back into the closet until spring comes again!

The Paris Haute Couture Shows

February 4, 2010 by Ashley | Comments (0)

The Paris Haute Couture fashion shows are unlike any other fashion experience you have ever had, seen or heard of. True to what couture is, this kind of fashion is definitely one-of-a-kind. Showcasing their spring and summer couture collections, the French designers filled the runways with whimsical, wonderful and weird creations this season. There was bizarre head-wear at Jean Paul Gaultier (shocking, right?), Lady-Gaga-inspired hairdo’s at Chanel, and clothes with a strong space-age feel at Armani Prive.

Like Hilary Alexander, fashion director of The Daily Telegraph in London, says, the couture shows are a “laboratory of dreams”. Made to fit exactly to the wearers specifications, these one-off creations aren’t something you will see another girl at the club wearing – they are far from anything worn in everyday life. True haute couture is art. Its the kind of clothing that makes for a lush, other-worldly Vogue fashion spread. Its usually impractical and at prices that rival a small house or car, its the best kind of fashion fantasy.

This season, Chanel seemed to be channeling the great Lady Gaga with hairdo’s resembling giant bows or ears, but their colorful collection had us drooling from start to finish. Actually, it seemed like everyone was feeling the Lady Gaga vibe on the catwalks this season. The Jean Paul Gaultier headpieces looked like something we might see Ms. Gaga sporting at the next awards show, and a balloon bubble dress from Armani Prive looked like something she might rock down a red carpet any day now. If not Lady Gaga, then the architectural, space-agey dresses from Armani would definitely look fabulous on any future astronaut/fashionista. Finally, the pieces at Stephane Rolland were escapism and futuristic fashion-as-artwork at its best with laser cut Plexiglass forming coils and crenelations on shoulders and pockets.

Across the board, this year’s couture shows were all about pastel colors and Lady Gaga-inspired style. Haute couture may not be made for a trip to the grocery store, or even your next birthday party, but the shows are spectacular and the pieces are a work of art in themselves. Vive la Haute Couture!

Get Your Hollywood Hair On

January 28, 2010 by Lilla | Comments (2)

Need to jazz up your style? Easiest way is to get a new hair do! We recently stumbled upon a blog called berlinhairbaby.com and Twitter: @BerlinHairBaby. It features tips on celebrity make-up, hair & style.  Berlin Baby shows us the do-it-yourself way to the most iconic and recognizable hair and makeup styles. Here are some of our favorites:

1950’s look

1920’s Waves

Queen Sophie Anne from True Blood

Grecian Goddess

Recession Proof Designer Shopping

January 25, 2010 by Gina | Comments (1)

High end gowns, shoes, and bags go mostly untouched, on the floors of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s and almost every fancy department store. Even though times are tough you still CRAVE those designer duds, but how can you afford them? There are online stores that allow you to purchase designer goods for surprisingly discounted prices. So what’s the catch? There are two ways you can become a member of these sights. You either have to receive an e-mail inviting you to join from another member or you can put your name on a waiting list and they will e-mail you personally when you can join. The sites also put new items on sale at the same time every day for a limited period, usually no more than 24 hours. Check out some of our favorites.

Rue La La (ruelala.com) offers all kinds of designer goods from Betsey Johnson to Burberry to bridge lines, house wares, vacation packages, shoes and accessories. When you sign into Rue La La there is a list of “Today’s Boutiques”, where sales end either in 2 days, 12 hours or 30 minutes depending on what it says. Once you click the boutique you’d like to shop at, pieces are extremely discounted and some let you know there is only 1 or 2 left.

Gilt Group (gilt.com) carries designer trends from Seven for All Mankind, Jewelry from Kara Ross, Susan Hanover and Emanual Ungaro, among others. Although all of the sights carry high end goods, it seems as though Gilt Group reaches the highest, with the most exquisite couture and unique, almost quirky, lesser-known brands. If you get the opportunity to become a member of Glit Groupe you will have access to premier fashion and luxury brands at up to 70% off retail price. When you access their site it even lets you know what time of day their sales end.

Haute Look (hautelook.com) offers designer clothes for women, men and children. They also sell home goods and a good selection of make-up. They host their own private 36-72 hour sales. When you sign on under each designer, the site will let you know how long the sale is going to last and also lets you click to read about each of the brands.

If you ever wondered how your friends got Marc Jacobs bags and shrugged like it was no big deal, ask them to invite you onto their online discounter, because chances are, that’s where they got them.

* Copy editing by Melisa Miller

Spend the Holidays with Your Girlfriends

December 7, 2009 by Gina | Comments (0)

The brisk air is upon us, lit trees line the streets, and the feeling of giving is all around us. Oh, and did we mention the traffic, packed malls, and hectic shopping scene? This season, spend time with friends and family without any worries. Our advice: stay away from the malls and head out for some quality holiday time with your girlfriends. Here are some activities and ideas you can try this season for some holiday cheer.

