Chicago Events: Brooklyn Industries, Kelly Edwards, LOFT

Everyone loves summer in Chicago because the city is so alive!  After Memorial Day, it feels like there's something happening every day.  Here are a few events happening over the next week.

Tomorrow night, Brooklyn Industries Chicago is celebrating their 5 year anniversary.  For the party, they're teaming up with their neighbors at Lomography.  Enjoy PBR and art by Brian Willette, Anjali Pinto, winners of their Lomography photo contest and several other artists.  RSVP to events@brooklynindustries.com

Next Wednesday June 5th, there will be two special events - a book signing with interior designer Kelly Edwards and the grand opening of a new LOFT on Michigan Ave!

HGTV's Kelly Edwards is coming to Chicago to celebrate her new book at eDrop-Off.  Guests will have the chance to win a personal consultation and $500 gift card to Room & Board - yes, please! RSVP to RSVP@SHOPEDROPOFF.COM 

LOFT is opening a new two-story store on the Magnificent Mile!  The grand opening will be hosted by Chicago LOFT GIRLS: Samantha Saifer Berngard, Catherine De Orio, Erica Bethe Levin, Liz Schneider, Revae Schneider, Megan Taylor, and Jessica Zweig. RSVP to LOFT@skoogproductions.com 

Now Wearing...

photo via Trés Awesome

Every piece in this photo has been in heavy rotation for me.  I picked up this varsity jacket from Topshop a couple months ago after DJing their prom shopping event, and I've worn the hell out of this thing!  It's so comfortable and makes every outfit instantly brighter and more playful.

The bag is a Botkier Valentina, which is on super sale at Amazon.  I'd be upset that I paid more except that I've had the bag for four months, and I've used it literally everyday.  For work, I'll occasionally carry an additional canvas tote bag, but for the most part, the size of this bag is perfect for me. There are just enough compartments for me to keep my things straight, but not so many that I forget where I've stashed things.  And the keychain is the best thing ever!

This photo was snapped by Chicago street style blog Trés Awesome (Emma Arnold).  I've heard quite a bit about Emma and her blog since starting at Leo Burnett last May because she's a Burnetter too!  Check out this video that our agency made featuring Emma and her life outside the agency.

And because I'm a very lucky lady, the agency recently featured me as well.  The video was filmed at The Bedford where I DJ monthly.  I'm spinning there again in a couple weeks on Saturday, June 1st.  If you're in town (and you should be because Chicago summers are the best), come say hi!

This Weekend: Gilt City Warehouse Sale Chicago

The Gilt City Warehouse sale is coming to Chicago this weekend, and I’m so excited!  I often miss being able to shop the designer sample sales of New York City, but Gilt Warehouse Sale helps ease the pain.

The merch is what you would expect to see at a warehouse sale, an assortment of pieces from various designers and seasons at deeply discounted prices like 75+% off retail. I’ve been to a couple Gilt Warehouse sales, one in Chicago and one in New York, and had great shopping success both times.

 Haul from a Gilt warehouse sale back in October 2011: Alice Ritter dress, Adam dress, Kai Aakmann vest, and Marni heels

 

Haul from Gilt Warehouse sale in NY last May: Cynthia Vincent top, Super sunglasses & Surface to Air Wedges

Having been to a couple sales, I have a couple tips. The fitting room is communal and sometimes mirrors are limited, so leggings and friends to shop with are recommended.

There’s no guarantee you’ll find something you’ll like, but there’s always music and refreshments to make it a fun experience regardless of whether or not you take home a shopping bag.

Who: Gilt City
What: Discounted designer goods, apparel, accessories, footwear and home
When: Saturday, April 13th
Where: MCA Warehouse @ 1747 W Hubbard, Chicago. Tickets are $10 and available at giltcity.com.

Pssst... Markdowns on Maison Martin Margiela x H&M

Mine! I literally clapped my hands with excitement when I found these.

I stopped by the H&M downtown on State St after work while waiting for a friend to wrap up.  I went through almost all of the store before noticing they still had some of the Maison Martin Margiela collection in stock.  And I didn't realize the pieces were marked down until I studied the tags because the original prices had be discretely covered with new prices.  Also, I hadn't checked out the collection earlier because I remember thinking most of it felt out of my price range!

