5 Winter Looks Perchance Boutique Loves Right Now!

Located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood is Mary Liz Lehman’s dreamt-up creation and fashionista haven. Perchance Boutique has created a name for itself in the Chicagoland area as an upscale, trendy retailer that offers the best customer service, personal styling, and ultimately matchless shopping experience. The setup of Perchance is themed to look like a modern living room space with a brown, green and white color scheme, armchairs scattered through the store, and unique chandeliers, all helping to keep a light and bright atmosphere. Perchance sells everything from apparel, outerwear, handbags and accessories. With great quality merchandise, just a few of the designers featured are: Alice + Olivia, Generra, Loeffler Randall, and Tucker.

We caught up with them to check out five winter looks they love right now!

Look # 1: “Ladies in Leather”

Wearable Trends: ladylike, leather details, over-the-knee boots

Mackage Leigh Tie-Waist Wool Trench Coat. The Leigh wool trench is the definition of city chic style. It is perfectly tailored for a true ladylike look with the coolness of a supple leather tie-belt and oversized knit collar also echoed at the sleeve. Loeffler Randall Riley Zip Over-the-knee boots. Loeffler Randall upped the ante with the Riley zip back boot for fall/winter 2010! Classic almond toe shape, 1 1/4" leather covered wedge heel, and back zip closure. Extra long shaft and split v top for wearing over the knee or folded down (it’s an entirely new boot under the knee). True luxury and elegance. $825

Look #2: “Work to Weekend”

Wearable Trends: snakeskin print in tights, leather equestrian-style detailing, feminine booties

Black Cynthia Steffe sophisticated jersey dress. High neckline, gathered tie at the waist to achieve a wrap dress look. Accented with leather patches at the shoulders and elbows.

Black suede “Sophie” Booties with signature triangle heel from Loeffler Randall. Gathers at ankle for an easy on-and-off. Covered 3” suede heel and leather sole. $595

Python Tights in Ecrue from Wolford $48


Look #3: “Navy AND Black”

Wearable Trends: Navy, sexy legwear

Ruffle Front Strapless in Midnight by Shoshanna $385 OR Navy Dress, Maiden Double Layer Tank dress by Alice + Olivia $275, Wolford “Rose” Tights in black $55

Look #4: Military Chic

Wearable Trends: Military

We love this look because the jacket is made of sweater fleece yet looks so chic and put together and can be worn with jeans, corduroys or trousers. Gryphon Shrunken Peacoat in Grey $390, AG Corduroy Pants Angel bootcut in dark grey $159, Majestic White Scoop Tee $110

Look #5: “Winter White Warmth”

Wearable Trends: Leather details, wide leg pant

Mackage 'Macy' coat features a novelty button front closure, sheepskin cuffs, leather tie belt at waist and fur trimming at collar and cuff, $890. Black wide leg pants are Alice & Olivia, Eric Aspen Twill pant for $275.

So the next time you are in Chicago, check out Perchance Boutique located at 3512 N. Southport Ave., or shop online at www.perchanceboutique.com!

Glitter: A Holiday Shopping Event

Shop Chicago designers during Glitter! Click to learn more. For more information go to chicagofashionresource. Admission is Free!

Event Alert: Party at Cynthia Rowley's!

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Mr. Ford Returns from Hibernation

After six years of hibernation, Tom Ford will finally be returning to the women’s wear fashion scene. His highly anticipated return has been gaining some worldwide notoriety amongst the fashion industry’s finest. Don’t let the fact that Mr. Ford has awoken from a six year slumber have you thinking that he will be putting a rest to his exclusivity. A red carpet full of Ford’s designs is not what the designer has in mind. Tom has stated that he “will wait to see who is nominated for the Oscars-and will dress one person.” The designer held a private showcase of his latest and greatest this past September. Ford’s showcase consisted of an exclusive audience with 100 guests and editors, and an even more glamorous lineup of models including Julianne Moore, Beyonce, and Lauren Hutton among others. In regard to the latest campaigns from this spring 2011 line, the return of Ford is definitely worth the wait. Tom Ford’s legacy previously brought us some of the best from ex YSL, and Gucci (anyone remember Charlize Theron at the 2004 Oscars? Epic.) and there is nothing from this new collection to be disappointed about. It appears that his recent break has enabled him to truly tap into his creativity. Tip of the hat to you Mr. Ford, bravo! - Nicole Simone

Islands of the World Fashion Week Nassau, Bahamas

Day one of Islands of the World Fashion Week

From November 11-13th, we took our annual jaunt to Nassau, Bahamas for one of our favorite fashion weeks of the year - Islands of the World Fashion Week. The sun, talented designers from Island nations and well-known special guests (Nick Verreos and Jay McCarroll of Project Runway fame) make this fashion week one not to miss.