Ice Skating
Most cities and towns open an outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by lights and holiday music. This is a great idea to do something active outside. You can usually rent skates at these locations, so don’t worry about bringing your own.

Tree Lightings
Check your community newspaper or online to find out when their tree lighting ceremony is. There are usually refreshments available, and of course, some great lights and holiday cheer!

Holiday Cocktails
Some restaurants during the holidays will have one or more special holiday drinks. Grab your girlfriends for a night on the town!

Holiday Shows
Whether it’s the classic Nutcracker or White Christmas, check to see what’s playing in your area and head to the theater. Make a night of it by going out for dinner first. Maybe the Rockettes are in your town—don’t miss that show!

Holiday Party
Throw a holiday party for a group of your girlfriends. Make cookies, egg nog, and holiday-inspired cocktails. Get the ingredients to make gingerbread houses and you can all make your own. Play Secret Santa or a Yankee Swap. A Secret Santa is when you put all your girlfriend’s names in a hat and you each pick a name. The name you get is the person you buy a gift for. Then at the party you exchange gifts. A Yankee Swap is when everyone buys a gift and brings it to the party. Then you put numbers 1-10 (or however many people you have) in a hat. Each person picks a number. Number 1 picks a gift first from the pile of gifts and opens it. Number 2 picks a gift from the pile and opens it, then has the opportunity to keep the gift or take Number 1’s gift. This goes on until you get back to Number 1 who then gets to pick from everyone’s already opened gifts.

Decorated Houses
Have a low-key night with your girlfriends. Take a warm drive around your neighborhood (cocoa in hand!) to see who has decorated their houses in lights. Some people go all out with so many lights you wonder what their electric bill is!

Holiday Shopping
Everyone has some shopping to do during the holidays, whether you’re treating yourself or giving to others. Avoid the malls, with their long lines and crazy traffic, and instead visit locally-owned shops this year. Some local boutiques have such unique gift ideas, including great clothes and accessories. Grab your girlfriends, map a route, and explore some local shops! Grab a CRAVE book to guide you along!

We hope these ideas inspire you to go out and enjoy this time of year with your best friends! If you and your girlfriends have any other holiday traditions, let us know by commenting below.

Happy Holidays!

Currently Craving: Halloween Costumes

October 12, 2009 by Jessica | Comments (0)

Halloween is just around the corner and everyone is dishing about costume ideas. Here are our some of our top picks for non-typical outfit options.

1. Kardashians
In 2009 these spunky sisters replaced Sex and the City girls among friends playing the “which character are you” personality test game. Life-of-the-party drama queens can dress as Khloe.  Seductive entrepreness types are a good fit for Kim.  And subtle seductresses make fab Kourtneys.

2. Cougars
Confident older women who love hot, young men are hilarious contemporary pop culture staples.  Grab a pack of your fiercest girls and wear towering heels with sultry low cut dresses.  Tease your hair, spray tan your skin and don’t forget to accessorize with a giant martini.  Or, dress as an actual cougar!  Rent furry digs from your local costume shop.

3. Tributes
Honor Charlie’s late angel Farrah Fawcett with a bodacious tribute costume.  Swayze fans can celebrate his contribution to entertainment by gathering an entourage decked out in Dirty Dancing finery.  And MJ enthusiasts can remember the good days of the King of Pop’s reign with sequins and leather.

4. Game Show Contestants
Who didn’t love Supermarket Sweep?! Think pairs of friends in solid crew neck sweaters, high-waisted jeans, white Keds, large name tags, huge hair and blue eyeshadow. Push around a children’s sized grocery cart full of plastic foods for kicks.

5. Beauty Contestants Gone Wild
Great for large groups!  Everyone in your party wears disheveled dresses with sashes that say things like “Miss Construe,” “Miss Diagnosed,” “Miss Behaving,” Miss Deameanor,” “Miss Conduct,” “Miss Communication” etc.

6. Empowered Female Athletes
Dress as your favorite real life female sports hero, or if your group is large, consider dressing as Rockford Peaches, the personality packed, fictional women’s baseball team from A League of Their Own.

7. Tired Ladies
Wear pajamas, robes, slippers, and sleeping masks over very messy hair. Let mascara run down your faces.  Carry a coffee cup, a magazine in the pocket of your robes, and carry a pillow.

8. Robert Palmer Video Girls
The back up dancers in Robert Palmer’s iconic Addicted to Love video are the ultimate sex kittens in thigh-skimming skirts, killer heels and ultra smoky eye makeup.  Grab four of your girls and recreate the magic.

