Music Monday: Lollapalooza Festival and Packing Guide

07.28.2014 By AEO in music Tags: aeo-style, Inspiration, Music, Travel View Comments

Chicago is an amazing city. The beaches along Lake Michigan allow for fun times in the city, their infamous deep dish pizza will keep you satiated for days and the music scene is out of this world. This weekend, Lollapalooza gears up for another fun filled weekend in the Windy City. Check out our favorite haunts, who to see and where to go while touring this fantastic mid-western town.

Pack:
Girls. Hi-Rise Festival Shorties are a must. Dress them up with booties, a loose fitting tank and a hat to top off your look.

Shop the look:
Slip-On Bootie
Hi-Rise Festival Shortie
Pleated Lace Tank
Embroiderd Zipper Tote Bag
Mixed Media Bracelet Set

Guys: Mixing patterns is major for August. Pair your plaids and camo prints with solid undertones, like a white t-shirt and black shoes. Add some shades for #AEOStyle you can rock out to all day long.

Shop the look:
Plaid Button Down Shirt
Canvas Sneakers
Legend Crew T-Shirt
Icon Sunglasses
12″ Ripstop Cargo Short (Shop similar)

Eat: Pequods Pizza: In our minds, the best deep dish in town. Crunchy, gooey golden crush smothered in marinara and cheese and covered with crispy pepperoni.

Deep dish anyone? Photo credit: Yelp

Pierogi Wagon: A food truck filled with Polish cuisine! Who doesn’t love a good dumpling filled with mashed potatoes and cheddar?

Dryhop Brewers: 50% kitchen, 50% brewery, 100% amazing. Try any one of their hop-centric ales.

Dry Hop Brewers. Photo Credit: dryhopchicago.com

Batter and Berries: A dynamite breakfast and brunch spot. We can’t get enough of their French Toast Sampler, it oozes with flavor.

Do:

Headquarters Beercade: Play old school arcade games while drinking ice cold suds. Mortal Combat anyone?

Kingston Mines: One of the best blues bars in Chicago, hear the best of the best play any night of the week.

Sail on Lake Michigan: Set your sails and enjoy views of the city from the waters of Lake Michigan.

Sail Chicago. Photo credit: Flickr

Shedd Aquarium: From sea turtles to sharks, see it all at the Shedd Aquarium.

Listen:

Lorde: Shes a 17 year old bold beauty that’s making her mark on the music world. With songs like “Royals“, “Tennis Court” and “Love Club“, we can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

Lorde. Photo credit: hollywoodlife.com

Vance Joy: We’ve got a soft spot for Vance (he helped curate our current playlist for stores)! This singer-songwriter from Australia stole our hearts with “Riptide” and we can’t stop listening to his new release, “Mess is Mine.”

OutKast: With 20 years of experience, this band knows how to keep fans happy! Classic tunes like “So Fresh So Clean” and “Hey, Ya” keep our dancing shoes on and our nostalgia game high. We can’t wait to see these boys take center stage.

Outkast. Photo credit: MTV.com

Grouplove: The ultimate college band, this five member band spits out an alternative rock sound that will automatically make you feel like your having the best time of your life. Check out “I’m With You” and “Let Me In.”

Cut Copy: Well known in the Synthpop world, Cut Copy knows how to generate wild sound that is catchy, energetic and mysterious at times. Check out “Lights & Music” and “Take Me Over.“

Cut Copy. Photo credit: BitTorrent Blog

Tags: aeo-style, Inspiration, Music, Travel

Introducing Up Next: The Ultimate Festival-Inspired Playlist

07.23.2014 By AEO in music Tags: aeo-style, Back to School, Inspiration, Music, Travel View Comments

Over the next few months, we partnered with six talented bands and musicians to deliver the ultimate festival inspired playlist for our stores. Vance Joy, De Lux, Hunter Hunted, Strange Talk, Desert Noises and Tijuana Panthers hand picked their favorite festival songs from this season while including their own genre into the mix. The end result? The perfect summer soundtrack. Over the course of three months, we’ll bring you exclusive band interviews, how to rock #AEOStyle similar to their own and the reason behind their sound. We can’t wait to take you on this musical journey so sit back, relax and rock on. Make sure to check back on Monday for our interview with Tijuana Panthers!

Coming Soon: A playlist inspired by all of your favorite artists from the Budweiser Made in America series!

Tell us what’s currently on your playlist and your thoughts on #AEOUPNEXT in the comments below!

Tags: aeo-style, Back to School, Inspiration, Music, Travel

7 things we love…

07.04.2014 By AEO in #AEOStyle, culture, music Tags: aeostyle, books, Fashion, food, Inspiration, movies, things we love, Travel View Comments

Welcome to this week’s edition of 7 Things We Love! Get inspired by all the things inspiring US right now, from what we’re reading and eating to what we’re wearing and listening to. Let us know what you think about our picks in the comments —and give us yours, too!

