You can look nice and put together, but still feel super comfy. Snag a pair of our amazing faux leather joggers (they are lined with the softest material, made in the USA and on sale!) add a pink or maroon top and our pink scarf.
Feel like putting on a fun and flirty skirt? Love our leopard print midi skirt with the tie front pink Selena sweater. Sass it up a bit with our Lynda faux leather pencil skirt and Doreen sweater adorned with pretty buttons.
Don't have time to think about it? Snag one of these camisoles (Lisette, Mira, Ravine) and throw on a black cardigan or leather jacket. All of these tops are on super sale! Easy peasy.
For a more boho look, style our Lizea dress like Nicole Pearl and add suede booties and a hat!
Or if you're looking for something a little more chic, check out our Leila dress and black scarf (both on sale!)
]]>Abby Alley Cylinder Stud $38 - Chicago jewelry designer, Abby Alley, partners with artisans in East Africa to handcraft brass jewelry & leather bags.
Stix & Roses Lucca Vegan Fedora $45 - Chicago-based clothing line and other accessories that are vegan, cruelty free and sustainable.
Luxe Candle + Bath Co. Tin Candles $10 - All ingredients are sourced in the USA and made in Texas.
Albany & Avers Sherpa Zip Up $45 - Midwest-based boutique mixing modern and vintage pieces.
Luxe Candle + Bath Co. Room and Linen Spray $16
Havlan & West Soft Knit Mittens $26 - Chicago-based women’s online clothing boutique and personal styling service.
Katie Farnan Tiered Blouse $78 - A women’s contemporary clothing line based, designed and manufactured in Chicago.
The LIFE Bags Company Clutch $99 - Vegan leather bags designed in Chicago and give back to underprivileged children in India.
Havlan & West Nahla Wool Coat $209
Stix & Roses Ribbed Knit T-Shirt Dress $168 - Stix & Roses is handmade in Chicago, cruelty free, vegan and sustainable.
Abby Alley Crossover Cuff $75
Stix & Roses Creme Dream Silk Jersey Trouser $168
Taxaflora Dried Floral Bouquet $35-$50 (including vases) - Chicago-based florist specializing in floral art.
Luxe Candle + Bath Co. Wooden Dough Bowl 3 Wick Candle $40
Stix & Roses Abstract Paintings $75
Havlan & West Faux Floral Wreath $55
Havlan & West 16 x 16 Throw Pillows $26 ea.
Taxaflora Dried Floral Wreath $75
]]>work it winter to spring
A great way to expand your work wardrobe is by pulling forward any fall/winter button-up blouses. This emerald green blouse and floral cami were both from our winter collections, but here I am wearing the Remy Blouse ($27) open with sleeves rolled over the Mira Cami ($21) and paired them with white skinny jeans and pumps. This gives new life two these two pieces!
knot your usual daywear
Pairing your lighter fall sweaters with shorts or white denim is a super cute way to incorporate them into your spring style. Here is our Isla sweater that I paired with our Cassidy eyelet shorts and a colorful pair of flats. If you have an oversized sweater - knot it in front!
fancy pants
Lastly, bringing a pair of satin joggers to spring can give you many more options for a night out. I have paired the Roma Joggers ($27) with the white, off-the-shoulder Joplin Bodysuit ($20) and pumps. Bring along this Phillipa Shawl ($21) for a chilly night. You can have this whole look for $68!
]]>
Spring break calls for lightweight and fun outfits great for the beach. The Elaina top ($36) is a great option for going to the beach. And it is over 50% off! The top can be worn over a cute cami and jean shorts for a casual day outfit, or wear it with a bathing suit as a cover-up for a day on the beach.
Halter tops are another cute option to wear in warmer weather. Summer in Morocco ($29) is a fun top to wear on any vacation. This top is simple and can go with anything thanks to its white color. It also has great detailing on the collar to make things interesting. Pair this with denim and cute sneakers for a casual look. You can even wear a colorful jacket over it for colder temperatures. This top is on sale for over 50% off!
Finally, colorful tops are perfect for your spring break vacation. The Tango Tie top ($32) is a mint green top that is great for adding a pop of color to your outfit. Wear this top with denim or even white pants for a stylish outfit for your vacation. Unbutton the top few buttons and wear this top over a nice cami. This top is casual yet intriguing and on sale for over 50% off!
These are some styles to try out on your spring break vacation. They are simple and fun, and they are all sale items!
