Three Ways to Wear One Wedge

Finding ways to recreate one piece is an issue we continually tackle, so it makes sense that we would take this same approach with a staple shoe. An absolute must-have for summer, wedges are the most versatile sandal in any wardrobe. And nude? Even better. Leg lengthening and casual, they can be dressed up or down contingent on your day’s plans.

For this particular strappy wedge, we opted for outfits ranging as formal as weddings/business events to as casual as running errands during the day. Often times heel height can intimidate even the most daring fashionistas (even we’ve been guilty of this, finding ourselves, early morning, slipping into flats instead of chunky, statement heels). Wedges are, however, the ultimate segway into high heel mania. Sure, there will be days when adding 3 or 4 inches just isn’t your thing, but considering the option can never hurt. So go on, try these looks with your favorite neutral wedge!

What We Picked: 

Wedges: Sam Edelman

Left: Dress: Sophia Reyes

Middle: Dress: Jack by BB Dakota; Belt: Elegantly Waisted by Karen Zambos

Right: Top: Jack by BB Dakota; Pants: Miss Elfridge

Muse Me: Dianna Agron

With the current print craze filling nearly every storefront (Cerato especially), we’re positive there’s no better choice for this month’s fashion muse! Dianna Agron has officially been dubbed the Print Princess of 2012. Her character on Glee, Quinn, could even take a few cues from Dianna’s quirky, fun and feminine style. So effortless and experimental, it seems to us she can do no wrong. We absolutely adore the idea of pairing an all-over print with a tied jean shirt. This look is relaxed, but chic, something we believe fashion should always be. Dianna is also the princess of mixing and matching, stripes and florals, bold prints and even bolder prints. We think it’s important to push the boundaries in the world of fashion, because honestly, who really wants to blend in when it’s so much more fun to standout? This is exactly why we chose Dianna as our current go-to for fashion musings. Her style is unique, fresh and full of surprise—a refined combination very few can say they’ve mastered.

We can’t help but notice how much these current in store pieces scream “Dianna Agron: Street Style.” From bold prints in A-Line dresses to quirky prints in sheer, blousy tops to even bolder prints in flowy fabrics, we think we’ve pretty much covered the must-haves of Dianna’s style.

Dianna-drenched pieces at Cerato:

Left: Jack by BB Dakota

Middle: Corey Lynn Calter

Right: Jack by BB Dakota

Concert-Chic at Cerato Boutique

The end of Coachella’s two-week stretch only means one thing: our much-desired spring/summer concert-hopping is on the horizon. When talking concerts there are always a few reasons we can’t wait to get our hands on some serious outdoor concert tickets (actually, any tickets for that matter). Those reasons begin and end with fashion, though we may be a little bias. The dress dotting the crowds and swaying to the electric beat is just about as hot as the music blasting from the sun-drenched speakers. We all know music and fashion, hand in hand, strolled off into the sunset some time ago. Below is our tribute to their everlasting entanglement.

If you’re looking for concert comfort, try a refined version of a typical backstage boho look. The skirt and top look exudes effortlessness, but still feels put together. There’s a lot of arm-candy going on in this picture, but that’s the beauty of these muted hues, pops of color pair almost seamlessly.

We love a good contrast pairing, especially when blended with a texture. This outfit screams sheer elegance (literally) as well as edge and the floor length lace is to-die-for. Topped with a white mesh back tee, this look is more than ready for the sweetly cool melody of St. Vincent (if you haven’t heard of her, check her out here—she’ll even be in Chicago in a few weeks!).

This last ensemble is definitely for the updated, hippy-chic in all of us. Long maxi dresses are the perfect canvas for a retro-inspired wrap cardigan. If you’re a little less adventurous, try a black maxi, but we love a bold sweep of green. Layer a few long necklaces and some round sunnies and you’ll look Lollapalooza bound.

What We Picked:

Left: Top: Karen Zambos; Skirt: Jack by BB Dakota

Middle: Dress: Robbi & Nikki; Cardigan: C/FAN

Right: Top: Robbi & Nikki; Skirt: Young

Waking Up with a Cerato Girl

Today was one of those reluctant, I have to get out of bed and inject coffee into my bloodstream mornings.

The coffee was aromatic, swirling caffeine-laden smells into the clean, cool air. The sun, piled behind the tightly closed shades, urgently peaked through the barely parted slats with promise of a warm spring day. Flipping through the pages of her half-read novel, she wonders when life will slow down long enough to enjoy more than the pre-bedtime 20 page segments that have, thus far, partially quilted this story together.

