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Carmen Turner / April 26, 2012 3:32 pm
Fellow Shiseido consultant with Renato Almeida and my consultant, Jackie
Wednesday evening, Macy’s on State Street played host to the Shiseido Beauty Event with celebrity make-up artist Renato Almeida. Shiseido’s new 2012 collection of spring colors was created in collaboration with Renato, who is a fixture at NYC Fashion Week and has worked with celebrities like Kate Moss and Gisele Bundchen. Renato, along with a team of specially trained makeup artists from the east and west coasts (and everywhere in-between) were there to give beauty consultations and makeovers to a few lucky ladies…myself included!
The new 2012 spring collection reflected the bright, fun and trendy colors of the season as well as new skincare products. The consultations were available by appointment only and were dedicated to spending as much time as needed to help women find their perfect beauty regimens and color palettes for the spring. I worked with a wonderful consultant named Jackie, a 14 year veteran of Shiseido and a Chicagoland resident. She was friendly, skilled and we had a blast getting to know each other. After I told her I wasn’t afraid to play with color, she totally brought it! The finished look was a much more glamorous me than when I walked in. I also left with a few new goodies for my make-up bag. Shiseido has another event set for June 8 and I got a personal invite from Jackie, no doubt I’ll be there!
My "Before" and more dramatic "After" shot
- Carmen N. Turner
Photos: Second City Style
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Amanda Aldinger / April 25, 2012 4:00 pm
SAIC Senior Alex Ulichny
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s annual fashion show, THE WALK, is not only one of the top fashion events in Chicago, but it is a show of national renown, recognized across the country as an exhibition of fashion’s top emerging design talent.
Each year, SAIC’s Fashion Design program bestows a distinguished alum or fashion talent with the Legend of Fashion Award. This year, designer Cynthia Rowley and her husband, artist Bill Powers were awarded at the event’s 7pm evening gala — hosted by Paper magazine’s Mickey Boardman. “As an alumna of SAIC this award has a very special meaning to me and Bill,” said Rowley in a press release about THE WALK. “We both believe that a marriage between fashion and art is something to strive for in the 21st century, and we hope that future fashion and design students continue to draw inspiration from both the runway and the gallery.”
That connection between fashion and art resonated throughout THE WALK’s all-day, three-show event on April 19, showcasing the final collections of the program’s Sophomores (1 look, all in grey scale), Juniors and Seniors (3 and 5 looks respectively, in unrestricted color and fabric palettes).
THE WALK represents a conceptual explosion in fabrics, patterns and styling that thrill and dazzle visually, with little-to-no (and gladly so) emphasis on street style wearability or approachable shapes and textures. This presentation of art-as-fashion, and fashion-as-art, showcases immense technical skill and a sense of intellect and passion that supersedes that of other student, or even mainstream and luxury collections.
SAIC Sophomore Shay Troy
SAIC Sophomore Morgan Childers
The Sophomores delighted in unique points-of-view on volume, texture and form that enhanced an imaginative experience, defying the necessity of color with their success within a restricted palette. Shay Troy’s exaggerated, metallic-infused bubble-hemmed skirt exhibited a playful elegance when paired with a fluffy sleeveless crop top hit with asymmetrically crossed stripes of muslin. Morgan Childers explored the peplum trend in a stunning coat with oversized ruched and pleated sleeves and collar, embellished with a brocade-inspired pattern that crawled throughout the look’s layered waist. Her darker-toned ankle-length skirt was textured in a mini-quilted pattern that highlighted Childers’ prowess for fine-tuned detail.
SAIC Junior Siena Von Knopka
SAIC Junior Christina Dougherty
SAIC Junior Lucy Silverman
It is Junior year when the designers get to showcase their first foray into color, and this season’s explosion of voluminous shapes and unique combinations of textural elements was no disappointment. Siena Von Knopka produced a gorgeous, modern reconstruction of Victorian-inspired shapes — hats, high necks, a cape, a waistcoat — in a vividly printed palette that was stunning with its exaggerated layering and diligent detailing. Christina Dougherty’s use of texture was sublime, both visually — in her expert deconstruction and re-piecing of printed, dyed and quilted fabrics — and in her fabric choices — most notably in a knit, ankle-length halter dress that was impeccably constructed and paired perfectly with a long wool coat and knit green lapel. Her muted color palette and Dickensian styling was breathtaking with its anachronistic detailing. Luxe furs, elegantly draped satin gowns, bubbled knits and platinum beehives fixed with wiry fascinators were the opulent substance of Lucy Silverman’s collection. Embracing a chic futurism, there was an elegant austerity to these three looks that resonated as the very epitome of glamour.