By: Bridget Killian
]]>
A shawl is a perfect piece for the move to springtime, like our Phillipa ($34). It’s a lightweight accessory that can make any spring dress work in colder temperatures. And it is on sale for less than $40! It is simple yet effective, and goes with almost anything. You can wear it with a dress for a more sophisticated look, or pair it with denim, a top, and cute sneakers for something more casual.
Light colors are another great way to make the transition from winter to spring smoother. You can stay warm with sweaters while still embracing the light tones of springtime. The Blaine sweater ($88) is a great new arrival for staying cozy and getting ready for spring. It can be worn by itself or unbutton it and pair it with a cute cami (can we suggest the Mira cami?!). Pair it with jeans for a casual “pre-spring” look, or dress it up by wearing it over your favorite go-to dress like our Elba dress.
The Evon sweater ($39) paired with jeans and flats or sneakers can be a casual statement during the transition from winter to spring. This sale item is basic, but can go with anything. Its neutral color enables you to pair it with some brighter items like a fun belt or necklace to add a pop to your outfit.
These are a few examples of the endless possibilities to make the transition between seasons easier and more fashionable. Check out our new arrivals along with many sale items to find other great options!
By: Bridget Killian
]]>Valentine’s Day Sparkle
Everyone needs a little sparkle in their life, right? This sequin skirt ($54) is surprisingly comfortable and lightweight. I have paired it with our Skip a beat sweatshirt ($39) and booties for a fun night out.
Causal with a side of sparkle ;)
If you’re like me and always on the go, this is a great option. You can still feel dressed up, but have on some comfy sneakers and throw your hair in a pony.
Lovers of animal print
Feeling frisky? Then these are for you ;) Both of these tops work well with the Lynda Faux Leather Skirt ($54), just depends on your plans. You can throw on a blazer and pumps with the Mira Leopard Cami ($34) for a more sophisticated look. I wore the Mabel sweater ($49) with suede knee-high boots to keep my legs warm!
Casual all the way
If you don’t feel like dressing up, but still want to feel a bit festive, the Esther or Alysha Sweaters ($88) are the perfect choice. Understated pink tones, paired with denim and cute sneakers.
Pretty in hot pink
I love this pink dress not only because it’s on sale ($38), but because it is super comfy and there is A LOT of ruching to hide any insecurities. A year postpartum and I still need ruching in my life. The more ruching the better ;) I just threw on booties and our Faux Leather jacket ($49) and felt very put together!
These are just some of our favorite pieces for Valentine’s Day. Check out all of our options here: Valentine’s DayValentine’s Day Style.
]]>I love a good, oversized sweater or jacket on a brisk fall day! Here are four amazing options that are both warm and cozy! The grey plaid Ezra Sweater Jacket is currently in stock and the other three are coming soon!
This season I am seeing a lot of the standard prints & patterns done in a new, fresh way! The plaid pant with a sporty stripe, the large, pixelated camouflage and the pretty in pink animal print. The Check Again Pant is available now. Stay tuned for the printed sweaters.
Mixing prints and patterns... something I don’t usually do, but after NYFW, I embraced it! And I’m happy to say that stepping out of my comfort zone resulted in discovering so many new ways to pair items! Both the Rowan Top and Missouri Cami are great options as they are floral, but still pretty neutral in color.
Last, we have the easy peasy matching monochrome sets! All the work is done for you! Both of these sets are available online. The black Haze Top and Austin Pant are sold separately, however, the grey Asher Set is sold... you guessed it, as a set!
]]>
Should it stay or should it go? Let go of the following:
Once you have gotten rid of these items (donate or sell), you can take inventory of what you have and what pieces you need to fill in your closet. Here are some great staples that can be easy additions to any wardrobe.
Chambray Top
This chambray top is so versatile and can be paired with many things you may already have in your closet. For starters, this top always looks amazing with crisp white denim pants or shorts. Or pair with a colored pair of pants that can transition easily into fall.
White Eyelet Shorts
These eyelet shorts are so sweet and lend themselves to endless possibilities in the top department. Pair with a solid color, silky camisole or bodysuit for a sleek and sophisticated look.
Light trench
This is the perfect spring trench! We love how it is not as stiff and structured as your typical trench, but is made of a super soft tencel which allows for a drapey look.
Striped t-shirt dress
We have a couple of options for the easy, throw on and go, striped t-shirt dress. Not much needed other than a cute pair of wedges or sneakers!
