Neiman Marcus Beauty Event: Gift Tote Is Available In Stores Tomorrow!

The gift tote at Neiman Marcus is available in stores tomorrow February 23rd through March 4th during their Beauty Event! All you have to do to receive this summery tote filled with goodies is purchase $100 in beauty or fragrance. You know that is not not hard to do. And on top of it, all of your favorite lines are offering their own gifts with purchase. So you get gifts upon gifts. Luckily, you will have the tote to carry them! It comes in bright pink, yellow and my favorite, metallic gold. I can’t wait to use it by a pool! I had the opportunity to get a preview and try some of the samples at Neiman Marcus in Northbrook. The Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Fragrance is simply wonderful, the Kate Somerville Clinc-to-Go Pads gently and easily exfoliate, and Kiehl’s Line Release Concentrate saved my winter skin.

The Nordstrom Northbrook preview last week

See any of your favorite beauty products here? Many include another gift with purchase!

Shop the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event online today or visit your nearest Neiman Marcus store February 23, 2012 – March 4, 2012

– Carol Calacci

Photos: Second City Style

Yarok. Food For Your Head at Roque Salon

I have a confession to make. I’m in an abusive relationship.

I abuse my hair on a regular basis. Just last week I dyed my own hair not once, but twice within a 36 hour period. I pick my split ends all the time, and I straighten my hair daily without any thermal protectors. That being said, my hair is still very good to me, but my fine (and probably very damaged hair) is due for some TLC.

Recently I walked in to Roque Salon in Chicago excited to get an all-natural and vegan scalp and hair treatment. I thought I’d get a nice little head massage and my hair might be a little shinier afterwards – I got so much more than expected.

When I walked into  the salon I was greeted by Yarok stylist and educator, Theadora and the man who created the revolutionary line himself, Mordechai Alvow. After I grabbed a delicious Sokenbicha tea in Revive I sat down in the chair with Theadora to get my hair healed.

Theadora proceeded to tell me all about this revolutionary line of haircare products. Yarok is a haircare line that might just save the world and your hair. Theadora started by massaging the ‘Feed Your Sunshine Hair Serum’ in my damaged locks. This little bottle is jam packed with nutrients for your tresses. The special formula protects and repairs your hair against all the torture you put it through. Unlike most hair products, Yarok is sucked in by your hair shaft instead of just coating it.

As I sat in the salon a woman next to me turned to me and told me the story of how she got hooked on Yarok. A while ago her scalp starting scabbing over and she said her head felt like a crater. Her hair started falling out and she had no idea what to do. She started getting the Yarok treatments with all the natural ingredients and she hasn’t had a problem since.

After I sat with the Serum in under a heater for a bit, my hair was washed with the ‘Feed Your Volume shampoo and conditioner’. I have never in my life used a natural shampoo with a better lather. After I had been shampooed and conditioned, Theadora told me to feel my hair. Even wet, I would have bet big money that my hair could have lifted weights.

The next step was to style my hair. Theadora sprayed on the’ Feed Your Ends Leave-In Conditioner’ as a protectant against the heat of the blow dryer plus a little bit of grip from the Feed Your Do Styling Whip, she blew dry my hair into shiny, bouncy, healthy perfection. My hair was finished with a nice spritz of the ‘Feed Your Hold Style Sustaining Hair Spray’ with memory hold and no alcohol to dry out your hair.

I walked away from Roque Salon with my abused hair feeling loved again. The day of my hair was bouncy and my bottle-red color looked more vibrant than ever. I’m writing this four days after the fact, and I was STILL receiving compliments on how great my hair looked.

You can buy all the Yarok goodies yourself and give yourself the treatments at home, or you can go to Roque Salon where they’ll give you a fabulous scalp massage along with it for a great break from the real world. Your hair will be so happy with you, it’ll cooperate for days to come.

-Kat Bremhorst

Photos: Second City Style

‘Tax Free’ Shopping Event At 900 North Michigan Shops This Weekend

The 900 shops are once again celebrating Presidents’ Day weekend with a three-day ‘tax free’ shopping event Saturday, February 18 though Monday, February 20. More than 40 retailers will offer a 9.5 percent discount, equivalent to Cook County sales tax.

In addition, shoppers can park at a special “Alexander Hamilton” rate of $10 for the entire day from Saturday through Monday. Parking tickets must be validated with purchase.

