Friday, November 30, 2007

Cyber Sales: Exclusive Shopping Deals!



We've scoured the web to find time sensitive deals perfect for holiday shopping...

eDressMe SALE - dresses 50% to 80% off
This Printed Chiffon Halter Dresse (pictured) by BCBG MAXAZRIA is now $100 (was $260) and is perfect for New Year's Eve!

Perfect Gift Sale at Macy's. Free Shipping with $99 purchase. Valid 27-Nov-07 through 6-Dec-07.

ICE.com HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - Save An Extra 15% + Free Shipping

LOUIS VUITTON: Presenting the 2007 Holiday Catalog online at eLUXURY.com

10% off Gold Watches at Overstock.com! Offer valid 11.30.07 to 12.2.07

Huge Barneys New York Sale

A Bliss-ful Holiday



Spa-goers can experience holiday cheer by stepping into Bliss where they are welcomed into the winter wonderland of spa comforts. Bliss Spa offers sumptuous holiday body treatments to nix seasonal tension and bring good cheer.

Whether treating yourself or another, Bliss has created holiday indulgences that can be enjoyed at home or at the spa. Blissertificates are easy gift options; treat a friend to Mistle-toes, a 60-minute holiday pedicure, or fight the winter chill with Santa Paws, an orange scented, hot cream hand treatment to sooth away dry skin. While waiting for your holiday spa fix indulge in some chocolate heaven from the complimentary Bliss Spa brownie buffet!

For family and friends that live out of town, bring the spa to them with the Snowed-in Set, which offers the head-to-toe Bliss experience of pampering. For the ultimate treat, Bliss recommends adding the limited edition Snow Wonder Body Butter to your wish list. The intoxicating body cream, infused with the fresh fragrance of snowflakes and arctic berry, is a moisturizer that can “take your snow day to a glow day.”

To find the perfect spa gift, check Bliss out online at: Sephora.com, Beauty.com and macys.com.To find a Bliss spa near you, visit Blissworld.com.
-Hilary Shaffer

Diane von Furstenberg to the Rescue!


Imagine this likely scenario: You’re traveling on business. You arrive at your destination airport only to find that your bag has been lost. You have an afternoon meeting with colleagues, followed by a swanky dinner with clients. Without your luggage, you have nothing to wear and no time to shop. Not one to panic, you call ahead to your W Hotel. You order the DVF Emergency Fashion Kit and have it delivered to your room. Upon checking in, you find a versatile, gorgeous Diane Von Furstenberg dress, which you promptly slip into and voila- you’re ready to take on the town.

From May to July of 2007, 1 million pieces of luggage were lost, damaged, delayed or stolen during handling by U.S. airlines. Luckily, the fabulous Diane Von Furstenberg has stepped in to save the day and assuage the fashion fears of those who lose luggage while traveling. The designer has created her own DVF EMERGENCY FASHION KIT. The saving grace ensemble includes the Diane von Furstenberg's classic black wrap dress, with a thong and comes in neatly packaged garment bag. The dress is pure Diane: a simple collarless long-sleeved wrap in basic black that can be dressed up or down and can go from day to night according to the occasion. Made of non-wrinkle material, the classic Diane Von Furstenberg dress is utterly worry-free.

Once you’ve made the initial investment, the dress travels compactly and easily in a carry-on or purse. You’ll never be stranded with nothing to wear again! The dress is available in W hotel stores and retails for $320.

Available at: 172 W Adams (W City Center) or 644 N Lakeshore
(W Lakeshore) in Chicago or www.whotelsthestore.com
-Kari Skaflen

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Les Exclusifs de Chanel


Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Consider it done. Chanel has released a collection of ten new fragrances, all of which are inspired by the places, events, numbers and history of Chanel. The scents, created by current Chanel perfume creator, Jacques Polge, are all significant and mimic the iconic scents created by Chanel’s original perfume designers.

Looking for something light and flowery? Try No. 22. Do you like more of a rich, smoky smell? Then Cuir de Russie is right for you. Bel Respiro will keep you smelling like French countrysides- rusted grass and sun kissed winds included. For a simple and sweet smell, splash on some 28 La Pausa. Want something sensual with a hint of fantasy? Gardenia is the scent to dot on your wrists.

