Spring Break Essential Style Guide by Eccentrics Boutique

Forget the writing assignments, group projects and late night study sessions. The big week of letting your hair down and forgetting about the stress of midterms is almost here! We know you've worked hard for this upcoming adventure with your best friends and you deserve to spend every moment in style. Your selfies will never look better! So we put together a little spring break style guide to make your life a little easier:

TOPS + COVER UPS

Bring a handful of tops that you can mix and match with your favorite denim. Or to wear over your two piece when headed to the beach. Tank tops are an obvious must...but bring at least one long sleeve just in case the temperature dips in the evening. Graphic tees are sassy and get the message across without saying a word. We love oversized tops and tunics to shield your skin from the sun. Here are some of our favorites:

3/4 Sleeve Crop Top $34 // WILDFOX Mermaid on Duty $108 // Mint Tie Dye $32 // Sleeveless Jersey Tank Top $30 // Shop all new spring tops here.

DAY DRESS + ROMPER

A flirty casual dress or playful romper is perfect for being a tourist and sightseeing. Go for something lightweight that can be accessorized with a cute hat and funky sunglasses. These also transition well to the beach when you want one more dip in the ocean. And don't forget a flowy maxi dress for a date night walk on the beach. Here are some of our favorites:

women's dresses and rompers for spring break

Women's Racerback Maxi $42 // Sleeveless Cobalt Romper $39 //Noir Tie Up Katfran Dress $89 // Bohemia Romper $99 // Miss Lilly Playsuit $69 // Tie Front Dress $43 // Shop more spring dresses here.

Maxi Skirt + Comfy Cut Offs + Favorite Denim

Spring break is full of parties, sunshine, sightseeing and running to the beach...so being comfy is vital. And nothing is more comfy than your favorite denim or maxi skirt. Wear denim with your bikini top or one of your favorite oversized cover ups.

women's maxi dress and denim

Strike Me Maxi Skirt $58 // Datsun Garage Shorts $79 // Paige Verdugo Quinnley Destructed Denim $189

PARTY DRESSES

Life is short and spring break is too much fun. We know you'll be having the time of your life. We just want to make sure you look good at all the parties. We have some of our favorite dresses that are flattering and flirty yet appropriate for any occasion. Check out some of our favorite dresses below:

 women's spring break party dresses

Strike Me Mini Dress $58 // Women's Tribe Dress $74 // Sudden Sky Midi Dress $89 // BCBGeneration Outline Dress $118 // Shop more women's spring break dresses here.

SHOES

Shoes can really weigh down your luggage. So we recommend finding some classic styles in neutral colors that can be swapped with any outfit. You can't go wrong with a wedge for daytime dresses, gladiator sandals for a day sightseeing, strappy heels with your party dresses and our favorite Yosi Samra foldable flats (keep in your handbag for any shoe emergency). See our favorites below.

Archer Gladiator Sandal $32 // Camel Basha Wedge $37 // Nude Grammy Heel $32 // Yosi Samra Croco in Black $75 // Shop more women's shoes here.

We hope we were able to inspire your spring break style! If you're local, stop by and we'll help you find the perfect outfit for the best week of your life!

XO,

Lauren Craig

March 05, 2016

To Have & To Hold...A New Purse.

New Purses at Eccentrics Boutique

It's time to make the big commitment! Find a new purse that makes you live happily ever after. Everyone has different preferences and expectations. You might be looking for a big bag that can protect you from leaving something important behind. Or you might want be looking for a more sleek and stylish option. No matter what your taste, we have a handbag for you.

Fringe handbag.

PETA approved vegan bag, with top and side zippers. Has fringe tassels and can be carried or has additional strap so you can wear it over the shoulder or cross body. Has cute floral interior and spacious for all your goodies inside. Shop the berry color. Shop navy color here.

Gold, Silver and black purse with wristlet option.This little bag can be worn on the wrist or over the shoulder. Cute bag for going out or special event. Classic style and colors. Vegan friendly. Shop all colors.

Bucket bag.

