NYE-Style Tips

This New Years Eve ring in 2010 in style! Check out some of the hottest sequined trends at net-a-porter.com! Add a little sparkle to your LBD with chic sequined detailing or vamp up a simple frock with sequined accessories! Play up the look with stellar stilletos and tailored lines for a very contemporary feel because, well-really, who wants to look like their aunties in vegas during the 70's?

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Holiday Gift Guide-classic fashion trends

This one is for the Classic Fashionistas..

Gentlemen, if your wife has the classic sensibilites of a socially elite New Yorker, Downtown Chicagoan or loves black and white, she is what we dub the classic fashionistas. She loves all things Chanel, all things timeless and seems to always look put together.

The classic pieces showcased here last well into the future and are timelessly chic. They are relevant for years to come and will always be fashion foward because they have staying power. When it comes to the classic looks, you can brighten them up by adding sparkle and glam to them with great accessories. Nuetrals mixed with black and white are always a great combination.

Incorporate a complete look from head to toe, with accessories and a personal scent for a great put together look. This season, layering items such as a black tee, grey cardigan and cream and black chanel style tweed sweater with chic leather tights and "haute" pumpa like the recent additions to the Stella McCartney line!

Check 'em out below!

Members Only Shopping

When we speak of "members only" we are not talking about the 80's zip up jackets that were so popular. Rather, we are speaking of exclusive shopping clubs. As retail struggles, online merchants are looking for niche markets to tap into and one company has stumbled upon a gold mine.

vonrosen.com is the latest and greatest of invite only shopping sites. It plays off the idea that they want to have the power in choosing the people they allow to shop their online racks. Generally speaking, consumers get to pick and chose the brands they shop, but vonrosen has flipped the switch.

It is as simple as economics 101. The less available a product is, the more consumers seem to want it. Vonrosen is considered innovative in terms of exclusivity. They are a club that many a fashionista wants to be invited to. Only can you login upon the day you receive the leather bound envelope with the website and private access code granting you your membership!

Check it out and apply for yourself, maybe you too will be dubbed fashion royalty! shoot an email to: request@vonrosen.com. OR check out www.vonrosen.com. All images courtesy of vonrosen.com.

JLee Silver--Chicago's Rock n Shop Event

The hip fashion line, JLee Silver, will be the host extraordinaire for the inaugural Chicago Rock n Shop retail event. Rock n Shop is a funky concept that is incorporating a retail/live music experience to showcase the fusion of fashion and music. It is definitely bound to be an experiential event for any Chicago fashion diva.

Rock n Shop is a two-day pop-up retail event, celebrating local talent. It allows attendees to shop local designers’ collections. This event will showcase five apparel and accessories designers, and will be open to the public. Each weekend will feature new Chicago designers, as well as local artists, DJ’s and bands.

See below for times and locations!

DATE/TIME/LOCATION

Open to public:

Saturday, Nov. 28^th: 12pm- 8pm

Sunday, Nov. 29^th: 12pm-6pm

Saturday, Dec. 5^th: 12pm-8pm

Sunday, Dec. 6^th: 12pm-6pm

Saturday, Dec. 12^th: 12pm-8pm

Sunday, Dec. 13^th: 12pm-6pm

Saturday, Dec. 19^th: 12pm—8pm

Sunday, Dec. 20^th: 12pm-6pm

Location:

Bice Restaurant

158 E. Ontario (Ontario/Michigan)

Chicago, IL 60611

Jimmy Choo for H and M - I'm Lovin' It

What fashion diva who is an aspiring writer, artist, fashion maven didn't have a slight tinge of green envy for Carrie Bradshaw and her ultimate collection of fabulous designer duds and shoes?In all reality people, us writers, we barely make enough to live let alone purchase designer items worth hundreds to thousands of dollars a pop? I was looking through my december issues of Elle and Vogue and was thrilled to see stellar ads for Jimmy Choo's H&M line!

