The Official ChicTiq Blog

Recap: The ChicTiq Scavenger Hunt

chictiq — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:05:49 PDT

Congratulations to our winners of the 1st ChicTiq Boutique Scavenger Hunt. The team of three girls from the upper west side began at noon on the dot at Ellen Christine, our first boutique, and from there were able to quickly navigate through Soho to the other boutiques on our hunt using the ChicTiq app and their phones.

Ellen Christine was kind enough to put out food spread and Veuve Clicquot champagne which all of our hunters enjoyed.

The hunt continued at Lilith next, followed by The Dressing Room, and then What Goes Around Comes Around, before the clue was given for the final boutique. At each of the boutiques along the way, participants picked up special ChicTiq coupons to the boutiques for participating in the event. The victorious girls made it to the Custo Barcelona, our final boutique, ahead of their competition, and won a pair of tickets to the Custo Barcelona show at Fashion Week as well as a $400 gift card to the store.

Aviva, one of the winners, remarked, "All of the boutiques ChicTiq showed us were amazing. We're so excited about our new dresses from Custo Barcelona, and we can't wait to go back to all of these boutiques when ChicTiq tells us about the next sales!" We're glad you enjoyed Aviva, and be sure to check out www.chictiq.com for the latest sales from these boutiques and more.

They attended the show on Sunday and sent us a photo from the runway, wearing their new dresses from Custo Barcelona which they bought with the gift card. Congrats again and thanks to all those who participated!

Boutique of the Week: Lilith

Maeve ChicTiq — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:29:45 PDT

Lilith is more than just a brand, it’s a lifestyle. Each garment is truly a piece of art, eclectic and unexpected. First opened in Nancy, France over twenty years ago, Lilith has since expanded across Europe as well as to Japan and the United States and has grown to include Lunn, a diffusion line, and Mon Lilith a Moi, a children’s line. It is no surprise that its Nolita location here in New York has attracted a large group of loyal customers. Women who wear Lilith are artists at heart and are able to express themselves through this unique brand. The boutique itself even resembles an art gallery, as the red-paneled walls are perfectly lined with the beautifully constructed Lilith garments. I had the opportunity to speak with Heather Green, the head of Public Relations at Lilith, about the brand and the boutique.

-How was the brand started?

In 1987, it started out with the designer making pieces for one particular store in Nancy, France. From there her brand exploded and she was able to open more boutiques and actually create a brand. She was offering what nobody else could offer; artistic pieces for a woman who was an artist and wanted to wear art on her body.

-What makes your store different than the rest?

The beauty of the store itself. The architecture was done by owner’s husband. All Lilith stores have North African wood and red panels along the walls. The color palette, design panels; everything is very creative, very sophisticated. As for the clothes, there’s always an additional pleat or there are drop shoulders; there’s always detail in every piece. Lilith is based not on pieces but outfits. Everything is always going to go with everything else.

-Describe your typical customer.

Professional, a little bit of an older, more mature clientele, a woman who likes to be artistic. What’s important to her is being artistic through her look. Typically a woman who shops here wears Lilith head to toe; this is her lifestyle. People that are shopping here are shopping for all different aspects of their lives. The mixing and matching is really huge. There are no limits to what you can get here and what you can use it for. We have women who come in and just get sweaters and pants. You can be just as unique getting basics as you can with getting a funky tulle skirt.

-What types of items fly off of the shelves?

We are well known for our taffetas. We do tulles which are a big hit. Our knitwear is also really popular. There are a lot of exclusive prints. There are a lot of plaids. Velvets are always popular in the fall and winter.

-What is in store for the boutique in the future?

We are looking into different media outlets to try to brand the Lilith names as well as reach out to a new clientele. We offer in store personal shopping as well as over the phone shopping through use of a webpage which shows every piece in the store and all of its color offerings.

To find out more about Lilith check out their website or their ChicTiq page.

Summer Trend: Bugs

Maeve ChicTiq — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:12:07 PDT

I’m sure many of you have seen artist Jessica Harrison’s video in which she wears a set of fake eyelashes made from real fly legs. If not, check out an article and the video here. I’m completely aware that this is pretty disturbing and I am not suggesting that you go out and glue dead bug legs onto your face. However, I am suggesting that you follow Jessica’s lead and incorporate (fake!) bugs into your wardrobe this season.

Insects are all over the fashion world right now, from ant-printed tights to beetle-bejeweled clutches, and of course bug-themed jewelry. I am in love with literally every piece of the Bottega Veneta scarab collection (although I’m particularly partial to this clutch)! Each design portrays the perfect balance between feminine and creepy-crawly. There are also much more wallet-friendly ways to embrace this trend, like with this ring from Topshop.

What do you think? Will you rock this trend now or save it for Halloween?

Boutique of the Week: AvaMaria

Maeve ChicTiq — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:29:46 PDT

AvaMaria is certainly a versatile boutique. It carries a wide array of emerging New York City designers, as well as many established luxury designer labels. I was able to sit down with owner, Katherine Virketiene, at the store’s prime Soho location to discuss her experiences with AvaMaria (which is partially named after her daughter, Ava).

