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

Top 3 Reasons to Shop Small this Holiday Season

For retailers like us, we have already started planning and prepping for our busiest season: the time when YOU shop for the ones you love most.

Envy owner Kristi explains the top reasons you should shop local this holiday season:

1. Shop with your Friends
I've been lucky enough to help many of my customers over and over-- I know their taste, their lifestyle, their body type, and their price point. Or, if I don't know you personally, chances are I've assisted your neighbor, daughter, co-worker, etc.

From the customer's perspective, however, it's more than just building a personal connection with sales associates; it's about convenience. It is so much easier to shop with someone that already 'gets' you. Holiday shopping can be a headache, but not when you're shopping efficiently in stores that already know how to help you.

Even more, holiday returns are annoying, but chances are, the same employee that helped you pick out the gift item will be working *if* the item comes back to be returned. Last Christmas, I helped a husband put a whole outfit together for his wife. So sweet! When she came back with the entire gift still wrapped in Envy tissue paper (wrong size, darn!), I thought, 'This is so fun putting a face to the gift!' And I was able to help her get the correct items in less than 5 minutes.

2. Diversity of Products
Local businesses don't have to stock their shelves with products to reach a "mass market." Instead, we pick products for our local audience. For example, the two most popular items in our store right now are Chicago Flag necklaces and Fleece Lined Leggings. Obviously, these items are specific and regional, but we sell hundreds of each item in our Evanston store.

But it goes beyond niche-y products. You ask for sweaters, leg warmers, infinity scarves? We run to the phone and make sure our buyers order it. Because it's what YOU want (and need-- let's be real, it's freezing here), not what someone in L.A. or Dallas wants to buy. The benefit of shopping local is we listen to you when we fill our stores so you can purchase exactly what you are looking for.

3. Help us create jobs and invest in our community!

Without a doubt, the best part of owning a small business is connecting with the community that supports us. We hire local residents and college students who are active in the community, and we support their local charities, schools, and events. For example, in the past year, your support has allowed us to contribute to Evanston Township High School, Northwestern University Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, Delta Gamma Sorority, Kappa Delta Sorority, and a handful of other charities and fundraising events.  You are able to patronize the shops that support your causes, and that means YOU have a direct impact on your community. That's pretty cool!

This is a feel-good post for us! We have been blessed with a community filled with local support, and we can't wait to help you shop this holiday season for your loved ones :)


Mark your calendars for these Envy shopping events in November:

November 7 - November 9: Shop3V Pop-up Shop at Envy in Downtown Evanston
Meet Danira from Triple V Clothing at her online boutique's Grand Opening event!

November 9: Kenilworth Club Holiday Bazaar
Shop with Envy and other local vendors at this festive event!

November 14: Envy Pre- Black Friday Party! at Envy in Downtown Evanston
Out of town for Black Friday? No prob-- we celebrate it early at Envy!

November 29: Small Business Saturday and Downtown Evanston Tree Lighting
Shop Small Saturday coincides with Downtown Evanston's most popular holiday event! This is your excuse to shop around the great local boutiques in Evanston!

Meet Danira from Triple V Clothing!

Mark you calendars! 

This weekend you will have the opportunity to meet the owner of Triple V Clothing, an e-commerce clothing store based in Evanston! Triple V Clothing will be hosting a pop-up shop at Envy from November 7th - November 9th. Currently, Triple V is only available online at www.Shop3V.com, so this is your opportunity to come and try it all on in person!

We interviewed Danira Alihodzic, the CEO and Founder of Triple V, so you can learn a little more about her and the brand. She will be at Envy all weekend, so stop by and meet her in person!

About Shop3V.com:

Triple V Clothing is modern, contemporary and unique clothing hand-picked by Danira. The price point is amazing but even better, Triple V Clothing gives a portion of it’s proceeds to charities. 

Briefly describe your story:

I was working at a law firm and simply decided one day that it made sense for me to start my own business and do something I truly love. The business plan was drawn up the same day, and here we are.

Where did the concept for Shop3V.com come from?

I was getting sick of seeing the exact same clothes at all the stores I was shopping at, and noticed that my friends were too. I decided to give us an option that wouldn’t leave us worrying if 3 other girls would have the same dress at the same party.

What is the best thing about being Founder & CEO (Chief Hustler)?

The best thing would have to be the creative freedom. I get to pull inspiration directly from my surroundings and pour it into the brand. It’s nice because my customers are girls like me, I get them – they get me. There isn’t a buying meeting at the 100^th floor of some fancy building with a handful of stuffy businesspeople whose main goal is money. I feel like that’s what Triple V’s customers appreciate.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Would it be super cliché to say life? Yeah? Ok.
It would be difficult to narrow it down to one major thing, but my friends and family are probably a huge part of what inspires me. Each of them is so different, yet somehow they all mesh. Their styles blend together and end up in our clothes. I’d like to think there is something for everyone at Triple V, and that’s a direct result of my friends and family.

What is your best selling item at Shop3V.com?

Everybody was going absolutely crazy over a denim coat we had last season! So much so that we’ll be re-introducing it in the Spring.

Describe your personal style.

I’m such a chameleon. One day I’m super sophisticated and sleek in all black, the next I’m channeling my inner 90’s grunge diva with a vintage band tee and purple ombre. But that’s the beauty of fashion; we get to be whatever we want to be.

What is your favorite thing about fall in Chicago?

The clothes! I’m not a fan of 90-degree weather, so when it drops down to 60’s and I get to shop for sweaters, hats, and boots – I am ecstatic! Also, the gorgeous lakeside walks in early fall. Our city is stunning!

Three things in your bag:

My liquid eyeliner by NYC – fall is the ultimate season for a bold cat eye, and this gem lasts forever and is such a bargain at $3!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Line lip liner in 3C – my ULTIMATE obsession at the moment. Move over, Kylie Jenner.

Business cards, because you never know when an opportunity can come knocking!

What is one thing our readers would be surprised to hear about you:

I lived in 7 different countries and 11 different cities by the age of 13. I’ve added London, UK to the list since then.

Check Triple V Clothing out on Facebook

And come meet Danira in person at Envy this weekend!! Can't wait to see you all there!

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 :)

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

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 :)

Fall Photo Shoot

We had the honor of working with Erika from French Vendette again for one of her recent photo shoots! Erika is a wardrobe stylist based in Chicago that frequently uses Envy pieces in her amazing shoots. Take a look!

Boho Daisy Dress available

here: http://bit.ly/1v0bN15

Photographer | Heather Talbert

Hair/Makeup | Kat D with #FactorArtists

Fashion Stylist | French Vendette' with #FactorArtists

Chicago Pride

THEY'RE BACK!!

Chicago flag necklaces have been restocked! They're available here

We are so happy that the Chicago Flag necklaces have been such a hot item, 

because that means so many people love our city as much as we do <3 

Available in-store and online for $11.98!

Live in Evanston? Buy online and select "in-store pick-up"

to ensure you get one!

Fall 2014 is all about Fun & Flowy!

Sneak Peek Time!!

You are going to go CRAZY over our new fall arrivals! All flowy silhouettes, fun prints, & darker yet playful color combinations.

Here are some of our staff picks (and they're all in stock in-store AND online!):

1. Indie Autumn Top: 19.98

2. Multicolored Tribal Top:  $19.98

3. Date Night Paisley Romper: $36.98

 4. Clemson Orange Lace Dress: $33.98

 5. Geometric Wrap Blouse: $29.98

 6. Falling for Floral Top: $26.98

Love any or ALL of these?? Everything is linked-- 

or click the shop tab (up there^^)