[Chicago Fashion Event] Randolph Street Market Winter Market!

The Randolph Street Market's 2013 winter markets are all about "Passion & Vanities".  I'll be hitting the market early on Saturday, February 2nd to pick my top market finds and will have an 'Editor's Choice' ribbon  on the items letting you know that it's CSM Approved.

Get all of the info about tickets here, and definitely come prepared with your walking shoes because once you enter the market gates you will end up spending the day there discovering all of the amazing treasures that it has to offer!

[Chicago Fashion Event] Randolph Street Market: Shop for Charity!

Each month one of the biggest vintage markets in the country is held right here in Chicago.  Last night I had the opportunity to not only get a sneak peek of what the Randolph Street Market vendors will be showcasing at this weekend's show, but most importantly I was there to participate in the "2nd Annual Editor's Choice for Charity" event.

I couldn't turn down the chance to help market-goers by doing the initial ground work and select 5 'Editor's Choice' picks ranging from hard to find fashion accessories that are on-trend to key furniture pieces that are sure to add instant personality and style to any room in your home.  The best part is that when all of my 'Editor's Choice' picks are purchased a portion of the sales will be donated to the "Girls in the Game" charity.  This nonprofit organization focuses on empowering more than 3,000 girls in Chicago to make healthier choices and develop the confidence and leadership skills they need to succeed on and off the field.

So as you are heading over to the Randolph Street Market this weekend, remember to shop for a great cause and look out for my 5 'Editor's Choice' picks (pictured below) as well as any other of the blue ribbon picks!  

Vintage Tomatoe Box Clutch

Vintage DKNY Waist belt

Refurbished industrial wood & metal bar 

Vintage low-rider bikes

Vintage 1970's Dressing Mirror

[Chicago Spotlight] Shannon Favia Original Artwork

One of the best finds at last month's Randolph Street Market was my discovery of Chicago based artist, Shannon Favia and her captivating and unique artwork.  The piece that initially caught my eye was the Nike Air Force One Sneaker painting (pictured below).  I quickly discovered that Shannon's predominant subjects were footwear (I mean, I totally get why don't you) and birds.  The really unique angle of her bird paintings is the 3-D element.  To round out her obvious fashion inspiration, Shannon re-purposes Levi Strauss denim as a 3-D effect for the birds.  The signature and iconic copper button is used as the bird's eye and then she utilizes obvious cut-outs of the denim (i.e. back pocket) within the body of the bird.

It's just pure genius for me that she takes such a simple and beautiful subject and re-defines the subject by adding a 3-D element and then further develops this additional element by utilizing an iconic and signature brand that just oozes Americana.

Check out my favorite pieces that Shannon showcased at the market and definitely don't miss out on an opportunity to snag one of her conversation inducing pieces to your pieces!

[Chicago Fashion Event] Randolph Street Market: 9th Annual Garden Party Opener!

After an incredibly successful "off" season indoors, the indoor AND outdoor Randolph Street Market returns to the West Loop for it's 9th summer season this Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 26th and Sunday, May 27th.

If you are spending the Memorial Day weekend here in Chicago or have peeps visiting from out-of-town this market is a definite agenda 'must-do'.  There will be over 250 purveyors selling some of the most eclectic and hard to find vintage treasures that our city has to offer.  As if this amazing shopping isn't enough, there will be interactive art and DIY demos of The Sewing Manic and The Urban Canopy, beauty treatments, airbrush tattoos, seasonal fancy food, relaxation vignettes, live music and more.

One other really cool bonus? Come and see what some of my favorite items are at the market by checking out my "Editor's Choice"!

Here are the deets of the event & I hope to see you there:

What: Randolph Street Market Garden Party Season Kick-off
When: Saturday, May 26th-10am to 6pm & Early Buy-8 to 10am
           Sunday, May 27th- 10am to 5pm
Where: 1340 W. Washington St., Chicago
Price: Purchase Here