ClandestineChic

There’s always a huge difference between posting about your wants and what you are actually able to buy when you size everything up: availability, pricing, convenience.  I wrote about what I wanted for Fall 09 with a tentative wishlist, and although I was able to get a couple of items, I’ve still had to make some tweaks here and there.

I was able to get one of my most anticipated purchases which was the harness belt from Angie’s iheartnorwegianwood’s shop.  I’d been eying the belt all summer, and I finally bit the bullet and bought it.  Since I’m a bit on the er, busty side, I contacted Angie and gave her my measurements and she was able to make one that would fit especially for me.  Here it is after I threw it on over the dress I was wearing that day after I immediately ripped the package open:

And I love it.  I’ve worn it twice already since I kept it on that day and on my birthday when I went to get my driver’s license renewed.  This was definitely a purchase that was well worth it for me.

I’ve also picked up a few “classic” tops that I can pair with dress pants or pencil skirts:

This top that I got on sale at Ann Taylor.

And this top that I saw at H&M.  Hm…something about bows for me this season, huh?

Plus, today I went on a mad dash to scoop up this cardigan from Akira boutique:

All in all, I think I’m pretty close to being done for my fall shopping.  I still want a pair of Dr. Martens, and a couple of warm sweaters and that’s about it.

How is your Fall shopping going?   Have you gotten everything you’d like or are you still searching for the right items?

Although I will admit I’m a a bit biased as a native Chicagoan, I’d like to think that Chicago is a very stylish city. And while there is a street style blog in virtually every major metropolitan city in the world, the MidWasteland captures the best street style photos that display Chicago’s style. I was very happy when I got the chance to interview Monica Dimperio, the face behind MidWasteland, to discuss her take on Chicago street style, where she takes her photos, and her recommendations on some great Chicago shops.

Tell me a bit about your background.
My fashion background consists of a degree in Media Management from Columbia and several years in retail. I worked as a manager and merchandiser at stores including: Lacoste, Prada, and Adriano Goldschmied.

What inspired you to start The MidWasteland?
I got into fashion blogs in early 2007 before a big trip to Europe. Facehunter and Stil In Berlin are two that I really liked. When I was there I saw the most amazing style. When I came back I saw things differently so I picked up my camera and started capturing Chicago street style in July 2007.

Why did you name the blog The MidWasteland?
It’s been a while so I can’t remember the process but I know that I wanted a name that let people know that this wasn’t a blog you wanted to take seriously, like The Sartorialist, for example. I wanted to create a place for people, like me, that know firsthand that most Midwestern stereotypes ARE true. Though, on the same token, also know that style exists within our region, which is why I think The MidWasteland fits nicely. We’re all about having fun here.

Where in Chicago do you take most of your street style photos?
When I first started in 2007 I mostly shot in Wicker Park because that’s where I lived and it was always easy to spot a stylish person there. Now I take my camera everywhere I go. There are stylish people all over the city so I can’t say just one neighborhood.

What Chicago neighborhoods do you think have the most style?
I’ve lived here my entire life. I find beauty in every neighborhood in the city. From Hyde Park up to Andersonville and everything in between, I think each has their own individual style. Of course, not every neighborhood has the most mainstream or “style setting” aesthetic but I don’t think that matters. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

What do you think sums up Chicago style at the moment? Any specific looks or trends?
To be frank, I think everyone has started to dress like a “hipster”. The indie aesthetic has hit the mainstream and now it’s the thing to do because it’s everywhere. Girls in every subculture are wearing skinny jeans, scarves, and fedoras. Boys in every subculture are wearing Chucks, nerd glasses, and vests.

When taking street style photos, what look inspires you to take a photo of them?
I love interesting details and people. I also veer towards great ensembles. It’s rare that you see someone in a “complete look” but when you do, you know it and it’s a wonderful thing.


What has been a favorite look of yours to photograph so far?
I’m not sure if you mean one person in particular or a specific style. In general, I am not biased. I love taking photos of both men and women in every walk of life as long as they are eye-catching.

How would you describe your own personal style?
My style is pretty eclectic, maybe a little eccentric. I’m not really afraid to wear things that make me stand out like sequins, vintage fur, and bright colors. Though, my daily uniform is generally a basic dress/romper or jeans and a tee paired with a combination of funky accessories. Scarves, necklaces, handbags, big rings, and tons of bracelets. I love it all!

