A WHOLE LOTTA CYBER MONDAY DEALS

Dear Fashionistas,
If you missed out on Black Friday, you still have time to score gift-giving essentials on Cyber Monday, the 29th of November.  I dug around cyber space to find my followers fantastic deals not to be missed. Check out my list below and be prepared to whip out your credit card to SHOP!


Figleaves.com:  20% off everything with coupon code FIGCYBER

BareNecessities.com:  $10 OFF Purchases Over $75. Thru 11/30. Save on gorgeous Ralph Lauren pajamas, perfect panties and more.

Armani Echange.com:  25% off all style online.  Plus FREE shipping

Beauty.com:  80% off Laura Gellar sets, 20% off hair appliances and 40% off Arcona Raspberry Resurfacing Peel.

Bluefly.com:  Sales start as early as 12:10 am on Monday the 29th .  Featuring up tp 10-20% off already discounted items.


Endless.com:  Buy $100 save $30, buy $200 save $60, buy $300 save $100! (some brand exclusions) No code required at checkout.

FrenchConnection.com:  Up to 40% off fall sale.  Use Code FCBFFS for FREE shipping on orders over  $125.

GAP, Banana Republic, Piperlime and Athleta:  FREE Shipping!

Milly:  30% off and FREE Shipping!

Red Envelope:  Up to 60% off.

YOOX.com:  Up to 40% off and FREE Shipping!

Ta Ta,
Nicki

'Tis the season of festive fetes!

Dear Fashionistas,

‘Tis the season of festive fetes and everything shiny.  Step into a hopping party with panache in beads and sequins with an MM Couture Open Back Beaded Dress at Art Effect on Armitage. $156.00 or Stand out with style by matching a few brilliant pieces including the sequin sleeveless tee by 3.1 Phillip Lim at P.45 on Damen Ave. $675.00.  Complete your statement with a sophisticated but contemporary ribbon tie slingback by Charles David at Loris on Armitage. $114.  And an unexpected Gem-Laden Snood at JCrew in the Bloomingdales building.  $98/00

Whatever your inner festive self is whispering to you, you'll be sure to make a strong statement with this winters neutral shimmering pieces.  

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Dear Fashionistas,

Indulge in fabulous faux fur this season!  Faux fur is a hit with the designers (some may be going a little too far! Karl Lagerfeld maybe??) By keeping it simple and smart with the most coveted accessory this winter, you’ll be sure to be the one to stand out. 

To make the most out of the faux fur look, follow these simple rules:
1.    Don’t over do it.  Buy one piece and make it your trademark.
2.    Try to find faux fur that has color variation for a look of luxe.
3.    Choose neutral for a sophisticated appearance or on the flip side,   more vibrant colors to accent your ensemble.

I love the faux fur this season because it feels so luxurious and we don’t have to worry about the animals sacrificing their lives for our fashion obsessions! Gotta feel good about that and look fabulous all the while!
Ta Ta,  Nicki

Goorin-Second to None!

Dear Fashionistas,

We all know hats were the start of the luxury designer CHANEL fame around 1910.  But there was also someone else carving the way before our fav designer made her way into our hearts.

Goorin Brothers in it’s fourth generation started crafting timeless chapeaus in 1895 and sold their first hat off a horse drawn cart on the cobblestone streets in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

The European inspired hat makers have several designs for men and women including fedoras, baseball caps, knits and cadets.
I just bought a fab dark grey wool fedora with a wide black silk band sprinkled with a fantastic red design! The craftsmanship on this hat is second to none.
Check out Goorin now in Chicago!  1533 N Milwaukee Ave or 3243 N Broadway.

Ta Ta,
Nicki

T-shirts..Yea they got that.

Dear Fashionistas,

We all like to wear t-shirts whether to bum around the house, make a statement or add an extra layer to our ensem.  Agreed?

Threadless, a Chicago based t-shirt company started online but now has expanded to brick and mortar!  In two locations.  Click here to find one nearest you.

