March 21, 2012

Chi City Closet: DANNIJO Bracelets

When it comes to jewelry, I’m always drawn to those bright and unique pieces which is why I’ve been such a huge fan of DANNIJO. Their pieces are not only made with such high quality but the designs are exactly what I look for in jewelry. So I found myself browsing their website and next thing I know…2 bracelets show up at my door (obviously I skipped a few steps there but I think you get where I’m going with this).

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They have such great packaging which I always appreciate. Even better? Their pouches are designed by women in Africa and even individually signed…how cool!

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And of course, these bracelets make a great addition to my ever-growing arm party (thanks in great part to Man Repeller for making the arm party happen).

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Let’s be honest…they’re an arm party all in themselves!

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March 20, 2012

“Real People Of Style” Spring Fashion Show

Looking for a fun and fashionable event to attend? Well this is the one! Join CheekyChicago.com and Peroni Italy on March 29 from 6pm-8pm for the “The Real People of Style” fashion show. Kicking off its 3rd annual spring show, “The Real People of Style” will feature Chicago’s most fashionable tastemakers who will showcase the 900 North Michigan Shops’ latest spring trends.

These tastemakers include…

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Purchase your ticket here and don’t miss out on this fun event!

March 19, 2012

Rag & Bone Meet & Greet at Nordstrom

What better way to end my week (and celebrate my recovery from being sick the previous 2 days) than hang out with David Neville and Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone?! Not only did I get to talk to the talented guys behind one of my favorite labels but I picked up some SWEET R&B pieces along the way (including the coolest printed jeans I’ve ever owned).

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The dressing room that my friend Jeff of The Midwestyle nicely set up for me (snacks included!)

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My favorite outfit I’ve ever put on (including the coolest pants I’ve ever owned)–MSGM top, Rag & Bone pants (which I obviously bought both) and my own Alexander Wang heels.

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With Rag & Bone. In Rag & Bone.

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The damage…

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A lovely signed copy of my photo with the designers.

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I absolutely loved meeting the Marcus & David once again (I interviewed them for Qlix magazine a few years ago) and everyone at Nordstrom and the Rag & Bone team were so amazing (and very well dressed may I add).

March 16, 2012

From The Runway To Your Nails: It’s Miss Ladyfinger

I think I’ve made it pretty obvious I’m beyond obsessed with nailpolish. When my friends in college thought I was crazy to even own glitter nail polish past the age of 9, I pursued my love of manis and even dedicated a #ManiMonday hashtag to them. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out about Miss Ladyfinger–the best runway mani blog…ever.

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I met Taryn, the editor, at an event during fashion week in New York and the second I found out about this blog I was addicted. I don’t know how she does it but she’s definitely talented. It’s really incredible look at these beautiful runway shows then see how Taryn interprets them to nail art for her blog. So because I’m curious/mani-obsessed, I decided to ask Taryn a few questions about how this all began…

Jena: How did you get into nail art?
Taryn: I have always been obsessed with painting my nails (the last time I actually got my nails done in a salon was probably freshman year of high school). Over the years my collection of polish has grown to well over 200 colors. I work in the fashion industry and my day job requires that I attend New York Fashion Week. In September, I was so inspired by all the print and pattern coming off the Spring runways that I started to recreate the looks into nail art. I bought my first nail art brush and taught myself.

Jena: Do you have a specific manicure you’re especially proud of?
Taryn: I’m most proud of the Marni-inspired manicure. It was my first translation of runway fashion into nail art and put Miss Ladyfinger on the map. My runner up is the Gucci. It’s pretty fierce.

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Jena: I have to ask…favorite 3 designers?
Taryn: Prabal Gurung. Rodarte. Celine.

Jena: What runway show are you dying to turn into a mani but haven’t done for the blog yet?
Taryn: I can’t wait to turn Celine’s Fall collection into nail art. The graphic color-blocking is so eye-catching would translate really well.

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Be sure to check out www.missladyfinger.com and don’t miss out on the Prabal Spring ’12 mani…it’s my favorite 🙂

March 15, 2012

Pretty Peplums for Spring

With the temperatures seeming to be consistently in our favor (in Chicago that means not freezing), I think it’s about time to start sporting those Spring trends! Seen on the Spring ’12 runways of Jason Wu, Cushnie et Ochs, Thakoon and more, peplum is in this season.

This trend is especially great for those that are “straight down” because it helps give the illusion of curves. And if you’re one that tends to be drawn to more feminine styles, it doesn’t get more feminine than a peplum! I personally like to play with feminine and edgy styles (along with a few others thrown in there) so pairing a peplum dress or skirt with a cropped leather jacket and/or some studded boots is my ideal way of sporting this trend.

Here are some of my favorite peplum pieces available right now.

Photobucket Prabal Gurung Ruffled Silk Chiffon Blouse