What are your recommendations for some cool Chicago shops?
Some of my favorite shops include:
Eskell: Beautiful vintage-inspired clothing and amazing accessories run by two great gals.
Pivot: Pick up eco-friendly fashion which includes my very own vintage collection, Elegantly Wasted
Hejfina: Out of my price league but super modern and fashion forward clothing.
Penelope’s: Cute and colorful pieces for girls and guys.

Images Sources: The MidWasteland

Beauty, Style, & the Blogosphere

Edited by Ashe Mischief

Beauty and Style come in many forms, and this weeks Links á la Mode choices showcase the many discussions entering the world of fashion blogging at the moment: excessive judgments, the value of personalities, and cultivating your inner beauty as well as your outer beauty. Bonne-Vie challenges the values of the show “More to Love” and Fivve Blog shares model sensation Lara Stone. Newcomer Jaka’s Tea Party calls to action with the Wholestyle Manifesto and Betsey J asks “Are we too judgmental as fashion bloggers?”

Not to overshadow this weeks Links á la Mode with too heavy of discussions, we’ve also go a great roundup of make-up tutorials & inspiration, along with great DIY projects & giveaways in the forums!

Links à la Mode : August 20th

• Ask ThinkThru: – What Can You Wear From the Office To an Event?
• Betsey J: – Have we become too judgemental when it comes to fashion & style?
• Bonne Vie: – Fox is doin’ it wrong with new reality show “More to Love”
• BRICK MY LANE: – 3-in-1 DIYs: Ripping, slashing andd patching everything, rock’n’roll style
• Broke & Beautiful – International Indie Designers can be found with Novica, plus an opportunity to REALLY make a difference by shopping.
• Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Fed up of emails from big fashion brands demanding interviews, I decided to speak to a young, bright and new designer instead.
• Denim Debutante: – How to Clean & Care for Your Premium Denim
• fivve blog: – If you have a fashion mag addiction, then you probably have seen who W Magazine is calling the “fashion it-girl” Lara Stone.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: What’s so great about Gravatars?
• Jaka’s Tea Party – A mission statement for a new movement that believes style isn’t about the clothes you wear, it’s about being a whole person.
• Little Miss Makeup: – Pretty makeup is an evergreen fashion trend. Get the low-down on how to get the look!
• Meilily: – Highlights the debut collection of Project Runway phenom Christian Siriano for VS Makeup.
• pie wacket: – yesterday I worked with Kiehl’s to create a wonderful late summer giveaway and shot an original beauty story to demo the products.
• Rags to Reverie: – 2 days ago Space 15 Twenty’s Pangaea Pop-Up makes deka ray’s architectural jewelry available for the masses
• Retro Chick: – Why we buy – One woman’s journey in fashion and the decisions we make every day.
• sweet archivia: – Anthropologie’s Secret Code – In-House Brand Guide
• THE COVETED – The Coveted: Make that a double: Take Off Your Clothes Double T-Shirt Dress
• The Demoiselles – Jennifer Nicole uncovers the secrets behind the new PETA ad, which degrades women based on weight.
• The Fashion Planner: – The Fashion Planner’s Guide to Chicago offers great places to eat, shop, and more.
• The Midnight Feast: – Did I really just put on black lipstick? How to tackle this trend: a guide for those who would prefer to leave the gothic look in the 90s.
• Unfunded – Unfunded: White Rabbit Inspired Baubles
• Wit & Whimsy: – First Look: Michael Kors Goes Hollywood Glam with the launch of VeryHollywood.com

In my earlier post about anticipated fall buys, I wrote about buying the harem jodphur pants from Babooska Boutique. Well I took the plunge and purchased the pants.  I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical at first because I just wasn’t sure how they would look on me.  When I opened up the package and saw the waist, I said “no way will these even go past my thigh”.

Well, I was wrong.  They fit and they actually fit well.  Very comfortable and  enough room for me to move around with the jersey stretch waistband.   The material is very soft and stretchy.

I also wasn’t too sure about the jodphur/harem crossbreed since I wasn’t sure if  it would be too trendy for my tastes overall and I might look like I’d dumped something in my pants, but I think I can make these work.  They definitely aren’t a bad purchase for $38, if for the comfortable fit of the pant alone.   My only con–and this is just for me–is that they are a bit longer than I thought.   Then again, I’m a short one, so everything is always too long.