Locations aside…

Threadless only supplies cool stuff so you look cool too. The t-shirts are crazy, fun, bright and artistic.  Everybody can afford these soft trinkets. $18-$20!  

 One of each please!

Hey style gurus submit for a chance to win $2500 by submitting your own style design!

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Macys on State Street Designer Incubator

Yana German

Dear Fashionistas,

Did you know Macys on State street features emerging designers from Chicago?  The Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) partnership was born 2008 with big shoulders Mayor Daley and Macys of course.  CFI is part of the Mayor’s Fashion Initiative, which supports and promotes fashion designers living and working in Chicago through events, seminars and city programs.

Six designers are featured in a space as wide as a half of a city block! That's approximately 1/16th of a mile.

Check out the designers and let me know which one you would like shop.

                                           Glen Mallory
                                           Agga Raya
                                           Lydia Wachowska
                                           Kate Coxworth
                                           Yana German
                                           Kristin Rosynek Hassan
Ta Ta,
Nicki

The art of FASHION- Spring 2011 collection

 

Dear Fashionistas,

Last night Chicago featured the spring 2011 collection. Premier designers included Paul Sisiti, Lara Miller, Kirk James Collection, Borris Powell, Lauren Lein and Elda de la Rosa. This years collection is chocked full of color, whimsical silhouettes and in your face short short short! 

It was a show that embraced urban chic but embodied romanticism with bias flounces and rounded edges with asymmetrical cuts. 

The big applause however went to the emerging designers Hector-Javier MonArrez, Lydia Wowrzyniak and Fraley Le. A combination of theatre, translucent fabrics and elegant gowns had the audience gasp with excitement.

Without further ado, check out my video clip to get a sneak peek on what we will see in Chicago boutiques this spring.

Let me know how you feel about the collection thus far.

Ta ta,

Nicki

Wrap it up!

Dear Fashionistas,

Save the day or night by looking at your stylish brown buttery lambskin double wrap watch Designed by Martine Ilana for La Mer. $108.00 At Stitch on Damen Ave.  Stitch is a fabulouso boutique filled with stylish accessories and home décor. A place not to be missed.

Ta Ta,  
                                                      Nicki


        

Lot's to "SHINE" for in Chicago



Back of sweatshirt



Dear Fashionistas,

Scoop NYC opened in Soho in 1996. Now also in our fashion savvy Chicago we too can get the “Scoop”.

My fav piece right now is this little zinger. I always love a basic top with a little “zing” don’t you? It always adds a little spring to my step. You can wear this fabulouso sweatshirt day or night and with the help of the sequins, you will be sure to “sparkle”. $245.00 at Scoop NYC on Milwauke Ave.

Ta Ta,
Nicki

The Fall MUST List

Dear Fashionistas,

The Fall Must List includes CAMEL. It’s the new black.

As we all know by now, the "it" color this Fall/Winter 2010 season is camel.  Combined with Marie Hoffman’s shawl collared wrap coat, you can be sure "it" will make a statement. Pair the coat with skinny jeans and tall boots. Wear the collar close to your neck for a dramatic appearance. This coat will be an everlasting piece in your wardrobe.

$660.00 at Intermix Chicago.  (sorry this color is no longer available 11.19.2010)

Ta Ta my dears,

Nicki

Dear Fashioinstas,

Fall into my fab five fav's  just in time for the chilly season.  Poetic License to Armani. Structured to flirty.  This season you can be sure to find something that fits your fabulouso fashion personality.

1. A Girls Dream Poetic Licence at Akira for $102.00 
2. K.Amato- Abbott Ave: A chunky chocolate brown wooden ring with a filigree in gold or silver $30.00
3. Max Studio Soybean Jersey Long Sleve Tee $98
4. Emporio Armani boucle full length jacket $390
5. Halston Patent Leather Clutch $195

 Ta Ta,

Nicki

I Fell In Love All Over Again ....



Kay Unger LBD

  Dear Fashionistas,


Since my summer hiatus I have discovered that when you are away to play, you discover Kay. Kay Unger my darlings has been a force in the fashion industry for decades as a designer and entrepreneur. Women’s Day staff interviewed Kay Unger on what and what not to wear. I just love the sensible fashion tips. Don’t You?


