El-Buy: Sail Away in Style

A classic nautical accessory is sweeping through retailers this summer and is poised to become the “it” bag at beaches and pools alike. Recycled sailcloth bags are a rather traditional idea, but offer clean graphics and bright colors that seem more contemporary in style. These hip bags are durable, waterproof, and perfect for the holiday weekend.

While these maritime treasures can be found all over, there are several that this fashionista has her eye on.

Check out Maine based artist Angela Adams’ graphic take sailcloth. Using metallic fabrics and contemporary shapes, Adams elevates this traditional design. Adams recently created a line of limited edition bags for J.Crew. While a bit pricey (at $198 a pop), they certainly are the perfect summer accessory.

Looking for a whimsical take on this seafaring bag? Check out the fun bags (People, get your head out of the gutter) at 44 Knots. Bags come in several sizes: Large ($165), Medium ($150), Small ($96), Wine Bag ($22) and a variety of prints (including an Octopus, a Crab, an Anchor, and Skull and Crossbones). The wine bag makes a perfect hostess gift for summer parties.

You can amp up that holiday bbq with these great Ella Vickers Sailcloth Deck Cushions  (4 pillows for $395) and Placemats (4 for $50). Make it a party by adding in margaritas and Uncommon Goods Boat Buoy Candles. 

El-No: Street Fest Ramho

I love Chicago in the summer. The weather is perfect. The lake is sparkling. And beer filled festivals rule the weekend.

Miss El-No and her Boy Toys were sent to me in a large batch of street fest fashion photos (Thanks for the photo mother load JGA!!). The sequined bikini top, micro mini jean skirt, plastic Hawaiian lei/ ankle bracelet, and a round of ammo totally have me confused. Is Miss El-No trying out to be an extra in the new movie Rambo Goes Hawaiian or running as a Democrat against Pamela Gorman for Congress in Arizona? Your guess is as good as mine!

So what should you wear to a summer festival?

A bright fun dress is always a good choice. I love the Victoria’s Secret printed strapless smocked dress and the cheerful Haute Child in the City dress from ModCloth – the perfect options for festival or happy hour nights. For a more conservative spin, try this J.Crew navy and white brushstroke mini and with a crisp navy pique polo shirt.  Or try this strapless linen trend forward Young Fabulous & Broke jumpsuit.

But whatever you wear… follow my mother's advice. "Stay sweet and keep your knees together!" 

El-No: We Need the Po Po!

Where are the fashion police when you need them?

I’d like to put out an APB on Miss El-No’s top. It was gone on arrival and we are unable to locate it. Get this poor women back her shirt so she doesn’t have to wear see-through lingerie out in public. 

MISSING:  Shirt

Cash Reward!

If found, please contact Miss El-No

(She is the one wearing the transparent bustier.)

Now that this style crime has been reported to the authorities, we can move on to this ridiculous clear corset.

What the El is this?

I am truly at a loss for words.

I think this could be the remnants of a Pnina Tornai wedding gown after a run in with photographer John Michael Cooper for a Trash the Dress photo shoot. Or, it is just a really bad case of overexposure to Lady GaGa videos.

Either way, it isn’t pretty. 

El-No: These Hanes Are Not My Way

I am riding a fashion emotional rollercoaster.

This man is wearing Castaway’s embroidered red lobster shorts (love!) and boat shoes. This should make my preppy heart happy.  Sadly, my glee was short-lived; the exposed underwear ruined the moment.

You don’t have to be an Etymology expert to know that underwear should be worn under your clothing. Mr. El-No has at least two inches of his boxers hanging out from underneath his shorts. Not cool buddy- keep ‘em in your pants!!

Avoid this foundation garment failure with a simple swap. Instead of boxers, try boxer briefs. This tighter knit boxer was created in the Nineties as the undergarment of choice to be paired with slim Italian style suiting. This narrow knit short typically is a bit shorter than a traditional boxer but still provides a comfortable fit.

If you are a traditionalist, check out the tagless comfort fit option from Hanes. Looking for something a bit sexy? Try the slim fit boxer brief from Calvin Klein or splurge on these 2Xist pima cotton shorts.