Here are a couple of detailed shots:

Although I’ve been on my self-inflicted shopping ban for awhile, I have allowed myself to indulge in a couple of goodies other than Swifter Sweeper pads.  No big purchases, but just small things that put a smile on my face when I bought them.   And sometimes, that’s all you need.

Vanilla Meringues from Whole Foods.  Still in the bag, but I can’t wait to devour and then go back to being a good girl on a diet.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet that I picked up at his store.  The print isn’t even my style, but it I decided to think outside of my own box.  Plus, I really, really needed a new wallet and for $20, this would serve its purpose.

Have you made any small purchases that have made you smile lately?

A bit of a new beginning for me all together. Still a work in progress, but I’ve changed the look up a little bit. There might be some more changes here and there in the next couple of weeks as I get “settled in”, so I’m please excuse the

This summer has been somewhat of a sleeper for me so far. Nothing spectacular, but at the same time, nothing disappointing, either. I’d say that my summer wardrobe has been that way as well.   I’ve been more thrifty and cautious with what I’ve been buying.

I’ve mostly been browsing for those items that I would like to have, but can’t afford.   Jewelry has been a big hit on my list since I’ve never spent a large amount on jewelry in comparison to other items.   French jewelry designer Aurelie Bidermann’s exquisite jewelry has kept me clicking back for more in my little web browser.

Aurelie Biderman Large Vintage Cuff

Aurelie Bidermann Pyrite Osiris Necklace

Wonderful items, but if you click the links, a bit out of my price range.  However, since I’m just browsing and “dream shopping”, it doesn’t really matter, right?

And throw in this Delfina Delettrez skull ring:

It’s true that none of these items are within my reach right now, but every now and then you just have to dream.

One of my few self-authorized purchases over the past couple of weeks that I’ve been looking to capitalize on has been a nice, comfortable, fairly inexpensive pair of flats. My mother and friends relentlessly clowned my Payless flats and said they looked like house slippers, so I decided another pair might be in order.    I’ve never really felt that flats should cost over $150 and even that would be a bit steep.   I even bought a pair of Tory Burch flats because I thought that they would be the everyday shoes and I wouldn’t need a pair of flats for a long time.  Wrong.  The cute golden T/T medallion fell off after two weeks and I had to go to Nordstrom to get them replaced (for free!).  And after another 2 months, the bottom of the shoe has started to display some serious signs of wear and tear, including a torn sole.   And these are $195 shoes, folks.  No sweet deal there.   On the lower end, I bought a pair of Nine West flats over the weekend for under $60, but those flats were hard and my feet were starting to look like some serious ugly was about to happen.

So, ever since I’ve seen Susie Bubble’s post about this shoe company, Marais USA, I’ve been quite intrigued what they will have to offer.  Most of the shoes are flat or have an extremely low heel (1 and 1/4 inches) and the prices range from $49-$69.   In the “About Us” section of the website, it explains that the creators, Catherine Chen and Haley Boyd, just wanted to create “simple, versatile and essential styles that don’t break the bank”.  Amen to that.  They’re not yet available from the online shop, but I do think I’m going to take the plunge and buy a pair.  Normally, I hate buying shoes online, but I think this might be worth the gamble.  Here are two pairs of shoes I’m contemplating (but in black):

Pics from Maraisusa.com

The first pair aren’t flats, and have a baby wedge, but that’s fine.  And I quite like the second pair since they have a round toe.  Either way, once they become available to order online, I’m definitely going to get a pair and if this company can win me over.

So I’ve been on a massive hunt for the perfect pair of booties in the last couple of weeks. The thing is, I don’t want to spend a ton of money on them, because I already have a pair of boots that I’m pretty much in love with forever. In my search, I’ve found a few pairs of booties and boots that are reasonably priced and cute at Lulus.com. I’d never been to the site before, but they had some pretty nice styles for a reasonable price. Here are some of my choices.

Booties at Lulus.com for $34,99

Another pair of booties at Lulus.com for $56.99

Knee High Boots at Lulus.com for $44.00

Boots with buckles on the side. $47.00 at Lulus.com