SAIC Senior Macie Francis
SAIC Senior Laura Dodd
When it comes to the Seniors, their four years of exhausting preparation and immeasurable hard work always culminates in a series of spectacular 5-piece collections, reflecting a maturity and confidence that completes THE WALK’s journey in a truly poignant way. Amongst many standout collections was Macie Francis’ elegant use of printed detailing and clean lines, in modern reinterpretations of 1920s and 30s shapes. Laura Dodd’s very feminine looks (a brave and fetching departure from last season’s CFDA-award winning apocalypse-themed collection), featured elegant satin draping and beautifully tailored jackets. Dodd’s looks were tinted with a darkness in styling enhanced by black shoulder-length wigs and seductive face masks of various textures and sizes. Alex Ulichny’s collection, which won him the $25,000 Eunice W. Johnson Fellowship from the Johnson Publishing Company, was incredible, and worth every bit of the recognition it earned. The technical skill of his opening look, an ombre fishtail gown with a black, finely pleated skirt, featured elegant hand beading in shapes that resembled dotted branches climbing up towards the bodice. Evoking peasantry, Ulichny styled his looks with sheer headscarves, and an array of patterns and textures that included a cape made of carpet, a raw-edged, multi-paneled skirt and a flowing double-layered, floor-length, blue-green caftan. Pulling from rich sources of inspiration, Ulichny’s work displayed the type of talent that will breed an incredibly successful fashion design career.
As it is every year, THE WALK 2012 was a breath of fresh air for Chicago fashion — and the greater fashion world, in general. Showcasing the type of work that communicates a raw enthusiasm for design, rare passion for artistry and a conceptual approach that rivals top designers in its commitment to ensuring fashion’s forward movement, the SAIC students, yet again, proved that they are at the very top of their field. A show that never ceases to excite and inspire, THE WALK 2012 was no exception.
— Amanda Aldinger
*For more information and photos, like School of the Art Institute SAIC The Walk on Facebook.
Photos: SAIC student Elaine Li
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Taneisha Jordan / April 20, 2012 1:00 pm
Got some time this weekend to make major foodie decisions? Make sure to stop by the 900 North Michigan Shops for a chance to win a $1500 shopping spree!
Zagat, the world’s first provider of user-generated restaurant information, is kicking off its 2013 Chicago Restaurant and Shopping Survey! Make sure to visit the Zagat Lounge on the Level 2 between Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 29 to cast your vote for your favorite Chicago restaurants. And voting only takes a minute of your time!
Those who come and vote will receive a free copy of the guide (when it is published later this year) as well as other fun Zagat goodies! Plus, you’ll be entered to win a $1500 Shopping Spree to 900 North Michigan Shops. Visit shop900.com/zagat or call 312-915-3916 for more details!
- Taneisha Jordan
Photo: fashionfilesmag.com
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Carol Calacci / April 20, 2012 10:04 am
Cynthia Rowley greets guests at her Bucktown boutique
Cynthia Rowley is in Chicago this week and she will be all over town! Wednesday evening she hosted a private party at her Bucktown boutique to celebrate her SAIC Legend of Fashion Award. Guests enjoyed champagne, appetizers and 20% off for the evening! A portion of the proceeds will benefit RxArt, an non-profit organization that places original fine art pieces in healthcare facilities. Most of all guests enjoyed meeting Cynthia Rowley and trying on the fabulous jacket she was wearing!
Shopping party at the Cynthia Rowley Bucktown boutique
I met Cynthia Rowley!
I was thrilled to finally meet Cynthia Rowley. I have met many well-known designers but was totally gushing when I met her. I have been a huge fan of Cynthia Rowley through the years and own many of her pieces. I showed her the pants I was wearing that I have owned since the 90s! She admitted she still wears many of the pieces from that time, and has the same pants in blue velvet! She was so easy to talk to it felt as if she was an old friend. She is just cool.
Store manger Rachel with a dress that Cynthia Rowley sthought I might like. Like It? I love it!
Another spring Cynthia Rowley dress I adored.
After the shopping event, Wicker Park’s newest restaurant Storefront Company hosted an event to celebrate the launch of the Cynthia Rowley and Bill Powers Exhibition A series featuring Chicago artist Gary Weidner. Guests were served shaken cocktails and hefty appetizers. The talk at the party was that brunch at Storefront Company is also awesome.
Storefront Company's mural by Gary Weidner
Cynthia Rowley at the Storefront Company party
The next eventing on Thursday Cynthia Rowley and her husband Bill Powers received the 2012 SAIC Legend of Fashion Award at THE WALK in Millenium Park.
I hope to catch her again next time she is in town!
