[Chicago Fashion Event] Get Spring Ready at FashionChicago!

Get your Spring wardrobe ready at StyleChicago.com's FashionChicago this Saturday, May 4th.  Shop some of Chicago's most notable designers all while supporting the local Chicago fashion industry.

Get all of the details here and the big bonus is it's Free Admission!  P.S. You will most likely find me playing dress-up in the Crystal B. Designs booth so come join me! xo

[Chicago Fashion Event] Modern Vintage Chicago events all weekend!

Attention all Chicago vintage fiends, the only place you need to be this weekend is at the Modern Vintage Chicago show.  Check out the deets below and hope to see you all there!

When: April 20th & 21st from 10am to 5pm
Where: 1340 W. Washington St. (Free Parking onsite)

[Chicago Fashion] Crystal B Designs Fall/Winter 2013 Collection!

Crystal Simms, visionary and lead designer behind Chicago fashion label, Crystal B. Designs showcased her "Walk the Line" Fall/Winter 2013 collection.  The collection is an extension of her Spring/Summer 2013 collection in which she transitions the looks into a darker more masculine tone.

Simms redefines masculine overtones with the exaggerated shoulders while at the same balancing this with the figure hugging and sleek feminine silhouettes.  Her collection echoes a number of mini trends that were present at the fashion week presentations with structured layering, cut-outs and the blue centric color palette.

Check out my favorite looks from Crystal B Designs Fall/Winter 2013 Collection:

Love Fashion, Style and CSM?

If you answered 'Yes' then I NEED you!  As I mentioned earlier in the month I've been working on some exciting new changes that I'm bursting at the seams to share with you all but I'm waiting for the big reveal next month on CSM's blogiversary.  Before I go off on a tangent about my excitement I better get back to why I need you, my amazing CSM readers and community.

Along with all of this amazing change that is happening for CSM I need help and I'm looking for a Chicago based fashion contributor.  My only criteria is that you must love fashion, style and CSM as much as I do and naturally have a strong affinity for writing.

If you are ready to embark on an exciting journey and become a member of the CSM team please email a writing sample along with why you want to be a fashion contributor for CSM to afonua11@gmail.com.

[Chicago Shopping] Shop Local for Black Friday & Small Business Saturday!

The biggest shopping time of the year has officially arrived.  This time of year is when retailers make half of a year's worth of profit (yes, approximately 47 to 50%) and keep their fingers crossed they get their profits into the "black".

So this  year, take advantage of the opportunity to not only score on some amazing savings while at the same time supporting local Chicago businesses.  Check out my round-up of top deals happening in Chicago today for Black Friday & tomorrow for Small Business Saturday:

C/Fan Designs:

SARCA: 

True Blessyn:

Edith Hart: 

Sir & Madame:

Cotton Candy Couture:

ENDS/WEALTH CORP.:

[Chicago Fashion Event] Fashion Focus Chicago: Maison De LaCour's Spring 2013 Collection!

This past Tuesday, Julius LaCour Jr. presented Maison De LaCour's Spring 2013 Collection as a part of Fashion Focus Chicago at the historic Murphy Auditorium.  Having only been exposed to a few of Julius' pieces and not being too familiar with his work I was very excited to see a full collection.  Once the first procession of models entered and sat lined up across the stage in Medieval-Renaissance style chairs the tone for the show was set and I was captivated.

The palette of the first collection were of monochromatic blacks, whites, greys and beige.  This palette allowed the zippers, buckles, and other trim details coupled with the strong lines and architectural shapes of the silhouettes tell the story of "The Immaculate One".  Each piece seemed to have a universal and transitional approach to the clothing that blurred the lines of definitive "menswear" or "womenswear".  It's absolutely no shocker to anyone that I have a love affair for the genius of Rad Hourani, so to be immediately reminded of his unisex pieces while watching Julius' presentation is a definite compliment.

Transitioning from the first collection his second collection filled with a color explosion as the palette, it was a definite stark contrast to his first.  Yet through the details of the print and silhouettes you were pulled back into a sense of familiarity.

Kudos to the great team who pulled off one of the best Chicago fashion presentations I've had the opportunity to witness: Richard Sebastian of Luxury Management  & Yana German of Yana German School of Walk.

