Another Brit Fashion Site But With VIP Treatment

Dear Fashionistas,
Very.com , a UK based e-commerce fashion site is invading the U.S.A Very....soon!  They are introducing a wide range of fashionable apparel and shoes for style savvy fashionistas.  So before the initial launch, they are giving us VIP treatment by offering 20% off over Black Friday and Cyber-Monday!  It's simple, simply sign up above and they will send you a special alert.

Don't miss out, it's perfect for Christmas shopping online in your own comfy surroundings.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

*this is a sponsored advertisement

Chicago Designer Agga B-Dress Du Jour

Dear Fashionistas,

Chicago top designer Agga B has struck a star studded style mine.  She has done this by creating the must-have "Dress Du Jour" feature on her website at AGGAB.com Showcasing the most coveted pieces at a guilt-free rate on a weekly basis. Her collection is feminine and strong with clean shapes and edgy appliques.  I am hoping she continues this fab idea through the winter months with her Winter 2011 collection featuring a full length repurposed fur coat made into a sleeveless vest along with super fine wool blends and crepe fabrics.

Agga B is an amazing and determined designer with an abundant amount of energy.  She is also involved with the City of Chicago planning fashion events including FashionWeek, working with the Italian Chamber of Commerce to find the next hot designer and working with Toyota by designing a new eco-friendly car.

She is recognized nationally but her heart belongs in Chicago where she resides. Be sure to check out her website for the "Dress Du Jour" and click on the other categories to purchase her other amazing pieces offered for all of us Chicago Fashionistas.

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

P.45 A Colorful Take On Spring

Dear Fashionistas,
P.45 in Bucktown was one of the first boutiques to pave the way in this once starving artist neighborhood. They are known for their avant-garde sense of style and taking risks with up and coming designers from Chicago.  This spring isn't any different.

This long-sleeve blue print dress by the forward thinking designer Osklen is inspired by his Eco-journeys.  The Azure blue water was his inspiration for this little number.  You can be sure this one won't last on the racks too long so be sure to make a fashionable shop-stop to P.45 this week.

Don't stop with the dress. Be sure to check out these amazing suede and wood shoes from designer LD Tuttle for VPL.  They are a perfect example of P.45's edgy but vibrant expression.  Pair them with a fanciful ruffle short skirt or a long fluid skirt with a slit up the side.


Ta Ta,
Nicki


FashionistaChicago
Fashionista Chicago

Tielor McBride Roll Top Sacks - Just In!

Dear Fashionistas,

Super HOT! - just arrived in Chicago.   Midwest designer Tielor McBride noted for design work with Ralph Lauren and Diane Von Furstenburg, has found his niche in the ever-functionable military backpack.  These roll top sacks are function-able but made to look incredibly stylish while sporting around town. Handmade in New York City and composed of high quality U.S leather. 

Now it's a breeze to carry your packages in your hands with your stylish backpack at your side or traditionally on your back. Count me in Tieler, looks like we have a winner.

Contact McKenzie at MTO for purchasing or visit Chalk in Evanston.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

FashionistaChicago

Fashionista Chicago

Karen Millen Is On Trend With A Pop Of Color

Dear Fashionistas,
Right on trend with geometric graphics and high octane color-blocking, Karen Millen takes center stage.
Now in Chicago amongst the other British invasion shops popping up including Ted Baker and Top Shop.
Inject glossy glam and modern chic pieces from Karen Millen to make your wardrobe feel refreshed and alive this spring.

You can shop the store in the 900 shops of Michigan Avenue or their super savvy online store at www.us.KarenMillen.com.

Elda De La Rosa S/S 2011 Is Romantic

Dear Fashionistas,

Romance was in the air at the Elda De La Rosa Spring/Summer 2011 show held at the Allerton hotel in Chicago last night.  Shimmering fabrics and fluid dresses were her main focus for the show and we were all delighted to see what was bestowed upon us.  The dresses possessed femininity with a touch of modern flair making this collection uniquely appropriate and surprisingly versatile. This year she takes us to a romantic era of yesteryear.  Satin gowns and soft lace beckoning the thoughts of every girl's dream of making her wedding a reality.  Whether you are dreaming of your perfect wedding, newly engaged, renewing your vows or simply daydreaming, Elda De La Rosa presented a collection that was simply divine.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Squasht by Les

Dear Fashionistas,
Known for her ready-to-wear pieces and reversible hats, Lesley Timpe is Squasht by Les and has created a Chicago frenzy for her subtly sophisticated and quirky collection.  The Spring/Summer 2011 collection is filled with tunics and bat wing tops including the one pictured above. ($68) 
Loving this striped bat wing top as a staple for everything comfy and in vogue. Pair it with skinny jeans (white, black or grey. Maybe red for a pop!)


