Trash & Luxury - avante garde meets funky hipster

Trash & Luxury is one of those brands that has truly mastered the art of funky fabulous. The line is a little bit avante garde with a touch of fabulous retro inspired glam. It's a line that a sexy diva dons on a Friday night out when she knows she going to have all eyes on her! I stumbled across the line and fell in love instantly. I think the imagery of the editorial shots on their site embodied an old Hollywood style, but the youth of the styling truly left me wanting more!

The line is definitely a bit tongue in cheek and doesn't take itself way to seriously. It screams fun which is totally sexy in a very appealing way! It's also a line that the celebrities love! Lalohan's little sister Ali was recently spotted out and about wearing the line. She was sporting the “Tropical Zebra” racerback tank in the soft watercolor print. Ali’s tank is now available exclusively on www.trashandluxury.com for just $40.00!

The line is perfect for the Chicago fashionista who is on the search of a line that is fun and fabulous. It really embodies the Chi's midwestern flair for funky looks that border on hipster chic. Try combining the tees with cut offs for a casual day or skinny denim layered jewelry and super high ankle booties for a look that will make the boys do a double take.

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Kenmore Studio Live

The Wild Harvest Fashion even recently took place on: Saturday, August 14, from 7-9 pm. The Kenmore Live Studio is located at 678 N. Wells, Chicago. The Kenmore Live Studio hosts their fashion events live online at facebook.com/kenmore in the "Live Studio" tab!

The Kenmore Live events incorporate fashion, food and fun!

Chef Ben Browning of Kendall College showed attendees how to prepare a feast using fall harvest items. He also had his students join in on the fun, by helping with the cooking demo, and of course, guests were able eat for free.

Stems also gave some extraordinary fall decorating tips. Last time they were in the studio they made some beautiful floral/fruit & veggie arrangements with farmers market items! This video shows the highlights of last time stems was in the studio! Feel free to check it out here!

The fashion show is a Fall Fashion Preview based off of harvest traditions. Autumn 2010 trends blended with harvest influence (fabrics, colors, etc). Designers from all over the city were showcased including students from: SAIC, Columbia, Illinois Design Institute, and independent designers who created their own interpretation of Autumn 2010 Harvest.

Interview with Kim Halzle of Runwayrundown.com

Chicago Fashionistas here is one for your blogroll or bookmark section on your web browser or whatever fabulous tabbing technology you use!RunwayRundown.com gives you fabulous ladies the low down on hot designer fashion and how to get it without breaking the bank! Kim Halzle the fabulous fashionista and co-founder/editor-in-chief of the site brings readers a relentless breakdown of looks and how to get them for less. To die for, yes. The site is incredibly user friendly, informative and the best part: it just doesn't show some skinny chick showing off her look. While, yes, checking out fashion lookbook blogs is a must for inspiration, it's also not always the best inspiration for us real women.

RunwayRundown.com is the real deal. If you love haute designer fashion and want to find creative ways of garnering the look without peddling for cash, it's definitely a site you must check out! This daily fashion blog sources the hottest trends around the world and then, builds the same look for less! It's super user orientated and event allows you to search by season, designer, color, material or trend. When you're ready to rock your new look, Runway Rundown links you directly to the discounts!

It's technology and fashion at its greatest. A girls dream come true. If you like what you see keep on reading to learn more about runwayrundown.com and the fabulous Kim Halzle

1. Can you tell the readers a bit about your website?

Runway Rundown is a fashion blog featuring daily postings of a runway look paired with an affordable alternative. If ever you find an alternate item that you like, you can click through and purchase the item directly. It is a one stop shopping site. We aim to build up Runway Rundown to be the ultimate styling/trend reporting source online.

2. What made you decide to launch your own business and did any jobs you had in the past help you along this path?

One day it hit me that my "American Dream" would be to work for myself. I decided to I needed to get working on that now and started brainstorming what in enjoyed and what I was passionate about. Runway Rundown is the brain child between myself and my partner Jamie Evans. We put together our interests and talents to create this website. I pulled from my experience working in the fashion industry for a popular contemporary label in Los Angeles. My time spent working for the fashion designer helped me to learn the ins and outs of the industry and find my place in what inspired me.