(Image Source: 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | )

WHAT WE’RE WEARING: STAR PRINTED SNEAKERS
Get a little patriotic with your #AEOSTYLE by slipping a pair of star-printed sneakers on your feet! Whether you go for slip-ons or chukkas, this trend is all red, white and you.

WHAT WE’RE EATING: SALT & STRAW ICE CREAM
Let’s face it—nothing says summer like a big scoop of ice cream. But we’re not talking your typical, run of the mill vanilla here. Portland’s Salt & Straw ice cream is handmade in small batches with 17 percent butterfat, all-natural dairy, organic and local ingredients (with a few imported flavors thrown in for good measure). They had us at Chocolate Chip Mint Julep and Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbon.

WHAT WE’RE READING: ELEANOR & PARK BY RAINBOW ROWELL
Honestly? We’re loving this book for the cover alone. It’s just a bonus that this story of two star-crossed teens who meet in 1986 and bond over their mutual love of comic books is SO. FREAKING. GOOD. This is the book EVERYONE is reading right now, so don’t be left out. (Oh, and The Fault in Our Stars’ very own John Green wrote a glowing review of it in The New York Times, so there’s that.)

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING: TAMMY
It seems Melissa McCarthy can do no wrong. Her latest movie centers around a character who loses her job and finds out her husband has been cheating on her. Doesn’t sound like the most uplifting start, sure… but something tells us McCarthy’s physical comedy will find a way to give people more than a few laughs.

WHAT WE’RE DOWNLOADING: THE NEW EMOJI LIST
All right, so these aren’t TECHNICALLY available yet, but we’re chomping at the bit to get our fingers on all new emojis for our texts and Instagram posts. A few of the gems include a sports medal, chipmunk, candle, crayon and a wind blowing face.

WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO: HUNGER OF THE PINE BY ALT-J
Indie rock band Alt-J isn’t only cool because they’re from England. They have a way of drawing you in with their mesmerizingly awesome beats. This song in particular is tranquil with an edgy vibe and just a little mysterious. (Oh, and it includes Miley Cyrus on a loop. So there’s that.)

WHERE WE’RE GOING: BOSTON
There really isn’t a better place to celebrate the 4th than in one of our most patriotic cities. Boston is home to the Freedom Trail, which includes everything from Old North Church (which, hint hint, played a major part in the American Revolution) and the beautiful Boston Common. But what we’re most excited for is the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which takes place on the Esplanade at the Charles River and includes the concert and one of the most awesome fireworks displays you can possibly imagine. If you need a quick bite, stop at Spike’s for a Junkyard Dog—be sure to get one with a pickle spear inside the bun.

Tags: aeostyle, books, Fashion, food, Inspiration, movies, things we love, Travel

New England Edition: July 4th Style Guide

06.29.2014 By AEO in culture Tags: aeo-style, Fashion, How to Wear It, Inspiration, Summer, Travel View Comments

July 4th is right around the corner which means it’s time to show off your red, white and blue #AEOStyle. We’ve enlisted the help of our stylists, Preston and Lauren to piece together looks based on where you’re celebrating. No matter if you’re in the city or at the beach, we’ve got your itinerary and 4th of July outfit covered! Check out our favorite haunts and styles below and don’t forget to show us your Independence Day style with #AEOStyle for a chance to be featured on AE.com.

Chatham, Cape Cod. Photo Credit: joesretirementblog

Destination: Chatham, Cape Cod
Why: Filled with quintessential New England charm, Chatham offers beautiful beaches, great food, penny candy and an all-american vibe. Plus, during the 4th, downtown Main Street turns into full blown parade!
Stay: Chatham Bars Inn. Celebrate their 100th anniversary in the main hotel, or rent a bungalow footsteps away from the beach
Indulge: Chatham Candy Manor. Homemade fudge with samples to boot plus hundreds of homemade chocolatey goodness.
Enjoy: Ridgevale Beach. Ocean on one side, bay on the other. Rent sailboats and kayaks for the day then munch on lobster rolls and insanely good cheeseburgers at the Ridgevale Beach Snack Bar!
Packing Guide:

4TH OF JULY LOOK 3_11199

Girls: All-American #AEOStyle.

Shop the look:
Chambray Sundress
Keds Champion Originals Sneaker

Guys: Prep up your #AEOStyle.

