Instagram Shoot at Taste and Trend. Meet The Designers!

Dear Fashionistas,

Fashionista Chicago was asked to cover  the Taste & Trend event last Thursday at the Wave restaurant in the W hotel on Lakeshore Drive.  Hosted by Deanna Dugo, W Hotel event Coordinator and Jim  Snediker of Left of Trend a unique social networking/shopping website specializing in the hottest local designers.  This duo puts together a night of  food, drinks and fashion held once a month. Only $20 for two specialty drink tickets and a foodies delight in appetizers including polenta french fries.  Yum!  The highlight of the evening however are the Chicago designers showcasing their pieces and giving out nice discounts if purchased on the spot.  I was impressed with the collections presented given the limited space.  The fashion forward designers who presented their collection are definitely worth shopping for!

Brynn Capella- Her Chicago made leather bags are so versatile.  We love her new "Hey Sailor" bags.

BucketFeet- We love the idea of wearing art, especially on our shoes.  Plus, 5% of all proceeds goes to charity.

Whether Bags- Handcrafted locally, these sustainable all weather bags are for the stylish on the go.  We want the yoga mat carrier!  

Chicago Designer Rocks iPhone Photo Shoot. See Who!

        

Dear Fashionistas,
Who said you can't look drop-dead gorgeous in the middle of urban alleys?  Chicago fashionista and designer Miriam Cecelia rocked our make-shift iphone photo shoot!  Cecelia studied design in Paris in 2007 and has become an expert on draping and fabric manipulation.  Her designs are a reflection of nature and landscapes that capture her heart.  It was such a fun twist to photograph her behind her new shop/studio at 1223 West Diversey.  I must say it worked out perfectly.  Whether your in the market for ready-to-wear or couture hand-sewn gowns, Cecelia makes you feel you are her one and only client and designs a piece you have been dreaming of.  BTW- did you spot her HOT yellow wedges?

Above Miriam Cecelia is wearing her autumn/winter 2011 "Harvest Moon"collection:
Look #1  Aster Dress $275    Kanin Capelette  $440
Look #2  Winsome Dress  $385
Look #3  Settled Earth Dress  **Price Upon Request
Ta Ta,

Nicki

A Sneak Peek Of What's To Come F/W 2011

Dear Fashionistas,

I know it's hard to think of fall/winter attire when Chicago finally settled into summer.  But we just can't keep this a secret any longer.  Anastasia Chatzka was so kind to let Fashionista Chicago into her loft studio to see what's in store for our chilly months ahead.  Straight off the runway, many designers are showcasing a bit of men's style in women's collections such as plaid suits and shirts including Chanel and Sonya Rykiel.  Our home town talent has done just the same with soft wool in pink, blue and green plaid.  The dress above showcases the trend on menswear but takes it to another level by pulling in the waist for a feminine silhouette.  We are gushing over the large keyhole detail in back.

The hot color this season is Bordeaux and Chatzka nailed it with this bohemian take on an evening dress and macramé tank that can be worn separate.  The Maxi is transitioning into fall and is always popular.  We are embracing the look of femme-meets-bohemian feel.  So chic and comfy!

Ta Ta,
Nicki

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

Creatures Of The Wind

Dear Fashionistas,

Chicago hip designers Chris Peters and Shane Gabier are Creatures Of The Wind and have mixed femininity with an architectural sense of style.  The dress above is a knit cotton a-line wonder made with structural rope detail and an intricate crocheted neckline. 

Loving this dress with the silk/chiffon draping in front, shaped as a bustier but without the constricting component.  Easy to wear and it makes a statement. Two statements that are essential for a ChicagoFashionista to make it a breeze getting ready for all her Spring haps.

You can find the above dresses and other amazing pieces from Creatures Of The Wind at Barneys New York and ikram right here in Chicago!

Ta Ta,

Nicki