3. Where do you guys find your inspiration (magazines, sites, books?)

The inspiration is all based on my personal preferences. I am forecasting trends as soon as the looks hit the runways, which is the same time editors from magazines like Elle, Cosmopolitan, etc are planning out their future magazine spreads. Its fun for me to see looks I chose from the runways printed in magazines, and I posted them on my website before they even printed them! Style.com is my ultimate source for viewing runway trends. Since I can't physically be at runway shows, they are my go to site for viewing every look. When I have the time, I also love to go on youtube to view the actual runway video footage. I find the production of the music, lighting and stage set up totally bring a collection together. Its very inspiring to watch. I honestly don't get much time to scour magazines anymore. That was a huge factor in why Runway Rundown's content is what it is. I wanted to take my favorite part of editorials and just feature that. When I get a chance to look through magazines my eye goes right to the designer looks and ways I can afford them.

4. Can you walk us through a typical work day for you? (ie. what's the first thing you do in the AM, how does your work flow, do you work set hours and do you have another job aside from the blog?)

Honestly, I am in the process of growing Runway Rundown to eventually dedicate myself to it full time. So currently, I find time to work on the site in the evenings and on the weekends. I am looking forward to having Runway Rundown on the brain full time and consuming myself with growing the brand and myself at the same time.

5. What is the hardest part about being your own boss, writing a blog and what is the best part about it?

The best part is that I work for myself. I make my own hours and I tell myself what to do. The hardest part is making sure I stick to those hours and that I keep myself motivated to tell myself what to do.

6. Who do you feel are 3 up and coming influential designers that deserve some spotlight and why?

I am so loyal to specific designers that I have little time to keep up with all the up and coming designers. Terrible, I know...because at one time Lanvin was a new label and someone paid attention to them and supported them. I am going to make an effort to keep up with new designers and support them along their ride. But some of my favorite labels are: Marchesa, Jenni Kayne, Lanvin, Alberta Ferreti, Isabel Marant, omg this list could go on and on.

7. What are your top 5 favorite blogs to scout?

Since the content of my blog is very diffrent from the traditional fashion blog, I don't do much fashion blog scouting. Most other fashion bloggers solely feature pictures of themselves in their daily outfits. While I love checking in on these blogs to see what girls are wearing all over the world, I dont rely on them for scouting research.
My favorite fashion sites are: Style.com, Shopstyle.com, NYMag.com

8. What are the top 4 trends you see for the up coming season and how can our readers incorporate these looks into their current wardrobe?

Lots of fun trends for FA11:

1. Fur-try to keep it faux. I'm loving Rachel Zoe's faux fur pieces available for sale on qvc.com right now.
2. Gold-The fall season is a great time to stock up on glitzy pieces for the Holiday season. Sorry haters, sequins aren't going anywhere just yet. And you can always rely on a great gold brocade piece to set you apart from everyone else.
3. Floorlength-People associate the word "Maxi" with an outdated trend. Sorry again, floor length everything is amazing right now. Michael Kors has some amazing plain and sequin fitted floor length skirts that are beyond!
4. Wraps-I'm loving huge, oversized, chunky wrap sweaters for Fall. 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent has some amazing sweaters for Fall.

9. How do you feel blogging and social media has affected the fashion industry today?

I think it has turned it upside down and inside out. Through the social media outlet, the industry has opened up and found a way to reach viewers everywhere and bring those viewers together. To me the fashion industry has changed greatly through fashion bloggers because fashionistas have found a way to unite and share their fashion influences with others. Everyone has their own take on designer trends and that has resulted in a gigantic community of fashion goers wanting to share their inspirations.

10. Where can we learn more about runwayrundown.com and can we follow you/find you on facebook & twitter?

Check in on the "In the Press" page on our website
http://www.runwayrundown.com/press/

our find us on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Runway-Rundown/112174579085?ref=ts

or on twitter at "runwayrundown1"

Become a fan on Facebook!

Chicago Fashion Trends Examiner on Facebook

Follow the CFTE on Twitter!

Interview with Sarah Radford of Chicago's own Chic Gems

Chic Gems has been a brand I've encountered frequently across the Chicago fashion scene. From trunk shows to fashion shows, I've often found Sarah Radford showcasing her amazingly well made and fashion forward fashion accessories. She's definitely left her mark on the city and as a local Chicago fashionista she definitely deserves some love! I've often marveled at her chic gems and it's only recently I have had the chance to get her to answer some questions for the CFTE column!

