Thursday, April 30, 2009

Link it! Fashionable Links from Around the Web! The Week in Chic!

RedPoppyFashiontravels to the city of Bath, England to see the gorgeous countryside, cobblestone streets, and Jane Austen.

The Fashionable Housewife
has all the Tips On How To Get The Perfect Shave And Bikini Trim For Summer


What we crave in fashion, jewelry and vacations! [Factio Magazine]

Fashion Fille got a really pretty ring with a really cool message. See it and read about it at her blog!

Really cool brands, like Madewell and Charlotte Ronson designs are available at NYC's Port Authority?!?! Fashion Pulse learns that for the month of May, there will be some pretty great designer items there! [Fashion Pulse Daily]

Kate Loss’s beautiful studded Chloe boots are drawing the wrong kind of attention…

Quinta Trends introduces CandyStore Collective: Sweet e-shopping.

Runway To Retail checks out some of the coolest art+fashion events coming up during Art Chicago, May 1-4, 2009

The Fashionable Gal dishes on real NYC stories from Gossip Girl

High-End Designers on Budget

Designers are being faced with the problem of figuring out how to create their luxury collections under pressures to watch pennies. Designers have turned to creating pieces that don't reflect season or definite trends that could date the look; people are not wanting to buy things that are distinctive to a certain time frame. Designers have to make clothes that people can keep in their closet all year round. During these crunches, they have the opportunity to explore their creativity in new ways. Coming up with different ways of keeping cost down but staying up-to-date with fashion will come as a challenge. High-end designers are used to unlimited guidelines during their creativity process, but this will now allow them to push themselves and show how great designers just have to role with the punches.
-Katie Davidson

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Luxe Links! Luxury Links from Around the Web!


UFO-Hayashi transforms Acer Aspire One Netbook into a masterpiece worth $3000
: A zen-touch-up for a netbook from the land of rising sun. [Luxury Launches]


Cityfile: Nelson and Claudia Peltzs House of Horrors, Part Two:
domesticblog is warning about the "behind-the-scenes" of serving the wealthy... [domesticBlog]

Fashion Designers Work Their Magic at Milan Furniture Fair: A kitchen by Armani? Lamps by Diesel? You bet! [Bloomacious]

Madonna Slept Here:
Castillo del Lago, Madonna's former home in the Hollywood Hills is for sale for $14.95 million. [Luxist]

Kristopher Dukes is wanting, wearing, hating nude Omelle shoes. [KristopherDukes]

Runway To Retail
checks out some of the coolest art+fashion events coming up during Art Chicago, May 1-4, 2009 [Runway To Retail]

Veuve Clicquot DesignBox:
Tom Dixon, Front Design and 5.5 Designers 'DesignBox ' For Veuve Clicquot [MOMist]

Was this Ernest Hemingway's hideout?
From Bloomacious: These Game Reserves in Tanzania are picture perfect - just keep the shooting to camera shutters clicking. [Bloomacious]





Thursday, April 23, 2009

Events: Fashion+Art

We love to mix fashion and art, especially when it comes to parties. Check out some of the coolest art events coming up during Art Chicago, May 1-4, 2009.

Art Chicago specializes in showcasing historic and current works from cutting-edge contemporary artists to modern masters. Art Chicago 2009 will be held May 1-4 at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, with special preview opportunities on April 30. The international art affair annually brings together the world’s principal rising and reputable galleries to feature a broad spectrum of media that includes painting, photography, drawings, prints, sculpture, video, and special installations. Art Chicago attracts prominent curators, gallerists, collectors, artists, and art enthusiasts from the art world during its five-day stay in the city. Tickets are available onsite and online, children 12 and under are free. Opening previews and First Focus for Art Chicago will take place on April 30. First Focus, the exclusive premiere viewing of Art Chicago, will take place from 12pm-3pm and include complimentary food, drinks, book signings, and admission to Art Chicago concurrent shows. Tickets are $150. Invitation only, professional preview opportunities will take place from 3pm-6pm, and the official Art Chicago opening preview will follow from 6pm-9pm. The $40 tickets for the evening will benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.
-Jackie Medler

One on One: A Creative Conversation between Cynthia Rowley and Nick Cave
What: Art Chicago - public event
When: Friday, May 1, 4-5 PM
Where:
Art Spot, Art Chicago Show Floor
Why:
Art meets style when designer Cynthia Rowley and artist Nick Cave discuss fashion, art and creativity in a special one-on-one conversation. Check out the story in the NY Times!