Some of the retailers that will participating in this once-a-year event include: J. Crew, Michael Kors, MaxMara, Club Monaco, L’Occitane, Intimacy Bar Fit Stylists, L.K.Bennett, Solstice Sunglass Boutique, DNA 2050, Montblanc, Charles David, Original Penguin, Mark Shale, Galt Toys & Galt Baby, Mario Tricoci Hair Salon, Christofle, Sermoneta Gloves, Fogal, Karen Millen, Space519 and more.

Please visit 900 North Michigan Shops website for a full listing of participating stores.

– Katie Schmitz

Photos: 900 North Michigan Shops

Balsan Feast on Fashion with Sarca Boutique in Chicago

Alexis Cozzini of Sarca and Store Manager

‘Ladies Who Lunch and Love to Shop’ were among the guests at the Sarca Fashion Show in the Balsan Restaurant at the Elysian Hotel on January 26. Alexis Cossini, owner of Sarca boutique located in the Gold Coast, travels to Europe to find the latest luxurious fashions for her best dressed and chic clients. Designers included in the show were Nieves Lavi, Samantha Sleeper, Ella Luna, Finders Keppers, Kimberly Taylor, Alexis, Victor & Rolf shoes, and Damen + Division jewelry. While guests were seated for lunch, the latest spring fashion was adorned by beautiful models who roamed the room. Even though the modeling was informal, there was nothing informal or ordinary about the fashion. Any woman who follows trends would have purchased every outfit modeled that day. From the jewelry, to the dresses and two-piece outfits, to the shoes – every piece was extraordinary. The Balsan hosts fashion shows almost every month presenting top boutiques and stores throughout Chicago.

The Elysian Hotel will change its name to the Waldorf-Astoria beginning February 1, 2012. According to my source, the name is the ONLY thing that will change – continue to expect first-class service.

Models in Spring Fashion from Sarca

Models in Spring Fashion from Sarca

Fashion Show Guests

For additional information, visit shopsarca.com or call 312.255.0900. Sarca Boutique is located at 710 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago.

- Cindy Burns

Photos: Second City Style

Emilio Sosa: What He’s Been Up to Since Project Runway Season 7

Emilio Sosa was in Chicago recently and I was presented with the opportunity to meet him and find out what he’s been up to since Project Runway. If you remember, Sosa came close to winning Season 7.  He was the designer who won 5 challenges and went on to the final runway show. Emilio was also the one who used his initials and brand in the challenge where they designed their own textiles, which brought on a bit of controversy, (Tim Gunn did not love it but Michael Kors did).  Since then he has continued to promote “esosa” designs, a line he co-created with his brothers.

I also had a chance to find out more about Emilio’s background. He hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and was raised and educated in New York City. He said he was creating fashion sketches since he was 14, taking academic classes in Harlem, afternoon art and design classes on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and free art classes on Saturdays at Parson’s School of Design in Greenwich Village. He continued his art education at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. He began his career as the assistant costume master for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, where he traveled the world. Upon returning to New York, he began a successful career styling music videos for ground-breaking Hip Hop Artists, Salt and Pepa, Kid and Play and MC Lyte, to name a few. He styled commercials for Spike Lee and was assistant costume designer on his film Bamboozled. His designs have appeared in over 50 theater productions in the United States and abroad and he has won several awards. Most recently, Emilio’s work can be seen in the new Broadway production of Porgy and Bess, Spike Lee’s upcoming film, Red Hook Summer and his esosa fashion line will make its debut at New York Fashion Week this February.

Upon meeting Emilio, I was immediately greeted with his warmth and humor. He is the kind of guy you want to hang out with and share lots of laughs, as well as the added bonus of talking about fashion!

SCS: So… what have you been up to?

ES: It has been an amazing run since Project Runway aired in 2010. I’ve been doing a lot of design for off Broadway productions and I have personal clients, like Wynton Marsalis, and designing my own collection.

SCS: I’m fascinated by your costume design experience for Alvin Ailey, because I have seen the company perform and personally I love dance.

ES: The Alvin Ailey job was my first out of school. I toured domestically at first and then I traveled for the first time to Europe, to Greece, to Paris… I got to travel all over, and this was a great experience for me. But to design the costumes, the fabric selection was important: What stretches, and what will dry quickly. The costumes had to be washed and dried very quickly for the next day. Fabric Selection is always the hardest…because I obsess over it! It can make or break your design.

SCS: On Project Runway, you won a lot of challenges – five!  Do you work well under pressure?

ES: I was so focused… I had blinders on! I had to think of one challenge at a time. You know it is always so great to hear that people remember me and are fans because of Project Runway.