From fantasy to fashion, she quietly slides across the wooden floor toward the crystal knob of her neatly packed wardrobe. The next fifteen to thirty minutes will consist of pulling tops, skirts, pants, dresses (really anything), waiting for that inspirational flicker. When it does arrive, however, it’s like a warm, incandescent light illuminating the way in a cavernous space. Today this process began with a full length, chiffon maxi skirt from Jack by BB Dakota. The top was an effortless choice that almost too easily fell into place: a deep-v top with pocket detail by Karen Zambos.

Jewelry is always the next step and comes with little resistance. Multiple stacked bangles, including a multi-tone wrap bracelet by Kristin Hassan, and her staple oversized turquoise and jewel-encrusted ring bedazzle her milky, sun-deprived skin. Pushing the backs of her studded earrings firmly into place she daydreams about traveling to the pebbled beaches of South France where she can spend her days photographing fleeting moments and lusting after croissant au chocolat. She adds a spritz of YSL fragrance to her wrist, further pressing the notion into her mind.

Looking down at her computer, which has been blaring the dreamy rhythms of Grimes latest collection, she notices the time. Sweeping blush across her cheeks and her hair into a high pony, she heads for the door stopping only briefly to catch her reflection in a full length mirror. Refreshed and spring-inspired, she turns the handle and proceeds into possibilities of a Wednesday.

What she’s reading: Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl

What she’s drinking: a freshly brewed cup of Caribou coffee from her Keurig (add soymilk)

What she’s wearing: Jack by BB Dakota skirt, Karen Zambos top, Lucky Brand ankle boots, an assortment of jewelry and a Kristin Hassan wrap bracelet

What she’s listening to: Grimes, Visions

What she’s thinking about: the beautiful sun of South France

Inspiration: Interior Meets Fashion

We love a good excuse to mesh different niches of the design world, so today we’re sharing some style similarities we’re seeing in both the fashion and interior realms. Each of these dress picks were inspired by the colors and patterns of these trending interiors. And, if we were to guess what women might wear in these particular environments, we think it might look something like this…

Shop these looks online and in store!

*Interior images courtesy of Design Sponge and Apartment Therapy

Muse Me: Michelle Williams

This month we’re jumping on the Michelle Williams bandwagon, because frankly, what’s not to love?

Her style is somewhere between super girly and effortlessly chic, the perfect encapsulation of Cerato’s approach to fashion. Some have criticized her for not being age appropriate, but we couldn’t be happier to see her as a style icon among Hollywood’s overexposed. Michelle’s style has come into full bloom since her days on Dawson’s Creek, sticking with ultra feminine silhouettes and straying from overdone looks. She’s definitely the poster child of Hollywood moms, embracing her youthful look, but maturing her choices with a refined sensibility.

In honor of her dainty, feminine approach to personal style, we’ve selected some pieces from the boutique we feel embody her polished appearance.

What’s featured (all available at Cerato Boutique):

Left: Plenty by Tracy Reese; $198

Middle: Plenty by Tracy Reese; $198

Right: Jack by BB Dakota; $105

Strictly Cerato: What to Wear this Saturday

What’s the best thing about the weekend? You can finally step out of that drab work attire you’ve been rotating for the past five days and have a little fun with your wardrobe. In other words, you get to play dress-up! And because we understand it’s never quite this simple, (typically, getting ready involves something like five outfit changes followed by the dramatic, on the verge of tears “I have nothing to wear!”) we’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to be your personal stylist for the weekend. The pieces we’ve chosen for our two Saturday night looks were put together with what’s currently in store. And to make things even simpler, we’ve chosen pieces that can just as easily be styled for a casual event during the week as they can for a cocktail hour with friends.

For our first look we picked an outfit with a lot of color blocking, something not too fussy, but elegant and tasteful. The front pleat blouse by RUCH is a great jewel tone and when paired with a green clutch really pops. Wear this blouse with a black skinny and black close-toed pump (try suede or a matte leather) and a statement earring. The simplicity behind this look is the key: you may not be bedecked in accessories, but you’ll brighten up even the dullest of crowds.

Saturday nights often call for a bit more formality, so for our second look we used a lot of edge and elegance, keeping away from your typical dress. When paired together the racerback Katella tank and tuxedo Warner trouser from Jack by BB Dakota epitomize fashionably forward. Tuck the top into the pants (this will accentuate your waist) add a chunky heel (color or just classic black) a refined necklace and studded earrings. Again, such a fuss-free look, but one that will make even the trendiest take a second look.

Look One: Blouse: RUCH; Pant: Kasil + Taylor; Clutch: Brynn Capella (all available at Cerato Boutique)

Look Two: Top: Jack by BB Dakota; Pant: Jack by BB Dakota; Necklace: jules. (all available at Cerato Boutique)

Three Ways to Wear Robbi & Nikki

We’ve been privy to the raging color trend for some time now, and the new trouser pant by Robbi & Nikki is no exception. They’re stealing the blue right out of blue jeans. High waisted with a wide leg this chino creation was made for the fashion forward. Their color exudes adventure, but refrains from being too punk rock, a great look that can go from Michigan Avenue to Lux Bar. We just can’t keep our eyes off this sapphire statement.

