Kate Spade Fall 2009

Creative Director, Deborah Lloyd, described Kate Spade's new Fall 2009 line as all their favorite things and classic, referencing stylish cities such as Paris and London.  The collection embodies silhouettes that are significant to the 60s era with whimsy, jewel cuffs. Mustard-yellow plaid skirts paired with floppy big button coats are also a reflection in the line. The 60s Mod girl has become the ideal figure that encompasses Kate Spade's new line, topping off the collection with rounded hats that resemble 60s British style . Come fall, shop the line at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom as well as Kate Spade Boutiques. - Katie Davidson

Luxe Links! Luxury Stories from Around the Web!

Factio Magazine interviews Pierre Colorado, the designer behind Blake Standard (as seen at Cusp)!

An Eco Friendly Stunner Overlooking Los Angeles: This amazing house, appropriately named the Skyline Residence, features a number of really innovative details that make it truly unique.

Modern glass and steel New York City hotel opens. MOMist checks out the Cooper Square Hotel!

Kristopher Dukes is wanting, wearing, hating Giuseppe Zanotti Platform Wedges.

Harness the power of Himalayan Sea Buckthorn. Wildcrafted ingredients make for super effective anti-aging program...

Old trees get a new life as beautiful organic furniture. Luxist checks out Urban Hardwoods!

Redmoon's Spectacle

photo courtesy of Redmoon Theater

No one or body puts on such a delightfully strange party as Redmoon Theater’s Spectacle Lunatique benefit. The bizarre and bombastic occasion successfully entertained over 500 guests with enchanting performances, ingenious mechanical creations, and unique site installations. Lunatique transformed their industrial space “Redmoon Central” with a focus on spectacle-making merriment in mind and we have it all on video for your perusal.

Redmoon - Spectacle Lunatique from Factio Magazine on Vimeo.

Suno at Ikram

Spring has come! Suno, a new and exciting new women’s collection from Africa just hit the sales floor at Ikram (the Chicago store that Michelle Obama frequents)!

Designer Max Osterweis has been collecting brightly-colored, vintage African kangas (a.k.a. printed cotton fabric) for the past decade and this is what the collection is entirely made out of. The result of all his travel and research is Suno, a collection of women's brilliantly-hued fitted blazers, short skirts, and twisted headscarves.

Produced in small fair trade workshops in Kenya, Osterweis' 1,000 one-of-a-kind individually numbered pieces retail between $95 and $595. The Kenyan sourced brand is a new label which faces its own share of problems including “routine power outages, overturned buses and the occasional wayward snake.”

The aqua blues, paisley reds, and wild pink polka-dotted pieces were available exclusively at New York and LA's Opening Ceremony stores, but now our own Ikram is the Chicago outlet to get Suno!

Visit www.sunonv.com to learn more and indulge yourself in the colors of warmth!
- Chloé van der Wel

Cyber Deals! Steals from Around the Web!

Alloy Bikini: Bandeau Top, $15.90, Hipster Bottom, $14.90

Alloy Bikini Brights starting at $14.90.

2 Days Only! Extra 50% off all Dolce & Gabbana sale merchandise

Get the IT collection for your IT Mom at AVON featuring 6 beauty essentials and insider secrets to make her look her best. This Mother's Day special is available for $19.99 (a $61 value)! Offer Valid 03.27.09 - 04.09.09.

Make your own personalized gift for mom and save $15 with the purchase of 3 body items – 1 body butter, 1 scrub, 1 shower gel (any scent!). Enter code SAVE15 in shopping bag.

Get a surprise gift with every jewelry purchase at Boucheron! Shop now.

New Mix & Match Swim at dELiA*s starting at $24.50!

Fashiontribes Pick of the Sale

Event Alert: Future Vision '09 Fashion/Beauty Show!

Click on image to enlarge!

The future of beauty is here. Chicago is home to the world’s hottest new beauty trends for 2009. Future Vision '09’s biggest show to date will be held at the Arie Crown Theater at The McCormick Place this Sunday, March 29. The latest trends will be put on by world-class beauty masters WELLA and Fearless Hair Fashion from SEBASTIAN. The fashion-fueled beauty show will premiere the newest styles from the runways of Milan and Paris on models made up by the best of talents from the Sassoon Creative Team, Sebastian Stylist Design Team, The Doves, Nick Berardi, and Nick Arrojo from TLC’s What Not to Wear. Future Vision '09 is a definite “can’t miss” event, and the best part is…students (and AIBI members) get in for free! You can even bring a guest, just don’t forget your student id!