]]>While a night at the opera can be seen as something that only a small percentage of the upper echelon can enjoy, millennials are beginning to come back into experiencing this timeless art form. Affordable ways for millennials to enjoy a gorgeous night of classic arias and theater are available in many different forms. At Chicago’s Lyric Opera’s NEXT program and the Lyric Young Professional program, you can live like royalty at affordable prices. But what could one wear to an evening out at the opera? In honor of Cinderella (Cendrillon) being performed at Lyric Opera for the month of January, we have put together a few ideas on how you can bring a sense of trend to the opera house.
When it comes to the opera you might want to go for some work wear that can translate into evening wear if you happen to be going on a night where you just got off of work. Past generations would wear their best gowns and jewels to the opera, but these days there is a slightly more casual element to it. One gorgeous work wear into evening wear piece that you can find at Havlan & West is the Alvie Dress, which is a comfortably chic sweater dress that can be accessorized perfectly to give it enough of an elegant flair to be appropriate for the opera.
If you want to look a little more evening-ready then you can opt for the sheer Ellen Dress that features a beautiful high neckline and a short hem to show just enough leg. Both dresses can be paired with short booties to complete either look for the night.
You don’t want to carry around a huge shoulder bag, so consolidate all of your items by only bringing your money cards, keys, and other small items to fit in our gorgeous Leather Wallet from Will Leather Goods. You can get the black one to match the Alvie Dress or a brown one to add a little pop off contrasting color.
Now that you have an idea of what you can wear to your special night out at the opera, don’t forget to go see Cinderella (Cendrillon) at Lyric Opera up until Jan. 20th.
]]>1. I will wear more color
Those of us who enjoy matching our black leggings with black sweaters and black boots can tend to fall in a never-ending black void of dark or neutral clothing. Adding a pop of color can bring out features you never knew you had like those small brown flecks in your eyes or the reddish hue in your skin.
2. I will take more fashion risks
Wearing those rainbow platforms to the office party can be seen as too much of a risk, but in 2019 we vow to go against the grain and take the fashion risks that we have always wanted to. Wear those cowboy boots that you have always had your eye on with pride and even start some new trends!
3. I will accessorize like there is no tomorrow
Sometimes we only think to accessorize on special occasions, however, accessories are a fun way to jazz up a dull outfit on any normal day. Stack up with multiple rings and bracelets. Find a nice go-to statement piece necklace to add that much-needed exclamation point that your clothes might need.
4. I will treat myself to a new outfit
Start off the New Year right by getting yourself a new outfit that will represent new beginnings and a personal reinvention. Head to Havlan & West and find a new blouse or pants, and even some shoes to go with it and step into the New Year with a new outfit, and outlook on life. Can't make it into the store? Havlan & West will come to you in a SNAP! Click here for more details.
5. Hone in on your own personal style
Some mistake having a personal style for having to be the most conscious fashionista, however, personal style just simply means your own vision that reflects who you are as a person. If you enjoy over-sized sweaters and leggings then that is your personal style. Find out what it is and sharpen it a bit, so you can represent yourself to the world better than ever.
]]>Home is where the heart is, so it is important to make your little nest as comfortable and inviting as possible. Whether you are in a dorm room or decorating your very first house, you will want to incorporate just the right amount of love to keep a positive energy buzzing in the safe haven that you can always count on. Coming home from a long stressful day and lighting a few scented candles can make all of the difference in making your day a little better. Below are a few tips in how to make the most of your sacred space and make it as cozy as ever.
Encourage meditative thinking with scented candles
Relax the mind and boost your positive energy levels by turning your room into a meditation mecca. Pick up some candles and spice it up with picking some nostalgic scents that bring back warmhearted memories. Maybe the smell of cinnamon or peppermint reminds you have the holidays at Grandma’s house? Then pick up some familiar scents and sink into the contentment of fond remembrances with some candles.
Decorate your space for holidays
You will want your space to change up slightly to keep it familiar, while also a bit new every once in a while. One way to do this is to add at least one decoration for your favorite holidays. On Halloween, maybe add a pumpkin or some fall leaves to reflect the time. For the winter holiday season hang a wreath on your door or in your bedroom to keep those warm and fuzzy feelings flowing.
