ChiTown Fashionista

[Closet Addition] Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp

2012-02-09T08:00:00.002-06:00

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

2012-02-08T08:00:00.002-06:00

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

2012-02-06T08:00:00.009-06:00

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"

2012-01-26T13:00:00.004-06:00

"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]

2012-01-26T10:00:00.007-06:00

"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

2012-01-25T10:00:00.008-06:00

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

2012-01-23T09:00:00.013-06:00

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

2012-01-18T10:00:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-17T20:38:00.000-06:00

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)

2012-01-11T11:09:00.001-06:00

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.

ChicagoShopping.com: Details and a $100 GIVEAWAY!!

2012-01-10T09:00:00.035-06:00

ChicagoShopping.com (a Chicago Tribune affiliate) is dedicated to making your online shopping experience rewarding and even more convenient! With perks and daily shopping tips, this site could ultimately be your central location for accessing your preferred brands and local deals.

Here are some of my favorite features:

Local Dailies

Discounts from "flash sale" sites like LivingSocial that are only guaranteed for a short period of time

I spotted some great deals from locations such as 10 Pin, Sawtooth, Le Peep and Odyssey Cruises. Just make sure you pay attention to the Terms and Conditions on each offer because majority of the discounts indicate a minimum that needs to be spent.

Expert Advice

Style tips and shopping advice from local experts

With a format akin to that of a blog, this includes everything from Pantone's color of the year to home decor suggestions for your child's room.

CashBack Rewards

Earn money on purchases from your favorite websites

This is the ultimate ChicagoShopping.com feature. Always shopping online at Target or Bloomingdales? Or booking flights with Southwest? Buying from these brands via the Chicago Shopping website can earn you cash to be used for future purchases.

The cashback rewards are referred to as WOWPoints. 100 WOWPoints = $1

There is a long list of participating retailers in fashion (e.g. Nordstrom, Macys, Net-A-Porter, Brooks Brothers,Gap); beauty (e.g. Sephora, Kiehls); food (e.g. Harry&David, Omaha Steaks); and more!

Each retailer will give a certain amount of WOWPoints per $1 spent. For example, if a retailer offers 5 WOWPoints for every $1 you shell out, purchasing $100 worth of goods will earn you 500 WOWPoints (or $5). Now, that's the type of math I really like.

If you're going to shop these brands anyway, you may as well earn some cash back from your purchases.

now for the giveaway:

ChicagoShopping.com is giving away 10,000 WOWPoints to one lucky reader!! That's $100 to use towards any purchase via the website.

Yep. $100 to help soften the blow on those designer shoes you've been stalking on ShopBop.com or to help with the purchase of that flat screen you wanted on Sony's website. You can spend that $100 any way you please.

To enter:

Visit ChicagoShopping.com. Then, come back here and fill out the entry form below, including which participating retailer(s) you would most likely spend the WOWPoints on.

Easy, right?

Well, hop to it!! And GOOD LUCK!

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

[update]
The winner has been selected. Congratulations to Karen Murtagh!! Enjoy those WOWPoints!

*Giveaway ends Sunday, January 15th at 11:59PM CST.*
**Winner will be randomly selected and does not have to live in Chicago to win**

LINKING UP: Chic Outerwear; Refinery29's Open-Call Photo Shoot; The Perfect Leopard Pumps; Stylist Ni'ma Ford; Brahmin Handbag Love

2012-01-06T09:35:00.000-06:00

Miss Renaissance makes bundling up look SO chic! (click HERE to get some winter-weather inspiration)

Refinery29 is hosting an open-call street style photo shoot! (click HERE to find out how to get snapped by Amy Creyer of Chicago Street Style)

Having to return my new Zanotti shoes means I'm still on the hunt for the perfect leopard pump. Fashion Bananas is certainly on the right track. (click HERE to join me in my animal attraction)

The Sartorialist profiles stylist Ni'ma Ford. (click HERE to learn more about my newfound style crush)

eat.sleep.wear. has me falling in love, again, with Brahmin handbags. (click HERE to see why)

Visit CurrentlyObsessed.me to "Stalk" My Ever-Changing Fashion Obsessions

2012-01-05T09:30:00.017-06:00

On any given day, you can find me tweeting or updating the ChiTown Fashionista Facebook page with of-the-moment items I'm currently coveting.

The newly created website, CurrentlyObsessed.me, has made it extremely easy for readers and followers to keep track of my ever-changing obsessions and view them all in one central location!

Not only does CurrentlyObsessed.me allow members to "stalk" my obsessions, but it also links the merchandise directly to the retailer's website, allowing users to purchase the items and receive immediate gratification. You know the fashion consumption enabler in me is especially happy about that!

Once you sign up, you can also create your own page to list all of the items you've grabbed from my profile as well as some of the other bloggers listed on the site.

I add items to my profile almost daily. So, click HERE to check out my latest finds. While you're there, don't forget to hit the "Stalk Me" button in the top right corner (sign up is required to join the site). It will demonstrate your support of my online shopping addiction. And that, my friends, is a good thing.

As you can see, gold jewelry and cobalt blue are prevalent throughout my wishlist. Is there anything particular that you've found yourself obsessing over recently?

Our 2011 Highlights & the First Giveaway of 2012

2012-01-04T09:30:00.001-06:00

2011 was the year of elevation for ChiTown Fashionista. With several mentions on major websites, invitations to premier fashion events and the successful execution of our own events, this blog has grown tremendously in the past 12 months!

I've decided to highlight some of my favorite moments and blog posts of 2011. But not without making it interactive and potentially rewarding for my readers!!

This photo collage represents the best of 2011. And here's where the fun begins...

Below is a list of the photo descriptions:

Leave a comment that matches each photo with its corresponding description and you will earn the chance to win a $100 AllSaints gift card! Yes. The very same AllSaints that had me swooning at their grand opening in Chicago last summer.

Remember to also include your email address in your comment. I need to be able to reach you if you should win, right?

You won't be scored on your answers...I refuse to add that much pressure. However, if you're not sure, educated guesses are highly encouraged. [I'm having flashbacks of standardized testing days]

GOOD LUCK to you all and thanks a million for supporting ChiTown Fashionista!

**This giveaway ends Monday, January 8, 2012 at 12:59PM CST. Winner will be selected at random.**

My Refinery29 Style Feature: Outfit Details and Behind-The-Scenes Photos

2012-01-03T09:30:00.008-06:00

With 2012 in full swing, I had to take time to reflect on one of the best moments in 2011, both personally and for ChiTown Fashionista.

When my Refinery29 feature posted in November, I immediately took to Twitter and Facebook proclaiming my feelings of both gratitude and honor. Throughout the year, I had received a few mentions on the website but this was my first independent feature. AND it involved a photo shoot!

The experience was amazing and certainly unforgettable. Pulling together looks for the photo shoot was a bit nerve wracking. Knowing that the photos would be on Refinery29 (you know, the best online source for the latest style, shopping and fashion trends) meant that I had to properly represent ChiTown Fashionista and ensure that I did not disappoint my readers. But once the outfits were squared away, it was time for the fun part!

Here are a few behind-the-scenes photos just to give you a sneak peek into how the day went...

faux fur scarf - ASOS (similar here) | shirt - JC Penney | skirt - Marshalls | belt - J. Crew | bag - m0851

sweater - ASOS | skirt - Talbots | shoes - TJ Maxx | handbag - Juicy Couture | earrings - DRAPES by Ashley Scott

sunglasses - Labrabbit Optics

blouse - ASOS | skirt - NY&Co | shoes - Marni | necklace - Jessie Adore

fur wrap - TJ Maxx | blazer - ASOS | shirt - Target | button covers - vintage (from my mom) | skinny jeans - Torrid

shoes - Free Press | briefcase - Hester van Eeghen (from Randolph Market) | eyeglasses - Labrabbit Optics

Sidenote: Afterwards, it dawned on me that every outfit had at least one item from ASOS. Clearly, I have somewhat of an obsession with them.

Click HERE to check out the entire feature on Refinery29, where you'll find out a little bit more about me including details about my day job and what type of music you can find on my iPod. Also, see if you can determine which outfit didn't make the final cut.

Thanks to Refinery29 Chicago editor Shani Silver for the opportunity, Devin Mays for the amazing photos, and Maya-Camille Broussard for her creative input.

Most of all thanks to YOU, my readers, for being so supportive and helping to make 2011 the best year yet for ChiTown Fashionista! I look forward to an even better 2012..and possibly more outfit posts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

*special thanks to hubby for the behind-the-scenes photos

Shoppin' and Stylin' at Mr. and Mrs. Digz

2011-12-21T15:10:00.005-06:00

A few weeks ago, I was invited to Mr. and Mrs. Digz to check out the store and style looks from their wide variety of merchandise.

With a 4-part store concept (designer vintage, consignment, new and handmade)*, I had a feeling that I would be overwhelmed with choices from which to style our lovely model, Rochelle. And I was indeed correct!

*For more information on the store, click HERE to view my post on Chicago Like A Local

Since this was my first time visiting Mr. and Mrs. Digz, I took a few moments to browse the store and get myself acquainted with the well-edited collection of clothing, jewelry and accessories. I was particularly impressed with the range of sizes that were offered AND the presence of a men's section. It truly is a one-stop shop.

Here are just a few things I discovered during my walkthrough:

Then is was time for me and owner Emilia Dlugolecka to partake in a bit of styling fun! We pulled together a few looks to showcase the diversity of merchandise she carries.

2-piece set - Calvin Klein | shoes and handbag - Talbots | jewelry - WISH

faux leather pant - Express (v) | earrings - Monet | gold shirt, velvet clutch, ring - vintage

top - Boudoir | skirt - Salvatore Ferragamo (v) | snakeskin handbag and shoes - vintage | earrings - Trifari (v)

top - Boudoir | jeans - Level 99 | blazer - Apostrophe | beret - handmade by Emilia's mom

See how easy it is to mix vintage with new? Make sure you keep that in mind when you visit the store. Don't just go there to shop one of the sections. If you spend an equal amount of time in every corner of the store, you'll also be inspired to mix and match items to create your own vintage/new looks.

Emilia revealed that it took a corporate layoff for her to open Mr. and Mrs. Digz. This drastic life event resulted in her desire to own a boutique that would allow consumers the opportunity to feed their designer addiction at a fraction of the retail price. A real life example of turning lemons into lemonade. And after my experience, I will most certainly be back for another glass!

To shop the goods, visit in person (5668 North Clark St) or on Etsy.

Now, tell me. Which look do you like the most?

Save on Last Minute Gift Ideas from ASOS! (My Top 10 Picks)

2011-12-15T21:00:00.003-06:00

ASOS has knocked down the prices (up to 40% discount) on what they've deemed as last-minute gifting items.

Here are my top picks from the array of choices.

1. Made Brass Flower Cuff Bracelet
2. Made Macho Moja Ring
3. Leather Elbow Patch Gloves
4. Adidas Originals Cambridge Watch
5. Leather Contrast Snake Skin Shopper
6. Metallic Oversized Bowler
7. Calourette Pin Confetti Brooch
8. House of Harlow 5 Stack Rings
9. Harris Satchel
10. Faux Fur Long Cuffs

Now, get to shopping!!

*Save an additional 20% with code: XMASSHIPUS (offer ends Friday, December 16th at 4pm PST)

Panera to fuel downtown shoppers THIS Saturday. Find out how to get in on the goods!

2011-12-15T14:00:00.004-06:00

I just received word that Panera's brand new location on 2 North Michigan Ave will be delivering snacks to shoppers in the Loop on Saturday!! If you find yourself downtown, finishing up your holiday shopping between 9am and 1pm, you just may have a chance to get some good ol' Panera delivered to you.

All you need to do is tweet your location and include the hashtag #panerasnackbreak. If you are selected, you will receive a tweet that the delivery is on its way! Who doesn't need a little snack break amidst all of that hardcore shopping?

Not sure what is considered "the Loop"? Well, I've created a nifty map to give you an idea.

The delivery area is between Monroe and Lake from Lasalle to Michigan. Got it?

And just in case you need a few suggestions of where to shop on Saturday, here's a list of some of the best shopping destinations in the Loop.

Macy's
111 N. State Street

Block37 (Zara, Anthropologie, AKIRA and more)
108 N. State Street

Nordstrom Rack
24 N. State Street

H&M
22 N. State Street

TJ Maxx
11 N. State Street

Urban Outfitters
20 S. State Street

Forever21
26 S. State Street

Ann Taylor Loft
51 E. Randolph Street
111 W. Monroe Street
33 N. Lasalle Street

Jeweler's Center (190+ jewelers)
5 S. Wabash Avenue

Nine West
35 E. Washington Street
111 W. Monroe Street

The Museum Shop in the Art Institute
111 S. Michigan Avenue

Enjoy your weekend shopping adventures and let me know if you score some Panera snacks! Good luck!

Holiday Gift Ideas from the Chicago Blogger Network

2011-12-14T21:56:00.006-06:00

If you're still on the hunt for the perfect gift or looking to add more to your own wish list, check out the Chicago Blogger Network Holiday Gift Guide!

Over 30 local bloggers recommended their "favorite things" this holiday season and it resulted in one of the most impressive gift guides I've seen. It is filled with a variety of unique items, some of which are made by local designers and/or sold in local boutiques.

Yours truly also participated. Can you find my item above?
hint: My love for this brand started over a year ago.

