Resident Stylephiles

Written By Kathryn Achenbach

Photos by Classic Kids Winnetka

Hair & makeup by Jules Ross

New York, London and Paris may be the world’s fashion capitals, but we don’t need to look that far to find experts on chic. Two local style bloggers give us their takes on the coolest trends for a hot summer.

makeitbetter.net

june 2011

1

Photo <credit>

resident stylephiles

white hot

dhana n cohe the next big zing Who she is: Founder of TheNextBigZing.com and cohost of Internet radio show “Believe In Your FairyTale” (toginet.com).

About her site: At The Next Big Zing, Cohen and a professional panel of judges review and award the hottest trends and most innovative products of the year. style picks: Cohen is loving the current resurgence of the pant, whether they’re crisp white trousers or ‘70s-style denim.

“I like to get dolled up but still feel comfortable,” she says. “It’s feeling good about looking good.”

She opts for boot cut pants and tanks “with a little bling,” and she layers on unique jewelry that makes a statement.

Embellished tank, $98, All About Me; Teardrop layered hoop earrings, $84, vivandingrid.com; Tory Burch vintage clutch; bracelets, rings, pants, model’s own

2

june 2011

makeitbetter.net

bracelet Saint Vintage Designs Love Links bracelet, $112.50

necklace Le Photique custom photo necklace*, $58

BUY NOW 

BUY NOW 

cuff Metal bangle, $35, Extras at E Street Denim BUY NOW 

belt Invisibelt*, $20 BUY NOW 

necklace Fortunes to Live By pendant*, $36 BUY NOW 

*Featured on thenextbigzing.com

makeitbetter.net

june 2011

3

seventies groove Favorite Zings: In selecting the accessories she features on her site, Cohen tries to work with independent artists who create quality pieces that she hasn’t seen before, or which offer something new. She loved the story behind Le Photique, created by Jacqueline Sourvelis, a Chicago photographer. “She wanted to be able to show photos—loved ones or a place that you’ve been to—in a really cool piece of jewelry that people could put close to their hearts,” Cohen says. In the case of the Invisibelt, she responded to the design and function of the product, which cinches pants but lays flat under close-fitting tops.

Bohemian rhapsody With fond memories of the 1970s, Cohen loves the current summer styles inspired by that decade, and she’s even dusted off a few authentic pieces she kept from the period. The look “reflects a time in our lives when things were more relaxed, when people didn’t take everything so seriously,” she says.

Jeans, $197, All About Me; Rachel Abroms leather wrap turquoise bracelet*, $150, http://bit.ly/rachelabroms; Shoshanna Lee turquoise bracelets, $48-$92, Extras at E Street Denim; Crochet tunic, belt, earrings, model’s own

4

june 2011

makeitbetter.net

gold jewelry Shoshanna Lee tassel earrings, $92, Nameplate necklace $165, Extras at E Street Denim; “Dhana” pendant, model’s own

necklace Shoshanna Lee turquoise bead necklace,$230, Extras at E Street Denim

BUY NOW 

BUY NOW 

shoes Jeffrey Campbell Woodies Yield pump, $140, Gavin BUY NOW 

earrings Peacock feather earrings, $15, Extras at E Street Denim BUY NOW 

bag Rebecca Minkoff Studded Rocker purse, $330, Gavin BUY NOW 

from her site Diagnosed with Langerhan’s Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) when she was only ten years old, Glencoe teen Sydney Martin donates all proceeds from the sales of these necklaces, made from rocks found on the shores of Lake Michigan, to LCH research.

Syd Rocks for LCH necklace*, $20

BUY NOW 

makeitbetter.net

june 2011

5

ship shape

Jeannine t benoi second city style Who she is: Fashion Editor for the Chicago edition of Second City Style (secondcitystyle.com), style correspondent for NBC's Nonstop Scene Chicago and designer of clothing line YNH. style picks: Benoit favors classic silhouettes enhanced with eye-catching accessories, like this nautical-inspired dress, which she paired with gold bauble jewelry and a braided belt. “Nautical never goes out of style,” she says.