 

This bucket handbag is a good purse for all seasons. Wear it over the shoulder or attach strap and wear in across the body. Floral interior and very spacious for all your goodies. Front and back zipper compartment, great for those items you need to get to quickly. Vegan friendly. Shop our favorite bucket bag here.

The most functional clutch you can own. This clutch comes in multiple colors and full of compartments. Opens up to have spots for your cards and ID's as well a zipper compartment and two snap open pockets. Vegan friendly. Shop all colors here.

We hope you find the new love of your life in one of our new handbags! Shop all purses here.

 

February 27, 2016

Work It, Girl! | Women's Career Wear

Show them who's boss with Eccentrics Boutique women's career wear.

Make your 9-5 the most stylish part of your day! Meetings are just another excuse to show off your newest career wear from Eccentrics Boutique. Have paperwork to deliver? No big deal. Just think of the hallway as your runway. Strut your stuff, file those important documents and dress for success.

Don't have time to pick through styles on the racks? No worries. I put together a selection of outfits below that you can order online. But this is just a small selection. Click here to see more online.

Women's button down blouses for the work day.

Women's button down blouses make every outfit so simple yet chic. Wear with a dressy skirt or tailed pants.

Window Pane Button Up $42 // Sweet Melody Shirt $48 // Ivory Top $46 // BCBGeneration Sheer Top $78

Women's pencil skirts for work wear

Tuck in a printed blouse with a black pencil skirt for instant class.

Women's Black Pencil Skirt $42 // Women's Black Knit Skirt $59

Women's printed ankle length pants for career wear.

Navy is the new black. We love navy in a print or solid in our ankle length style.

Women's Navy Printed Pants $55 // Women's Navy Woven Dress Pants $47

 Shop more of our women's career styles on our website here. Which style would make you feel confident in the office?

XO,

Lauren

 

February 25, 2016

Overview: End of 2015 & Beginning of 2016

Hello, lovelies! This year has already been a whirlwind! Christmas is a distant memory. New Years started with a bang. And Valentine's Day has already escaped us. We tried to keep up with our blog but you know how time flies when you're having fun! So we want to wrap up 2015 and open up 2016 in one little post...

Pink Friday

We don't do Black Friday, we do PINK Friday! We had a great turnout of customers getting great deals and finding beautiful styles!

December Give Back Beautiful

Caritas Family Solutions in Carterville was our featured charity to end 2015. Caritas provides so many services critical to our communities including foster care. So many children find themselves in foster care due to unfortunate circumstances. Caritas is a non for profit and relies on donations to keep their services available. To get customers in the giving spirit, we created a Charity Tree that featured beautiful necklaces perfect for stocking stuffers. Each necklace cost $10 and 100% of the necklace proceeds went to Caritas. It was a successful campaign and we were so proud to present Caritas with the donations. Thank you to all of our customers for participating!

Eccentrics Christmas Party

We worked so hard during the holiday season that we had time find time for some fun, too! So all of us girls kicked back after work at the boss lady's house for a fun evening of good food and great company. Lauren treated us to a homestyle meal catered by Honeybaker's and personalized gifts. But we were most excited to announce Lauren's pregnancy on our social media! We cannot wait!

January Give Back Beautiful

We started the New Year off with a clothing drive to benefit two amazing local resale shops. Customers donated a bag of clothing and received 20% OFF their entire purchase....including sale! Donations were given to the following local resale shops: Renew: Second Hand Store is 100% volunteer ran and all profits will be given back through various missionary endeavors both locally and globally. Everyone is invited to shop or donate at Renew. Located in Marion, IL. Helen Honey's is a resale shop serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Developmental disabled adults work at the resale shop to earn a paycheck. They accept donations. Helen Honey's is located in Herrin, IL.

 

Valentine's Day

We got to find out that out that Lauren's newest Valentine is a....wait for it.... GIRL!!

 

Thank you for making the holiday season so successful and we cannot wait to see you throughout 2016! And now that we've done a quick little wrap up of the past few months...we will be on top of our blog game this year! That is our New Year's Resolution after all.  ;)

XOXO,

The Eccentrics Team

 

February 23, 2016

Working Woman Wednesday: Lauren's Favorite Office Styles

When you have to get down to business, it helps to have a stylish office! Our boss lady, Lauren Craig, wanted to show off some of her favorite office styles in our first installation of Work It Wednesday! So check out the images below and click the links to get the look!

