Five Star Frocks For Chicago's Warm Months

Dear Fashionistas,

Don't you just love a good dress to wear throughout the warm months? Lets face it, Chicago only has three good months of warm weather to really enjoy light flowing materials.  So I gathered a few of my favorites that can be worn strolling along the shopping districts, grabbing lunch with friends or meeting for a cocktail at Trump Tower.   The best part - is that they are all reasonably priced and located in Chicago. 

1. Marlowe - 800 North Michigan Avenue.  This wool silk pleated dress is stunning.  It is the epitome of elegance and will get you through luncheons to cocktails for many years to come.

2. Cerato - 3451 North Southport Avenue. This Vienna dress by Chicago designer Sophia Reyes is stunning with it's vibrant color and designed with perfect proportion's.  This dress is a must-have to show off your flirty femininity side.

3. Zara - Block 37-1 West Randolph.  Leather is the "it" textile this S/S2011 and Zara is making it accessible and fun with this little ruffle leather number. Make this a Chicago streetstyle by pairing it with your black patent leather lace-up heels and skinny belt.

4. Neiman Marcus - 737 North Michigan Avenue.  T-Bags is one of the stylish designers at Neiman Marcus that is "yes" affordable.  The striped halter maxi is designed with all shapes in mind.  A banded empire waist and gathered bodice makes this dress wearable for both day and night.

Which one will you wear this summer?

Ta Ta

Nicki

Mail Call! Get Your English Leather Mailbag

Dear Fashionistas,

I guess I can’t stop finding great bags. What's a girl to do? 

Apostrophe and Ampersand  handcrafted these incredible one-of-a-kind bags from 100 year old mailbags that includes a leather exterior and canvas interior. The leather is a distressed vintage look and the canvas interior features a graphic print of the original bag number. So each one is unique and refined but staying true to it's previous life.  

These bags were a hit at NY fashion week.  So get yours soon.  You know my darlings,  there are only so many mailbags to repurpose. 

Purchase them at MTO's showroom or at Chalk in Evanston!

Ta Ta,
Nicki

LAUDI VIDNI-Individual Spelled Backwards

Dear Fashionistas,

Don't let two Harvard Business School graduates fool you with just their smarts.  They have a keen eye for style too.  Founders of LAUDI VIDNI (Individual spelled backwards) Grace Tsao-Wu and Laura Kofoid have taken the handbag industry by storm.  By launching an interactive state-of-the-art website and opening a boutique at 1007 West Armitage Ave. in 2009, the customized handbag  has become a must-have accessory to flaunt your individual flair.

The process of customizing  your handbag is a breeze especially with chic co-owner Laura at your side. Start by choosing a sophisticated silhouette then choose from an array of soft-imported leather (over 40 to choose from) and finish up with beautiful seamless hardware options. Before ordering the final piece, you can view it in a 360 degree angle on their website LaudiVidni.com.  If you are dissatisfied with the result, no problem. With the simple click of the mouse, you can change any portion of the customized bag in merely seconds.

The best part of designing your own leather handbag? Getting your handbag in a matter of weeks because they are manufactured in Chicago.

Ta Ta,

Nicki