On opening night, we took in some of our favorite designers who usually showcase in the Bahamas including Harl Taylor BAG of The Bahamas who is consistent with their stunning collections of handbags and clutches made of straw and sisal plait adorned with luxurious beading and shells. This season, K-Bobby of Jamaica stunned us with his beautiful cocktail dresses, both long and short in sumptuous fabrics. NextGen Designers presented next starting with Whitney Miller of the Bahamas. We loved her soft collection of dainty shorts and dresses in hues of gray's, whites and light pinks. David Rolle (who ended up winning the prestigious scholarship from Parson's) showed off a decidedly darker side of metallic suits for men and creative cocktail dresses for the ladies. ICandy, another Island favorite, showed off some of her latest swimwear creations in rich teals, whites and hot pinks to a crowd that no doubt loves the Bahamian beaches by day. Jay McCarroll who won Project Runway's first season was the final designer on day 1 showing off his Spring 2011 collection. He hasn't shown a full collection since his documentary "Eleven Minutes" and it was exciting! Jay's take on the modern sheath dress was fun to watch. Each dress was a bright color of green, blue, pink and even white accented with either block shapes or circles. Models wore platform shoes that were covered with socks that were found at the market in the Bahamas the day of the show that matched the color of the dress. A superb ending to that night's shows!

Day two of Islands of the World Fashion Week started off with the very charismatic Nick Verreos (season 2 of Project Runway) who hosted a new award for the fashion week - "In Search of the Next Oscar" Competition. The contenders were Raynelis Howell from Turks & Caicos and Georgina Estherr from the Dominican Republic. The most exquisite design from Georgina was a full length silver sequin gown with cut-outs around the mid-section. From Raynelis, we loved her black, ruffled cocktail dress that featured a skirt made out of sheer drapes. Theodore Elyett, the "Runway to Fashion Week" Winner from the Bahamas, had a stunning collection of colorful printed looks that seamlessly mixed well together. Guest designer Indashio from the U.S.A. brought some bubbly fun to the runway girly dresses in bright, happy colors. The final designer of the night was Oliver Tolentino from the Philippines. Each creation that came out was more stunning than the last. A Factio favorite was a copper bustier with floral shorts and a full-length beaded gown with blue and brown flowers.

Day three of fashion week featured "Fashion Cares for Haiti: The Relief Benefit Fashion Show." Dignitaries from Haiti flew in specifically for the event, sat front row and enjoyed Haitian designers including Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell, David Andre Collection by David Andre, Artisands du Soleil Haiti by Giovanna Menard, Michel Chataigne, Maguy Durce, Maelle Creations by Maelle David and Savannah Savary. After the show, an after party outside at the British Colonial Hilton featured Bahamian singers and lots of great local food like conch fritters, conch salad shots and drinks like Bahamas Mama's. It was a beautiful end to Islands of the World Fashion Week and all we can say is, we can't wait for next year.

*Photos by Factio Media

Prince William Finally Put a Ring On It

Kate Middleton may not have had to kiss a frog, but her recent engagement to Prince William is truly a fairy tale. The British fashionista, who also comes from an upper-middle class family, has been on and off again with the Prince of Wales for the past 8 years. The couple met while in college at St. Andrews, where Prince William paid $300 to watch Kate work the catwalk in a charity fashion show. The British beauty was proposed to in October during a trip to Kenya. Prince William discussed his engagement plans with the Queen, and Katie’s father before presenting her with an 18 carat, white gold, sapphire and diamond ring, that was also worn by the late princess Diana. Prince William said that the ring “was a way of making sure [his] mother didn’t miss out on today.” The royal couple plans on having the wedding in the spring/summer of 2011, in London. We are sure this will be the biggest wedding of the year. Congrats to the happy nuptials!- Nicole Simone

Gilt City Launches with Private Dinner

On October 21st, Gilt Groupe launched its newest website, Gilt City, with a private dinner for a select group of tastemakers at The Elysian. Gilt Groupe Founder Alexandra Wilkis Wilkinson, Vice President of Brand Relations Christian Leone and Gilt City’s Senior Director Matt Carroll (formerly of Modern Luxury), welcomed the group who enjoyed tantalizing cuisine like the Kabocha Squash Soup, Alaskan Halibut and Chocolate Pot de Crème dessert.