Future Vision '09 is a part of the America’s Beauty Show 2009. The three day beauty extravagant event will take place at The McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago this March 28-30. America’s Beauty Show (ABS) is the salon professional’s choice for the best in premiere beauty education, events, product purchasing, product orientation, industry networking and socializing. For more information, visit www.futurevision09.com.
-Jackie Medler

This Just In! ShopLanguage Acquired by The Violet Hour

One of our favorite online stores, Shoplanguage.com (formerly a brick-and-mortar in Chicago) has just been acquired by ShoptheVioletHour.com. The new site will still have that scoured-the-globe feel with international, fashion forward labels and come spring you'll find brands like Lorick, Eskell, McGinn, Mara Hoffman, Johnson, and Elizabeth Cole Jewelry. Receive an extra 20% off at check out with code Welcome20!

Neapolitan Opens Men's Store

Who hasn’t always wanted a brother? “Girls only” got way too boring for Neapolitan, who has been going it alone for the past five years, until now. Our beloved upscale Winnetka women’s boutique is expanding into a brotherly sibling side. Neapolitan has even agreed to share its space in order for a direct connection to the new men’s boutique – Neapolitan Men. The 1,000 square-foot store will cater to the same high quality designer fashions found on the women’s side. Men’s brand names will include Kiton, Luciano Barbera, Pringle, Brioni, Brunello Cucinelli, Alexander McQueen, YSL and Lorenzini and will exclusively be the only spot in Chicagoland that carries Leonard ties. Men and girlfriend shoppers alike can pick from a variety of suits, business casual, sportswear attire, cuff links, ties, belts, scarves, footwear, and small fine leather goods that grace the chocolate brown, cream, and orange covered space. “Opening a men's store was the natural next step for us to expand our already solid retail business. We are excited to offer the best in fashion for our customers and now the men in their lives, in a convenient way,” said Neapolitan owner Kelly Golden. Personal service and made-to-measure options are also included inside the Neapolitan Men’s store. We just can’t get enough of this Neapolitan brotherly love!

725 Elm Street
Winnetka Il 60093
847.441.7784
www.neapolitanonline.com
-Jackie Medler

Link It! It's Fashionable Links from Around The Web, The Week in Chic!

RedPoppy Fashion welcomes Spring with perfect baubles in Turquoise and Coral

Factio Magazine checks out the beauty forecast for 2009!

Fashion Fille interviewed Beka of reLYME.com! She interviewed Fashion Fille as well...check it out!

Runway To Retail finds out about Mai Mumbai with Naomi Campbell for Lakme Fashion Week!

Fashion Pulse Daily gives our two cents on the Steven Alan & Opening Ceremony collections at Uniqlo.

Ring in spring with cocktails and a bright splash of fun color - Fashiontribes

Quinta Trends shows the NSBP new collection. The fall is coming in South America…

Make sure to take The Budget Fashionista's fabulous Annual Shopping Survey for 2009, and help us beat last year's record of over 3,000 responses!

The Curated Life tracks down supercool London bikewear company Cyclodelic and gives details on their new line exclusively for Topshop

Fashion Run! Deals and Steals in Bucktown/Wicker Park

Just click on the image to enlarge!

ONE DAY ONLY

No Coupon Necessary

The Best Sales Day in Wicker Park & Bucktown

Complimentary

NUVO

Fashion Spirit

Participating Stores

BCBGMAXAZRIA and BAZAAR

1714 N Damen Ave

773.292.9487

2027 N. Damen Ave,773.292.1120, 20% Off Everything In The Store

1821 W. North Avenue, 773.486.434, 15% Off All Spring Collections

1514 N. Ashland , 773.252.5940
15% Off Everything In The Store

Joes Jeans, 1715 N. Damen Avenue, 773.252.1715
20% Off JOE’S Products & 10% Off all Other Merchandise

1539- 41 N. Milwaukee Avenue,773.772.1983

2104 N. Damen Avenue, 773.342.8445 20% Off All T-Shirts & Customized Orders

America's Next Top Model Auditions

Open Call Today!