Click HERE to view the entire gift guide, along with the links to each item and the respective blogger.

Then tell me, which item(s) did you like the most? Which one of your "favorite things" would you add to the list?

Send Virtual Christmas Carolers to the "Home" of Your Loved Ones

2011-12-14T21:14:00.001-06:00

The holiday season is upon us! And the brilliant crew at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Homegoods have partnered with Google to provide us with an alternative to the traditional e-card. Now, we can virtually send Christmas carolers to our family and friends.

Not only can you select the song and optional effects (of course I chose snow), you can also enter the recipient's address to create a background using Google's street view of their home!

Pretty. Friggin'. Awesome.

Don't know the exact address? No worries. Choose one of the landmark options including Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Times Square and more. Unfortunately, The Bean is not included. Maybe next year, TJ Maxx?!

Besides sending Christmas carols, you can purchase gift cards and peruse gift ideas recommended by the designer discount trifecta.

So, visit ShareACarol.com to send carolers to your loved ones. It promises to be one of the most unique holiday emails they've ever received!

Linking UP: Stylish Work Wear; The Perfect Winter Outfit; The New Age Diary; Sound Advice from a Top Fashionpreneur

2011-12-09T09:54:00.001-06:00

Refinery29 challenges us to spruce up our work wear. And we're certainly up for it! (Click HERE for a wardrobe boost)

Le Blog de Big Beauty has me dreaming of velvet dresses, ladylike handbags and mirrored brooches. (Click HERE to find out why)

Swa-Rai has discovered the coolest diary on the market! (Click HERE to reignite your childhood journal-keeping days)

Fashionista.com receives great business advice from Rent the Runway's Jenn Hyman. (Click HERE to see why business plans are practically unnecessary)

True Blessyn: Trunk Show Details, Insider Scoop & Behind-The-Scenes Photos

2011-12-08T10:00:00.009-06:00

Everyone knows that I love to support emerging designers, especially when they produce quality goods. Shani Brown, of True Blessyn, is one such designer. After years in the making, True Blessyn is ready to officially launch and will be celebrating with its first trunk show this Saturday!

Before you attend, here are some interesting facts and a bit of insider scoop...

A few months ago, Shani let me bear witness to her Spring 2012 lookbook photo shoot. It was then that I was able to check out the clothing up close, snap behind-the-scenes photos and chat with her about the collection.

Shani has dedicated the collection, entitled Dream Chaser, to women "doing what they have to do to make their dreams a reality". Being from Jamaica has influenced Shani's love for color. And it is certainly a prevalent characteristic throughout her collection.

Each look was photographed by Rachel Hanel and modeled by the insanely adorable Ford model, Lauren Johnson. Add to that the styling genius of local stylist, Tamika Martell, and you have the perfect formula for a spectacular lookbook.

Instead of waiting until the Spring, Shani has decided to make the sweatshirts available for immediate purchase. And what a great idea, especially for those of us looking for soft, warm layers to combat the harsh winter months. What impresses me the most about the True Blessyn sweatshirts is that each one has unexpected details like fold over collars, zippers, dipped hems and off the shoulder necklines. In addition to great design, Shani uses the best fabrics. Although you probably shouldn't sleep in them, they are cozy enough to have you contemplating the idea.

*The hand painted shirts are Shani's own sketches brought to life by a local artist.

I won't reveal all of the details about the rest of the collection just yet. Just know that it includes beautifully hand painted t-shirts, color-blocked dresses and a chambray suit that will have you emptying your wallet upon sight.

Here are some teaser photos to whet your fashion palate.

So, join me this Saturday for the True Blessyn Trunk Show! There, you'll have the opportunity to buy one of these amazing sweatshirts as well as preview and pre-order the Spring 2012 collection. Check out the flier above for all of the details. And I hope to see you there!

Lori's Shoes Launches an Impressive Capsule Collection

2011-12-06T12:04:00.002-06:00

When I received an invite for the Lori's Shoes Capsule Collection Launch, my first thought was "it's about time". Lori's Shoes is by far one of the best locally owned places to shop for footwear. Spend a few minutes in the store or viewing the e-commerce site and you'll see that Lori knows her shoes.

Lori's is known for having some of the best prices (just do a little online comparison shopping to validate that fact) and exclusive designs (Lori frequently travels to Europe to strike deals with some of the best footwear designers).

Now that Lori's has conquered the shoe retail game, they are diving into shoe design business. My fellow shoe lovers can rejoice because the collection is quite impressive...and affordable! Every style was on-trend and incorporated one or more of the following: mary jane straps, platforms, color-blocking, and snakeskin.

Check it out:

Kimber

Knockout (in green)

Knockout (in black)

Bamma (in grey)

Bamma (in camel)

After chatting with Lori about the collection, I was introduced to Italian shoe designer Maurizio Celin.

Lori with Maurizio Celin

The Spring 2012 collection of Maurizio's shoe line, Bacio 61, was available for preview. I immediately noticed that mixing fabrics is Bacio 61's strong suit. Snakeskin with suede, raffia with leather...the combinations were done quite nicely. It was also obvious that practicality was a key component in the construction. Details like a subtle split in the platform ensures that the sole is more flexible and the shoe is more comfortable overall. Who doesn't love a brand that caters to the needs of its consumer?

Here are a few of my Bacio 61 favorites:

If you're in the city, hop over to one of the Lori's Shoes locations to check out the capsule collection in person. And for those of you outside the Chicagoland area, visit LorisShoes.com for some serious shoe shopping!*

What are your thoughts on Lori's Shoes Capsule Collection? Any favorites?

*The capsule collection runs slightly large. So, be sure to order a half size down.

My Popular m0851 Tote (and how to get it on sale)!

2011-11-28T10:10:00.005-06:00

My Refinery29 feature (more to come on that later) was posted almost two weeks ago and I'm still getting inquiries about the luscious leather tote bag I was rockin' in some of the photos.

With Cyber Monday in full effect, I figured this would be the best time to tell you about the bag and how you can get one at 20% off!

I stumbled upon the m0851 store while strolling in SoHo during my New York Fashion Week visit in September. I had never heard of the brand but the smell of leather drew me in. I was immediately impressed with the quality of the bags that lined the ramp as I entered the store.

Based on the high level of craftsmanship, and the store's location, I assumed I would have to drop a large sum of money to take a piece of m0851 home with me. I was completely wrong. In addition to the relatively reasonable price tag, I was even more tempted by the 30% off moving sale they were having. As I canvassed the store, I discovered that bags were not the only products this 24 year old, Montreal-based brand had to offer.

From the travel bags to the leather jackets, everything was well-made and worth every penny. The leather varied from extremely soft (for the outerwear) to just plain sturdy (as noticed in the bags and totes).

It was the color and raw edges that attracted me to the large Vachetta Shopping Tote in Chestnut. It is the perfect carryall. And although it is a simple design, there is something about the leather and the shape that tends to garner attention.

Sidenote: The embossed m0851 logo is actually on the back of the bag but I carry it towards the front because it adds to its distinctive character.

Needless to say, I am glad I found this gem! It is a bag that I know will age beautifully and last for years to come.

Now, for the Cyber Monday Sale!

Today only, use the code: CYBER MONDAY to receive 20% off your purchase AND free shipping via the m0851 website (click the image above to access).

If you're looking for an impressive gift, for yourself or others, that is engulfed in quality and style, check out the m0851 webstore. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

*street style photos by Devin Mays

Support Local Businesses on Black Friday: In-Store and Online Sales to Add to Your List

2011-11-22T12:00:00.006-06:00

Looking to bypass the mega retailers and outlet malls and, instead, support local businesses on Black Friday?

Well, here's a roundup of some of the best local shops offering great in-store deals post-Turkey Day! And since these are some of my personal favorites, you will most certainly bump into me at one of these spots on Friday.

1. Cerato Boutique (3451 N. Southport Ave)
Shop the best in local designer fashion at the Black Friday tiered sale!

8am - 10am: 40% off
10am - 12 pm: 30% off
12pm - 5pm: 20% off

*complimentary coffee and pastries will be provided
**discount is not applicable on Kate Boggiano basics or Kristin Hassan jewelry

2. Eclectic Chique Boutique (807 W. Dickens)
Shop unique, fashion-forward clothing and one-of-a-kind jewelry at this Lincoln Park gem!

10am - 12pm: 30% off
12pm - 2pm: 20% off
2pm - close: 10% off

3. Kokorokoko (1112 N. Ashland)
For the best selection of 80s and 90s vintage, shop the insane BUY ONE GET ONE FOR $2 SALE! The sale will start on Black Friday (at 10:30am)and run through Sunday, November 27th. Expect beverages and coupons on "Small Business Saturday", when the store will be open until 8pm!

4. Labrabbit Optics (1104 N. Ashland)
Shop the #1 spot for eyewear and get 30% off all frames (1pm - 8pm)! The owner, Coyote, will be bringing in some rare vintage sunglasses stock especially for the occasion. Drinks and good music will also be provided.

5. LadieLoops (2150 S. Canalport, Suite 5B-6)
Stay stylishly warm in the knitted goodness provided by LadieLoops. Stop by from 9pm to midnight, on your way home from all that shopping, to receive 30% off and free gift wrapping!

6. Lori's Shoes (click HERE for locations)
Shoe shopping doesn't get any better than this! Stop in to get 20% off (in store only and excluding sale items). And if you want to get started early, get 20% off apparel today and 20% off winter accessories tomorrow (excluding sale items).

7. Mr. and Mrs. Digz (5668 N. Clark St)
A shopaholic's dream! Vintage, Consignment, New and Handmade merchandise! Get 10% off your entire purchase AND 50% off all WISH jewelry.

Chicago's brick and mortar stores rock but here are a few locally-owned, online retailers offering internet discounts for those that plan to shop the web, in the comfort of their pajamas, on Black Friday.

Archives Vintage - Get 20% off this well-curated vintage Etsy shop! Runs Black Friday (11/25) through Cyber Monday (11/28)

Intertwined One of a Kind Jewelry - Starting at 3am, shop the all new collection of earchimes and finger sculptures. These handmade, one-of-a-kind adornments will rock your socks!

RLT Collection - Save 15% on all bracelets and tea bracelets. Gemstones and pearls galore! (sale runs through 12/19)

Swathe - Looking for the perfect gift for the woman that has everything? Shop Swathe's organic handbag and footwear covers and save 30% on all purchases (coupon code: holiday30). Get free monogramming on purchases over $50. *Luxe Couvrir Set not included in offer*

TwentyThirtyForty.net - This Black Friday Warehouse Sale will have you stalking the computer! Starting at midnight, shop designer goods at insanely low prices ($50 to $200). Designers include: Loeffler Randall, Opening Ceremony, Rachel Comey, Mason, Rogan, Humanoid, Sophomore and more! Click HERE to access the sale link that does not go active until midnight on Black Friday.

Wanda Grace - Shop the Fuschia Friday sale to get 40% off all dresses (6am - 11am). It's the perfect opportunity to get that holiday party dress you've been searching for.

Happy Black Friday shopping to one and all!

The Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl: Fashion, Fun and Fellowship

2011-11-22T09:30:00.009-06:00

(l-r) Andrea, Gabriel, me, Raijean, Dee Dee, Hallie, Patrice, Tabitha, Jen, Elise, Mariposa, Lisa

The Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl has come and gone. Yet, I'm still recovering from all the shopping, in-store scavenger hunt missions, Twitter challenges and fun times!

I put my tagline - "the enabler of fashion consumption" - to the test last weekend and passed with flying colors. Everyone left the crawl with tons of bags and lighter wallets. SCORE!

Here's a recap of the day.

Stop #1:

Marshalls South Gate

1101 South Canal St

Chicago, IL

At the first stop, our guests were given 30 minutes to find an item with the largest "compare at" vs. retail price difference. Everyone was confident that they would be the winner. Gabriel certainly would've won with his item. The suit he found was $300 less than retail! But since the missions were only for our guests, he didn't qualify. After calculating the price differences on the items submitted, Dee Dee emerged as our first winner! She found Calvin Klein boots priced at $170 less than retail.

Then it was time to do a little more shopping...

On our way to the next stop, it was time to kick off the first Twitter Challenge:

Do you think you can figure out the Marshalls price?

Stop #2:

TJ Maxx Home Goods - Downers Grove (@tjmaxxdownersgr)

7349 Lemont Road

Downers Grove, IL

After a 30 minute ride, with sounds provided by DJ HasH and snacks supplied by Special K, we were at our second stop. Guests were given 40 minutes to put together a head-to-toe holiday outfit for under $100. Everyone did such an amazing job, that the employee judges were beyond impressed. Of course I had to tell them, "that's what happens when you're dealing with fashion and style bloggers". With so many great outfits, it was hard to select a winner.

After much contemplation and deliberation, we figured it out!

Andrea won, with the help of our very own Gabriel. The look was a great mix of fur and animal print.

And then there was more shopping...

Steve Madden

Cynthia Rowley

TJ Maxx Home Goods in Downers Grove turned out to be a crawl favorite. The store is massive and the staff was so accommodating. Needless to say, we stayed there a little bit longer than we planned.

On our way to the third and final stop, it was time for the second Twitter Challenge:

Do you think you can figure out the TJ Maxx price?