Well, as a self proclaimed bargain hunter, I am all about finding great deals! I don't necessarily believe in designer knock-offs (why buy a fake? just buy something with the same stylistic ideals??), BUT I do believe in finding garments with the same stylistic flare? What is even better is when the designers take a cue from the economy and decide that they can make their items within my realm of cash flow! It looks like there is a surging trend of designers and labels who are deciding that they no longer want to just be considered "luxury" items or brands and want to expand their targeted reach to people like me! Broke ass freelancers just trying to make a dollar out of 50 cents! ;)

So, my dear readers, designers like Alexander McQueen and yes JIMMY CHOO have decided to launch under stores like Target and H&M to get their brands into our homes. Now, my fellow budding writers, we can liken ourselves to Carrie ideals of fashion without breaking bank!!

Knock out Knock Offs

Well, I had a blast of inspiration this past week after watching MTV's The City! Watching Olivia Palermo search the streets of New York for knockoffs made me want to scour the web and local stores for the same thing. As a frequenter of Forever 21, Wet Seal and Charlotte Russe, I have notice the stores bringing in some pretty impeccable look alikes. This installment of the style file will focus on some recent knock offs I have come across! The showcased pieces are the new Tiffany's Keys and forever 21's "antique" key necklaces :). Check em out for yourselves and let me know your thoughts!

Statement Making Jewelry (rings)

The best way to complete an outfit is to pull it all together with your accessories. A set of bold bangles, a belt at a cinched waist, beautiful drop earrings with an updo--all these pieces make a woman truly pulled together! This week, I have been on a ring kick! I love making funky pieces with metal bands, interesting beads and hot glue!

I have pulled in some great funky rings that I thought might add some flair to that LBD, simple chic day look or that will glam up a funky outfit. Each of these pieces can be found at forever21.com. Utilize these pieces as sparingly as you want OR pile 'em on. I love the vintage chic, almost grandma looking jewelery, combined with modern pieces.

Have fun with this!

On trend-the man bag

This fall guys, why not take a note from Seinfeld and Joey from Friends and rock a man bag!? Whether for class, work or just for fun you can look ultra chic by carrying a man bag instead of having that crazy bulge in your pants, and NO I don’t mean that kind! I mean that type that your ultra fat wallet leaves in your back pocket.
The man bag ranges in styles from briefcases to messenger bags. They are ultra hip and surprisingly masculine. The man bag can be used to carry your laptop, cell phones, work papers for travel and school work. The signs of a well made bag are as follows: good structure, quality construction, durable material, supple yet sturdy leather, adjustable and thick strap and strong closures.
If you are a white collar worker such as a lawyer, who needs to carry papers around and hopes to keep your papers in good shape a durable and strong briefcase would be your best option. If you are a student or typical guy who wants to carry around a laptop and some additional work, a messenger bag might be your bag of choice.
When it comes to purchasing a bag you need to keep a few things in mind. First, you want to decide what you will use your bag for, second: you need to decide the size you want to use, thirds: you want to decide what kind of interior you need (folder pockets vs. wide space etc. ) and finally you should decide what kind of material you want your bag in (leather vs. fabric).
Once you narrow down what kind of bag you want, you need to decide the color. Man Bags that are masculine will come in bold and strong colors. Do not be afraid to go for a funkier feel because conservative can sometimes be seen as boring and why not take a risk and show your fearlessness?! Bags can often make an impression on potential employers so do keep that in mind when picking your final piece. Designers like Piet Breinholm make some incredibly fashion forward bags. According to the New York times, “Piet Breinholm, a former drummer for the Berlin-based trio 18 Dye, who has transformed the once-ubiquitous leather school bag carried by Danish children into a chic unisex accessory. The Last Bag [was] named for the Last Band.”
Bags like this are carried by men who want to make an impression and who find it helpful to utilize something other than a wallet. Some great trends that you can see in men’s bags are vintage closures, refurbished styles, dyed leathers in colors like hunter green, distressed messenger styles and canvas styles.
The man bag has definitely been a hit in Hollywood! The “Man’s Man” Kiefer Sutherland of Fox’s hit TV show 24 has been seen carrying a man bag! He uses the bag to carry around essential items, scripts and of course the electronics all men need! This season men, don’t be afraid to sport the man bag! You’ll look fresh and funky!
Jennifer M. Lezan is a freelance fashion designer and writer for:
www.Briefcasesdirect.com a website offering luxury briefcases direct from the manufacturer!

Fall Fashion Is Underway

Hello fellow readers!

