Fashionable Links from Around the Web - Green Chic!

The Fashionable Housewife shows us how to add a dose of instant style to any outfit by adding a Vintage Brooch. It's one of the hottest Fall 2009 trends!

[Factio Magazine] Michael Jackson's Hair to Be Made into Diamonds - Chicago-based jeweler LifeGem, which specializes in creating high-quality diamonds from individual hair samples, has announced plans to release a limited collection made from the King of Pop's hair.

Fashion Pulse Dailycan't wait to get a facial with organic fruit and veggies from New York City's Organics-To-Go!

Sarah at Looking Sharp! needs these TOMS vegan boots for Fall ASAP!

My Beauty Bunny recommends a cruelty-free self-tanner and body firming cream in one from Tarte.

I love Contextos Eco bags. See it in Quinta Trends

RedPoppy Fashion loves how designer Linda Loudermilk does couture and chic sustainable design

[Runway to Retail] This October, show off your vampire pride with an exclusive clothing and jewelry collection inspired by the highly-anticipated November release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon at Nordstrom

The Fashionable Gal found a way to exchange stylish clothes you’re no longer wearing for "new-to-you" stylish clothes in return. Click here to learn more!

Barneys Will Recycle Your Denim

What: Bring in a pair of your previously loved denim and Barneys will recycle them.

Why: Because 1% For the Planet (an alliance of business financially committed to creating a healthy planet) will give you 20% off your next pair.

When: Offer is valid August 1 – 31st at Barneys CO-OP (2209 N Hasted St) and Barney’s New York ( 15 East Oak St).

Details: Offer is only valid on men's and women's full priced denim purchases only. Donated denim must be in wearable condition. Each denim donation is valid for only one new denim item. Cannot be combined with any other promotion.

Bvlgari Teams with Celebs to Save the Children

Luxury jewelry company Bvlgari has recently celebrated their historic 125th anniversary and with that comes one of their most noteworthy campaigns - Save the Children. To help a very important cause Bvlgari has created a 3-piece, limited edition jewelry collection including this pendent. The company will donate $60 from each item when purchased to Save the Children's "Rewrite the Future" campaign. Celebrity endorsers include Ben Stiller, Isabella Rossellini, Ginnifer Goodwin, Terrence Howard and more. For more info, click here.

Want a Career in Fashion?

Have you always dreamed of working in the fashion industry? Amy Astley, Teen Vogue's editor-in-chief, tells you where to get the info you need to do just that in the following video!

New Moon to Launch Collection at Nordstrom

This October, show off your vampire pride with an exclusive clothing and jewelry collection inspired by the highly-anticipated November release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon. The collection will be sold at Nordstrom and includes fitted screened tees, tanks, hoodies, dresses, jackets all designed by Awake, as well as necklaces, earrings, bracelets and key fobs. The clothing plays off of the style and setting of the film with pieces like plaid tunics and jackets. The jewelry, silver and gold-plated, showcases pendants and charms related to the film such as Bella's truck, Jacob's motorcycle, a moon and more. These new looks give Twilight fanatics a trendy way to show allegiance to either Team Edward or Team Jacob.
-Tracey Johnsen

Sale at Jimmy Choo!

Attention ladies! Jimmy Choo is having a major sale at their Chicago location (63 E. Oak St.) - 65% off current sale merchandise from Wednesday, July 29- Sunday, August 2nd! All sales are final. Not in Chicago? Visit www.jimmychoo.com to take in the sales! We love the pop of color on this Lexy shoe (in magenta) that is retailing now for $347.50 from a whopping $695.

Luxury Links from Around the Web! Luxe Links...

Stripes Have A Checkered Past - From prison to the runway, Luxist looks at the history of wearing stripes

Factio Magazine Interviews Celebrity Hair Dresser John Nollet - In collaboration with hotel group Park Hyatt and Louis Vuitton, Nollet travels the world from hotel room to hotel suite giving hair advice and a cut and color to a lucky few (at $1,400 a session).

Soliloquy Super-Green Super-Yacht Is Obviously Super-Cool and Super-Expensive - domesticblog checks out the latest green design in luxury yachts

Runway To Retail explores how Prada will conquer yet another fashion capital with its new pop-up location in the City of Lights.

KristopherDukes is wanting, hating and loving the Oonagh O'Hagen Louis Vuitton Print Tote Bag

Photos of Lily Allen for Chanel are Revealed

Lily Allen's latest campaign photos for Chanel have been revealed. The actress, who is rarely seen without her coveted bags in real life, posed with Chanel's latest Coco Cacoon reversible handbag collection. Her tiara and black sunglasses set a playful tone for the campaign that was shot by designer Karl Lagerfeld.

