October 10, 2010

There’s an App for that…

There are thousands of apps out there (for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, etc.) and it can be quite difficult to keep up with the best ones. Thankfully, I’ve compiled a list of the top FASHION APPS that EVERY “i-something-user” (with a remote interest in fashion) should have. And don’t fret…they’re all free 🙂

Bergdorf Goodman’s Shoe of the Day App

For the shoe-obsessed, like myself, this app is quite addicting. Check in everyday to see a new “shoe of the day.” Love the shoe of the day? Just click “buy” and you’ve got yourself a pair of designer shoes from Bergdorf’s extensive shoedepartment. Not feeling the shoe of the day? Click on “shoe salon” and browse through the other designer shoes Bergdorf’s currently has for sale.

POPSUGAR Mobile

This app can satisfy many interests. Not only is there FabSugar for the fashion obsessed, but there is PopSguar (celebrity news), BellaSugar (makeup/beauty), CasaSugar (interior décor), FitSugar (health/exercise), YumSugar (for foodies) and MUCH more. This multifunctional app will keep you entertained for hours!

Gilt App

First of all, if you’re not on Gilt, you need to be. It’s by far the best of its kind, offering amazing clothing, accessories, home décor, and even travel packages at an extremely discounted rate. Because these sales only last for 36 hours (and there’s usually only one/a few of each item) it is important to access the sales right away each day. That’s where the Gilt app comes in…you don’t want to miss out on that Alexander Wang accessories sale!

Style.com App

This is definitely my top fashion app. Where else can you get exclusive runway videos, front row feedback, complete coverage of all major collections at every Fashion Week, photos from the hottest parties, the latest fashion news and MORE? This is exactly why style.com is THE fashion app to have. Not only do you get the most immediate coverage of the shows at Fashion Week, but you can look through Spring, Fall, Resort, Pre-Fall and Couture collections going all the way back to 2000. Even vote on the Look of the Day every weekday to see if your favorite looks make the cut!

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.

October 5, 2010

Styling: Courtesy of…Rhianna?

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Yesterday, Rihanna visited the Personal Shopping suite at Topshop’s London Oxford Circus flagship. What was she doing there? Not shopping, like you may think. A contest was held over the weekend on Topshop’s blog where fans left comments on why they deserved a styling appointment with Rihanna. Five lucky winners were chosen by Rihanna herself. Each winner received a complimentary styling appointment with Rhianna, and they got to take home the outfits they were styled in. Not a bad prize, huh?

Here are some photos from the event….

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What do you think? Did you enter the contest? Would you want to be styled by Rhianna?

PS. If you haven’t heard the great news already…Topshop is coming to Chicago next Spring!

October 3, 2010

Where to Shop in Chicago

There are SO many amazing stores and boutiques in Chicago, it can be overwhelming to choose where to shop! Thankfully, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best shops in the city…I may even throw a few from the suburbs in there to spice things up 🙂 This list is in no particular order and if this isn’t enough variety for you…be on the look out for “Where to Shop in Chicago: Part 2.”

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“There’s a big difference between opening a boutique in Chicago and opening a Chicago Boutique.” This is the first sentence you see on Cerato’s homepage…this is because they carry clothing and accessories from local Chicago designers like C/FAN, Jules, Kate Boggiano and more. Sounds like a Chi City Fashion dream! 🙂

Visit Cerato at 3451 N. Southport in Chicago.

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Not many days go by where I am not wearing at least one thing from Sofia Vintage. They have an amazing selection of designer vintage items, along with fabulous new items from the hottest up-and-coming designers. There aren’t many places where you can find Vintage Chanel, S.W.O.R.D. leather jackets, Halston Heritage dresses and even men’s vintage and new clothing….all in one place. But, Sofia has got it!

Visit Sofia Vintage at 72 East Oak Street in Chicago

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The first time I walked in Akira, I was very prepared to spend a lot of money…when I started looking through the racks, I realized almost everything was under $100. Although that still holds true to some extent, Akira has expanded into Akira Black Label and other higher end lines, along with carrying designer denim as well. They even have a store dedicated to JUST SHOES (Akira Shoes) that carry brands like Hunter, Sam Edelman, Jeffrey Campbell, Steve Madden and much much more.

Visit Akira at a variety of locations. Click here for more info.

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The ‘burbs don’t get nearly as much credit as they should…especially when they have some fabulous boutiques too. Exhibit A: SHE Boutique in Highland Park. They carry an array of items from top-notch designers like Chris Benz, Erin Fetherston, Mara Hoffman and many more. They also carry accessories from designers like Pamela Love and Ruthie Davis…AND they even have their own skin care line, SHE Skin, plus their own clothing line, NPRPA.

Visit SHE Boutique at 483 Central in Highland Park.

September 29, 2010

Christina Fan of C/FAN Designs

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On Monday, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chicago’s own, Christina Fan, of C/FAN designs. She truly is one of my favorite designers in Chicago and if you look at her collections, you’ll see why. She describes her aesthetic as effortless, luxurious and sexy. What more could you ask for? It’s perfection. Her designs are very wearable yet quite unique. She takes wardrobe staples and designs them her way, to create a beautiful C/FAN garment.

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I had the pleasure of meeting Christina at the Chicago Fashion Incubator Meet and Greet this past summer. She is part of this year’s CFI group along with 5 other designers. I had to ask her how her experience with the CFI has been going so far. She said it’s absolutely wonderful and it’s great to have a foundation for business (like financing, accounting, etc….all those things fashion people try to avoid). Because she was the only designer who already had her line going before she joined the CFI, she claims it has really helped her from a business standpoint.

Speaking of business, one of the most interesting things about Christina is that she has no formal training in design….she actually graduated with a degree in History from Northwestern University and had plans to go to law school. She even had a full ride to Chicago Kent. She traveled a lot and kept putting off law school, and that’s when she finally realized that she wanted to be a fashion designer.

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What’s so interesting about C/FAN is that because of Christina’s business/professional background, she wanted to design practical clothing. It’s difficult for a designer to go this route because sometimes it can be too practical where it’s boring. Christina has found that perfect balance of practicality and individuality.

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When I asked Christina, “who is the one celebrity you would love to see wear one of your designs?” she immediately responded, “Cate Blanchett.” Christina loves her style and her aesthetic and thinks Cate and C/FAN would be a great match.

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Christina has come a long way in the past few years. Starting C/FAN in 2008 with a line of outerwear sold at Akira, she is now in Sofia Vintage, Cerato, SHE Boutique and more. She is very happy where she is right now because she feels like her collection is being sold at places that fit her aesthetic.

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What’s next for C/FAN? Christina is showing her Spring 2011 collection at Chicago Fashion Focus next month. She also hopes to one day dabble in accessories, specifically handbags.

And of course the infamous ChiCityFashion question… “Why Chicago?” Christina was born and raised here so she knew it was at least a good place to start. Also, the Chicago Fashion Incubator program has provided her with a lot of support. Christina says, “If your product is good, you can be based anywhere.” So true….

For more C/FAN visit www.cfan-designs.com