Sorry it has been a while since I have made a post. It has been quite a busy few months for me in terms of work! I have been interning for a few magazines as well as working full time so I have not had a lot of time to research good stuff for you here on blogger, Although I am still putting up weekly trend reports via my fashion column in the Chicago Examiner! Check them out here!

In honor of the season premier of Mad Men, I have posted some great old school vintage fashion illustrations that showcase and highlight the chic 60's style that the show has become infamous for! You can find more at fashion-era.com! Make sure to check out my recent examiner article for a vintage how to!

As you all can already tell, Summer's end is fast approaching! Soon the chilly fall air will hit Chicago and with that comes Chicago Fashion Focus and NY Fashion Week! Needless to say, Fall is my FAVE season! I just love the chilly weather and the great transition in my wardrobe!! I will be utilizing the blog to showcase top trends over the course of the year as well as pointing you to some of my personal vintage recreations and personal designs.

I will also be steering the blog into more of a professional direction in terms of showcasing my trend researching ability, my styling ability and will use it as a tool to reach out to people who have fashion questions and need direction!

So please start sending questions and requests! I will be more than happy to showcase a question and answer it with great visuals and step by step direction! I also just created my website with my portfolio for your view! check it out here!

Adios!

Jen

Designer spotlight-Celine by Phoebe Philo

Phoebe Philo is this weeks Designer Spotlight. She was the head designer for Chloe in 2007. This summer she showcased her debut line, Celine throughout the 2010 Resort Collections. The line is a breath of fresh air and economical pleasantry. Her designs are versatile, feminice, chic and most importantly they are great investment pieces to add flare to any wardrobe.
According to style.com the line can be, "described as woman-friendly, with lots of great-looking suits, chic cocktail dresses, and fabulous outerwear. (A cargo coat worn over a crystal-embroidered shift was a key look, and there were a pair of capes to delight the designer's longtime fans)".
I was definitely smitten with the line upon review. The pieces can be intermixed and mingled effortly with any basics a woman may already have within her closet. They are well made, great tailored and flattering pieces. The looks are very grown up and mature without being stuffy. The color palette includes incredible nude and black combinations, with hints of marine blue, navy, and utility green. Then there are the special details which truly add to the beauty of the whole line.
Philo was quoted saying, "It's not about total looks," [of her approach]. "After my break, and with Celine in various different hands these last years, it felt better for me to work on an idea of a wardrobe than too much on trends. October will be for that. The collection is about interchangeable investment pieces. I worked hard to create things that will stand the test of time."
This is a line that is definitely worth reviewing for it's beauty, ability to fit well into any Chicago woman's wardrobe, and most importantly the quality and ability for it to work with your current wardrobe.

The Hills Says Goodbye to Lauren and Hello to Kristin Cavallari??

WTF?? Seriously, I must say I am heedlessly dissapointed to say goodbye to Lauren, but why are they saying hello to Kristin Cavallari?? WOW, I guess is goodbye to my Monday night show because it's obvious I will no longer staying tuned with Kristin in Lauren's spot. She just rubs me the wrong way! Too bad, so sad! BUT, on the other hand--the finale episode and preshow for the MTV Movie awards sported some FANTABULOUS styles.

A great hot trend I saw throughout the evening was the ultra sexy, ultra fitted mini dress. Lauren and all the girls from the show were sporting the great mini ensemble in a fantastic array of colors. There were great sequined and beaded numbers like the Megan fox wore (must add though that the hairstyle was not very nice to her face). I also loved the

Editorial Photos-Disturbia Suburbia

Just some incredible fashion editorial images I stumbled across! Hope you enjoy!

Burda Style

For the love of the Fashion Gods! I think I've stumbled upon fashion design nirvana and it is called: Burdastyle.com! It's like a myspace and limewire for fashion designers! It is a great tool for young aspiring designers to share and download free patterns and get free tutorials on sewing as well as a forum to ask fashion design and sewing related questions!

It is manned by a team of professionals with backgrounds in computer science, fashion design, sewing and patternmaking! I have found it quite blissfully helpful and I would reccomend it to all my fashion friends and professionals! Take some time and check it out: http://www.burdastyle.com/!

Happy Sewing Lovelies!

