Now Wearing...

Chicago weather has been wildly unpredictable this winter.  We had quite a few California-like days in January just a few weeks ago, and I was fortunate enough to meet up with James to snap a few pictures before the snow and ice storms hit.

Now that it's colder, I've still wearing a lot of the same pieces - just more of them, sometimes doubling up cardigans or blazers.  I've also found a new appreciation for vests.  Examples to come in future outfit posts.

Now Wearing...

Photos by James Rand

Now Riding...

Photos by James Rand

Yes, I ride a moped or what some call a "mini motorcycle with pedals".  A few months ago, with the help of my good friend Mikey I bought a moped!  It's a vintage 1970s Pinto, manufactured by Puch and sold at JCPenney.

I'm a complete novice when it comes to mechanics.  I'm constantly asking Mikey questions and searching forums for answers, and it's quite fun and rewarding.  The moped community in Chicago is really friendly, and a shop opened up on Western this past summer - MOPED!

You can see my moped in action in this sweet video by Leo Burnett featuring my friend Roberto.  Right around 2:49, you'll see my friends flying by and a nice long shot of the city... then a quick appearance by yours truly.

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I recently moved into a new apartment in Noble Square, a quaint little neighborhood somewhere between Wicker Park and downtown Chicago.  There are few things more stressful than moving, but I love that moving forces me to purge and re-organize my closet.

I haven't been shopping much the past few months, but the one site that always seems to make the cut is Pixie Market.  I bought a couple color block pieces from them a couple months ago, including this blouse.  It doesn't look like it's still available, but they have a similar (and even more affordable) top.

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Knee-d Your Lovin' Tights, $29.99 & My Heart Skipped Tights, $17.99

I love fall - watching the leaves change colors, breathing the cool crisp air, and layering up with fun socks and tights.  ModCloth has a fun selection of patterned tights.  Hearts sometimes feel a bit too cutesy, but I can't help myself.

Merona Ribbed Tights, $8.00

Target is another great resource for tights.  They've got a solid selection of colors, all affordable.  If you live in New York, Century 21 is a gold mine.  I used to stop in every fall.

DKNY tights & Bass Loves Rachel Antonoff oxfords

This month marks my one year anniversary in Chicago.  One year ago I left New York City, and so much has happened since then.  I could ramble for days, but the short version is that Chicago has been kind to me and it feels right.

Photos by James Rand

Now Wearing...

I wore this outfit and modified versions of this outfit to work while it was warm, switching out the skirt, top and shoes.  With fall weather settling in, I'll be packing away most of these pieces with the exception of the sunglasses and wedges which I'll be wearing with tights.

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You can't really tell from far away, but the shirt and sandals both have prints on them.  My love for mixed prints has yet to fade.

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My love for neon dates back to elementary school (Lisa Frank, anyone?).  This love came back hard and grew into an obsession in the last two years.  My friend got me the neon satchel for my birthday last summer, and I picked up the neon accented glasses and shoes earlier this year.

From my Instagram. Follow me @djlanilove

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I picked this dress from Artizia awhile back on fall/winter clearance.  While it may have been intended for colder seasons, this crepe silk number has been great for summer because it's so light and airy.  I've been wearing it over tank dresses and pairing it with lighter colored shoes and accessories to brighten it up.

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Most of this outfit you might remember from last summer (dress seen on Industry of One and bag seen here), but the winter break and fresh sandals have made the dress and bag feel new again.

Scoop NYC Gold Coast Anniversary

Last week, I had the pleasure of DJing the 1 year anniversary for Scoop NYC's Gold Coast store.  Scoop NYC was one of the first designer boutiques I ever shopped at, so I was very excited to part of the festivities.  Clothes and music, it was my double rainbow.

James Rand & Sugar Rock Catwalk Reunited

SugarRockCatwalk readers, hopefully you’ll recognize my name, but this is may be the first time you’ve seen my face! I wanted to explain the absence of my photos from the site for the past 6 months, and to excitedly announce my continued collaboration with Sugar Rock Catwalk!

Last November I lost my job, and though I had many good years in NYC, I felt it was past time to move on. Since then I’ve been traveling around the world with my camera, including a very exciting trip to Japan and a winter sailing voyage off the coast of Maine! With my wanderlust temporarily sated, I followed Lani’s lead, packed up my stuff, rented a van, and moved to beautiful Chicago.

Now settled out in the friendly midwest, Lani and I will once again to collaborate to bring you fashionable outfits and accessories from a new city!

It’s a very exciting time for me, because in addition to a new city, new friends, and another chance to work with SugarRockCatwalk, I’m striking out on my own as a professional photographer. To kick off my new career, I’ve launched a brand-new jamesrand.com!

So please, if you’ve enjoyed my work here, please give the site a visit. Check out my travel pictures in the galleries, and visit the blog for regular, photographic updates. And check back often, here at SugarRockCatwalk, to see what Lani and I cook up!

James Rand

Now Wearing...

Photos by James Rand

A few weeks ago, I went for a walk along the Bloomingdale Trail with my roommate and our apartment mascot Harper, the crazy cute and cute but crazy Jack Russell Terrier.  It's hard to believe that this outfit was weather-appropriate just last month.  I'm still wearing the polka dot dress in this heat, only with shorts and sandals rather than leggings and boots.