Amber Valletta to Launch Clothing Line

Another celebrity/model clothing line is in the works. Amber Valletta is joining forces with Monrow, an L.A. clothing company and will launch everything from dresses and blazers to tees and tanks this November.

Model Jessica Stam for Fendi's Fall 2009 Ad Campaign

Model Jessica Stam is the latest muse for designer Karl Lagerfeld and his latest ad campaign for Fendi. Fog sets a mysterious mood for the fall 2009 campaign, showcasing the model in Fendi's latest must-haves.

Prada's Parisian Pop-up

This winter Prada will conquer yet another fashion capital with its new pop-up location in the City of Lights. The mega-brand has created what looks to be a cross between the famous Mirabel Bridge and the Italian luxury firm’s original store in Milan. The boutique’s designer, Roberto Baciocchi, took the inspirational elements of the Mirabel Bridge and incorporated them into the store through faux metalwork that wraps around the dramatic staircase; perspective illusions, and even the store’s lights hang from metal support-like beams trussed across the ceiling. The surreal boutique on Place Beauvau 92 has a hint of the Milan store with similar checkered marble floors and freestanding display cases. The interior is lined with mannequins dressed in Prada to look like pedestrians enjoying the Parisian landmark. The store will carry a selection of women's ready-to-wear, bags, accessories and footwear.
-Tracey Johnsen

Link it Fashionable Links from Around the Web - Green Chic

My Beauty Bunny shows you how to get gorgeous, healthy, post-beach hair!

The Fashionable Housewife is giving away Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancer. Enter for a chance to win!!!

What do Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Watson and Rosie Huntingon-Whiteley have in common outside of being gorgeous superstars? Gorgeous skin thanks to MV Organics.[Runway To Retail]

Factio Magazine checks out Chicago's newest luxury, eco-friendly hotel and all of their high-end restaurants! Check out theWit!

Fashion Fille tells us about the extremely generous giveaway Earth Friendly Products is doing! Learn more about it, and enter to win!

FashionPulseDaily is really digging the recycled metal jewelry of Alex and Ani!

One dress, a great cause & countless looks. Fashiontribes tries it on for size.

Looking Sharp! is discoveringChickdowntown’s new vintage collection

Posh Swaps loves the frugality, sustainability and style of Zero waste fashion.

RedPoppy Fashion loves the pretty and lightweight reusable bags from ENVIROSAX.

West Loop Sidewalk Sale This Weekend!

This weekend head out and support Chicago stores and designers by shopping! You'll be rewarded with deep discounts, and you could even pick up a new pet (the following stores will have animals available for adoption through PAWS)!

Stores include: Koros Art & Style (1039 W. Lake), Pivot (1101 W. Fulton Market), Tribeca (1035 W. Madison), 2 Sisters Boutique (1167 W. Madison), Smitten (1041 W. Madison), Erin Galagher Jewelry (1017 W. Lake), Bess & Loie (1015 W. Lake), Fig Tree (1037 W. Madison), The Oprah Store (37 N. Carpenter)!

MV Organics

"It feels so good to put something so thoughtful and natural on your skin, MV Organics products smell unbelievable," says Maggie Gyllenhaal about the products.

What do Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Watson and Rosie Huntingon-Whiteley have in common outside of being gorgeous superstars? One of the aspects that keep their skin being up to superstar level: MV Organics.

This natural skincare brand developed by Australian facial specialist Sharon McGlinchey helps every skin type bring out its beauty but is a real savior for extra dry and sensitive eczema or even acne prone skin. McGlinchey is a leader in the field of innovative skincare and next to MV Organics; she also developed her own skin therapy.

With products like Rose Hydrating Mist, Instant Revival Booster and the Gentle Cream Cleanser, MV Organics promises to make your skin red carpet ready. Visit www.mvskincare.com for more info or to contact Sharon McGlinchey herself for an appointment!
- Chloé van der Wel

Miss Universe Hits the Runway

Eighty-eight of the world’s most beautiful women were practically born to strut the catwalk. Now it’s their chance. On August 12, The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort in the Bahamas will host the Miss Universe Pageant fashion show, Islands of the World Fashion Week. Unlike past years, the women will be outfitted by three Bahamian designers, utilizing the locally manufactured fabrics of Androsia and Bahama Hand Prints for their creations. Rachel Turnquest-Garcia of Rachel's Boutique, Basheva Eve of La Maison de Besh, and Sabrina Francis of SE'B Fashions were the three designers chosen. "Not only is this significant as the first time that The Bahamas is hosting the Miss Universe Pageant, but also because the fashion show will feature another aspect of the islands' creativity and culture as displayed in fashion. This will certainly have the potential of catapulting the local fashion industry into the international spotlight," said Owen Bethel, Chairman of the Host Planning Committee and Pageant Coordinator. This fashion show features more then just the warm breeze and tropical flowers of the Bahamas. It is taking a dive into the islands' talent by showcasing undiscovered gems in the fashion world.
-Tracey Johnsen

Luxury Links from Around the Web! Luxe Links...