Check out my favorite looks from Maison De LaCour's Spring 2013 Collection:

[Chicago Fashion Event] Chicago Designer Profile: True Blessyn

True Blessyn collection being showcased at Shop 857

I first met designer Shani Brown, the 'Dream Chaser' behind the amazing label True Blessyn last October in 2011.  At our first meeting Shani had just finished shooting the lookbook for her Spring 2012 collection and allowed me the privilege of getting a sneak peek.  Shani's debut collection is filled with bold, bright vibrant colors.  Lightweight denim, linen and cotton are the core fabrications for her separates.  Each piece is a great mix & match and make it very easy to wear--a 'Dream Chaser' girl's standard uniform. I was immediately a fan and that was without even seeing an actual garment.

Last week on Thursday, April 26th I had the opportunity of attending an exclusive 'media only' press party showcasing True Blessyn's current Spring 2012 collection and a sneak peek of her Fall 2012 collection.  Based on her stunning Spring '12 lookbook attending this event was a definite must.  I came in with high expectations and Shani definitely did not disappoint.  Her upcoming Fall '12 collection is jam packed with great cotton separates that include a shift dress with a beautiful hand-painted design, a contemporary take on the moto jacket, etc.  The mix & match versatility in the Spring collection continue here with great separates that have strong clean lines and a bold color palette that exude edgy chic.

Up close detail of the hand painted design on the Fall '12 shift dress

As if Shani's collections could get any better, they do.  I'm a strong proponent that great fashion is all about quality and not the ticket price.  True Blessyn makes it so much each easier to be a statement maker because her pieces range in value starting at $52.00 to $146.00.  I can't wait to add the 'Angelic Soul' into rotation once it starts to warm up, which will be your first True Blessyn piece?

Check out this exclusive sneak peek from True Blessyn's Fall 2012 Collection photo shoot:
*Photo Credit for the below: Authentic Noise

[Style Review] My 2 Obessions have collided! Bow-ties & Collars

This Rocker Chic bow-tie was the inspiration for my custom piece

Last Fall I became obessed with chokers, collars & bow-ties.  I'd scoured the net and shops for unique and statement making pieces.  I'd found a few great pieces in very eclectic showcases or markets and even snagged a few amazing pieces on my visit to Hong Kong this past January. 

After acquiring quite a few pieces that I absolutely loved and adored individually, I couldn't help but wish that there was a way for me to infuse alot of these pieces together i.e. pair one of my collars with one of my bow-ties or chokers.  Many who know me are quite familar with my love and obession of fashion accessories.  I'm all about a killer accessory, because that's what tells my style and outfit story.  So naturally, trying to combine all these pieces to create the ultimate fashion accessory statement is no surprise.

Searching everywhere for the perfect combination piece that infused my current obsessions proved to be more difficult of a task than I had initially anticipated.  Just as I had started to lose hope, an up and coming Chicago designer came to my rescue! Arianna Green, of ASSATA Designs, answered my twitter request/plea asking the Chicago fashion community where I could find a combination piece that merged a bow-tie and a collar together.

Assata Designs inspiration board for my custom piece

Arianna and I met and consulted on what my vision and expectations were for the piece.  I sent her my inspiration picture of what direction I wanted the piece to go and within a week we were sitting face-to-face having a design consultation.  She showed me the insirpation/mood board she'd created based off of our initial consult and I was floored.  This girl nailed it with the exact elements and the look and feel I was going for with my custom piece.  I had my new "Rocker Chic" collar & bow-tie custom piece in a week! It such a pleasure to not only work with such an attentive and speedy professional.  From start to finish it was such a seamless process.

My custom ASSATA Designs 'Rocker Chic' collar and bow-tie piece

Check it out! I'm wearing my new custom bow-tie to Emma Arnold & Amy Creyer's Topshop Event:

Designer Arianna Green & myself at the Topshop Event

If you are in the market for a great custom fashion accessory piece definitely don't pass this new emerging Chicago designer up! Contact her via twitter or email, you won't regret it. 

[Chicago Fashion Event] Cotton Candy Couture: A Statement Maker's Dream Come True!

Jenna Zielbauer, Designer & Owner of Cotton Candy Couture 

On Thursday, April 12th I was invited to preview the inaugural Fall/Winter cocktail dress collection of Chicago's newest fashion addition: Cotton Candy Couture.  Designer & Owner, Jenna Zielbauer is no newbie to the Chicago Fashion Scene.  She's taken her years of experience and provided a solution to every fashionista's worst nightmare: Showing up to an event in the same dress as someone else or even worse, being compared to someone else who wore your dress.  The premise behind Jenna's label, Cotton Candy Couture, is to offer statement making dresses that are electric, bold, fun and will never be forgotten.  Most importantly, each collection is strategically produced in limited quantities so that you will never have to worry about the "who wore it best" moments anymore.