Lesley is also known for her reversible hats. The above Bella hat ($54) is made of white textured cotton and detailed with a black belt and button. Most of her hats come in various sizes to compliment our noggin.  You should stop by her store at 2556 West Chicago Avenue to check out the rest of her collection and try on all her fun hats!


Ta Ta,
Nicki

Borris Powell Views Fall 2011 In Red

Dear Fashionistas,

Borris Powell is the Chicago darling who won the Oscar Designer Challenge with his exquisite Black Swan Dress.  He may have been hanging back stage with Karl Lagerfeld at the Oscars but he is home now to his beloved city, Chicago.

Last Friday, BJP' hosted his Fall 2011 collection fashion show at the Sheraton Hotel.  It was a packed house! Standing room only for those trying to catch a glimpse at the last minute.   BJP showed us he is mad about plaid and the color red.  (London Calling?) The tartan look is topped off with a red wool cape which I absolutely adored.  The red evening dress shown above is a one-shoulder wonder with a figure flattering bodice and a flowing skirt.  It's a dress that will be sure to stop traffic.  

This will be BJP's first collection featuring separates and can be purchased at his studio at 2465 N Halsted Avenue or Studio-808.com for more details.  

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Cerato, Where Chicago Designers Mingle

Dear Fashionistas,

GILT Chicago, Daily Candy and Time Out Chicago are gushing over Cerato at 3451 North Southport Ave. So I curiously went over to Cerato to see what all the hubbub was all about.  Feminine and flirty decor with a hip vibe featuring double-wide fitting rooms large enough for the moms with strollers and fashionistas to get a complete 180 degree angle!  You know we need that space.
Cerato is focused on cutting edge designers from Chicago and is making waves in the style scene.
Sophia Reyes, CFAN, Anna Fong, Horacio Nieto and Lara Miller are some the hottest names to watch in 2011 and are located at Cerato.  Get in there now to check out the fresh spring arrivals.  Receive a SPECIAL  "No Tax inclusion on any purchase" when you mention my blog. Offer ends March 14th!
**discount does not apply with current promotions

Ta Ta,
Nicki

Modern Makeover For The Trench

Dear Fashionistas,

Have no fear, spring is in the near....well, future.  However, I don't think once spring chimes in it is going to leap to a balmy 75 degrees. So when your ready to shed your "puffy" go a little lighter with a stylish trench.

Keep the bold colors at bay and go for a neutral color for longevity.  If you want to add a pop of color, throw a silk scarf around your neck and carry a leather clutch to match. Voilà!

Fave 1: British luxury fashion house Burberry founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry has always been the destination for their signature chic plaid clothing and fashion accessories.  But, if you're not a plaid fan, you can thank the new chief creative director Christopher Baily.  Responsible for re-branding the company, and taking the fashion house to new heights, we can now purchase stylish trenches without the plaid. My pick, is the grey wool trench with the frilled hem. A classic trench while redefining femininity is worth the investment.  Check out Burberry in Chicago at 633 N. Michigan Avenue.

Fave 2; New British phenomenon on the scene is Ted Baker. Ted Baker is one of the fastest-growing leading lifestyle brands in the UK.  He is known for his attention to detail shirting for men and quirky sense of humor.  Grown since 1987 from a menswear haberdasher to designing a wide range of collections including: Menswear, Womenswear, Global, Endurance, Accessories, Fragrance, Skinwear, Footwear, Eyewear and Watches. Ted Baker has become a global brand and is opening stores in the United States including Chicago at 1009 N. State Street which opened in December of 2010.  Check out the store and snag this super cute full-skirt double breasted trench in rose pink. Another classic with a kick of sass!

Fave 3: American darling, Kate Spade from Missouri has captured our hearts with her handbags in the early 90's.  She expanded her line to stationery, personal organizers, address books, shoes, beauty products, perfume, raincoats, pajamas, and eyewear. In 1998, she opened her first store in SoHo and in 2003 Chicago, at the location of 56 East Oak Street! This year, everyone who's anyone seems to be talking about her 2011 collection!  The collection is filled with bright colors and whimsical flair.  I happened to spot a trench that is elegant with a bit of fun.  The coat features sunburst pleating and playful bow detailing in back. Includes flap pockets, shoulder epaulettes and polka-dot print faille lining for a final whimsical touch.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Effortlessly Elegant

Dear Fashionistas,
Legendary Roy Halston Frowick, known for his studio 54 glamour and popularizing the halter dress and spiral skirt, has gained a new cult-following amongst the trend-setters with the revival of Halston as Halston Heritage.  Still chic and effortlessly elegant, New Yorkers aren't the only ones who get to wear Halston Heritage,  Krista k on Southport now carries this classic line.

Love this twist skirt jersey dress.  Looks so "effortlessly elegant".  Doesn't it?

Ta Ta,
Nicki