Recently, we had the chance to chat fashion with Julie Watson, wardrobe consultant extraordinaire and founder of juliewatsonstyle. She shared with us some excellent tips and tidbits on dressing your best, Chicago style, and her coveted career!

SITM: How would you define Chicago style? What makes it unique?

J.W.: Chicago style is diverse, and that’s what makes it (and the city!) so great. I think the “Midwestern stereotype” still exists out there, particularly among the fashion community on the coasts. It always makes me giggle when industry friends from New York, L.A., San Francisco and Europe come to Chicago and are “surprised” by how chic the people are! Yup, as it turns out, there IS incredible style in the middle.  Chicago style ranges from glam, fashion-y and trend conscious, all the way to roller girl 50’s inspired hipster chic. Each Chicago neighborhood has somewhat of it’s own “style personality” which is fantastic. It’s great to walk in the city and see a fashion forward risk-taker walking alongside someone in a classic, tailored suit, and trailing slightly behind them is a gal donning perfectly polished vintage. Somehow, here, it all makes sense.

SITM: How did you get started as a wardrobe consultant?

J.W.: After spending 16 years in the fashion industry, I knew it was time for a change. I wanted to remove myself from the “corporate grind”, but also knew that the industry was truly part of my DNA. It was all about applying the last 16 years of my career to the “next step” in my professional life. My goal was to create a business model that didn’t exist in the market- a wardrobe consulting service grounded in expertise combined with a welcoming and accessible approach. So, in January of 2007, I left my role as senior director of women’s merchandising at Banana Republic, moved from San Francisco to Chicago, and a few months later launched juliewatsonstyle. It’s been a wonderful, life-altering experience to say the least!

SITM: What is your favorite part about the job?

J.W.: Our clients. No question, they’re the best part about the job- they’re absolutely wonderful. We work with CEO’s, and stay at home moms.  Size 0’s and size 22’s. We’ve dressed people for events at the White House, and date night with their husbands. It’s the diverse range of clients that we service that makes each day so rewarding-and so different! I like to think we work with the “every woman”. The woman that just needs a little help. It’s the women that are just like “us”…you know, the 99.9% of the population that’s not featured on TV, or seen in the pages US Weekly!  It’s really so rewarding to give our clients a sense of “fashion empowerment”, and to break down all of the “as seen on t.v.” stereotypes that come along with the image of a stylist.  My job is to make women aware of the fact that fashion is for everyone- it comes in all shapes, sizes and style preferences. It’s always a joy to see the “relief” on a client’s face when they know they can trust me, when they know they’re not being judged, when they know that I’m their advocate.  That’s when the fun begins!

SITM: What is a common styling tip you find yourself offering to women?

J.W.: I’m constantly telling our clients to push up their sweater sleeves, and roll their shirt and blazer sleeves. I’m a fanatic. Just that little touch conveys an effortless, relaxed attitude. A bit of a “sleeve-joozh” is always in order.  I encourage accessorizing as a way to add a bit of panache to an outfit- belts are definitely in order when tucking a blouse in to a skirt or pant, a few bracelets can go a long way, and a scarf can be an outfit’s best friend.  I also preach that pattern mixing and layering are keys in creating an effortlessly chic look.

SITM:What trend are you most excited about for fall?

J.W.: OH gosh, do I have to pick just one??!  I’m loving the 60’s influence that dominated the fall runways. There’s a lady-like, Laura Petry thing happening with shift dresses, fur trims, peter pan collars, bracelet sleeves, tunics over skinny ankle pants, and smart peacoats.  There’s also a mod, “Twiggy” take on the era expressed through graphic color-blocking, bold geometrics, and patent that feels spirited and punchy.  I’m also happy to see the continuation of the bold color message that was so prevalent in spring. Unexpected juxtapositions of color feels really fresh for fall.  I’m particularly smitten with the mix of the rust/acorn color family with pinks ranging from blush nudes to bright lipstick pink. It’s oddly perfect.  For shoes, it’s all about the heeled loafer for me. In love.

SITM: What items would you recommend splurging on and what should women try and save on?

J.W.: Splurge on a great pair shoes, a beautifully constructed handbag, an iconic “statement” accessory (be it a bracelet, a necklace or a belt) and a perfectly fitting pair of pants. Save on basic layering pieces- tees, cardigans and underpinnings. Anchoring a wardrobe with these well crafted, high quality investment pieces will automatically make the items you “save” on look more elevated. Great style isn’t about how much you spend on each item, rather, it’s about knowing what pieces to invest in to craft the perfect balance of high and low.

And we’re very excited to be headed to Julie’s studio tomorrow (8/24) for a book party/shop crawl with Jessica Quirk! Live in the Chicago area? It’s not too late to RSVP — click here for all the deets. We hope to see you there!