Cost:
Details
Cynthia Rowley

Work by Nick Cave
Photo by James Prinz


Cynthia Rowley Shopping Party
What: shopping with a fashion star
When: Friday, May 1, 6-8 PM
Where: Cynthia Rowley’s store at
1653 N Damen Ave, Chicago, 773.276.9209
Why:
The event is to help raise funds for RxArt. Cynthia and her husband Bill Powers are deep into the contemporary art world. “RxArt, a not-for-profit that puts contemporary art in children’s hospitals and Bill and I are both on the board of RxArt, and they’re actually working on an installation at a Chicago hospital,” Cynthia tells Factio Magazine in an interview.
Cost: FREE

just click to enlarge!

ART ROCKS
What: The Official After Art Party of Art Chicago
When: Friday, May 1, 7-10 PM
Where: Lumen in Chicago at 839 W. Fulton Market
WHY: Enjoy local paintings and digital art as you sip on specialty "complimentary" Corzo tequila cocktails. Mix and mingle with Chicago's hottest art and fashion scene. The evening's line-up of hosts include Fashion Designer Cynthia Rowley, Factio Editor Melissa Maynard, Factio Publisher Henrique Kerch, Socialite Candace Jordan, Fashion Designer Claudia Kleiner, Artist Christine Sanderson, Jewelry Designer Tracey Mayer, and Elite Models Kasia Koniar.
RSVP Required: 21+over to: WWW.FACTIO-MAGAZINE.COM/ARTROCKS
Cost: FREE

Just click image to enlarge!
RSVP to
http://www.factio-magazine.com/artrocks

Love, Life and Liberty Art Exhibit
What:
Enjoy an evening of art and complimentary cocktails
at the swank RIGHT Loft
When:
Saturday, May 2, 6:30-10 PM
Where:
The RIGHT Loft, 213 West Institute - Suite 704, Chicago

Why:
Chicago artist Christine "Star" Sanderson will exhibit her series "Love, Life and Liberty"; a collection of vigorous and stimulating oil paintings, as featured in the upcoming independent film "Einstein's God Model".VIP invitees and the press will be able to preview the "Love, Life and Liberty" series of paintings and sip on complimentary cocktails in the swanky RIGHT LOFT. A portion of the artist's proceeds will be donated to Inspiration Corporation.

Cost: FREE
Freedom - Oil and Spray Paint

What: ARTEahora
When: Saturday, May 2, 6:30 – 9PM
Where: River North Gallery District 233 W Huron St, Main Floor, Chicago, IL 60654
Why: Chicago ARTEahora in partnership with Latino Fashion Week and the Host Committee present "Focus on Fashion: Carry On Art" a special reception event presenting fashion arts, featuring hand crafted handbags by Brazilian artist Diego Rocha and contemporary costume jewelry by Colombian artists Liliam Medina and Juan Diego Sanchez. Mr. Rocha handbags are recognized as fashion masterpieces, and the jewelry works are equally as engaging. The fashion art will be curated by Richard Dayhoff.
COST: $50 per ticket

Guiomar Mesa

Summer at The James

For the complete look pictured: Dana Cardigan $119, Jane Double Wrap Belt $49, Melanie Belt $59, Large Mobile on Rope Necklace $129, Caleigh skirt $139

The James Hotel

It takes a little longer for warm weather to arrive in the city of wind, but when it’s here – there’s nothing like it and with the Summer Girls’ Weekend offer from The James Hotel and Club Monaco, there's even more reason to visit Chicago. The getaway will be filled with a weekend of activities. It begins on Saturday morning with a power breakfast at David Burke’s Primehouse, which is their modern twist on a traditional steakhouse. Chef Rick Gresh will get your day started with a light and healthy morning menu. Thereafter, you will receive a personalized Beach Body Workout at their private gym, so you can look your best for the next step: shopping! There will be one-on-one styling consultations and a $1,000 Beach Boutique wardrobe waiting for your group at Club Monaco on Michigan Ave. in the 900 Shops! As if all of this isn’t enough, the day ends at J Bar – the cocktail lounge inside the hotel, where you will luxuriate at VIP tables (try their signature Mojitos). The Summer Girls' Weekend will run from May 1st through July 31st and starts at $1,019 per night for four guests, or $255 per guest, per night. Visit www.jameshotels.com or call The James' concierge at 312.337.1000 for more information and/or reservations.
- ChloƩ van der Wel

Lilliana dress $199

“Beach Boutique Necklaces. $39-$59”
photos courtesy of Club Monaco

Link it! It's Fashionable Links from Around the Web! The Week in Chic!

