August 9, 2010

Rachel Zoe “dying” for Fashion

Rachel Zoe is “lit-rally” dying for fashion in the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar. I’m obviously a little biased towards this photoshoot because I am obsessed with Rachel Zoe…but trying to view this from an outside perspective, I still think it’s a great concept and a fabulous shoot. Michael Kors with a shovel and Rachel in a sea of purses? Brian Atwood coming at Rachel with a stiletto? I absolutely love it! Playful and fun yet super creative and quite eye-catching…one of my favorite editorials to date!

…with Brian Atwood

…with Francisco Costa

…with Michael Kors

…with Marc Jacobs

…with Vera Wang

All photos courtesy of www.harpersbazaar.com

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What do you think of this photoshoot? Which pictures are your favorites? I’d love to hear from you!

August 8, 2010

Damen + Division Jewelry

I discovered Damen + Division jewelry on a recent trip to Sofia Vintage. I saw this bracelet [see below] and I was immediately hooked. I obviously bought the bracelet…and I wear it almost everyday!

I knew I had to know more about this new brand, so I decided to check out the website. Here’s how the jewelry collection is described:

Damen + Division jewelry was born in the colorful, glamorous 70’s and 80’s. Rock n’ Roll and Disco culture inspired jewelry companies to create big, bold costume pieces. These statement pieces were the most desirable- the more oversized, the more overstated, the better.

This sounds like the definition of everything I could ever ask for in a piece of jewelry. So, because I am absolutely in love with this jewelry line, I knew I had to interview the woman behind D+D. Meet Chicago-based jewelry designer, Sonia Barrett…

Photo Credit

1. When did you start designing jewelry?

I made my first ring when I was a Sophomore in high school. It was the height of the grunge era, and I took an old ring I got from a thrift shop, chipped out the stone, and replaced it with a cardboard cut out of a sea monkey. I think I sealed it in with clear nail polish.

2. And when did Damen + Division emerge as a brand?

D+D was born in November of 2008.

3. Where do you draw inspiration from when designing your jewelry?

Mainly from the vintage materials I use. Whatever comes in really has a voice, and we try to listen to that. We listen to a lot of 70’s rock in the studio.

4. Are there fashion designers or other jewelry designers you draw inspiration from? If so, who?

I have a huge Kenny Lane collection- his good stuff, and also the schlock he sells to Avon, QVC… I like some of Bittar’s earlier work too. I have an amazing Bittar vermeil ring with a black skull on it I wear at least once a week since I bought it 7 years ago.

5. Why did you choose Chicago to “set up shop”?

No question. Chicago is my home. As a business owner my business should be where I am, not vice versa.

6. Where can Damen + Division be purchased?

Sarca; 710 N. Wabash and Sophia Vintage; 72 E. Oak St. in Chicago

7. What’s next for you and Damen + Division?

I want to do more cufflinks for men- and use butterfly wings!

Photo Credit

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So basically, I am obsessed with Damen + Division jewelry. I am not exaggerating when I say I would like to own every piece. If you take a peak into my jewelry collection, it’s very colorful, bold, vintage/vintage-inspired (specifically from the ’70s)…almost all costume jewelry. This is exactly what D+D is all about. Each piece is unique in its own way which is why this collection is so amazing.

For more about Damen + Division, check out www.damen-division.com

August 4, 2010

Meet Corri McFadden from E Drop Off

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Corri McFadden, owner and founder of E Drop Off. If you are not familiar with E Drop Off, they are a Chicago-based company that sells your designer clothing, handbags, jewelry and accessories through eBay. They also take care of all the “dirty work” such as writing the descriptions, taking photos, shipping/handling AND they offer free nationwide pick up…so you don’t have to live in Chicago to be a customer!

I originally met Corri in December when she was still at her Clark Street location. I was immediately impressed with her business. She is very customer service-oriented and you can’t help but love her. She is such a happy, positive and driven woman. What’s not to love?


The inspiration behind E Drop Off…

“It just happened,” Corri explains how E Drop Off came to be. She went to school for fashion design and created a business plan as her senior thesis project to start an eBay store. Immediately after graduation, Corri implemented her business plan and started an eBay store selling “everything from Chanel to electronics.” As her business grew, she decided to stick with what she loves…high-end luxury fashion items. Now, 6 years later, E Drop Off has expanded and recently moved to a new (and quite beautiful) location at 2117 N. Halsted.

Why Chicago…

Chicago actually was not part of Corri’s original plan. She originally went to Kansas State to study crime scene investigation and picked up fashion design on the side for fun (because every FBI agent needs to look good while doing their job, right?) After graduation, she planned on going to New York but timing was unfortunate and 9-11 happened so she landed on Chicago as it was closer to home. I must say, though, I am very glad Corri chose Chicago for her E Drop Off destination because as we all know…I love bringing fashion to Chicago 🙂

The one item E Drop Off has received that just blew your mind…

Get ready for this…a 63 karat Cartier diamond necklace! The way Corri described it…I thought I was going to pass out. I didn’t even see it in person and it made my heart race. Because E Drop Off sells about 700 items a week, it takes a lot for Corri to get blown away by an item…and this necklace can definitely do that to ya!

The one designer you’d like to have lunch with…

Diane Von Furstenberg was Corri’s choice. Why? Well, who wouldn’t? Diane’s “ultimate class and timelessness” was the backing behind Corri’s response…and I couldn’t agree more.