*Thanks for the photo RF!

El-No: Mini Skirt Minnie

Hold up ladies. Looks like the Mini Skirt Mob lost one of their crew!

The jury’s still out regarding the inventor of this fashion hit. “Mini” skirt is short for minimum- which is fashion speak for “thigh grazing.” The short skirt culprit may have been mod British boutique owner Mary Quant. French designer Andre Courreges (of go go boot fame) is also credited with inventing the mini skirt. Either way, this tiny skirt makes a big impact.

Miss El-No, I love your nod to the swinging Sixties. Your A-line mini dress is totally Twiggylicious. You make me want to order this vintage inspired Lilly dress and wear my hair in a beehive. Unfortunately the knee socks/ Mary Janes/ school bag combo take this outfit from Sixties chic to middle school geek.

Ditch the schoolyard accessories and put an adult spin on your amazing dress. I would lose the knee socks and go with a bare leg for the hot summer months (add on opaque tights for Fall). Swap out the kiddie shoes for a pair of classic Jack Rogers flats. Or, put a casual twist on the outfit by wearing these Bensimon canvas kicks. Lastly, ditch the messenger bag for a monogrammed “boat and tote.”

El-No: The Nubian Queen

The Ancient Egyptians built the Temple of Dendur in approximately 15 BC on the Nubian coast of the Nile. The Temple’s carvings portray Egyptian gods and Nubian royalty. The pharaoh that is depicted in this amazing carved work is actually Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus (who ruled Egypt during this time period). Augustus insisted that he be carved to look just like a traditional Egyptian ruler. So, I guess the saying is true- When in Rome (or in this case Egypt)!

In 1965 Egypt gifted this carved sandstone structure to the United States, prompting many of our museums to fight over which one would display the piece. New York’s Met won the contest and built this idyllic reflecting pool and glass pyramid shaped window.

So that brings us to my visit to the Met’s Sackler Wing. There I was, calmly enjoying my day when I saw Mr. El-No and his purse.

Purse? You mean murse? Perhaps a European carryall? Nope, PURSE.

This pink Kate Spade bag, accented with a jaunty scarf, is a purse, plain and simple. The Nubians aren’t the only queens in this room. Mr. El-No, I am getting a serious Cage aux Folles feeling. If you want to be flamboyant, then go big! Ditch the traditional polo and classic Kate Spade bag and embrace your inner flash. Want to stick with the conservative look? Just switch Spades. Put down the Kate and pick up this blue Jack Spade messenger bag. 

El-Yes: Back in Black and White

 

During my New York trip, black and white floral graphics popped up all over the place. I saw this trend on the street, used in window displays, and even in a vintage Jean-Phillipe Worth coat at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.

Imagine my surprise when I checked the Fall 2010 runway show pictures and discovered this same trend! While this color story appeared in several RTW Fall shows, the D&G black and white ski bunny outfits are my favorites. I can totally see myself wearing this look while drinking fruity drinks after a long day snowplowing down the bunny hill.    

Given the recent hot weather, a fab wool bodysuit might not be the best plan for this time of year. Avoid getting swassy by skipping the heavy knits and opting for a sleeveless summer dress. Unlike Jake and Vienna, this classic combination has staying power so indulge in one of these beautiful options.

Left: Marimekko Tamir Dress (price available upon request), Jonathan Adler Victorian Love Pillow ($165)

Right: Kate Spade Woodblock Callie Shiftdress ($445), Kate Spade Queen Bee Studs ($65)

El-No: From Faux to Mo

El-No Chicago made a guest appearance on my favorite hair blog and retailer Lock and Mane. Indulge. Rinse. Repeat. And Read: From Faux to Mo

El- No: “Be vewy vewy quiet, I’m hunting wabbits”

Looking for El-No examples in Ohare was a little like looking for wild animals on an African safari. While the airport seems to be the natural habitat for fashion disasters, I still got excited with each one that I encountered.

I was so enraptured by the hunt, that I almost got run over by one of those beeping carts. But I heeded Sarah Palin’s facebook warning “No matter how tough it gets, never retreat, instead RELOAD!”