The Budget Fashionista is the go-to source for tons of swimsuits on a budget!. Get ready for summer with sexy seperates, and inexpensive suits to flatter every shape and size.

The Fashionable Housewife
is giving away reusable S.H.O.P. Totes from Calypso Studios! Click Here To Enter!


Factio Magazine: Splurge Vs. Steal - Learn how to buy all of your favorite designers (think Hermes, YSL, Louis Vuitton) without breaking the bank!a>

Even though Fashion Fille is far from Australia, she is digging a super cool down-under online boutique!

Fashion Pulse Daily is excited about its Sorrelli Jewelry Giveaway for Earth Week. Enter to win a fabulous pair of earrings.

Denim short-shorts can be a fashion "Do" - Fashiontribes shows you how.

Fashion Special: Earth Day by Quinta Trends

RedPoppyFashion is off to London where she'll be blogging about her exciting travel adventures, British fashion trends, High street shopping, redhead sightings, and the following British finds she's hoping to see in person...

Runway To Retail checks out Barneys New York New Shopping Emporium in Chicago - check out the luxury store floor by floor

The Curated Life found out what you get when you cross Jem and Joan Collins: this excessive-in-a-good-way, hot pink necklace from the new A.Z. jewelry collection

The Fashionable Gal is giving away the new book City Chic - The Modern Girl's Guide to Living Large on Less by Nina Willdorf!!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Mango Inpired by Mexico this Summer

The Mango summer 2009 ads have surfaced and we can't get enough of Ms Cruz, as well as the Aztec-inspired, vibrant frocks. We plan to pick up many of these pieces before we head to Mexico this August!





Rachel Bilson for InStyle

Always wanted to know Rachel Bilson’s secrets to style? Now you can! The fashionable actress and designer teamed up with InStyle to write a monthly column about her must-have items plus she’ll answer fashion and style-related reader questions. In her first column, the Edie Rose for DKNY designer writes about her must-have flats and affordable brands like Lela Rose from Payless among giving advice on how to wear scarves in warmer weather and how to combine a big bag with cocktail attire. Can she also give us advice on how to get that effortless street-style she always rocks? Bilson states, “I can talk about fashion all day long, and I am an avid InStyle reader so the relationship seemed perfect! This column is the best homework assignment ever!” We’re excited to read how Rachel dishes on the top seasonal must-haves as well as finding bargain treasures. Check out Rachel’s first writings in the May issue of InStyle, hitting newsstands on April 24! And if you have a style question to ask the fashionista, please submit at www.instyle.com/askrachel.
- ChloƩ van der Wel

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Luxe Links! Luxury Links from Around the Web!


Maia in The Seychelles is a Spiritual Awakening -your heart may break just a little seeing this remarkable spot. [Bloomacious.com]

Airplane Fuselage Becomes A Luxury Suite
-An old airplane cabin has a new life as a one-of-a-kind hotel room [Luxist.com]

Barneys New York Opens New Shopping Emporium in Chicago - check out the luxury store floor by floor [Runway To Retail]

Kristopher Dukes is wanting, wearing, hating L’Artisan Parfumeur. [Kristopher Dukes]

Price on Helmsley Mansion Cut by $50 Million - shopping for "bargains" in Greenwich real estate... [domesticblog]

Splurge Vs. Steal - Learn how to buy all of your favorite designers (think Hermes, YSL, Louis Vuitton) without breaking the bank! [Factio Magazine]

samsara a new range of vegan & eco-friendly designer bags - One Dollar from each bag is donated to charity [Momist.com]

Friday, April 17, 2009

Barneys New York Opens New Shopping Emporium


Champagne, doughnuts, Louboutin accessories and Comme des GarƧons clothing. The grand opening of the new Chicago location (across from the old store) at 15 East Oak of Barneys New York was extravagant!

The luxury retailer unveiled a 90,000 sq. ft., six-floor emporium filled with every possible want or need. Starting at the top, the sixth floor penthouse level will bring you the mouthwatering creations of iconic restaurant Fred’s, where you can enjoy a fashionable meal or cocktail after shopping. The fifth floor is dedicated to men’s shoes and the tailoring department, while the fourth floor brings you the younger and more urban branch of men’s fashion.