Visual Stimulation for your Creative Mind

Just some beautiful images to get you through the week..The style file installment will be up this week! Sorry for the delay! :)

Dangerous Curves Ahead Review

This past weekend the Zhou B Café and Art Gallery was jam packed with fashionistas dressed to the nines. There were some fierce looking females strutting their stuff ready to watch a much anticipated fashion show produced by Chicago’s very own talented stylist and personal shopper: Tamika Martell.

The show dubbed, “Dangerous Curves Ahead” most definitely lived up to its name. It showcased local Chicago design talent and focused on garments for all body types including the plus size sector. The garments were beautifully styled and given an edge by Tamika Martell herself. Each of the garments she picked to showcase within her show had an outstanding craftsmanship and personality that only added to the beauty of all the models she used.

It was refreshing to see the plus size styles in an industry that is primarily focused on creating thinner body conscious garments. Tamika understands her clientele and knows for a fact that her primary Chicago customer is an average to plus sized gal who is looking to vamp up and create a more put together look.

I’ve said it many times before and I am sure I will say it many more times, but the fashion industry in Chicago is an ever growing and omnipresent presence. The Dangerous Curves Ahead show truly establishes Chicago as a city to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. Tamika Martell made sure to showcase her work in the strongest way possible by bringing the fashion to the people. She has impeccable taste and that was shown in her styling techniques throughout the show.

What I loved most about this show was that it made a fashion event a fun and entertaining time; rather than stuffy and stuck up. The music was off the hook and bouncing all night. DJ Sundance kept the party going on all night and the MC made sure to get the audience in on the fun. Goody bags included beauty supplies, great coupons and free subscriptions to popular magazines!

The expo portion of the show had vendors from all over the Chicagoland area including: Chic Gems, Annika makeup, Fetish Accessories and PZI Jeans. Designers showcased in the show included: Pinupgirl.com, igigi.com, frockstarfashions.com, Shavonne Apparel, Angel Eyes Fashion, Chocolate Sushi Couture, Tiaraverse.com, Coco Mocha and Custom Curves Fashion.

The best part of the show? The fact that a portion of all the proceeds went to the 2nd Chance A NON-PROFIT organization that focuses on getting women and children back on track with financial aid, jobs and clothing .

Fringe Benefits

This installment of the style file will be focusing on the fringe trends seen lately. Pair this look with very simple accessories OR if it is an accessorypair it with a simple frock! Utilize darkand neutral colors for a subdued yet funky look.

On Trend-Fashion and Religion?

It seems that the trends seen in fashion have a direct correlation with the major historical events that are occurring around it. Fashion conscious and even those blindly unaware have a tendency react to major events such as war and government hiatus by changing their clothing drastically or by slightly deviating from the fashion of the times.

As of late, we have been seeing this happen on many different levels on the Spring/Summer and Fall 2009 runway fashion shows. The idea of trends reacting to historical turmoil is an incredibly interesting idea to review and I thought it would be a great piece to bring to your attention!

As we walk through the valley of the unknown during these negative economic times, the fashion runways are reacting in many different ways. The fashions of the past evolved into the fashions that people wear today. These fashions evolved because of both historical events as well as to meet the needs of the ever changing future time. In his book, (The Psychology of Fashion), Michael R. Solomon states that:

“Although fashion is almost synonymous with arbitrary, short-term changes, long-term trends can be discerned which are indications of cultural conditions. One-to-one relationships between cultural traits and fashion attributes are unlikely to be found, but the necessarily loose connection also has its advantages: the indicator may be complex and the cultural pattern has indicated similarly difficult to isolate, but the whole indication may lead to a relatively deep level that cannot be readily expressed. Long-term trends in clothing are not “fashions” in the sense of fads, but expressions of historical trends”

Currently, we have been going through some incredibly bold historical moments from the election of President Obama to the economic recession our nation has been going through and fashion designers have been reacting in many different ways. The most intriguing reactions were seen on the Fall 2009 runways and it was most definitely a religious epiphany for onlookers of the show.

Many of these looks were inspired by nuns and priests and yes, religion. Pilgrimage stylings, nun like frocks and priestly gowns were used with unabashed fervor in the lines of Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and Alaia.

Are these designers saying a prayer and looking for faith in hopes that they survive this economic turmoil? Are they making a statement to those around them about where the public’s worries truly should be? Are they pressing you to look into your own faith by the fashions they create and portray? Each of us have our own ideas, but it is always great to keep in mind those of others! So, please leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail with your ideas!!

