Recycled Fall Trends

This fall we are seeing a few trends that we have seen before: crossbody bags, jeggings, and gray accessories. These recycled trends have been around for the past few seasons and are becoming more mainstream this season.

Crossbody Bags

Coach MIA LEATHER CONVERTIBLE www.coach.com

This practical style has been around for a few seasons now, but is definitely in full force this fall. Crossbody bags can be found all over town at any price point. The latest crossbody bags are no messenger bags, they come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Perfect for day or night, these bags keep your hands free and your mind off leaving your bag somewhere. So whether you want something dressy or a bit more casual, there is definitely a crossbody bag out there for you.

Jeggings

www.gap.com

This trend, which first made its appearance in 2009, has gone mainstream. Now everyone from Lauren Conrad to The Gap is selling jeggings. Jeggings are a combination of jeans and leggings which makes them great for pretty much anyone. They are super stretchy and come in all different washes. They tend to have more structure than leggings and come with traditional jean hardware like zippers and pockets. If you have thought twice about this trend give it a second chance this season.

Gray Accessories

www.bananarepublic.com

We first saw this trend last fall. Gray is a great accessory color because it can easily be paired with any other color since it is a neutral. We are seeing gray in tons of shoes and bags. You could also try a great gray belt, hat, or scarf. My favorite way to wear this trend is an eye catching pair of boots. I’m excited to be able to rewear this trend from last year!

End of Summer Specials

End of the summer specials…the best thing the end of the summer can offer!

11 Years Of LILL

904 W Armitage Avenue

When: Monday, August 23^rd

Where: 1154 LILL Studio (904 W Armitage Avenue)

What: After 11 years of successful business, LILL (a custom bag shop) celebrates and is offering customers 11% off of everything in-store and online (even handbag parties).

For more information about LILL and their special offerings check out their website and bio.

Dress-Up Boutique

1937 N Damen Ave.

When: Ends August 31^st, 2010!

Where: Dress-Up Boutique (1937 N Damen Ave)

What: Dress-Up Boutique is offering 90% off new and already marked down merchandise including an assortment of the hottest styles.  Its their biggest blowout sale including well know brands such as Free People, Alexia Admor, BB Dakota and much more!! Get the last minute summer must haves starting at just $10.

For more check their website out!

CFI Meet & Greet Recap

macys.com

Last Wednesday I attended the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) Meet & Greet at Macy’s on State street. This event was an opportunity to meet the six resident designers Jonnie Rettele, Leah Fagan, Stephanie Kuhr, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Donaldo Smith, and Christina Fan.

CFI was started in March 2008 and every year provides six emerging Chicago-based designers with the resources to launch their careers in fashion. The year long program provides resources, workspace, showroom, curriculum, and mentoring for the lucky chosen six. As a designer in residence you have the opportunity to network in the community and show your line at local events and fashion shows. One of the goals of the program is to provide the designers with business acumen to successfully launch their companies.

This year’s designers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and bring unique style to the table.

Christina Fan’s brand C/FAN is full of luxurious fabrics including silk, suede, and fur. Her color pallet is dark with pops of color. Her designs are easy to wear and fit into your existing wardrobe.

Christina Fan

Miriam Cecilia Carlson’s brand m.c.c. includes both ready to wear and couture collections. Her designs include mostly structured dresses. Some are quite simple while others are avant garde. One thing is for sure, you are going to get notices in one of her designs.

Miriam Cecilia Carlson

Stephanie Kuhr’s brand Dottie’s Delights is self proclaimed vintage. She designs exquisitely detailed burlesque style lingerie. While her unique variety of garters and bustiers aren’t meant for everyday wear, they are quite beautiful.

Stephanie Kuhr

Leah Fagan’s brand Peloton includes lots of versatile and wearable separates. Her designs have great lines, structure, and cuts. Leah wants her designs to be comfortable and easy. All of her pieces are washable and made of comfy fabrics. You could easily wear one of her designs to work and still feel comfortable lounging around in the same outfit at home.

Leah Fagan

Jonnie Rettele’s brand Nonnie Threads is one of two men’s wear lines in the CFI this year. Her designs include great shirts, pants, vests, and jackets. They have a certain structural appeal that makes them unique, while simple enough for everyday wear. Her inspiration for her collection was her husband.