—Carol Calacci
Photos: Second City Style
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Carol Calacci / April 19, 2012 2:00 pm
Trying on swimwear can be a nightmare. You try on suit after suit and the whole experience can make you want to cry. You hope that you can find a suit that will flatter you, but you are worried about covering your flaws. Well no body is perfect and we all need help to find a suit that is both comfortable and also makes you look and feel your best. Everything But Water opened a sleek modern new store in Oakbrook Center recently, featuring a Bikini Bar with drawers and drawers of tops and bottoms. The selection is amazing including designer pieces from Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk, Betsey Johnson, Robin Piccone, LaBlanca and many more. But the best part of shopping at Everything But Water is the help from the sales associates. I thought I knew what I liked and what worked best on me, but I found out I needed the help!
First, sales associate Claudia asked my cup size and jeans size. With those measurements she knew what sizes I would need in each of the brands. I told her I like wearing a two-piece, and I thought a bright colored solid would be a good solution. I choose about 3 suits and when I went into the large and spacious dressing room, she had about 6 additional suits and a few cute cover-ups ready for me. She also advised that fit is key and sometimes women think they don’t like a gem, a ruffle or some kind of detail, but they should still try it on. It just may be the right suit for them! Keep an open mind when you try on swimwear.
Claudia and the other associates kept checking back, gave me alternate styles that I requested and I felt comfortable showing them the suites, since I did not have to leave the fitting room. They were extremely patient, and if you want to spend 2 hours trying on suits at Everything But Water, you can!
I was surprised that the suits that I thought I liked did not fit as well as the ones Claudia selected for me. I actually had a choice of 2 suits, within a half an hour that worked for me. So now for the decision. The blue leopard pattern fit very well (and yes, it even has gemstones) and would be good for avoiding bad tan lines. The black and grey halter covered me up a bit more and may not be the best for tan lines, (I know I should stay out of the sun anyway) but I felt it was more sophisticated for me. The winner was the Bleu Rod Beattie Block Star Banded Halter Top, $75 and Banded Hipster Bottom, $49.
Check out Everything But Water in Oakbrook Center and you will walk away with a swimsuit and a smile!
Shop online: Everything But Water
–Carol Calacci
FTC Disclosure: Product sample received for review.
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Taneisha Jordan / April 19, 2012 9:00 am
No one does brights and sequins like TopShop. So, you can imagine how excited everyone was to hear that there would be a Spring Style Party to celebrate the release of TopShop’s summer collection.
CS Magazine and TopShop collaborated to bring personal style to the willing masses. The Michigan Avenue flagship store was packed wall-to-wall of customers taking pictures, sipping delicious Svedka cocktails and of course, shopping the newest trends with TopShop’s Personal Shopping team! Hosts Emma Arnold of TresAwesome.com and Amy Creyer of ChicagoStreetStyle.com gave tips on how to get your picture snagged by a street photographer or just how to dress to impress.
Customers grabbing some mini-manicures inspired by AW 2012 trends
DJ Dani Deahl spins some tunes for the crowd
Everyone was a fan of the photobooth!
Make sure to enter for a chance to win a complete wardrobe revamp worth $1,000. Enter online at us.topshop.com/chicagosocial or stop by the Chicago flagship store by April 20!
- Taneisha Jordan
Photos: SCS
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Carol Calacci / April 17, 2012 9:00 am
Shoe frenzy at the Jimmy Choo event at Saks
On Thursday evening Saks Fifth Avenue and Watch312.com hosted a super-fun Jimmy Choo shopping event to benefit Chicago Children’s Charities. The event was held in the fabulous 10022-SHOE department on the third floor at Saks on Michigan Avenue, which is a shoe addicts dream room. Women enjoyed wine and passed appetizers, and tried on Jimmy Choo shoes! Ten percent of the sales will benefit Chicago Chicago Children’s Charities.
The Jimmy Choo display was practically wiped out!
The event became even more lively as Candace Jordan from Watch312.com announced that it was time for the Well-Heeled Walk-Off. The person with best walk (down the red carpet set up at the store) would receive a free pair of Choos.
(from left to right) Candace Jordan, Watch312.com; Judges Francesca Moceri, Chicago Children's Charities, Amanda Puck, Watch312.com; and Julie Selakovich, Saks Fifth Avenue judge the Well-Heeled Walk-Off.
From shy and reserved tip-toes to dramatic and shakin’ it struts down the runway, all kinds of dance moves, and every kind of woman participated to win a pair. In fact they did such a great job that 2 women were awarded a prize pair. Julia Douglas chose the “Logan” wedge in nude and Colleen Kenny Richardson chose the “Kai” sandal in nude.
