Dear Fashionistas,

Do you really need a reason to mingle with some of the most stylish fashionistas in Chicago? If so , how about sipping cocktails and enjoying sumptuous apps while hangin’ with Chicago designer Anna Fong and of course Fashionista Chicago?

Aha, now we got ya.  See you Saturday, June 2nd at 4pm!

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Barbara Bates

Lara Miller

Borris Powell

Dear Fashionistas,

StyleChicago hosted The Art of Fashion show Friday, May 4^th with NBC’s Fashion Star contestant, Barbara Bates, Oscars® Design Challenge winner, Borris Powell and Project Runway finalist, Shernett Swaby. With 7 other Chicago designers featured in the fashion show, it was truly an eye-opening event for any fashionista. The show had a mixture of ready-to-wear and high fashion couture.  So there is definitely something for everyone.  That is why we love our local talent! It’s so diverse!

Designer Lara Miller’s ready-to-wear line was fun, but what made her line especially unique was knit wear that could be inverted from a high neck sweater to a cardigan. Borris Powell stunned us all with his structured coat and red, textured evening gown. My personal favorite was Barbara Bates’ black leather trench coat; a great piece for anyone’s wardrobe! Take a look at some of the fashion from these fabulous Chicago designers!

So who do you think stole the show?

Check out some of Fashionista Chicago’s Interviews with these designers.

1. Borris Powell
2. Barbara Bates

FashionistaChicago Contributor, Genna Katz

Dear Fashionistas,

Mother’s Day is around the corner and you don’t want to show up empty handed when you visit her for the celebrated Coq au Vin dinner she slaved over for the family to celebrate…ahem Mother’s Day.

So we picked out some super fabulous items for you to get in a snap.  All mothers deserve a bit of a reminder on how much we appreciate all the hard work they do and support they give.  But most of all the love they share as well as their closet.

1. Lush Mama Mia Busy Bee Bath Extravaganza. $39.95
2. L’Eau de Chloé Springtime Fresh located at Sephora. $65
3. Chicago Designer C/Fan Notebook at Cerato. $25
4. Electro Block Gold Halo Necklace by Chicago Designer Nick Jean. $180
5. Gryphon Happy Jacket and Tee at Gavin. $420 and $50
6.  Lumete Eyewear Blond Havana Spectacular. $220
7. Coral Crowley Zip Foldover Clutch at Krista K. $138

We all know the Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood to be Chicago’s [hipster] fashion hub. If it’s not already, this trendy hood should be on every man’s radar. In Bucktown, artistic expression breeds an effortless cool.

Introducing, Mildblend Supply Co. (www.mildblend.com, 1342 N. Milwaukee), your new Chicago Fashion and denim destination. Mildblend brings to Bucktown my favorite denim brand of the moment (solidifying its place on this Fashion Blog) – Naked & Famous. Made in Canada from selvedge denim, all sourced from Japan’s finest mills, the jeans are, simply put…badass. Unwashed, raw selvedge denim is meant to be abused – each pair will, overtime, become unique; fading in all the right places. That is, however, if you can resist the urge to wash them.

Oh, and don’t worry ladies, this Chicago Fashion hot spot is sure to have something for you too.

Fashionista Contributor.

Cory Friedman

Melynda,Thimble and Acorn

Mona

Vision Counsel

CONGRATULATIONS TO KELSEY KREILING FOR WINNING $100 TO SHOP MILK HANDMADE!

Dear Fashionistas,

Milk, The new boutique focused on independent designers and handmade with care items is opening their doors  tomorrow Tuesday, May 1st in the heart of Andersonville.  (5137 N. Clark)Owner Hallie Borden, a Marketer and Retailer Maven  is offering milk and cookies all day to the savvy shoppers.  You’ll get a glimpse of some of the hottest up and coming talent while twirling in a new dress you just had to have.

Milk and Fashionista Chicago are coming together to give you a $100 Gift Card to get you off and running to their Grand Opening May 10th from 7PM to 9PM!   We will draw the winning name this Friday May 4th.  Just in time for the Grand Opening Party.

