April 4, 2012

Food Pairings: Altuzarra & Takashi

Over the weekend I went to Takashi with my best friend Jennifer (who by the way is on my favorite fashion app–Pose). As always in life, I’m thinking about two things–fashion and food. There was something about the creativity, approachability and restraint of the dishes at Takashi, which is the feeling I get when I look at Altuzarra’s Spring 2012 collection. It’s exciting, yet doesn’t go over the top…and it’s overall just so damn cool. Everything about the restaurant and the designer is flat out awesome.

Don’t believe me? Take a look…

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Course 1: The Winter Roll. Crisp and refreshing…with a little kick from the chili vinaigrette (kind of reminds me of the long sleeveless sweater and leather dress pairing later in the post)

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Course 2: Grilled Calamari. If it’s grilled and in the squid family, I am so down.

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Course 3: Scallops & Gnocchi. Most people consider Takashi to be an Asian restaurant, and although some dishes have an asian flare, this one couldn’t be far from! So decadent it was almost sinful to eat it (like I care…that thing was gone in like 30 seconds).

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Course 4: Seared Maine Skate Wing. Who would have thought to put skate wing over braised red cabbage, with a side of butternut squash agnolotti…with a cider-caper reduction? Chef Takashi. That’s who. Genius!

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Desserts (yes, we got 2!): Sheep’s Milk Yogurt Panna Cotta with Yuzu Gelée, Peach Compote, and Green Tea Shortbread (this tasted like an adult dreamsicle). Valrhona Milk Chocolate Sticky Cake with Caramelized Bananas, Drunken Raisin Puree, and Graham Cracker Ice Cream (yes, this actually happened). The perfect balance of sweets for the end of an amazing meal.

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So how does this relate to Joseph Altuzarra? He’s a French designer in the American fashion industry plus a restaurant doing contemporary French-American cuisine (with a Japanese twist…but you get the picture). The atmosphere at Takashi is not too fussy, just quaint and cool…and located in one of the raddest neighborhoods in Chicago. And when I think of Altuzarra “cool” and “rad” are the first two words that come to mind.

And having nothing to do with the post (except it was taken at Takashi with my bestie), I had to share this sweet instagram.

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#PointedToeShoesAndStars…yes!

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As  closing note…I can’t emphasize how incredible of a designer Joseph Altuzarra is (and I’m not just saying that because he used to work at Proenza…it’s true!)

But to make him even cooler than he already is…this is what he was recently quoted in the Washington Post: “It’s a very French thing: I never exercise and I love pastries.” I’m not French, but I couldn’t agree more!

April 3, 2012

Chi City Closet: Spring Cleaning

When I put my mind to something I don’t stop until it’s done, which was evident in my spring cleaning bonanza that occurred over the weekend. From clearing out junk drawers to transitioning my spring wardrobe (and everything in between) it feels good to be organized. The best feeling though…is when I purge my closet.

Every month I consign a few things here and there with eDrop-Off but every 4-6 months is when I do my major closet overhaul…which everyone can benefit from! Want to shop Chi City Closet? You can do so below…

PhotobucketTwelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Dark Blue Silk Strapless Maxi Dress

I absolutely love this dress but I’m just not a strapless person! Looks great with a chunky necklace.

PhotobucketTed Baker Multicolor Tie Dye Silk Racerback Maxi Dress

My rule of thumb is if I’ve had it for a year and never wore it–it’s time to go! Been a year. Never wore this Ted Baker dress. Now it can be yours.

PhotobucketTed Baker Multicolor Floral Print Pleated Mini Skirt

I’m not currently into skirts, so I hope you are! 🙂

PhotobucketMissoni for Target Multicolor Open Knit & Sheer Panel Sweater

I got some great wear out of this guy over the winter (I even wore it on House of Consignment) so now it’s time to let it go to a new Missoni x Target obsessed home.

PhotobucketMichael Kors Orange Square Frame Sunglasses MK S523

I bought these at Henri Bendel my first time in New York (and when Bendels still carried clothing). I love ’em but I have so many sunglasses, I had to give up at least one pair.

PhotobucketKaren Zambos Black Sheer Sleeveless Cape Overlay Top NEW

Bought to wear with a pair of pants I already consigned…oops!

PhotobucketCatherine Malandrino Black Silk Wood And Gold Beaded Front Dress

This dress is super flattering and really cool on. But…it’s been over a year and I haven’t worn it (since eDrop-Off’s Find Your Fit Seminar in 2010).