The third story is a delight for the fashion-forward young woman, who knows her designer lingo. Alexander Wang shows why he stepped over to women and J. Brand’s jeans selection will get you ready for a casual, yet high-end look. In your new outfit, take a stroll down the dazzling stairs and find shoe heaven. With over 3,500 sq. ft. dedicated to the high-heeled woman, the second floor will make you want to spend your life savings. Outside of the Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent excitement you will definitely experience, this story is also the one you can find your gowns and evening wear.

The ground level first floor takes you through the accessorizing stage of dressing up. Bags and jewelry of every designer possible is what you will find. The Lanvin jewelry is extraordinary and the feather headbands are the perfect way to top off your outfit. When you have time, head to the beauty department located on the lower level. NARS, Bobbi Brown and others give you glamorous make-up, John Galliano gives you candles, and Barneys exclusive Editions de Parfums gives you lipstick red chambers where you can sample scents. Get ready Chicago. If this isn’t the ultimate shopping experience, than what is?
- ChloƩ van der Wel




Photos by Alicia Nieto for Factio Media

Facebooking with Cynthia Rowley

Cynthia Rowley I'm holding a sample sale with prices up to 80 percent off at the Lincoln Park Cynthia Rowley in Chicago (810 W. Armitage, 773-528-6160). It runs today through Sunday. Enjoy it Chicago!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Just Married: DailyCandy Weddings


Everyday women everywhere go to DailyCandy to inspire them and build up their lifestyle knowledge. And now this refreshing website launched a brand new micro-site named DailyCandy Weddings! Brides-to-be will get the inside scoop of what’s hot, new and undiscovered in the bridal world. From floral trends for bouquets to eco friendly dresses, DailyCandy Weddings will help you through one of the happiest and most stressful times of your life!

Plus one lucky reader will wear a free wedding dress (valued up to $5,000) from Saks Fifth Avenue on their special day, while another will go on an all-expenses-paid honeymoon from Jet Blue Airways!

Editor-in-chief Eve Epstein says, “DailyCandy Weddings will give brides the inspiration, confidence, and options to create the wedding of their dreams.” We say, any bride in the world can use a little help.
- ChloƩ van der Wel

Link it! Fashionable Links from Around the Web! The Week in Chic!


Quinta Trends loves Carolina ParraguƩ fashion photos

The Fashionable Housewife
gives a quick lesson about sulfates in your shampoo and body wash.


Isaac's Liz: Factio Magazine talks to Isaac Mizrahi about the new look of Liz, how he's really a slob and so over India (to his boyfriend's dismay!).

During her spring break, Fashion Fille caught up on her life. Hear about some of what she did at her blog!

Fashion Pulse Daily is smitten with the fabulous organic haircare products of famedstylist Philip Pelusi.

Look cute in girlie pink & sophisticated florals, says Fashiontribes.

London fashionista-in-training Kate Loss says forget Balmain, DIY ripped denim’s where it’s at.

Diane Kruger for Vogue Italia: Kruger has landed herself a 20 page spread in Italian Vogue shot by photographer Mark Seliger. Check at out at Runway to Retail!

Have you purchased shoes from Wal-Mart lately? If so, please take note! The Budget Fashionista has info on whether your shoes were part of the Wal-Mart Shoe Recall, and whether you qualify for a full refund.

The Curated Life pined over 1970s New York style after seeing a fantastic new photography exhibit featuring Debbie Harry, Mick Jagger and Iggy Pop

The Fashionable Gal tells you how to get 15% off Spring Handbags from Handbag Heaven

In the Gold Coast with Barneys and Tim Gunn

It's a pretty big fashion day in Chicago! Barneys opens up a much larger location in the Gold Coast and Project Runway's Tim Gunn is making a personal appearance at Kate Spade tonight. All of the details below!

Barneys celebrates all day and is open to the public in lieu of doing an invite-only launch party. The retailer welcomes everyone to celebrate from 10am-7pm. Enjoy doughnuts and champagne while you shop the new Barneys New York today at 15 E. Oak Street!

Tim Gunn will be at Kate Spade from 4-6pm today talking style and to chat with guests. If you spend $100 or more, you can get a picture with him. We recommend getting there early! Kate Spade is located at 56 E. Oak Street.