So, here are my favorites finds:

1. Mullet + Tapered Jeans = Par for the course at Ohare. Come on people! Non-ironic Nascar flare and tapered pants? Now, you’re just trying to make Midwesterners look bad. Switch out the unflattering jeans for these boot cut 527 Levis.
2. In this case, three “rights” have made a wrong. Miss El-No has obviously been reading too many fashion magazines. Yes, jean shorts, chunky clogs, and fedoras are on trend this summer, but wearing all three at once makes this El-No look like she is trapped in an issue of US Weekly. News flash: You aren’t Rachel Bilson. Try picking one or two trends and incorporate your own spin on it.
3. Zubaz!? I thought these animal print weightlifting pants were extinct. Unless you are time traveling back to a football game in the Nineties, I think these pants are an El-No. Swap these relics out for updated and subtle Adidas track or wind pants. 

El-Vacation: Empire State of Mind

El-No Chicago is coming at you from NYC!! Naturally, shopping and people watching are high on the agenda so stay tuned for some great pictures this week.

Over the weekend, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting both the Met and the Brooklyn Museum of Art (home of Judy Chicago's Seventies classic "The Dinner Party"). Both museums are currently hosting amazing American fashion exhibitions that showcase womenswear from the turn of the century through the golden age of couture. 

On Saturday, I explored the Met’s exhibit “American Women: Fashioning a National Identity.” This show is expertly curated with beautiful settings, thematic music, and metallic wigs by Julien d’Ys. It was so inspiring that I just wanted to pitch a tent and move into the museum.

Yesterday, I trekked out to Brooklyn. In addition to seeing some crazy outfits, I also visited the Brooklyn Museum of Art’s American High Style exhibition. AHHMAZING! Ignoring the sexual politics of the time, this exhibit made me wish I lived in the Fifties. Can we all just start wearing dress hats and eating jello molds again? 

For all of you fashionista work procrastinators, meet your new best friend. It’s the Polyvore styling tool. You can virtually style mannequins in the historic garments from the collection. Of course this just doesn't do the pieces justice... so hop on a plane and get to New York before the end of the summer. If your bank account is dry and you have a taste for vintage, stop over at the Chicago History Museum to visit the new fashion exhibit " I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot." 

I also bought books. Lots of fashion books. Guess I will be paying the $23 to check my bag on the way home (Sadly, El-No Chicago does not have United status). 

El-No: I see London. I see France. I can see right through Miss El-No’s pants!

Miss El-No was seen lounging at the East Bank Club rooftop pool. Judging from the see-though pants, I am confident that RHONY Countess LuAnn’s new hot song was not playing on this El-No’s iPod.

Money can’t buy you class. Money can’t buy you class. Elegance is learned, my friends. Elegance is learned, oh yeah.

Word on the street is that it will be HOT over the weekend. So hot that all of Chicago will be forced to descend on the beach. The heat might even compel us to have some drinks at Castaways. One margarita turns into five and suddenly you are at happy hour. This calls for a seriously cute beach cover-up.

A good beach cover up should be colorful, loose, and washable. My favorite picks are this Lilly Pulitzer floral caftan, adorable cotton Milly kimono, and sexy Victoria’s Secret cotton plunge tunic. Channeling the Countess? Then obviously you would opt for a fab Pucci caftan.

See you at the beach readers- I’ll be the one the snapping pictures! 

*Thanks for the photo JF!

El-No: Is That A Lizard In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?

Love and warm weather are in the air.

What better way to set the mood than a romantic twilight stroll with your Mecca jean wearing boyfriend and your reptile? While I appreciate the romance, I think this El-No of a date needs a little help.

Let’s start with a wardrobe change. Miss El-No I suggest you use your iguana for inspiration and switch into this Tibi Reptile-Print Jacquard Dress. Or swap in this one-shoulder number from Tulle and add in a little danger with a reptilian ring.

