Currently Reading: Project Soiree by Sara Visser

"Currently Reading" is a misleading title for this post, because we've been following along at Project Soiree for over a year now.  Initially, we were attracted to her effortlessly-cool sense of style, but even more than that, Project Soiree offers a fun daily perspective of life in Chicago.

Why We Read: 

1) Sara has nailed how to show her personality through her outfits.  You will definitely get ideas for mixing casual + dressy and wear bold pieces without feeling obnoxious about it

2) Check out the recipe section because OMG.

3) You will definitely feel inspired to discover the city because the@ProjectSoiree Instagram is on point for go-to dining, coffee, etc.

We were honored to get to know Sara a little more in this interview:

1. Tell us a little bit about Project Soiree:

Project Soiree is my little space to grow, learn and celebrate my favorite things in life. It’s a continual “Project” that evolves with the twists & turns of my eventful life in Chicago while celebrating big and/or small moments “Soiree.” After 4 years I’ve grown along with Project Soiree, and it’s truly a great creative outlet.

2. Why do you love fashion?

I love fashion because it’s an extension of my personality. I really enjoy trying new trends, mixing different pieces together and taking risks with my outfits. I approach fashion as a fun and artistic way to express your mood each day.

3. Describe your personal style.

My personal style is somewhat unique with a twist of classic pieces and on-trend items. I love mixing items in my closet so it’s rare to see me in the same outfit twice.

4. A fashion rule you never break.

Honestly, I really don’t believe in fashion rules. I will always wear white after Labor Day, mix navy and black and attempt socks with open toe heels. Have fun with fashion and don’t be afraid to break the rules and try something new.

5. Suggest a must-have for this fall/winter.

The cape trend is my must-have for Fall/Winter. A cape is such a chic item to stay warm and stylish so it’s a win-win in my book.

6. If you could only have one pair of shoes for the rest of your life, what would they be?

If I could only have one pair of shoes for the rest of your life I would choose a classic pair of black heels. You can’t go wrong with black heels that go with everything.

7. Your Chicago go-to hotspot this fall and why:

My Chicago go-to hotspot this Fall is MFK in Lincoln Park for incredible seafood dishes and a cozy atmosphere.

8. Do you have any fall traditions? Any specific to Chicago?

A trip to the apple orchard for pumpkin spiced donuts and Honeycrisp apples is a must in the Fall. I also love visiting the Green City Market on Saturday mornings in Chicago for apple cider and local produce for baking up some of my favorite Fall recipes.

9. Every brunch is incomplete without ______. 

Champagne. Cheers!

You can follow Project Soiree at the links below:

Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

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.

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 :)

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!

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!

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 :)