Chicago Wants in on Fashion’s Night Out!

After the first successful run of Fashion’s Night Out last year, the second celebration of fashion retailers and consumer shopping is right around the corner except this year, Chicago is not missing out! Mayor Daley explains that this is a big move for Chicagoans because, as an up-and-coming style-forward city, it really proves that we are committed to the art of fashion and want to be considered one of the top shopping destinations. Chicago department stores like Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Saks, along with retailers like The Shops at North Bridge and Water Tower Place will all be included in FNO. Take advantage of the extended hours and in-store perks that will help to bring retailers and shoppers of the Chicagoland area together in the celebration of fashion! - Leigh Loosbrock

Take a look at the events below!

Blake Standard with Perchance Boutique, Kaveri, Cinnamon Boutique and Riley Boutique.
On Friday, September 10 in honor of Fashion’s Night Out and in order to celebrate the first Blake Standard fall shipments at four Chicago boutiques, Blake Standard is treating its biggest fans. Blake Standard is giving gift certificates to four local restaurants when shoppers purchase any new Blake Standard fall pieces. At Perchance shoppers will receive $10.00 to Southport Grocery, at Kaveri $10.00 to Kith & Kin, at Cinnamon shoppers will be rewarded with $10.00 to Volo and at Riley they will receive $10.00 to Feast. “We are excited to be a part of this worldwide fashion industry event,” says Creative Director Pierre Colorado. Celebrate the first of the fall 2010 arrivals and get in on the Fashion’s Night Out festivities with Blake Standard. The offer is valid for the entire day, and includes only the purchase of Blake Standard pieces while supplies last.

Macy’s at Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Avenue,
Chicago IL, 60611
6-11pm
Receive mini-spa treatments from Lush Cosmetics while grooving to today's hottest tunes and enjoying sips and sweets. The party continues in the shoe department where shoppers will receive a special gift with purchases from Carlos Santana, Franco Sarto, and Via Spiga. Visit the Impulse Department to receive some special gifts with a purchase from Joe's Jeans and more. Macy’s guests will end the evening getting their photo taken on the cover of a VOGUE magazine.

Macy’s on State Street
111 N. State Street,
Chicago IL, 60602
10am-11pm
Macy's on State Street is hosting an unprecedented shopping experience full of fun, festivities and most importantly, fashion! Shoppers are welcome to start the day off with the 10th annual Distinction in Design Competition. Beginning at 10 a.m., all Chicago area designers are invited to present samples/sketches to a panel of Macy’s top industry insiders and gain valuable insight. At 10 p.m. the Macy’s team will announce a Best-of-Show awarded with a $1,000 cash prize and a Runner-Up awarded with a $500 cash prize. From 6 to 11 p.m., Macy’s special guest Vicki Gunvalson, of The Real Housewives of Orange County will be on hand to gift customers who spend more than $75 a signed copy of her best selling book “More Than A Housewife.” Attendees of Fashion’s Night Out at Macy’s on State Street can also shop collections from Chicago-based designers and the Chicago Fashion Incubator 2010 Designers-in Residence fall collections. Guests are welcome to sip and snack while watching models in this season’s hottest looks. Shop and receive special gifts with purchases from Joe's Jeans, Carlos Santana, Franco Sarto, Via Spiga, Michael Michael Kors and many more.

Neiman Marcus
737 N. Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60611
6-8pm
Michelle Alegria of WLS-TV’s 190 North’s will be on hand at 7 p.m. to emcee a Fall 2010 trends fashion show. Guests will have the opportunity to sample local fair and receive a makeover from Estee Lauder. Designer Taryn Rose will also be on hand to present her new line of shoes, Haute Footure. Nordstrom 520 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60611 6-10pm Don’t miss Fashions Night Out at Nordstrom Michigan Avenue, where the entire store will be buzzing with fashionable activities. Shop exclusive collections from TOMS shoes, William Rast, Burberry Cosmetics and more. Learn the latest beauty tips and tricks from our team of beauty experts, get the inside scoop on special products and gifts available only that day, and receive an exclusive gift with purchase all at our Girls Getting Gorgeous party. Enter for a chance to win a signed Michael Buble suit from one of his live concerts, and a Golden Ticket Fashion Experience full of everything you need to start the season in style including a $2,500 shopping spree, closet makeover with a Nordstrom Personal Stylist and a one-year subscription to Vogue. Plus, enjoy a DJ, fun treats and other special surprises along the way.