What’s next for Corri and E Drop Off…

E Drop Off’s sister-brand, Influence is currently a blog offering styling tips and fashion updates but soon it will be an e-commerce sight offering discounted designer items. There are some other things “in the works” right now, according to Corri, but new business ventures will be rolling out within the next 6 months. So stay tuned by following both @ShopEDropOff and @ShopInfluence on Twitter and check out their websites www.shopedropoff.com and www.shopinfluence.com.


Along with E Drop Off’s free nationwide pick-up and designer consignment, they offer an array of services to cater to your needs including:

*Closet cleanout—they will send a consultant to help you decide what to keep and what to sell

*Retail overstock consignment—consult retailers, boutique owners and designers regarding overstock inventory for consigned sales

*Try before you buy—if you live in Chicago, you can go to the store and try something on before you put a bid on it

*NEW: Authenticity Guide—E Drop Off has put together an online authenticity guide to point out the differences between real and fake designer items

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Click here for the full video interview (Warning: This video is not edited and the last minute and a half is me talking about how much I love Ginger + Liz nail polish)

See my Personal Style feature on ShopInfluence

July 29, 2010

Meet the Lovely Dallas Shaw

Photo Credit

Dallas Shaw is a beautiful and talented artist who works with big-name labels like DKNY, Dace, Vaute Couture, and American Eagle. Her three main specialties are paintings, fashion illustrations, and vintage-wallpaper art.

Because I think Dallas is super-talented and pretty awesome…I decided I had to interview her! I hope you enjoy getting to know Dallas as much as I did.

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1. I see you currently reside in Delaware. Were you born and raised there or is that where you decided to pursue your art career?

Oh no, I just recently relocated to DE. I am from PA and then lived in Orlando for a bit while I drew with Disney. I thought my whole life that was what I wanted to do- but learned quickly that I wanted to be in fashion. And now we are here and loving it.

To answer your question about pursuing an art career: I decided I would be an artist I was about 6. I never thought about doing anything else with myself.



2. Did you go to school for art or was it more of a hobby for your growing up?

Both. It was a hobby very early, I took classes for fun and to learn more before going to school for it.

3. Were you ever involved in a different line or work before becoming an artist? If so, what?

I briefly taught art in middle school and met amazing talented children. But everything I have ever done in my life has been art related in some way- I really don’t know anything other than being creative.

4. I read from your bio you have your own line of t-shirts. When did you start making these? Also, where can they be found/purchased?

They are gone 🙂 Happily they sold out and used to be available on etsy. There may be a few left at buildanest.com if you were to find any but they went fast. I am working on something new since they were so popular. Just not sure how long it will take though- b/c I like to do things bigger, and better.

5. Where do you gather your inspiration for your drawings?

The runway, and amazing spaces.


6. How did you get involved with such big-name brands like DKNY and American Eagle?

I am constantly working and have been for years and years so I have been introducing my work to many companies and building relationships for a long time. They just really liked the work- and I am happy to say they have all been very supportive.

7. Who are your favorite fashion designers/lines at the moment?

This changes every season, but currently Marchesa, Oscar, Donna Karan, Diane Von Furstenburg, Chris Benz… all for different reasons.


8. What is your go-to garment/accessory for summer?

A long maxi dress. (With a mens blazer at night)


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For more information about Dallas Shaw, you can visit her website www.dallasshaw.com and her blog www.dillydallas.blogspot.com.

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT: You are the first to know that Dallas will be creating my ChiCityFashion logo! Follow me on Twitter @ChiCityFashion for updates. Can’t wait to see it!

All photos from this post courtesy of Dallas Shaw

July 28, 2010

Skincare Giveaway!

Besides clothing and accessories, my other obsession is skincare products. I love trying new products because when you find that right one, your skin feels absolutely amazing…which in turn makes YOU feel amazing. There are thousands of brands out there and I’m sure they’re all great! A few of my favorites include SkinCeuticals, NARS Skin, REN, and Kiehl’s.

Keep in mind, when putting an outfit together…nothing is complete without hair and makeup right? For a flawless look, it all starts with the skin, which is why it is very important to take care of it. Here are a few simple steps to take everyday in order to maintain great skin.

  1. Always wash your face before bed. We, women, usually wear makeup (in some way, shape or form) everyday and it is important to wash that off before we sleep in order to prevent dirt build-up, clogged pores, etc.
  2. A little eye cream can go a long way! The area under your eyes is much more sensitive than the rest of your face, and usually needs extra moisture. There are so many eye creams out there so choose the one that’s best for you (extra moisture, anti-aging, reduce puffiness, etc.) in order to receive the best results.
  3. Speaking of moisture, a great moisturizer is key to any skincare routine. I recommend using one with at least SPF 15 for every morning (depending your sensitivity to the sun) and an extra-hydrating moisturizer before bed.

**Keep in mind these are general tips for everyone. Finding the right skincare products for you depends on your type of skin (oily, dry, combination, normal, sensitive, etc.) and what you are looking for (eliminate acne, anti-aging, etc.).

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So with this all said, I am very excited to announce that Shop Influence (Chicago’s own, Corri McFadden’s sister brand to eDrop-Off) and I are doing a skincare giveaway on Twitter! One lucky tweeter will receive a skincare goody-bag filled with products from REN, Lorac, Bvglari, Kate Sommerville and more!

Here are the official rules to enter:

  1. You must be following BOTH @ChiCityFashion and @ShopInfluence on Twitter
  2. Retweet the message: “I want to win a skincare goodybag from @ChiCityFashion & @ShopInfluence”
  3. Each RT counts as an entry
  4. One lucky winner will be chosen on Friday, July 30

Good luck!