Free Tickets To One Of A Kind Show from Chicago Designer Phoebe Nixon

CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHELLE LEE FOR WINNING THE PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE ONE OF A KIND SHOW!


Dear Fashionistas,


Chicago designer Phoebe Nixon's eternally chic designs are inspired by the earth with Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, seed beads and sterling silver.  They captivate your eye for a timeless piece that can transition easily from day to night.  We at Fashionista Chicago are scooping up the fresh water pearl necklace at the One of a Kind Show December 1-4, 2011.  You can too by stopping by booth 2098!
To support our local talent, we are giving away two tickets to this show.  All you have to do, is "like" our Facebook!  We will draw the lucky winner on Thanksgiving!  So stay tunes and "like us":)


1. Hill Tribe silver and pearls earrings.
2. Fresh Water Pearls, Swarovski crystals, hill tribe silver, sterling silver necklace.
3. Fresh Water Pearls, Swarovski crystals, hill tribe silver, sterling silver bracelet.


Ta Ta,


Nicki

K.Amato and Fashionista Chicago Offers You A Showstopper !

Dear Fashionistas,

For the individual who enjoys standing out in a crowd, Kristen Amato (K.Amato) offers a fresh new look that is this season's showstopper. Our local jewelry designer has created her own niche by working with wood, gold and silver filagree and hammered geometric shapes.

She certainly has found her calling after graduating from college with a chemistry degree!  Kristen has celebrities wearing her fashion-forward pieces including Rachel Ray and Eva Longoria.   The K.Amato collection is available in over 200 retailers nationwide and internationally. 

We at Fashionista Chicago covet her collection and wanted to share some of our favorites. The best part about her pieces? We are offering 20% off of her already moderately priced collection!
Simply add the code fashionista20 at checkout through 11/18/11.

Perfect when you want to add a little uniqueness to you everyday stylish look.

Click here  to shop K.Amato's showstopper collection.

Ta Ta,
Nicki

Anna Fong Autumn/Winter 11'

Dear Fashionistas,
Undeniably a fashion front runner in Chi-town, Anna Fong has all the trends covered in her F/W 11 collection.  Go from day to night with her versatile pieces by simply throwing on a cocktail ring for a special event.
A splash of color is the word on the street as the go-to code of style.  Fong's Off The Shoulder Sheath shown here retails for $515.00.  Pick-up her Fur-licious coat as you freshen up your outerwear made with a detachable faux fur collar and only $450.00.  If you are looking for a lighter cover-up, for our unseasonably warm evenings, Fong's Button Up Caplet made of jersey seems to be the talk of the town.  Retails for $280.00.  Lastly, we can't stop here until we show off the grand dame.   Fong's Sequin Gown with the center front opening and invisible zipper. You can't believe it is made of the comfy jersey we just can't get enough of. $850.00.

Ta Ta,
Nicki

Chicago Accessory Designer K.Amato is Golden

Dear Fashionistas,

When we say the "icing on the cake" we don't mean it literally as in "frosting".  It is the key and last item to complete your ensemb.  With Chicago native Kristen Amato paving the way with stylish jewelry, you can be certain this is just the piece you need.   

The pieces are accented by gold-filled chains, turquoise stones, delicate gold leaves, feminine filigree drops and hammered geometric shapes; K Amato jewelry offers the perfect blend of fashion-forward yet classic pieces for every wardrobe and every season. Featured in magazines including: Vogue, Lucky, People and U.S. Weekly.  This affordable line has captured even a few celebrities such as Eva Longoria and Rachel Ray.  

Our favorite part however is not the Suh-weeeet prices but the names of the pieces which are named after the streets in the windy city.  

Check out the complete line by clicking here.

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

Fashion Heats Up. Cool Dresses under $100!

Dear Fashionistas,

The temperature is soaring as we approach our midsummer tipping point.   So we found cool looks for a cool price. Our very own Chicago designer, Kristin Hassan is offering a few of her favorite pieces for under $100.  Don't stop at her dresses though, her newly launched jewelry collection is something to break a sweat on.  These pieces are hot!