The first outfit features two different textures for a successful outfit. Pair our gold sequin pencil skirt with our black sheer chiffon blouse with tie. Loosely tuck in the top and let it drape from the sides. Wear with simple strappy black heels.

Plissé Pleated Top $55 // Gold Sequin Pencil Skirt $40

Office Outfit Inspiration Sequin Pencil Skirt

gold sequin pencil skirt and black chiffon blouse with necktie.

When you really want to feel fancy, throw on our stunning black peplum dress with feathers. This beauty looks classy with a touch of 1920's flair. Wear with black heels featuring a supportive ankle strap.

Cabriole Dress $92

Black peplum dress with feathers.

Black peplum dress with feathers.

When you want to feel cool but still be put together, add our colorful BCBGeneration blazer over our chiffon blouse with jeweled neckline. A pair of sharp black leggings and BCBGeneration Carissa heels complete the outfit.

BCBGeneration Woven High Low Jacket $118 // Rhinestone Trim Blouse $38 // BCBGeneration Carissa Heel $110

BCBGeneration Blazer and black leggings with BCBGeneration Carissa heels.

BCBGeneration blazer for the office.

You're not boring....so don't wear boring clothes to the office! Which outfit would you wear??

 

Stay Stylish!

October 21, 2015

September 2015 Give Back Beautiful: Alzheimer's Association

Alzheimer's changes lives. It's been such a tough disease to watch my family go through. I remember days at my grandmother's house eating ice cream, watching movies, and talking about everything. Those visits are different now; I’m lucky if my grandmother remembers my name, who I’m married to and where I live. It's sad. It’s difficult carrying a conversation with someone who doesn’t answer you back. I often wonder if my grandmother can hear or understand what I’m saying. No one can really understand what people go through, unless you have a relative like my grandma - someone with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's makes a normal person start forgetting things until they can’t remember how to talk, walk or even do such a simple thing as hug someone. You have to be really brave to visit someone who changes every time you see them because after all, you still love them like I love my grandma. It's just painful to watch them slip away. I miss the old days, the days before my grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

My grandma always predicted my future (she might not remember it), but she always wanted me to open a shop beside Your Jeweler (my father-in-law's store). She was such an inspiration to me!

Have you been affected by Alzheimer's in your family? Please join us on Saturday, September 26th at Carbondale Community High School at the Frank Bleyer Field. Registration at 8:30am. Ceremony at 9:30am. Walk at 10:00am. Route Length: 3.2 miles.

To join or donate to the Eccentrics Team, click this link here: http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2015/IL-GreaterIllinois?team_id=294804&pg=team&fr_id=7472

XO,

Lauren

September 17, 2015

Eccentrics Goes to Vegas | Eccentrics Boutique

We had our head in the clouds about fall fashion while flying to Vegas last week! This was my first trip to Vegas and I couldn't wait to find the very best styles the fashion industry had to offer! Here's a glimpse of our 4 days in the city that never sleeps! We got to explore the first night and see the sights! I wore my favorite while t-shirt dress knotted with fringe flats. Wear as a dress alone or with leggings! You really can't have too much fringe this season!

The highlight of our trip was hearing Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere speak! Plus we are excited to announce that Eccentrics Boutique will be the exclusive carrier of her line in our area! So start counting down until next spring...you're going to go nuts!! She has great taste that was made for Eccentrics Boutique!

It was a whirlwind and 4 days never went by so fast! We were sad to say goodbye to Vegas....but excited to get back home and get the store ready for fall! New styles are already arriving and we can't wait to make you the most fashionable woman in your town! So stop by and say hello!