Emilio Sosa Winning Design - Project Runway Season 7

SCS: I know! I just checked back to look at Season 7 and I remembered your specific designs. Everyone can always see and remember them!

ES: Yes, I did not think of it at the time but on Project Runway… it is like everyone will see those pieces…forever! (laughs).

He went on to tell me that the first esosa Collection will debut during New York Fashion Week, on February 10th! (He invited Second City Style, so stay tuned.)

ES: It will be a presentation, with 2 hours of cocktails. I want it to be a big party. I remembered the first shows I ever attended… I like shows like Todd Oldham held … I want it to me like that – a cool cocktail party!

SCS: So what is it like working with your brothers?

ES: (Laughing.) It is the best of times and the worst of times. Good because we know each other so well that we have a shorthand language… but bad because we can push each others buttons! You know, I could have just went into business for myself, but I wanted to empower my family, and build a family legacy.

SCS: What was the best advice that anyone ever gave you?

ES: Isabelle Toledo was a judge on a challenge where I could have gone home, but she said, “Just be you.” I thought that was the best advice, don’t change who you are to fit your surroundings. I think you have to have a strong core. I also think that she is one of America’s less appreciates design geniuses!!

SCS: You had a lot of experience before Project Runway.

ES: I was designing since I was 14 and now I am in my 40s. I was the old guy on project runway… Yes I was “the Bert” of my season!

SCS: You are really funny and I don’t know if people really saw this side of you on Project Runway!

ES: I think that people really didn’t get to know me. And then I’m humbled when people are fans. It really makes me feel good. I enjoy what I am doing now, and I know what I bring to the table. Fashion brings joy to others, and if I can contribute to bringing joy to others, then I’m cool!

SCS: Is there anything else that you would like people to know about you?

ES: Well… If I can get on my soap box…as American designers I feel we have taken a back seat to European designers. I think that in this country we need to value fashion as an art form, and not just as a business. We have a lot of great American designers and I am a big pusher of “Made In America.”  Meanwhile I am anxious about my presentation in new York. The designs are all set and ready to go but his is the first time that people will see this collection. I don’t know what they’ll think. It is my baby…I’m hiding my baby…I’m like Beyonce…(he starts laughing)…you don’t want anyone to think that your boy is ugly!

Emilio Sosa had me in stitches (really no pun intended) and I can’t wait to see his esosa Collection during New York Fashion Week!

Emilio Sosa and Carol Calacci

See our past reviews: Project Runway Season 7: That’s My Fabric and Project Runway Season 7: Finale

Be sure to check out our other favorite site dedicated to all things Project Runway…Blogging Project Runway!

—Carol Calacci

Pamella Roland S12 Trunk Show at Neiman Marcus Chicago

Fuchsia Multicolor Beaded Front Dress with Silk Crepe Back

Pamella Roland hosted a Spring ’12 trunk show at Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue on Tuesday, January 24 featuring her famous Red Carpet gowns and dresses. The spring styles feature structured silhouettes, flowing chiffon, multicolor beading and even feathers. Edgy designed tops, skirts, dresses and jackets are all standout pieces. Muted colors such as moonrock, stone blue, and chalk pink hold their own with these creative designs. If you desire more color, a few of the dresses are offered in fucshia, lavender and pale navy/green ombre. Every cocktail dress in the collection has a different cut, length and twist offering various options for women of all ages and figures. The gowns are as unique and extraordinary as the dresses. The Belle of the Ball will easily find THE dress for the spring gala of her choice. My favorite dress of the S12 Collection is the Fuchsia Multicolor Beaded Front Dress.

Pamella Roland Resort 2012 Gown

Black Silk Crepe Bias Strip Bustier with Spiral Beading and Black Beaded Floor Length Skirt

 

- Cindy Burns

Photos: Second City Style

Estee Lauder Launches Topaz ‘New Pure Color’ S12 at Neiman Marcus

Estee Lauder Trendview Collection S12

Monday mornings usually start off with a big BLAH – however this Monday began with a BLAST in the Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue. Breakfast was served on Topaz colored tablecloths set with lovely white spring flowers. Estee Lauder Account Executive Gigi Kane, led a presentation on the Topaz ‘New Pure Color’ S12 Collection which was launched on the Spring runway at Derek Lam. Estee Lauder Makeup Director Tom Pecheux and Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing collaborated to make this a truly unique assortment of colors.