Simply:

“Like” MilkHandmade Facebook Page

“Like” FashionistaChicago Facebook Page

Comment here on what you will buy at MILK!

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Dear Fashionistas,

As Fashionistas, we always imagine what our perfect home will entail: a spacious, white kitchen, a cozy family room and most importantly, a colossal closest to fit all of our clothes. DreamHome, a design exhibit at the Merchandise Mart, picked nine hot Chicago designers to design different rooms including a welcome lobby, foyer, study, living room, bedroom, dressing room (the dream!), dining room, kitchen, game room and outdoor dining space.

Each designer uses a unique idea to create a cohesive space in DreamHome. The foyer, designed by Jillian O’Neill of Jillian O’Neill Interior Design, is covered in gray and black horizontal stripes with a bright, red ottoman for an old Hollywood, glamorous room. The game room, designed by Kenneth Walter of Grey & Walter, Ltd, feels more masculine with wood paneled walls, leather armchairs and a Foosball table with gorgeous metal animals. The dressing room is impeccable; designed by Fernando Soler of Smartrooms, this closet has functional storage space, a large console table and a customized, oversize mirror. This beautiful wooden space is perfect for a true fashionista.

DreamHome is now open for everyone to enjoy on the first floor of the Merchandise Mart. Walk through this free display to get inspiration for your own house!

Fashionista Chicago Contributor,

Genna Katz

Dear Fashionistas,

SAIC hosted their annual fashion show Thursday, April 19th in Millennium Park showcasing 112 young designers.  The students really showed off their creative side by rocking the runway with an artistic flair.  These up and coming designers put new meaning in sharp asymmetrical suits, high-heeled boots and glammed-up hair.  SAIC alumna and Chicago fashion diva Cynthia Rowley was on hand as the featured spotlight guest.  She welcomed the packed tent and set the tone for the show.

Above is a small clip of the show.  What do you think of the collections?

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Dear Fashionistas,

Just another exclusive “Dish on Fashion” with hand selected bloggers of ten.  The bloggers we select are some of the most up and coming, sure to be known savvy media mavens including; Jaye of Curvatude, Raijean of Swa-Rai, Shae of Vanilla Fringe, Melissa of Stylissh, Mary from Zeagalicious, Katie from NowYouKnow and founders of Dish on Fashion Nicki Brashear of Fashionista Chicago and Katie Schuppler of KS Style Consulting.

Whether they write about fashion, food or interior decorating, we find a way to “Dish on Fashion” from all point-of-views.

Every other month Founders Nicki Brashear and Katie Schuppler partners with Katie Cahnmann to help locate a restaurant in Chicago to host our event.  The restaurant  we choose creates an exclusive menu just for us.  In this case, we hosted our event at Mindy’s Hot Chocolate.  They created a vegetarian menu that was farm to table fresh.

Of course we can’t wait to get to the restaurant for the exclusive menu surprise but we also work with local boutiques and designers to put together a swag bag filled with fashionable goodies. This month we enjoyed super soft legging from V/Fish, retro sunglasses from Clothes Optional, fab fringe necklaces from CRAM, triple milled shea butter/olive oil soap from Comfort Me, yummy professional haircare from George Salon, Gift Cards from Hubba Hubba, Comfort Me, Sarah Jane, The Blue Jean Bar, CRAM and Union Sushi.

We thank everyone for contributing to this amazing event and stay tuned for the next “Dish on Fashion”!

If your interested in being a part of “Dish on Fashion” whether you would like to donate to the swag bag or join the table, please contact me via email: FashionistaChicago@gmail.com.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Dear Fashionistas,

Luxury Swiss brand La Prairie Celebrates 25 Years with New Instant Facelift! The original caviar beauty experts are back and helping women feel young and fresh without a visit to the plastic surgeon. Introducing Skin Caviar Liquid Lift: the formula combines golden caviar pearls with the latest technologies to improve lines and wrinkles. The serum also includes glucose-based polymer to smooth and tighten skin, a pentapeptide to protect skin cells from stress, Vitamin C and Vitamin B5. After 25 years of developing skin products, Skin Caviar Liquid Lift is sure to become a staple in every woman’s daily routine.