Luxury Launches checks out Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami's collaboraione to introduce the anime Panda

Essential Summer Style, Starring the Jaguar XK Convertible - Luxist explores the elements of the quintessential summer road trip

London's Design Museum - Kristopher Dukes is wanting, seeing, and hating London's Design Museum.

Six-Figure Nannies - domesticblog ponders the 100k + salaries of professional Nannies...

Stella's Toon Town - Runway To Retail loves that Stella McCartney got excited by Bambi for her latest fall/winter '09/'10 ads.

theWit Hotel - Factio Magazine checks out Chicago's newest luxury hotel and all of their high-end restaurants!

Stella's Toon Town

Stella's ads from fall/winter '09-'10 just may be our favorite thus far. Model Sigrid Agren was photographed in the woods surrounded by those lovable toon animals from Disney. "I'm a huge Bambi fan, and the film reminds me of my mum [the late Linda McCartney]," said McCartney. "And we wanted to have some fun. The clothes in the campaign are looking quite fierce, and we wanted to contrast them with the innocence of Bambi".

Anna's Private Party

We aren't sure we can wait for the much anticipated documentary, The September Issue. While magazines have already launched their latest issues featuring full page ads of the new film. Anna is planning her own party to promote the flick. On August 19th, the New York fashion set will enjoy a splashy opening party, followed by an invite-only dinner.

Luxury Links from Around the Web! Luxe Links...

Factio Magazine talks to model, TV personality, author, and food connoisseur Padma Lakshmi about her jewelry line

Afshin Feiz showcases his spring/summer 2010 collection during the couture shows in Paris! [Runway To Retail]

The BeoVision 4 From Bang & Olufsen: Rapture on the "Small" Screen for $112,000...Luxist checks out the television that costs more than most cars.

The Real Estalker: UPDATE: Cher domesticblog wonders how we can raise $40 million to buy Cher's house

Sign up to win a luxury vacation from style icon Tory Burch to Los Cabos, Mexico!

Celebrate Summer With Tory Burch

Celebrate summer with Tory Burch! Tomorrow is the last day to enter for the ultimate grand prize:

*Round trip airfare for two to Los Cabos, Mexico
*Four nights at the One&Only Palmilla
*Dinner at Jean George's and One&Only's Aqua
*Two luxurious spa massages
*A $1,200 Tory Burch wardrobe

Paris Couture Week: Afshin Feiz

Afshin Feiz: “You don’t have to be beautiful…but it helps”. This is the playful title of the multicultural designer Afshin Feiz’s Spring/Summer 2010 couture collection, shown last week in Paris. The collection is inspired by Christopher Marley, who is an American artist that works with exotic insects by bringing out their beauty. The 6-piece collection consists of intricate constructions in silk organza using vibrant colors. This emphasizing power of color and arrangement use is what you see in Feiz’s work, instead of the actual inspiration. Grey tones contradict bright purple and yellow and embroideries make up fantasy insects. Feiz’s inspiration source has been love, but for this line he looked at beauty for what it is. Beauty comes in many forms and you can find a sense of it in anything. Insects, for example…

Check out our Factio Magazine interview with Afshin Feiz!
- Chloé van der Wel

Star Power

sponsored by:


The stars have allied for designer Marc Newson who created an enchanting jewelry piece for Boucheron. The hypnotic necklace is made up of raised clusters of diamonds and sapphires in nuanced shades, with a large diamond whorl at its center. The color palette of white and deep to light blue diamonds will have you thinking crystal clear night sky under a galaxy of revolving stars. The necklace looks as though it is floating. This is because of roughly 2,000 pavé stones, some as small as 1.7 mm, positioned on invisible settings giving the piece a weightless look. This caliber of jewelry is nothing new for Boucheron. Their jewelry functions as wearable art with inspiration ranging from pastries to casinos and even space. Get free delivery at Boucheron in July 2009.
-Tracey Johnsen

Cyber Deals! 60% Off at White House Black Market!