PhotobucketBCBGeneration Royal Blue Knit Sleeveless Romper

Love the color. Just not my cut for a romper.

Photobucket525 America Black Knit Button Front Half Length Sweater Jacket

I’ve had this for well over a year (possibly even 3 or 4) and I may have worn this once. Really comfortable and super soft; it’s an overall great black jacket.

PhotobucketSeneca Rising Green & Multicolor Floral Sleeveless Back Zip Dress

I loved wearing this with my cropped leather jacket and tights or leggings, but I wore that outfit too much and ran out of ideas. Now…it’s yours!

PhotobucketSara Berman Black Leather Studded Shorts

Impulse buy on The Outnet…never got around to wearing them!

PhotobucketAlthea Harper Tan & Brown Open Front Blazer Jacket

Althea was one of the finalists on season 6 of Project Runway and I’ve been a huge supporter of her designs ever since. I LOVE this blazer (the quality is unreal) but I NEVER wear tan (except here, opening up my first pair of Louboutins) so I had to give it up.

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And now for the shoes. To be honest, I had to just pick the shoes in my closet I wore the least (or not at all) because it was over flowing and I had to get it organized. Hope you’re an 8!

PhotobucketShoemint Wine Purple Suede Platform Wedge Pauline Booties
(never been worn!)

PhotobucketPour la Victoire Black Snakeskin Lace Up Open Toe Rima Heels

PhotobucketJeffrey Campbell Havana Last Animal Print Pony Hair Wedge Booties

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Hope you’ll find a piece you love from Chi City Closet!

April 2, 2012

Cityblue Boutique Opens New Location

Those of you in the suburbs who are looking for city-style boutiques without having to travel downtown, I have some exciting news for you. Old Town’s Cityblue Apparel & Denim is opening a second location in Lake Forest…today!  Along with the grand opening, Cityblue has also launched a redesigned website that will offer merchandise from both of their store locations.

The Lake Forest boutique is a 2,600 sq-ft style mecca offering high-end fashion and luxury labels for both men and women.  Located at 662 N. Western Avenue, CB is the sister boutique of Cityblue Apparel & Denim in Chicago.

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“After growing up in the area, I knew that Lake Forest residents were looking for cutting edge, yet effortless pieces they could wear every day,” says owner Mallory Ulaszek. Offering designer names typically found only in department stores, CB will feature names such as Marc Jacobs, Helmut Lang and Yigal Azrouel. “It’s ‘boutique meets department store’ – high end labels in a boutique atmosphere – the best of both worlds.”

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So be sure to check out the new website at shopcityblue.com and visit a location near you!

March 30, 2012

20 Years of Red Soles

To celebrate 20 years of red soles, Christian Louboutin launched a special edition 20th anniversary collection. As you can imagine coming from someone like Louboutin, this collection is over-the-top and statement worthy. However, some of the styles are even a little too much for me!

You be the judge…

PhotobucketRose Du Desert leather knee sandals

Seems like something Rihanna would try and pull off…and would ultimately fail.

PhotobucketPigalove patent-leather ballet flats

Seems like something Alexa Chung would try and pull off…and would succeed.

PhotobucketNeuron 120 suede cage sandals

These are actually pretty awesome. No complaints. Unfortunately I’m assuming a Kardashian already owns them…

PhotobucketIsolde 160 patent-leather sandals

I call these the Momsen. You know why.

PhotobucketArmadillo Bride 120 leather pumps

No armadillos were harmed in the making of these shoes. They’re kinda like Beetlejuice gone upscale, no?

PhotobucketUnzip Booty 100 suede sandals

If these were in black I’d be ALL OVER them.

PhotobucketHighness 160 Platform Peep Toe Heels

Beyonce can wear these while performing on stage, at a basketball game, or even running errands with baby Blue. These look like they’d be her “everyday shoe.”

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If you could have just one pair from this 20th anniversary collection, which one would it be?

March 29, 2012

ChiCityFashion in the Pioneer Press

During fashion week in New York, I met with the lovely Meg Moore of the Pioneer Press to discuss all things fashion and Chicago. And today my interview is published in 19 of the Pioneer Press papers! I’m so thankful  to be included in something major like this (and being from the ‘burbs I’m quite familiar with these newspapers) so I hope you’ll check it out.

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Click here to read the article online!

A special thank you to Amy Creyer for taking this photo during NYFW.