Gigi Kane, Tracy Colasanti, and Diane Cleary

What is the trend for makeup this spring – the neutral color yellow that presents a “kissed by the sun” look and teal that adds some pop. How is this fresh look created? Begin with a glamour yellow eye lined with teal, glowing apricot cheeks, strong brows (created by brushing a metallic eye shadow on the brows) and yellow gloss on the lips. Top all of this off with Lauder’s intense bronzer that is made with micro spun technology.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is celebrating its 30^th birthday. Kane stated that every woman can be beautiful if you start with beautiful skin. The main goal of the night repair is to reduce wrinkles, redness and blotchiness along with improving moisture. Sounds like a miracle cream – sign me up.

I highly recommend the Private Collection perfume in scent tuberose gardenia – floral scents abound. Don’t miss out on the Sumptuous Extreme Lifting Mascara that is lightweight and clump free. Experience the amazing wand and see the magic, long lashes instantly.

Spring Flowers on Topaz Tablecloth

Estee Lauder 'Up Close Collection' tote and Christian Louboutin Pump

Estee Lauder Topaz Ad Campaign

Beauty alert: Coming this fall, Estee Lauder will launch a mascara with a double wand. The wand will have black mascara on one end to create fullness and width, and brown mascara on the other end to brighten the eye – ingenious. If you need an Estee Lauder fix now, head to Neiman Marcus from January 25-February 5 and get the Up Close Collection which includes a cork-print bag that closely resembles the Christian Louboutin cork-print pump. At the Estee Lauder counter a representative will reveal a top ten list, slightly different than that of Late Show host David Letterman. Learn the “Top 10 Things Everyone Should Know this Spring” about makeup. Spoiler alert – No. 7 “Spring Into Bronze” with Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Shimmering Bronzer. The tip is “add shimmering bronzer all over to warm up winter pale skin. Use it as a highlighter on lids before eye shadow.” You will be glowing in minutes.

- Cindy Burns

Photos: Second City Style and Estee Lauder

Dolce & Gabbana Trunk Show at Neiman Marcus Chicago

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 RTW

“Farmer’s Market” is the theme for Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring 2012 RTW Collection and there are vegetables aplenty. Inspiration came from the farmer’s markets in Italy and Sicily where crates are overflowing with ripe tomatoes, onions, squash, eggplant and zucchini. The prints are large, bold and colorful on a white background. If these pieces make too much of a statement, Dolce & Gabbana offers a soft, fabric-lined leather jacket that can be worn over the bold prints. The sleeves of the leather jacket may be cuffed to provide a more casual look.

The Spring Collection offers the true Sicilian style that Dolce & Gabbana are known for including lace, lots of black and the their trademark leopard print (according to my source – it will always remain a staple in the collection). The leopard print is referred to as the DNA of Dolce & Gabbana.

Inspiration for the black lace dresses came from the elegant elderly Italian ladies who today still dress head to toe in black and lace to attend mass. This vintage look from the 50s is brought out in the collection through jackets and dresses. The outstanding piece is the black wool crepe double-breasted jacket that can be worn front or back and has buttons on both sides. One side of the jacket has a low collar while the other side has a high collar. My favorite piece of the collection is the light blue lace suit – MOLTO BELLA!

— Cindy Burns

Photos: Style.com

Giuliana Rancic on Michigan Avenue Magazine!

Hometown Chicago girl Giuliana Rancic opens up candidly to Michigan Avenue Magazine in the upcoming January/February 2012 issue. Rancic talks to editor-in-chief Susanna Negovan about her discovery of breast cancer through an IVF treatment check-up, the decision to have a double mastectomy this December and her desire to still attempt to have a baby this year after her recovery.

Rancic is even planning on using her connections to help others to do everything they always wished they could do. In a quote from the issue, Rancic talks about that happening very soon. “I want to do something like Make-a-Wish for breast cancer patients,” she says. She’s been thinking about tapping into her connections, “so these women can enjoy the things I get to enjoy. Everything from ‘I’ve never owned a pair of Louboutins’ to ‘I’ve never met Ryan Gosling.’ Bill actually came up with the cutest name: Fab-u-wish.”

She shot the cover the night before her double mastectomy and spoke to us shortly after her recovery… if that’s not an inspiring story, I don’t know what is! Be sure to check out the issue!

- Taneisha Jordan

Coming Soon: First US Lululemon Warehouse Sale!

Calling all yoga lovers!

For the first time ever in the US, Lululemon is hosting a warehouse sale near Chicago! All of the Lululemon athletica products you love under one roof!

Get ready because the event is scheduled for January 27th through 29th! For more information, make sure to RSVP on Lululemon’s FaceBook or follow them on Twitter at @lululemonWHUS!