Shopping from the Chicago Sun-Times

Six summer shoe styles to help re-energize your wardrobe

Sparkle. Prints. Color-blocking. And — dare I say — comfort. These are the biggest themes you’ll see popping up in fabulous footwear collections this summer — all a welcome change after a long season of boots, boots and more boots.

Vote: Do you like the flatform shoe?

One style I’m not quite sure about is the flatform — a curious hybrid of the flat shoe and platform heel. Which begs the question: Why? Isn’t the point of flats to be, well, flat on the ground? Let us know what you think by …

Carry a cause with a Workshop/CoOp bag

Store your daily essentials in one of these gorgeous, hand-loomed Workshop/CoOp bags (just featured in O Magazine); $45-$95 at theworkshopcoop.com. With every handbag sold, a 6- or 12-month supply of hygiene products will be given to a woman or girl who has been displaced from …

How to create recent celebrity red carpet looks

Need a little red carpet-worthy fashion in your life? Since you won’t find many of these ensembles sold in stores, here are pieces to help create your own Hollywood style.

Local designer picked up by Macy’s on NBC’s ‘Fashion Star’

Whew! Chicago contestant Barbara Bates finally got a win on last night’s “Fashion Star,” NBC’s reality fashion design competition. After three episodes of being rejected by the buyers from Macy’s, H&M and Saks, Bates finally scored with two casual haltler dresses, snatched up by Caprice …

South suburban native designer launches new handbag collection

Did you know one of the world’s hottest shoe designers is from none other than Joliet? Brian Atwood — whose luxury footwear has been worn by celebrities such as Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore and, most recently, Jennifer Lawrence at a “Hunger Games” premiere …

Behind the scenes of ‘Fashion Star’

Prints, a very hot trend right now (see related story), are featured in both outfits that Macy’s picked up Tuesday night on NBC’S “Fashion Star.” On this reality show, designers compete, and buyers from retailers Macy’s, H&M and Saks choose clothing that viewers can buy …

Bold prints a huge trend for the season

Even though I often write about trends, the term can make me a little uncomfortable.

Most of us have our own personal style, and for me, following a trend sometimes makes me feel less original. Or maybe I’m just bitter after falling for the knee-length …

Sexy new line from Chicago’s Kahindo Mateene

Chicago up-and-comer Kahindo Mateene has fused her African heritage with an urban sensibility for spring.

My favorite brands (and how to never pay full price for them)

While I love Baby Gap or Carter outfits as much as the next mother, there are several smaller independent brands that offer that extra edge I like in a baby outfit.

Asking this question: Why does a child’s trench coat cost $1,645?

I sift through dozens of press releases each day, all announcing new clothing lines, store openings or events. Earlier this week, one caused me to almost choke on my Starbucks coffee. It was a price listing for a children’s trench coat. And that price was $1,645.