*Chicago
Wednesday, March 25
10:00am-3:00pm
Donald E. Stephens Conference Center & Ballroom
5555 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
The ANTM Casting Team will be in attendance. This is the first time ANTM is looking for contestants 5' 7" or shorter.

More details: Click Here

Cyber Deals! 2 Days Only 40% Off Sunglasses and Watches

2 Days Only! Enjoy 40% off select full-priced sunglasses & fashion watches for her These 3.1 Phillip Lim Castor Sunglasses, Regularly $225, Now $135! Happy Shopping!

Luxe Links! Luxury Stories from Around the Web!

Margaret Rowe Vintage Couture Necklace

Win a Margaret Rowe necklace: Luxist is giving away a vintage brass link necklace from Margaret Rowe Vintage Couture

Last chance to sign up to win Factio Magazine's giveaway of luxe pants from Italian label Dismero!

Kristopher Dukes is wanting, wearing, hating Revlon ColorStay Lipcolor

Some DIY Tips from the Today Show We Hope You Don't Try: Today Show Correspondent Bobbie Thomas came up with some odd ideas for updating your wardrobe on the cheap recently - but they're more laughable than doeable.

Runway To Retail Checks Out Mai Mumbai with Naomi Campbell for Lakme Fashion Week!

Lindsay Lohan eyes full time modeling career...? The actress lamented a lack of acting jobs recently, saying she's contemplating a move to modeling full time because "there's no work to it".

Introducing the H2Pro

H2Pro is known for releasing some of the finest quality flat irons and hair styling tools. They are launching a new 300 special edition flat iron, which is a dream come true for anyone who wants to achieve that sleek, straight hair. This new flat iron wastes no time, heating up to 450 degrees quickly and relieves the hair of bacteria and pollutants. Retailing for about $160, this power packed iron is sure to give your hair the shine and versatility it craves.
-Joletha Goodman

Fashionistas Flock to Shecky’s Girls Night Out

Shecky’s famous Girls Night Out event made its way back to Chicago for three days of fashion, beauty, and fun! From Wednesday, 3/18, to Friday, 3/20, you had the opportunity to shop emerging designers at discounted prices, sip cocktails, and enjoy mini beauty services.

Crowds of hungry-for-discount-designer-goods shoppers huddled around displays of chic leather belts, ribbon-band watches, dangling semiprecious-stoned earrings and glittering rhinestone handbags. There were racks of dresses, blouses, suede coats and handmade threads that we don’t need but definitely want. And is it even legal to sell a Trina Turk fitted blazer for $100? We snagged that up in an instant. The ‘Le Dress’ booth made us very happy this year.

In addition to all of that good stuff, another reason to attend Shecky’s GNO is the Famous Goodie Bag! This year the Bag was very recession friendly with necessities that every girl needs. Now we can skip a trip or two to Walgreen's. Thank you Shecky’s!

The Bud Light & Cheese tasting was very original, but we left with a sophisticated Midori Margarita buzz. Our bags filled up the cab home and the accomplished smile lingered for the rest of the evening. Who couldn’t use a fun night out with their leading ladies?
- Chloé van der Wel

Lara Miller to Helm Macy's Fashion Incubator

Lara Miller is taking on Macy’s Fashion Incubator. The acclaimed Chicago designer with over 50 international and statewide stores carrying her line will lend her experience to the six residing designers of CFI as head of the program. As the new Chief Executive of the Macy’s Chicago Fashion Incubator, Lara Miller plans to lead the designers in professional development opportunities, advising on business decisions, and on the overall production of their lines. Lara has been a member of the Mayor’s Fashion Council since its start in June of 2006, a graduate of the School of the Art Institute, and honored for her placement in the Crain’s 40 Under 40. Lara Miller will bring great talent and first-hand knowledge of running a successful and thriving fashion business to the table at CFI. “We could not have asked for a better candidate for this position,” says President of CFI Jason Felger.The six designers have a lot to learn and will surely benefit from Lara’s great success and the reputable way she has come to handle business.
-Jackie Medler

Naomi Campbell’s Fashion For Relief Presents Mai Mumbai

Supermodel Naomi Campbell and Indian hotelier, Vikram Chatwal, have joined forces to stage a major charity event in Mumbai to celebrate the opening of Lakme Fashion Week.