Use warm lighting
Lighting can make all of the difference in how you respond to your environment. Loud fluorescent lighting can cause stress and discomfort, especially within your own home. Consider decking your house or room in warm lighting. Use heavy lampshades or lower wattage bulbs to create a home-y aura. You can even get creative with occasionally using some colored bulbs to change the atmosphere. Try a green or blue hued light and see how it makes you feel.
Fill your space with inspirational imagery
You always want the room or area you spend most time in to be encouraging. Pepper your space with inspirational quotes or your favorite posters. Put up people, places, or things that inspire you and encourage your personal growth.
]]>Over-sized Everything
Wearing a sweater that is a size too big is seen as the norm, but in 2018 people have been nearly drowning in mountains of fabric with some of these over-sized pieces. Designers like Rick Owens and RAF Simons have been featuring domineering and bulky silhouettes with extra long trench coats, massive sweaters, and extra long shirts. The over-sized trend reached meme status when model and influencer, Kendall Jenner, donned a huge over-sized red puffer jacket during a photo shoot. As we push into winter we see that we are continuing to get lost among the fabric with large sweaters and shirts to keep us warm in the frigid weather.
What a Mesh
For those who were around, we know how big mesh was in the 80's. Neon mesh t-shirts were matched with neon undershirts or tulle skirts to make for what some considered a regrettably tacky look. In 2018, mesh made a big return, but traded in the neon colors for muted earth tones or monochrome color schemes. Billowing and feminine silhouettes made their way onto dresses or skirts with classic cuts. These mesh looks were especially popular during festival seasons, making their ways onto a slew of celebrities during Coachella.
Denim Overload
Denim on denim hasn't made such huge headlines since Britney Spears'/Justin Timberlake's infamous VMAs look. However, in 2018 we saw denim on denim make its way back to the runways. Pairing a medium wash denim jacket with light wash bottoms was seen a lot this year and made for a chic matching yet contrasting aesthetic.
Enter the Matrix: Tiny Cyber Punk Sunglasses
2018 was all about the accessories, but the most prominent was the vintage tiny cyberpunk sunglasses. Whether they were cat eye, oval or square, the tiny sunglasses automatically turned any outfit from casual to couture. Seen on icons like Aaliyah and Lisa Bonet, this shrunken sunglasses visual was made popular from the Matrix trilogy. Bella Hadid, Rihanna, and more celebrities began to wear them throughout the year before the trend exploded into the mainstream.
Designer Sneakers
A few decades ago, no one could have imagined we would pay over $400 for sneakers, but alas here we are. As people camp in lines and wait for alerts on the latest exclusive colorways for brands like Yeezy or Balenciaga, it has become evident in 2018 just how important sneakers are as a major outfit focal point.
]]>As the invitations and Save the Dates adorned with snowmen, reindeer, and elves aplenty begin to roll through inboxes, it is normal to begin to feel a bit of outfit-phobia with all of this holiday cheer beginning to infiltrate your life. All of these parties mean you have to come up with a variety of different essential looks to fit each occasion. Whether it’s a casual holiday kickback or an office party in a ballroom, we have you covered with some show stopping holiday party ideas to get you to be the bell of the ball—literally.
]]>As the invitations and Save the Dates adorned with snowmen, reindeer, and elves aplenty begin to roll through inboxes, it is normal to begin to feel a bit of outfit-phobia with all of this holiday cheer beginning to infiltrate your life. All of these parties mean you have to come up with a variety of different essential looks to fit each occasion. Whether it’s a casual holiday kickback or an office party in a ballroom, we have you covered with some show stopping holiday party ideas to get you to be the bell of the ball—literally.
Office Holiday Gathering Chic
When dealing with an office holiday party it is hard to distinguish between what could be deemed appropriate, while still being glammed-up enough to make an impression. You can never go wrong with the little black dress and with our One Shoulder Dress, you can show just enough skin to turn heads, while still maintaining a sense of professionalism that will be needed while you are around your coworkers. Spice this look up with a bold gold necklace and some black pumps to bring the ensemble together perfectly.
Eggnog Kickback Casual
Your friends are battling to see who can make the best eggnog and they have invited you over to engage in their holiday shindig. What could you wear to this? Just because something is casual doesn’t mean you can’t bring a slightly fashionable element to the table. Keep comfortable and warm by wearing a classy turtleneck and add a luxurious twist by complimenting it with our Cinnamon Cashmere Travel Wrap. Pair this with some black skinnies and knee high boots to keep winter-y and fashionable.