There were two racks worth of womenswear collection left, including the Narrow Shoulder Jacket, Horizontal Dress, Blazer, Oversized Peacoat and just a few of the Hitched Up Dress.  Prices were roughly half off ($99+ after markdowns), and while limited in quantity, those styles were available in all sizes with the exception of the Hitched Up Dress.  To reference the lookbook, click here.  For Erin's write up on the construction and fit of some of the pieces, click here.

Ever since images of the collection were released, I'd been eying the footwear specifically the black patent wedges and black leather booties.  The wedges unfortunately didn't fit the way I would have hoped; my heels kept slipping out and the sides felt too stiff.  The booties on the other hand fit quite nicely, perhaps because I can wear them with socks.  While they fit comfortably, I must admit that I will have to walk a little differently in them to avoid clomping around because the lucite wedge has no give.

There were plenty of silver ($40) and black flats in stock ($60).  There were lots of wedges ($99) in black, red and tan and about a dozen pairs of booties ($129) left, mostly in sizes 8-10.  There were several pairs of black knee high boots (a great steal at $129) and a few pairs of the maroon ones left as well, but I didn't get a chance to look at sizing before I left.

Falling for Orange and Red

I'm DJing at The Bedford Chicago again this Saturday, November 10th. I'll be spinning 80s classics, indie favorites, and as always, a little disco! Come warm up with a drink and maybe some dancing!

The poster for this Saturday is another work of art by Austin Eustice.  I usually gravitate towards cooler colors like blues, greens and purples, but since spring I've been having a love affair with oranges.  And this fall I've added reds into the mix, so in collaborating on this flier, I asked Austin to look use a palette of oranges and reds.  The poster is great isn't it?

Poster by Austin Eustice

Oranges and reds have been making their way into my closet.  Most recently, I was gifted a pair of faded cherry red jeans.  I never thought I could get into anything resembling pink, but these jeans have changed my mind.  I've worn these skinny jeans almost every other week.

Hudson Nico Skinny Jeans, $100 (retail $154)
Worn with old Theory flats (similar) on left. Right. Worn with vegan leather peplum last time I was at The Bedford on right.

I've been eyeing a few orange and red pieces at Piperlime.  They've always on trend and carry brands at every price point.  And there's a pretty great sale right now- extra 15% off already marked down items with code "EXTRA15" at checkout.

Parker Button Pocket Silk Top, $111.19 + 15% off (retail $187)

Trina Turk Stewart Ponte Peplum, $261.99 + 15% off (retail $328)

Theory Nabiki Straight Pant, $127.99+ 15% off (retail $255) 

Dolce Vita Jamison, $79.99 + 15% off (retail $119)

Kate Spade Licorice, $179.99 + 15% off (retail $298)

Minkpink Cheetah Pullover, $89 (not on sale, but I love it!)

Lani Love at The Bedford Chicago 10/6

poster by Austin Eustice

I'm at The Bedford Chicago again this Saturday, October 6th.  I'll be spinning a mix of indie, disco and 80s favorites!  Here's a link to the Facebook invite.

I love spinning at The Bedford because it's such a beautiful space.  Inspired by the vault and bronze deposit boxes, here's a mini shopping roundup of my current favorite metallics finds.

House of Harlow sunburst button earrings, $30

Awear gold sequin peplum top, €50

Botkier Valentina gold snake shoulder bag, $350.00

Lani Love at The Bedford

Chicago friends, I'm back at your favorite bank-vault-turned-bar this weekend.  Join me at The Bedford this Saturday, August 18th 10:30PM-2AM for dance rock and disco.  And have I mentioned the drinks are fantastic?  My personal favorites for summer are Cusco Mule and Jessica’s St. Germain Cocktail.

The Bedford is located at 1612 West Division Street (at Ashland).

Nail Artist: AstroWifey

Photo courtesy of AstroWifey

Last week I was in the Dominican Republic for a wedding.  The Sunday before my trip, I ventured to Jefferson Park to visit manicurist and nail artist AstroWifey for festive "no chip" manicure.

I came to AstroWifey with a few ideas in mind, and I could not be more pleased with how she brought the "his & her" theme to life.  It may be a bit hard to tell from these pictures, but she even drew different style eyeglasses.  Yes, she hand painted each of those designs!  Amazing right?

