Oakley's Newest Sunglasses for Spring 08'

Oakley, RAVISHING sunglasses, $130

Oakley BETRAY sunglasses, $170

Oakley BELONG sunglasses, $170

Deep down, we’ve all been a little jealous of our boyfriend’s sporty Oakley shades at one time or another. Well, be envious no more, because ladies, now there is an Oakley line for you that’s sporty and chic, durable and feminine. Oakley’s Spring 2008 Eyewear Collection for women is now being introduced to stores with five new signature frames: Belong, Betray, Breathless, Eternal and Ravishing. Besides trendy shapes and adorable color options, the shades also come with extras like guaranteed all day comfort, lightweight frame durability, UV protection, glare reduction, and top Oakley-style quality. The cute shades which range in price from $120-$225 can be bought online at www.Oakley.com, in Oakley stores or other exclusive retailers. So whether you’re more “Jackie O” or “hit the slopes” and whether you prefer frames in lavender tortoise or midnight blue, Oakley has a pair for you, and they are better than your boyfriends!

-Nora Silver

Ferragamo Celebrates 80 in Shanghai

Celebrities Christina Ricci, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Melissa George just celebrated 80 years of Salvatore Ferragamo by flying out to Shanghai for a bash this weekend. The event kicked off at the Museum of Contemporary Art with the unveiling of Salvatore Ferragamo: Evolving Legend 1928-2008, followed by a fashion show and a VIP cocktail party. "This might be our 80th anniversary, but the fashion world has known the Ferragamo name for nearly a century," said Wanda Ferragamo, wife of founder and design legend Salvatore. "This event is especially important to us because it is the first time that we are presenting a retrospective not on Salvatore the man, but on the business he founded: its identity, innovations and values."

Colorlab's Chicest Lipgloss

Our favorite Easter gift this year was from Colorlab. They just launched a cute little product called Chocolate Chic ($12.50), an indulgent new lipgloss with a yummy chocolate flavor. Colorlab is located at 857 W. Armitage Ave. in Chicago. www.colorlabcosmetics.com

Exposure Benefits Stiches

As the straight shooting name implied, Exposure was a rocking event that showcased some of the best and brightest Chicago talent in multiple artistic disciplines, benefiting the Stitches Fashion Program. Held in a lofty space on W. Fulton Street, the event brought together music from DJ White Shadow, Empires and the Ting, Tings. Visual artist Choke and Esho added their creativity to the event. Choke had a large installation piece, while Esho made a live portrait. One of the highlights of the night was also a rad film that local filmmakers Vincent Haycock and Jack Edinger created featuring home grown talent. The video introduced the crowd to three local designers: Dana Rebecca Designs, a beautiful, high-end jewelry design house headed up by a talented and determined Dana; Samasara, the utterly creative couture millinery line by Sara Czosnyka that deconstructs vintage hats and repairs them with the most unexpectedly beautiful embellishments; And the articulate, international designer Soo Choi completed the video with her tailored and dimensional clothing line Biasline. The fashion-forward crowd enjoyed drinks from Argo Tea and Kilo Kai Rum while mingling and sinking their teeth into the satiating creativity that ensconced the event. A special note should go out to Stephanie Niedospial the Fashion Program Manager of Stitches for putting the entire event together and brining the creative fashion community of Chicago to its feet, inspiring all to encourage and support one another’s creativity.
-Kari Skaflen

Summer Suits On Sale Now!

We have been fantasizing about late spring and summer vacations, so why not take full advantage on some cute bathing suits that also happen to be on sale at Delia's?
We love this Heart Cinched Bandeau One-Piece, now for $33.50 (was $38.50). It reminds us of the '50s style suits. We like that at the same time, it isn't too sweet, even with those hearts.
You can't go wrong with classic check print. Go for the Check Knot Bandeau (now $24.50, from $29.50) and the matching Skirtini (now $24.50, from $29.50).
This is quite possibly our favorite look of the three. We love the yellow piping and black and white ornate print and the side ties on the bikini bottom. The Victoria Bandeau (now $29.50, was $34.50) and the Victoria Hipster (now $29.50, was $34.50) will definitely get those looks.

Shop all of these looks now at dELiA*s

Beckerman is Inspired by Agyness

Check out the April 2008 issue of Elle mag where they feature designer Beckerman with model-of-the-moment Agyness Deyn wearing the looks that were inspired by her. To view fall looks from Beckerman, visit www.tricotshowroom.com.