Not only is Sarah a kind soul, she's passionate about what she does, incredibly talented and an inspiration to boot! Chic gems started as just a hobby in 2002, but when a corporate shake up changed Sarah's life in 2006, she took it as an opportunity to venture out on her own. It's definitely been worth it. It just goes to show that when one door closes, another door opens and it is up to us fashionistas to make our own choices and create our own destiny!

Chic Gems has the tag line that it is designer jewelry for the professional woman. This is a great addition to the Chicago fashion scene as a majority of the fashionistas in the area are professional women from 9-5. The pieces are great completer items that truly add a pop of fun to any look without feeling like costume jewelry. The jewelry is a great way to add some glam to a simple look or to pull together a look for a night out on the town. If you like what you hear and want to learn more about Sarah and Chic Gems be sure to read the CFTE interview with the designer below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about the line (or site) and who the person is that you create for?

I founded Chic Gems Couture Jewelry in 2002 as a side project while working as a sales representative. I have been a fashionista all my life.

I design affordable fashion jewelry for professional women, brides, and bridesmaids. My site offers a variety of pieces to choose from, many of which are easily customizable with the simple click of your mouse.

Price point ranges from $18-$150

2. What made you divulge your creative energies into launching a business? Had your past experience helped you to undertake running a business?

I have always wanted to be a business owner. I have always been a leader in each career that I have had, so it came naturally to want to run my own business and take ownership for my life's path. I have a background in retail sales and management for fashion companies such as Express, BCBG Max Azria, and Judith Ripka jewelry, so running Chic Gems has used all of those skills.

3. Can you tell us about the inspiration for this season's line?

This fall's collection is inspired by nature and Old Hollywood Glamour. We have incorporated Swarovski Crystal Moon Pendants, several dainty chain and charm pieces, and bold semi-precious stone pieces.

4. Can you share with our readers a little bit about how and where you find inspiration and what your creation process is like?

I enjoy keeping up with Hollywood fashion trends, Runway, and Pop Culture. My pieces always have a feminine edge mixed with everyday chic. I start by envisioning a design, sketching it, and selecting the materials to make it, and then completing the piece. I love nature, so you will see flower or leaf toggles on most of the necklaces and bracelets.

5. Can you give our readers the top 3 key items from the line that you think they should all have in their closet?

Top 3: Glamour Pearl Necklace Couture Quartz Earrings Lock and Key Necklace

6. What do you feel are the top 4 trends for the season that the people who read this column can and should experiment with?

Texture-Choose from python to chain, texture adds an element of excitement Color-Vibrant and Bold-Choose a bright necklace or handbag to add the finishing touch to your look Leopard print shoes-a must have trend this fall Neutrals-mixing neutrals is always chic

7. What are some key color trends you see for the upcoming season and what are the key color trends you are using in your line?

Vibrant colors-I always enjoy using color in my line. When you are wearing basic blacks, greys, and browns, what could be better than adding a pop of color with the perfect necklace Animal prints are on trend for fall 2010, Chic Gems neutral pieces are a great accent to that leopard print top

8. Who are your top 3 inspirational fashion designers? What draws you to them?

Coco Chanel-classic elegance that is timeless Nanette Lepore-feminine and flirty Louis Vuitton-timeless chic

9. Do you have any tips for the people out there who are interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry?

If you are still in school, get an internship or apprenticeship with a designer in the fashion industry to learn more first hand. Talk to people in the industry and learn what they think it takes to be successful. Read your fashion magazines-my favorites are: InStyle, Lucky, and Vogue.

10. Where can we learn more about you and your line/e-retailer?

Visit my website at www.ChicGemsCouture.com or call me at 888.801.8265

ABOUT SARAH:

Sarah Radford has quickly created a following of fashionistas nationwide by the name of Chic Gems. The tagline for the stylish company is “designer jewelry for professional women,” and the woman behind the chic and affordable line of jewelry knows exactly what professional women today want. Sarah has spent many years in sales and management for companies such as Express, BCBG Max Azria, and Judith Ripka Jewelry. Sarah grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from Wittenberg University, her professional life brought her to Chicago where she fell in love with the City. Sarah founded Chic Gems, etc. as a side-project in 2002. But when a corporate shake-up rattled her professional path in 2006, Sarah realized it was the perfect opportunity to turn her passionate hobby into a lifestyle and to take life into her own hands! Sarah's lifelong interest in fashion began early.