Holiday Cocktail Party Flashy
If you are going out for holiday cocktails then you definitely want to make a statement. Whether you are going for holiday drinks at a bar or going to a cocktail party at one’s home, you will still want to dress for the occasion. Dressing in strictly red, green, or silver can be a bit predictable. Change the game by going for a mauve or dusty rose look to display some quaint femininity and going against the usual holiday color scheme. Our Mauve Faux Suede Dress gives you that sleek suede look while still being able to maintain your vegan beliefs, if that's your thang!
]]>
Katharine Hepburn made a statement in them and became a style icon that would be recognized for decades to come.
We want to put a new spin on a classic staple.
Wide leg trousers emanate prestige and power, but how do you take such a timeless piece and make it 2018? We wanted to create a look that you can take from the boardroom to the weekend, from meetings to brunch. This is our take on casual Friday using these new beauts we just got in for spring.
With the pants as the base and focus of this outfit, we wanted to keep the rest of the look simple. We paired a cute distressed stripe tee with a crisp clean pop of color in an ankle strap kitten heel.
Stripes:
Every where you look stripes are featured with spring and summer staple items. This is a great way to incorporate a trend into your daily life in a subtle way. French girl style is all about having a solid base of wardrobe essentials, and incorporating trends as we see in the minute details. This tee is a perfect example.
Accessories:
Keep the accessories simple. This look is all about length and definition. We paired these statement earrings to extend the vertical line of focus. The eye is drawn from neckline to waist to ankle.
Pop of Color:
With the rest of this look aligning with the black and white color story, we added a pop of color in the shoe to accentuate the shape of the trouser from waist to toe. The beautiful thing about adding a pop of color in your footwear is that this look changes with each new shoe you wear. With all of the amazing options out there this spring summer, your options are endless.
How many ways can you re-wear these pants? We want to see! Let us know and share your look online with us @havlanandwest #havlanandwest.
]]>Finally Spring has decided to arrive, better late than never, and it looks like it is safe to put the winter boots and coats away. With that being said, mornings and nights still have a slight cool breeze in the air, so we have put together our favorite spring transition essentials for 2018.
Spring 2018 Staples
Lightweight Woven Tapestry Jackets
With spring’s unpredictable weather, its always a good idea to carry a lightweight jacket with you throughout the day. Woven tapestry jackets are a beautiful way to play with the elements of the season. Shake things up and opt for a cotton woven style, instead of a traditional denim. These pieces are conversation starters. They add a fresh element of surprise to an otherwise classic look.
Sweater Knit Tanks
We have a thing for sweater knit tanks. They are timeless and a staple purchase that you will never regret. This season delicate details are finding their way to these beloved wardrobe essentials and we couldn’t be more excited. This tank features a lace detailing on the side seams that adds just the right amount of fresh and new to any look.
Beaded Bags
Beading is being seen everywhere this season. It is a micro trend that is freshening up looks across the runway. It is such an easy way to add in a pop of color and texture to any look. Handbags are the best way to play with a trend and test out colors you may not regularly wear. The blue and orange against the ivory, give this entire look a totally different vibe that feels new and so right now.
Beaded Necklaces Mixed with Natural Elements
From bags to bold statement necklaces, beading continues to flaunt and its one trend that paired with the proper neutrals and wardrobe basics, you can’t go wrong with. We said it before, there is no better way to test out a trend than with shoes, bags or jewelry. Play with the color story of your outfit and add in one or two contrasting pop colors within your accessories to safely incorporate these trends into your daily life.
Freshly Cuffed Denim
Give your heavy winter denims a break and pull out your spring/summer denim. Cuffs are cool. What better way to show off this seasons beautiful block heel slingbacks and mules, than with a perfectly cuffed, fresh denim acting as the backdrop. We have got your denim needs covered.
Block Heel Slingback Sandals + Mules in Artful Colors and Textures
An easy way to bring spring into your outfit is by adding bright light color and texture in your footwear. We are seeing a lot of art infused pieces this season. From prints, patterns, colors, and metallics, shoes are seeing a renaissance revival. They are a great way to bring your personality out in your outfit, while remaining work appropriate. Heel height is staying close to a kitten, no more than 3 inches. They are functional and fashion forward. A double win. Adding just enough length to every look.
What do you think? Will you give any of these trends a try? Let us know and make sure to tag us on Instagram @havlanandwest #havlanandwest.
]]>