[Closet Addition] Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp

It was Mary Katrantzou's Spring 2011 collection, which also happened to be her first solo runway show - that resulted in me, and countless others, falling in love with the London-based designer.

Katrantzou's use of print was not only refreshing, but also quite strategic. Using images from interiors featured in Architectural Digest and World of Interiors, she created looks that were both artistic and wearable.

So, when I discovered that she recently collaborated with Longchamp to launch a collection of bags, I immediately started my search to find out where I could get my hands on one.

In comes French retailer, Colette.

I was very familiar with the store but had no idea they had an online shop AND shipped to the U.S.! After a few minutes of deciding which size I wanted (hubby was laughing at me while I literally pulled out the measuring tape), I was adding the bag to my shopping cart and entering my credit card details. Since it was sent from Europe, shipping was not inexpensive. But I must admit, it arrived in lightning fast time and was worth every penny.

And if my photos aren't enough to entice you, check out this video of Katrantzou explaining the design process as well as the inspiration behind the collection.

Click HERE to check out the entire line of bags. And be sure to act fast to get your hands on this limited edition collection!

6 Wedge Sneakers to Love...or Hate

1. Isabel Marant "Betty", $680. 2. See by Chloe Leather & Suede Hi-Top, $375. 3. Ash "Bowie"(in white), $267.  

4. Giuseppe Zanotti Python Sneaker Wedges, $650. 5. ZiGiny "Peaches", $80. 6. Ash "Bea" (in camel/coral), $302.

Currently, the hidden wedge sneaker is the footwear trend that has the fashion community divided. You either love them or you hate them. Me? I'm still on the fence. 

I believe almost anything can be made to look great depending on how you style it. However, I'm not sure that these will be flattering on me or if they could easily be incorporated to my wardrobe. I haven't completely given them the thumbs down though. If I encounter them in a store, I will most certainly try them on. But until then, I will continue to be intrigued from afar.

What do you think? Will you be buying into this trend? Or do you think the wedge sneaker is a hybrid shoe that makes absolutely no sense?

My Jason Wu for Target Experience...as seen on Twitter

The Jason Wu for Target collection launched yesterday with much anticipation and excitement amongst the fashion community. Actually, many who don't necessarily stay abreast  of fashion news were enthusiastic about the collection simply based on the adorably captivating Jason Wu + Target commercial. Even my mom said, "can you pick me up one of those cute t-shirts with the cat on it".

As with any designer collaboration, it's serious business for those in the know. Staying up through the wee hours of the night to take advantage of the online sales or getting up extra early to beat the crowds in-store is the normal protocol. Remember my Lanvin for H&M adventure?

Luckily, I was still awake at 2AM on Sunday when the items went up for sale on the Target website. I quickly snatched up the t-shirt for mom and two blouses for myself. I was content with my purchases but still decided to head to the store to see the goods in person.

Of course, I took to Twitter to keep my fellow fashionistas informed. Here's how it went down:

Overall, I was not overly impressed with the clothing. As mentioned in one of my tweets, the jersey shirts and dresses, the trench and the tote were the best finds.* I was told that the quality of the navy poplin dress and the flared black dress were also on par. Needless to say, when my blouses arrive, they will be returned.

Oh well, can't win 'em all.

I know that quality and fabric choice has to be sacrificed to keep prices down. But what do you think? Should the Target designer collaborations focus a little more on quality, even if it means an increase in price? Or do you think cost should remain the priority and Target should continue to cut corners to keep the price as reasonable as possible? I know there is a happy medium. But I'm not sure Target has found it yet.

Let me know your thoughts. And also share what you scored from the collection!

*Since the handbags and scarves were nowhere in sight when I arrived, I can't comment on those.

Handbag Swoon: Kate Spade "Play Hooky" vs. "Eat Cake For Breakfast"

"Play Hooky" Terry
"Eat Cake For Breakfast" Terry

Leave it to Kate Spade to put a quirky twist on a classic tote. These leather trimmed bags have me anticipating warmer weather and longer days.

Which bag do you fancy the most?

Leaders 1354: Streetwear At Its Finest [EXCERPT]

"Inside, you will discover the latest – and sometimes the rarest – footwear from mainstream brands such as Nike as well as lesser known, yet equally appealing, names like Amongst Friends.  Clothing designers Play Cloths, Robotic Minds and Chicago’s own Enstrumental, are right at home in this retail space surrounded by graffiti walls and vibrant artwork."

Click HERE to see what else I discovered at Leaders 1354.