This manicure has been one of the best manicures of my life.  It's been 10 days and I literally have just one chip, and this is after a hell of a lot of activity - traveling, carrying DJ equipment, swimming, playing in sand, zip lining, horseback riding, and biking.  AstroWifey uses CND Shellac.  You may remember Erin's writeup about it awhile back.  The shine really does hold up!  And CND has some new powders, so your manicurist can custom make colors like this bright orange by AstroWifey.

I had such a great experience and her prices are very reasonable.  I highly recommend it!  It can be a bit of a trek from the east side, but if you live off the blue line, it's actually super easy to get there.  To view her price list and book an appointment, visit her page on StyleSeat.

Scoop NYC Gold Coast Anniversary

Last week, I had the pleasure of DJing the 1 year anniversary for Scoop NYC's Gold Coast store.  Scoop NYC was one of the first designer boutiques I ever shopped at, so I was very excited to part of the festivities.  Clothes and music, it was my double rainbow.

DJing the event, I had my hands busy, but fortunately, James Rand was kind enough to stop by and snap some photos.  You can check out more photos on his blog at jamesrand.com.

The event was coincidentally the night before my birthday, so it was a nice way to kick off the birthday weekend.  Thank you to everyone who came by!

Fellow Chicago fashion blogger Homes & Heels and our friend Amrita

Equipment neon silk blouse (available at Scoop!), Tripp NYC black & white jeans, SEE eyeglasses, old CC Skye necklace, old Issa Kamara sandals

And in case you missed Scoop's email blast, you can find my picks in stores or online.  Bright colors, prints... you know how I do.

And yes, my playlist includes "Call Me Maybe".

James Rand & Sugar Rock Catwalk Reunited

SugarRockCatwalk readers, hopefully you’ll recognize my name, but this is may be the first time you’ve seen my face! I wanted to explain the absence of my photos from the site for the past 6 months, and to excitedly announce my continued collaboration with Sugar Rock Catwalk!

Last November I lost my job, and though I had many good years in NYC, I felt it was past time to move on. Since then I’ve been traveling around the world with my camera, including a very exciting trip to Japan and a winter sailing voyage off the coast of Maine! With my wanderlust temporarily sated, I followed Lani’s lead, packed up my stuff, rented a van, and moved to beautiful Chicago.

Now settled out in the friendly midwest, Lani and I will once again to collaborate to bring you fashionable outfits and accessories from a new city!

It’s a very exciting time for me, because in addition to a new city, new friends, and another chance to work with SugarRockCatwalk, I’m striking out on my own as a professional photographer. To kick off my new career, I’ve launched a brand-new jamesrand.com!

So please, if you’ve enjoyed my work here, please give the site a visit. Check out my travel pictures in the galleries, and visit the blog for regular, photographic updates. And check back often, here at SugarRockCatwalk, to see what Lani and I cook up!

James Rand

Now Wearing...

Photos by James Rand

A few weeks ago, I went for a walk along the Bloomingdale Trail with my roommate and our apartment mascot Harper, the crazy cute and cute but crazy Jack Russell Terrier.  It's hard to believe that this outfit was weather-appropriate just last month.  I'm still wearing the polka dot dress in this heat, only with shorts and sandals rather than leggings and boots.

While I don't do well in the heat, I love almost everything about summer.  I love how cities and people come to life; this is especially true in Chicago.  I almost had a heart attack looking at my busy calendar for June, but it's filled with lots of celebrations and events I'm very excited to be a part of like Scoop NYC Gold Coast's 1 Year Anniversary event.

Thursday evening at Scoop on Rush Street,  there will be cocktails and fun.  I will be DJing and designer Roderick Tung and stylist Eric Himel will be providing shoppers with expert styling tips.  If you'll be around, please come by and say hello!

Dress - found at Buffalo Exchange Wicker Park

Vest - secondhand from a friend

Boots - vintage found at Housing Works Gramercy

He's got his eye on the prize.

Style & Safety Prep for Bike to Work Week

Missoni for Target bicycle

If you’ve been thinking about getting bicycle or commuting by bike, next week might be a great time to start because it’ll be Chicago Bike to Work Week, June 9-15, 2012.   And you can sign your office up for the Bike Commuter Challenge at bikecommuterchallenge.org.