The preview launch was held at Candyality, located inside of the Water Tower Place.  It was such a picturesque display to feature the Fall/Winter collection right above the display "Candy Never Goes Out Of Style".  Each dress is a handmade creation of candy & gum wrappers.  If you are in the area or shopping in the Water Tower Place this store is a definite "must-visit" for their uber cool museum alone.

Canyality, "Candy Never Goes Out Of STYLE" display

Jenna's, Cotton Candy Couture Fall/Winter 2012 collection is summed up by two words: "Statement Maker". The collection's core fabrications are of luxe rich velvets, and silks.  Key fall trends of texure, feathers and bows are very apparent in this collection.  Each silhouette and cut is evident that it was shaped highlight the feminine physique.  If you are faint fashion hearted, then this is definitely not your collection.  But if you are in search of a statement maker that is of luxe fabrications, flattering silhouettes and exotic trims then you will not want to miss out on this amazing boutique collection of cocktail dresses!

Cotton Candy Couture Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

Check out my favorite pieces from the collection:

[Chicago Fashion Event] 'The Real People of Style' Spring 2012 Fashion Show

Spring has officially arrived and mother nature has ushered her in with some gorgeous Chicago weather! Keep your 'Spring Fever' going by joining CheekyChicago.com and Peroni Italy on Thursday, March 29th from 6pm to 8pm for one of Spring's "must-see" fashion events of the season: "The Real People of Style".

Kicking off it's 3rd annual spring show, "The Real People of Style" will feature nine of Chicago's most fashionable tastemakers.  Come watch some of Chicago's chicest strut their stuff at a showcase being held at the 900 North Michigan Shops (Level 3).

This year's "Real People of Style" are:

Get your tickets here and enjoy an entire floor of fun, fashion and some of Chicago's chicest peeps!: purchase tickets

[Chicago Fashion Event] 2nd Annual Oscar Viewing Party at Rockit Bar & Grill

Thanks to Chicago Blogger Network, I got the awesome opportunity to cover Richard Roeper & Billy Dec's 2nd Annual Oscar Viewing Party that was held at Rockit Bar & Grill-Chicago.  Guests got the opportunity to test their movie knowledge with a ballot prediction to win amazing prizes, participate in a super stacked raffle with to-die-for prizes (i.e. United Airline international roundtrip tickets, autographed Chicago athletic swag, etc), and all while noshing de-lic-ious Oscar themed cocktails and snacks.  

Even more amazing than having a fun and super sexy environment to watch the 2012 Oscars, a portion of the night's proceeds went to help After School Matters. 

Billy Dec & Arturo Gomez, Rockit Bar & Grill's Oscar Viewing Party

There were a lot of fabulously dressed people at the event, but there was one person who I thought had the best outfit of the night based mostly on her witty & effortless ensemble!

Meghan Goulette wearing a Tuxedo t-shirt & leather skirt

Don't fret if you  missed the Oscar red carpet. Get caught up with my recap and see if you agree with my 'Best Dressed' list: 2012 Oscar Awards Recap.

[Chicago Fashion Event] Eclectic Chique Boutique hosts a Dream Chaser!

Join me on Dec.10th for emerging designer Shani Brown's debut of her women's contemporary clothing line True Blessyn. I've had the privilege and the honor of not only meeting this amazing woman first hand, but to browse her collection's look book and these four words immediately came to mind: "I Want It All!!"  

Shani will be showcasing her debut with a trunk show of her Fall 2011 sweatshirt collection as well as a preview of her Spring 2012 collection.  This is all being hosted by the fashion forward and chic Eclectic Chique Boutique.  As if shopping an amazing collection wasn't enough, you can enjoy Dream Chaser cupcakes from the delicious food truck Cupcakes for Courage, a hot cocoa bar, a gift with purchase and a chance to win True Blessyn merchandise.

Chicago Fashionistas & Trend-Setters, you don't want to miss out on this debut.  Not only are you getting a chance to shop for one-of-a-kind super chic pieces, but you will be helping out an amazing charity at the same time.

Hope to see all of you there!