Stop #3:

TJ Maxx - Oak Brook (@tjmaxxoakbrook)

2155 W22nd St.

Oak Brook, IL

We engaged in more good vibes, snacks and shopping chatter on our way to our third stop. Although this location was smaller than the previous one, there were lots of goodies to be had. The RUNWAY section was filled with luxury designers at unbelievable discounts. This is the reason I picked this store for our last scavenger hunt mission. Guests had to find the most expensive item in the store. Many stuck to the RUNWAY section but surprisingly the winning item was found in the jewelry section.

Mariposa spotted this gold and diamond bangle bracelet for a whopping $2500! In. Sane.

Here are a few items I discovered during the last round of shopping...

Tibi

Perlina

daniblack

After all the gift cards were gone and all the money was spent, it was time to head home.

That also meant it was time for our last Twitter Challenge of the day:

Do you think you can figure out the TJ Maxx price?

The first Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl was certainly an event to remember. Based on the positive feedback from the attendees and our Twitter followers, I think it's safe to say that another crawl is in order. So stay tuned.

At the end of the day, Gabriel tweeted that #CHIBloggerCrawl was "the perfect combination of fashion, fun and fellowship".

Indeed it was, Gabriel. Indeed it was.

Click HERE to view all of the photos.

*Twitter challenge answers: (1) $69, (2) $179, (3) $349
**Special thanks to the following:
1. TJ Maxx/Marshalls for sponsoring gift cards for the Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl crew and Twitter challenges.
2. Special K for supplying the snacks for the much needed refueling along the way.
3. DJ HasH for being the Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl chauffeur and resident DJ.
***Transportation and scavenger hunt gift cards provided by ChiTown Fashionista

The Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl and How YOU Can Participate Virtually

2011-11-17T09:01:00.007-06:00

I'm excited to announce that ChiTown Fashionista is hosting its first ever Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl this Saturday!!

That's right! I've rounded up some of my blogger friends to indulge in my favorite pastime...shopping.

We will be "crawling" to three local TJ Maxx/Marshalls stores to kick off our holiday shopping and to share with all of you exactly why these are the best stores to find great gifts and even better deals.

the crew:

Elise of Seams Deep (@EliseColleenW)

Hallie of Corals and Cognacs (@halliekw)

Lisa of Fantabulously Frugal (@fantabandfrugal)

Tabitha of Defining Tabitha (@definingtabitha)

Patrice of Afrobella (@afrobella)

and of course, me (@chitown_fashion) and Gabriel (@mistertyler)

Add to that a few guests and you have a van full of fashion-loving, shopping-addicted bargain hunters!

Now, what started out as a small shopping trip for a few friends to visit some of my favorite local TJ Maxx/Marshalls stores, has turned into a shopping event that YOU can also participate in!

TJ Maxx, Marshalls and I decided that it would be even more fun to allow the readers to track our stops and join in on the par-tay! So, we're hosting a virtual giveaway at each location.

here's how it will work:

1. The bloggers will tweet out a photo at each store and provide our followers with the retail or "compare at" price.

2. The first one of our followers to guess the correct TJ Maxx/Marshalls price (or comes the closest) will win a $50 TJ Maxx/Marshalls gift card!

That's THREE chances to win a gift card. And who doesn't want one of those cards to help with that upcoming holiday shopping?!

In addition to the giveaways, we will be live tweeting our finds using the official hashtag #CHIBloggerCrawl. So, be sure to stalk our Twitter timelines Saturday (10AM to 2PM) to be a part of the fun!

Can you guess which locations we're hitting up?

This is a "pilot" event that may turn into something even bigger. Who knows? I could be chartering a bus the next go 'round and inviting all of you to join me! Time will surely tell...

Randolph Street's Holiday Market: Get ready for stress-free holiday shopping [EXCERPT]

2011-11-16T10:00:00.001-06:00

"If you’re on the hunt for unique gifts this upcoming holiday season or one-of-a-kind home decor to spice up your holiday gatherings, look no further than Randolph Street’s Holiday Market!

With the team behind the popular Randolph Street Market and Modern Vintage Chicago events as the hosts, the Holiday Market is bound to be yet another great shopping adventure. Under one roof, you can expect to find a wide range of items at various price points. Vendors offering up gift options such as artwork and vintage clothing will neighbor those selling home goods, antique dishes and serveware."

Click HERE to read my entire post on Chicago Like A Local and find out exactly where you need to be this upcoming weekend for some good pre-Black Friday shopping!

The RLT Collection Trunk Show: Bracelets for Every Woman and Budget

2011-11-14T10:30:00.000-06:00

The term "Arm Party" has become increasingly popular over the past few months. However, stylish women of all ages have been stacking bracelets for years! And one of these women is my good friend, and Emmy-award winning AIDS activist, Rae Lewis Thornton.

As if being an AIDS activist, thought-provoking speaker and a "DIVA Living With AIDS" isn't enough, Rae is also a jewelry designer. Her jewelry line, RLT Collection, consists of beaded bracelets that include everything from gemstones to freshwater pearls and certainly lives up to its tagline "A Bracelet For Every Woman". Although Rae has been designing bracelets for over three years, she decided to take her brand to the next level by hosting her first trunk show two weeks ago!

Rae Lewis Thornton

I knew Rae had been working 12 hour days- while battling sickness - to complete the collection but nothing prepared me for the vast amount of jewelry she created in such a short period of time. In addition to her 2011 Fall/Winter Collection, she created a 2011 Holiday Collection as well as a 2012 Cruise Collection. I had never seen so much merchandise available for purchase at any other trunk show. She introduced wire work, leather, Russian egg charms and sterling silver crosses. In addition to bracelets, there were bookmarks, key chains and tea bracelets. I was beyond impressed!

Besides the incredible selection of jewelry, I was in love with the display. Dry pasta, pumpkins, glass dishes and ceramic vases were used to creatively showcase the jewels. It was a unique way of presenting the collections and quite genius, in my opinion.

Check out some of my favorite pieces:

With prices ranging from $45 to $300, not only are the designs for every woman but also for every budget. Plus, each piece can easily be mixed and matched with other RLT pieces or your own bracelets. Whether its a gift to yourself or someone else, you can't go wrong with an RLT Collection bracelet.

Head on over to rltcollection.com to shop the vast collection!*

*Use discount code: TRUNKSHOW to receive 15% off your purchase from now until November 19, 2011.

Get the Look: Sorel and Columbia Outfits Handpicked by Daily Candy Editors and Us!

2011-11-14T09:30:00.005-06:00

SOREL footwear has protected feet from snow and rain since 1962. However, the brand has not always been considered the fashion force we know it to be today. In the past few years, SOREL has recreated itself from head-to-toe, featuring a new look that marked the brand's descent from the mountain peak and into the fashion world. Last week, the footwear brand partnered with Daily Candy to introduce its new winter collection to the Windy City.

SOREL's transformation has been swift due to the brand's strategic press campaign and a fresh look. As a part of its transformation, SOREL created new looks that appealed to women and men who had to brave extremely cold weather conditions but didn't want to sacrifice style for practicality. It's no surprise that the footwear company would team up with Daily Candy, the online resource of editors across the globe delivering the scoop on choice online finds including fashion, food, home décor and must-have accessories, to push their new look to the masses.

SOREL and Daily Candy familiarized Chicagoans with the SOREL winter collection over finger food, sparkling wine, sweet candy and baked treats. The "Step Out in Style" event, which occurred at the Columbia Sportswear store on North Michigan Avenue, was the perfect blend of social and style.

There are plenty of ways to look chic yet sensible during Chicago's winter months. Daily Candy put together three head-to-toe looks for ladies who'd like to be fashionably warm this winter. ChiTown Fashionista has decided to share those looks with you and include the direct links to purchase each piece. You can replicate the Daily Candy editor favorites or mix and match the items to create your own head-to-toe look.

Check out the special treats below.

1. Women’s Zenith Vista™ Beanie

2. Women’s Isabella Marie™ II Mitten

3. Women's Lay 'D' Down™ Vest

4. Women's Suspiciously Sweet™ Long Sweater Fleece

5. Women’s Savvy Summit™ Long Sleeve Doubleweave Shirt

6. Women's Baselayer Midweight Tight

7. Women's Crazy Cable Wedge™

1. Women's Isabella Marie™ Beanie

2. Apogee Peak™ Sling

3. Women's Zenith Vista™ Trench

4. Women’s Hoodie Hero™ Pullover

5. Women's Heat 360™ 1/2 Zip

6. Women's Baselayer Midweight Tight

7. Women's Tofino™ Canvas

1. Women's Isabella Marie™ Beanie

2. Uptown Voyager™ Tote

3. Women's Midtown Myth™ Jacket

4. Women’s Anytime™ ½ Zip Hoodie

5. Women’s Savvy Summit™ Long Sleeve Doubleweave Shirt

6. Women's Baselayer Midweight Tight

7. Women's Sorel '88™

Although Daily Candy only created looks for the ladies, ChiTown Fashionista didn't want to leave the men out of the mix. So we followed Daily Candy's lead and collected a head-to-toe look for the guys featuring SOREL footwear and Columbia sportswear apparel.

Fellas, check out the look we put together for you below.

1. Central Point™ Earflap

2. Men's Tech District™ Vest

3. Men’s Grade Max™ Softshell

4. Men’s Mountain Tech™ II Short Sleeve Crew

5. Men’s Cool Creek ™ Twill Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt

6. Men's Cool Creek™ Pant

7. Men's Mad Boot Lace™

You don't have to wear the ugliest pair of boots to be ready for the snow. Don't be fooled this winter! You can brave the winter weather in style. SOREL and Columbia Sportswear offer looks that accommodate every woman, man and child at every budget. You can match the pieces with winter wear that you already own or you can buy the looks that we and Daily Candy put together for you. No matter what you do, just make sure you'll be stepping out in style this winter with SOREL.

Art in Fashion Extravaganza: "By Latinos, For Everyone"

2011-11-09T10:12:00.002-06:00

The 2011 Latino Fashion Week marked the 5th anniversary of the Latino fashion expo. This year's showcase was the perfect mix of Latin American culture and modern style. With a number of sponsors and contributors, including Walgreen's, Macy's, Akira, Univision and the Chicago Sun-Times, this year's Latino Fashion Week upped the ante just to make sure we'd all be paying attention this go-round.

Chicago's Latino Fashion Week is the only fashion exhibition of Latino designs in the United States. Although the Latino market has grown rapidly, representations of and opportunities for Latinos and other designers of color have remained limited. It was good to see a diverse crowd come together to celebrate the emergence of Latino fashion and acknowledge a culture often marginalized in the fashion industry.

This year's theme, "By Latinos, For Everyone", was a reminder that although Latino fashion is created by Latino designers, it is fashioned with every shopper in mind. The week-long celebration of Latino fashion concluded with the "Art in Fashion Extravaganza", a finale runway show featuring the collections of national and international designers such as Claudia Arce from Argentina, Paco Mayorga from Mexico, Tamaris Rubio from the Dominican Republic and Jorge Perez de la Habana’s 2012 Bridal collection. Lourdes Duarte, celebrity WGN-TV anchor and reporter, hosted the finale event.

Most of my favorite looks came from designer Tamaris Rubio. So it's safe to say that the Dominican Republic-based brand stole the show! The collection was very current and cohesive. It featured bold, saturated colors, ruffles that added a little flair and cuts perfectly fit to hug a woman's curves. While the garments within the collection wowed the crowd, the shoes completing each look were hard to miss! There's just something about Akira that you can't help but notice.

Out of all the looks that hit the runway, I couldn't help but notice the prevalence of ruffles. Apparently ruffles are back in, and they're more elegant than ever before. Check out my favorite looks straight from the runway:

The last look from the runway was my favorite because it drew inspiration from traditional Latino style, while adding a few modern elements to propel a classic design into a new era. While it was one of the less commercial pieces, it surely represented the perfect blend of Latin American tradition and modern style.

Latino Fashion Week may only be in its fifth year, but the celebration of Latin American culture and style has greatly enhanced the local, national and international fashion industries by creating a platform for Latino designers to reach the masses.

Will you being wearing ruffles this Spring?

Eddie Bauer: The Blogger Day Styling Event and My Reunion With The Brand

2011-11-08T10:00:00.033-06:00

As long as I can remember Eddie Bauer has been synonymous with quality. In my high school days, if you owned an Eddie Bauer backpack or portfolio (remember those?), you were definitely considered as one of the "cool kids". But there was more to it than status. Yes, they cost more than most bags. But we all knew that purchasing an Eddie Bauer meant you could last all four years with the same bag, no problem. It was one of my first examples of the consumer mantra "you get what you pay for".

However, as time went on, Eddie Bauer fell off my radar. I knew it was the best source for down coats - I even blogged about one of their coats 2 years ago - but hadn't made a purchase in years!

So, when I was invited to to attend Eddie Bauer Blogger Day (#EBBloggerDay) and style models in the 2011 Holiday Collection, I jumped at the chance to reconnect with the brand and see what the store had to offer besides outerwear.

Before arriving to the Mag Mile store (600 N. Michigan Avenue), I had a chance to view some digital images of the collection and knew that the quilted leather Military Jacket (shown below) would be a blogger favorite.

But I was determined to use some of the other great pieces in the collection to style our lovely female model, Jade.

I'm somewhat addicted to the concept of layering. One, because it allows you to stay warm without too much bulk. And two, because it gives you the opportunity to really showcase your personal style. Of course, my look for Jade involved a bit of layering.