The Style File Installment #4

This style file installment features designs from the Spring 09' couture line of Jean Paul Gaultier! This season the brand incorporated spanish influences like lace combined with 40's styled garments. They took hold of the strong hour glass shape and added the strong shoulder trend in to boot! The line encompasses femininity in its rawest and most sensual shape.

The line is reminiscent of the wasp like new shape that introduced itself during the 30's and 40's. The looks are chic and strong. This is definitely a great look that can be toned down for the office. Incorporate great tailoring, strong shouldered jackets and great pencil skirts for a bold, strong and feminine look.

Being Successful has never looked so sexy!

Leaving On A Jet Plane, Don't Know When I'll Be Back Again

Ok, was watching Ratatouille with the little one today and it got me seriously thinking about leaving this joint! It seems like back in the day young people would just pack up and jump the states over to Europe like it was nothing!

I'm seriously wondering how difficult it would be for me and Bella to adjust living on another continent...Maybe if I had some wonderful friend (u know who your are my bid girl) who wanted to find culture, art and pursue their dreams with me, it might not be so hard!

I had this dream months back that was so vivid in my head that I still remember it. It was shortly after me and Vicky started our fashion line..In my dream Vicky and I were standing side by side in front of the Eiffel Tower looking up and smiling at this red balloon floating off into the pristine blue sky..I dunno if it was a sign, but it got me thinking..

So, today I feel like I keep getting more signs and that Paris is calling me... Here they are in random order..Woke up and turned on the tube to food network and my fave cook was on! It was Giada in PARIS! Decided to watch some reruns of Sex and the City on Demand while I was researching some articles and guess which ones were on, the one's where Carrie went to Paris! My favorite old time movie was on (ok anything with Audrey Hepburn is my favorite!) but, it was Sabrina and of course you know she goes to Paris! Then, I was clicking to the Independant Film Channel and Amelie was on! And finally I ended the day with yes, Ratatouille! LOL, I know it's a lot of TV, but hell it's Sunday and I was just veggin with the baby :)!

But, I do think it's a sign..Paris are you beckoning me? I think I may give in. Maybe I can find a much better job and give Bella a cultured life!

Fancy Floral O-So Chic

This Summer is a great time to go for looks that are no muss no fuss, but still leave you feeling feminine and sexy. Silk chiffon floral dresses and tops do just the trick! These items can be paired with denim and heels for the right amount of casual chicness! Shift dresses in airy cotton with a bright floral print makes a great statement all on its own. It is simple and classy and great for a summer day and transitions well into a summer night with a switch in shoes. Go for balley flats during the day with this look for a sweet girly feel and spunk it up at night with stillettos or pumps!

Definitely make sure to utilize great accessories with this look. Metallics like bronze and gold go well and can be incorporated with bangles or large hoop earrings! Pile the bangles on and definitely layer on the gold necklaces mixed with some ivory like pendants! Check out Forever 21 for some great pieces!

This look is all about the feminine appeal brought down to its simplest form. If you want to feel chic and sexy dare to bare flowers. This is a great look for the summer days and nights and will definitely keep you feeling sexy and sweet.

Being a Mom in the Fashion Industry

Who says you can't be a mom and be successful in the cut throat fashion industry?! I say, they are WRONG!! Just look at this

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This mom definitely got it right, you learn to be flexible and make your schedule work! Always remember the well being of your kid and hey let them be absorbed in some culture at the same time! I love that they are front row and that he has the great green noise cancelling headphones on!

I say so chic mommy! This is my chic mommy of the day! :) Thoughts?? Comments?? Let me know or hit me up in the comment section!

Style File #2 Weekly Installment

This weeks Style File has been inspired by my fellow Latinas of Brazil. For any of you that know Latinas, Chicanas or Hispanics in general, you know that we have mad crazy style! From Miami to Puerto Rico, all the way to the Latin America, Latinas have an innate sense of sexy style. They create great looks with incredible color and fabulous cuts! They are never too scared to show some leg!

So, this summer ladies, I suggest you give some props to the Brazilian queens and take some direction as well. Utilize fashion forward looks with great pops of color as well as flirty silhouette! It will definitely give your ego a boost of self confidence!

Besos!

Jenny