60% Off Select Dresses at White House Black Market. Offer Valid 7.09.09 to 8.09.09

Jessica Alba Talks Eco-Chic

When all-around beauty Jessica Alba gave a few minutes of personal advice during her Vogue photo shoot about going green and being fashionable, we couldn’t help but listen.

Alba tells us about her composer that isn’t smelly, her made-out-of-tires grass that doesn’t need watering and her vinegar mixed with water cleaning secret. Also, she recommends organic and eco friendly products to make us look as fashionable as her and daughter Honor. Bamboo is a great organic resource to every conscious fashionista.

According to Alba, awareness is the first step and we at Runway To Retail concur. The biggest trend nowadays is to think about the environment we live in. And if we can dress like Jessica Alba while doing so – it’s a win-win situation!
- Chloé van der Wel

Link it! Fashionable Links from Around the Web - Green Chic!

RedPoppy Fashion loves the all British and organic bath and body care range Figs & Rouge.

The Fashionable Housewife is loving the artisan bath and beauty products from Sunfeather Natural Soap Company

Fashion Fille just adores the Alex and Ani spike bracelet, which happens to be made from all recycled materials!

Fashion Pulse Daily has gone ga-ga for green with the new Keds Green Label Collection

Looking Sharp! is supporting the local library by going purple!

My Beauty Bunny shares a man's perspective on Billy Jealousy, a cruelty-free men's grooming line.

Posh Swaps has been thinking about sustainable style and investigates by asking the question What is Eco fashion?

If you love eco boats, you have to check the Botas Dacca’s interview in Quinta Trends

Jessica Alba talks to Vogue about going Green! [Runway To Retail]

A Video Fashion Story: Madonna/Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009

Check out the behind-the-scenes video of the making of the fall/winter ad campaign for Louis Vuitton featuring Madonna!

The Magic of Dior

sponsored by:



Galliano did it again for the latest Christian Dior collection during Paris couture week. The fashion genius brought the design house back to its essence by incorporating "The New Look" that Dior introduced during the 40s. It was all about the art of fashion. The models strutted down the in-house runway slowly giving the audience the opportunity to view the pieces from every angle. Admiring the bright colored dresses, suits and jackets, it’s noticeable how the designer took Dior back to basic, but modernized shapes. In true Dior fashion, the sexy undergarments worn as clothing were amazingly crafted and set the tone for the show. Girdles, corsets, and silk slips – the showing of spectacular lingerie brought a new dimension to the theme of basics.
- Chloé van der Wel

Luxury Links from Around the Web! Luxe Links...

Check out www.factio-magazine.com for hot trends, hip people, and amazing parties...

Kristopher Dukes is wanting, wearing, hating Brent Black Panama Hats.

With the time we spend behind our computers everyday, it’s only right to spice your hardware up a little bit.

domesticblog is admiring the incredible generosity of the S. Korean President

Ten Tips For Investing In Art Want to start your own collection? Luxist offers ten tips for smart art buying.

Megan Fox at Armani Privé

sponsored by:


It's couture week in Paris and we couldn't be more excited to check out the frothy, frilly gowns from some of our favorite designers. First up, Megan Fox sat front row at Armani Privé fall/winter 2010 next to the incredible Cate Blanchett at Palais de Chaillot on Tuesday.

Juicy Couture’s Mouse

With the time we spend behind our computers everyday, it’s only right to spice your hardware up a little bit. Juicy Couture has made it so easy.The colorful brand came out with a new piece for you to add to your technology collection in the form of a gold-lined pink mouse. The gold, printed logo will make you feel fashionable while surfing the net…or while working of course.In true Juicy Couture fashion, the mouse will brighten up your computer, just like their clothes do.
- Chloé van der Wel

Happy Birthday America! Sitewide Sale at Singer22

Fire Works Sitewide Sale! 20% Off of Everything. Enter Code Fireworks20 at checkout

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July! While you enjoy time with friends and family, don't forget to take advantage of some great cyber deals. We'll see you back here on Monday!

Net-a-Porter.com: Further US Sale Reductions

Get Free Shipping and up to 50% off select FitFlops at blissworld.com. Enter code 079906. Offer ends 7.5.09

Enjoy Complimentary Standard Shipping on any clinique.com purchase! Friday, July 3rd - Sunday, July 5th.
Simply enter offer code JULY at checkout.

Sale - Further Reductions! Up to Extra 50% off on YOOX.COM

Free Shipping on dELiA*s orders of $25 or more! Use code DXHAFF. Hurry, offer ends 7.30.09.

