Brian Atwood on Gilt

Starting today at 11am ct, Gilt is featuring the first ever Brian Atwood sale on their site! This sale will feature both shoes and handbags (including the one I wore to the Swarovski event) in a variety of colors and styles. Brian is hot, his shoes are awesome so this is one sale you do not want to miss.

Here’s a sneak preview…

PhotobucketManiac pump (original price $593, Gilt price $299)

PhotobucketHandbags starting at $629

There will be tons more so click here for instant access to the sale and be sure to tweet me what you buy. I’d love to see!

Havaianas Beach Pop-Up With Glamour Magazine

Last night was the Havaianas beach pop-up kick off hosted by The Girls of Lincoln Park, Amy Tara Koch and myself along with Glamour as the main sponsor.

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I got to make my own Havaianas once again (went with purple and black for this year’s event) and starting next week you’ll be able to do the same! The pop-up will be at North Ave beach Thursdays through Sundays from July 4th through September 5th, open from 11am-7pm.

Take a look at my [iPhone] photos from the party…

PhotobucketWith Lauren from The Girls of Lincoln Park

PhotobucketNorth Ave Beach

PhotobucketThe pop-up

PhotobucketMissoni x Havaianas I wore to the party

PhotobucketReading Glamour & loving life in my new AZZA dress

PhotobucketWith the one & only Kelsey Kreiling

PhotobucketGetting my Havaianas made

PhotobucketWith my girls Olivia & Whitney

PhotobucketChicago sunset

PhotobucketWith my #1 supporter (the bf)

PhotobucketNew Havaianas (ChiCityFashion + The Girls of Lincoln Park)

Thanks everyone who came to the event. Hope you had a great time!

Shop Net-a-Porter Under $250

With pretty much everyone having a major sale right now (most of which are in the process of winding down…so get those purchases in), it can be overwhelming. To me, the most exciting sales to shop are the high end designer sales because let’s be honest…nothing feels better than scoring those Atwoods you’ve had your eye on at half off (or more). So I scoured my favorite luxury site Net-a-Porter to find you the best sale shoes, jewelry and handbags under $250.

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Marni printed flats (original price: $470, now $188)
Missoni crochet mules (original price: $660, now $198)
DKNY printed wedges (original price: $275, now $82.50)
Chloe 2-tone sandals (original price: $640, now $192)
Brian Atwood espadrille sandals (original price $710, now $213)

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Oscar de la Renta 24k gold-plated ring (original price: $175, now $52.50)
Yves Saint Laurent gold-plated necklace (original price: $440, now $220)
Miu Miu lightning bold earrings (original price: $150, now $90)
Etro color block bangle (original price: $245, now $73.50)
Giambattista Valli gold-plated rope cuff (original price: $395, now $158)

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Jil Sander circle leather clutch (original price: $360, now $144)
Burberry leather wristlet clutch (original price: $425, now $212.50)
Marni printed PVC tote (original price: $635, now $190.50)
See by Chloe leather shoulder bag (original price: $325, now $162.50)

Shopping & Dining in Chicago

I’m always down for offering my advice on things to do in Chicago (especially when it involves eating & shopping), and because I’ve been getting asked now more than ever “Where should I eat and shop this weekend in Chicago?” I thought I’d take this opportunity to lay it all out for both locals and tourists to see. Keep in mind this is just my curated list but there are many more places to check out (even some I’ve never been to!)

Shopping

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Ikram (15 E. Huron, Gold Coast): Very high end, unique designs + designers you won’t find anywhere else in the city (think Creatures of the Wind, Prabal Gurung, Rodarte), and an overall beautiful store. Even has a delicious cafe upstairs!

Blake (212 W. Chicago, River North): Another high end store (with the best selection of Dries Van Noten), you’ll have to search a little harder for this one as there’s no sign on the storefront.

Sofia (72 E. Oak & soon to be 100 E. Walton, Gold Coast): Bringing laid-back West Coast style to Chicago, this boutique offers contemporary designer brands (Minkpink, Winter Kate, StyleStalker) at very reasonable prices. Plus a well curated selection of vintage!

Tangerine (1719 N. Damen, Bucktown): The Chicago boutique I’ve been shopping at the longest, Tangerine carries more sophisticated contemporary designers like Tibi, Society For Rational Dress, and NSF. You’ll also discover some other designers you may have not heard of otherwise.

