Food Pairings: The Bedford Meets Rag & Bone

THE PLACE

Once a bank and now one of Chicago’s hottest restaurants, The Bedford is the place to be in Wicker Park. With a gastro-pub feel, this neighborhood dining destination is far from ordinary.  Have you had a cocktail inside a vault while staring at safety deposit boxes? Probably not…unless you’ve been to The Bedford of course.

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THE FOOD

With casual bar snacks like deviled eggs and chicken wings, seafood staples like mussels and oysters, and even dining delicacies like duck confit and rabbit, there is something for everyone at The Bedford.

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My meal went like so…

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Fried green tomatoes with baby arugula & creamy giardinera

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Mussels steamed with chilies, garlic, spring onions, Schlitz & a touch of cream

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Grilled cheese on toasty dark rye with onion jam, roth kase gruyere and aged cheddar

THE COMPANY

It’s not just just about the food…having great company makes the dining experience that much better. Plus, the dishes are meant for sharing, so why not bring a friend or two? 🙂

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My best friends Jennifer & Emily

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Jennifer & I

THE PAIRING

A trendy hotspot (that I predict will last longer than most trends) with delicious food incorporating familiar aspects with a slightly sophisticated twist…what does that remind me of? Rag & Bone of course. Designers Marcus wainwright David Neville are the epitome of casual cool. Their collections always include classic silhouettes and versatile garments with their own downtown chic elements added to each. They make wardrobe staples that are actually exciting.

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PhotobucketRag & Bone Resort 2012: Style.com

Laid back, cool and familiar but still unique enough to buy into…nothing goes better with The Bedford than some Rag & Bone.

Best Dressed: The Love Ball 2011

Last night was Natalia Vodianova’s annual Love Ball that took place at Valentino Garavani’s Château de Wideville. Every year since 2005, the supermodel has brought together the most famous designers and celebrities for a large charity event in favor of the Naked Heart Foundation, an association that helps underprivileged children in Russia.

PhotobucketValentino Garavani & Natalia Vodianova

This year’s theme? The white fairy tale. Gorgeous fashion and equally gorgeous people…all gathering for a great cause. This definitely calls for a best dressed post!

PhotobucketOlivia Palermo

That dress is like liquid on her…it’s absolutely stunning. But my favorite part? That bag! Anything that sparkles with feathers is okay fabulous in my book.

PhotobucketMargherita Missoni

At the most formal events, I seem to find Margherita wearing a belt (which tends to make things more casual) yet she always looks perfectly appropriate for the occasion..and it works for her. I LOVE this dress. Ruffles, metallics and Missoni…sounds like the complete package.

PhotobucketDaphne Guinness

Daphne can wear anything and everything…and she’ll always be fierce. Who else could pull off a rainbow Alexander McQueen caftan gown with an extraordinary headpiece? [hopefully me one day]

PhotobucketCaroline Sieber

This outfit is definitely different than most of the crowd, but I appreciate that. Although this looks like a combination of a blouse, leather shorts and a corset, it just works here. Oh and that Louis Vuitton Monogram Nova Minaudiere bag is one of my favorite things Louis Vuitton has ever produced. [note: I’m a sucker for tassels]

PhotobucketAnna Dello Russo

A best dressed post at a fashion event would not be complete without some ADR. Looking stunning in a Roberto Cavalli gown, I imagine this is what she’d look like at her wedding (except with a custom fruit headpiece instead of the flowers). As always, I live for Anna Dello Russo.

Photos: Harpers Bazaar

Chi City Closet: Supertrash Daimy Dress

I normally don’t wear collared tops and dresses, but when I came across this blue Daimy dress by Supertrash, I was intrigued. Maybe it’s because the color is awesome, maybe because the shirtdress trend has gotten to me…either way, this is the latest addition to the Chi City Closet, thanks to Supertrash.

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Born in LA and raised in Amsterdam, Supertrash embraces the laid-back West Coast lifestyle while incorporating a sophisticated European twist. Founded by socialite Ava Riley, the brand was really brought to life when Dutch fashion entrepreneur Olcay Gulsen came into the business. In 2009 Olcay took over and now Supertrash is sold in over 1,000 boutiques and department stores worldwide. I can see why…because it’s stylish, affordable, and all around AWESOME.

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So how do I make this shirtdress more my style? I add neon and Proenza of course. After all…isn’t that what I’m all about? 🙂

Shop Supertrash online here.

Dana Rebecca Designs Unveils 2011 Collection

Last summer I had the pleasure of interviewing Dana Levy of Dana Rebecca Designs. If you’re not familiar with her jewelry, I highly suggest checking it out because it’s truly unique and absolutely stunning.

I was so excited when I checked my mail the other day to see an invitation from DRD…she’s unveiling her 2011 collection next weekend! I cannot wait to see all of the new amazing pieces. Thankfully I got my hands on some photos from her new collection, but you’ll just have to wait until after the event for more 🙂

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Resort 2012: Neon Scuba

I normally don’t freak out over the “inbetween collections” (meaning Resort & Pre-Fall) like I do for the “main attractions” (Spring and Fall). For some reason though, this particular Resort season has really blown me away. It didn’t hit me at first, but then I really studied the collections and realized a major trend.

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Neon

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Scuba

There is neon, there is scuba, then there’s neon scuba

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Michael Kors Resort 2012

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Hervé Léger

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Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony

Many of you are probably thinking, “why would I ever want to wear neon scuba?” Well…why not? Neon is awesome. Although space is limited for a Twitter bio, I made sure to include “it shouldn’t be on if it isn’t neon” in mine. And as for scuba…what better says RESORT than SCUBA?

Unfortunately, neon flippers are not included…

Photos: The Cut