• If you’re carrying winter weight, don’t wear loose clothing. It hides nothing and makes you look larger. Go for fitted clothes, which give you shape.

• Think about your underwear it can make you look 5 pounds thinner. Spanx makes a nude slip, and there’s a new product called Yummie Tummie, which comes in tank top form and doesn’t ride up. Use it as an under layer or camisole.

• If you’re going out think of this: “Your eye naturally goes toward color, so to bring attention away from your bottom half, wear a pattern on top and a solid on the bottom,” says Kay.

For a fantastic Kay Unger LBD, Check out Blue Fly.  $170.99 from $330.00!

Don't forget your SPANX!             

Ta Ta, -Nicki

Dreamed of Designing Your Own Shoes?

Dear Fashionistas,

I know it has been ohhhhh so long since my last blog.  

But,  I promise to redeem myself with this bit of inside scoop;

Nicole Tongson shoe designer extraordinaire and owner of The Eidia Lush Group in Logan Square knows that a lady has a desire to express herself....with shoes!

That is why The Eidia cobblers create custom shoes with high quality material and constructed by hand.  If you want bows, you got it! Feathers?  You got it. Exotic animal print? You got it!

Now I know some of you have dreamed of designing your own shoe line and with the help of Nicole, your dream has come true.  Darlings, it is time to really show of your individuality by calling Eidia Lush today.

With the mention of my blog, you can get 20% off your first design! 

Check out her website for a quick fix! EIDIALUSH.com or call Nicole at 773.809.5874.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Local Chicago Fashion Designers- Cha Cha

Dear Fellow Fashionistas,

Ready for some local fashion fun?  Well I have a hush hush kinda event that only the in "the know" know!!
To satisfy your spring fashion fix, 312 Fashion is hosting a weekend of Chicago  April 8-10 featuring local designers runway collections at Loft on Lake. Chicago's premiere events venue.
April 8th kicks off a cocktail party followed by designer vignette presentations from Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano and Boris Powell.

Don't miss out on this local event my darlings.  It isn't easy to stay in "the know" in this windy city.

                                      Ta Ta,
                                      Nicki 

Hot Child In The City

   Dear Fashionistas,


This spring you can’t go wrong with a bit of shimmer and spice and everything so nice.
Show your feminine side with all the fabulouso tanks and dresses featuring sequins and ruffles and bows, oh my!
I happen to love the "Whip It" top by Nanette Lapore because of the versatility, the cut at the arms and rounded neckline.

Another fab idea is the sequin bandeau to wear all the fun tanks this spring/summer.  My personal fav is by Top Secret. only $48.00  And the icing on the shimmer cake is by Herve Leger. Now that is what I call a dress with glitz!

Ta Ta my darlings.
-  Nicki

El VINTAGE

Dear Fellow Fashionistas,

I've always been a bit obsessed with the fashion in the earlier years of the 40's 50's and 60's. It really is hard to find fashion today like "the good ole days".

But BrAAA-vo to my dahhhhling friend Emily Liebl who has a knack of finding the best of the best vintage clothing and accessories. She recently posted a website for all of us vintage lovers! In which I recently bought a fabbbulouso leather brown clutch with velevet lining. Can you say $20 my FF(fellow fashionistas) Out of this world super cool.

Anyhow without further Ado, check out this lovely website to get your Vintage fix...FIXED!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/styleforlife

Ta Ta,

-Nicki

Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend

Dear Fellow Fashionistas,

Want to get close to a one of a kind diamond and surround yourself with astonishing beauty?

You can by visiting the Field Museum and view the "One of a kind diamond exhibit" now through March 28. 2010. Not only can you experience the beauty of the gems but learn how they have changed the world.

Beautiful gems will be on display from designers, such as:

Tiffany&Co. Van Cleef & Arpels Boucheron and Cartier

Click here for tickets or to learn more from The Field Museum.

See you there!

Ta Ta.
Nicki