From modeling her newest dress in pre-school to designing her own string bracelets as a young girl, interest has finally blossomed into the development of her own brand in Chic Gems, etc. Sarah is inspired by Old Hollywood Glamour including icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. Sarah’s love for nature is obvious in her use of flower and leaf toggles for most of her pieces. She mixes classic and modern designs to create a new exciting twist for the woman who loves to be fashionable without being overly trendy. Stylish, sophisticated, and affordable, these gems are perfect for everyday wear and will instantly transform any wardrobe.

Sarah’s goal is for each woman who wears a piece from her collection to instantly feel glamorous and confident. Sarah has always designed her collections from materials that excite her such as quartzes, semi-precious stones, pearls, glass, and crystals. Her line incorporates bright colors, neutrals, and silver or gold accents with clean lines and a sleek sense of style. Featured in many stores and counting, Chic Gems, etc. also supports a number of charities by hosting and supporting benefit events. Sarah supports: The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, My Hope Chest, The Red Pump Project, The Aparecio Foundation, PAVE, CASE, among others - often by creating custom pieces for charities to sell to raise money.

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The Lo-Down on RunwayRundown.com

Chicago Fashionistas here is one for your blogroll or bookmark section on your web browser or whatever fabulous tabbing technology you use! RunwayRundown.com gives you fabulous ladies the low down on hot designer fashion and how to get it without breaking the bank! Kim Halzle the fabulous fashionista and co-founder/editor-in-chief of the site brings readers a relentless breakdown of looks and how to get them for less. To die for, yes. The site is incredibly user friendly, informative and the best part: it just doesn't show some skinny chick showing off her look. While, yes, checking out fashion lookbook blogs is a must for inspiration, it's also not always the best inspiration for us real women.

RunwayRundown.com is the real deal. If you love haute designer fashion and want to find creative ways of garnering the look without peddling for cash, it's definitely a site you must check out! This daily fashion blog sources the hottest trends around the world and then, builds the same look for less! It's super user orientated and event allows you to search by season, designer, color, material or trend. When you're ready to rock your new look, Runway Rundown links you directly to the discounts!

It's technology and fashion at its greatest. A girls dream come true. If you like what you see keep on reading to learn more about runwayrundown.com and the fabulous Kim Halzle

1. Can you tell the readers a bit about your website?

Runway Rundown is a fashion blog featuring daily postings of a runway look paired with an affordable alternative. If ever you find an alternate item that you like, you can click through and purchase the item directly. It is a one stop shopping site. We aim to build up Runway Rundown to be the ultimate styling/trend reporting source online.

2. What made you decide to launch your own business and did any jobs you had in the past help you along this path?

One day it hit me that my "American Dream" would be to work for myself. I decided to I needed to get working on that now and started brainstorming what in enjoyed and what I was passionate about. Runway Rundown is the brain child between myself and my partner Jamie Evans. We put together our interests and talents to create this website. I pulled from my experience working in the fashion industry for a popular contemporary label in Los Angeles. My time spent working for the fashion designer helped me to learn the ins and outs of the industry and find my place in what inspired me.

3. Where do you guys find your inspiration (magazines, sites, books?)

The inspiration is all based on my personal preferences. I am forecasting trends as soon as the looks hit the runways, which is the same time editors from magazines like Elle, Cosmopolitan, etc are planning out their future magazine spreads. Its fun for me to see looks I chose from the runways printed in magazines, and I posted them on my website before they even printed them! Style.com is my ultimate source for viewing runway trends. Since I can't physically be at runway shows, they are my go to site for viewing every look. When I have the time, I also love to go on youtube to view the actual runway video footage. I find the production of the music, lighting and stage set up totally bring a collection together. Its very inspiring to watch. I honestly don't get much time to scour magazines anymore. That was a huge factor in why Runway Rundown's content is what it is. I wanted to take my favorite part of editorials and just feature that. When I get a chance to look through magazines my eye goes right to the designer looks and ways I can afford them.

4. Can you walk us through a typical work day for you? (ie. what's the first thing you do in the AM, how does your work flow, do you work set hours and do you have another job aside from the blog?)

Honestly, I am in the process of growing Runway Rundown to eventually dedicate myself to it full time. So currently, I find time to work on the site in the evenings and on the weekends. I am looking forward to having Runway Rundown on the brain full time and consuming myself with growing the brand and myself at the same time.

5. What is the hardest part about being your own boss, writing a blog and what is the best part about it?
The best part is that I work for myself. I make my own hours and I tell myself what to do. The hardest part is making sure I stick to those hours and that I keep myself motivated to tell myself what to do.