It is with great excitement that we announce the addition of two chic, upscale new retailers…welcome to Shop It To Me, BergdorfGoodman.com and AlexanderWang.com!

Standing at the crossroads of fashion at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street in New York City, Bergdorf Goodman is known throughout the world for elegance, luxury, and superior service. And now, regardless of where they reside, Shop It To Me members are able to enjoy the amazing, upscale designer selection at marked down prices online.

Alexander Wang is making major moves in the world of fashion. The 27 year old SF-native (as if we needed a reason to love him even more) has received top honors as the recipient of the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund, in addition to a Swarovski Designer Of The Year award the past two years in a row! The fashion-forward, edgy designs available at AlexanderWang.com can now be found at accessible prices via Shop It To Me.

Keep an eye out for your favorite high end designers in Salemail from Bergdorf’s! And if you haven’t already, be sure to add Alexander Wang to your profile. Then all that’s left to do is sit back, relax and prepare for an influx of irresistible designer goodness.

You know we’re ma-jor suckers for the Bachelorette. Well, it turns out Trista Sutter is a fan of Shop It To Me, too! She picked out this bright red BCBG number from Salemail, and my oh my does it look good on her.

We had a chance to chat with Trista about her outfit choice for the finale party, and here’s what she had to say!

What stood out to you about this dress…why did you pick it for the event?

Honestly…it wasn’t tight around the lower tummy area and I loved the color!

Is BCBG a brand you wear often? Any other favorite dress brands?

I would love to say I have a reason to get dolled up “often”, but as a mommy of two living in Vail, that’s just not the case. :) I do love BCBG though. Other brands I love are Hale Bob, Shoshanna, and Alice + Olivia.

We love that color red! Are there any other stand-out colors you’re excited about wearing this season?

I do love neutrals, but this season am completely drawn to jewel tones. I’ve never shied away from color…it just has to cover up my problem area after having 2 babies!! :)

If you ask us, there’s not a “problem area” in sight. We think Trista looks pretty darn great!

Nothing like a chic chunky sweater, or structured trench to help you adjust as temperatures drop! We can’t think of a better way to bring on the fall breeze than with a few new staples from AllSaints. That’s why we’re giving away a $250 gift card to one lucky winner who’ll get to shop the site to their heart’s desire!

Enter to win by completing the following steps:

1. Follow @ShopItToMe and  @AllSaints_ on twitter
2. Tweet the following phrase:

Bring on the breeze w/ a $250 @AllSaints_ gift card! Follow @ShopItToMe @AllSaints_ and RT to enter http://bit.ly/nPx8tF #FallFashion

Note:

• Winning entrant must be a Shop It To Me member.  Not signed up?  Join now!
• Must be 18+ years old to win
• Contest is open to US residents only
• Enter via Twitter up to one time each day, starting August 15th (12:01am-11:59pm EST)
• Limited time: only until August 19th

We’ll pick a winner on Monday 8/22 and direct message that person.  You’ll have 48 hours to respond.

Thanks for entering and good luck!

With wedding season in full bloom, I am often asked, “What is modern fashion etiquette for a wedding guest?

Today’s wedding dress codes can be a challenge to navigate.  We want to dress to impress, but don’t want upstage the bride. How can we find the right balance?  Read on for my wedd-iquette“I do’s”:

Tip 1 – Wear White!

We’ve all heard the rule that you should NEVER wear white to a wedding. That’s only partially true.

While there is only one person allowed to wear white head to toe, guests CAN wear white without upstaging the bride — as long as it’s worn in small doses. Here are my tricks for avoiding a fashion faux pas.

Try printed dresses that incorporate white:

1) Marni Watercolor dress, Now $529.50 (70% off)

2) Nicole Miller Drape Back Dress, Now $170.90 (55% off)

3) Twenty8Twelve Silk Chiffon dress, Now $120 (70% off)

4) Tibi Lace Shift Dress, Now $147.50 (60% off)

5) Ella Moss Striped Maxi Dress, Now $91.20 (52% off)

Or add hints of white with accessories:

6) Dolce & Gabbana Crochet Pumps, Now $436 (20% off)

7) Alexander McQueen Classic Skull Clutch, Now $870 (30% off)

8) Kate Space necklace, Sold Out

9) Michael Kors Patent Platform Sandals, Now $139.99 (67% off)

10) Lanvin Silk Satin Pochette, Now $269.50 (65% off)

If you’re dying to wear a white solid, just break it up: wear white only on top or bottom and complement it with a bright color:

11) Marc Jacobs Long Embroidered Dress, Now $1470 (70% off)

12) Opening Ceremony Button-Back Dress, Now $352 (50% off)

Tip 2 – Pastels are Powerful

Another great array of wedding-appropriate colors to try are PASTELS.  They’re soft and flattering, but they’re definitely not the bride’s color.