Billowy blue bottoms are the perfect piece for your mid-morning run to Starbucks. The flouncy beach appeal of this pant makes creating a casual look easy. Just pair them with a white button down (we’re really loving the tie detail, a great way to accentuate your waistline) and some bright, yellow flats. Keeping with the pops of color, we’ve added a teal rhinestone studded wrap watch, such a fun addition to this spring inspired outfit.

We’re keeping this GNO look a bit more understated than usual, opting to pair this blue pant with blocks of black. The contrast between the two colors dresses the look up without going overboard. We also love the touch of gold in the bag, bracelet and shoe detail.  The sheer black blouse keeps this ensemble edgy, while adding a feminine flare. There’s no way you’ll escape the stares in this number.

These pants work great with pops of color, black and, as we’re demonstrating in this concert-ready ensemble, neutrals. Don’t be afraid to throw a cropped tan sweater and camel booties on with these blue bottoms. Their striking color will take this look from hobo-chic Wickerpark to trendy Gold Coast. Adding neutral hues will dress Robbi & Nikki’s cobalt chinos down creating the ideal outfit for a night at Lincoln Hall.

Get the Look: Pant: Robbi & Nikki, $145 (available at Cerato Boutique)

OTR: Blouse: Miss Selfridge; Watch: Kristin Hassan (available at Cerato Boutique); Shoe: See by Chloe

GNO: Blouse: Tibi; Bracelet: Kristin Hassan (available at Cerato Boutique); Purse: Brynn Capella; Shoe: Classiques Entier

CC: Sweater: Jack by BB Dakota; Watch: Kristin Hassan (available at Cerato Boutqiue); Shoe: Theory

Florals, Stripes, Tangerines – OH MY!

These attention-grabbing swatches are the newest bunch of patterns and textures to waltz through our boutique doors!  Let’s talk about floral, we’re seeing it used on nearly every garment—skirts, blouses, dresses, you name it.  Geometric shapes in hues of orange, green, yellow and maroon are also making their way onto our racks. This 70s-inspired pattern will be a breath of fresh air for even the boldest of wardrobes.  Stripes, a nautical classic, are an obvious inclusion; and with a shift from the traditional red or navy, is a definite must.  Slimming stripes in tangerine? We’re absolutely in love.

Our 5 Favorites

Spring means only one thing: summer is within sight. And with winter being somewhat bearable for once (we can’t help but envision the frozen chunks of ice making waves along the lake shore last year), we’re even more excited to embrace the transitional, spring pieces filling the boutique. This week our Five Favorites post will make you feel all fuzzy inside, and not just because the items exude warmth, but because they remind us spring is near.

1) We love this new Jack by BB Dakota sweater with its lightweight knitting and cropped, boxy shape. This is the ideal piece to layer during those chilly nights or wear with a simple tank all the way through spring. (Cerato, $68)

2) Coffee. Need we say more? We all love it; some of us (who will remain nameless) might even go so far as to say we need it, so when Starbucks fails to curb our sumptuous caffeine palettes, we tend to branch out. This particular flavored coffee, Butterscotch Toffee by Stockton Graham & Co., may as well be sited for being sensationally aromatic and far too delicious. You’ll melt with just one sip. Admittedly, this is one item that is not from the Southport Corridor. Our Store Manager orders it from a coffee shop in Wisconsin, but check out Stockton Graham & Co’s website for more flavors. (Stockton Graham & Co, www.stocktongraham.com)

3) There’s something alluring and feminine about rosy cheeks that we just can’t get enough of. Benefit’s new Hervana “good karma” face powder is just what you need to combat those winter blues. So take our advice and brush those cheeks into flawless spring bound bliss—we’re positive only good could come of such a thing! (Benefit, $28)

4) Perhaps not just an essential for spring, but a year round must, Francesca’s Collections’ Mini Emergency Kit is one of the more practical (and overlooked) things we’re into this season. How often we leave our houses without a much needed beauty product (namely hairspray, dental floss) is baffling, so we suggest keeping this kit in your glove box or laptop bag for all those unpredictable moments. (Francesca’s Collections, $16.95).

5) We’re just not ready to surrender our “spring is near” attitude, as made clear by our snakeskin loafer pick. These Jeffrey Campbell flats are streamlined with just enough edge to find themselves on repeat in both your winter and spring wardrobe. They pair great with a skinny jean or even tights, adding texture and play to the most basic of ensembles. (Click Shoes, $103)