6. Who do you feel are 3 up and coming influential designers that deserve some spotlight and why?

I am so loyal to specific designers that I have little time to keep up with all the up and coming designers. Terrible, I know...because at one time Lanvin was a new label and someone paid attention to them and supported them. I am going to make an effort to keep up with new designers and support them along their ride. But some of my favorite labels are: Marchesa, Jenni Kayne, Lanvin, Alberta Ferreti, Isabel Marant, omg this list could go on and on.

7. What are your top 5 favorite blogs to scout?

Since the content of my blog is very diffrent from the traditional fashion blog, I don't do much fashion blog scouting. Most other fashion bloggers solely feature pictures of themselves in their daily outfits. While I love checking in on these blogs to see what girls are wearing all over the world, I dont rely on them for scouting research.

My favorite fashion sites are: Style.com, Shopstyle.com, NYMag.com

8. What are the top 4 trends you see for the up coming season and how can our readers incorporate these looks into their current wardrobe?

Lots of fun trends for FA11:

1. Fur-try to keep it faux. I'm loving Rachel Zoe's faux fur pieces available for sale on qvc.com right now.

2. Gold-The fall season is a great time to stock up on glitzy pieces for the Holiday season. Sorry haters, sequins aren't going anywhere just yet. And you can always rely on a great gold brocade piece to set you apart from everyone else.

3. Floorlength-People associate the word "Maxi" with an outdated trend. Sorry again, floor length everything is amazing right now. Michael Kors has some amazing plain and sequin fitted floor length skirts that are beyond!

4. Wraps-I'm loving huge, oversized, chunky wrap sweaters for Fall. 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent has some amazing sweaters for Fall.

9. How do you feel blogging and social media has affected the fashion industry today?

I think it has turned it upside down and inside out. Through the social media outlet, the industry has opened up and found a way to reach viewers everywhere and bring those viewers together. To me the fashion industry has changed greatly through fashion bloggers because fashionistas have found a way to unite and share their fashion influences with others. Everyone has their own take on designer trends and that has resulted in a gigantic community of fashion goers wanting to share their inspirations.

10. Where can we learn more about runwayrundown.com and can we follow you/find you on facebook & twitter?

Check in on the "In the Press" page on our website
http://www.runwayrundown.com/press/

our find us on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Runway-Rundown/112174579085?ref=ts

or on twitter at "runwayrundown1"

Become a fan on Facebook!

Chicago Fashion Trends Examiner on Facebook

Follow the CFTE on Twitter!

Macy's & Madonna's Material Girl Line Launch in Chicago

Chicago fashionistas, we are living in a material world and yes we are all material girls! Madonna is doing it again ladies and this time she's enlisted her daughter, Lourdes AKA Lola as a partner. The Material Girl line is launching tomorrow, Tuesday August 3, 2010 at 10 AM at the Macy's off of State. Chicago is getting their first glimpse at the Material Girl line exclusively at Macy's!

Not only are you getting a peek at the hot trends, but you can get goodies too! The first 200 customers will receive a $10 Macy’s gift card and a free Material Girl bandeau top! Double freebies and a party to boot! Who could ask for more? Well, Chicago fashionistas there is more: four lucky customers will win a chic tee-shirt signed by Madonna the Material Girl herself! You can also enter for a chance to meet madonna!

Be sure to stay at the event after the initial hoorah as shoppers are invited to a dance party later in the day. Fashionistas will have the chance to enjoy fashion, music, refreshments and score a great gift with any $50 Material Girl purchase!!

The Material Girl collection is made up of apparel, footwear, handbags and jewelry and the price points range from $12.00 to $40.00. The line is incredibly well priced and easily available to the masses and is sold exclusively at Macy's! The trends that this brand is highlighting for Fall 2010 cater to prints and embellishments.

A mix of hard and soft elements, like a tutu dress and studded combat boots, or an oversized boyfriend sweatshirt with a floral print mini skirt. The looks create an interesting statement and definitely give a girl some schutzpa! It's no surprise that Taylor Momsen, Gossip Girl's very own Jenny was named spokesmodel for the line. She definitely does a great job of connecting soft and hard looks!

Be sure to watch the video above for a teaser view of the line as well as a personal interview with Madonna!

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Chicago Fashion Trends Examiner on Facebook

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Here I am