The plaid Pendleton Shirt layered under the cozy Easy Cardigan looked great belted at the waist and paired with skinny jeans and knee-high flat boots. I incorporated the necklace to add an unexpected hint of glam to this otherwise casual look.

I had so much fun styling Jade, I decided to style the male model, Michael. I went up a notch with his layers.

Once again, a plaid shirt was used as the first layer. I started with the Pendleton Work Shirt and added the Diamond Cable Shawl Sweater. I topped off the look with the classic Canadian Downlight Vest. How cute is he?

After styling the models, it was time to shop and mingle with my blogger friends!

Check out more of the highlights:

women's holiday collection

Sperry Avon Boots*

men's holiday collection

Tabitha of definingtabitha.com trying on the EB Heritage Pendleton Jacket

with Andrea of LadieLoops.com

my purchase for the night

Eddie Bauer Blogger Day reunited me with the brand and reminded all of us that Eddie Bauer is the premier shopping destination for timeless pieces that are not only of the best quality (all items have a lifetime guarantee) but will also keep you stylishly warm during those cold-weather days.

Have you shopped Eddie Bauer recently? What items do you have on your wishlist?

*footwear sold online only
**special thanks to Lainee, of Laforce-Stevens, for the invite and Eddie Bauer for hosting an amazing event

The Art of Fashion: Chicago Designers Up the Ante

2011-11-03T10:23:00.004-05:00

The finale headlining show for Fashion Focus was The Art of Fashion hosted by StyleChicago.com and it was certainly impressive! The sold out crowd descended upon Millennium Park to preview the Spring 2012 collections of some of Chicago's best established designers: SWABY, Squasht by Les, Lara Miller, Borris Powell, RÜCH, Zamrie, Eva Pazola, Nora del Busto, Sylwia W., Nade Baer.

Sidenote: I must admit, I had the highest expectation and anticipation for SWABY. Designer, and former Project Runway Canada contestant, Shernett Swaby has been on my radar for over 2 years. I own one of her handbags and truly appreciate the level of detail she incorporates in every piece. Even though she's been in Chicago for over awhile, it was her first fashion show here. So, I couldn't wait to see her looks walk the runway.

These designers did not disappoint! There was at least one item in each collection that I would be willing to purchase right off the runway. The show represented the versatility of the Chicago fashion scene. From the practical every day wear by Lara Miller and Zamrie to the avant garde looks presented by SWABY and Nora Del Busto, there was something for every woman.

Some of the highlights included the unique, origami-like folding technique shown throughout SWABY's collection (the garments looked equally good coming and going); the convertible pieces created by Lara Miller (one item went from sweater to poncho to skirt by the time the model hit the end of the runway); the lace, mod shift dress by Eva Pazola; and the body con pieces by RÜCH, which were beautifully constructed and would appeal to women of all shapes and sizes. The breathtaking yellow dresses by Borris Powell and colorful lace dresses by Sylwia W. were a resounding reminder of why dressing up makes us feel and look so good.

Check out some of the high points:

SWABY

Sylwia W.

Squasht by Les

Lara Miller

Nora del Busto

Borris Powell

Eva Pazola

designer Sylvia W. (left) with model

Click HERE to view more photos!

In addition to their Spring 2012 collection, each designer was given the task of creating a concept piece. Giving them the freedom to create something without limitations proved to be a win! My favorite concept looks were from SWABY and Nora del Busto, which both consisted of insane ruffles in the back - great for a dramatic exit. With a few tweaks, I could envision each one selling commercially.

SWABY (left) and Nora del Busto

The Art of Fashion was the perfect end to the week-long Fashion Focus festivities. The designers represented well for the Windy City and proved that Chicago is indeed a fashion city.

Which designer was your personal favorite?

Anna Fong presents "A Mayan Tale"

2011-11-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

Fashion Focus Week 2011 quickly came to end, and if you've ever believed in saving the best for last, you would have been pleased with Anna Fong's "A Mayan Tale" Collection Preview presented at the historical Renaissance Blackstone Hotel.

Anna Fong is an emerging designer whose ability to tell a story well has set her apart from many of her local contemporaries. She has been known to put a modern twist on a vintage look, which rings true in her latest collection, "A Mayan Tale."

Anna said she was inspired by her recent journey to Guatemala, where she learned about her heritage and translated that sense of identity and knowing into designs full of vibrant hues, timeless shapes and rich fabrics. There is no doubt that Anna can construct a well-designed piece.

The show opened with a surprising, yet fitting traditional, tribal Mayan dance. Although it was so unexpected, it added a nice touch to the event, the overall theme and Anna's desire to weave together a complete story. It was like a journey through time and space, connecting the crowd to the past in the present, before Anna showcased fashion's "next." The tribal dance stole the show.

View a video of the tribal dance below captured by Jared Hatch.

Overall, the show was great. Anna played with the arrangement of the models, who strut the runway in a number of different patterns instead of walking it traditionally. It all told a story.

I bumped into a number of people during the night, including Arianna Green of Assata Designs and Ana Fonua of Chi Style Maven. I never turn down photo ops with beautiful women.

In the photo below, you can really see the inspiration behind Anna's latest collection. Look at the fabrics, the patterns and the cuts.

For more on Anna Fong, visit www.anna-fong.com.

Trendevous at Carson's: An unexpectedly great shopping experience for the department store skeptic

2011-11-01T13:00:00.003-05:00

With Autumn in full swing, everyone is looking to update their wardrobes with items that keep them warm while maintaining their sense of style.

So, when Carson's in Yorktown Mall (Lombard, IL) invited me to Trendezvous, their Fall trend show, I was certainly curious to see what this department store had to offer this season. As a shopper that tends to avoid department stores like the plague, I was highly impressed with the fashion show.

I already expected the show to consist of items by designers such as Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, John Bartlett, Victor Alfaro, and the store's newest addition, Vince Camuto. But it was the use of Ford models and the coveted looks created by the Carson's styling team that pleasantly surprised me. The mixing of patterns, the execution of layering and subtle styling choices - like the fur infinity scarf worn off the shoulder - provided the audience with ideas on how to wear the trends this season.

Here are some of my favorite looks:

As soon as the runway show ended, everyone darted inside the store to shop the items that were showcased. Luckily, Carson's provided us with a cheat sheet that listed every single item that made its way down the runway. Smart move!

Many headed straight to the accessories, which is the best place to start if you want to update your wardrobe for the least amount of money. Socks, leggings and scarves were flying off the shelves. When speaking with some of the customers, I learned that I was not the only one enthralled by the styling. Many women revealed that the runway show helped them to envision how individual pieces can be worn in different ways and mixed with their existing items to create fresh looks.

Of course, I was also inspired to do a little shopping.

Here's a sample of what I spotted:

The enthusiasm of the shoppers, including myself, had me wondering "why doesn't every store have a trend show"? Hopefully, other retailers will catch on.

And just when I thought my Carson's experience couldn't get any better, there was an in-store Nine West Vintage America fashion show sponsored by Lucky Magazine. The magazine's Contributing Style Editor, Lori Bergamotto, flew in from New York to present the collection which consisted of easy-to-wear garments that were also great for layering.

Can you guess which Nine West Vintage America item I purchased?

With the closing of the State Street Carson's store, city dwellers will have to make a trek to Yorktown Mall to shop all of these items in one spot. But their consistently great sales and accommodating staff (not to mention the insane amount of retail stores and restaurants in the surrounding area) definitely make it worth the trip!

Are you a department store shopper? Do you think trend shows help to boost sales?

*Special thanks to Lauren Sobota (Sales Area Manager) and Dave Schlaak (Store Manager) for their hospitality.

Dress Code: Student Designers Continue to Shine at Fashion Focus

2011-11-01T10:00:00.008-05:00

Nicole Paprusky (Illinois Institute of Art)

Every time Fashion Focus rolls around, I look forward to the Dress Code runway show. Featuring students from the city's top four design schools - International Academy of Design and Art (IADT), Columbia College, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and Illinois Institute of Art - Dress Code usually ends up being the most innovative and creative show of the week. And this year was no different.

The venue, which was a makeshift tent adjacent to the Chicago History Museum, was filled to the brim with attendees who braved the cold, wind and rain to catch a glimpse of what Chicago's best design students had to offer. All of the institutions were represented well, as demonstrated by the loud cheers from the audience when each school presented.

With so many great designs, it was hard to pinpoint which school was the best overall. There were a few standout pieces though. Among them were the leather and wool men's jacket with exaggerated collar by Eugene Frimpong (IADT); the studded, rock-star looks by Grace Lewis (Columbia College); the voluminous dresses by Bonnie Alayne (SAIC); and the extreme shapes and sharp edges courtesy of Nicole Paprusky (Illinois Institute of Art).

Check out some of the highlights below:

Que Shebley (IADT)

Eugene Frimpong (IADT)

Grace Lewis (Columbia College)

Ryan Pickle (Columbia College)

Liz Patelski (SAIC)

Bonnie Alayne (SAIC)

Christine Joy Teodoro (Illinois Institute of Art)

Monica Chamberlain (Illinois Institute of Art)

Of course, many of the looks were not practical or necessarily wearable. But therein lies the beauty of Dress Code. When given complete artistic freedom, the students are able to push boundaries and showcase their creativity, while still maintaining great construction.

The Dress Code show also included the announcement of the FashioNext design competition winner. Students were asked to create a design that was inspired by America's first couturier, Charles James. Columbia College student Cynthia J. Roman was the winning designer (view her sketch and final garment below).

Kudos to Nena Ivon for producing an amazing show and to the talented student designers for making the future of fashion look that much brighter!

So what do you think? Which designer or school was your personal favorite?

InspireDesign presented by Mario Tricoci and vitaminwater®

2011-10-31T09:46:00.001-05:00

Photo by Shauna Battle

Chicago has the talent. Chicago is a FASHION city. No doubt about it. - Mario Tricoci

On Wednesday, October 19th, InspireDesign presented by Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas and vitaminwater® occurred as a segment of Fashion Focus Chicago. The event was also sponsored by Michigan Avenue magazine and Wella Professionals, and included a special opening performance by Brandon and Lucas Marx, the two sons of the legendary Chicago native and singer-songwriter Richard Marx, who rose to fame in the 80s. Although Rock may not be my genre of choice, the new generation of Marx blew their performance out the water and added an edgy element to the festivity.

The runway show featured collections of some of Chicago's most inspiring designers, including J. Chiekh, Narcisse Design, Imaginary People by Olivia Shanks, Michelle Tan and Reddoll by Tatyana Merenyuk.

The show's conclusion served as the grand finale of Mario, Make Me a Model. The competition provides five aspiring models with the platform they need to make their modeling mark. The process included a two-moth-long transformation. In past seasons, only one finalist has been named the winner. Well, it wouldn't be a fashion show without a twist. Mario decided to change the rules and choose two winners this season, Juni Park and Mercedes Johnson. And those two young women certainly deserved it!

View a recap of the entire night below:

For more information on Mario Tricoci and his hair salons & day spas, visit www.tricoci.com.

Thanks for the media swag bags, Mario!

- Gabriel Charles Tyler

Win Tickets to the Opening Week of "Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life"

2011-10-26T10:43:00.000-05:00

Now that the I've attended the sneak preview of Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life, I have a newfound respect for Serge Gainsbourg and his contribution to the music industry.

Yes. He was definitely a ladies man - married numerous times, had an affair with Brigitte Bardot, etc. But he was also a genius who created music that has been covered and sampled by everyone from pop icons to Hip Hop artists.

This movie is definitely a must-see for those who love music, indie films and/or the French culture! And thanks to Music Box Films, I have TWO pairs of tickets available for the opening week* in Chicago.

This time around, the giveaway will be run strictly on Facebook and Twitter.

HOW TO ENTER:

Complete the below phrase on either the ChiTown Fashionista Facebook page or on Twitter (be sure to add #GainsbourgChi in your tweet to be included).

"The best part about France is..."

Is it the language? The fashion? The food (mmmm...croissants)? Do tell!

The giveaway will run until noon on Saturday, October 29th. I will select one winner from Facebook and one from Twitter.

*The passes are only good for showtimes at the Music Box Theatre from Monday, October 31st to Thursday, November 3rd.

The GROW HERE WORKSHOP: Guess Who's on the Blogging Panel?

2011-10-20T10:39:00.002-05:00

This Saturday, as part of the Fashion Focus festivities, Laundry Magazine is hosting the Grow Here Workshop. It is a day-long fashion workshop that includes sessions with some of the best local fashion industry insiders - designers, bloggers, retailers and more!

As you can see, I will be on the "Wide World of Blogging" panel at 2pm, along with Kelly of Idols and Egos, Dana of Possessionista and Nicki of Fashionista Chicago. I'm excited to share my insight on the fashion blogging industry with my cohorts.

Come out and support this inaugural event! It is a great opportunity for knowledge sharing and networking. I'm quite sure you won't be disappointed.

Click HERE to purchase tickets (Use code: ALWAYSLEARNING to receive 20% off a non-student pass).

I hope to see you there!

Shop Lissa for Statement Pieces by Emerging Designers [EXCERPT]

2011-10-19T10:25:00.000-05:00

"Style trendsetters will feel right at home here. However, even those who are looking to simply ramp up their look will appreciate [owner] Melissa’s discerning eye for finding clothing and accessories that are fashion-forward yet completely wearable."