Skin Caviar Liquid Life can be found at Neiman Marcus on North Michigan Ave. Please stop by and check out La Prairie’s “Facelift in a Bottle”!

Genna Katz

Fashionista Chicago Contributor

Dear Fashionistas,

A Kelly Wearstler event at Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue last week seemed to be a great success.  The petite bombshell really shook up the place by having a DJ spin some jammin’ tunes while we sipped on cocktails and nibbled on bite size treats.  However, we were there to see the collection and it was quite the scene.  Brights meet contemporary and  vintage bags meet sophistication.  Everyone was buzzing around trying to meet the designer and try on all her pieces.  Once Fashionista Collaborator Alison Peeples tried on the red slub coat above and put it back on the rack, each one of them was removed from the rack at once by different shoppers.  GONE- just like that.  Her pieces are very wearable but fashion-forward.  Wearstler is a creative designer and not to be reckon with.  Except to purchase her pieces of course.

How do you like my Instagram photographs?

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Dear Fashionistas,

Affordable is not usually what you think when “cocktail dresses” come up in a conversation.  But Chicago designer RÜCH by Ruchika Singh designs cocktail dresses with that in mind.  All made with luxurious silk fabrics and detailed with hand-made textures and patterns, RÜCH creates a wonderful collection that is fashion-forward and light on the pocketbook.  She believes that luxury should not be a privilege but attainable.  Her designs reflect contemporary styles but timeless.  Which means we can wear them more than once!  Ruchika Singh grew up in her mothers boutique where she was surrounded by luxurious fabrics. So there was no turning back for her.   Inspired by her surroundings, she moved towards her dream by designing dresses with feminine silhouettes and luxurious fabrics.

When Ruchika invited Fashionista Chicago to visit her S/S 2012 collection and a sneak peek at her F/W 2012, we were just thrilled! I fell in love with the styles and the fabrics but especially the gem like hues and the fact she will customize any design with numerous color options and lengths for all dresses and tops.

Check her out at the next next fab shopping event:

FashionChicago® (Spring 2012): Designer Shopping Event & Party

Friday, May 4, 2012

5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The Museum of Broadcast Communications

360 N. State St.

Chicago,IL60654

Also, as a Fashionista Chicago reader, receive 20% off by mentioning FC or simply use code Fashionista on her website ruchdesigns.com.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANNIE BELL FOR WINNING THE ZAMRIE TUNIC!

Dear Fashionistas,

Chicago native and fashion-forward designer Ashley Zygmunt started her career working under high fashion powerhouses Zac Posen and Peter Som in New York City.

Returning to the Windy City, Zygmunt was chosen as one of six designers for the Chicago Fashion Incubator 2009.  Sponsored by the City of Chicagoand Macy’s, this promising program helped her launch her own label ZAMRIE.

She sets her self apart with a collection of stylish, wearable pieces that are made for mixing and matching.  The ZAMRIE collection oozes sophistication and intrigue.  Bold prints in classic silhouettes and feminine detailing are a staple of the Zygmunt’s collection.

What we love about the collection most, are the variety of prints, solids and styles.  A Fashionista Chicago staple!

So we wanted to give you a chance to add a bit of ZAMRIE to your style.  This wonderful whimsical print tunic is perfect for city lights in the Windy City or anywhere you feel like adding a little pizzazz! A $295 Value!

All you need to do to win this fab tunic is simply:

1. Like ZAMRIE Facebook Page
2. Like Fashionista Chicago Facebook Page
3. Comment here on where you would where this City Lights Tunic

Winner will be announced on Sunday Evening! 4/15/12.  Stay Tuned!

Good Luck!

Nicki

Olga Barladym

GIDI by Taneasha Prunty

Dear Fashionistas,

Who knew Grossinger Autoplex could be much more than a car dealership? Last Wednesday, Chicago fashionistas joined Shari Duffy and Benjamin Cottrell to check out Chicago’s favorite designers, indulge in Fannie May chocolates, and try on beautiful handbags and jewelry.