“It’s crisp and clean, and an easy way to pull off stripes,” another big summer trend.

Chic chicago: Though she hails from a PR background, Benoit always liked dressing her friends, so her work with Second City Style and NBC is a dream come true. “I love being a part of Chicago fashion.

We don’t get the credibility that we should, and I want to make an impact there.”

French Connection dress, Michael Kors watch, necklaces and belt, model’s own; Sam Edelman Leroy espadrille sandals, $150, Bloomingdale’s (buy now )

6

june 2011

makeitbetter.net

shoes Miu Miu Striped canvas ballerina flats $395 BUY NOW 

sunglasses Original Wayfarers, $145, Ray-Ban BUY NOW 

bag Marina large shoulder tote, $198, MICHAEL Michael Kors BUY NOW 

watch Chronograph rose gold and navy watch, $250, Michael Kors BUY NOW 

scarf Nautical rope scarf, $28, Extras at E Street Denim BUY NOW 

bracelets DanWak rope bracelet, $162, Fresh Ideas Clothing Company BUY NOW 

from her closet “This white tuxedo style jacket is one of my go to wardrobe staples.

It's a simple but special piece that adds instant polish and structure to some of my favorite outfits.”

White tuxedo jacket, model’s own; for similar styles, visit shopbop.com

makeitbetter.net

june 2011

7

bright ideas top summer looks: True high-waist denim, a little white dress, nude heels, rose gold and, of course, bright colors.

“I love brights and the idea of a pop of color. Our summer is so short—color helps you enjoy it and puts you in a good mood.”

Rag & Bone Tribeca dress, $450, Gavin; Stud belt, $42, Bloomingdale’s; Orange feather earrings, $15, Extras at E Street Denim; Ring, $30, jewelmint.com; Yellow beaded snake chain antique purse, $260, B2 Contemporary Boutique

8

june 2011

makeitbetter.net

bracelets Lee Angel beaded bracelets, $165 (for three), Mark Shale BUY NOW 

skirt Laurie skirt, $450, Gavin BUY NOW 

bag Candy clutch, $550, Jimmy Choo BUY NOW 

shoes Prada elastic crisscross sandal, $595, Neiman Marcus BUY NOW 

earrings Tropical punch earrings, $355, Gavin BUY NOW 

makeitbetter.net

june 2011

9

from her line Benoit recently launched YNH (short for “Yours Not Hers”), a semi-customizable clothing line for women. “I always wanted to tweak things I own, so YNH is all about the customization.” Her first piece is a blouse that comes in seven colors and a choice of different details and trims, like an exposed zipper (pictured), a lace placket down the front or brass buttons on the shoulders. Coming later this year: a high-waist pencil skirt.

YNH blouse, $89, shopynh.com; J Brand Venom skinny jeans, $202, E Street Denim; Christian Louboutin pumps, model’s own

BUY NOW 

BUY NOW 

BUY NOW 

10

june 2011

makeitbetter.net

resident stylephiles

contributors meet the author

meet the hair & makeup artist

meet the photographers

Classic Kids Photography, Winnetka

Kathryn Achenbach, Chicago This summer, Kathryn and her collection of hats are looking forward to looking ridiculous(ly fabulous) at various weddings, like any good kicky Brit wannabe. makeitbetter.net/meetour-writers

11

june 2011

makeitbetter.net

Jules Ross, Winnetka Though she now calls the North Shore home, Jules has worked internationally as a hair stylist and makeup artist under many world-renowned stylists. 847-8405599, shopgirl274@ comcast.net

Classic Kids is a nationally recognized child and family photography studio, with three area locations in Winnetka, Chicago and Hinsdale. Classic Kids creates timeless art for families and maintains a commitment to real film photography and handmade fiber printing.

They shoot in both blackand-white and color, instudio and outside. Natalie Hartung, head photographer of the Winnetka studio, has a great rapport with children, a commitment to service and an eye for art. classickidsphotography. com