Ten scents with drastically unique smells all of which can offer something different-talk about being prepared for any occasion! The Les Exclusifs de Chanel line is being sold exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman and select Chanel boutiques. You can own a 200 ml bottle for $175 or a 400 ml splash Eau de Cologne for $300. And if you can’t wait to get to the stores-call 1.888.774.2424 to order today.
-Nora Silver

Heiress Lydia Hearst for Puma


Model Lydia Hearst is well known for her signature feminine flirty looks. PUMA is a company that rocks the fashion world with their sporty chic line. So, no pairing could be more perfectly complemented than that of Hearst with PUMA. The fashion icon has designed an exclusive holiday purse for the company, called the PUMA Lydia Holiday Bag, a newer version of her PUMA Lydia Bag. The trendy bag comes with more than just instant-style: it also features tons of cute accessories such as a silver metal carabineer to hold key rings. The bag comes in two hot color combinations for the winter: asphalt grey with chrome silver detailing and black with dazzling blue detailing, so you can match any outfit! Hearst has worked with PUMA since Spring 2007 when she starred in PUMA’s global launch event for French 77 in Monaco. Says Hearst, “Fashion is a living form of art. I love fashion, and I love art, and this has been an incredible opportunity for me to let my own vision come to life.” The bag will be available for purchase in PUMA concept stores worldwide from November 30th through February 15th, 2008 and will retail for $125. For more information, click here.
- Nora Silver

Runway to Retail: Prada



Prada welcomed over 400 guests to their first holiday gift party on Tuesday, November 27 at Prada at 30 E. Oak, in Chicago where guests and lovers of the brand shopped for cause - Ounce of Prevention, which helps in the healthy development of at-risk infants, toddlers and preschool children. This event marked their first large charity event the Chicago store has ever seen! The event got us thinking about our own "Prada" wants and needs this holiday season. We just couldn't get enough of their resort collection that featured full circle skirts with pretty floral prints paired with tiny colored cardigans paying homage to the 50s. We could never get sick of a classic black Prada bag that could up the ante on any outfit you already own. Prada also has a great new limited addition perfume out on the market for $250 that's made from pure essential oils.
Gifts for her: Fragrance & Beauty
Browse PRADA handbags for rent at Bag Borrow or Steal

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Miu's Muse


Kirsten Dunst will be the new face of Miu Miu's spring campaign. Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott recently shot the actress last week in LA for the spring/summer 2008 collection. Miuccia Prada is no stranger to casting Hollywood starlets as her muse's in her ad campaigns, which have included Selma Blair, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Lindsay Lohan. This spring, if Miu's super-short pantaloons aren't your thing, she has plenty of pretty dresses. We love her Oyster dress (pictured above) in Champagne silk with black spaghetti straps. Buy Miu Miu at NET-A-PORTER

Runway To Retail: Shop Holly Golightly






Holly Golightly, the lovable character in Breakfast at Tiffany's played by Audrey Hepburn can now easily be your look. Snag a modern-day cocktail dress ($48) that will surely get looks as you're holding your croissant and sipping your coffee while peering through the windows of Tiffany's after a late night of partying. No need for any of their baubles because your Miss Golightly necklace ($14) is a perfect replacement for diamonds. And before heading home for a morning nap before it all starts again, don't forget to grab your holly eye mask ($14) for some self assured shut eye. Shop fredflare.com.

Bag Borrow or Steal



Bag Borrow or Steal is like the Netflix of the handbag world. Imagine the girl who always has the latest it bag. It could be you, except without the lofty expense of buying them. Why not borrow from their array of stylish, designer handbags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch and more. It's as low as $5 a month to be a member of this exclusive borrowing club. And, if you like the bag to the point where you can't let it go, steal it for much less than what you would pay in the store! Happy borrowing! Borrow the Biggest Brands in Designer Handbags at BagBorrowOrSteal.Com!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Charlotte Brody Trunk Show

With a private clientele and gorgeous, custom-made pieces, the New York-based label, Charlotte Brody is fashion’s best kept secret. But not for long- the label’s head designer will be on hand at an exclusive Chicago shopping event in conjunction with Step Up Women's Network, a national non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls.

Unique to Charlotte Brody is a rare commitment to old-world garment construction, which takes its lead from history, continuing in the footsteps of master tailors and couture seamstresses. Additionally, clients have the opportunity to individualize any piece by hand-selecting rich colors and sumptuous fabrics.

In the philanthropic spirit, Charlotte Brody is donating a portion of the proceeds from the shopping event towards Step Up Women's Network.