RSVP Gallery (1753 N. Damen, Bucktown): If you’re looking for the most unique store in Chicago, RSVP Gallery is the place to be. Offering both mens and womens clothing and accessories, along with books and art from around the world, you’re not going to find anything else like this place. Designers you’ll find include Jeremy Scott, Linda Farrow, and Christopher Kane.

Dining

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Spacca Napoli (1769 West Sunnyside, Ravenswood): The best Neapolitan pizza you’ll find outside of Italy, I cannot rave about this place enough. The staff is amazing and it’s perfect for all occasions (family friendly, good for dates, even fun with a group).

Lou Malnatis (various locations): The best deep dish in Chicago. Sorry. You know it’s true.

Eleven City Diner (1112 S. Wabash, South Loop): If you’re looking for casual comfort food that’s super high quality then Eleven City Diner is where you need to go. This Jewish deli meets classic diner makes just about everything in house and they serve breakfast all day. It’s my go-to casual dining spot (and perfect if you’re seeing a movie at the Icon afterwards).

Sunda (110. West Illinois, River North): By far the trendiest restaurant on my list, this has been one of my favorite dining destinations in Chicago since it opened. This Asian fusion River North hotspot is a celebrity favorite and has an extensive (extremely delicious) menu. Dining here doubles as a party on Friday and Saturday nights (that’s a plus!) and if you don’t get the brussels sprout salad I will be very disappointed (seriously, it’s life changing). Great brunch too!

Table Fifty-Two (52 W. Elm, Gold Coast): If you’re counting calories I probably wouldn’t recommend dining here but if you’re looking for the most amazing southern comfort food (with a sophisticated twist) then this is a must try. It feels like dining at your grandmother’s house (if you’re grandmother lived in the South and had Art Smith as her personal chef). My favorite is brunch on Sundays. Fried chicken and waffles. Enough said.

Ria (11 E. Walton, Gold Coast): The main restaurant of the newly-named Waldorf Astoria Chicago, this is hands down the best fine dining experience I’ve had in the city so far. Not great if you’re on a budget but fantastic if you’re looking for a reason to celebrate. Highly recommend for an anniversary (their sommelier is fantastic).

Fish Bar (2956 N. Sheffield, Lakeview): Sometimes it’s difficult finding great seafood in a casual atmosphere but Fish Bar has solved that problem! Seafood small plates with simple preparations, it’s the perfect way to get your seafood fix without breaking the bank.

Drinks

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Maude’s Liquor Bar (840 W. Randolph, West Loop): Cool atmosphere, great drinks, knowledgable staff/mixologists and AMAZING foie (yes I recommend going for the food too!)

Drumbar (201 E. Delaware, Gold Coast): I’m not big on clubs so finding a nice upbeat place to get drinks is few and far between. Drumbar’s speakeasy theme and gorgeous rooftop is the perfect place to celebrate with friends or throw a party.

Barrelhouse Flat (2624 N. Lincoln, Lincoln Park): This reminds me of a less trendy Maude’s with a smaller food menu but a larger drink menu. It’s the only Lincoln Park bar (that I’m aware of) that caters to the out-of-college crowd who don’t want to act like they’re still in college. If you want to act like you’re still in college, go to Barleycorn.

The Bluebird (1749 N. Damen, Bucktown): This is my go-to place for drinks because I love their extensive beer and wine menu. The bartenders are very knowledgable (I always need a good drink recommendation!) and their small plates are great to snack on too.

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A variation of this selection can be found on my Urbantag page. If you’re looking for something specific (certain type of food, a specific designer or something to try in a new neighborhood) feel free to tweet me or email me. I’d love to hear from you!

Karl Lagerfeld Black Diamond Collar

If you’re like the biggest Karl Lagerfeld fan ever (and have $37,500 to spare) then you’re going to love this! If you are in different about Karl and live on a budget, I suggest you keep reading anyway…

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Net-a-Porter has partnered with Karl Lagerfeld to create a one-of-a-kind diamond pavé and leather collar, featuring over 40 carats of black diamonds and a 22.33 carat hydrothermal emerald at the neck. Yes, this is real and it’s available exclusively on Net-a-Porter.com. The collar will also be exhibited at Masterpiece London as part of Carol Woolton’s ‘Brilliant’ exhibition from June 28th until July 4th. The collar comes with a sketch signed by Karl Lagerfeld, as well as a donation to CLIC Sargent. I also hope this comes with Karl’s cat, Choupette.