Barneys chatter via facebook:

Jenn Lake
(Skirt PR)
thrilled the new Barney's New York opens in Chicago today AND TheOutnet.com is live! Recessionistas, break out your debit cards...Erin Gallagher (jewelry designer) just got back from the new Barney's opening!! Go Look - great window shopping :( Corri Mcfadden (www.edropoffexpress.com)
Barneys Is Beautiful! Jill Jellinek Katz (The Patton Group) is Barneys Opening via Zion National Park! Go Lara! Jared Craft (hipster) spinning @ 6 or free bubbly @ barneys? indecisive. help?

Michelle Rahn Opens Bridal Salon

Photo courtesy of Michelle Rahn

Wednesday, April 15th, Michelle Rahn made her debut in Chicago by hosting an event in her newly opened boutique that allowed guests to mix and mingle while checking out her latest wedding gowns. Located in the West Loop of Chicago, the Michelle Rahn Bridal Salon (211 N. Green St.)
is nothing less than elegant and chic. During the event, a model was showing off different designs while guests enjoyed conversation, sipping on champagne and snacking on crackers and cheese.

The interior of this boutique matches perfectly with the "scene" that Michelle Rahn wanted to create with her salon,
with a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling and large mirrors resting along the walls. Her goal for opening the salon was to bring back the "experience" that should be had when buying your wedding gown. Rahn designs all of the gowns herself and believes brides and their family should receive more personal attention when it comes to the big day. She found herself getting into the bridal industry after her sister asked if she would design her wedding gown. Realizing how much she enjoyed it, Michelle Rahn felt this was the right niche for her. For more info, visit michellerahn.com
-Katie Davidson

Photos by Alicia Nieto for Factio Media

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Christian Siriano hosts ‘Love Games’ Show

Christian Siriano
photo by Alicia Nieto for Factio Media

Lumen nightclub turned into the definition of fierce last Friday night. Wicker Park’s edgy boutique Bonnie & Clyde’s and Christian Siriano united to showcase their fashion collections in a sleek runway show and Lumen worked as the perfect backdrop for this sophisticated spring/summer showing.

Bonnie & Clyde’s is the place-to-shop for unique and refreshing fashion, and Siriano is the designer-to-shop for dramatic and artistic pieces. And although the young, energetic designer showcased designs all over Europe and New York, this was his first time in Chicago. Siriano’s line is sold exclusively in Chicago at Bonnie & Clyde’s.
- ChloƩ van der Wel

Check out our interview with Christian!

RUNWAY TO RETAIL: Tell us about your internship with Vivienne Westwood and working for McQueen.
CHRISTIAN SIRIANO: It was so long ago but amazing! Westwood was really interesting. I remember getting the position there because of a teacher I had who had worked there for years and years and years. She was so fabulous. She was like, go work at Westwood, you will love it. You are fabulous. I'm like ok! It was so hard and everybody was so mean, but it became easier. That led to the position at McQueen which was amazing and an internship as well. At McQueen, it was so much more responsibility because they really rely on people that are talented and work hard. The other designers (besides Alexander who was amazing), were really inspirational and I just loved them, so it was great.

RTR: You make wearable art. How are you inspired by art?
CS:
I think art is really inspiring. It's so interesting because I am so inspired by art, but never know what artists are or who they are or what they are doing or what ideas they have. I just like what they create. I try not to take it so seriously. I think that's why when I do pieces, it's organic and not forced.

RTR: How would you describe your personal style?
CS:
I'm totally that artsy weird kid with spiky hair and big chunky glasses, a downtown hipster boy, but I like to wear flashy, fun things.

RTR: If you could go back to any time period, what would you choose?
CS:
That is a tough one because there are so many. I even think the 60s and 70s were so cool and fun. I kind of wish clothes were still made that way. Today, a general look is flip flops, baggy jeans and t-shirt from wherever, but back then a general wardrobe was still really cool and modern. And then, obviously, who wouldn't want to live in the 1800s and wear Ascots everyday, how fabulous.

RTR: Who are you inspired by as far as other designers?
CS:
I think now that I feel more like a real designer, and I do collections and shows and all these things, I think that every designer inspires me in a different way. I don't feel like I'm on the same level, but now that I'm selling in these same stores, next to these great designers, I feel like I'm inspired in so many different ways. There is always something different, all of these different ideas.

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your hometown?
CS: I think of weird things not so fabulous, like boaters and yacht clubs and Naval Academy, which is not me, but you know, that's what I think of.

RTR: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
CS:
I would be in Chicago, which is fabulous! I'm all about the here and now and I love that. I never feel like I need to be somewhere else!








Photos by Alicia Nieto for Factio Media