When: Thursday, November 29
Time: 6:00pm - 8:30 pm
Where: 73 East Elm, Suite 4A, Chicago, IL
How: This event is free, but space is limited. Call the Step Up office at 312.235.3277 for more information.
www.charlottebrody.com


The Secrets of the Chanel Jacket


The eternal style of a Chanel jacket is no secret, but the details behind the iconic jacket have been since conception in the early 1900s. In exclusive style, The Secrets of the Chanel Jacket were revealed to the Chanel boutique at 835 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago on Nov. 15-16, with Dallas being the only other city to house the iconic collection for viewing the week prior.

Lucky viewers eyed the jackets, which came mostly from a temperature controlled vault in the conservatoire in Paris. The iconic collection featured haute couture and prêt-à-porter (ready to wear) jackets. Specific pieces included the first jacket from 1916 made out of a jersey material of khaki coloring; an ivory, pink and black cardigan believed to be owned by Coco Chanel herself; a classic tweed from 1964; and the limited edition embroidered tiara jacket (only 35 were made). Iconic pieces hung on the walls and models fashioned pieces from the Chanel Spring 2008 and Resort collections, showcasing how the jackets are reinvented each year.

So what makes the Chanel jacket so special? The secrets lie in the details. Paneling, structure, texture, shape and embroidery, all contribute to these timeless jackets. Mary-Adair Macaire, Chanel’s director of global marketing, came from France to take admirers through the secrets.

Coco wanted to make a jacket for women to wear, which was fashionable, yet comfortable, unlike the popular corset. In 1916 she created a jacket out of the same malleable jersey material as men’s undergarments, called tricot, which was breathable, comfortable and still stylish.

From there, Coco’s jackets transformed into cardigan styles, shorter three-quarter sleeves (to show off her many bracelets), trenches and more. With chains sewn to the bottom of the silk lining and numerous panels for custom tailoring, the jackets have impeccable fit.

The tweed jacket, which is one of Chanel’s most requested items, consists of more than a dozen different fibers. These are hand-sewn tweeds, made of fine silk, ribbon and mother of pearl. The embroidery is so important that Chanel commissions a specialized factory in Paris, which it has owned since 2002, called Lesage. For the famous 2007 Tiara jacket it took over 60 hours to hand embroider!

Today Karl Lagerfeld reinvents the jackets with touches of Coco’s personality. As creative director, Lagerfeld incorporates jewelry into accessories for the jackets, like making a broche into a button. In homage to Coco, Lagerfeld creates a new set of buttons each year with symbols Coco was fond of, like her favorite number five from the perfume. From Coco’s foundation to Lagerfeld’s innovation, the Chanel jacket can do no wrong.
-Hilary Shaffer

Vera Wang's Princess is “Enchanted”


Little girls dream of becoming princesses…and let’s be honest, a lot of not so little girls do too. Well, if you haven’t found your prince yet, at least the fairytale can begin with the fragrance, Vera Wang Princess and new Disney movie, “Enchanted.” The heart-shaped perfume with a be-jeweled crown on top joined Disney to create a royal affair at the premiere party of Walt Disney Picture’s “Enchanted” and after-party at “Disney’s Enchanted Experience,”
at the El Capitan Theatre, in Hollywood on November 17th.

The 24,000 square foot attraction of “Disney’s Enchanted Experience,” featured all of the seven Disney Princesses: Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine and Giselle, the newest princess and star of “Enchanted.” The premiere party let royal dreamers participate in the Vera Wang Princess “What Kind of Princess Are You?” activity.

The fairytale continues at “Disney’s Enchanted Experience” for another seven weeks after the premiere through January 6th. Each guest will have the opportunity to win a Vera Wang evening gown. Additionally, Vera Wang Princess will provide birthday gifts and party favors for guests celebrating birthdays at the theatre. For tickets, visit: www.elcapitantickets.com.

If you can’t attend “Disney’s Enchanted Experience,” there are other opportunities to get your princess fix. The royal fun goes even further, with a purchase of a 3.4 oz Princess Eau de Parfum, shoppers can enter to win tickets to local screenings of “Enchanted” at Macy’s stores in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco as well as Dillard’s in Dallas. To buy Vera Wang Princess, visit macys.comor Sephora.com.
- Hilary Shaffer

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Diego Rocha Trunk Show

Click the image to enlarge!