My Winter Style...on Refinery29

Guess who made the cut for the Refinery29 Winter Street Style post?!

Click HERE to check out the feature. Then, click through the slideshow to see how my fellow Chicagoans brave the cold in style!

hat: Double Stitch
coat: ASOS
handbag: Celine
boots: NYLA
cute face: my mama


*Special thanks to the Refinery29 Chicago editor, Shani Silver, for the feature and Amy Creyer for the amazing photo!

JewelMint: Get a Monthly Dose of Trendy Jewelry

By now, you've probably heard of the many entities under the BeachMint umbrella: JewelMint, StyleMint, BeautyMint and ShoeMint.

As an accessories junkie and somewhat of a jewelry hoarder, I decided that the best way to get acquainted with the BeachMint family would be through JewelMint, an ever-changing jewelry collection designed by actress, Kate Bosworth and her stylist, Cher Coulter.

[here's how it works]

After completing a Style Profile - which is established using the results of a survey that helps to determine your personal style - you are presented with jewelry recommendations in your virtual showroom.  And if you're like me and want to see what else is currently being offered, you have the option to view more items and add them to your showroom for future purchase.

Once you purchase your first item, you buy in to the monthly service that allows you to receive a new piece of jewelry for only $29.99. The service is flexible so you are free to skip months if nothing strikes your fancy. You will also receive periodic emails that announce the sales that occur on what seems like a weekly basis. So you also gain the opportunity to purchase numerous items at a discount.


[my experience]

After viewing the recommendations, I decided on the "Call to Arms" bracelet (shown above).  The lovely team at JewelMint sent it to me for review and I must say that I am impressed with the quality.  The bracelet is not heavy but it definitely feels substantial. It is the perfect size to be worn alone or stacked with an arm full of bracelets. I'm also a fan of the JewelMint packaging and branding. They certainly put much thought into the details.

In terms of shopping the site, I have noticed that items move quickly. If you see something you want, act fast because it won't be around for long.

Here are a few more items that caught my eye recently.

Nice variety, right?

To entice you even more, JewelMint and the Chicago Mint Brand Ambassador Team are offering ChiTown Fashionista readers 50% off the first month! When you're ready to checkout, use code chicago990* to get $15 off your total.

So get to shopping and let me know how your first JewelMint experience goes!

*discount code expires 3/31/12

6 Not-So-Obvious Laptop Carriers

Although we are in the era of smartphones and tablets, there are times when we need to bring out the laptop and get down to some serious business...or blogging, in my case.

Here are six not-so-obvious laptop carriers that will allow you tote that computer around in style!

1. The Batchel by Cambridge Satchel Co

2. Commuter Bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs

3. The Alesya Bag (currently sold out but be on the lookout for the restock)

4. Mac Technology Case by Rebecca Minkoff

5. Glad for Plaid Laptop Bag by ModCloth

6. Computer Bag by m0851


Any favorites?

Submit Your Photos for the "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" Series

my great grandfather (2nd from the right) and his brothers

 

With Black History Month approaching, it's that time of year when I ask that you pull out those old family photos for my Celebrating Black History Through Fashion series.

Instead of searching the web for vintage photos, I look to my readers to submit their own photos. The photos must showcase you or your loved ones exuding a distinct sense of style. Since we are celebrating Black History, try to find photos from the 1990s or earlier.

Once you've found that perfect picture, send it, along with a description, to blackhistory@chitownfashionista.com.  In the description, feel free to include either the story surrounding the photo or a tribute to the subject(s) in the photo (click HERE to see past features).

The deadline for submission is February 15, 2012. I can't wait to see what you all submit this year!

I have a couple of goodies up my own sleeve...

$100 AllSaints Gift Card Winner Announced (and Match Game Answers Provided)

Thanks to everyone that entered the $100 AllSaints Gift Card Giveaway! I had a blast reading your answers, especially the "educated guesses". I will certainly plan for more Match Games in the future.

Now for the winner...

Random.org has picked entrant #10 as the winner. Congratulations to faleti_girl!!!


And here's the answer key from the 2011 Highlights Match Game:



1. Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl
2. Bill Cunningham Reception
3. Refinery29 Feature
4. "Chicago Like A Local" Shopping Correspondent
5. Havaianas Pop Up Shop
6. New York Fashion Week
7. College Couture Week (now known as College Fashion Week)
8. Celebrating Black History Through Fashion


If you didn't win this time around, don't fret!. There's another $100 giveaway in progress right now! Click here to get the details.

Thanks again to all that participated! And stay tuned for more giveaways in the coming weeks.