Shop the look:
Denim Workwear Shirt
11.5″ Longboard Short
Canvas Chukkah

Annapolis, Maryland: Photo Credit: car.realestatesbs.com

Destination: Annapolis, Maryland
Why: Crabcakes and Football (and beautiful water sprinkled with sailboats). It’s the perfect spot to watch fireworks and celebrate America’s Independence.
Stay: Historic Inns of Annapolis. This quaint inn makes you feel right at home with beautiful rooms and fantastic hospitality.
Indulge: Annapolis Ice Cream Company. You can’t go wrong with the sea salt caramel waffle cone. OMG its delicious.
Enjoy: Pussers Caribbean Grille. Enjoy scrumptious fish tacos by the bay-side and turn your flip flops in for dancing shoes
Packing Guide:

Girls: Red, white and blue with an east coast vibe.

Shop the look:
Coca-Cola Graphic Muscle Tank
Stars and Stripes Denim Shortie
Thick Strap Sandal

Guys: Prepster All-American look with an unexpected East Coast twist.

Shop the look:
Americana Tank
10.25″ Denim Cutoff Shorts
Canvas Sneaker

Manhattan Office Vacancy Rate Drops In Second Quarter

New York, New York. Photo Credit: parliamenttutors.com

Destination: New York City
Why: It’s America’s #1 city. Do we need to say more?
Stay: AirBnB. Perfect for the traveler on a budget. We recommend staying in East Village or the Lower East Side.
Indulge: Sprinkles Cupcakes. They change up flavors every day and offer specials multiple times per week, plus they have a cupcake ATM to satisfy cravings 24/7
Enjoy: Fireworks. They’re being set off from Brooklyn and the East River this year so you can see them from Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. It’s a spectacle like no other!
Packing Guide:

Girls: Keep it city sleek in #AEOStyle.

Shop the look:
Eagle Graphic Muscle Tank
Sky High Button Front Shortie
Birkenstock Gizeh Habana Sandal

Guys: Laid-back prep meets busy city streets.

Shop the look:
Photo Real Muscle T-Shirt
10.25″ Destroyed Denim Cutoff Short
Canvas Sneaker

Newport, Rhode Island. Photo Credit: njcharters.com

Destination: Newport, Rhode Island
Why: Beautiful beaches and mansions in the heart of New England. Enjoy stunning beaches along the coast of Rhode Island.
Stay: The Attwater. This cozy boutique hotel has that old New England charm with updated decor and technology (they’ve got iPads in every room!)
Indulge: Tallulah on Thames. Focused on finding seasonal ingredients from local resources, this restaurant offers delicious and flavorful meals. We recommend the tacos.
Enjoy: Schedule a mansion tour with Preservation Society of Newport County. Tour and learn all about the famous mansions that line the town’s coastline.
Packing Guide:

Girls: New England vibe meets comfortable #AEOStyle.

Shop the look:
Sky High Shortie
Open Knit V-Neck Sweater
Marled Beanie
Slip-On Sneaker
Aviator Sunglasses

Guys: Go for the all-American #AEOStyle

Shop the look:
Jersey Polo
10″ Classic Length Short
Canvas Boat Shoe

Tags: aeo-style, Fashion, How to Wear It, Inspiration, Summer, Travel

7 things we love…

06.20.2014 By AEO in #AEOStyle, culture, music Tags: books, Fashion, food, Jimmy Fallon, movies, Music, Travel View Comments

Image Source: 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. |

WHAT WE’RE WEARING: MUSCLE TEES
Summer’s hottest tops are a little rock ‘n roll inspired (and a whole lot of awesome). Right now we’re especially loving this Muscle T-Shirt from our brand-new Don’t Ask Why collection, which fuses the effortless street style of New York, L.A. and Milan with festival-inspired edge.Wear it with soft shorties, like we’ve styled it here, or try it with jeggings or a maxi skirt.

WHAT WE’RE EATING: GRILLED STRAWBERRY PARFAIT
Did you know that grilling and roasting fruit helps bring out its natural sweetness? Well, it does… and right now we’re obsessed with adding grilled strawberries to Greek yogurt and granola for a healthy yet totally sweet treat.

WHAT WE’RE READING: THE GIVER BY LOIS LOWRY
Whether this was/is required reading for you in school or you just pick it up for fun, this book is a must-read. Lowry’s book was at the forefront of the YA dystopic craze, and for good reason… her story centers around Jonas, who lives in a community in the future where everything has become controlled to the point of Sameness. After receiving the position of The Receiver for the community, Jonas goes on a gripping path of self discovery. Read the book now before the movie (featuring one of our current #MCMs, Brenton Thwaites) comes out in August.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING: GIRL MEETS WORLD
Okay, it hasn’t premiered yet (it starts on June 27). But in the meantime, we’re obsessively watching (and rewatching) the trailer featuring our favorites, Cory and Topanga. (And we might just be watching old episodes of Boy Meets World to get even more excited.) We’re really hoping this show lives up to our expectations.