XO,

Lauren

August 22, 2015

Girls Night Out: Josh Turner Concert at Walker's Bluff | Eccentrics Boutique

We can't be all work and no play! It was time for an Eccentrics Team girls night...minus a few ladies! The best boss in the world gave us tickets to enjoy Josh Turner at Walker's Bluff Legend's Amphitheater last night. We were so sad Lauren couldn't join us! Eccentrics Boutique sponsored Walker's Bluff featuring Josh Turner...so if you were there, you got to see our promo video play several times! We had so much fun catching up and spending time with our plus ones. Walker's Bluff is the perfect place in Southern Illinois to enjoy a great food and your favorite musician. We look forward to attending more of their events in the future! View images from the concert below!

August 09, 2015

Meet Our Pets | Eccentrics Boutique

This month's Give Back Beautiful campaign features local no-kill Cache Creek Animal Rescue. We all have a huge place in our hearts for our own furbabies. These little guys and girls make our homes happier and we don't know what we'd do without them! So we want you to meet our precious pets....

Pepper

"Our dog, Pepper, is 5 years old! She was our first "fur-baby" before we ever had our son Ransom. She is a mix of poodle and rat terrier (we think:). She is a scruffy mess of adorable and we love her! However, she has claimed Ransom as her current best friend. Probably because he shares all his meals with her when we aren't looking. She is a great dog and we are happy she is apart of our family!" - Jordan

Oscar

"West Highland Terriers are known to be tenacious, and our Oscar upholds that reputation. After our first Westie, Bubba, passed away we were never having another. Never say never. Our "empty nest" seems to be filled with a furry boy who licks tears when I am sad, plays rough with Dad, pouts when he is upset that we are leaving...but still loves us unconditionally. Pets are a precious gift from God to us." - Tammy

Lucy, Dover & Buster Brown

"My life forever changed once I adopted my little Lucy. She's a full blooded Cocker Spaniel who was in a bad living situation. We became inseparable and she is just like my child. Several months later, my husband saw a sweet little brown mix puppy on a local animal shelter's Facebook page. Not soon after, Dover became a member of our family. And about six months after that, an abandoned pit bull mix puppy was added to our furbaby collection. Our life is crazy with three dogs under 2 years of age running around. They drive me nuts and yet are the highlight of my day. I cannot imagine life without them. All three were rescued and I wouldn't have it any other way." - Britni

Lila

"Lila was my first baby. We got her right after we got married! She is a Peek-a-Poo and such a sweet natured little lady. Especially since my little boy likes to pick on her!!" - Lauren

Ulysees Winston "Grant" and Darcy Elizabeth

"I ensure a good day at work by starting off my morning with coffee, puppy love and Jesus! My two furbabies are five year old West Highland Terriers. These babies give unconditional love and lots of snuggles and kisses. They are both full of attitude and provide our family with so much laughter. Momma is their favorite. They do not like it when deer or other wildlife trespass in our yard and they make sure we all know about it. Grant can smell a skunk 3 miles away and will go to every window and door in the house day or night to make sure they haven't snuck in. Darcy is a Princess and has no time for selfies. They sleep with Audrey Kate until about 4 and then they sneak in bed with momma. They were my 15th wedding anniversary gift because they were a gift that was going to keep on giving. I did not want them, but I would be heartbroken without them now. They are just like one of my kids. Did I mention I adore them?" - Terra

Mila

"I love Mila because..... She is me, in dog form!! My sister always says "if Mila were a human, she would be you." Her two favorite things are eating and sleeping, and she loves to pose for selfies and look at her!!! She's so tiny and cute!!" - Taylor

 Jubilee, Snickers, and Tiger

"Jubilee is my loveable Labradoodle! He's so happy and just a wonderful part of my life! The last image is of my dog Snickers and cat, Tiger. Snickers passed away a couple of months ago but will always be my furbaby!" - Anna Clare

Jasper, Whiskers, and Katie

 

 

"Jaspers, Whiskers, and Katie were all strays that people dumped near our house and we took them in. Katie has only one eye because she got hurt when she was a kitten. We're not sure how it happened, but she's as sharp as ever, even with only one eye!" - Abby

Show your love for the furbabies in the world by donating to the local no kill shelter: Cache Creek Animal Rescue.