Click HERE to read my entire post on Chicago Like A Local.

GIVEAWAY: Modern Vintage Chicago is coming!

2011-10-17T12:55:00.003-05:00

I will bypass the formalities of explaining why you should attend Modern Vintage Chicago this weekend* and get straight to the GIVEAWAY!

*Simply click HERE to see what I spotted at the last one.

I have a pair of tickets for one lucky winner to attend Modern Vintage Chicago. That's right! You and a guest get to attend the event, ogle over the Hermes and Chanel bags and encounter some of Chicago's best indie designers...FOR. FREE.

To enter, post a comment below describing one of your favorite vintage items (include your name and email address).

The giveaway ends this Thursday, October 20th, at 11:59PM (CST) and I will randomly select the winner the following morning.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!

UPDATE:

And the winner is...

KESHA!

Congratulations and enjoy Modern Vintage Chicago!

Shoe Swoon: ASOS Leo Crest Slipper

2011-10-11T10:00:00.005-05:00

I was on the hunt for a unique pair of leopard print flats and after several days of searching, I stumbled upon these beauties!

Needless to say, I purchased them immediately. I broke them in last week and received an overwhelming amount of compliments. These will be my go-to flats this Fall.

Click HERE to get your hands on a pair. With a price of under $70, is there really anything to think about?

French, Film and Fashion: The "Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life" Sneak Preview GIVEAWAY

2011-10-10T16:10:00.002-05:00

As I was flipping through the September issue of Harper's Bazaar, I read a short blurb about the film, Gainesbourg: A Heroic Life, which also included a photo of the French pop music and culture icon Serge Gainsbourg hugged up with French former model/actress Brigitte Bardot. I would later learn that in addition to Brigitte Bardot, Serge Gainsbourg was romantically involved with Jane Birkin. Yes. THE Jane Birkin for which the iconic Hermes "Birkin" bag was named. A critically acclaimed independent film that also references historical fashion figures? I was certainly intrigued.

So, when Music Box Films contacted me for an invite to the sneak preview of the film, I was thrilled! Even more exciting is the fact that Music Box has given me the opportunity to invite my readers to the sneak preview as well. That means you could win the chance to view the film, in an intimate setting, almost TWO weeks before the official opening on October 28th!

I have 2 pairs of tickets to give away. So, who's going to join me?!

The details

Date:        October 17, 2011
Time:        7PM
Location: Music Box Theater
                 3733 N. Southport Ave

How to enter

1. Leave a comment below indicating why you would like to attend the sneak preview (please include name and email address)

The giveaway will end on Thursday, October 13th at 11:59pm (CST) and I will pick both winners the following morning.

Good luck to you all!

Visit www.gainsbourgaheroiclife.com to view the trailer and learn more about the film.

Robot & Brucling vs. Topman - Bow Ties: The Look for Less

2011-10-05T11:59:00.002-05:00

Although I'm not into couture or costume styled bow ties, I cannot deny that Robot & Brucling bow ties have caught on in the fashion world. Bruce Franklin and Christopher Bennett are the owners of Robot & Brucling, a custom bow tie company launched in April of 2010.

Bruce and Christopher created the brand around their love of history, art and punk and rock ‘n’ roll music. They use a variety of materials to achieve an edgy look, including leather, studs, denim, rhinestones, metals and chains. Celebrities like Steph Jones, Beyonce and Rhianna have celebrated the brand.

These guys are good at what they do, but the price tag that accompanies their pieces are rather hefty. With the cheapest thing on their website being a denim bow tie for $65.00, I had to find similar bow ties that provide consumers with the same look at a lower price point. Surprisingly, I found a few similar ties at TopMan, that with a little alteration would look exactly the same as the Robot & Brucling bow ties.

Here's a few looks. Click on each photo to jump to the product to purchase.

Look 1

This Robot & Brucling bow tie features leather with silver dome studded top and bottom edges and adjustable 18” neck strap. It goes for $125.00 on the brand's online shop.

You can get the same feel from this "Zip Edge Bowtie" from Topman. It features 100% metallic fibre around all of the edges and goes for $12.00 on TopMan's website as well as in the Chicago and New York stores. It may not be the exact same thing, but it's the same feel and at a way cheaper price. Think, you can buy about 10 of these for the price of the Robot and Brucling equivalent.
Look 2

This 100% raw denim bow tie goes for $65.00 at Robot & Brucling. I will admit that dark denim bow ties for men are hard to find. But there are still cheaper options available at TopMan.
TopMan has this blue floral and denim chambray reversible self-tie bow tie for $20.00. Although, you will need to know how to tie a bow tie with this look, it's a $40.00 savings, and you get two looks in one. For $40.00, I'll teach you how to tie a bow tie myself. That sounds like a plan to me.

Whether you purchase from Robot & Brucling or TopMan, it's always good to check out viable alternatives that can save you money. You can't tie it all together when you don't have any money left to complete the rest of your look. The goal to shopping is to think and be smart. Sometimes you just need to do a little research. It wouldn't hurt to keep a few dollars in your pocket, would it?

Until Tomorrow,

Gabriel

Bows 'N Ties: Pocket-Friendly, Quality Ties for Men

2011-10-04T10:33:00.000-05:00

Bows 'N Ties, a San Francisco based e-commerce retailer established in 2009, provides men with quality neck ties, bow ties, cuff links and handkerchiefs at pocket-friendly prices. Like most men I know, I usually stay away from online shopping because I can be a little impatient. However, after seeing a few of the staple products Bows 'N Ties offered in person, I realized that what they had to offer was well worth the standard shipping wait.

It was nice to see a legit online shop for ties and other accessories. However, I wasn't too shocked about the quality of the products on Bow 'N Ties when I found out they were a segment of the United E-Commerce, LLC., the parent company of several online retailers specializing in men’s fashion accessories ranging from finest neckties, cuff link sets, dress shirts, briefcases and leather accessories. I was not only impressed with Bow 'N Ties and their products, I was impressed by how they tied it together.

Neck Ties

After I graduated from elementary school, I told myself that I would never wear a classic, prep style tie again. Many of us have those private school, uniform blues, and we don't want to be reminded of the times when we were forced to dress business casual as children.

When I first saw the "Classic Stripped Silk Tie in Red and Navy" by Parsley, I was reminded of the times I had in elementary school, and although I would never want to go back, I had to admit the tie was sharp. It is the perfect tie to complete the standard prep look. The tie also complements a number of outfits because it can be dressed up or down. You can't go wrong with classic styles and colors, and what I appreciate the most about Bow 'N Ties is that they realize men need options without reinventing the wheel.

Most of the neck ties featured on the website had low price points. With 1,000 listed ties and over 19 unique color waves, it's impossible for you not to find a tie that fits you.

Bow Ties

I love bow ties, so I was very excited to see the retailers offered them. If you can't tell from the photo above, I wore the "Solid Bow Tie Light Olive Green" to a few functions, and let's just say I was feeling myself, and rightfully so.

Although the specific bow tie I had was pre-tied, it drew attention. I liked the color and the feel of the tie. It made me look and feel like a million bucks, when in reality it only cost $14.90.

A few men asked me where I got the bow tie from and how could they purchase similar ties. Of course I told them to head to Bow 'N Ties.

Now, I know many men are against pre-tied bow ties. However, I don't come from that clique of what I like to call "tie snobs." The reality is that many men, whether young or old, don't know how to tie a neck tie, let alone a bow tie. I believe pre-tied bow ties are perfect for informal events and times when you're in a rush.

The great thing about Bow 'N Ties is that they offer both pre-tied and self-tie bow ties, giving the shopper the choice to choose what suits their life and style the best. The online retailer also offers men information about the history of ties, how to choose and style a tie, how to tie a tie in various styles, how to tie a bow tie, and why ties are so integral to completing a look. It's these little tidbits that are important to men and helping them create their signature look.

Tying it Together

I was impressed by Bows 'N Ties because they offered men a large variety of ties and other accessories, which gives the shopper a chance to choose what he likes, instead of the generic ties we see so often in department stores nationwide.

Head to www.bows-n-ties.com and start learning how to tie it together. Use this exclusive ChiTown Fashionista coupon code for 20% off your entire purchase: chitownfashion. At these prices, you can not afford NOT to purchase a few items. Make sure you use the code as soon as possible because it expires on November 30, 2011.

Until Tomorrow,

Gabriel

ChiTown Fashionista would like to thank Bows 'N Ties for providing us with complimentary ties and giving our readers a complimentary discount.

Tying it Together

2011-10-03T09:00:00.005-05:00

ChiTown Fashionista is dedicating the rest of this week to Tying it Together. The week-long series will feature local, national and international power houses in fashion and style that offer men dozens of options to tie it together.

Nothing completes a look like the perfect tie. As men, the options we have to switch up our style every once in a while are limited, making the tie one of the few things that can give a shirt or suit a brand new look.

Men’s ties are made of many different kinds of fabrics, including wool, cashmere, silk and linen. They offer men a variety of appearances, designs and prints to fit a number of purposes and occasions. The goal for men is to choose the tie, whether it be a neck tie or a bow tie, to compliment their look. It does not have to be a perfect match, it just needs to tie your outfit together.

Whether you're a man looking for something new or a woman looking for the perfect gift for the man in your life, stay tuned this week as we introduce you to the stores and boutiques with ties you will want to buy. Make sure you check out the Twitter hash tag #TyingitTogether to catch exclusive offers we have for you guys this week.

Until tomorrow,

Gabriel

[Outfit] JCPenney Liz Week "7 Days of Style": Girl Friday

2011-09-30T08:05:00.001-05:00

It's been a long time since I've shopped in JC Penney. Although they have great designer collaboration lines with the likes of Nicole Miller, MANGO and Charlotte Ronson, I never make my way to the store.

So, when JCPenney contacted me to shop the Liz Claiborne collection as part of their "7 Days of Style" Liz Week Celebration, I was eager to get there to see what was available and how I could incorporate the items into my existing wardrobe.

Seven bloggers were chosen to represent each day of the week. Being that I was "Friday", I decided to pull together a weekend look that is great for a lunch date or shopping trip with the girls. Plus, each of the items not only work well together, but with numerous other items in my closet.

The Ponte Poncho was a no-brainer. I have a semi-obsession with wearing capes adorned with brooches. This one is particularly special because it's reversible. Navy on one side, brown on the other. Oh, and it has pockets. LOVE!

The Button Front Shirt has a classic look and fit. Not only is it great for the weekend, but it will also work well with a pencil skirt for work.

The Leather Trim Bootcut Jeans are extremely comfortable and have a dark denim wash that's easy to dress up or down.

Of course I had to add some fun accessories! A belt for waist definition, a watch and some bracelets for a mini "arm party" and an oversized bag to hide some of the shopping bags from the hubby. Only kidding...maybe.

BRACELETS: Kenneth Jay Lane (purchased from the Randolph Street Market), Kate Spade
WATCH: Croton
BROOCH: Le Bouton
BELT: J. Crew
HANDBAG: YSL (purchased from Luxury Garage Sale
SHOES: Maison Martin Margiela

A good high(price)/low(price) mix, don't you think?

To get your hands on the Liz Claiborne collection at JCPenney's expense, click HERE to enter the "7 Days of Style Contest". You could win an all-expense paid trip to NYC, a $1000 Liz Claiborne shopping spree and other fabulous goodies! Be sure to think of me if you win.

Have you visited JCPenney recently? Are you a fan of the Liz Claiborne collection or any of the other designer lines?

Disclosure: JCPenney provided me with a $100 gift card to shop the Liz Claiborne collection. Since I can never stick to a shopping limit, I forked over a little bit of my own money to cover my purchases.

Kokorokoko: The Sartorial Time Machine [Excerpt]

2011-09-26T11:44:00.001-05:00

"Looking to revisit the days when big hair and oversized earrings reigned supreme and acid wash denim was cool? Then, Kokorokoko [pron: coco-ro-coco] is the place to be!"

Click HERE to read my entire post on Chicago Like A Local.

Special K™: Runway, Robert Verdi, The "Challenge" and a GIVEAWAY

2011-09-26T08:30:00.010-05:00

A few weeks ago, Special K and crew hosted a "Strut Your Sassy" runway event right outside of the Thompson Center. Everyone, including tourists and those simply heading to work, were given a chance to walk the runway to receive some Special K goodies.

I even spotted a street performer and a mini model workin' the runway.

More important than the runway and complimentary snacks, that morning, was Special K's emphasis on the fact that when wearing the perfect pair of jeans, it's about more than just the number on the tag. It's about the confidence and sass you feel when you're wearing your favorite pair.

Celebrity stylist and all-around nice guy, Robert Verdi, was on hand to encourage everyone to walk the runway and give tips on finding the right jeans. Luckily, I was able to secure a few minutes with him where we talked about everything from his experience with Special K to the Fall trend he's looking forward to.

Robert admitted that he started on the Special K Challenge (which is a 2 week process that requires participants to replace two meals a day with Special K products) after a breakup, when he realized he needed to take better care of himself. He explained that the reason he enjoys the Special K Challenge is because it is great for someone who is always on the go. Plus, he loves the protein bars and shakes. He has already lost 13lbs as a result of the challenge and exercise. So, clearly it is working!

Naturally, our discussion moved to the topic of fashion.