13) Tibi Strapless Dress, Now $244.30 (65% off)

14) Marc Jacobs Ruffled Pearl Embellished Satin Dress, Now $1,000, (60% off)

Tip 3 – Black Tie Alternative:  The Evening Short

Take a cue from the well-dressed men in your life: stand out fromthat sea of chiffon in a pair of structured shorts.  Try classic black, or be daring in sequins:

15) Stella McCartney Tailored Shorts, Now $267 (65% off)

16) Rag and Bone Cuffed Shorts, Now $92 (65% off)

17) Marc Jacobs High-Waisted Shorts, Now $280 (60% off)

Tip 4 – Put Your Best Foot Forward

Whether your dancing all night or leaping to catch the bouquet, 4-inch stilettos can make it tricky to move with grace. Instead, kick up your heels in these embellished flats:

18) Loeffler Randall Flat Twist Sandals, Now $188 (36% off)

19) Miu Miu Peep Toe Flats, Now $504 (20% off)

20) Giuseppe Zanotti Suede Ballerina Flats, Now $299.25 (65% off)

If you feel you must add height, try a comfortable evening wedge like one of these:

21) Michael Kors Wiley Wedge, Now $132 (52% off)

22) Dolce Vita Sandals, Now $83.25 (55% off)

23) Elizabeth and James Metal Strap Sandals, Now $275.99 (30% off)

So don’t panic when the next invitation arrives. With these simple tips, you can walk down the aisle in style – and not end up banned from future guest lists.

We all have secret pleasures we’re reluctant to share. The Bachelorette is one of ours, so we were very excited to have the chance to talk fashion with four of our beloved reality TV stars!  Shop It To Me spent time with Natalie Getz (Bachelor Pad), Molly Mesnick (The Bachelor, season 13), Jillian Harris (The Bachelorette, season 5), and Trista Sutter (The Bachelorette, season 1) to learn about their fashion faves.

Any brands that are absolute Bachelorette favorites?

Jillian: Some of my long- time faves include Wilfred, Aritzia, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Haute Hippe, Urban Outfitters, Chloe (which I can never afford but I love!) Shoshanna and Halston Heritage

Molly: My favorite brands are constantly evolving, but at this moment in time I’m loving Haute Hippie, All Saints, and always BCBG.

Is it more challenging to figure out the dress or the shoes?!

Natalie: The dress!  I have the hardest time making a decision on what dress to wear.  But when I finally decide, I go to my closet and the shoe jumps out at me!  Guys never notice a woman’s shoes unless we point them out.  My shoe choice is pretty much to impress women!

If you had to live in one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Molly: A black knit sundress.  Sundresses are the most versatile items of clothing because they can be easily dressed up or down, depending on your accessories and shoes.  I have a black knit dress that I’ve worn to everything from a wedding to a day at the pool!  No matter how you wear it, you still have that cute, feminine look.

Who’s responsible for choosing all of the great outfits you wear during the show?

Trista:  On the first Bachelor, I wore all of my own clothing, except during the final rose ceremony — they brought me a few dress options to choose from.  As the Bachelorette, I was lucky enough to scour the racks at Saks with the show’s stylist and pick out whatever I wanted.  Talk about a kid in a candy store … although looking back, I wish I had gone with a little more flair!!

Natalie: Cary Fetman styles the Bachelor and Bachelorette, but the rest of the cast styled ourselves.  Being a fashion stylist, this made me happy!  I would hate to have to wear clothing someone else picked out for me if I didn’t like it!  On the Bachelor Pad, the girls borrowed from each other and made sure each one of us looked cute!   It’s not about what you have, it’s about how you wear it!

Any insight you can share into what happens off-camera with wardrobe choices?

Jillian: As the Bachelorette, I stressed about wardrobe a bit, and there is A LOT of luggage. Clothes everywhere! On the Bachelor, we loaned each other clothes — which is funny since we were supposed to be competitors. Who would have thought!  I loved doing the girls nails on the Bachelor … I’d paint nails forever!

Natalie: Any logo, no matter how small, had to be covered up by tape.  If you look closely, you will notice that the guys always have tape covering the Nike Swoosh logo on their shorts, shirts, and hats.  Also, we were rarely allowed to wear sunglasses or hats.  There is a whole packing list regarding what we can and cannot wear on camera! When we choose something that is a bad color for camera (bright white/black) they would make us change.  And if too many of us were dressed alike for a Rose Ceremony, they would have us change.

