My Summer Thus Far in Photos....

I can't believe that it's already the first week of August! This summer has seemed to just fly by.  So much amazing food has been eaten, fun drinks have been consumed, good times have been had and naturally fab ensembles have been worn.  In reviewing my pictures of summer thus far I'm pretty pumped and excited for what the last month of my favorite season has in store for me.

Check out some great times I've experienced thus far this summer through pictures I've captured via my Blackberry Bold -I know, I know it's not Instagram but it's all about the captured memories right? ;)

Enjoy! xo

Givenchy has me OBSESSED for Fall!

Richard Tisci's Fall 2012 Haute Couture collection is the result of drawing inspiration from mixing the simple lines of the 1960"s and the street style of modern day gypsies from southern Italy.

This beautiful mix of inspiration is evident in the rich fabrics, the stunning prints and the liquidity of the silhouettes.  I seriously can't decide what I want more, to be decked out in fringe or to be covered in exquisitely plush furs.

While I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to get my paws on one of these beyond insanely gorgeous pieces, check out my top looks from Givenchy's Fall 2012 Haute Couture Collection.

Just a warning, be prepared because these are totes drool worthy!

Givenchy F12 Haute Couture:

Stamp your Initial on Fall!

Channel your inner Laverne this Fall with an emblematic initial sweater or incorporate your initial to your daily ensemble with the versatility of an accessory.

Check out my Top 10 suggestions below to help you either ease into this trend or make a bold statement and follow in the foot steps of the the carefree Laverne.

In the order shown above: 1. Juicy Couture 2. Marni 3. Jil Sander 4. Jil Sander 5. Kenzo 6. Stella McCartney 7. Stella McCartney 8. Jil Sander 9. Markus Lupfer 10. Markus Lupfer 

Alexander McQueen Fall 2012 Psychedelic Journey!

Grab your glow sticks, buckle up and get ready!

 Film is shot by David Sims, and starring Suvi Koponen

Market Shopping 101 in Hong Kong!

In every travel handbook, website, guide, etc the most highly recommended street market in Hong Kong to visit is the Ladies Market located in Mong Kok.  As luck may have it, the hotel I stay it for the 4 trips I make to Hong Kong for work is located in the heart of Mong Kok.  This infamous market is literally steps away from the hotel and once you enter you are whisked away to endless booths selling everything from tricked out iPhone phone covers, knock-off handbags, kids' toys, to apparel and footwear.  You name it, 9 times out of 10 they've got it.

My first trip here was seriously one of the most overwhelming shopping experiences of my life.  Not only is it visually over-stimulating with all of the various product, but then you have the different sellers approaching you with enticing discounts and deals to enter their booth and to bottom line buy something.

This is now my official fourth trip to Hong Kong, so I am feeling more like a veteran.  Not just because negotiating large buys is what I do for a living and the sole reason why I am here in Hong Kong, but because I've learned how to be more a savvy street market negotiator.  I strongly believe that these skills are what have made me a pro at negotiating at the Chicago Randolph Street Market and what ensure that I always pay what I deem fit (and probably why I love the Auction Hunters-but that's for another post).

Check out my tips based of my learnings and use them in your future ventures to your local flea/street markets:

Tips-

1. Always wear a comfortable ensemble that can be described by: comfort, functional, easy, but most importantly chic.  See my outfit post as inspiration: here
2. Go prepared with a clear list of what you are looking for.  Don't under estimate the power of a list.  It will prevent you from deviating for a central goal especially if you are only there for a handful of items.
3. Never accept the first price given. One thing I've learned you can always, always get to the price you want to pay by staying strong to your price.  If they don't seem to waver, start to walk-away and they will always immediately reconsider.  Any flea/street market seller's number one goal is to sell all their items. You as the buyer will always have the upper hand, never forget that.
4. Stay hydrated.  Having a bottle of water handy will keep you from becoming dehydrated. 
5. Have Fun! I always meet the most interesting people and find some of the most unique accessories and trinkets at flea/street markets.

Check out some of my pics from my latest visit to the Ladies Market!

[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!