We chatted about finding the perfect pair of jeans and Robert offered up a few great tips:
1. "Don't go into the jean market blind". Don't be afraid to ask the salesperson which cut works best for your body type.
2. Don't always go with the trend. Once again this came back to body type. When you understand your body type, you will know which style of jeans to embrace and which to avoid.

We also talked about his favorite Fall trend, color-blocking. He also loves when bold colors are paired with neutrals. And for those looking for a quick and affordable way to incorporate color into your wardrobe, Robert says that colored jeans are the answer.

Robert explained that at the end of the day, people want to feel confident when buying clothes. I couldn't agree more.

Which leads me to the Special K Challenge. With this 2-week challenge, Special K guarantees you will drop 1 jean size. Is it true? There's only one way to find out. The lovely folks at Special K has offered to give one of my readers a Special K Starter Pack filled with tons of goodies, including Special K protein bars, cracker chips and fruit crisps as well as a box of Special K Red Berries cereal and "The Special K Challenge & Beyond" book!

As you can see below, I've already received my Starter Pack. And I must admit that the Special K Red Berries cereal and the Strawberry Fruit Crisps are my ultimate favorites.

Here's how you can enter to win your very own Starter Pack:

1. Go to the Special K Facebook page and upload a photo of yourself wearing your favorite pair of jeans.

2. Leave a comment below stating that you've uploaded your photo. Be sure to include your name and email address in the comment.

The contest ends September 30, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. Click HERE for the complete giveaway rules.

And remember: At the end of the day, the Special K Challenge is not about losing weight. The main focus is healthier eating, in general. And living in Chicago, the capital of greasy spoons, we could all stand to change our diet a little bit, right? Right.

Good luck to everyone entering the giveaway!

UPDATE:

The winner has been selected...

Congratulations to Sassy Mommy!!

I hope you enjoy your Special K™ Starter Pack!

Shop my Randolph Street Market "Editor's Choice" picks for charity this weekend!

2011-09-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

Since there have been numerous posts on this site about the Randolph Street Market (Exhibit A, Exhibit B), I'm not going to bore you with the million reasons why I love it.

This time around, I want to extend a personal invitation to all of you for this weekend's market.

Not only is it the regular season finale (which means it's the last time you'll see vendors outside until May 2012), but the Randolph Street Market will also be hosting its first annual Editor's and Designer's Choice for Charity. And I'm happy to announce that I was selected to participate!

Here's how it will work:

Before the market begins, the handpicked media participants will peruse the venue and select their favorite items. These items will be labeled "Editor's Choice". Additionally, prominent interior designers will pick their favorite booth setups, which will then be marked as "Designers Choice". When "Editor's Choice" items are sold, a portion of the sales will go to the editor's charity of choice. The booths deemed as "Designers Choice", will receive free booth rent for one show next season while the designer will score 2012 season passes for themselves and their charities of choice.

As an avid fan of the Randolph Street Market, I consider it an honor to be selected for the "Editor's Choice". I can't wait to get out there and designate my top picks for charity!

Wondering which charity I selected?

Whitney Young Dolphins Making A Difference (WYDMAD): It is a mentoring program started by some of my fellow Whitney M. Young Magnet High School alumni to provide 6th, 7th and 8th graders in the West Pullman area with academic support and character development. The program has expanded and now assists with the social and academic growth of existing Whitney Young students. I am a mentor within the program and have witnessed the benefits it has bestowed upon the mentees.

So, find some time to get to the Randolph Street Market this weekend! I'll be tweeting my "Editor's Choice" picks so that you know exactly what to buy. *wink, wink*

I hope to see you there!

Randolph Street Market

1340 W. Washington

Saturday, September 24 - 10am to 5pm

Sunday, September 25 - 10am to 4pm

($10 at the gate / $8 in advance)

Visit RandolphStreetMarket.com for more details and to purchase advance tickets.

NYFW Chronicles: My Street Style Features!!

2011-09-20T12:41:00.002-05:00

As mentioned in my previous NYFW post, some photographers captured my "street style" when I was at Lincoln Center.

Below are two of the features. Make sure you click the photo to see the entire article, one of which breaks down my entire outfit.

TypeF.com
Yes! I made it on Tyra Bank's new website about all things fashion and beauty.

ConcreteLoop.com
My "sleek and scholarly" look is featured on one the most popular black celebrity entertainment blogs.

Click HERE to view my full photo

Thanks to the above sites for featuring me! This has made my first Fashion Week trip even more memorable.

How (and Why) to Shop TJ Maxx

2011-09-20T10:00:00.031-05:00

As a shopper that refuses to pay retail for most items, I practically live in TJ Maxx. On my lunch break or on the weekends, you can find me at a TJ Maxx either in the city or as far out as Naperville. Even when I travel, I try to visit the nearest TJ Maxx before heading back home.

For some, TJ Maxx can be a bit overwhelming because, unlike department stores and boutiques, every section is not organized by designer or color. It takes patience to go through the many racks and shelves but I guarantee that finding a designer treasure at a fraction of retail makes it all worth it.

When TJ Maxx contacted me to take a tour of the State Street store (with a complimentary gift card) and learn more about how the retail locations operate, I jumped at the opportunity.

Of course, there were quite a few things I wanted to photograph to give you an idea of what you can expect to find there. But this time around I was more focused on providing you with information on how to successfully navigate the store and understand why you should frequent TJ Maxx.

Here's a little bit of what I already knew plus what I discovered during my personal tour (along with a few photos to entice you even more).

HOW:

1. Overwhelmed by the rows of racks? Start on the displays that are located in the front of the store and on the outskirts of each section. These displays are organized by designer and size to help ease you into what I like to call " digging in the racks".

2. Pay attention to the "compare at" value on the tag. Not only will this make you even more excited about the bargain you are receiving, this will also help when reasoning with the spouse on how much damage you did. Works like a charm every time.

3. Buy now, think later. Due to the high turnover and limited quantities at TJ Maxx, leaving an item in the store pretty much means it will be gone the next day, or even in the same day. If you like it, buy it. And if you happen to change your mind, take advantage of TJ Maxx's extremely accommodating return policy.

4. Shop often because every TJ Maxx (and Marshalls) receives more than 10,000 new items each week

5. Befriend the store manager to stay up to date on when new shipments arise.

6. Purple tags are a label lover's dream. These indicate premium brands such as Prada, Celine and Rachel Roy.

WHY:

1. Items in TJ Maxx are priced up to 60% less than department and specialty stores. Additionally, majority of these items are from the current season. I can actually attest to this since there have been several times where I've scored an item at TJ Maxx and later spotted it at another store at the retail price.

2. The buyers at TJ Maxx are "ultimate treasure hunters". And rightfully so! Unlike department and specialty stores who buy on a cyclical schedule, TJ Maxx and Marshalls buyers travel over 40 weeks a year to over 60 countries to find the best deals on the latest trends. This opportunistic buying explains why each TJ Maxx receives such a large amount of items per week. And with 1700+ stores combined, the buyers also have the ability to negotiate better prices and pass the savings along to customers.

3. You can shop all of the trends in one location. TJ Maxx is going to be well-stocked with the following Fall 2011 trend items:

capes and ponchos
faux fur
leather (from motorcycle jackets to knee high boots)
outerwear, footwear and handbags in bordeaux, jewel tones and neutrals
animal prints
wide leg trousers and jeans.

Being a social media junkie, I was excited to learn that some stores are now on Twitter!

Here are the Chicagoland Twitter accounts:*

twitter.com/tjmaxxfullerton (my favorite lunchtime getaway location)

twitter.com/tjmaxxoakbrook (the best location for high-end designer items)

twitter.com/tjmaxxdownersgr

These store managers actively tweet about their new shipments as well as the designer items they currently have in stock. It's the perfect way to stay informed.

My last piece of advice for shopping TJ Maxx...

Enjoy yourself! A trip to TJ Maxx is hardly ever quick. With so many great items for women, men, children and home, set aside some time to simply enjoy yourself. That's how all the best treasures are found. Just don't buy up all of the good stuff. OK?

Are you a TJ Maxx shopper? Let me know your favorite locations and why.

*If you're not in Chicago and want to find out if your local TJ Maxx is on twitter, visit the store locator page and enter your zip code. The twitter name will be listed with the store, if applicable.

**special thanks to Mikinzie Stuart and TJ Maxx for the tour and gift card.

NYFW Chronicles: A day at Lincoln Center with Nicole Miller and Concept Korea

2011-09-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

My first Lincoln Center experience was indeed a great one! To be able to attend the Nicole Miller runway show during my first visit to Fashion Week was insane!

When I arrived at Lincoln Center, I just stood there to soak it all in. The energy in Lincoln Center is electric. Street style photographers canvassing the area looking for well-dressed subjects while show goers are either chatting it up with their fashion cohorts or darting across the plaza to catch the next show or presentation.

Upon my arrival, I ran into Gabriel who was actually enjoying a day off from his action-packed, behind-the-scenes Fashion Week internship. ChiTown Fashionista was definitely representing Chicago well.

Then, it was time to catch the Nicole Miller show. As I was heading in, I was stopped several times by street style photographers and interviewed briefly regarding Fashion Week and my personal style (more to come on that). For my style to be appreciated at THE epicenter of fashion was surreal and certainly unforgettable.

Then, it was time for the show.

In the front row, I spotted Jennifer and Ashley Tisdale, Alexis Biedel as well as ELLE's Joe Zee and Keith Pollock.

I loved seeing Joe Zee capture moments with his cell phone.

I enjoyed the collection, filled with stripes and bursts of neon (click HERE to view the slideshow). I can't wait to see Nicole Miller's journey and hear more about the inspiration for the collection on the upcoming season of All On the Line.

After the show, I headed back to the main area to relish in the moment. Inside the "tents" was even more glorious. Prominent fashion figures, from editors to stylists, were reuniting with one another, recapping the shows and synchronizing schedules. The blogging community was also represented quite well. I felt right at home.

I had an opportunity to chat with celebrity stylist, June Ambrose.

When I asked how to get a petition started for her to have her own reality show (have you seen her YouTube videos?), she informed me that it is actually in the works and filming has already started. Move over, Rachel Zoe!

After pinching myself, I headed across the plaza to the Concept Korea presentation where 5 of the best emerging Korean designers were being showcased.

After seeing J. Alexander (a.k.a. Miss J) run past me like a flash of lightning, I headed up the stairs where I was welcomed by a sea of innovative designs. The Concept Korea collective consisted of Doho, Lie Sang Bong, RESURRECTION, SON JUNG WAN and Steve J & Yoni P.

Here are some of my favorite looks:

Lie Sang Bong

Steve J & Yoni P

Talk about a fun-filled day! As you can see, so much happened within a 2-hour time frame. And my one day in Lincoln Center was only scratching the surface. I can't wait to get back to New York Fashion Week to spend more time at Lincoln Center and attend more runway shows.

Onward and upwards!

NYFW Chronicles: A Crazy, Lazy Fashion's Night Out at Macy's

2011-09-14T11:00:00.001-05:00

When I realized that I would be in New York for this year's Fashion's Night Out, I eagerly mapped out every location that I would visit for what is now considered the biggest shopping celebration in the world.

Being overly ambitious and eager, I generated this map on the Fashion's Night Out website to help me determine my course of action.

I included every store from Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue to Manolo Blahnik and Coach. How I figured I could get to so many locations in a 3 - 4 hour time span is beyond me.

After all the strategic planning, the night began and ended at Macy's. This is due to the fact that A) it was the closest destination to my hotel, B) there was a boatload of celebrity and designer appearances and C) by the end of the night, my feet were aching and all I wanted to do was change into my flats and explore Times Square.

Here's what went down...

Raijean of Swa-Rai.com arrived at my hotel and indicated that she heard Rachel Roy was already at Macy's making her appearance. We agreed that we would ditch the idea of visiting the Target for Missoni popup shop first and instead headed straight to Macy's.

GREETED BY MODELS AND GOOD VIBES:
We arrived at Macy's and stumbled upon a crowd of people surrounding models who were wearing INC gear and snapping photos of all the onlookers. The DJ was pumping out upbeat vibes that had models and consumers dancing throughout the store.

I spotted this stylish chap in the aisle.

Don't you just love his Kente cloth bowtie and cummerbund? I would later find out that his name is Sureme and he works for Alvin Ailey.

RACHEL ROY AND AMAR'E STOUDEMIRE:

Rachel Roy and Amar'e Stoudemire were in the building to promote their newly launched collaboration collection. There was no opportunity to chat with either of them but I was able to snap a couple of photos.

After explaining to someone, "No. I don't mean Rachel RAY. It's Rachel ROY, the designer whose name is on all the signs in this section we're standing in", I realized that the frenzy may have been more for Amar'e than Rachel.

I did get a chance to check out the collection which appears to be targeted to Juniors. Here's my favorite look from the night.

CLAIRE OF FASHION BOMB DAILY:

I'm a fan of Claire Sulmers' blog Fashion Bomb Daily and was excited when I met her briefly at the IFB Conference. We ran into each other again at Macy's, near the Rachel Roy department.

After chatting for a bit, she asked to photograph me and Raijean. To our surprise, the photo shown below ended up on her website the following morning. SCORE! (click HERE for the entire article)

KELLY ROWLAND... OR LACK THEREOF:

We headed upstairs to catch a glimpse of Kelly Rowland. The line for fans waiting to meet her was beginning to extend the length of the store. With no intention of standing in line, I decided that I would be happy with just a photo. But after waiting a few minutes (at that point Kelly was already an hour late) AND receiving word that Anna Dello Russo was on the 2nd Floor, I bolted.

