[NYFW] Alon Livne F/W 2013 Collection!

It's definitely not a secret that one of my greatest joys in being a fashion seeker is discovering a new up and coming talent that is well on their way to becoming a household name worldwide joining the elite ranks of Alexander McQueen, Oscar de la Renta, Alexander Wang, etc.  Each NYFW season I attend I am always on the look for the next fashion star that is going to take this industry by storm and after attending Alon Livne's show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week I know that he is the one.

His 2013 Fall/Winter collection was inspired by a beautifully bleak post-apocalyptic world as described in the writings of British author J.G. Ballard.  This imaginary world is inhabited by figures transformed through crystallization; once breathing, now beautifully frozen jewels imprisoned in world hung between day and night, dusk and dawn.

This beautiful collection came to life with the utilization a fluid drape that were juxtaposed with stunning beading and crystal work.  His ability to give texture to this fluidity through structured shapes that mimicked earthen layered rocks was done so delicately that it was clearly evident that his is the master of balancing old and new: modern sewing techniques paralleled by finishing methods taken from the couture world.

*Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Check out my favorite looks from Alon Livne's F/W 2013 Collection:

[NYFW] Son Jung Wan F/W 2013 Collection!

Son Jung Wan presented a collection featuring jewel tone gowns, felt neutral jackets and caramel pleated wool dresses.  Her "Dynamic Romance" collection was inspired by two Russian greats, Kandinsky and Catherine Palace.  She used ox blood red, sapphire blue, and violet accents to punch up the neutral palette of beige, gray and metallic.

Playing up the "Dynamic Romance" theme of her collection, Wan offered both men's and women's looks.  While this duality is definitely a strength of Wan, it was a bit too much of extremes with the wide variety of silhouettes, shapes and fabrications.

*Photo Credit: RoseyVaughn


Check out my favorite looks from Son Jung Wan's F/W 2013 Collection:

[Chicago Dining] Valentine's Day Dinner is so passe, so Brunch it up with Love!

This Valentine's Day I'm advocating a non-traditional approach to this holiday of love ladies & I hope that you all will join me.  Year after year this holiday rolls around and each time I fall victim to the belief that if the man in my life truly loves me he will show that by planning an over the top romantic dinner and shower me with gifts, flowers and whisper sweet nothings in my ear all night long.  Well, here's the reality check: it never happens.  My husband either forgets but won't fess up to forgetting so it leaves me to live out my romantic fantasy by planning it out myself and needless to say it's always a crap show because I'm bitter he didn't do it and I had to "plan everything myself".

This year join me in skipping all of the passe romantic dinner stuff & plan a brunch of love.  I've picked out my Top 3 favorite brunch spots that not only have the perfect ambiance, decor but most importantly the food   does not disappoint.

P.S. To help you plan your "Brunch of Love" with ease I've even picked out an ensemble of inspiration to wear that would be perfect for each locale! xo


1. Terzo Piano

Items pictured above: Sigerson Morrison Booties/Azure Bib Necklace/ Balmain Top/ ASOS Striped Jeans/ DVF Lips Clutch


2. Nellcote

Items pictured above: Markus Lupfer Top/ Richard Nicoll Pencil Skirt/ Camilla Skovgaard Sandals/ Gold Wrap Bracelet/ Fallon Jeweled Bracelet


3. RL

Items pictured above: Monika Chiang Top/ Valentino Bracelet/ Eddie Borgo Earrings/ Thakoon Skirt/ Commando Tights/ Bass Oxfords

[Personal Style] Spring Obsessions & Inspirations!

The first day of Spring is about 2 months away and all I can do is daydream about what I'll be wearing once the temps become a little more stable here in Chicago.  The only warmth I need?  A little art of contrast by Jason Wu & Balmain, collaged prints by Givenchy, and statement making jewelry by Shourouk. 

Enjoy perusing my spring obsessions and inspirations! xo

Items pictured above: 1. Givenchy Top 2. Illesteva Sunnies 3. Repossi Earrings 4. Shourouk Necklace (similar) 5. Jason Wu Heels 6. Sang A 'V-Clutch' (similar) 7. Current/Elliott Jeans 8. Shourouk Bracelet 9. Balmain Skirt 10. Stubbs & Wootton Dress Slippers

[Birthstone Baubles] February: Amethyst!

Happy Birthday to all you February babies!! Celebrate the anniversary of your birth with the perfect birthstone bauble.  Your birthstone amethyst is said to strengthen relationships and give the wearer courage.  At one time, only royalty could wear the amethyst stone.  Ancient Greeks thought that the amethyst guarded against intoxication.  Another fun tidbit is that the word amethyst is derived from the Greek word "amethystos" which means sober.

Start the year long celebration of your birth now and check out the 18 amazing pieces I've picked out to help you do it in style!

[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!

Spring 2013 Couture Shows: 8 Looks Worth the Investment!

In the world of fashion the term "Haute Couture" is heavily misused.  Everyone from Real Housewives reality star, Alexis Bellino to pop star Gwen Stefani have used this word to describe their fashions.  It has now become such a muddled definition that many associate anything that they cut and sew or personally design as "Haute Couture".

According to wikipedia the definition of "Haute Couture" (is French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking" or "high fashion") refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing.  It is a made to order for a specific customer, and it is made from high-quality, expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and capable seamstresses, often time-consuming, hand-executed techniques.

To preserve the prestige, quality and high value attached to a garment being labeled "Haute Couture", the term is protected by law in France. The Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris is a commission who's sole purpose is to determine which fashion houses are eligible to be true haute couture houses.  Each year they release a list of approved companies/fashion houses who are eligible to use the term.

So you can only imagine the long laborious hours that it takes to create these stunning pieces of art.  "Haute Couture" is the definition of Fashion is Art, Art is Fashion. In reviewing the different collections from this past Spring 2013 Couture fashion presentations there were 8 looks that I believe would not only be worth the thousands in investment but are such bold and beautiful works of art that in the end, what you are purchasing is wearable art.

So, any takers willing to fund my "Help CSM's Haute Couture Aspirations"? Think about it as you check out the 8 looks I've selected:

*Photo Credit: www.style.com

Elie Saab

Christian Dior

Atelier Versace

Valentino

Giambattista Valli 

Valentino

Valentino

Alexis Mabille