El-No Boyfriend, in the immortal words of 50 Cent, “… you a wangsta and you need to stop frontin’.” Upgrade to these understated urban G-Star Raw jeans. To discover your love of MMA, she’ll have to lean in closely to read this subtle Affliction t-shirt.

Now ditch the dragon and celebrate your summer lovin’ with drinks at one of Chicago’s great rooftop bars. Check out the Roof at the Wit, Citizen Bar or Market. If you need to impress, take your party on over to the patio at NoMi and then move inside for dinner. 

*Thanks for the photo AN!

El-No: We Might Need BP To Cap These As Well

Is there a doctor in the house? We have an El-No emergency and only a boobologist (or Kevin Costner) can help.

Listen up ladies, first and foremost you need to anchor the tankers. Going braless is not an option.

If you have been blessed with boobies, it is even more important for you to have a properly fit bra. An ill-fitting bra causes the trapezius muscle (connects the neck to the shoulder) to tighten in order to support the weight of your breasts. This can also strain the pectoral muscles and ultimately cause circulation issues. Ouch!

Remember: Only 10% of the support should come from the shoulder straps. A correctly fit bra should offer 90% of its support from the actual band.

While it is important to get fit for a bra in person, a great online foundation garment retailer is Bare Necessities. They have an impressive selection and carry bras for sizes up to a 56J in a variety of price points. What up Dolly P?

*Thanks for the photo DH

El-No: Down with Ponchos!

Generally I don’t like wearing items that could double as a tent in an emergency. That’s why God invented umbrellas (Well actually the modern waterproof umbrella was created by the English- Which gives them something to brag about since a World Cup sweep doesn’t seem to be in the cards).

There really aren’t many acceptable reasons to wear a plastic poncho.  I can only think of five:

1. You are under the age of 12 and have matching rain boots for puddle jumping expeditions.
2. You are camping and need something to cover your huge backpack.
3. You are trapped in a freak storm and have broken into your emergency supplies. Who cares if you look good? You are only communicating with the outside world using a short wave radio and a flashlight. Pass the granola bars, this is going to be a long night.
4. You are at a sporting event that has a rain delay and this is all they sell in the t-shirt stand. Good thing you snuck that flask inside - bottoms up!
5. You are participating in a guacamole fight.

Miss El-No, none of the above circumstances seem to be in play here. So I think you should have opted for a raincoat or an umbrella instead of wearing this unflattering plastic situation. If you want to have a portable lightweight option to throw in your purse, check out the stylish and belted Pac-A-Parka. 

*Thanks for the photo JR!

El-Yes: Charlie would approve of these three Angels

Well Charlie, you picked an adorable ensemble. This chic little threesome is a definite El-Yes.

Nothing against Cameron Diaz and her underwear dance, but I think this trio is channeling the classic style of the original Angels (minus the feathered hair). Like a Gawker-esque stalker, I followed these ladies down the hallway snapping pictures until I got a perfect one. Each woman has a distinct work- appropriate look that is composed of classic pieces… although my favorite is the tunic/ white pants/ metallic sandal combo. Love!

On the Right: Jaclyn Smith

Try on a timeless choice from Tunic Queen Tory Burch or a more trend forward Kate Spade Beach Tunic (which you can also wear as a dress). Layer the shirt over a slim white ankle length pant from Talbots. Yes, Talbots. They really have refreshed the brand with the appointment of their new President (a J.Crew alum) Trudy Sullivan. Finish the look with these great Bernardo croc sandals in silver. 

In the Middle: Farrah Fawcett

This simple Amalfi dress from Boden is a perfect choice for work or a backyard summer bbq. Avoid the office air-conditioning chill with this lightweight short sleeve cardigan from Banana Republic. Complete the look with some Farrah hair and these Frye t-strap sandals in Clay.

On the Left: Kate Jackson

Looking for the perfect black dress to transition from work to drinks? This cotton Blakely dress from J.Crew is the LBD for the job. Add on this unbuttoned striped lightweight sweater from Target to finish the outfit. Looking for an updated gladiator sandal? You are in luck! Try the Erika sandal from Pour la Victoire or the Charles by Charles David Brace sandal. Both are open enough to balance out a short skirt and not weigh down your limbs (although if you have thicker legs, it makes more sense to skip this trend).