The fashion show will be held on March 28th and will raise funds for Citizens For Justice and Peace (CJP) and the ongoing relief programs in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

A star-studded cast of models will walk the runway in Indian-inspired pieces by some of the most glamorous designer labels in the world, including Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Zac Posen, Roberto Cavalli, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Diane von Furstenberg.

The designs will be available to buy via a silent auction, and online at eBay with proceeds being used directly to support CJP’s initiatives. Campbell created Fashion for Relief in 2005 to galvanize the fashion community to raise funds in times and places of need. Campbell is also organizing the show in association with IMG Fashion.

Campbell says, “I love India and have always felt very welcome when visiting the country. When the terrorist attacks happened last year my heart went out to the people of Mumbai. We are using Lakme Fashion Week’s platform to raise funds for Citizens For Justice and Peace and to raise awareness of their important work.”

Fern Mallis, Sr. VP of IMG Fashion and "International Ambassador" of LFW says, “The international fashion community has always used India for its inspiration and for its special ability to bead and embroider, and produce their garments. This was an opportunity for designers to give back to this special city and country."

For further information log on to www.lakmefashionweek.co.in
- Chloé van der Wel

Rodarte gets in the Ad Game

There have been all kinds of confusion regarding the Rodarte Spring 09 ad. We speculated about the thought that it was the first ever Rodarte ad, when actually there was a Rodarte ad featured in Anthem’s Fall issue showing splattered red paint on a white wall with Karen Elson shot by Autumn de Wilde. Nonetheless, all this confusion is making waves for the Mulleavy sisters.

So Rodarte jumped on the advertising bandwagon. We understand that desperate times call for desperate measures, especially when you’re selling $3,000 leather jackets. Their ad for Spring 2009 has been spotted in the latest issue of V Magazine (page #58).

The newest ad shows a model from behind, wearing a backless dress with gloves and those fabulous diamond cutout leggings. The brands name is written across the top in a strong font with a rainbow tint. Subtle, clean, detailed and serene- we love it.

Model and photographer are still unknown at this point in time. This shows how much the ad is actually about the clothing instead of a famous model. Outside of the model being photographed from the back, the Rodarte name covers her face. The brand keeps it a mysterious image, even in the commercial world of magazine ads.
- Chloé van der Wel

Bebe/Vogue Spring ’09

A smile covered our faces when we walked into the Bebe store on Oak Street for the Bebe/Vogue event. This exclusive evening previewed the Spring 2009 collection and because Bebe knows that Chicago weather takes a little longer to get warm, they opened a raffle. Every guest had the opportunity to enter to win a 2-night stay at Fontainebleau Miami Beach and a $500 Bebe gift card!

Bebe's Oak Street location is 3 stories of shopping bliss. The store was filled with a beautiful, diverse crowd, real life models and stylish spring wear, while guests enjoyed the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres that were served.

The theme for their Spring collection is Safari. This makes the color palette soft, sweet and very wearable. There were feathers, ruffles, tight cocktail dresses and flowy spring dresses. We fell in love with the liquid zipper leggings but they sold out immediately after models paraded through the crowd. Very impressive were the shoes, and in our opinion, the Rome Leather Sandal is something every woman needs to strut on the streets!

Also, can we say how much we love the ad campaign for this collection? It reminds us of the faded look in D&G ads and the garden in bloom gives us the romantic feeling of picnicking in the park.
- Chloé van der Wel

Event Alert: Shop Chicago

Designer Elise Bergman at Shop Chicago

What: Gen Art's Shop Chicago!

When: Saturday, March 21st
1:00 - 2:00pm VIP Pre-shopping Reception (Advance Tickets Only)
2:00 - 6:00pm Main doors open to all ticket holders

Where: Great Hall at Union Station
530 West Jackson Boulevard

Why: Gen Art and Degree Fine Fragrance Collection present an amazing shopping opportunity where you can score 70% off retail with some of the most amazing designers and stores in Chicago!

Just check out the list of designers/retailers for yourself!