ANNA. DELLO. RUSSO. #iDie:

Japanese Vogue fashion director Anna Dello Russo was at Macy's along with model Karolina Kurkova promoting the Fall/Winter I.N.C. collection for which she is guest editor. Due to the chaos, no one could get close to the fashion icon. But I managed to photograph both Anna and Karolina enjoying the evening's festivities, which also included a surprise appearance by Grammy award winning Hip Hop Violinist, Miri Ben Ari. Being that close to the woman whose style I greatly admire and whose closet I highly covet, was certainly the highlight of the night!

My crazy, lazy Fashion's Night Out at Macy's was a memorable experience. New York sure knows how to throw a shopping party!

Thinking, "THIS should be big enough to fit Anna in."

So how was your Fashion's Night Out? Did you find any great deals or meet any amazing celebrities or designers? Do tell!

Special thanks to hubby for tagging along and playing the part of paparazzi. I am grateful for his sacrifice, especially since I'm sure the Fashion's Night Out mania has left him scarred for life.

NYFW Chronicles: The IFB Conference Photo Roundup

2011-09-14T09:00:00.002-05:00

In addition to all the note-taking (click HERE for the complete rundown), I snapped quite a few photos at the IFB Conference.

Check out some of my favorite people, outfits and moments!

IFB founder Jennine Jacob kicking off the conference

Model Coco Rocha capturing everyone's attention...as usual


With Aimee Song of Song of Style


Aimee's ridiculously fabulous "arm party" \| Leandra Medine of Man Repeller (the creator of said term "arm party")

Dru of The Colour Blog | Amy of Chicago Street Style

Jessica of Styloteque | Shainna of A Thick Girl's Closet

Naja of NajaDiamond.com (l) | Another stylish attendee

Even the oversized Target for Missoni doll was stylish

Sidenote: So...the jury is still out on whether or not the Target for Missoni doll is cool or creepy. The lifelike movements (she was faux tweeting the whole time) were a little too real for some but we couldn't stop staring at it. To read her tweets, follow "her" at twitter.com/marinawithstyle. Yes, her name is Marina.

NYFW Chronicles: Highlights from the IFB Conference 2011

2011-09-13T11:00:00.002-05:00

Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) is a mentorship network, created by Jennine Jacob of The Coveted, that provides an infinite amount of resources to fashion bloggers, including user-generated content, group forums and the ever-popular weekly community link round-ups. The IFB Conference brings together hundreds of fashion bloggers anxious to gain insight and knowledge from their peers and industry insiders.

This past February, I was able to view some of the conference via livestream. It was so enlightening that I made a vow to attend in person if I was in New York for Fashion Week.

It was a pleasure being in a room full of like-minded individuals. And with a room full of fashion bloggers, you must know the day was filled with networking, outfit pictures, power socket monitoring (for recharging all of the gadgets) and downright fun! Click HERE to see my IFB Conference photo roundup

Between tweets (see Exhibit A), I took a few notes.

Exhibit A

Here are some highlights from each panel:

BLOGGERS TOOL KIT

Moderator: Christen Rochon, Divas & Dorks
Panelists: Leandra Medine, Man Repeller; Alisa Gould Simon, Pose.com; Lauren Kolodny and Erica Chan Coffman, Honestly WTF; Sammy Davis, Sammy Davis Vintage; Vahni Georgoulakos, Grit and Glamour

"Outside of trends, the best thing you can wear is self confidence" - Sammy Davis

1. Stay relevant. The blogging world is so saturated, you have to be unique.
2. When working with brands, don't dilute your name. If you typically work with high end brands, it doesn't make sense to also work with discount chains and vice versa. Partner with the brands you appreciate.

IS THE SOCIAL MEDIA INDUSTRY BROKEN?

Moderator: Tony Wang, post.fashionism
Panelists: Mark Beeching, Digitas; Meghan Donovan, Wit & Whimsy; Bryce Gruber, The Luxury Spot; Yuli Ziv, Style Coalition; Carol Han, Milk and Made; John Jannuzzi, Textbook

"Just because you love what you do, doesn't mean you shouldn't get paid for it" - Mark Beeching

1. Have editorial standards. Just because you get something doesn't mean you should write about it.
2. You can add value to a brand with your own creativity. Bring suggestions to the table. That's how collaborations develop.
3. When joining ad networks, make sure it is a 2-sided agreement. The ads and brands should benefit you and relate to your blog content.
4. Agencies are beginning to narrow down their focus (which bloggers to reach out to, how many, etc.), eliminate blanket pitches, and use blogger networks to source bloggers. Therefore, having a distinct voice and joining a good blogger network is increasingly important.

BALANCING ACT: BUSINESS AND BLOGGING

Moderator: Grechen Cohen, Grechen's Closet
Panelists: Natalie Suarez, Natalie Off Duty; Annie Tomlin, BellaSugar; Aimee Song, Song of Style; Kristina Medhus, Pretty Shiny Sparkly; Ari Goldberg, StyleCaster; Coco Rocha, Oh So Coco

"Find a brand you love and study it! When making decisions, ask yourself, 'Would they do that?' If not, then neither should you" - Ari Goldberg

1. Your blog is your online reputation. Keep that in mind when creating content.
2. If you want to monetize, think about what your hourly rate would be. Understand what your value is.
3. Write down your mission statement and vision so that you are prepared to have those discussions with brands, new contributors, etc. This will explicitly inform others what you do and don't stand for.
4. A media kit is extremely important and should include monetization options and your blog's demographics.

EVOLUTION OF FASHION MEDIA

Moderator: Ann Colville Somma, HolierthanNow
Panelists: Mary HK Choi, MTV Style; Claire Sulmers, Fashion Bomb Daily; Ari Seth Cohen, Advanced Style; Mr. Mickey, PaperMag; Joyce Chang, People Style Watch; Christian Remrod, Fashion Networks

"When writing a review, be clear. Don't just say it is "awesome". Explain why it is awesome." - Joyce Chang

1. Magazine editors look for niche bloggers, i.e. those with a specific area of expertise. Translation: Get A Focus!
2. Fashion can be exclusionary and elitist. If your blog gives a voice to those that are typically excluded (eg. Plus size, older age group), you can quickly gain a cult following.
3. More bloggers are starting to use Viddy. It is the video equivalent of Instagram and a great way to share video content.

KEY NOTE SPEAKER: JOE ZEE

Interviewed by Tina Craig of BagSnob

"I consider myself a content provider. It's not Elle Magazine. It's Elle, the brand" - Joe Zee

1. Social media has made fashion much more democratic and accessible.
2. The quick turnaround with social media is not too fast. It is great. Magazines and blogs may cover fashion differently but they both get the word out.
3. Be genuine. Have a point of view. Focus on what you do best.
4. Just like any industry, in fashion and blogging, those that are really good will rise to the top.
5. If your blog has more text than images, it's better to make it "140 characters or less". Translation: When you're writing on the internet, be concise.

Joe also provided us with a few details about his reality show All On The Line. He is one of the producers and enjoys being involved because it allows him to validate the authenticity of the show. He revealed that the second season will have a tightened format and more behind-the-scenes footage. It will also showcase some big names (including Nicole Miller) and tackle the topic of plus size fashion.

When asked about the future of magazines, Joe stated that he doesn't believe magazines will go away as long as they do something great and different. He believes that traditional media may experience some growing pains along the way but will always continue to be around.

Joe also mentioned that he will be launching a Tumblr site that he will use to share his 20 year photo portfolio. I think everyone in the room was more than delighted to hear that. With that much history captured in the form of photographs, his Tumblr will be #MAJOR.

It was such a pleasure hearing from Joe Zee, Creative Director of ELLE. He has 20+ years experience in the fashion industry and is one of few in traditional media that has fully embraced social media.

As you can see, there was a lot to learn from this season's conference! I'm certainly looking forward to the next one.

Were you able to attend this year, either in person or via livestream? If so, what was the highlight for you?

P.S. Special thanks to MADE for hosting the conference and to all the sponsors (KMS California, Pose, Magnum Ice Cream, Unilever and ALDO) for making the breaks in between each session eventful.

Guest Blogger: TopShop Chicago Preview!

2011-09-13T09:00:00.008-05:00

With me AND Gabriel in New York for Fashion Week during the Chicago TopShop opening, I was determined to find someone to cover the preview event. Thankfully, Aramide from The Sassy Peach came to the rescue. Check out her recap!

Hey there ChiTown Fashionistas! Aramide here from The Sassy Peach bringing you the scoop on the exclusive VIP preview of Topshop's brand spankin' new Chicago location!

As you may or may not know, Chicago is the second city in the US to get a Topshop location (New York being the first) so we are l-u-c-k-y! Since your editor Nikia was off to NYFW, I stepped in to be her eyes at the new store at 830 N. Michigan. Upon entering, I knew I had just stepped into every fashion girl's dream world. The store is beautifully constructed and laid out. The adorable and enthusiastic personal shopper, Ryan, gave me a personal tour of everything the store had to offer.

After giving me the rundown of the accessories, makeup and women's fashion on the main level, I was taken down to what I like to call fashion heaven: the shoe section! Let me tell you, it is glorious. The most gorgeous shoes live down there and are ready for you to snatch them up.

When the shoe heaven swooning was over, Ryan took me into the Personal Shopping suite. Topshop offers a free personal shopping service that you can use whenever you're there. I definitely think it is the way to go if you want fashion advice and a second opinion while shopping. The suite is swanked out with plush seating, cupcakes, drinks and private fitting rooms. Your personal shopper will help you with whatever you need and you will leave feeling pampered. I highly recommend Ryan if you plan on trying out this service!

On the top level is Topman, the Men's section, and it does not disappoint. It had me wanting to buy just about everything for the special man in my life. Everything for the sporty/casual, suited up, or cool and laid back guy is there. The shoes and boots were my favorites. Gents, definitely go take a look!

All in all, Topshop/Topman has plenty to offer for everyone. Definitely go see it for yourself. I'm sure from here on out it will be one of my haunts. Have you been to the new Topshop yet? What did you think?

To see more pictures from the Topshop VIP preview and grand opening, head over to The Sassy Peach FB page! - http://facebook.com/thesassypeach. Also check out my blog The Sassy Peach and follow me on Twitter @thesassypeach!

NYFW Chronicles: A Fashion Intern’s Dream Come True

2011-09-12T09:00:00.004-05:00

Gabriel Charles Tyler is one of four interns working with FIJI Water at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2012 (September 8-15, 2011). Here's an update from FIJI Water's blog of his time working in New York. View the original post here: http://www.fijiwater.com/2011/fashion-intern-gabriel-tyler-on-mercedes-benz-fashion-week.

I was born and bred in Chicago, so I am no foreigner to what can happen in a big city like New York. I’ve learned to be prepared for what every new moment may bring and, thus far, this trip to Fashion Week has proven that that notion is the only way to live.

Who would have thought that I would be in New York City attending and working behind the scenes at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week? I remember a little over a year ago, I sat in my apartment watching a few clips on YouTube from the season’s runway shows. It was at that time that I determined that I would be in New York City the following year for Fashion Week, no matter what I had to do. Well, a year later, I can finally say I made it. I’ve been very fortunate.

I cannot express how honored I am that FIJI Water has given me this opportunity.

Here are a few things I experienced and learned in the concrete jungle.

1. Fairy Tales Do Come True

Kelly Cutrone tweeted a photo of Teghan and Gabriel in the People's Revolution NYC office.

I love People’s Revolution. I fell in love with Kelly Cutrone when I watched her show on Bravo, Kell on Earth. She was everything I wanted to be, and I understood why she took herself and her business so seriously: Kelly loved what she did. It wasn’t a job for her, it was her life.

I submitted my resume to People’s Revolution two years in a row, but I never got a reply. I chalked it up to fate and moved on, hoping that one day the planets would align and I would get my chance with Kelly Cutrone.

On the first day of the internship, I took an early-morning flight to New York and just so happened to walk past the People’s Revolution office in SoHo while I roamed the city with Teghan, another FIJI Water Fashion Week Intern. We both felt like destiny had put us in the right place at the right time.

I called the office and asked could we come up for a visit. I was put on hold, then five seconds later the buzzer rang, letting Teghan and me into the building. We ran up the stairs and, as soon as we opened the door, Kelly was right there smiling at us. I’ve never had celebrity shock until that moment. She took pictures with both of us, chatted with us for a long time, allowed us to tour the entire office and even invited us to an exclusive fashion show! We couldn’t make the show because of prior obligations to our internship, but we were both shocked and grateful that we were even let past the door. To get invited to anything by Kelly Cutrone, the PR machine herself, was the highest of high honors. Like I said, dreams do come true. I hope I get to see Kelly again.

2. Fashion Is More Than Clothes, Style, and Good Taste — It’s Work

My advice to anyone who wants to get involved in the fashion industry is don’t be fooled into thinking the industry is all fun and games. When you’re in this life, it’s the only life you have. It’s fun, but you have to do it because you love it, not because you want perks.

All of us have received the perks, including a new wardrobe from TopShop/TopMan courtesy of FIJI Water, exclusive access to the BCBG runway show, the first show in the Theatre at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and a great lunch from Ed’s Chowder House at The Empire Hotel.