Dress 1: Ali Dress - A sassy chiffon ruffle dress to wear from shopping to lunch.  

$72 Click here to buy.

Dress 2: Lisa Dress- Love the sheath dress with detachable floral dress.   

$68 Click here to buy.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Chicago Designer Creates Ecofriendly Eyewear

Dear Fashionistas,

There is definitely something keen about Chris Mantz, designer and founder of Drift Eyewear.  We can't decide if it is because he is energetic and well traveled or because he has designed the most beautiful ecofriendly eyewear around.  Inspired by life, Mantz pushes the boundaries with hand-crafted eyewear with exceptional quality.  The wood to create these pieces of wonder are sourced from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified suppliers. aka "fair-trade.   He uses different types of wood for color and texture to suite just about anyone.   Fashionista Chicago is just wild about these and we look forward to strut these specs real soon.

Available at Labrabbit Optics, 1104 North Ashland Avenue, at Thomas Street (773-957-4733 or labrabbit.org). For more information, go to drifteyewear.com.

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

Chicago Designer Christina Fan Rocks Urban

In the photos above: 
I am wearing the Helen Scarf Cardigan in Grey Caddo Lake Print and Christina is wearing the Mata Hari Caftan tunic in Blue Caddo Lake Print.

In the photos above:

I am wearing the Langtry dress in Grey Caddo Lake Print, Lauren (in the middle) is in the Marilyn Dress in Blue Caddo Lake print and Christina is wearing the Cixi dress in Grey Caddo Lake Print (exclusive to City Blue Chicago).

Dear Fashionistas,

There is no mistaking it, Christina Fan designer of C/Fan creates a look distinctly her own.  A cut above the seasons seaworthy hues and cinematic previews.   C/Fan puts a twist in our stylish closet by designing pieces that show a glimpse of skin with effortlessly flowing luxe fabric wrapped around our silhouette.

Fan was accepted to law school but quickly found her creative juices churning while traveling and started to pursue designing.  In 2009 she launched C/Fan creating modern graphic prints and key pieces to accompany your growing wardrobe.  The unique pieces can be styled in a variety of different ways so that they can be used as a statement or a transitional piece.  

The above shots are from a fun photo shoot we did around the corner from her studio. Another example of the fun whimsical personality Fan creates while showcasing the seasons most sought-out pieces.

Be sure to check out C/Fan's website by clicking here.  A Chicago Fashionista's favorite.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Meriam Cecilia Shows Off Her Ethereal Side

Dear Fashionistas,
Chicago designer Miriam Cecilia has created a "storm" of nature! It's no wonder since her designs are inspired by nature and all things beautiful. She showed us what she is made of last Friday by showcasing her ready-to-wear pieces and magical couture gowns. Using mica as a feature on one of her gowns around the neckline was glorious.  Another adornment was fur, set upon the shoulder as a warm accent.
Hand-sewn with care, the styles are created for the goddess in all of us by designing elegant structures that allow wearability. The fabrics flowed without a care as if you were part of the wind, moving naturally with a feminine stride.

An oasis of iridescent and serene accomplishment, Miriam Cecilia presented a collection that is surreal but attainable.
Ta Ta
Nicki    Chicago Fashionista ChicagoFashionista

Lara Miller Is Eco-Wonderful

Dear Fashionistas,

Chicago designer Lara Miller has amazing taste and extraordinary talent.  Her collection is constructed of eco-friendly bamboo, organic cotton and other sustainable materials creating elements of soft woven pieces of wonderful.  

Easy to wear but still über-stylish, Lara Miller reaches out to a larger market and manages to capture a customer who is tried and true.  The Val Cigarette Pants pictured above are  examples of how Lara Miller can create something to look chic and oh so very wearable.

Her collection is manufactured in Chicago and can be found on her website: Lara Miller or discover more of Lara Miller at Cerato.

Ta Ta,
Nicki