Gilt City members will have access to some of the city’s best restaurants, spas, museums, art galleries, entertainment venues, and service providers for great prices. Some of the opportunities are the chance to taste the cuisines of top restaurants (including private tastings with chefs), sneak-previews of upcoming cultural offerings, playing golf at private courses, and trying out the latest exercise classes and spa treatments. Each week the site will feature 8-10 different sale items and like Gilt Groupe, members to this website receive reminders via e-mail. "I am thrilled that our original concept of selling clothing on Gilt Groupe has expanded to the local services market with Gilt City. We look forward to working with Chicago area businesses in the near future to bring our members the best of Chicago each week," said Alexandra Wilkis Wilkinson. Not only is Gilt City a great way to explore the wonderful things your city has to offer, it’s also easy and quick in order to fit into your busy schedule.

Ebay Collaborates with Derek Lam!

It has just been revealed that Ebay has signed TOD’S creative director, Derek Lam, to design a very exclusive ready-to-wear collection that will be unveiled during New York City’s Fashion Week this winter in February of 2011.

After this new line is presented to the public, Ebay will give its fans a chance to vote on the designs, choosing their top picks and favorites out of the bunch on eBay.com. Your vote is necessary in helping Ebay to narrow down the collection to the final line that will be available for purchase during spring/summer of 2011.

It has been stated that prices will be affordable for all so make sure not to miss out and get your vote in after New York Fashion Week February 2011! - Leigh Loosbrock

J.Lo’s Gucci Children’s Collection Ad Campaign

J.Lo has graced us with her presence in movies, on television, on the stage, on magazine covers, and now, she will be the face for Gucci’s new children's collection ad campaign accompanied by her two kids, Max and Emme. World-renowned photographers, Mert and Marcus, photographed the trio on Malibu Beach looking perfectly sun-kissed in the sand with gorgeous ocean water in the distance. The ad will be making its way on billboards, magazines, newspapers, and websites by November of this year. The new Gucci Children’s collection will have apparel, shoes and even accessories for children ranging from newborn babies to 8-year-olds. The launch of this line is set for November 20^th, International Children’s day, at Gucci’s flagship stores in Milan, London, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Get ready to see some fashion-forward kiddies!
- Leigh Loosbrock

7 For All Mankind Warehouse Sale, Friday-Sunday @ Union Station

The highly-anticipated Warehouse Sale is set to debut for the first time ever in Chicago on Friday, October 22nd through Sunday, October 24th.

The unprecedented sale offers dramatic savings on thousands of pieces from the premium denim line 7 for all Mankind’s coveted collection. Full size ranges of both men’s and women’s styles of this high-end denim will be on offer for three days only at up to 80% off. In addition to denim, full ranges of 7 For All Mankind’s best selling tops, skirts, sweaters and jackets will also be on offer.

Jeans will start at $65 on Friday, $55 on Saturday, and just $45 on Sunday, and tanks & tees are just $10 on Sunday. So it’s definitely a sale you don’t want to miss. The official 7 For All Mankind Warehouse Sale will be held at The Great Hall at the Chicago Union Station, on 210 S. Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606. For more info, visit click here

What Chicago's "It" girls are saying about 7 For All Mankind:

"I love how, back in 2000, the founders capitalized on a void in the market for sexy, well-fitting jeans and they filled it." - April Francis, The Haute Closet

"I Love 7 Seven Jeans because I can wear them to work during the day and dress up the same pair for an evening event!" - Corri McFadden, E-Drop Off

“7 For All Mankind jeans are the ultimate denim staples for any wardrobe. From the flawless fit to the quality of craftsmanship, each pair is an investment that always pays off. It’s my brand-of-choice when it comes to designer denim.” - Jenn Lake, Zapwater