However, we have all put in a lot of work, including a long acceptance process, early-morning meetings, and long hours of standing, working, and sporting a FIJI Water style. It’s work, and work is work, but in the end it’s all worthwhile.

Everywhere I go, people ask to take my photo. I guess Noelle and Paul really knew what they were doing when they helped the TopShop/TopMan stylist choose my outfits. I’m beginning to feel like a celebrity. I’m meeting new people all the time, talking with people I would have never gotten a chance to meet outside of this opportunity, and getting skills and exposure to an industry I hope to one day dominate. I wouldn’t trade this chance for anything.

The FIJI Water fashion interns (l. to r.) Marco, Kristie, Teghan and Gabriel.

3. Dream Big and Take a Chance, or Go Home

People say that dreaming is for children and that dreams never come true. I guess they’ve never been to New York. If you want to make it, you have to take it. No one ever gets anywhere by fitting in and wishing they’d make it. Do like I did — say who, what, and where you want to be, and make it happen. It takes a lot of work and time, but if it’s truly what you want, those things won’t outweigh the fulfillment you’ll get.

Make sure you check out my Tumblr for a step-by-step play to my life in New York during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. You can also follow me on Twitter @MisterTyler. I’ll be updating consistently throughout the day for the entire week.

New York Fashion Week (#NYFW): How to Stay Up-To-Date

2011-09-09T09:46:00.002-05:00

Wondering how to stay up-to-date on what's going on during New York Fashion Week?

Here are four tools that will help you out!

1. Youtube.com/LiveRunway

Check out the livestream of a select few of NYFW runway shows via Youtube. Can't watch in real time? No problem. Live Runway will re-air the shows throughout the day so you won't miss a beat. Also, if you text LIVERUNWAY to 310310, you'll receive notifications for the upcoming shows.

Click the image below for access:

2. The Cut on the Runway iPad App

If you don't have time to check out the videos or are constantly on the go, the Cut on the Runway iPad App is the best tool for viewing the still images from all of the Fashion Week runway shows and presentation (including London, Milan and Paris). Click HERE for more info.

3. Viddy.com

Viddy.com is a new video app for iPhone users that allows users to upload and share 15-second video content. It is the Instagram of video. Viddy has designated a specific site to contain all of the user video footage from Fashion Week. Although, the app is exclusive to iPhone users (apps for Blackberry, Android and Windows Mobile will be available soon), anyone can visit the site to view and share what has been uploaded by others. Visit Fashion.Viddy.com to get started.

4. Follow our tweets!

With me and Gabriel in New York during Fashion Week, you will have access to NYFW updates, behind the scenes photos as well as random New York City encounters and experiences all via our tweets. Check out our feeds below for all the scoop or follow us directly on Twitter at @shoelovadotcom and @mistertyler.

ChiTown Fashionista is headed to New York Fashion Week!

2011-09-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

necklace by Chicago designer vINTAGE rEVIVAL | eyewear from Labrabbit Optics

That's right! ChiTown Fashionista is headed to New York Fashion Week (September 8-15)!

While there, I will be attending the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) Conference* and a few runway shows. Unfortunately, I will only be in NYC for the first half of the week. But you can rest assure that I will provide as much coverage and as many photos as possible. Since this is my first time in New York *gasp*, I will also sneak in some shopping. As usual, I'll keep you posted on my findings.

Gabriel will be at fashion week the entire time! He has won an internship with FIJI Water and will be behind the scenes at many of the major shows. He will also be styled for the entire week by Topman. I'm sure we'll all be waiting anxiously to hear about his experience. Let's congratulate him on this amazing opportunity!

We will be tweeting like crazy. So, follow us on Twitter at @shoelovadotcom and @mistertyler for real-time updates.

ChiTown Fashionista in NYC...this is going to be #EPIC!

*If you are unable to attend the IFB conference in person today, check out the live stream below (9AM to 7PM EST)! There will be panels featuring some of the best fashion bloggers in the business and the conference will end with keynote speaker, Joe Zee of ELLE magazine.

Watch live streaming video from ifbconference at livestream.com

"Dear America", With Love: ZARA Launches U.S. Online Shop!

2011-09-06T09:00:00.005-05:00

ZARA is known by many as the prime "fast fashion" retailer in the world. With its inexplicably quick turnaround of on-trend pieces and above par quality, it is the ideal place to affordably recreate the expensive runway looks each season.

Although there are 30 stores within the U.S. (Did you know their largest U.S. location is right here on the Magnificent Mile?), the biggest gripe amongst American fashionistas was that the Spanish retailer did not have an online store for U.S. consumers.

ZARA has heard our cry and is slated to launch its U.S. Online shop tomorrow, September 7th!

In celebration of the launch, ZARA sent over a "Dear America" postcard set featuring photographs representative of each state!

50 states. 50 photographs.

This certainly proves that ZARA appreciates the uniqueness of the individual states.

And to that, my response is:

Dear ZARA,

I look forward to shopping online with you and will continuously pray for my pocketbook.

With Love,
ChiTown Fashionista, xo

Now, who's going to join me tomorrow for a little online retail therapy?

P.S. If you want to be ahead of the game, "like" ZARA's Facebook page [HERE] and register for the exclusive online preview which begins tonight at 6PM (EST).

Paul Stuart Chicago: 'Treasures of the Night' Fashion & Charity Event

2011-09-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

Chicago's fashion elite gathered at Paul Stuart Chicago on Tuesday, August 30, for an evening of fashion, charity, culture, music, cuisine and good times. The fashion soiree occurred as a part of the In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival™ presented by MasterCard ®. The theme, "Treasures of the Night," represented the the charitable spirit in which the event was held. All proceeds from the donations and the silent auction, along with 10% of all sales from the evening, will benefit the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation.

Paul Stuart's "Townhouse" resides in one of Chicago's premier luxury shopping destinations on East Oak Street. The retailer, founded in 1938 by Ralph Ostrove and named after his son, stands as an upscale men's & women's retailer known for its unique take on Anglo-American classics. Since its inception nearly 70 years ago, the store has dressed world leaders, dignitaries, celebrities, titans of business, and anyone who expects the highest quality clothing and superior service.

One of the defining elements about Paul Stuart is the retailer's method of fitting men. Tailors at the store work to mold clothes to each man's body, promising for a perfect fit every time. It's no surprise that the store has helped redefine the American tailored look.

If you are looking for your own signature fit, whether it be for lounging around the house, golf trips, work or formal events, stop by one of the two Paul Stuart locations in Chicago. Make sure you tell them that ChiTown Fashionista sent you.

Until then, check out what I saw, ate and heard during the "Treasures of the Night."

WHAT I SAW

Paul Stuart

WHAT I HEARD
15-year-old Japanese violinist Kelly Talim

Talim is only 15 years old, but the way she carries herself and plays her violin are mature beyond her years. She began playing at the age of 8, right before her family moved from Japan to the United States. The young violinist just moved to Chicago a few years ago and she is currently embarking on her sophomore year at Stevenson High School.

Taiko Group from the Midwest Buddhist Temple

The Midwest Buddhist Temple's Taiko Group started in 1977 with the help of Rev. Mas Kodani and the Kinnara Taiko Group. The members are a self-sustaining group of the Temple and they make most of their own equipment and costumes. Through the years, the musical group has performed across the United States, traveling from Minneapolis to Philadelphia and anywhere in between.

WHAT I ATE
Ai Japanese Restaurant & Lounge

Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge (358 W. Ontario Ave), located in the River North area of Chicago, features signature makis from Chef Toyoji Hemmi, one of the only chefs in the Chicagoland area "certified" to prepare blowfish. Ai is the perfect location to stop by for sushi and drinks. When you visit, try their "Firecracker Spicy Tuna," which consists of spicy tuna maki with tempura crunch, topped with wasabi mayo (pictured above). Their signature drink, a Japanese style Sangria, made with juices and calpico, a Japanese yogurt, is a must-have as well. For more information, visit www.aichicago.us.

Sullivan's Steakhouse

Sullivan's Steakhouse (415 North Dearborn St) is an American Steakhouse featuring the finest steaks, seafood, hand-shaken martinis and live music. The restaurant, also located in Chicago's River North area, has 20 other locations throughout the United States. So you can have your favorite steakhouse wherever you go. Make sure you order a Sullivan’s Steakhouse carved beef tenderloin sandwich, which comes on pretzel bread rolls. Order a round of the Knockout Martinis, made with pineapple juice and vodka. For more information, visit www.sullivansteakhouse.com.

Thalia Spice

Thalia Spice (833 W. Chicago Ave) is an Asian fusion bistro and bar where Noy Sengsurichanh is the executive chef. People have mistook the restaurant for a Thai specialty location. However, Thalia Spice offers so much more than a typical Asian cuisine restaurant. It merges tastes and styles from the entire continent into refined, tasty dishes. Try the "Karma Sutra," a sushi dish made with ebi, kawi kama, muscles and masago. For more information, visit www.thaliaspice.com.

To see all the photos from the event, click the following link: Paul Stuart: 'Treasures of the Night' Fashion & Charity Event

To check out more details about Paul Stuart and purchase from the retailer's online boutique, click the following link: www.paulstuart.com

Randolph Street Market: Things I Saw

2011-08-29T13:00:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity to accompany Nikia Jefferson, the mind behind ChiTown Fashionista, her husband and her friend to the Chicago’s World Famous Randolph Street Market for my first official outing as a ChiTown Fashionista contributor. It was also my first encounter with America’s biggest urban market.

I would be lying to you and myself if I didn’t admit that I had a few reservations about attending the event. All I heard was “street” and “market” in the same sentence, which was enough to turn me off, and if that wasn’t enough, Mother Nature turned the temperature up to a scorching 1,000 degrees!

As I arose from the blissfulness of my bed to travel towards the “street market,” I thought to myself, “This is crazy! Turn around.” However, I guess I’m not always right. There’s indeed a first time for everything.

The Randolph Street Market was both refreshing and adventurous. Over 200 indoor and outdoor vendors and boutiques were packed like sardines to showcase their eclectic finds. You could spot everything, from vintage treasures and collector’s items to indie fashion designs and decorative home furnishings. The event also offered many food and drink options.

I see why the “market” is being compared to New York City’s SoHo - but honestly, I’ve been to SoHo and it has nothing on this! Sally Schwartz, the Founder and Executive Producer of the Randolph Street Market, is both fashion forward and kind. If you ever find yourself at the event, make sure you find her.

I’ll definitely be returning until I can’t return anymore. Maybe you can join me and the entire ChiTown Fashionista crew next time.

Check out the price details, location and event dates below:

Admission

(Children 12 and under are always free)

Online - $8.00 for general public, $3.00 for students and seniors with ID

At Door - $10.00 for general public, $5.00 for students and seniors with ID

Location
1350 West Randolph Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607

Dates
(Remaining in 2011)
(Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.)

September 24 - 25
October 22 - 23 (indoor fashion only)
November 19 - 20 (indoor only)

Things I Saw at Randolph Street Market

Black Lady, Vintage Painting circa 1960s/1970s, By Charles

Chocolate Boy, The Picaninny Caricatures, Antique Propaganda

Pin-Up Girls, Vintage Propaganda circa 1950s

Army Memorabilia, Vintage Army Gear and Findings

Meet ChiTown Fashionista's Newest Family Member: Gabriel Charles Tyler

2011-08-29T09:00:00.028-05:00

As ChiTown Fashionista continues to grow, it became inevitable that I would have to bring a contributor on board. My quest to find a new writer was a fairly short one. As I was preparing to post a request for a contributor, it dawned on me that ChiTown Fashionista's newest family member was already one of my Twitter buddies.

Gabriel Charles Tyler is a journalism student (check) that truly appreciates fashion (double check) and art in general. This Chicago native, has an amazing sense of style and will lend to ChiTown Fashionista his unique perspective and approach to the world of fashion and culture.

Please join me as I welcome Gabriel to this space! You'll be hearing a WHOLE lot from him.

To learn more about Gabriel Charles Tyler, read his bio on the ABOUT CHITOWN FASHIONISTA page.

Feel free to also check out Gabriel's Tumblr and follow him on Twitter.

In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile's Shopping Festival Starts This Week!

2011-08-25T09:00:00.022-05:00

The Magnificent Mile will be hosting the nation's first ever Shopping Festival and it begins tomorrow!

Entitled In-Fashion, this 2-week fest is going to be filled with celebrity and designer appearances, shopping deals, culinary events and hotel discounts.

Click HERE to get all of the details and see why I'll be up at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning to help kick off this spectacular event.

The things we do for fashion...

The Awesomeness of Labrabbit Optics [VIDEO]

2011-08-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone that knows me understands that Coyote DeGroot of Labrabbit Optics is my eyewear "pusherman". In the year that I've known him, I've purchased two pairs of frames and one pair of vintage sunglasses. I consistently receive an insane amount of compliments and inquiries on where to find them...so much so, that I carry Labrabbit Optics business cards in my handbag.

To fully grasp the awesomeness that is Labrabbit Optics, check out this video!

*video credit: Studio272

And while you're on a Labrabbit Optics high, check out my recent post on Chicago Like A Local to see what frames I spotted on my most recent visit.

Stay tuned for details about Labrabbit's upcoming 1-year anniversary celebration. I'm sure it's going to be epic.

Labrabbit Optics

1104 N. Ashland Ave