Jonnie Retlle

Last but not least is Donaldo Smith with his brand Killian Gui. Donaldo is the only male of the six designers and is the second men’s wear line in this year’s CFI. His designs consist mostly of ready to wear tailored shirts.

I cannot wait to see what else is to come from these six fabulous designers. To find out more about the CFI follow this link.

Leah & Stephanie

Tags: Chicago Fashion Incubator, Christina Fan, Donaldo Smith, Jonnie Rettele, Leah Fagan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Stephanie Kuhr

Upcoming Events

I hope you had as much fun at all of the events last week as I did. Look for upcoming posts highlighting some of those events.

This week’s big event is the Summer Blowout Sale at Dress Up Boutique.

When: NOW through August 31st, Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12-6pm

Where: 1937 N. Damen Ave.

What: Save up to 90% on designer merchandise. Shop from a variety of pieces between $10 and $35. Shop popular brands including Alexia Admor, Aryn K., BB Dakota, Chan Luu, Free People, Jack, Kersh, Siwy, Veronica M., Zoa, and more!

Check out Dress Up Boutique’s website for more information!

Week at a Glance

This is a HUGE week in Chicago fashion. Here is a quick overview of what to look forward to this week.

Tuesday

• Sidewalk Sale at Daley Plaza sponsored by Fashion Focus Chicago

Wednesday

• Sidewalk Sale at Daley Plaza sponsored by Fashion Focus Chicago
• Chicago Fashion Incubator Meet & Greet

Thursday

• Style Chicago’s “An Evening of Modern Beauty“
• Kathryn Kerrigan Grand Opening Weekend (more info to come)

Friday

• Kathryn Kerrigan Grand Opening Weekend

Saturday

• Kate Boggiano’s Semi Annual Early Bird Sale
• Indie Designer Market
• Summer Sidewalk Sale (more info below)
• Kathryn Kerrigan Grand Opening Weekend

Sunday

• Indie Designer Market
• Summer Sidewalk Sale (more info below)
• Kathryn Kerrigan Grand Opening Weekend

Summer Sidewalk Sale

Must or Bust?

The Romper

Named one of this summer’s hottest trends the romper is everywhere. It is marketed as being fun and versatile. Rompers come in a plethora of patterns and styles so they can easily be dressed down for a day of shopping with your best friend or dressed up for a night out. A romper can easily go from day to night with the right accessories. Flats and colorful jewelry can make the perfect afternoon shopping look. While heels and a bold metallic necklace can spice up the same outfit for the evening. You can find them in just about every store around town and they come in a variety of fabrics including cotton, jersey, denim, and silk. Long? Short? Tight? Loose? Strapless? Strapped? With sleeves? Without? Anyway you want it, you can find it!

So what do you think? Is the romper a MUST BUY? Or a BUST in summer trends?

J Crew silk romper $98 www.jcrew.com

Arden B $59 www.ardenb.com

Exciting Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Sidewalk Sale at Daley Plaza

Daley Plaza

Sponsored by Fashion Focus Chicago

7/20/2010-7/21/2010
Tue-Wed 9am-3pm
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 744-3315

This two day event features a fashion show at noon on both days. Find everything from shoes to clothes to jewelry, to one of a kind pieces, anything tailored to your style will be at this fashion event.

The following designers/boutiques will be featured: Audey, Zamrie, Erin Gallagher, Objects d’ Envy, Kate Boggiano, 1154 Lill, The Nature of Things, Kreative Soul, Afrika Designs, and much much more……..

Fashion Focus Chicago supports and promotes Chicago designers through various seminars, events and city programs. The city of Chicago is home to more than 400 designers and 375 independent fashion boutiques.

Kate Boggiano’s Semi Annual Early Bird Sale

http://kateboggiano.com/

Save up to 60% off at the Kate Boggiano Pilsen Studio (2150 S. Canalport Ave.3^rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60608) on Saturday, July 24, from 8am-4pm.

Join Kate Boggiano for the warehouse sale were her classic pieces are 30-60% off. Based of off your arrival time the discounted prices will adjust as listed below:

• 8-9am-60%off
• 9-11am-50% off
• 11am-12pm-40%off
• 12pm-4pm – 30%off

P.S. In addition to the Early Bird Sale 20% is taken off all purchases of Kate’s Fall 2010 line.