Style Notes: Kelly Golden

Chicago has been getting plenty of fashion attention over the last few years thanks to our First Lady, glamorous women like Desiree Rogers and a certain boutique named Ikram. But the latter isn’t the only style stomping ground in town. Neapolitan Collection has been bringing Windy City denizens looks from the likes of Wes Gordon, Andrew Gn, Miu Miu and Jason Wu since opening in 2003. And its owner, Kelly Golden, is the woman they should thank, as she hits up the collections each season to bring them an uncanny mix of younger designer fare and established cult favorites. Here, Golden shares her own style tips, including what she’s most excited for this fall.

Define your style in three words: Classic, feminine and relaxed.

Greatest Hits: My antique lace wedding dress my mother made for me, Dior runway over-the knee-boots, Alexander McQueen’s “lock and key” dress, Bottega Veneta python bag and my bottle green, one-shoulder Lanvin gown.

Favorite Things for Fall: Jason Wu’s lace pieces, Yves Saint Laurent printed python chiffon blouse, Andrew Gn’s jeweled cocktail dresses, J. Mendel fur-trimmed hooded coat, Dior sweater coat with toggle buttons.

Some of Golden’s favorites for fall, including lace pieces from Jason Wu.

Preferred Footwear: I love riding boots, especially by Dior this season! They are super chic yet comfortable. They are usually my preferred choice when I’m working my market appointments, since I’m on my feet for 12 hours. For evening, I love Pierre Hardy, Lanvin, and Fendi heels, particularly in python this season.

Finishing Touches: I have been wearing a lot of vintage jewelry lately, anything with links and larger in scale. If I want to amp it up, I’ll pull out my favorite Kimberly McDonald pieces that have such a unique, yet earthy feel to them. I always have some bit of jewelry on, whether it’s a bunch of bangles, earrings or a bold necklace.

Nighttime Look: I love all of the jewel tones this season. The [fall 2011] Gucci runway was amazing! I’ve also been in a pant mode lately, so for a nighttime event, I may be in high-waisted pants by Wes Gordon or YSL paired with a Valentino chiffon blouse.

Style Icons: Ann Bonfoey Taylor.

Style Pet Peeve: Wearing a trend just to wear it, even if it doesn’t suit you.

Last Purchase: A printed silk-jersey Leonard dress. They are the best pieces for travel. I just roll mine up in my suitcase, and it takes up no room.

More Golden picks, like J. Mendel’s fur-trimmed hooded coat.

Lusting After: A weekend at Mirval Spa in Tucson, Arizona.

Favorite Haunts & Why: Palma restaurant in NYC (best Italian food in the city!), and the MoMA store for great gifts. Pane Caldo in Chicago and Sweet Mandy B’s for the best cupcakes in the world. When I’m in Paris, I always eat at Le Voltaire and grab a cocktail at Bar Hemingway in the Ritz. They have the best cocktails made with aged ginger.

Next Vacation: Newport, RI.

What You’ll Pack: Neapolitan collection cozy cashmere knits, an Anya Hindmarch cross-body purse, Pierre Hardy wedges, and a Wes Gordon menswear jacket and cropped pants.