The night started off with guests mingling among the booths with cocktails in their hands. I stumbled upon a great boutique called My Dreambag where fashionistas can customize their  bag to their personalized taste and style. Would you design a stylish evening clutch or an every day bag? On the charitable side, Chicago Lost & Found showed off their affordable bags made out of old ties, t-shirts and scrap fabric. The donations go to art education for children in the Chicago area.

Anna Fong

At the very end of the night, a much-anticipated Benjamin Cottrell fashion show featured Anna Fong, Thierry Rogers, Ramsey J. Prince, Carrie Carmichael and Julia Hadi Jewelry. One of my favorite designs was Anna Fong’s spin on the LBD with a long sleeve, lace dress. (picture above) The models strutted their stuff down the escalator and around the corner for all fashionistas to see. I walked away feeling pleased with the event I had just attended; it was truly a night to be remembered!

Fashionista Contributor,

Genna Katz

Dear Fashionistas,

In case you haven’t noticed, COLOR is a must-have trend this season.  But orange seems to be the color of choice because of it’s sumptuous versatility. Which lead me to develop a secret crush on orange.  We love the idea of adding a pop of color to our spring wardrobe.

1. Easy day to night dress from Tibi at Handle With Care.  $396

2. Fashionable note writing brightens your day leather journal at Anthropologie.  $16

3. Walk this way won’t you? These hot suede sandals can make even your worn jeans look smashing. Billow at Lori’s Shoes. $150.95

4.  Sanctuary Dreamy Tee is layer friendly.  Be adventurous by pairing it with another bright color underneath at Comfort Me. $112

5. Aguaclara swim suit takes us to the beach looking fabulous. $69

6. Perfect clutch for that Pop of color we mentioned earlier.  It’s the icing to the cake. Eddera Clutch. $288

So have we tempted you with a bit of citrus to compliment your wardrobe this spring/summer?

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Dear Fashionistas,

Is your armchair bare, boring or simply, needs a face lift? Skip the plastic cover and think exotic, throw pillows. Creator Paula Queen of Pyar & Co. featured her new collection of accent pillows at Comfort Me Boutique last Wednesday.

The trunk show itself, hosted by mother/daughter trio, Melanie, Alyssa and Bethany Thomas, was something to be remembered. Sophisticated appetizers consisting of assorted cheeses and wine added to the vintage and mature aesthetic of the store. Every fashionista attending, snooped around the stores merchandise in awe; from the clothing racks to stunning flea market finds. This trio knows how to give posh Lincoln Park a little more polish.

Pyar & Co.’s home accessories are inspired by the bold prints and colors of the customary sari and other Indian traditional dresses. Each pillow is hand-stitched, hand-beaded and hand-dyed to give every seat in your home an authentic flair. One of my favorite pillows featured hand-dyed, metal studs in a diagonal, striped pattern; what a great modern twist on a traditional inspiration!

Check out Pyar & Co.’s collection to spice up your home today.

Fashionista Contributor.

Genna Katz

Dear Fashionistas,

We all like a little “Panache” in our lives and that is exactly why founder and owner Lynne Barnett opened the doors to Panache Boutique over 29 years ago.  I was honored when Panache contacted me to come visit.  I have known about the store for quite some time but as every Chicago Fashionista knows, we are busy!  So Fashionista Chicago made the time and sashayed right over. I wore a Chicago designer (Anna Fong) ensemble and met with super stylish Manager Janet Paradiso and Fashionista/Asst.Buyer Alana Galvin.  We had so much fun snapping away on all the fabulous items in the store that I couldn’t help but create the photos in Instagram to continue the fun fantasy.

Bright colored clothing were scattered throughout the store displayed like fireworks. Ohhhh, Ahhhhh.  From casual wear to the LBD-Pananche has you covered.  I eyed the little bright colored clutch that looked like straw but was actually leather. Deceivingly roomy and has two different length straps. Panache carries many items that other boutiques don’t so you can be sure you are purchasing something that was hand selected.

