Talent Squared

I love learning about the unique qualities of successful entrepreneurs. I knew a little about the brothers who started Dsquared, Dean and Dan Caten, but recently learned more about their story. The 46-year-old, identical-twin brothers have worked their entire adult lives bringing their fashion line to fruition.

Tonight, they could gain more global notoriety than they ever have before. The brothers were selected to design outfits for a number of athletes and celebrities attending the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. While this isn’t the typical high-fashion audience, it’s an amazing opportunity. Their talent and hard work got the Catens to this point, but they also seem like genuinely nice people.

Being especially close with my sibling, I think this quote from one of the Caten brothers (I’m not sure which one), touchingly sums up their relationship:

“Together we’re one really strong person. I don’t think we’re not strong as individuals, but together we have a force that’s stronger than anything else.”

Good luck tonight.

Suiting Up ... Or Not

Fortunately, women’s “professional” attire is no longer limited to boxy, male-inspired, business suits. There are a variety of flattering women’s suits available, but you may have to spend extra time locating them (or visiting a good tailor). Look for designs that follow the curves of your body. The suit should be fitted in the waist rather than forming a straight line from shoulder to hips. It’s surprising how few of the major retailers get it right.

My personal favorite option, which didn't used to be universally accepted, is the “work” dress. In reality, most dresses can transition into this role as long as they’re close to knee-length. The neck can be open but shouldn’t be too revealing. Like all good dress designs, the work dress should be fitted to move with you naturally. In the summer, a great option is a sleeveless dress paired with a matching jacket - giving you the option to head out comfortably after work.

Even better, today’s business attire is not bound by traditional black and gray. I love incorporating violets, blues and greens (like the dress pictured above). White is always fun in the summer and cream is a great alternative in winter. It’s amazing how liberating it is when your work wardrobe doesn’t look (or feel) like a uniform.

Things We Love: Leggings

I have to admit, there are times when I don’t feel like wearing a dress. Even if those times are relatively rare, when I do wear something else I often choose leggings. Leggings are one of the rare articles of clothing that are super comfortable and stylish. You can easily pair them with a tank, chunky sweater or casual Tee – it all looks great.  A personal favorite: pair leggings with knee-high boots (heeled or flat) in the winter.

Leggings offer one of the best ratios of fashion-forwardness to minimal effort in women's clothing. Not to mention, how often is a super-stylish staple so inexpensive? Black leggings are a must-have, but if you’re wearing them frequently, gray and brown are good options. Or, if you're cute enough to pull it off, go all out...

Effortlessly Chic

A New Source of Inspiration?

I recently ran across an article discussing an interesting shift in where women look for fashion inspiration.  Traditionally, magazines like Vogue and W introduced (and often dictated) the latest trends in women’s fashion.  Fashion magazines are now experiencing the pain felt by most print media, but there is another shift occurring as well.  Today, many women are looking first to the pages and websites of magazines like People and US to learn about the latest trends and labels.

While runway fashions are still governed by the major design houses, many women now receive their inspiration from paparazzi photos of Sienna Miller, Nicole Richie, Jennifer Aniston and other pop icons. Celebrities have undeniably always influenced fashion but, even so, fashion magazines are losing their position as the go-to resource.

In addition to looking to new sources of inspiration, today’s fashionable women are more interested in wearing what looks flattering on them rather than solely making a high-end fashion statement.  The most popular designers are often rewarded for finding the intersection of high-end looks and designs women are actually comfortable wearing.

Don't Put the Dresses Away

Summer always seems to end so much sooner than you expect ... especially in Chicago. It doesn’t help when you’re bombarded with ads for back-to-school and Fall clothing when it’s still 80 plus degrees outside. Perusing boutiques and department stores makes you feel like it’s already November with jeans, sweaters and winter boots dominating the displays. Even if you're not excited about the cooler weather, it’s fun to pull out warmer clothes for the upcoming winter season. But it doesn’t mean it’s time to pack away your dresses.

Dresses can (and should) be worn year round. And even though not all dresses can make the seasonal transition, many can. There are so many fantastic options (leggings, tights and boots) to pair with dresses that can extend them well into Fall and winter. Even without the addition of warmer accessories, many cocktail dresses make a nearly seamless transition from warm to cool.

One of the benefits of living in a city with four seasons is the fun you can have mixing up your wardrobe. Just don’t feel like you have to hide behind big, bulky clothes throughout the winter (even in Chicago). You can still be stylish and sleek in a dress … at least beneath your winter coat.

Monika Roy Coming to Select Botiques

Monika Roy is currently speaking with boutiques in New York and Chicago. Stay posted for information on where to locate the Monika Roy line. Initial designs include Indian raw-silk tunic and cocktail dresses. Also in production: eyelet-cotton tunics and jersey-knit, strapless designs.

Photos coming soon ...

Monika Roy

Monika Roy is the result of years of fascination with flattering dresses and beautiful fabrics inspired by an Indian and American upbringing. I have a life-long passion for classic, clean designs and am thrilled to share my love of fashion and vibrant fabrics.