July 27, 2015

Taylor Made Tuesday: Mink Pink Lackawanna Blues Tan Kimono

You can't be singing the blues when you're wearing Mink Pink's gorgeous soft suede-like kimono! We're especially swooning over the delicate laser cutout and scallop trim! Taylor wants to show how to take this one beautiful overlay and give it two different vibes.

In the first outfit, Taylor has a laid-back summer approach. Mix textures like distressed denim and delicate crochet. Throw on some hard metal jewelry and colorful beaded bracelets. Don't forget some tall wedge sandals to add some height!

Mink Pink Lackawanna Blues Kimono $86 // Tank Top $43 // Shorts $37 // Roxy Rabb Necklace $33 // Brown Bracelet $22.95 // Tan/Cream Bracelet $26.95 // Wedge Sandals $37

After wearing your favorite new Mink Pink Lackawanna Blues Kimono during the day, get ready for date night! Taylor makes this soft overlay super sexy by layering on top of a basic black tank slip dress. Tie in the earthy tones with a statement necklace and layer stone jewelry. Add strappy flat sandals and get ready for dinner with the significant other!

Mink Pink Lackawanna Blues Kimono $86 // Tank Dress $25 // Roxy Rabb Necklace $75 // Mason Strap Sandals $29 // Black Bracelet $32 // Gold Rock Bracelet $30

Which style would you wear?

Stay Stylish!!

July 21, 2015

July 2015 Give Back Beautiful: Cache Creek Animal Rescue

It is our second installment of our "Give Back Beautiful" campaign. This month is all about those furbabies! We are huge animal lovers at Eccentrics Boutique and have our own special four legged "children." So partnering up with Cache Creek Animal Rescue was a no-brainer! This non-profit organization is a no-kill shelter located in Anna, IL. There is also an adoption center located in New Lenox, IL. Donna Hawk owns and runs Cache Creek Animal Shelter. They are one of the few shelters that pull senior animals, heartworm positive and animals with disabilities from kill-shelters to be adopted. They run entirely on donations and volunteers. About 100-150 animals are at their main location in Anna, IL at a time. These dogs and cats are then transferred by Donna every week (about 15-30 animals at a time) to the new adoption center in New Lenox, IL. Just recently, the shelter experienced terrible flooding during the storms on June 19th. Here are some images of the damage. Bring in a donation item to Eccentrics and receive 20% OFF your entire purchase of regular priced items! Scroll on down to read what you can donate to help them out!

Cache Creek Animal Rescue Donation Wish List

  • Dry Dog Food
  • Canned Dog Food
  • Dry Cat Food
  • Canned Cat Food
  • Shade clothes for outside kennels and runs
  • Large Water Buckets
  • Play pools
  • Bleach
  • Leashes
  • Dish Soap
  • Plastic Travel Cages
  • Cat Litter
  • Tarps
  • Animal Shampoo
  • Disposable Gloves
  • Large Fans
  • Gas Gift Cards
  • Metal Crates
  • Plastic Trays for crates (all sizes)
  • Rubber dog toys
  • Collars
  • Rawhides/Treats
  • Towels and blankets
  • Newspapers
  • Hand tools
  • Weed Spray
  • Push Lawnmower
  • Weed repellant
  • And more!!

Contact Cache Creek Animal Rescue for more information: (815)582-4062 or (618)893-2500

 

July 01, 2015

Taylor Made Tuesday: Easy Breezy Pants

Looking for the perfect summer pants?? Well, stop and check these out! Our high waist, light weight trousers are a must have! Taylor wanted to show off the different styles you can have with this summer staple. In her first outfit, Taylor paired our lace crop top with cute nudge wedges. Throw on fun summer shades and get out in the world!

Easy Breezy Pants $50 // Crop Top $34 // Bangle $30 // Yellow Bracelet $12 each // Clutch $110 // Shades $21

Taylor is going to give you a little Fashion 101....when wearing our cute high waist trousers, keep your top cropped or tucked in. Taylor is a fan of tying the top on the side in a high knot. We adore this girly approach to these pants.

Easy Breezy Pants $50 // Blush Tank Top $34

 

Which styles is your favorite??

Stay stylish!!

June 30, 2015