The Best Local $50 and Under Gift Ideas For The Fashionista!

Dear Fashionistas,

We at Fashionista Chicago thought it was time to give you some fab gift ideas for $50 and under.  Fabulousness doesn't have to break the bank! The best part, yea, they're local.

1.  Laudi Vidni -The color ruby isn't only for slippers, Piccolo Coin Purse $45

2.  Whether Bags -Commuting isn't so bad with this 100% hemp bag, Palisade pouch $42

3.  K. Amato -You'll thank your lucky stars this bracelet reads your sign, Greenview bracelet $36

4.  Anastasi Chatzka -You will brighten anyones Christmas with these fun colorful tanks $45 (in-store only)

5.  Bryn Capella - Another fab patent coin purse we couldn't refuse. $30

6.  Sophia Reyes - These luxe leather belts don't use a buckle. Muse leather belt $50

7.  Orange Beautiful - Orange you glad you we found these? Thank You cards $12

8.  Crescendo - Hugs you in all the right places.  Now that's a good gift. Soul Mate top $50

9.  Avaasi - Elegant earrings to wear day to night. Lotus Leaf earrings $42

10. Lori's  - Soft leather gloves is a gift everyone loves to receive. Laurer gloves $38

We hope you love our picks!  Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the best Christmas gift ideas around town!

Ta Ta,

Nicki

4 Must-Have Chicago Designer Accessories this Winter

Anastasia Chatzka

C/Fan

Lara Miller

Shannon Carney

Dear Fashionistas, 

What makes a cake is the icing and the same goes for putting together the ultimate ensemble. The accessory is the key piece for a well dressed woman. So we at Fashionista Chicago thought it would be a great idea to showcase a few of our favorite local designer pieces, we simply can't live without.

1. Anastasia Chatzka- $22 Print silk from Italy created into soft beautiful scarves.  No need for heavy wool, silk is the second warmest fiber next to wool.  We love the scarves for a pop of color and no bulk!  The scarves are only available in Anastasia's boutique 1740 W. Division, Chicago, IL.
2. C/Fan-$120 The Adele Rabbit Beanie is one of our faves.  A stylish shape with super chic rabbit fur in three different shades.  This is definitely a F/W must.  Available at Cityblue.
3. Lara Miller- $176 Our Eco-Friendly darling has hand-loomed  accessories just in time for the chilled elements to come.  We love the Aldo socks to keep our pedicured feet protected from our boots.  They feel like pure heaven. Perfect over your skinny's!
4. Shannon Carney -$1760 Our splurge for the day!  These little hand painted discs creates a wonderful waterfall appearance and brings life to any Chicago uniform!  Which in case you didn't know is basic black .

These are wonderful accessories for you or for someone you think of fondly.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Anastasia Chatzka Holiday 2011 Under The Stars

Dear Fashionistas,

When we say "under the stars" we mean just that.  Last Wednesday Chatzka presented her holiday collection "under the stars" at Tocco Italian restaurant outside on their Chicago style piazza.  Fashionista Chicago had director seating to capture the amazing selection of the bold and flirty pieces flouncing down the brick runway.   We love the mix of the burgundy plaid and satin solids.  Yes, we noticed that the hem line varied on multiple pieces Ms. Chatzka.   A good idea since the longer hemline is back with a vengeance.   But for some of you who can't bare to let go of a thigh-high skirt, Chatzka has plenty to offer.  You can check out her collection by appointment or visit her at her flagship store at 1740 West Division.  Be sure to check out her e-shop at www.AnastasiaChatzka.com.

Congrats on another show well done and a collection that makes a statement.

We also want to thank  Petra Ford for taking such fab pics. 

Ta Ta,

Nicki

A Sneak Peek Of What's To Come F/W 2011

Dear Fashionistas,

I know it's hard to think of fall/winter attire when Chicago finally settled into summer.  But we just can't keep this a secret any longer.  Anastasia Chatzka was so kind to let Fashionista Chicago into her loft studio to see what's in store for our chilly months ahead.  Straight off the runway, many designers are showcasing a bit of men's style in women's collections such as plaid suits and shirts including Chanel and Sonya Rykiel.  Our home town talent has done just the same with soft wool in pink, blue and green plaid.  The dress above showcases the trend on menswear but takes it to another level by pulling in the waist for a feminine silhouette.  We are gushing over the large keyhole detail in back.

The hot color this season is Bordeaux and Chatzka nailed it with this bohemian take on an evening dress and macramé tank that can be worn separate.  The Maxi is transitioning into fall and is always popular.  We are embracing the look of femme-meets-bohemian feel.  So chic and comfy!

Ta Ta,
Nicki

Anastasia Chatzka - A Fashion-Forward Star

Dear Fashionistas,
If you have been following Fashionista Chicago, you know I have been doing photo shoots with different Chicago designers in their own pieces.  I like to show how you can wear designer clothing even if you are not a size 2.  Many of you have commented how much you like it so I am going to continue with the shoots.

Today happened to be with Chicago native Anastatsia Chatzka.  This bubbly but no nonsense designer takes pride in her creations and has lots of fun with them.  She creates pieces that are fun, flirty, innovative and whimsical.   She focuses on color and texture to integrate "something special" to each piece.  Chatzka has worked with some of the most innovative designers including Anna Sui and Betsy Johnson.  You can see a bit of her inspiration coming from those two designers in her collection and is proving her to be a fashion-forward star.

We stepped outside her studio on Milwaukee Ave. looking for a space to shoot and lucked out with a mural painted wall across the street.  We had fun with the scene and while looking at the photos again, the scene was perfect for the pieces we wore.

Nicki: Floral Dani Shirt - $217.50, and the Chicago Short Pink/Purple Plaid - $85
Anastasia: Bow Print Dani Shirt - $217.50 and the Chicago Short Black Lace - $85
Click here to shop.

If you are reading this today.  Be sure to stop in for Anastasia Chatzka two year anniversary sale.  She will be giving discounts up to 40% off.  1740 West Division.

Ta Ta,
Nicki

Anastasia Chatzka Spring's Forward

Dear Fashionistas,
Fun, quirky and bold describes Chicago designer Anastastia Chatzka's S/S 2011 collection. You can see some resemblance of designers Betsy Johnson and Anna Sui since she worked with them as an apprentice.  However, she definitely has her own flair adding details such as ruffles and buttons in unexpected places.
Her tailored blouse with a flair ruffle tucked around the waist completes a perfect look with plaid shorts, pencil skirt or skinny jeans.  The English riding jacket pictured above fits like a glove and has a beautiful ribbon detail around the wrist of the sleeve.  Spring forward to her store at the location 1740 West Division in Wicker Park to see these pieces close up.  It is worth the trip wherever you are.
Anastasia designs, manufactures and sells her collection in Chicago.  We love her for staying true to Chicago and for providing us with flirty pieces that make us feel sexy and young.  A true Fashionista Chicago.

Ta Ta,
Nicki   FashionistaChicago Fashionista Chicago