November 7, 2010

Winter Must Have: Spratters & Jayne Scarves

Spratters & Jayne is the latest company setting the trends in “scarf wearing” this season. The designs are hand-made by a women’s co-op of crocheters outside of Lima, Peru where Spratters & Jayne’s signature ultra-soft, high-grade materials are produced. Rachel Warner, the founder of the company, continues to travel to Peru every year to ensure a fair work environment and promote green production. I always appreciate when companies do this!

Spratters & Jayne scarves are the perfect way to survive the snowy winter while making a chic statement. This is especially important here in Chicago!

Here are some of my favorite scarves by S&J for this season…

Infiniti Chain

Infiniti Scarf

Kerchief Bib

The Spratters and Jayne collection is housed at the International Playground Showroom. They are also currently available at Henri Bendel, Opening Ceremony and many other locations.

To find out where you can get a Spratters and Jayne scarf, or for more information about the company, visit www.sprattersandjayne.com

November 6, 2010

Chicago-Based: vfish Designs

Started by husband and wife team, Tal and Mandy Moise, vfish designs is a homegrown brand that started here in Chicago just 3 years ago. What’s so great about vfish is that the designs are universally flattering for all shapes, sizes, ages and styles.

Today, vfish is distributed in over 600 boutiques nationwide, has a successful online shop and a flagship store in Chicago. This makes it one of the largest fashion labels in the Midwest. The brand focuses on simple, ready-to-wear pieces for the fun, carefree and confident woman. These are classic and versatile wardrobe staples that will last for seasons to come.

Take a look at some the Fall/Winter pieces…

For more about vfish, to find a boutique that carries the line, or to shop online, visit www.vfishdesigns.com

October 25, 2010

Must-Have Basics by ANAMA

Miami-based label, ANAMA, recently released a collection of luxurious basics using the latest in Lenzing Modal fabric technology. ANAMA’s basic collection is made of an all-natural cellulose fiber, which allows the textiles to become soft and supple. I love these basics because they’re very wearable, yet unique and stylish, and that’s not easy to find when it comes to basics.

Having showrooms in Miami, New York and Los Angeles, ANAMA has a large following, especially with celebrities like Penelope Cruz and Halle Berry. Releasing this line of basics will definitely continue to increase the brand’s ever-growing popularity. Who doesn’t love great basics?

The best part is…you don’t have to break the bank! All items are under $100 and can be found at Fred Segal, Bloomingdales and Macy’s.

Want more by ANAMA? Visit www.anamausa.com

Photos courtesy of It Girl Public Relations

October 12, 2010

Maison Martin Margiela Charity AIDS T-Shirt

On December 1, Maison Martin Margiela will launch a limited edition charity AIDS T-shirt in Japanese for world AIDS day.

The idea behind these t-shirts is that while most t-shirts have a visible slogan that is obvious from a distance, these t-shirts require some sort of dialogue to understand what they are all about. When worn, it is unclear what the text says because most of it is inside at the back of the V-neckline. The point is to get the dialogue going with regards to HIV and AIDS awareness.

A portion of the sales will be donated to AIDES, a French organization dedicated to fight the HIV virus and take care of patients living with HIV and AIDS.

The Japanese t-shirt is the first of many more special edition tees that will be launched once a year in a different language for World AIDS day.

Created in Paris and sold around the world, this limited edition charity AIDS t-shirt will be exclusively available in all Maison Martin Margiela stores.

Photos courtesy of Staff USA

October 5, 2010

Chanel Spring/Summer 2011

The Chanel Spring/Summer 2011 show occurred today in Paris. I wasn’t going to cover any of the overseas shows but it’s Chanel, and it’s too amazing to pass up.

Compromised of everything from gowns and shift dresses to hot pants and of course, suits, this collection did not disappoint. I love how Karl did the hot pants…the look appearing to be a classic Chanel tweed suit from the waist up, but then surprise…no pants! (well, just hot pants)

Of course there was a ton of black and white, and we must have some pastel Chanel suits for Spring, but I loved the bright color floral prints against the black. One thing I was a little confused about were the long skirts and and sweaters…there weren’t many, but still…this is the SPRING/SUMMER collection and I’m not sure if they really belong. Don’t get me wrong, these pieces were still amazing, I just didn’t think grey maxi skirts and sweaters scream SPRING…ya know?

Overall, it’s Chanel…and obviously fantastic. Check out some of my favorite looks from the collection…

Ummm how cute is this?

A floppy hat turned umbrella? Yes please…

Leather “leg warmers”…I’m down!

Only Chanel could make hot pants look this classy…

My absolute favorite look from the collection…

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All photos taken from www.style.com

Don’t miss out on this exclusive video of the Chanel S/S 2011 show, courtesy of Vidicom…Click here to view the video.