A great runway walk in a pretty pair of Jimmy Choo's
What I thought was particularly great about this event was that we got to see the shoes on real women. There were many comments overheard such as “Oh, I didn’t see those…” and “Ew – those are awesome…” which always leads to more sales, which in turn will benefit Chicago Children’s Charities.
—Carol Calacci
Photos: Second City Style
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Carmen Turner / April 16, 2012 1:00 pm
My copy of Brad's Goreski's book
Super stylist Brad Goreski found his fame as Rachel Zoe’s assistant. But now he’s broken away and found a name for himself in the world of celebrity styling. I was lucky enough the meet him this Saturday during a book signing at Michigan Avenue’s Brooks Brothers for his new book, Born to be Brad. The book focuses on his life growing up, his styling career and lots of other personal anecdotes about himself (including styling tips!).
Brad was absolutely a-mazing, super nice and so dapper. He took time to speak with everyone, sign copies of his book (or anything people could get their hands on) and pose for pictures. Though our meeting was brief, I got nothing but genuine kindness from him…he’s definitely someone who has stayed grounded and is grateful for his good fortune. I made sure to congratulate him on his success and tell him he was just fabulous! I managed to ask him what’s next for him in his career, and he told me he’ll be busy with his national book tour for the next few months all while still working with international styling clients! Keep at it, Brad! You have adoring fans in Chicago!
Brad and me at his book signing at Brooks Brothers
- Carmen Turner
Photos: Second City Style
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Taneisha Jordan / April 13, 2012 2:00 pm
Second City Style's Taneisha Jordan with Kelly Wearstler At Neiman Marcusin Chicago
A designer once famed “the presiding grande dame of West Coast interior design” by The New Yorker, Kelly Wearstler has found her another niche to her grand master plan of taking over the world: designing clothes!
Presenting her third ready-to-wear collection, Wearstler stopped by the Neiman Marcus department store on Michigan Avenue last night. A mix of bright pinks and neutrals mixed with camel browns were center stage of her collection. “This collection was inspired by vintage tribal and Brazilian themes,” Wearstler explained. In keeping with the Southwesten theme, many of the prints are front and center illuminated by neon backgrounds. The collection also featured jewelry and clutches available exclusively at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue.
Many might remember Wearstler (besides her housewares line and interior designing career) for her funky clothing combinations and her eccentric beehives and hats that she wore as a judge on the Bravo reality interior design contest “Top Design”.
Kelly Wearstler Sping 2012 Collection at Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue
A model wears a look from Kelly Wearstler Sping 2012 Collection
More Informal Modeling - Kelly Wearstler Sping 2012 Collection
Kelly Wearstler Sping 2012 tribal prints up close
Kelly Wearstler Jewelry was on display - but only available at the Chicagostore for the event. We loved the display pieces by Kelly as well!
Be sure to check out her pieces in Neiman Marcus in Chicago or at Bergdorf Goodman’s in New York City!
- Taneisha Jordan
Photos: Second City Style
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Carol Calacci / April 12, 2012 11:00 am
As I wove between the camera-clad tourists to make my way to Swarovski on Michigan Avenue Tuesday, I felt like telling people, “Follow me, there is something here in Chicago this evening that you should really see!” As I whipped out my own camera in front of the window display, those who were curious were intrigued by what I was photographing. A soft and gleaming flowerlike sculpture, part buglike, part ladylike and slightly out-of-this-world graced the window. These flowery bugs seemed to be gently dancing around wearing a variety of Swarovski crystals.
Detail of the SAIC Swarovski Window Display
Students of the Fashion Body & Garment Master’s Program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, mentored by Nick Cave, professor and chair of SAIC’s Fashion Design department, created this sparkling display in celebration of THE WALK 2012 and will be on-view through Monday April 16, 2012. Swarovski, offered its boutique windows as a blank canvas to the students as part of its Presenting Sponsorship of SAIC’s annual benefit gala and runway show, THE WALK 2012.
A cocktail reception was held in the store to celebrate the completion of the window. What a perfect place for a party, as we sipped champagne, chatted and tried on sparkling Swarovski rings.
Nick Cave and Kritina Sparks
I had the opportunity to meet Nick Cave, and he explained the students were inspired by the spring Swarovksi collection and the season to make soft shapes that integrated with the crystals. Kristina Sparks is one of the Graduate students who designed the display. She was so stylish I had to talk fashion ask what designers she likes (besides wearing her own designs). She told me she worked at McQueen at Givenchy but gave credit to her first mentor, Nick Cave.
Swarovski Chicago Flagship | 540 North Michigan Avenue | Chicago, IL 60611
–Carol Calacci
Photos: Second City Style
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