I’ve been biking work for the past couple weeks, and I absolutely love it.  I’m fairly active but far from athletic, so if I can do it, just about anyone can.  Biking at a very comfortable pace it takes me about 20-25 minutes to bike 4.5 miles.

I’m no expert but through biking in New York and Chicago, I’ve learned a few things about bicycle safety and style:

Always wear a helmet!

Safety first.  A helmet looks way better an injury.  A few of my girl friends used to bike without helmets until I took a nasty spill a couple years ago.  Thank goodness I was wearing my helmet because there were some crazy deep scratches on my helmet.  If I hadn’t I would have torn up my entire face without a doubt.

A couple days after falling off my bike.  Helmets are cuter than scars!

Try out a summer scarf or kerchief.

Wrapping a small, light cotton scarf or kerchief around your head can help prevent helmet hair and frizzies.  Or at the very least, wrapping one around your hairline can take the place of a sweatband.

Mossimo tribal square scarf $12

And I'm not sure how well these actual work, but awhile back, I did see a blog post about helmet ventilating inserts.  If you've tried it, please let me know how you liked it.

Wear flats.

It’s possible to bike in heels and wedges.  I have many times, but you’re putting your ankles (and shoes) at risk.  Here are some flats appropriate for biking and cute enough to be worn regularly:

Native the jefferson $22-45;  Bass endfield oxfords $21.99; Converse Jack Purcell slip-ons $75

Have a hands-free bag.

Herschel survey backpack $95.67; Baggu canvas backpack $69.48; Collina Strada motobag $245

Apply sunblock.

I’m sure you already know why sunblock is important, so this is just a friendly reminder to apply sunblock 20-30 minutes before going outside.  Your face and arms will get a lot of sun exposure.


Keep bike lights on you.

On more than one occasion I’ve biked to a friend’s house thinking I would only be there for a couple hours.  Next thing I know it’s dark and I’ve got to take a longer route home to stay on bigger streets.

Join a gym or bring toiletries to freshen up.

A gym membership maybe worth it for the shower alone and still be less expensive than commuting by bus, train or car.  You can pack a change of clothes, makeup, etc. and get ready at the gym before heading into the office.  If you don’t have the option to join a gym, you can freshen up with towelettes or even just water and a small towel.  And dry shampoo is handy too!

Dove dry shampoo 5oz $5; Yes to Cucumber towlettes 30 count $6; Suave dry shampoo 5oz $3

Lock up low and include your tires - or at least the front one.

The lower the lock, the harder it is for someone to break it because there isn’t as much leverage.  And it’s sad and annoying, but it’s not that uncommon for a jerk to go after your tires.

There are lots of options for bike locks and chains.  The most secure would be the Kryonite chain - but they’re much too cumbersome for my liking.  For the most part, I tend to bike to safer neighborhoods or high traffic areas, so I feel comfortable using a U-lock to lock my bike through just my front tire.  I hope I didn’t just jinx myself.

Kryptonite New York U-Lock $68.73 (retail $90)

Chicago Designer: Agga B.

One of the hardest things about moving from New York City was leaving America's fashion capital, but moving to Chicago has introduced me to new, smaller lines that I might not have otherwise discovered.  

Left: Green Diamond Dress $320. Right: Pink Sweetheart Dress $305

At last month's Dose Market, I came across Agga B. a line by Polish born who moved to the US in 2002, starting in New York and moving to Chicago in 2005.  Her line caught my attention because it spoke to my aesthetic.  Her dresses are her standout pieces; they incorporate a mixture of textiles and a balance of classic tailoring and modern embellishments.

The top images are from her Spring 2012 lookbook.  Both of these dresses are pieces I would love to have in my closet because I would feel comfortable wearing them to the office and out with friends.  I love the use of black and a lighter color to create a simple, yet bold look.

The pieces below are a couple favorites from her online shop.  The vest would be great for layering over a basic dress and adding some structure and polish to an outfit.  The orange dress I've seen in person, and it's awesome.  The print is reminiscent of classic European art, but with a modern twist of neon orange - and you know how much I love neon.

Left: Honey Dew Vest $205. Right: Orange Dress "dress du jour" special pricing $130 (reg $215)

For my fellow Chicagaons, you can shop Agga B in person at:

1717 North Ave, Wicker Park

Tues-Sat 11-6PM

312-772-2230