WHAT WE’RE DOWNLOADING: YOUTUBE CLIPS OF THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON
Simply put? Jimmy Fallon is killing it as the new(ish) head of The Tonight Show. We watch every clip he posts on YouTube and laugh uproariously at every one, from his Lip Sync Battle with Emma Stone to the celebrity photobomb he did with Jon Hamm. We can’t wait to see what happens every night.

WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO: CLUBFEET BY HEARTBREAK FEATURING CHELA
A combination of disco, electronic, electro and synthpop sounds like it might be a little overwhelming… but in the case of Heartbreak, the duo of Ali Renault and Sebastian Muravchix, it somehow works. You won’t be able to keep from dancing to the beat of this track, which feels like a mix of 80’s pop with current electro pop.

WHERE WE’RE GOING: SEATTLE
Did you know that Saturday is the longest day of the year? That’s why we’re heading to Seattle, where we’ll have our pick of the Fremont Fair, Solstice Parade and the first ever Solstice Concert Series. We also can’t wait to check out the different boutiques, nightlife and the restaurant scene. Oh, and we’ll probably be picking up a few of our favorite Starbucks lattes.

Tags: books, Fashion, food, Jimmy Fallon, movies, Music, Travel

Lauren and Preston’s Summer in the City Style Guide

06.02.2014 By AEO in #AEOStyle Tags: beach, Inspiration, Style, stylists picks, summer fashion, Travel View Comments

Let’s face it, Summer is HOT... and after this winter, we won’t complain (promise!), but we WILL show you how to stylishly dress for the rising temps! Our very own (and very stylish) Director of Styling, Preston and Manager of Styling, Lauren put together relaxed beach looks inspired by some of their favorite beach towns. Check out the outfits below to keep your #AEOStyle cool all season long.

Cool in Cabo:
GUYS: Our classic denim shirt is the go-to for beach layering. Easy to throw on with a print bathing suit after the beach or to head out for lunch or drinks with friends. The accessory statement is all in the wrist – layering up vintage inspired cord & beaded bracelets for a cool, simple summer vibe.

Cool in Cabo- Men’s

Shop the look:
Denim Workwear Shirt
Photo Real Muscle T-Shirt
Tropical Floral Board Short
Rubber Flip Flop

GALS: This look is all about laid back, easy items, perfect for a resort town like Cabo. We love a soft pant paired back to the sandal of the season, the Birkenstock… and worn with an easy print tank for an effortless look. Nothing says chill vacation mode more than a fedora to top off the look.

Cool in Cabo- Women’s

Shop the look:
Birkenstock Gizeh Habana Sandal
Tie Dye Tank
Metallic Straw Fedora
Surplus Linen Pant
Tropic Printed Tote
Half Rim Sunglasses
Beaded Coral Necklace

Major in Miami:
GUYS: Our short sleeve half-pipe shirts are killer with an awesome fit and perfect to wear from the beach to the bar. We’re seeing tons of florals in mens summer dressing and we love our floral version paired back to our new chino jogger for a summery yet urban vibe. Don’t forget a fresh pair of trainers and good wrist gear to top off the look.

Major in Miami- Men’s

Shop the look:
Printed Short Sleeve Button Down Shirt
Jogger Pant
New Balance 501 Sneaker
Men’s Jewelry
Knit Beanie
Leaves Icon Sunglasses

GALS: Whats so fun about Miami is the ability to go from the sand to the street to the beach club all before dusk. We love the graphic print on this dress to throw over a bikini or for lunch on Ocean Drive. Wear under our vegan leather jacket for when the sun goes down. Miami dressing is all about versatility while looking cool and on trend.

Major in Miami- Women’s

Shop the look:
Cutout Sundress
Cropped Vegan Leather Moto Jacket
Aviator Sunglasses
Silver Wedge

Vibrant in Venice:
GUYS: The SoCal surf scene is the epitome of laid back cool… this is where pattern mixing is natural and effortless. A bright striped tank paired to a denim cut off feels easy, on trend, and perfect for Venice. Our slip-on skate inspired Ollie is killer in the stripe print. Throw on the 5 panel cap with floral detail as you jump out of the water or off your surf board.

Vibrant in Venice- Men’s

Shop the look:
Vintage Striped Tank
10.25″ Destroyed Denim Cutoff Short
Printed Slip-On Sneaker
Floral Brim 5-Panel Hat
Leaves Icon Sunglasses
Canvas Magic Wallet

GALS: The summer vibe in Venice beach all goes back to the influence of surf and skate. Our sky high shortie is super street ready when paired with a skate inspired lace up sneaker, cool print tank and fresh metallic sunnies. We love the hint of color in the trucker hat (totally SOCAL, right?) to top off the look.