October 5, 2011

4 Designers 4 CURE at p45

On October 19th, p.45 (one of my favorite Chicago boutiques) celebrates its 14th birthday with the launch of 4 Designers 4 CURE. This will feature exclusive products that benefit CURE (Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy). Because of p45 founder Tricia Tunstall’s personal connection to the cause, she invited four designers to create custom pieces, including CFDA-winning milliner Eugenia Kim, inspired by the organization’s signature color red.

Eugenia Kim will offer 45 limited-edition “Daniella” headbands (pictured below) with 100% of proceeds going towards CURE. These can be purchased both online and in store. Each headband will also be autographed by Eugenia herself!

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Other “4 Designers 4 CURE” items include Lizzie Fortunato‘s signature mix of materials in a key chain charm, a crescent moon on a red leather cord by Sarah McGuire, and a Abigail Glaum-Lathbury knit dress in her well-known architectural style.

Check out p45 at 1643 N. Damen and visit www.p45.com for more information.

October 3, 2011

My Visit To Shrine Haberdashers

This weekend I visited Shine Haberdashers on Oak Street for the first time. I had met the owner Rafik when I was in New York for fashion week so I thought I’d stop by and see what they’re all about.

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So if you know me at all, you’ll probably know that menswear isn’t my forte. I always appreciate a well dressed gentleman but my knowledge for mens fashion isn’t even close to what I know about womenswear. Thankfully I had the helpful staff of Shrine Haberdashers to clue me in on what’s going on in the mens accessories world.

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What I found so interesting about Shrine is that it’s set up like an “upscale mancave” full of luxurious and stylish mens accessories. From ties and scarves to travel bags and cuff links, Shrine Haberdashers has it all…and it’s all awesome. Almost everything in the store is handmade, which is not something you see everyday. It’s just nice to see such well-made fashion sold at a place where people really know what they’re talking about.

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Here’s a look at some of the amazing merchandise Shrine Haberdashers has to offer…

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So everything I’ve said in the past about menswear…Shrine Haberdashers has completely changed my mind (at least when it comes to mens accessories). Each item in the store is clearly hand selected because they only have the best of the best. Plus, there is something to satisfy every style. The only way you’ll really know is by visiting yourself! Stop by 47 E. Oak Street and let me know what you think. I have a feeling you’re going to love it.

September 13, 2011

Various Events at Milk Studios

On Sunday I attended various events at milk studios, including a jewelry presentation from Erickson Beamon and Anndra Neen, along with The Lake & Stars, Reece Hudson, and Katie Gallagher.

My absolute favorite was Erickson Beamon. The models were wearing feathered outfits and avant-garde makeup with the stunning jewelry surrounding in this “garden-esque” setup.

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And having nothing to do with these collections, I came across this girl on my way into Anndra Neen with the sickest studded jacket…ever.

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Here’s a look at Anndra Neen.

My favorite bag I saw at Reece Hudson (of course, with a tassel).

My favorite look from Katie Gallagher [middle], which is weird because I normally hate red, especially paired with black…but I love this silhouette. Dark yet intriguing…

The Lake and Stars.

September 9, 2011

Topshop Chicago, Fashion’s Night Out & New York Fashion Week

Sorry my blogging has been a little MIA in the last few days…between the Topshop shopping preview, the Topshop dinner, Fashion’s Night Out and now leaving today for New York Fashion Week, my life has been a little crazy. But I just wanted to update you on the events I attended this week, and stay tuned for Fashion Week coverage [hopefully] starting tomorrow!

First look at Topshop Chicago

Inside Topshop Chicago

Shoe Department at Topshop

Topshop dinner at Paris Club

Sir Philip Green speaking at the Topshop dinner

Stunning Brian Atwood shoes at Saks

Myself with Brian Atwood

My new signed B Brian Atwood shoes

Wearing Proenza Schouler Spring '10 for FNO

My favorite Alexis Bittar ring

I’m off to New York now…be sure to follow me on Twitter for Fashion Week updates!

September 6, 2011

What I’m [Surprisingly] Coveting for Fall 2011

It seems like every other day I’m coveting something new but I wanted to share with you a few Fall items I’m [surprisingly] coveting this season. It goes to show that even if something doesn’t fit with your typical personal style, it’s sometimes fun to go outside your comfort zone and see what you can experiment with.

Here are a few things I’m [surprisingly] coveting for this Fall.

Sam Edelman spiked loafers: Who knew I would EVER be coveting a flat shoe? Although these are technically the knockoff of the Louboutin Rollerball spiked flats, I’m actually very into the Sam Edelman version (probably because they’re rosegold and that’s my weakness). Am I starting to like flats?! I bought these Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats this weekend! I guess as long as they have spikes I find them to be acceptable 🙂

Rebecca Minkoff leopard blouse: For some reason, I’ve never been into animal print. I love it on other people (well, those who do it right) but when I put it on I feel quite odd. This Rebecca Minkoff leopard blouse is a good transition piece because the sheerness makes the leopard a little more subtle. It’s also a great classic style blouse that can be worn for so many occasions. *Add to cart*

RED Valentino tulle-trimmed dress: If you keep up with my blog, know me in person (or have ever looked in my closet) I am absolutely obsessed with color. However, red has always been my least favorite of the bunch. I guess those tacky shiny red dresses from high school dances (and unfortunately they were present in college as well) really scarred me for life. Thankfully, I’m starting to get over it. With red being ALL over the Fall ’11 runways, it made me think of it in a different, more sophisticated way. This RED Valentino number is the perfect fun yet classy party dress.

Alexander Wang Anais loafer pumps: This will be totally contradictory but I will say it anyway…I’m immediately attracted to anything with a tassel but I’m not a huge fan of the loafer pumps (which ironically always have a tassel). But because these are Alexander Wang (meaning they’re awesome), a fun color and a little bit of a twist from the average loafer pump, I’M DIGGIN ‘EM!

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What will you go outside your comfort zone and try for Fall ’11? Let me know in the comments section below!