AKIRA Chicago
Anastasia Chatzka
Beijo Bags/ Chic Gems Etc.
Buckle Up Babe
CellKeeper Company
Cerese D Jewelry
CC Bella
Chic Gems Etc.
CLAUDIA KLEINER / Malabar Collection
Dazzle Me Jewels
Diva Gurls
Dollybird Design
Dorsia
Early Jewelry
Eclectica
Evil Kitty
Florodora
Forever's Treasures
Fosterweld
Foxglove Accessories
Funkshion Clothing
Funky Junque
Heidi Hess
Heroine Chic
House of Sole
Indigo Trails / Revival Ink
Jess LC
Juliet Jewelry
Kate Boggiano
Kiwi's Boutique
KRELwear
lara miller
Laura Lombardi Jewelry
le Dress
liaMolly
Michelle Rubin
Michelle Tan
Ms. Catwalk
Natasha Ann
Nikki Poulos / Objets d'envy
Novem
OFINA
NAZLY VILLAMIZAR
Objets d'Envy
organick Revoltion
Paoo LLC
Phizzaz Designs
Rach b
Selma Karaca
Sophia Reyes
Susan Elizabeth Designs
the DESIGNER COMB
The Silver Room
Tongue Tied
TOTEM
URI BOUTIQUE
Veronica Riley Martens
Vintage Adrienne
Wounded Line
Your Vibe

Net-a-Porter.com's Secret Sale at Midnight

Shhhh! NET-A-PORTER.COM is having a secret sale at midnight - with over 200 items over 50% off, not to mention that free shipping! Shop tonight @ NET-A-PORTER.COM

Link It! It's Fashionable Links from Around The Web, The Week in Chic!

Factio Magazine finds that platinum jewelry is "the new standard" to celebs like Amy Adams!

The Fashionable Housewife - Did you know that lip gloss, like food, has an expiration date? Read more about it.

Fashion Pulse Daily is marveling over the creative hairstyles seen on the Paris runways.

Wondering what to wear? When in doubt, wear red advises Fashiontribes.

Quinta Trends goes to shopping to Buenos Aires

Runway To Retail shows us shoes are always making statements and it’s no different for this season with boho-inspired sandals.

Its time to chime in! The Annual Shopping Survey 2009 by The Budget Fashionista wants to hear from all of you, dear readers, by Thursday, March 19th.

The Fashionable Bambino wants you to Feel Positive From The Inside Out With FIT2BMOM

The Fashionable Gal found some Fashionable Plus-Size Clothes for Spring

Cyber Deals! Billion Dollar Babes Splendid Sale!

Hey Runway To Retail Readers -

Save over 60% on Splendid through Billion Dollar Babes! And, save even more with this special code! Save an extra $20 on your purchase of $100 or more for this sale– just enter code FACTIO at check-out. Click here to shop!

xo,

Runway

H & M Spring 2009

H&M is toning down the colors and pumping up the prints for spring. Spring has sprung with promise of airy dresses, wide skirts, quirky clutches, and sky high sling-backs. Pretty safari pieces go great with lightwash jeans, baggy chinos, and ethnic bangles. Spring 09’ colors include wishy-washy watercolors, light neutrals, hot prints, and bouts of neon. Pair your favorite pieces with trendy and new H&M accessories like skinny belts and colorful necklaces. Keep on the look-out for these futuristic and sporty influenced designs at H&M. Check out the latest ad campaign.
-Jackie Medler

Ballerina Beautiful

Whenever a bad-hair day shows up on a day you were supposed to look flawless, don’t force yourself to stay inside the house any longer! Become ballerina beautiful! Ballerinas are known for their elegance and ultra feminine appeal. Which is why, even though you wouldn’t dream of zipping yourself into a tutu, you may yearn to capture some of the dancer glow for yourself.

Uzo for NARS, tells us that luminous skin is key. She recommends starting with a moisturizer that gives a pearl scent shimmer. She gets the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and the temples to pop with a highlighter.

Gordon Espinet for M.A.C. uses a shimmer powder on cheekbones, with a slightly darker shade in the hollows. For the eyes, he suggests a few false lashes at the outside corner and a sheer blue pink for lips.

Pulling back the hair is easy; pulling off the look is harder, says Eiji Yamane of Eiji Salon. Set straight hair on rollers for body, then coax it back with your fingers; for curly hair, wax the top layer for texture and shine.

Once you have the hair and makeup, all you need is an eagerness to join the dance. Tutu optional.
- Chloé van der Wel