What advice would you give for the perfect outfit to wear on a first date?

Molly: First dates generally aren’t real formal (unless you are on the Bachelor, of course), so you can’t go wrong with semi-casual.   I think the perfect first date look is a sundress with flats.  The dress gives you the girly, feminine look, and the flats keep it casual.  If you’re not in sundress weather, throw a cute jacket over the dress!

How has being on the Bachelor/Bachelorette changed your personal style?

Natalie: I’ve always had a very outlandish style.  I love to push the envelope in fashion!  The only thing that changed is that I now get to buy more expensive pieces after winning the money on Bachelor Pad!  Ok, let’s be honest, even when I was a poor college kid, I still found ways to buy the clothing and shoes that I wanted.  I sacrificed food for fashion!

It seems as if many of the contestants remain close friends—how/why is it that you remain connected to people who’ve been on the show?

Jillian: It’s an experience that no one else has gone through – and so we have tons to talk about and reminisce about.  Not to mention it likely takes a certain kind of crazy to go through what we did, so we’ve got to stick together! I love my Bachelor family girls. Molly and I have become very close, I admire Trista so much and Natalie is like a long lost friend – I am grateful for all of them!

Are you more into online shopping or real-world?

Trista: If only I could do real-world shopping!!!  Living in Vail, Colorado, I’m not smack dab in the middle of the fashion district!  When I get the chance to scratch my shopping itch, I go full throttle!!

What are you fave stores or shopping sites?

Molly: I am a fair-weather shopper when it comes to brand loyalty.  I shop more for fit and “trend of the moment” so the stores I shop change frequently.  However, I seem to always find something I like at BCBG, Urban Outfitters, and Asos.  Shop It To Me has also made my life REALLY easy because I can program my own online shopping mall, where I’m looking only at brands and styles that I specify.

Are you more of a full-price or sale girl?  What’s your best sale purchase ever?

Trista: I really have to be in the mood to go through sale items.  I do, but I’m much more likely to hit the stores that aren’t too crazy expensive rather than shop through disorganized sale racks for a gem.

Don’t you just love them? We can’t get enough! Thanks Molly, Trista, Natalie and Jilly for sharing!

A great new pair of designer jeans and some fabulous trendy boots…there’s nothing better for the fall.  But with prices on got-to-have-it brands starting at $225 this season, can anyone afford a new pair?

You can, and you don’t have to wait until January for discounts: August and September offer some of the steepest sales of the entire year on both denim and boots.

Last year, online discounts on women’s jeans were 43% in September and 42% in August: perfect timing to get some great new denim for the fall.  Shop It To Me’s Founder/CEO, Charlie Graham says, “it’s because retailers extend their August back-to-school sales for kids to junior brands. That prompts markdowns on women’s denim too.”

“Pre-season sales designed to get you ‘in the door’ likely are the reason for the great discounts on women’s boots”, says Charlie.  Although the biggest markdowns are in early spring, you can find the perfect pair of boots in August for 40% off.  In this case, playing the waiting game thinking you’ll snag a pair during peak winter season isn’t advised.  Women’s boot styles available online during November/December last year were only 35-36% off on average.

We’re thrilled to introduce an amazing new group of brands, both women’s and men’s, that we think you’ll just love! Nothing like a little brand refresh right before Fall shopping.

To add new brands to your profile, login to your account, click Brands then click the New Brands tab, select away and hit save. From now on, you’ll see great new items in your Salemail alerts and on the Search page.

Versus Diamante Top, Reg $79, Now $59

Kasil Workshop Straight Leg Jeans, Reg $168, Now $50

Rogan Akie Wrap Pocket Jacket, Reg $430, Now $129

Norma Kamali OMO Lurex Grey Mini Skirt, Reg $130, Now $78

Saucony Men’s Bullet Lace Up, Reg $60, Now $24.94

Roger Vivier Bronze Metallic Leather Pumps, Reg $570, Now $456

Are there any brands you don’t see that you’d like to have in your Salemail alerts? We’d love to know what they are! Email us at feedback@shopittome.com with any brand requests.

Shop It To Me is heading to the Windy City!  Come celebrate the book launch of What I Wore on Wednesday, August 24th.  To celebrate, we’ll toast Jessica with cocktails and mingling in the chic studio space of the amazing wardrobe consultants juliewatsonstyle (within 900 North Michigan Avenue shops).  Jessica will be on hand to meet/greet Chicago’s most fashionable and sign books, and many of the stores within 900 North Michigan Avenue will offer exclusive discounts that evening for Shop It To Me members.

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What are you waiting for?  Buy a book now, pick your outfit for the evening, and RSVP now!