Kimora Returns for Saint Louis Fashion Week

Kimora Lee Simmons returned to her hometown recently for Saint Louis Fashion Week, which will showcase spring '08 and designers including Rachel Pally, Black Halo and Yana K, along with other Midwestern designers. While in town, the camera’s from her show on E!, “Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane" shot her homecoming and the city even proclaimed her with an honor “Kimora Day.” The designer celebrated her return home with an official opening night party for Saint Louis Fashion Week, presented by Budweiser Select. Kimora also did some good while in town. She announced that she will be doing a Fabulous Opportunity Scholarship along with Anheuser-Busch that will allow young women to take part in Washington University’s Fashion Design program. The fashion week is from March 24-30th!
*photo credit from the top: Kimora Lee Simmons and mayor by Brett Steen, Kimora Lee Simmons by Courtney Strong

Jamie Wolf is Coming to Neapolitan

New York jewelry designer Jamie Wolf is coming to Winnetka on Thursday, April 3rd and Friday, April 4th for a trunk show at luxury boutique Neapolitan from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. The store will be one of the only Midwest stores to carry the line. “It gives us great pleasure to bring Jamie Wolf's fine jewelry to Neapolitan and the women of Chicago,” said Kelly Golden, co-owner of Neapolitan. “For women who appreciate beautiful things, this is a must-see collection.” As one of the country's top boutiques, Neapolitan carries some of the industry's most influential designers in fashion, accessories and jewelry. Neapolitan is located at 715 Elm Street in Winnetka. To schedule a one-on-one private showing with Jamie, call 847.441.7784 or visit www.neapolitanlonline.com.
*pictured Jamie Wolf's yellow gold aphrodite's scroll earrings with diamonds, $2,950

Cynthia Rowley's Impromptu Sample Sale

Cynthia Rowley's Lincoln Park location will have an impromptu sample sale at their Chicago store at 810 Armitage Avenue Friday, March 21st and Saturday, March 22nd. There will be lots of merchandise on sale consisting of their fall collection, one-of-a-kinds and last year's spring line, some pieces as low as $35! Shop from 11:00 a.m.
to 7:00 p.m.

NYLON presents The VIRGINS Concert

Our friends at Nylon Magazine and Bloomingdale's sponsored an event last night that featured The Virgins in concert. The men's department Metro 59 was rockin' in the bottom floor of Bloomie's literally steps away from the 59th street metro stop in New York City. The Virgins took the stage in their streetwear chic and in an instant the midtown flagship store morphed into a cool Lower East Side vibe. While they're not into labels (which is why you won't find the 4-1-1 about them on Atlantic Records), their uber funk and musical prowess did not disappoint. While guests nibbled on sushi and enjoyed their Apple Martinis, one thing's for certain: this band which releases their self-titled album on June 3rd will be around for quite some time.
- story and photos by Vicki Salemi, NYC Correspondent

Top Model Jaslene Gonzalez Back in Chicago

Chicago's Top Model Jaslene Gonzalez will return to the Windy City on March 25-28th on behalf of Chicago Public Schools to tell kids, "Just Go to School." Gonzalez will be one of the many celebrity endorsers who will talk to kids about what they can accomplish by signing up and attending classes consistently. CPS alumni who will also participate during the remainder of the school year include, Hip-Hop performer Lupe Fiasco, actress Keke Palmer of "Akeelah and the Bee" movie fame, Chicago Bears NFL star Charles Tillman, Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Mercedes Soler and sports anchor Hector Lozano of Univision.

Roslyn at The Underground

On March 13th, Rosie Dulyapaibul of Roslyn Boutique hosted a safari-style fashion show at The Underground that benefited Stitches Fashion Program. Featuring 15 looks from designers such as Nicholas K, Steven Alan, and Rag and Bone, the show surely made the VIP's in attendance want to head over to Roslyn right then to purchase many of the looks. Not to mention, steal the looks of models hair which was styled by Beauty on Call. Guests sipped on signature Stoli cocktails like the Roslyn Russian, In The Jungle and the Safari Chic Cosmo, while jamming to DJ Mother Hubbard of L.D.W. Guests left with gift bag goodies like Nicholas K scarves, ColorLab Cosmetics, Hollywood Fashion Tape, Airforce Nutrisoda, Jenny Sweeney Designs greeting cards, Rosebud Salve lip gloss, gift certificates to Roslyn and Rockit, and an opportunity to have the ultimate VIP experience at The Underground. Roslyn is located at 2035 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647 – 773.489.1311; www.roslynboutique.com.
-Photo credit: Brian Choi