I snapped a bunch of pics I think are spring/summer worthy:

The outfit on the mannequin:

Pants – David Kahn $185
Tank – Jack $50
Jacket – Central Park West $165
Scarf – Echo $38
Necklaces – Chan Luu $110
Alisa Michelle Designs $100

• The yellow bag is by Monserat De Lucca $165.
• The bowl of bracelets are Susan Hanover, they range between $60-$65
• Sparkly/Sequin vests are  Moyna, $110
• The pink tank is Bordeaux, $65
• The jean jacket is Dish, $110

Panache wants to give you an incentive to get your spring/summer on!  Just mention Fashionista Chicago through April 6th, 2012 and receive 20% off!

Ta Ta,

Nicki

CONGRATULATIONS TO  JOSEPHINA FROM Albuquerque, New Mexico FOR WINNING THIS FABULOUS DAVID PECK DRESS

Dear Fashionistas,

Wow!  What an opportunity we have presented here for you.  Eco-conscience designer David Peck was just in town Saturday mingling with all the hipsters in Bucktown at his exclusive trunk show at Tangerine where his collection is available.  Fashionista Chicago got exclusive rights to give you a chance to win this amazing Hayne Dress in The Birds print. (retails at  $485.00)

Inspired by his travels, his latest journey to New Orleans influenced him to create the latest collection CrOP.  It is a combination of brilliant colors and playful patterns.  Just like this dress.  It is created to show off those beautiful legs, so get your best spring/summer accessory out (your shoes) and flaunt this dress to an upcoming spring fling.

All you have to do is follow these simple rules:

• “Like” Fashionista Chicago on Facebook
• “Like” David Peck on Facebook
• Write a comment by finishing this sentence: What will you wear with this fabulous dress?

We will announce the winner Thursday evening so don’t wait!  Who said “Chicago Fashion” isn’t fun?  Not me!!

Read my exclusive interview with David!

Ta Ta

Nicki

Dear Fashionistas,

Borris Powell’s Fashion Show “Without a Shadow of a Doubt” last Sunday was an explosion of red Ferrari’s, metallic clad models and asymmetrical apparel.  If you missed the show, you missed an amazing theatrical presentation of his new menswear and ready-to-wear collection.  A crowd favorite was his full length leather gown and his extra extra wide leather belts worn by both men and women.

This Chicago designer just keeps getting better and better and his collection continues to grow. Did I mention his new handbag line?  Everybody is just ga-ga about Borris.  If you ever met him, you would know why.  It isn’t just his brilliant eye for designs but also his amazing bear hugs and contagious laughs that make you realize this guy is “for real”.  You can’t help but to get your pom-pons out and cheer for our talented Chicago fashion designer.

For more information on Borris, simply go here for fabulousness.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

                                                                                                                                                                  **photos by Donna Binbek

Dear Fashionistas,

Do you like bold and beautiful hand selected pieces of jewelry? A hidden gem has literally taken me by surprise when a friend insisted I come see the illusions of grandeur.  Antique and Resale Shoppe Inc. is tucked in Niles near Touhy Ave. at 7214 N. Harlem. 

For 30 years Suzanne and Jules have been running a magical vintage shop that buys and sells Costume Jewelry, Vintage Clothing and Hats, House wares and that old-time political pin we once adorned years ago.  However, the costume jewelry was the eye-popping,  jaw-dropping fashion explosion that caught my eye.  Your head spins in every direction and your not sure where to begin.  So much glitter and wildly fantastic colors.  Luckily,  Suzanne is a stickler for organization. The store is organized by color schemes which really helped me narrow down my treasure hunt. I wear black;  a lot, but I am really into gold jewelry right now.  Lots of it.  I love to pile on the bangles and layer long necklaces.  So of course I did a little damage in the gold-rush section.

If you didn’t plan on venturing out that way any time soon, I would definitely make the trip.  But don’t go if your in a hurry, you will end up spending at least two hours soaking all the bejeweledness in.

Just another Chicago Fashion find by Fashionista Chicago.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Dear Fashionistas,

Ya know, sometimes a Fashionista needs a dressed down look and still feel chic.  That is how I usually dress  for St. Patrick’s day.  We have to go to the parade and stand tall while celebrating our Chi-rish heritage.  We can’t be worrying about our Dolce & Gabbana shoes and Helmut Lang top.  J Crew at the 900 shops have a few looks to get you through the day and the night  and look just as fabulous.

Ta Ta,

Nicki