El-Yes: Friday- The day Lord Stanley has Made

It’s Friday Chicago! Get up and grab your Blackhawks jersey!

These El-Yes’s are headed downtown for the ticker tape parade at 10:30 AM. Ticker tape parades were used to welcome home the troops from WWII. If you want to be really authentic make sure brush up on your history with this Time Magazine article and paint a line down your legs to look like panty hose (nylon went towards the war effort so ladies had to wear faux hose). 

No time now though… see you at the parade!

*Thanks for the photo KB!

El-No: Should’ve stayed in Vegas

It was the glitter that caught my attention. 

While walking past a sale during my lunch hour, I saw some sparkle coming from a rack of men’s shirts. Curious, I walked over and then I saw it. What the El?

The boutique owner told me the shirt was “Vegas” inspired and a very popular shirt for bachelor parties. Of course! That seems like a logical explanation for a shirt that has a blinged out hand holding hundreds on top of an ace. Good move- you will totally be taken seriously at the tables in the Bellagio.

On second thought, this is actually the perfect gift for brides to give their future husbands before the requisite trip to Sin City. Rest assured that if they are wearing this little beauty, they won’t pull a Katie Perry and will instead come home as virtuous as when they left. 

El-Read: It's Going to be a Furry Fall

It’s only June and already the Fall trend reports are predicting that fur shorties (hold up boo, not that kind of shortie) will be in. 

Also called “toppers,” these short little fur jackets were popularized during the 1950s as a way to add a little flash to an outfit while still showcasing the slim waistline of the period. 

Here at El-No, we are excited about this trend! Not because we are particularly loving the look; rather we are looking forward to all of the future El-No material. So get ready readers- it’s going to be a furry Fall!

http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fall-2010-fur-trend-short-comings-3098468

El-No: Summer Uggs! Ugh

I bought my first pair of Uggs in 2003 after spending a year in Chicago.

Each winter, I take these warm sheepskin lined boots out of the closet and wear them whenever I leave the house. These boots make my commute across the artic tundra (a.k.a. the five block walk to the train) at bit more bearable.

So imagine my surprise when I saw this jean short clad El-No in Uggs on a sunny June day. For real?

Judging by the contents of Miss El-No’s clear plastic beach bag, I was able to deduce that she is a college student (or practicing a weight lifting regime involving textbooks). So. I understand that she is trying to be comfy and relaxed.

I’ll ignore that the Ugg trend is on a steep decline and that the top of the boots hit her leg at the unflattering mid-calf height. Let’s just focus on finding something easy for her to wear to class.

Miss El-No, I recommend that you swamp out the sweatshirt for a simple cotton pullover from Old Navy- just as cozy but way more adult and attractive. Next up, loose the winter boots and celebrate the summer. Try these fun and fashionable gold Bernardo sandals. For a Ramen sized budget, pick up these adorable Miss Trish or Merona sandals at Target. 

El-Yes: Bow Tie One On

Holy hangover! This weekend, we took our show on the road for a preptastic time on the east coast. Full of beer, burgers, and New Haven pizza, I’m happy to report there was some major El-“Y”es action.

Nicknamed the “Ivy League Look” due to its early adoption on college campuses, suiting separates for men were popularized in the 1950s. For the first time men could hang up their formal suits and wear a more casual uniform of mix and match slacks and a sport coat. Men started experimenting with pastel colors and textile patterns too. Clearly it worked since this era also brought us the baby boom!

While there were some fantastic representations of this classic style over the weekend, Mr. El-Yes was the most vibrant. He did a great job of incorporating color, pattern, and wit into his outfit. Even Lilly Pulitzer would be impressed with his lime green pants and playful plaid blazer.

Create this look at home by mixing these Murray’s Toggery Shop Nantucket Reds with a Non Iron Shirt and Pincord Sport Coat from Brooks Brothers. If you are feeling really stylish you could even switch out the pants for this great Madras option. Top it all off with a colorful tie from Vineyard Vines and you’ll be ready for Mory’s Cups.