Upon walking into the boutique you can’t help but notice the wall full of gorgeous designer shoes. What’s even better is that many of these never-been-worn pieces are sold at a discount, as they are from previous seasons. The store is also great for finding unique pieces, as Katherine features a great deal of up and coming designers.

Some of the lines that AvaMaria carries that Katherine loves include:

Dasgupta, a line of dresses cut for curvy women,
Chulette, basics that are anything but basic,
Lover, an Australian line of lace dresses,
Marie-Lise Lachapelle, a jewelry line which utilizes real flowers, and
Jill Davis Studio, a line of house-adorned jewelry.

Katherine also cites some of her happiest times of the year as being the few weeks just before the holidays and also during the spring in which the boutique is filled with party dresses. She says, “I always have a soft spot for party dresses because before the boutique I made ballroom costumes.” Here’s what else Katherine had to say:

What made you decide to open the boutique?

I had a previous boutique on the Lower East Side. I started because I used to have my own line and it was so hard selling to stores. I managed to get different designers who I met along the way and managed to get them in the store. It turns out I’m pretty good at it!

Have you always been interested in fashion?

Yeah, it started with Barbies. My mother said, “I’m not going to pay the same amount for your clothes as Barbie clothes,” and she gave me a set of fabric. My Barbies actually got pretty fabulous clothing!

What are some of the challenges of opening/owning a boutique in NYC?

It’s very strange because while there are all these emerging designers, there are a lot of good ones, but there’s a lot of competition. Every label that you think is a little niche label has apparently been discovered. With a lot of new labels there are a lot of constraints. Economically it is tough on them. Two of the bigger challenges are how to turn down emerging designers discreetly, and juggling being a mother of a young child with my professional obligations. It's fun for Ava to be at a trade show for about 30 minutes with all the bright lights and colorful
merchandise, but after that it's a trial for everyone involved.

What makes your store different from others?

I definitely am not the first, but I have previous season designer items. Unlike at Century 21 you don’t have to fight the tourists. Because we’re so small you get a lot more customer service. We have outlet prices with the customer service of a smaller boutique. And with emerging designers you get unique pieces that hopefully no one else has.

Why is it important for you to showcase local designers?

It’s hard for a lot to break in and there is a lot of high quality and creative work. There really are some very nice things. Everyone wants a special piece. You don’t always want to go to Macy’s and get the same piece as thousands of other women.

Describe your typical customer.

Mid-20’s to 50’s, working women. A lot work in the creative industry because there are a lot of studios around. A lot of tourists. They are excited to see Manolo Blahniks because the luxury show market here is in some ways more diverse. You can’t get Manolo Blahniks in Germany. They like New York labels.

What types of items fly off of the shelves?

The high end shoes are always very popular. Worishofer sandals, Repettos - people always come looking for them.

What are your favorite trends of the moment?

Long skirts. But I think the way I buy I try to get more season-less items. I love prints, I love color. I look for things that flatter a woman’s body. It is very important to me to have clothes that are more than just sizes 2 and 4. I stock up to size 12 with some items in size 16. In shoes I stock sizes 5 to 11. That is more important to me than trends to buy a nice flattering piece that you can wear for seasons. Items are not priced fast fashion price, so they aren’t meant to be worn that way.

What is in store for the boutique in the future?

We’re getting more little labels which I’m very excited about. We are also, in probably two weeks, getting baby and children’s. Since we’ve been here we’ve noticed that there are a lot of people with kids who will buy children’s clothing. We’ve noticed that there are surprisingly few children’s boutiques down here.

To get more information about AvaMaria, visit their website, www.virketyne.com, and be sure to stay up to date on their current sales and announcements at their ChicTiq page located here.

Summer Trend: Clogs

Maeve ChicTiq — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:13:44 PDT

Let’s face it, clogs are everywhere this summer. At first I was a little apprehensive about this trend. I mean, clogs? Really? I totally rocked them in elementary school, but since those days I’ve only associated them with moms working in the garden and Dutch dancers. The emergence of Crocs really didn’t exactly help the case for clogs either. But as the clog trend continues to grow I’ve realized that clogs don’t have to be lame, but can actually be quite cool.

There are a variety of clogs being worn right now by models, celebrities, and other fashionistas alike; some with heels or platforms, others with buckles or studs. There are both closed toe and open toe varieties. I’m partial to clogs that look more like sandals than those that closely resemble the clogs of my preteen days, like this pair by Jeffrey Campbell. These shoes allow you to work the clog trend without being too over the top.

So what do you think? Are you going to try the clog trend this summer?

Summer Trend: Leopard Accessories

Maeve ChicTiq — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:15:00 PDT

Meow! Although I’ve always been a cat-lover, I’ve generally steered clear of wearing leopard and other animal prints. These prints can be really tough to pull off and are such a bold choice! However, right now leopard accessories are a huge trend. By incorporating these prints into your outfits subtly, it’s really easy to look super chic without being over the top. Leopard belts or shoes are great to spruce up a basic outfit.

