May 19, 2011

Growing Works 2011

I posted about the highly anticipated event Laundry Magazine’s Growing Works about 3 weeks ago, and the time has finally come. On Tuesday night I attended the Growing Works show at the gorgeous Garfield Park Conservatory. This was my first time at this venue and it’s the perfect space to host a fashion show. I know this event has been in the works (no pun intended) for quite some time…and it definitely paid off. It’s so great to provide an event for local young talent to showcase their designs and what better company to host this event than Laundry Magazine? Be sure to check out the full list of designers and their profiles from the show.

Check out my pre-show photos…

The Runway

Backstage

With Kelsey Kreiling, Editor In Chief of Laundry Magazine

Growing Works program

Pretending to straighten the bowtie of The Bowtie Memoirs

With Ryan Beshel, of The Bowtie Memoirs

Let’s start the show…

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May 17, 2011

Spring Into Summer Essentials With Gilt

It’s mid-May…and if you haven’t stocked up on your Spring/Summer wardrobe yet, I suggest you do! Although the weather has been questionable in Chicago, it’s over 50 degrees somewhere (probably most places). So pick up some new pieces from Gilt, and show off your new Spring/Summer wardrobe.

Here are my favorite sales happening this week on Gilt…

Spring Into Summer Essentials (5/17)- Every stylish woman knows that versatile pieces are the key to unlimited outfit options. Drapey tanks and tees, party dresses, floral-prints, and easy rompers and jumpsuits—these warm weather essentials will take you from spring to summer…and beyond.

Marc Jacobs Collection (5/18)- Padlocked hobos, patterned totes, and lots more styles that are unmistakably Marc Jacobs populate this sale. The designer most likely to inherit the mantle of American fashion puts his stamp on this sought-after accessory line. Don’t miss the stylish agenda covers or the quilted python totes.

Ali Ro (5/19)– Stock your closet with the just-edgy-enough frocks and separates that are Ali Ro’s stock in trade. Cutouts, slanted hems, unusually placed zippers—the ultramodern embellishments add to the appeal of the picks Gilt has selected without rendering them overly offbeat.

Remember, you must be a Gilt member to enjoy these fabulous sales. So JOIN NOW and get shopping!

May 13, 2011

What I’m Coveting For Spring 2011

The Spring ’11 collections were some of the best Spring collections I’ve seen in a while. The designers really embraced color now more than ever and no one appreciates color more than I do. I just can’t help but smile when I see a collection full of fun colors! With that said, there have been SO many items for Spring that I have been obsessing over. I have already picked up some of my favorites including the Proenza Shoulder rope bracelet, the green PS11, Missoni sunhat and the Prada Baroque sunglasses to name a few…but with any fashion obsessed girl, there’s always room for more!

Here are my current Spring obsessions (that I have yet to obtain)…

Proenza Schouler Perforated lizard-effect leather pumps: I’m obviously starting off with a Proenza piece. Although I’m in love with the entire Spring ’11 collection, there’s something about these shoes I’m just drawn to. I don’t normally like a pointed toe but I love how it’s perforated and the way the neutral colors are mixed is unique yet practical.

Missoni Crochet-Knit cross-back top: Choosing one piece from the Missoni Spring collection is just as difficult as the Proenza collection. The colors from Missoni Spring ’11 are brilliant, especially in this top. Combining blues, purples and greens are my favorite colors to wear so I’m immediately drawn to this. I’ve really been into high waisted pants and shorts lately so this cropped top would work perfectly into my wardrobe.

Miu Miu Appliqued metallic leather clutch: There’s something about the “starbursts” seen throughout the Miu Miu Spring ’11 collection that just intrigues me. It’s an unexpected burst of fun to add to your wardrobe. Although I loved it combined with neon yellow in the dresses and tops, I would get so much use out of this clutch!

Lanvin Swarovski-pin embellished straw hat: Although I love my Missoni hat, it is a little…out there. As far as an everyday sunhat, I love this one by Lanvin. It’s super floppy and the Swarovski pin is totally random…which is always a good thing in my book.

Stella McCartney Citrus-print silk-satin dress: I am really feeling the fruit this season. It’s so ridiculous that I just can’t get enough of it. The silhouette of this dress is so easy to wear and the print is PERFECT for Spring/Summer. This dress makes me smile 🙂

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What items are you coveting for Spring? Let me know in the comments section below!

May 12, 2011

Chicago Designer K. Amato Goes International

Chicago jewelry designer, Kristen Amato of K. Amato, has just signed on with ShopNBC.com to go international. On May 22, Kristen will appear on the live telecast featuring her latest collection on ShopNBC.com.

Not only are her pieces unique and stylish, but they’re actually affordable! At $20-$100 each, this accessible line is perfect for any woman. Another plus? She names her many of her jewels after Chicago street names. Love that!

Want to get a sneak peak at her latest collection? The jewelry below will be available May 22.

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To see where K. Amato is carried near you, visit www.k-amato.com.

May 10, 2011

Shopping Local on 190 North

As you all know I’m all about supporting fashion in Chicago. So when I came across this 190 North segment the other day I knew I had to share! Featuring boutiques like Local Lookbook and Cerato, it’s really great to see that the Chicago fashion scene is well-supported and holding strong.

Click below to watch the segment.