4 Must-Have Chicago Designer Accessories this Winter

Anastasia Chatzka

C/Fan

Lara Miller

Shannon Carney

Dear Fashionistas, 

What makes a cake is the icing and the same goes for putting together the ultimate ensemble. The accessory is the key piece for a well dressed woman. So we at Fashionista Chicago thought it would be a great idea to showcase a few of our favorite local designer pieces, we simply can't live without.

1. Anastasia Chatzka- $22 Print silk from Italy created into soft beautiful scarves.  No need for heavy wool, silk is the second warmest fiber next to wool.  We love the scarves for a pop of color and no bulk!  The scarves are only available in Anastasia's boutique 1740 W. Division, Chicago, IL.
2. C/Fan-$120 The Adele Rabbit Beanie is one of our faves.  A stylish shape with super chic rabbit fur in three different shades.  This is definitely a F/W must.  Available at Cityblue.
3. Lara Miller- $176 Our Eco-Friendly darling has hand-loomed  accessories just in time for the chilled elements to come.  We love the Aldo socks to keep our pedicured feet protected from our boots.  They feel like pure heaven. Perfect over your skinny's!
4. Shannon Carney -$1760 Our splurge for the day!  These little hand painted discs creates a wonderful waterfall appearance and brings life to any Chicago uniform!  Which in case you didn't know is basic black .

These are wonderful accessories for you or for someone you think of fondly.

Ta Ta,

Nicki

Lara Miller In A Night To Remember

Dear Fashionistas,

Last night, The Salon Series hosted by J.C. Steinbumner partnered up with Chicago designer Lara Miller to host a laid-back but highly interactive dinner party discussing style, art, food and everything in between. The food was prepared by X-Marx Chef Abraham Conlon and team who's main focus besides amazing fusion dining is using products that are seasonal and local.

It all made sense since Lara Miller designs are created by using sustainable material and promotes environmental awareness.
The night persisted in a discussion on Lara Miller's start in designing, her thoughts on buying organic and her Spring/Summer 2012 will look like.  Combined with Chef Abraham Conlon explaining the ingredients he used and where to get them was brilliant.  It was a night of learning, collaborating and networking while enjoying fine dining.
A perfect trio made a successful dining experience an evening to remember.


Ta Ta,
Nicki

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

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