Thursday, October 30, 2014

5 Last Minute Costume Ideas for Movie Lovers

It's this time of the year - Halloween, a.k.a. time for costumes. You want to be creative, funny, unique, and have the set of costumes that every girl wishes she came up with first, but at the same time, you want to look good. So if you love movies and are still searching for the perfect costume for this year's Halloween, you're at the right place. Here are 5 costume ideas that are not only unique but so practical you can wear them all year round!

1. Corey from Empire Records

Simply wear a blue cropped sweater with a plaid skirt, and put on a pair of short black boots and you're good to go! It looks even better if you add a name tag around your neck and a few buttons.


2. Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction

This is a very easy outfit - a white shirt, black pants, and white shoes. But the distinguishing factor of this costume is Mia's killer look. If you have bangs, great! If not, don't worry. Put on dark lipstick and maybe even some fake blood on your skin and you'll look like you walked right out of Pulp Fiction.


3. Cher from Clueless

Cher wears everything and anything preppy, and the key to recreate her outfits is a high waisted skirt, a blazer and some type of plaids. If you want, you can also hold a bunch of designer shopping bags as props!



4. Nitta Sayuri from Memoirs of a Geisha

Want to look exotic? No problem! Throw on anything with a silky texture and top it with a kimono. Tie your hair up into a loose bun and add on catty eyeliners and red lipstick.


5. Princess Ann from Roman Holiday

Although Audrey Hepburn's classic LBD look from Breakfast at Tiffany's is my all-time favorite, she also has some other amazing outfits! This one, from Roman Holiday, she wears a white sleeveless shirt with a high waisted midi dress. Accent this costume with a little square scarf around your neck!


Monday, October 27, 2014

Fall Accessory Picks

Although this weekend's weather felt more like spring than fall, it's almost November. Of course our outfits have been reflecting the season, from our fleece lined leggings to our oversized sweaters. We go on and on about our favorite clothes, but our accessories deserve some recognition! Here are our top picks of our best selling items.

1. Leg Warmers
Not only do these keep our legs warm, but they are cute and easy additions to any outfit. Both styles come in lots of colors to match whatever you're wearing.


2. Statement Necklaces
Statement necklaces are perfect to dress up basics and add some fun.



3. Knit Ear Warmers
Let's be real - hats keep us warm and all but hat hair is not cute. Luckily, these earmuffs protect your 'do AND keep your ears from getting frostbite.


4. Chicago Necklaces
Rep your city! These necklaces have been flying out our doors. Available in gold, rose gold, and silver, these themed necklaces not only show your love, but also are the perfect amount of bling if you aren't comfortable wearing a statement necklace.



5. Statement Earrings
Whether you want to dial down the jewels and wear these alone, or pair them with a matching statement necklace, these little gems are so cute for adding some flare.


Thursday, October 23, 2014

Scarf Check List

Scarves are the most versatile, practical, and must-have accessories. "ALL of them are so cute!" But which ones should I add to my wardrobe? How should I wear them? Well, here is a check list of a couple scarf styles that will keep you stylish and warm this winter:

1) Knitted Circle Scarf
A knitted circle is cute, hip, warm, versatile, and more. Wear it over a floral dress, a knitted sweater, a denim shirt...layer it up with a cardigan, a military jacket...you name it! There are infinite possible looks with a knitted circle scarf and it will never go out of style. So never hesitate to add one to your wardrobe, you will love it!


2) Classic Oversized Scarf
A wide, long scarf you can tie however you want. A darker color creates a subdued, classy look, while a brighter color accents any outfit. Crumple it up for a casual look, and when it gets cold, stretch it to wear around your shoulders. This is a classic staple you should never miss.



3) Square Scarf
A small scarf just enough to highlight your face and add a personality to any outfit. What's great about it is not only can you wear it around your neck, feel free to use it as a headband, tie it on your bag, and even as an arm accessory! You will be surprised what this little scarf can do...
                                                    

4) Patterns never get old.
Add some fun splashes and prints to your collection of scarves. They can be classic patterns like animal prints or if you are a dare devil, try these...



Happy scarfing! Don't forget you can get an infinity scarf for just $5 with ANY purchase at Envy! See you soon :)


Monday, October 20, 2014

How to Wear Denim Shirts!

Denim or Chambray shirts are totally on trend this season. These fly off our shelves daily, however our customers are always asking for advice on how to wear them. Although denim on denim is not always a fashion faux pas, pairing a denim shirt with jeans can sometimes clash, so we share their fears. Don't fret - we decided to sum up some of our favorite ways to wear these shirts for some outfit inspiration!

1. With colored jeggings
 

 2. Or dress it up with a fun skater skirt
 

2. Under an oversized sweater or cardigan








3. Over a slip dress or tunic

 





4. Mix it all up!
Here, we paired a super comfy oversized sweater with a cotton skater skirt. Her shirt is tucked into the skirt, but is cuffed around the sleeve of the sweater so that it peaks out more. Wearing it untucked is totally cute too! To draw attention to the collar of the denim shirt, we recommend a short, statement necklace.
  