Another great way to pull off this trend is by carrying a leopard bag. An array of designers have included leopard prints into their handbag lines this season! From totes to clutches, there are so many different styles that have been constructed with feline prints. One of my favorites is this bag by Lanvin, which can be purchased from Net-A-Porter. It’s a cute take on an already trendy silhouette. I love that it’s so small, so that the leopard print makes a statement without being too overwhelming. It really is the cat’s meow! (Sorry, had to!)

Let's Talk about....

Justine ChicTiq — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 19:47:46 PDT

Miniskirts, minidresses and any type of clothing that is short, form fitting, and rides up whenever you walk.

Because this happened to me today, I’m sharing so that this doesn’t happen to you.

Minis are always in style and look really cute if you pair it well. It can go from casual to business in a matter of seconds. But we always need to remember one important rule: no matter how cute the mini is, we women need to be prepared.

For any mini, wear stockings or leggings, especially if they're the form fitting ones and ride up. You can pair any black mini with brightly colored leggings or stockings. The contrast in color makes the outfit pop and less boring.

Want to show your legs? Wear skin color stockings. You know stockings; they were popular way back when. At least you don't have to worry about people seeing your behind since it’s not your bare skin their looking at.

Pair the mini with something simple not complicated; such as another form fitting top. Loose tops are a pain to take care of throughout the day/night. Or pair it with a loose top that sits right at the top of the skirt. Remember to keep it simple, not complicated. You already have your skirt to worry about. No need to at more to the list.

And finally, to complete the look with a mini: Rock it with confidence. Every magazine article I've read says that confidence is key from relationships to clothing. No one looks sexier than a woman in an awesome outfit rocking it with confidence. Guys find it sexy and other women become jealous. And with confidence, you don't have to worry about your mini at all. :)

Try this mini from Forever 21 for $12.80. Try it with some brightly colored stockings/leggings and don't forget to pair it with heels for the perfect look!

Boutique of the Week: Think Closet

Maeve ChicTiq — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 05:39:52 PDT

Think Closet is a truly interesting boutique with locations in both Soho and the East Village. The tastefully decorated interiors are lined with beautifully constructed frocks from hard to find designers. Owner Wendy Chung has quickly established a following of fashionistas and celebrities alike. I had the opportunity to ask Wendy a few questions about Think Closet and her experiences owning the boutiques. Here is what she had to say:

What made you decide to open the boutique?
Always had a passion in fashion and went art school.

How do you select the items that you carry in your store?
All the people I knew from school or their friends.

What makes your store different than the rest?
One of kinds and new arrivals every day; young Asian designers, Koreans and Japanese.

Describe your typical customer.
Lots of tourist and fashion students; celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Kate Hudson.

What types of items fly off of the shelves?
Floral print dresses and rompers.

What are your favorite trends of the moment?
Rompers and maxi dresses.

Who is your favorite designer?
Everybody who works with Think Closet.

Be sure to check out the ChicTiq Facebook Page to see more pictures of both Think Closet locations!

Find vintage gems at the Brooklyn Flea Market!

LibbyR — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:30:59 PDT

This past Saturday I spent the day sorting through the maze of the Brooklyn Flea Market, down in picturesque Fort Greene (one of my new favorite neighborhoods for brunching... and shopping!) Not only was this a great place to find vintage bargains; 20 dollar heels, 25 dollar vintage Levi denim jackets and even a few rompers, but also this was a nice way to spend the afternoon people and trend watching. Tons of stylish young people were busy at work perusing the racks, and a few trends were definitely evident. For one, ankle high boots were everywhere! I picked up my pair at the Williamsburg vintage boutique, Mystery Train (at Hope and Marcy Ave). There was also a lot of jewelry, both vintage and new creations. On the vintage side of things broaches were huge! I picked up one at the start of summer at a booth on Bedford Ave in Williamsburg for just 5 dollars, and I find that it's the perfect way to alter an outfit (and I always get tons of compliments). For new jewelry, while your in Fort Greene check out the beautiful work of Gabriela de la Vega, located on 127 Fort Greene Place http://www.gabrieladelavega.com/ Happy hunting in Brooklyn!

Visiting NYC? Check Out Shop Gotham

Maeve ChicTiq — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:18:13 PDT

Visiting New York can be pretty overwhelming! There are just so many different neighborhoods with so many different stores and boutiques. How do you know where to go to find the best spots with the best deals? In addition to utilizing the tools that ChicTiq has to offer, you should also check out Shop Gotham!

Shop Gotham is a service that provides tours of all the shopping hot spots in NYC! These tours also provide exclusive access and discounts that you can’t get shopping on your own. There are a bunch of different tours to choose from based on the kind of shopping you’re looking to do. For example, Shop Gotham offers a special Sweet Sixteen tour that’s the perfect party idea for any fashion-loving teen! How can you resist this ultimate shopping opportunity?