JLee Silver gives the Fashion Files an insider view on the latest trends for 2010

One of Chicago's own JLee Silver took a moment out of their busy fashion lives to answer a few interview questions for the fashion trend followers that read this column. JLee Silver is one of the hottest brands around and is taking fashion to the next level. Due to their impeccable taste, it is only fitting that they be the kind of designers that regular fashion diva's look to for trend forecasts! The JLee Silver line can be found at the brands online run boutique, Fashion Heist is an online shopping boutique designed with every woman in mind. Carrying all of the essential pieces women need in their wardrobe, fashionheist.com is a one-stop-shop to fill your closet with the must have trends of the season. It's a great homegrown line that can be found at many a local Chicago store, to find out more and learn about JLee Silver, read on for the one on one with JLee Silver!

1.Can you please tell us your name, company name and the type of design you do and people you design for, also what made your pursue fashion?

Designer: Jenna Lee Fowler
Company/Brand: JLee Silver
Target Consumer: Professional Urban Woman
Why Fashion? I have always wanted to be in the fashion industry. I knew I loved fashion and clothing when I was 5. My favorite shirt said "fashion victim" across the back.

2. What kind of design aesthetic do you keep in mind when designing for your line?

I like clothes that are functional and can be worn for multiple occasions, pieces that can take you from the office to dinner with your girlfriends by removing a jacket and adding some jewelry. We do not focus on trends, but rather on lifestyle appeal, comfort, and functionality - clothes that you can transition from season to season.

3. Can you name 3 key fashion trends that our readers should keep in mind when getting ready for Spring Summer 2010?

1. Boho chic, especially tie dye
2. Cropped jackets
3. Shift Dress with pockets (functionality is key!)

4. Can you name 3 key color or pattern trends that our readers should
keep in mind when prepping their wardrobe for Spring Summer 2010?

1. Watercolor prints
2. Pastel colors
3. Gray, white and navy as your summer neutrals

5. Can you give our readers some key tips creating new looks with their every day wardrobes?

White jeans! Everyone must find a flattering pair of white denim to match existing pieces in their closet. Just make sure they’re sturdy and not at all see through. For the final touch, throw on your favorite blouse and strappy sandals, and you are ready for a warm summer evening!

Another great way to transform your look is with a great layered chain necklace. It can jazz up any outfit.

Additionally, a stylish blazer or jacket you can throw over a tank or dress is a must-have as you can transition from season to season. This should be an investment piece!

6. Can you give our readers some key tips they could use when organizing their wardrobes/closets?

I think it’s best to organize by style then color - pants, skirts, dresses, jackets etc. This helps you see what key pieces are missing and what pieces you have too many of. Most women have too many pairs of black pants. Figure out what you have that works, what you have that isn’t working for you, and what you need. Keep this list with you so when you're shopping you are buying with a purpose.

7. Where do you find inspiration for your designs and outfits(websites, magazines, books etc.)

I find inspiration all around me. I'm especially inspired by the young girls in my showroom. They put things together I would never think of, they are so adventurous! Sometimes, I try to improve on some of my favorite pieces. Not too long ago, I added pockets to my favorite dress. Another thing I love to do is figuring how I can translate runway to reality.

8. What are your top 3 designers and what draws you to them?

1. Alexander Wang - he is so innovative in how he uses fabric. For instance, he will use gray jersey for a cocktail dress. He is so innovative and thoughtful.
2. Chanel - Karl Lagerfeld has done a great job of keeping this classic brand fresh and relevant with today's fashionistas.
3. Theory - for their wardrobe staples and classic pieces.

9. Do you have any tips that you could provide our readers who may be interested in starting their own line or pursuing a career in fashion?

http://www.fashionheist.com.
Just do it. This is really a ‘learn as you go’ business. Definitely find a great sales team; you can make a beautiful dress but if you can't sell it you won't be able to make another beautiful dress. Anyone interested in fashion should definitely network within the fashion community - photographers, models, boutique owners, they’re all relevant!

10. Where can our readers learn more about your line and are there any Chicago stores that they can find you in? Website to visit??

We have a showroom/design studio one block north of the apparel mart.
225 W. Hubbard Street 6th Floor. There are several boutiques who currently carry our collection including: Hunny Boutique, Le Dress, Handle With Care.

You can also buy JLee Silver online at www.fashionheist.com.

Be sure to keep up to date with the Chicago Fashion Trends Examiner by becoming our fan on Facebook!

