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

Avaasi Jewelry-The Power of Unique

Dear Fashionistas,

Cutting-edge Chicago designer Asia Borycka is considered one of the rising stars in Jewelry design. Avaasi is the brand on everyones lips and creating an evolution in Europe, New York and Chicago. Her collection is edgy but wearable. Some of my favorite pieces are the draped chains pictured above, made with crystal quartz on an antique copper chain.  The dramatic image below is from a Avaasi feature in Dilemma Magazine in Poland.   These pieces are made to compliment a women's figure and definitely make a statement.

With an established roster of clients and growing, Asia is consistently innovating her design process. Be sure to check out her website www.Avaasi.com for the full collection.  The earrings are simply amazing too.  I just want one of each please.  You can also find the Avaasi collection At Sofia Vintage on Oak Street and Elements on wells.  

Ta Ta,

Nicki

FashionistaChicago

Fashionista Chicago

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

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