JUARA Points! Get 1 point for every $ spent on merchandise. Accumumulate 150 points and get a FREE $15 Gift Certificate!

Take 15% off your entire dELiA*s purchase! Use code HOT15. Hurry, offer ends 7.16.09!

Christopher Kane’s Monkey Business

Designer Christopher Kane has found a new way to show your wild side to the world. With this Chimp-print tee, you don’t have to be the one going ballistic – let your shirt do the talking for you. The fashion elite made Kane’s monkey print dress from his spring/summer '09 collection a must-have and now they’re all going ape for the tee collection. There are four prints available: the chimp, the baboon, the gorilla and the mandrill. Models are rocking it all over Paris and now it’s our turn.Wear the elongated jersey shirt with leggings and high heels or skip the leggings and belt it up for your personal sense of money business.
- Chloé van der Wel

Christopher Kane Baboon jersey T-shirt

Christopher Kane Chimp jersey T-shirt

Christopher Kane Mandrill jersey T-shirt

Link it! Fashionable Links from Around the Web - Green Chic!

A look from Phillip Lim's eco-sensitive line

Runway To Retail is part of a network of sites covering everything fashionably green, eco, and cruelty-free in fashion and beauty brought to you by an exclusive (invite-only) group of fashion and beauty blogs. Who knew it was so easy to be stylishly eco?

Fashion Fille lets us all know about a Libertas Earth-friendly trunk show! Woo, sale clothing! Woo, helping our planet!

Fashion Pulse Daily is in awe of Phillip Lim's eco-sensitive collection, Go Green Go

Fashiontribes steps out in fabulous shoes...that just happen to be vegan.

Join the green movement with Factio Magazine! Sign up to win this natural, green chair from IQMatics!

Runway to Retail checks out eco designers on the rise and one shows us eco can be sexy!

Looking Sharp! has an eco-chic giveaway featuring BeadforLife

Posh Swaps loves clothes swapping and gives you 10 great reasons to swap your clothes Why not try it. It's Eco friendly, it's frugal and it's fun.

Quinta Trends shows Chilean eco bags: Modulab

RedPoppy loves Bond No. 9's colorful new scent Astor Place and its eco-chic recycling campaign

Meet Poppy-Chan

We're loving all of the anime coming out of the fashion world recently. LV introduced their latest "it bag" in the cartoon style and now Coach's Poppy is showing off their newest fashion character. Meet Poppy-Chan created by Japan's Coach team and check out the collection at www.coach.com/poppy.

Recycle Denim Maniacs 2009

Recycle Denim Maniac Winners from '08

Calling all Chicago fashion designers!

What: Nudie Jeans has announced their 2009 Recycle Denim Maniacs competition only for the designers of Chicago! Sketches must be submitted by July 27 to the Department of Cultural Affairs. For questions, please contact Jenny Tuite at 312-744-5905 or jennifer.tuite@cityofchicago.org
Why: Winner is flown to South Beach Miami or cash equivalent
Details: Your Theme - Rockabilly Blues and Nudie provides the denim to create your design Judges Include: Donnie Madia, Drew Harris of Barney's, Stacy Wallace-Albert, Stefani Bay, Maria Erixon the founder and designer of Nudie, and Julie Darling

Eco Designers on the Rise

A look from fall/winter '09 by CMarchuska

CMarchuska by Christine Marchuska is an eco-friendly, wholly organic (all pieces made of an eco-friendly/organic blend of 92% bamboo/8% spandex) collection that gives you all the quality of high fashion but for a fraction of the price. Think little black dress or your favorite v-neck made out of the most sustainable fibers available in the industry. CMarchuska is all about a flattering fit that function easily from day to night. Here's a look at just how sexy eco fashion can be...



Yana Khromova, originally from Russia, established a vibrant and unique line of clothes that she calls Yana K. All of the designs are vintage inspired and each piece is made in her downtown L.A. design house. Yana K captures the true meaning of chic individualism.

Chicago native and graduate of London College of Fashion Keith Lissner, launched his self-titled collection with great success. His attention to detail has not gone unnoticed through his use of French seams and inner corsetry. In addition to being fashion conscious, Lissner is money conscious as well. He’s created a “recession collection” called Keith that carries several party dresses for less then $300.

We’ve finally found it, a young and contemporary line without the markup. 213 Industry is a brand focused on a simple line with heavy detailing. This funky, yet romantic collection of clothing offers something new and affordable to the boutique circuit. With prices as low as $35-85 for tops and $55-120 for dresses even those of us on “funemployment” can sport these trendy looks.
-Tracey Johnsen