Saks Fifth Avenue
700 and 717 N. Michigan Avenue,
Chicago IL, 60611
6-10pm
Celebrate Fashion’s Night Out at Saks Fifth Avenue’s Main Store and Men’s Store with a night of shopping, cocktails, live entertainment, complimentary rock ‘n’ roll makeovers, and more. Enjoy the Rock Out and Make Up Event on the first floor, and a Contemporary Fashion Show on the fifth floor. DJs and informal modeling will run throughout the evening. Customers can enjoy complimentary blow-outs from the Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue. Shop with a MasterCard® and receive an exclusive rock ‘n’ roll play list. Retail Destinations The Shops at North Bridge 520 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60611 6-9pm Shop ‘til you drop at The Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue. Shoppers are invited to spend the evening partaking in exclusive in-store events, and take in Fall’s hottest trends from Nordstrom, Kenneth Cole, Stuart Weitzman, Armani Exchange, Swarovski and more at a runway fashion show starting at 6:30 p.m. The evening will be filled with one-night only shopping incentives, gifts with purchases and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

Water Tower Place
835 N Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60611
5-9pm
Guests will enjoy shopping incentives, mini makeovers and massages, cocktails, hors d’ouvres and live entertainment. Models will be showcasing the latest Fall 2010 fashions. Every customer who spends $150 or more will receive and exclusive Fashion’s Night Out tote bag plus two tickets to the dress rehearsal of TRACES at Broadway in Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse.

For more information about Fashion’s Night Out in Chicago visit www.chicagofashionresource.com or www.fashionsnightout.com, powered by QVC.

Target Takes on Gilt Groupe

Target is a company known for selling clothing at affordable prices. However, not until recently has it become known for selling stylish clothing at affordable prices. The company has progressed in the style sector by teaming up with high-end designers while still creating items accessible to all. However, Target’s biggest accomplishment in the fashion world will be this Friday August 20^th at noon when they team up with Gilt Groupe, the hot spot for designer sales. The website will have a pre-sale on select items from Target’s newest designer collaborations. Some of the designers included are Tucker, John Derian, and Mulberry. You must be a member in order to participate so make sure to sign up at www.gilt.com as items are limited and will sell out quickly! -Leigh Loosbrock

Lexus Hosts The Darker Side of Green Debate in Chicago

On Thursday August 5, Lexus showcased their brand new CT 200h series by hosting “The Darker Side of Green” debate in our very own Windy City. The debate also took place in other cities recently such as LA, Miami and New York City presenting opposing views concerning green issues with celebrated moderators such as Andy Samberg, Tracy Morgan, Jamie Kennedy, and in Chicago, Mark McGrath.

The Darker Side of Green was introduced in order for Lexus to promote their ultra-luxurious new hybrid vehicle while also promoting the value in helping the environment. The event on August 5th was extra special with the well-known environmental advocates Steve Everley and David Roberts arguing for pro-green as well as DJ’s the Misshapes entertaining the crowed post-debate and Patron generously providing the drinks for guests.

With an exclusive guest-list, celebrity appearances, and Patron specials on the house, the event was informative, but also another fun night in the city.
- Leigh Loosbrock

*Photos by Darkroom Demons, www.darkroomdemons.com

Islands of the World Fashion Tour at Loft on Lake in Chicago!

On August 10th, another successful Islands of the World Fashion Tour took place in Chicago with other successful stops in Palm Springs, California and Miami. Since 2008, fashion designers from islands all over the map have been coming to Nassau for Islands of the World Fashion Week, and with the success of that show, a tour was born for 2010.

The Chicago event took place at the hip, West Loop space Loft on Lake, a creative venue with much character. With the venue’s high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and gorgeous skylight, runway production by Studio 808 and event production by our very own Factio Magazine, the show turned out beautifully. The décor was tropical with sand, tiki candles, plants, and white drapes framing the walls and gorgeous hues of ocean blue lighting thanks to Art of Imagination. With a cocktail hour starting at six, the 200+ guests were able to mingle before the show began, while sipping islandy cocktails from Pama and Hpnotiq.

The show started out by presenting Harl Taylor BAG (Bahamas), with female models dressed in black or white leotards, simple hairstyles, and cateye makeup while the male models made a statement wearing loincloths while showing off accessories. One of Factio’s personal favorites was a lipstick red woven clutch with intricate shell detailing at the center to give the gorgeous accessory an island-themed look. Following was Nadya (Bali) who used stunning fabrics and a mixture of earthy tones and metalics, making each piece memorable. K-Bobby (Jamaica) took a more beachy approach with one of his most jaw-dropping pieces being an itty-bitty teeny-weeny brown monokini with a stunning teal overcoat. The brightest and most feminine looks however came from Eric Raisina (Madagascar). His unique creations ranged from a turquoise mod-like dress with a matching cap, to a hot one-shoulder red dress with feather-like fringe from head-to-toe.

DJ Megan Taylor from Fig Deejay played a mixture of reggae, electronic and upbeat tracks to match the models’ strut on the catwalk. As the sun set the venue got darker and the colored lights filling the room made for an even more sophisticated show.

Find out more about Islands of the World Fashion Week in Nassau this November 11-13th and be sure to visit www.islandsfashionweek.com. We'll see you at the shows!
-Leigh Loosbrock

Harl Taylor BAG (Bahamas)

Harl Taylor BAG (Bahamas)

Nadya (Bali)
Nadya (Bali)
K-Bobby (Jamaica)
K-Bobby (Jamaica)
Eric Raisina (Madagascar)
Eric Raisina (Madagascar)

*All photos by James Gustin, Figphoto.net