Five Little Black Dresses at 900 North Michigan Shops

Max Mara 

Karen Millen

Jill Stuart at Bloomingdales

L.K. Bennett

DVF at Mark Shale

Dear Fashionistas,

When the 900 North Michigan Shops asked Fashionista Chicago to help put the spotlight on the LBD, we (I) were more than willing to show off the different ways to strut the hot little number .  The rules here: There are no rules.  Live out your fantasy for the night by being curvaceous, sensual, flirty or demure.  

Each style takes on a different personality and there are certainly plenty of Little Black Dresses to fit yours.   

The 900 North Michigan Shops  has taken on top brands with serious street cred and we wanted to show you how you can wear different styles and find them all in one place.

1. Max Mara is lean and mean as a classic cocktail dress in a noteworthy jersey.  Pair it with brown snakeskin heels for a subtle exotic touch.

2. Karen Millen is rockin and rollin with this hot sequin mini-dress that features long sleeves.  A side note: super comfortable and I loved wearing these multi-color heels to throw off the sequin look.

3. Jill Stuart at Bloomingdales strapless LBD shakes and shimmers and includes one of my favorite elements; it has pockets!  I paired this dress with Brian Atwood fluorescent strappy stilettos to give an edge!

4.  L.K. Bennett features a feminine and flirty dress that is fit for a princess!  This is one of Duchess Kate's favorite stores.  We can see why.

5.  DVF at Mark Shale simultaneously sweet and savvy.  This dress makes a statement with it's oversized bows .

Ta Ta,

Nicki

All Leathered Up! 3 Styles To Get You Rockin

Dear Fashionistas,

The seasons have turned just as our style.   So that means its time to break out the leather. Exotic fabrics and furs are showing up on every top, bottom, dress and accessory.   Leather is one hot commodity this season.  Whether you are wearing it from head-to-toe or as an accessory, you can’t make a mistake.  A playful version on how to wear leather is mixed in with other fabrics, and textures.  We at Fashionista Chicago love soft sweaters with leather paneling on the arms.  But you will see leather with fringe, leather and fur, leather and chains and leather and denim.  So...pick your poison and strut your choice of hide.

Our must-have pieces are the mustard color Katie Gallagher leather jacket.  It’s edgy and sophisticated.  Alice + Olivia dark red leather pants are easy to dress up or down.  Pair them with a white or cream knit top to complete the look. If you have an event this year where you want to make a grand entrance and turn heads, step out in the all leather gold and taupe floor length dress by Derek Lam... to die for!

Two favorite shopping stops to stay on trend is the rustic and über sexy All Saints  and the UK fashion glam franchise, Topshop on Michigan Avenue. So go out and find which piece of this rocker trend suits you the best, whether it be a little pair of DVF gloves or full on leather jacket or dress.

Stay Stylish Chicago,

Fashionista Chicago Collaborator

Katie Schuppler

Mark Shale Is High Fashion In Demure Shades

Leather jacket by Sylvie Schimmel

Striped cross-over top by DVF 

Cropped front flap pants by Vince

Open Weave Mixed Crochet Sleeveless Top and Shawl by Inhabit

Military roll up pants by Go Silk

Necklace by Chan Luu

Multi-color knit poncho by LunAlba 

Cotton twill fitted ankle pants by Trina Turk

Snake-skin leather purse by R&Y Augousti

Dear Fashionistas,

I had the privilege to visit Mark Shale at the Shops of 900 North Michigan Avenue yesterday to do a little show and tell.  In case you didn't know, Mark Shale is a well-known high fashion retailer established in the Chicago area in 1929.   The Baskin family had the notion to bring together the finest men's and women's clothing from around the world.  So they did, with style and finesse.  However, the clothing lines aren't the only draw to Mark Shale. The customer service is as well-known as the brands they bring in. 

Julie Blake my wardrobe consultant yesterday was A-MA-ZING!  She was the genius behind the stylish ensembles you see above.  I had discussed my style with her before I came in the store.  Casual but edgy.   She nailed the sizes and the bits of funk added to each piece.

A special thanks to the store Manager Sarah Brandes for being so accommodating and of course being the photographer.  

With Maria Pinto as the new Creative Director,  we can be sure to see more amazing clothing lines including brand exclusives and hopefully a few Chicago's designers in the near future. 

Ta Ta,

Nicki