9. Sunburned Tourist
Dress like a tourist with Hawaiian shirt, Bermuda shorts, cameras around your neck, black socks with sandals, etc. Use makeup and self tanner to give yourself a bright red sunburn.

10. Self-Absorbed
Ideal for the narcissist in all of us. This one is simple, just hot glue or sew standard kitchen sponges all over a monochrome outfit.

What was your best Halloween costume?

Totem – Interview with Rhodeshia Nelson

October 2, 2009 by Lilla | Comments (0)

As Totem, in Hinsdale, gears-up to present its Chicago Designer Showcase this weekend (October 2nd through the 4th) featuring cutting edge designs by local emerging talent, we’d love to introduce its fabulous owner Rhodeshia Nelson.

Rho, as her friends call her, is an entrepreness that loves fashion and she’s created a spirited boutique that women of Chicagoland crave! While she will never complain about dressing herself in gorgeous clothing, Rho’s true passion has always been helping others look and feel their best in clothes that embody who they are. In 2005, Rho followed her dreams, ran with that passion, and opened Totem. CRAVE Chicago is thrilled to feature Rho in our first edition CRAVE Chicago guide, and we think you’d like to get to know her too:

People may be surprised to know…
I have a degree in Electrical Engineering. After working in Corporate America for several years, I decided to solve complex equations of a different kind.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
For years, my friends would ask me for fashion advice when putting outfits together for various occasions. I discovered that I LOVED shopping for and dressing other people, and so began the dream of Totem.

What is your indulgence?
Shoes. I have a separate closet just for my shoes, and I’m constantly adding to my collection. You can’t have the perfect dress without the perfect pair of shoes.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
After work, the girls and I like to swing by Vie for one of their yummy cocktails and appetizers. The real key for me is good company, good atmosphere and good wine and I’m happy.

San Francisco Style through the Eyes of Alice & Isa

August 3, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Two girls with two styles join forces in one great city. Stephanie Belfiore and Dawn Miller, co-founders of Alice & Isa, aim to bring creative designers of San Francisco together under one fantastic cyber roof. No matter your style, Alice & Isa welcomes you! They have one-of-a-kind items for everyone. Stephanie (whose alter ego can be found in “Alice”) and Dawn (who you know as “Isa”) both seek to “support and highlight local San Francisco talent and showcase the city’s unique style.”

CRAVE perused aliceandisa.com only to find a fabulous assortment of bracelets, earrings, necklaces, handbags, and much, much more! Here are a few of our CRAVE-ings…

	Bramble: Designer Alix Bluh creates a bracelet entitled Bramble. The sterling silver brambles & smooth leather cuff combine to produce an organically sophisticated piece.
	The Classic Rose Scarf: “Versatile, unique and beautiful, The Rose Scarves are exceptionally feminine and functional scarves that will turn heads when you wear them!” Yes please
	Ophelia: Need to add a little spice to your shoe collection? These Leather and Tweed Spats with Ruffles (an Alise & Isa exclusive) are your answer to a shoe-lift! These beautiful accessories are carefully constructed with black leather and wool tweed. They are fully lined for your comfort.
	Pushover Crossbody – Grey: Who could say no to designer 49 Square Miles’ stone colored bag? Made from Italian lamb skin, this lush accessory is perfect for everyday use. The neutral shade and adjustable strap makes for a very versatile purse!

These four products exemplify the quality and talent Stephanie and Dawn seek as they provide their Alice & Isa customers with exquisitely unique merchandise!

Seasons Savings: How to Shop Summer Sales

July 27, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (1)

Ever made the mistake of purchasing an item because it was a good deal only to have it take up prime closet real estate? Check out the amazing tips on Summer sale shopping from EHow.

1. Organize your closets before you shop and make note of the items you won’t need next summer. There’s no sense buying new t-shirts, for example, if the 10 in the closet will still fit next year.

2. Avoid trendy fashion styles on the shoe, clothing and accessory sale racks since the looks will soon be dated. No matter how deep the discounts, an item isn’t a bargain if you won’t wear the color combination or designs next year.

3. Stock up on essentials like versatile shorts, jeans and tank tops that won’t go out of style. Also look for non-clothing items you’ll need next summer, such as beach towels and chairs, casual tableware for the patio, swimsuits and flip-flops.

4. Look for pieces that can even become part of your fall wardrobe. You can layer shirts under sweaters, wear leggings under denim miniskirts or use canvas tote bags all year long, for example.

5. Ask yourself if you would still buy the item if it were full price. If not, you may be under the influence of the sale and don’t necessarily need or want the item. Hold off until you’re sure you’ll wear it. As a bonus, the item will have an even greater discount at the end of the season, although you risk it selling out.

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