Glitter: A Holiday Shopping Event to be Held November 27th


Who: The Department of Cultural Affairs

What: The Department of Cultural Affairs are pleased to present "Glitter: A Holiday Shopping Event" that is free and open to the public. Discover the best gifts of the season when Chicago designers and boutiques take over the second floor of the Cultural Center for one day only! Special holiday items, sales and original fashions from Chicago designers offer unique finds.

Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington GAR Hall, 2nd floor

When: Tuesday, November 27th, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Vika Brown
bocUe bags
Kreatia
Nicole James
Five Accessories
Sue Rosengard
Sojourn
Mira Couture
Pieball
Pretty Afrika
Bourdage Pearls
Chic Gems, Etc.
Dollybird Design
TWIST by Kate Szymanski
DI-O, ACA boutique
Kreative Souls by Pilar
Double Stitch
Ludia Couture
The Tiebar
Artistic Jeanius

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Erin Fetherston for Target

Erin Fetherston is now the 9th designer to take on Target's Go International. The Paris-based designer's line debuted today with a collection that is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Fetherston is known for her party dresses and this collection boasts a variety with satin trim, velvet bows and heart-shaped buttons and peter-pan collars. You'll also love her chunky cardigans, miniskirts and skinny pants. All at a price you'll adore - $7.99 to $89.99. Shop Target.com. For more information about Erin Fetherston, visit www.erinfetherston.com.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Tory Burch Store Opening

Tangerine walls, mounted with deep orchid colored cubes, cupped chandeliers and bright pink peonies pop, white leather couches ooze relaxation, this is the newly minted Tory Burch boutique in Chicago. Amid the color and the din of the crowd, a diminutive blonde with cashmere brown eyes stands out in her poised and relaxed manner. Publicists hum about her, photographers call out her name, while journalists wait to speak with her; everyone is vying for her attention. But like the eye of a storm, Tory Burch is calm. On cue, she gracefully grants interviews and photos with genuine down to earth approachability, fantastic style and colloquialism. Tory Burch’s self-made, eponymous lifestyle brand is based largely on her own infallible instincts and values.

The traditional values of family, togetherness and time-well spent are imbued in the fashion that is the core of Burch’s lifestyle brand. Her line expresses a brilliant convergence of well-tailored, classic Americana, peppered with playful winks. She finds inspiration in vintage patterns and ‘60s era films, which she combines with classic pieces.

Understated sequined shift dresses is a paradigm instance of Burch’s sensibility: the shift is classic, the sequins flirty. Or consider another Tory Burch gem- her silk jersey polo emboldened with graphic purples and oranges: the polo is pure preppy, the color punchy.

Burch’s personal aesthetic and respect for tradition makes her the fashion mouthpiece for so many American women. She unequivocally appeals to young trendsetters and soccer moms alike. Equally charming are the line’s widely accessible price points.

We can’t get enough of the effervescent Tory Burch collection; the combination of classic and contemporary has us all in a tizzy.
-story and photo by Kari Skaflen


Tory Burch
66 E Walton St
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312.280.0010

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Nanette Lepore Bucktown Opening


Nanette Lepore’s seventh boutique worldwide opened November 1st in Chicago’s Bucktown shopping district to an elegant celebratory soirée. Nanette herself was on hand to welcome Chicagoans to the boutique. Looking stunning in her own black sequined mini with a textured, feather garnished shrug and cascading black bead chandelier earrings, Nanette chatted with guests and gave interviews. Chicago’s fashion elite turned out in fetching numbers to fête the highly anticipated boutique opening. Guests were treated to champagne cocktails, martinis and passed delicate hors d’oeuvres, and for dessert, miniature pink-frosted cupcakes embossed with an elegant letter N atop satiated sweet-tooth cravings.

The boutique space itself is an embodiment of Nanette’s style and impeccable taste. The Bucktown interior is ensconced in rose-tinted white wash walls with patterns of pale chandeliers dripping from uber-high ceilings. A gorgeously large, high-backed settee bench, oval shaped display cases and a long sleek counter – all in white, contribute to the aesthetic of the boutique. In a plush contrast, bursting with color, shine and texture, neat racks of Nanette’s line emanate. Recessed display cases tantalize with a selection of shoes, boots, bags and accessories, including Nanette’s signature fragrance.
-story and photo by Kari Skaflen

Nanette Lepore
1623 North Damen Avenue
773.489.4500
www.nanettelepore.com