El-Buy: A G&T and Critter Pants For Me

Nothing says "Summer" like crabs on your shorts and a picnic basket filled with treats. 

I am a firm believer that critter pants are a win when served up at a summer gathering and a hint of whimsy. But be careful! Worn with too much severity and you’ll end up looking like an embroidery loving d-bag.

Eek! Why are they so bright?

Sportswear evolved in the Twenties as clothing that was worn casually on the weekends (by those with enough money to relax on the weekends). As the wealthy migrated to warmer weekend destinations, their clothing got more colorful and garish. In a 1976 Esquire Magazine article, author Tom Wolfe called these bright pants and shorts the “go to hell” look. He asserts that wealthy weekenders used these pants as a sort of tribal color code.

Join the critter tribe with these preptastic favsies. They can be found at Vineyard Vines, Castaway Clothing, Lilly Pulitzer, and Murray’s Toggery.

picnic by ElNoChicago featuring an embroidered dress

Lilly Pulitzer embroidered dress
$198 - lillypulitzer.com

Fred & Friends Wine Monkey
$14 - fredflare.com

Hermes beach towels
$530 - usa.hermes.com

Wicker Picnic Basket | Williams-Sonoma
$250 - williams-sonoma.com

Nambé Swirl Candle Holders, Set Of 2
$100 - saksfifthavenue.com

Jonathan Adler 6 Patterned Tumblers
$15 - neimanmarcus.com

Set of 4 Picnic Dinner Plates
$9.95 - crateandbarrel.com

Emilio Pucci Cotton-flannel beach towel
$335 - net-a-porter.com

Vineyard Vines - Embroidered Whales Gingham Club Shorts
$99 - vineyardvines.com

Table in a Bag | Crate&Barrel
$34 - crateandbarrel.com

El-Vacation: You Don't Know Jack

It's vacation time y'all!

I am off to the land of sweet tea and southern sun. I am taking my trusty travel buddy, Jack Rogers, along with me to enjoy the beach (I didn't get him a plane seat though... awkward.).

Jack Rogers is a classic American resort brand that has been around since the Sixties. A favorite of Jackie O, the company initally launched with a focus on footwear. Recently they moved into fashion and woven accessories.

This fabulous black and white cardigan has me whistlin' Dixie. Love!

Since you can't join me in the Carolinas, I suggest you spend this weekend watching Shag, drinking Beevos, and wearing some Jacks.

This Southern Belle will see you on Monday.

Jack Rogers Beach Vacation by ElNoChicago on Polyvore.com

Jack Rogers Silver/Gold Metallic Navajo Sandals
$118 - sandalworld.com

Jack Rogers Betsie Shell Platinum
$158 - sandalworld.com

Florence Shrug - Tops - Apparel » Jack Rogers
jackrogersusa.com

Jack Rogers Monogrammed Sandal - Monogrammed Sandals - Women - Shoes »...
jackrogersusa.com

Seychelles Raffia Tote & Raffia Mini Bag - Turquoise - Straw -...
jackrogersusa.com

Catalina Straw Tote - Straw - Accessories » Jack Rogers
jackrogersusa.com

El-Yes: Walk The Line

This weekend, I spent a relaxing afternoon (turned evening) at one of my favorite neighborhood spots. Wicker Park’s Big Star never disappoints for people watching or cocktails. Our corner patio table was the perfect perch to enjoy both.

Sipping on my pink Paloma, I surveyed the fashion show around me. The crowd was full of Mohawks, ironic fanny packs, and American Apparel rompers. There was sure to be an El-No in here somewhere!

Instead, my eyes settled on Miss El-Yes.



Never one to hide my preppy light under a bushel, I had worn a grey and ivory striped sleeveless shirtdress with a lime green belt and metallic Jack Rodgers sandals. Obviously the years of art school exposure (both school and work) have not dulled my love for classic American sportswear. I guess they just added a hip colorful shine.

Used to juxtaposing classic and creative, I was still startled when the sea of fedoras parted to reveal stripes and a button down shirt.  Miss El-Yes’s ensemble was trend forward yet traditional. She appeared to be glowing (although it may have been the tequila). 

Cue Johnny Cash.

Walk the line between preppy and hip by pairing a classic white non-iron button down shirt from Brooks Brothers with this Gryphon striped sequin mini or Cricket skirt from Modcloth. This on-shoulder Thread Social dress successfully marries on-trend styling with a traditional print. Mix this look into your daytime wardrobe with Anthropologie’s  Pencil dress.

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-Buy: Red, White, and Blue-bque

Unpack your linen tunics and your white shoes!

It’s the official start of summertime in Chicago. I’m looking forward to bbqs and beer, an extra day off of work, and the black and white party that is the Indy 500.

Want to be an El-Yes this weekend? Celebrate in style with any of these great red, white, and blue options.

While you're shopping online, make sure to say “thank you” by donating to the American Legion or the Disabled American Veterans Fund.

Cheers!

Left: Neon Rose Striped Shirt from J.Crew ($72), Bleached Denim Mini from the Gap ($59.50), Navy and Red Caroline Shoes from Tory Burch ($225), Red Charlize Sunglasses from Kate Spade ($148)

Left Center: Burgandy Tank from American Apparel ($17), Printed Capri Pant from Kate Spade ($275), Gold Wedges from Moschino Cheap & Chic ($345), Red and White Enamel Bracelet from Hermes ($660), Canvas Tote from Tory Burch ($250)

Right Center: Navy and White Whale Tale Skirt from Vineyard Vines ($118), White Cotton T-shirt from Hanes ($9.99), Blue and Gold Sandals Mystique ($125), White Ceramic Watch from Michael Kors ($495)

Right: White Classic Jeans from Old Navy ($34.50), Red and White Sunset Sail Top from Vineyard Vines ($98.50), Red Coral Sandals from Mystique ($89.50)

El-No: The Preppy Mountain Climber

Grab the canteen and the trail mix! Looks like we are hiking down to Palm Beach.

Socialite turned entrepreneur Lilly Pulitzer, started her iconic brand over fifty years ago. Lilly ran a stand selling juice made with the local Florida citrus fruits. She asked her seamstress to whip up some colorful cotton dresses that could easily conceal the inevitable juice stains. And a star was born! Her colorful shift dresses and whimsical patterns signify that summer is upon us.

Now that the background story is laid, let’s talk about this look.

Love the Lilly; Hate the backpack.

Miss El-No, what are you doing here? Why on earth are you wearing a hiking backpack with this outfit? Get a shoulder bag lady! You are going to work in an office not on the Appalachian Trail. 

* I do want to note the recent Huffington Post article “The Backpack Comes Around Again.” Tory Burch, I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I think that is great that designers want to save our backs and shoulders but I really don’t see how designers are responsible. Here’s an idea. We could just carry less crap in our bags. 

El-Read: Men in Bow Ties are like a Wrapped Gift from Heaven

Hallelujah- After years of wearing tuxedos with four-in-hand neckties, men are returning to the traditional bow tie. This necktie (which is downright fabulous in a nerdy/preppy kind of way) was popularized around the turn of the 20th century.

We are glad you are back old friend.

This is exactly the type of chic return to tradition that we like!

Check out this article for more information.