Here, we paired this trendy southwestern print poncho with a pair of stretchy ponte pants. Although our model isn't wearing one, you can also throw on a statement necklace as well! We love how the rust-colored pants brings out the orange and red tones of the sweater, and the denim shirt is the perfect canvas underneath to support such a bold print.

We're at the boutique 7 days a week to help you brainstorm more outfit ideas-- come see us soon!

Friday, October 17, 2014

Message from Shae: It's a Special Day!

Evanston is beautiful in the fall. If you take a stroll on the little streets canopied by overhanging trees, you can see patches of clear blue sky between crimson and orange colored leaves, enjoy a motley mix of food scents, and catch a glimpse of Envy, a boutique full of life and style, right amidst all of downtown Evanston's loveliness. Before you lose yourselves in all these cute clothes and accessories, Kristi, the owner, will emerge and greet you with a big smile, "Hi!"

I came to Evanston a year ago as a Northwestern freshman, and have loved shopping at Envy ever since I discovered it. A year later, I am now a marketing coordinator for this boutique. From shopping here as a newcomer to working here as a one-year-old "Evanstonian", I went from obsessing over Envy's affordable, effortless chic to being truly involved, appreciating it as a place to shop, make friends and have fun. If there are places I can't imagine Evanston without, Envy is top on my list (followed by Chipotle).

So...enough about why I love Envy, you are a part of Envy too! If you are reading this blog post, you are cordially invited to Envy's One Year Birthday Party: you've been an amazing gift to us, and we are so happy to have spent an awesome year with you. No kidding. It's your constant support and love that makes Envy what we are now, and therefore, this Birthday Party is for YOU!

Come celebrate this wonderful anniversary with us today (Fri Oct 17)! We not only have great discounts and new styles to give back to you in store, but also cakes and other refreshments to share with you! Don't miss out!

Aaaand...let's wish for more great years to come. Happy Birthday, Envy  


Love,
Shae

Monday, October 13, 2014

Lilly Pulitzer at Envy!

Winter weather can be dark, but your accessories don't have to be! Now that it's Fall, colors start to deepen and the bright, bold hues of Summer fade. Searching for the perfect way to brighten up your look this season? We have an assortment of Lilly Pulitzer accessories perfect for any time of year and useful in your everyday life.


Our planners are ideal for keeping yourself organized during the school year. Not to mention, they are super cute! They range in price from $17 (small) to $28 (large). 
Phone chargers are essential, so why not get one with a cute pattern?! Not only do we have your typical charger, we carry portable ones which are perfect for jam-packed days away from home.
Want to spice up your hair game? Check out our bows! These are perfect to add brightness to any outfit without being too bold.
Lastly, we carry drink huggers. If you like cold beverages but can't bear to hold them in the fall and winter, these are perfect for you.

Everything is available in store, so stop by! Can't make it or live too far? Our planners and hair bows are available for purchase online too!

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Envy's Celebrity Pick: Stay warm and chic with Olivia Palermo!

            When it starts getting chilly in Chicago, we face the dilemma of staying warm or fashionable all the time, because typically, it becomes a survival issue. As winter (or should I say, polar vortex) is around the corner, we're starting to dread that puffy coat that we're going to put on every morning for a very very long time. But wait, the sun is still out! So, brighten up, why not keep the puffy coat stashed away a little longer?


               We picked Olivia Palermo this week to show you some looks that will keep you both warm and chic throughout this season, and hope that these will inspire your fall/winter wardrobe.

1. Marl knit sweater + Contemporary fit jacket


             Cuddle away in your favorite marl knit sweater. Don't want to look chunky? Add a contemporary fit jacket to contour the shape of your body. Because the materials and styles are very different, the trick to create a harmonious look is color coding. You can follow the inspired look here and go blue, or the more subdued combination Palermo used. Come in store to check out our new shipment of marl knit sweaters and fitted jackets!

2. Cable knit sweater + Faux fur vest + Liquid leggings


              Are monotone cable knit sweaters too boring for you? Pair it up with a faux fur vest that's both trendy and super cozy. Liquid leggings can visually tone your legs and also complement the chunky tops! Why stick with a plain outfit when you can look like a super model?


3. Comfy tank + Military utility jacket


               Envy just introduced a utility jacket that comes in two colors and we absolutely love it! This fall/winter essential never gets old and it is a wardrobe staple every girl deserves to have. If you're in a hurry, simply throw it over a white tank or tee and put on your favorite pair of jeans, and it, looks, great. For those of us that live in Chicago, grab a leopard print scarf on your way out and you're all set for the windy city!

               By the way, it's Envy's One Year Anniversary on Friday, October 17 and we have special events planned for you! Join us for the celebration and kick off this fall with style :)