Wednesday, March 16, 2011

5 on 5: 5 Fashionistas Weigh In On Their Top 5 Essentials for Spring


Spring has spung, finally!, so Luxe File Chicago asked some of the city’s most fashionable trendsetters - these ladies actually make it their business to be so - what their fashion and beauty must-haves are for the season. From vintage baubles and haute hosiery to oversized eyewear and skin-perfecting essentials, here is a checklist of what they will be wearing and what you'll want to snap up for yourself.

Bridget Halanski

Director of Runway Division

Factor Model Management - Chicago
Website, Twitter


Jeans: It’s all about channeling the 70’s - a pair of wide leg, high-waisted jeans for sure. I love my 7 For All Mankind jeans in white.


Jacket: An edgy leather jacket is a must and is great for both layering and protecting me from the unpredictable weather in Chicago. Balenciaga and Helmut Lang are two of my favs.


Leader of the Pack: Balenciaga biker jacket

Shoes: I am loving wedges right now. Even the sky high ones are so comfortable!


Touch the Sky: Giuseppe Zanotti's
cloud-kissing rafia wedges

Purse: I really like the shoulder bag, including the cross-body versions. Great for work and play, they transition easily from day to night.


Sunglasses: I don’t leave the house without my round oversized Gucci sunglasses. They are the perfect addition to any outfit, not to mention that I love to be incognito!


Photo courtesy of Bridget Halanski.



Whitney Lasky

Philanthropist, Actress, Writer, Marketing Maven & Mother


Handbag: There's been a deluge of fabulous purses, and I want them all! I love the luxurious, made-to-order crocodile bags by Alexandra Knight.


Siren's Satchel: Purse by Alexandra Knight


Shoes: Manolo Blahnik's nude wingback Mary Jane - I love to wear them to the market with a black pencil skirt and a white J.Crew tee. They simply sing "Spring!" with the perfect touch of My Fair Lady.


Neutral Palette: I love that YSL, Stella McCartney, Chloe, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors are all showing pale, achromatic colors (ie, nude, camel, beige, blush and white) in their Spring '11 collections. Oh, yes! They will be mine.


White Is Right: Ethereal colors on the runway

Jewelry: I absolutely adore vintage gold bangles with bright jewels, especially green emeralds.


Animal Attraction: Vintage Kutchinsky
18K Gold double panther bracelet

Makeup: "Tattoo, Mr. Mayer? What tattoo?" One of my best kept secrets as an actor is now available for retail: Kryolan concealer.


Amanda Puck
Executive Vice President, Public Relations
XA, The Experiential Agency, Inc.

Makeup: Julie Hewett Bronzer from space519 – it’s the best one I ever tried, very luminous and it freshens dull winter skin.

Sunshine Girl: Julie Hewett bronzer

Shoes: I love the neon pumps from Karen Millen. These pumps are neon yellow but they are very neutral and will pair perfectly with jeans and my bright spring dresses by Erdem and DVF.

Shoe Addict: Karen Millen footwear

Sunglasses: House of Harlow's 1960 "Chelsea" sunglasses from Sofia. These sunglasses are the perfect oversized find - a la Gaga from the Grammys. They are glamorous and no one can recognize me when I have them on!

Accessories: I love leggings and lace is a huge trend this season. I love these ones from Fogal, they are a nice change from winter's all black palette and they will make the LBDs a little more current and fresh.

More accessories: I love this Penrose pocket square from Shrine Haberdashers on Oak Street. I would buy it for my boyfriend just so I could steal it to decorate my LV or tie my hair up with it in a ponytail.

What-Is-My-Man's-Is-Mine: Shrine Haberdashery's pocket square


Nicole Townsend
Web Content Beauty Writer, Skin1
Beauty Columnist, Chicago Now


Trench Coat: Chicago’s weather is always full of surprises and a trench is one piece of outerwear that is absolutely essential!


A Fashionista Favorite: Burberry trench coat

Sequins: Sequins, sequins, and more sequins! I always feel like such a rock star when people can see me blinging from miles away.


Sunglasses: Chanel is the brand that definitely exudes who I am - timeless and sophisticated.


Skincare: My skin is oily and progresses as such when the seasons change. YonKa's Phyto 58 Normal to Oil Skin Crème keeps me looking fresh and matte throughout the day.


Hat: Hats can definitely make or break an outfit, but the right one will have people turning their heads for days! I love Goorin Brothers who've been making hats since 1895.


Head Turner: Flora Hat by Goorin Brothers

Photo of Nicole Townsend courtesy of Teresa Cesario.



Ashley Zisook
Owner, Sofia

Handbag: This cross-body messenger goes from day to night and holds all my essentials.

Hold My Messages:
Acoustic Townshend messenger bag

Leather Jacket: I can wear it during the day and dress it up at night. I like how it toughens up feminine floral prints.

Tail-Hem Skirts & Dresses: I see them all over the runway. I am obsessed with the tuxedo style.

Bangles: I love metal bangles and they layer perfectly with leather-wrap bracelets.

Wrist Candy: House of Harlow sunburst bangles

Sunglasses: I am really into vintage Carreras and oversized frames. Nicole Richie's House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses have a style for everyone - "Chelsea" and "Nicole" are my personal favs.

Shady Lady: House of Harlow 1960 "Nicole" sunglasses

Photos courtesy of Sofia.
Items listed by Ashley Zisook are available at Sofia.
Posted by Kerry Shorr


1 comment:

  1. Love your blog! We love how you capture the city! xoxo www.rachellynnchicago.com

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