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!

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!

Become a fan on Facebook!

Chicago Fashion Trends Examiner on Facebook

Follow the CFTE on Twitter!

StyleChick's Summer Pop Up Shop

If you're going to Ca-li-fornia...be sure to check out: StyleChick’s Summer Pop-Up Shop!The lovely ladies over at Redlight PR send me a fun tip that I thought I'd share with you all :)...goodies and samples at discounted prices, what more could a girl OR guy ask for?!? Oh and the cherry on top? One of Chicago's very own brands, JLee Silver will be a represented!



Receive amazing discounts on the season’s most popular styles from JLee Silver and other great accessory and apparel brands. Be one of the first 50 shoppers and snag a gift bag full of great goodies!



JLee Silver was designed as a complete wardrobe with styles that are both sophisticated and functional. We’re excited to offer this opportunity build your summer wardrobe or add the finishing pieces at a fraction of the retail cost. Join celebrities Julie Benz, Nia Long, and Melinda Clarke as fans of this and other great collections!



This one weekend only event will be held on June 12-13th at 8457 Melrose Avenue – near La Cienega and across from Taste.

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!

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!

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

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

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! :)

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!!