While I don't do well in the heat, I love almost everything about summer.  I love how cities and people come to life; this is especially true in Chicago.  I almost had a heart attack looking at my busy calendar for June, but it's filled with lots of celebrations and events I'm very excited to be a part of like Scoop NYC Gold Coast's 1 Year Anniversary event.

Thursday evening at Scoop on Rush Street,  there will be cocktails and fun.  I will be DJing and designer Roderick Tung and stylist Eric Himel will be providing shoppers with expert styling tips.  If you'll be around, please come by and say hello!

How to Shop for Eyeglasses

Awhile back I wrote about a few of my favorite eyewear shops - Moscot, Warby Parker and SEE Eyewear.  Since then SEE has started offering custom nose pads to their list of services, so I've been shopping there quite a bit.  The custom pads add a couple weeks to the wait, but for me the wait for eyeglasses that wouldn't otherwise fit is well worth it.

See Eyewear frames

With my frequent visits to SEE, I've learned a lot about purchasing eyewear and thought it would be helpful to compile a list of tips.  I spoke with Leo at SEE Eyewear's Water Tower location, and here are some of his suggestions:

Wear casual or "everyday" clothing. 

Unless you're shopping for a second or fun pair, wear clothes you usually wear, so you can find glasses that will work with most of your wardrobe.

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I've been a terrible blogger.  I was suffering from an extreme case of burnout, but with the warm weather and the recent arrival of James Rand, I'm excited to get back into the swing of things.

Do you ever feel like so much has happened that your response to "what's new" is "nothing"?  I can report back that I'm still in love with Chicago, and I've been DJing quite a bit.  I recently played on a yacht and a few weeks back I was on Vocalo 89.5 FM!

I'm still learning my way around the city, but I've got a few favorite restaurants and a salon to maintain my asymmetrical cut.  Twisted Scissors in Bucktown/Logan Square is fantastic.  The alternative decor might be a bit intimidating to some people, but the staff is great.  I recently got a cut by Ashley, and she was such a sweetheart!

Now Wearing…

I picked up this dress a little while ago because I fell in love with the bold graphic slightly tribal print. Since the print is so bold, wearing chunky accessories doesn’t detract at all from the dress. I decided to wear my recent DIY necklace.

I had a craft session with a couple lovely ladies, where my friend brought random hardware bits from Home Depot, unworn jewelry and yarn and challenged us to create something new. So I combined coconut beads, washers, bolts, plumbing pipes and beads to create this necklace.
Click after the jump for more pictures and where it’s all from

Now Wearing…

This gauzy piece is something that my roommate found once upon a time at a Housing Works all you can stuff in a bag sale – I inherited it when she decided to downside her closet for a move cross country. I wonder if it was someone’s sewing project from once upon a time? Nevertheless it is a fun whisper of a piece that can look drastically different depending on what you layer it with. I decided to go for a Six from Blossom sort of look with a flower slip dress and a straw hat.

Floral Babydoll Slip Dress - H&M
Sheer Overlay Dress - Unknown via Housing Works
Zip Front Clogs Wedges - Matt Bernson
Straw Bowler - H&M Men's department
Cameo Necklace - Fallon
Black Leather Satchel - Botkier
Black Snake Bracelet - Marc Jacobs Special Item

All photography courtesy of the wonderful James S. Rand.

Now Wearing…

When the weather get’s hot I think sometimes it’s fun pump up the color and combine some hot/loud colors together for a playful effect.  I combined a red tank top with pink mini skirt for a color block effect and threw on some candy colored fun accessories that I’ve previously worn with a more neutral look.

All photography by the wonderful James S. Rand. Click after the jump to see more pics and to see where everything is from!

Now Wearing…

Sometimes a shot of bold color is all you need to brighten your day.  Simple little elements like a vibrant sock, a colorful statement necklaces and a little tank are all you need to punch up a simple outfit into a playful one.  I like wearing bright socks with these strappy pumps in particular to create a funky color block effect with very little investment.

Tie Front Dress - Costello Tagliapietra x Uniqlo
Multi Color Chain Necklace - Fallon
Tank Top - LnA
Bright Socks - Uniqlo
Studded Strappy Pumps - Boutique 9
Eagle Ring - Fallon
Nails - Essie Shorty Pants
Hex Nut Bracelet - DIY in the style of Giles & Brother

All photography courtesy of the wonderful James S. Rand.

Now Wearing...

You may remember this Funktional dress and these Botkier wedges from last summer. I've been wearing both of these pieces a lot this season, together and separately. The dress with all of its cutouts has been great for getting through the summer heat, and these wedges are so comfortable and versatile.

It's no secret that I love Botkier bags, but I've become increasingly obsessed with Botkier shoes. They're so well made and designed; I can walk in them all day, even over cobblestone. That's the true test for a pair of heels!
Zip prairie dress - Funktional
Zipper wedge sandals - Botkier
Bangle - Lee Angel


Photos by our friend James S. Rand