Chicago fashion shows-A Line Style Services Presents Dangerous Curves Ahead Charity Fashion Show

It's that time of the year again ladies and gentlemen of Chicago. NY, London and Paris Fashion Week have all passed, but Chicago's very own A-Line Stylist, Tamika Maria Martell, is heading up her second annual Dangerous Curves Ahead Charity Fashion Show and Expo. As much as naysayers may think fashion is a capitalistic, power driven industry, Tamika is making it a point to bring social efforts to the Chicago fashion industry by pushing for a social awareness and community service effort. To learn more about the show, Tamika and A-Line Style Services read on below!



1. Can you please tell us your name, company name and the fashion event details? also what made your pursue fashion?

Tamika Maria Martell, founder of A-line Style Services is planning her company's 2nd annual event, Dangerous Curves Ahead Charity Fashion Show & Woman's Expo. This event is unlike any other kind in Chicago featuring 5 Top Chicagoland Designers, ALL Size models of a variety of looks, and donating a generous portion of event proceeds to benefit The Primo Center, a transitional facility for homeless mothers & their children (www.primocenter.org). For more info on the event, visit www.dangerouscurvesahead2010.com. I pursued fashion after feeling unfulfilled of the same day-in, day-out routine of Corporate America. I found the most excitement of the day came during picking out my outfit in the morning. With such a strong support system in my life, I took the plunge and started A-line Style Services in 2008, offering Wardrobe Styling, Personal Shopping, Fashion Shoot Styling, Fashion PR/Marketing, and Fashion Event Planning Services. A-line Style Services had been featured on the Rachael Ray Show, NBC 5 News, N'Digo Magazine, The Examiner.com, and several other publications & media outlets.

2. What are some designers that you are looking forward to having showcased in your fashion show?

I am absolutely elated to have Project Runway's Ra'mon-Lawrence in this year's event. He is so kind, down to earth, and talented. Also, the plus size line, Chocolate Sushi Couture is a returning designer & crowd favorite from last year featuring flattering, stylish designs for full figured women.

3. What will the focus of the show be (ie. charity, highlighting new talent etc) and why have you chosen this focus?

Honestly there are 3 focuses for the show each year: 1) To highlight A-line Style Services and Chicago's fashion talent 2) To make ALL women feel beautiful, whether you are a size 2 or a size 22 and 3) To raise money for homeless mothers & their children. This year, the Primo Center will receive a generous portion of the event proceeds in addition to revealing an amazing makeover of a Primo Center mother as the event finale.

4. Can you name 3 key color or pattern trends and 3 key outfitting trend that our readers should keep in mind when prepping their wardrobe for Spring Summer 2010?

As an admirer of classic style, I would say every woman needs certain classics in their wardrobe to add versatility and style to their Spring/Summer wardrobe: An everyday, lightweight blazer, a Floral Blouse, a pair of great fitting jeans, and a Sheath Dress. These pieces are functional and add style to any woman's wardrobe, without being "in" for a fleeting moment.

5. Can you give our readers some key tips that you keep in mind when creating your looks for your outfits for day and for night?

A pair of high heels and bold accessories can take most looks from day to night. A dress with flats and a dress with heels gives off a totally different vibe, so throw your heels in your chic bag for the evening hours if you can't make it home. By adding a statement pieces such as bold earrings or multi-strand necklace add an evening flair. Feel free to add a bold color lip to update your day look to night as well.

6. Can you give our readers some key tips they could use when organizing their wardrobes/closets?

For most, the saying "out of sight, out of mind" rings true with your closet. Fold your tops and jeans so that you can see them. Adding racks to your closet vs putting these items in your drawers can instantly add a variety to your look that you otherwise would have not remembered you had.

7. Where do you find inspiration for your work and outfits (websites, magazines, books etc.)?

I am always a fan of a print magazine. I love Marie Claire's fashion spreads as well as In Style, ELLE, and so many others.

8. What are your top 3 Chicago designers and what draws you to them?

If I say anyone else other than the designers in my show I would be crazy! I love Ra'mon-Lawrence, Chocolate Sushi Couture, as well as Horacio Nieto. Nieto is not in this year's show, but I love his classic lines and fun, sexy accents to his designs.

9. Do you have any tips that you could provide our readers who may be interested in pursuing a career in fashion?

Yes - be prepared to work for free for at least one year to learn about the industry and to start your portfolio. Learn all you can from working with industry pros - And everyone is not an industry pro, so watch out for those that are just looking for free labor. Lastly, the Chicago fashion industry is small, so strive to build and maintain a solid reputation.

10. Where can our readers learn more about your work as well as the fashion show?

They can learn more about me by visiting the A-line Style Services website at www.a-linestyleservices.com. To learn more about Dangerous Curves Ahead please visit www.dangerouscurvesahead2010.com.