Kids by Phillip Lim

Have you ever seen a kids collection that is so chic? Neither have we. Phillip Lim has designed the most sophisticated kids line we've seen in a long time. Our picks - a sweet trench, ladylike dresses in grown up colors like navy and orange and whimsical fun with the happy face tee, paired with a feather swing skirt. Introducing KID by Phillip Lim

A Meeting with Monica

Monica Botkier seems to be everywhere these days. Her handbags are slung on the arms of some of the biggest fashionistas, her high-end shoe line launches this spring and she's coming out with an affordable line for Target. We caught up with the successful designer who got in the biz by accident.

RunwaytoRetail.com: What gave you the idea to cross over from photographer to designer?
Monica Botkier: It was accidental. I was doing fashion photography at the time, and I had always been into photography, taking pictures as a kid and then majored in it in college. I was shooting a lot of great bags and this was during the early part of handbag craze. I remember seeing the YSL Mombasa bag on a shoot and I fell in love with it. I bought one and then later on I purchased one or two other designer handbags, but found that they didn’t always suit my lifestyle and wanted to be able to afford more bags with that same designer style and quality. So, I decided that I would design my own bag. I sketched out the bag, and used leather skins that I had leftover from having photo portfolios made. So I took this to a woman in NYC and she made it for me, but I had to source all the hardware. I took it on shoots and models and editors noticed it and gave me really great feedback. So then I started taking orders for bags from a lot of the girls in the Conde Nast building. And then I showed it to Barney’s and then they picked it up. Things happened really fast, it was in April of 2003 that I made my own bag and then by July and August of that year I was in Barneys.

RTR: You started out as a photographer, how did that help you with your accessories and handbag lines when you went to launch?
MB: I was already in the business and I felt like it was easy enough to do. Truly the response was so overwhelming that I was very encouraged.

RTR: How do you recreate the feel of the Botkier handbags in the shoe line?
MB: With the shoe line as with the bags, the price point is important. The shoes cost between $200 and $500, and boots are at about $700 or so. The average designer shoe is about $600, so ours are a bit less. Having them made in Italy is beautiful, but expensive. Also, the comfort factor of the shoes equals the functional factor of the bags.

RTR: What sets your the shoe line apart from others already in existence?
MB: I don’t think there’s anything in the market like this. I like to consider us an approachable designer. I want to do the same thing that we’ve done with bags in shoes. It’s expensive to buy good designer shoes, but our shoe line has the same feel and quality, it’s cool, sexy, interesting and yet still comfortable, and has that edge, plus it fits into your daily life but you're not paying the premium. We’re a very independent company. It’s all coming from the heart and we’re all very close to it and it shows in the product.

RTR: I know that you’ve been unwilling to compromise on functionality (which we love), how does the shoe line continue this?
MB: We do have padding in the insole, and we make sure that the heels are very sturdy. We work with technicians and a great factory of superb quality in Italy. We also have realistic heel heights and platform proportions that still look sexy but practical. And we have a very streamlined good fit.

RTR: Which is your favorite shoe to wear this spring and which bag will you pair it with?
MB: I love, love, love the Sexpot (pictured below) on my foot; it’s a high heel open toed sandal, it’s almost like a dancing shoe. It’s just a super sexy shoe.
I also love the Shera with the Lita handbag (pictured below). They have similar colors and similar hardware that you can pair together. But in general I’d say take a great basic bag and wild it out with shoes. We have so many great styles, the Stevie bag is fantastic and the Leeta is the one I am carrying right now.
RTR: Which pair is the most avant-guard in your opinion?
MB: Wildest pair is one of the ones I am in love with, as is the Kiss (pictured below) and it’s got a great custom heel with two parts- a faceted metal interior and an exterior leather. The shoe makes the foot super sexy.
RTR: Who are your style icons?
MB: I love Kate Moss; she’s incredible, and she looks amazing all of the time.

RTR: What is your favorite place to go for inspiration?
MB: I was an avid traveler and traveled a lot in South East Asia, Africa and South America. Now I am more inspired by photography because I don’t travel as much since having my daughter. I have a Tom Sacks print that I got at an art auction that I love. It’s nude and abstract.
I also collect antiques and indigenous articles from all over the world that inspire me. I’m really motivated by what I feel like seeing existing in the world at a given moment.

