Chic Thrills » Victoria’s Secret

Uniform detail.

Catherine — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:30:13 +0000

Having endured years of strictly-enforced dress codes during my private school years, I’ve developed a certain affection for uniform-inspired clothes, especially when there’s an element of masculinity. Designers, too, seem to take inspiration from the boys. Take, for example these blazers from Eight Sixty, J.Crew, and Victoria’s Secret. All are perfect examples of a classic design upgraded to suit current trends. Given the wear I’ve gotten out of my black blazer this past summer, fall, and winter, I can only predict a fresh gray or navy addition will get the same love throughout the spring.

: {Eight Sixtry Shrunken Knit Blazer, $110.00}

Seriously loving the gray fabric with oversized brass buttons.

: {Victoria’s Secret Boyfriend Blazer, $88.00}

The lightweight linen/cotton blend is perfect for nights when it gets a little chilly.

{Wool Flannel Schoolboy Blazer, $198.00}

The muted buttons make this a dressier, perfect-for-work option.

Florals done right.

Catherine — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:00:35 +0000

Thanks to an overkill during the 90s, florals have taken on a bad name (here’s looking at you, Laura Ashley). But thanks to new, sweet designs from designers worldwide, they’re slowly making a triumphant, chic-er return to everyday runways. This skirt from Victoria’s Secret’s PINK collection, is just too sweet to pass up. Toughen it up with a leather jacket, or simplify your look as the model has done here; all you need is a basic tank and hoodie.

{High-Waist Skirt, Victoria’s Secret, $29.50}

Dance, Magic Dance.

Catherine — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:00:26 +0000

It might come as a shock to learn that as much as I adore going out, New Year’s Eve is at the very bottom of my list of favorite nights on the town. It’s partly to do with the pressure to have a really great time, but I also resent the “deals” that come along with the evening, usually requiring a boatload of cash for all-you-can-drink specials, which, quite frankly, irritate me. Why should I spend three times what I’d normally spend on a regular evening, where I can have just as much fun?

Split-Neck Sequin Dress, $159.99

But then I start dreaming up all the lovely outfits I could wear to ring in 2010. And before you know it, I’m making plans to go out, wearing said outfit. This year is no exception with this dress from Victoria’s Secret. How can you not want to go out dancing in this sequined number? With 3/4-length sleeves to beat the chill (if you’re like me and sticking around the East Coast for the 31st) and a figure-flattering gathered waist (if you’re like me and plan to have one too many desserts at Christmas), the pink will stand out against the predictable sea of little black dresses most women tend to lean towards.

Making the dress even sweeter is its sale price, marked down to $159.99 from $258. Dresses like this one (classic cut, with a dash of whimsy) are built to transcend trends, too. Can’t you see this dress on the dance floor at Studio 54 in the 70s?

Giving thanks to Spanx.

Catherine — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:42 +0000

I don’t know about you Chic Thrills readers, but I’m planning on letting loose on Thanksgiving and eating. A lot. Sure, I pay attention to the expert advice on portion control, calories, and other buzz-killing reports, but I’m also not about to pass up 1 of 2 days per year I get to feast on yummy, not-the-best-for-you foods. How about we all relax a little bit, treat ourselves to one extra helping of stuffing, and vow to eat right 363 days of the year so we can enjoy all there is to eat on the holidays? Deal?

That said, I’m not down with the stomach pooch that comes with all this treating. And while I’m certainly not denouncing the miracle of Spanx, I prefer not to feel like a sausage when I’ve overindulged at holiday gatherings. Thankfully, there are a ton of figure-forgiving dresses available for me to look my best (while concealing that slice of pumpkin pie).

Old Navy Printed Square-Neck Dress, $29.50

Such a super-sweet (and wallet-friendly) find from Old Navy! Pair it with your favorite boots, thick tights, and you’re good to go!

Victoria's Secret Plunging V-Neck Dress, $59.00

Ah – details that detract from excess bloat. Also known as “our best friend” when we eat too much. Genius.

Banana Republic Tiered Pleated Dress, $132.00

Make like that last helping of potatoes didn’t exist. Neither did the third.

Twinkle, twinkle.

Catherine — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:00:14 +0000

Our East Coast weather has taken a turn for the very worst. It’s damp. It’s dreary. The wind is blowing so hard, leaves aren’t even getting the chance to fall – they’re swept up and away completely! When it gets like this, all I want to do is reach for my warmest sweater, comfiest leggings and plushest socks, but with events aplenty to go to, I’ve got no choice but to face Mother Nature’s wrath with sequins.

Sequin Cardigan, $98

My obsession with that Prada bag didn’t end my thrill for good sparkle. And with sequin sweaters and blazers set to be huge this winter, I’m using them as an excuse to ditch the comfort clothes and liven things up a bit. I have, after all, been known to get out of bed occasionally solely for an outfit I love. So in my search for a versatile sequined topper, I’ve seen many a jacket with a $500+ price tag, which, as we all know, doesn’t bode well with our Chic Thrills mantra. So you can imagine my excitement when I spotted this jazzy number from Victoria’s Secret for only $98. Pair it with your favorite little black dress for a dash of whimsy, or for a more demure look, try it with jeans and a simple ribbed tank for dinner out. Any way you wear it, you’ll look positively sizzling. Available online or through Victoria’s Secret catalog number – 800.888.8200.

Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel

Ruth — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:00:54 +0000

This might be revealing a little too much about myself, but every year I used to tape the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. It wasn’t enough for me to watch the show just once, I needed to be able to access it for days and weeks to come. Everything about it – the bodies, the clothes, the hair, the music, the celebs – and most importantly, those Angels- I can never get enough. How I longed every year to be an Angel.

Well, dreams can come true, as long as you’re 5’8″ in bare feet and able to be in NYC from October 29 – December 3rd. Entry details and FAQs can be found here on Victoria Secret’s newly launched “All Access” page. You’ll get the opportunity to rub elbows with the likes of Miranda, Alessandra, and Adriana and be involved in one of the biggest fashion shows on television. Don’t worry, I’ll have it all on tape.