RTR: You’re a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Congratulations! What is that like?
MB: I just got inducted and the first meeting will be in March. What I like about it is being an independent designer, the organization gives me a network of people and a community feeling that makes you feel stronger. I’m very inspired by Diane von Furstenberg on a personal level too.
-Kari Skaflen

Sari Gueron's Spring Fling

Sari Gueron is on our major radar for spring with her short little dresses that could take us from day to evening with ease, a philosophy that stays true to the designer's take on dressing. Jake (www.shopjake.com) will be hosting a Sari Gueron trunk show at their North Shore location(565 Lincoln Ave; Winnetka) Thursday, March 27th at 12 p.m. and at their Gold Coast store (939 N. Rush St.) Friday, March 28th at 11 a.m. For more information about the designer, visit www.sarigueron.com.

Runway To Retail: Kate Moss for TopShop, Fifth Collection

Kate Moss is getting in the mood for world travel with her new collection at TopShop, which launches today. Her fifth collection for the retailer features a collection that is inspired by her world travels, including Ibiza, India, and Miami. You'll adore the boho-luxe look of Aztec and Native American prints on dresses and blouses. Shop the Kate Moss TopShop Collection for spring/summer '08 at TOPSHOP.COM.

Cyber Deals: Exclusive Web Deals!

It's Friday, beautiful and feeling a lot more like spring! Take the opportunity to shop for gorgeous new looks.

Save $10 off $50 When you use Bill Me Later on Beauty.com!

Introducing Mayle at eLUXURY.com!

Easter Sale at Macy's. Save 10-50%! Valid 20-Mar-08 through 23-Mar-08.

Stay stylish in the sun with Net-A-Porter's Sunglasses Boutique

Get a FREE sample of Clinique Continuous
Rescue Antioxidant Moisturizer (very dry).
Enter code CLINIQUE
at checkout.

Bilson to Design Jeans

Rachel Bilson will be designing a line of jeans for mega brand DKNY that will launch this September. "Our customer has a real emotional connection with Rachel and she's always on the best-dressed lists, so it seemed like such a win-win for us," said Kevin Monogue, president of DKNY Jeans.

Be a Celebrity Stylist - Win $100,000

Do you want to be the next celebrity stylist like Robert Verdi or Rachel Zoe? Then you should be auditioning for a new reality show where 20 stylists compete to be the NEXT HOLLYWOOD STYLIST. If you think you have what it takes, then apply to style.

Just click to enlarge!

Lulu Frost at Simone's in Winnetka

Though it's only been open for a short time, Simone's Boutique already feels like home. "Simone's is not like a store or a boutique; it's like walking into your own dressing room," says Israel-born owner Simone Gensburg. Simone carefully picked a lineup of elegant pieces with which to stock her Winnetka-based "dressing room." Also on the menu at Simone's: fabulous accessories. For her shop's first trunk show, Gensburg has invited New York-based jewelry designer Lisa Salzer to showcase the latest pieces from her collection of Lulu Frost jewelry. Using found objects-everything from antique charms to recovered room numbers from the Plaza Hotel-in her creations, Salzer creates pieces that Simone says she "loves more than anything. They remind me of the Old World, which I love," she explains. "And there's a story - a fairy tale - behind each piece. Taking a belt buckle and making it into something so beautiful; can you imagine? Curiosity can lead people to amazing places."
-Jenny Berg

Find out how to make your own Lulu-esque creation.

Kiss Us We're Irish and We Have Deals!

You definitely won't get pinched in these cute, green dresses this St. Patty's Day. e-dressme is having a sale that is not to be missed and there are several different styles to get your shop on - think dresses between $50-$108! We just felt the need to be green.

We were checking out this green taffeta dress at Cynthia Rowley's Chicago launch party not too long ago and now it can be yours for only $154 from $308!
We took a double take at this one for a reason. It's an exact replica of Kate Winslet's Oscar dress, only hers was Valentino and yours, a look-alike that will only set you back $50 from $180! It even has that stunning back draping like Kate's!
Kate Winslet looking beautiful in her one-shoulder Valentino goddess dress at the 2007 Oscars.
This Jill Stuart emerald cocktail dress with ruffled neckline and hem is a steal at $75 from $325, the biggest sale yet.

These are all winners to us and after you snag them, you really will have the luck of the Irish. Shop these looks and more, visit eDressMe - dresses for all occasions.