More Chicago Fashion Focus Pictures

I have always wanted to be caught up in the fabulous hoopla of Fashion Week and Chicag Fashion Focus week afforded me the opportunity. I am one tired fashion lover. Work is super busy, I've attended 3 shows, and had an unexpected night hosted by Ebony Magazine. Did I mention I still have to go to my real job? Hopefully next year I will be better prepared at burning the candle at both ends. But alas, enough about that.
StyleChicago.com presented the finale runway show, The Art of Fashion. This show boasted contemporary to couture Spring 2011 collections from Chicago designers, Lara Miller, Kirk James Collection, Paul Sisti, Lauren Lein, Borris Powell, Elda de la Rosa, Hector-Javier MonArrez, Lydia Wawrzyniak and Fraley Le.


Here are a few pictures I managed to take:

Lara Miller:

Lauren Lein:

Elda De La Rosa Couture:

Lydia Wawrzyniak:

Gilt Groupe Chicago Bloggers Breakfast

Gilt Groupe graced Chicago with their stylish presence to meet with local bloggers for breakfast today. Yours truly was in the house. The breakfast was held at the luxurious Peninsula Hotel.

The service we received upon arrival was superior. Tasty mimomas were served as Gilt Groupe's staff made it a point to greet each blogger. They were such a personable group of people who put us all at ease.

Alexandra Wilkis Wilson officially welcomed us when we were seated. She gave a brief overview of Gilt Groupe and shared information about Gilt's latest venture, Gilt City, which offers amazing deals on a variety of experiences in several cities. Gilt City Chicago recently launched so be sure to sign up!

Tyler Thoreson of Gilt Man was next to speak. He was impeccably dressed so I see why he heads up the men's division. After Tyler spoke, it was time to eat. I had the french toast which was served with warm caramel syrup. 

I would go back to the Peninsula just for this french toast.

I was at a table with some amazing bloggers so the conversation was quite lively. 



Fellow bloggers

Alexandra Wilkis Wilson and I

This was a great opportunity to meet the faces behind a thriving brand. I have shopped Gilt Groupe since they launched and have been very pleased with all my purchases. Anytime I can get designer items at nearly 80% off, I'm a happy camper. If you have yet to sign up for Gilt Groupe, what are you waiting for? Click here ----> Gilt Groupe

A special thank you to Skirt PR for the invite!!!

Happy Shopping!!

Chicago Fashion Focus: Designers Past & Present

Last night I attended the kickoff runway show for Chicago Fashion Focus Week. The Chicago Fashion Incubator and Macy's is a year-long program that develops the talent and careers of local designers.

My name on my chair in the press section.

I'll admit that I am not that familiar with local design talent in Chicago so I was pretty excited to see the creations come down the runway.
Here are some of my favorite looks from Designer's Past & Present Runway Show:

KristinHassan.com

I'm a sucker for ruffes and flower details.



Simply gorgeous!



Audey - This was my favorite collection of the night!

I loved the whimsy of Audey's dresses. There was a sweet yet very modern country girl vibe that really spoke to me.  

Kate Boggiano:



Loving the patterned tights. They lend an edge to a pretty tame gathered mini.





AggA B.





Something about the above look was very Katherine Hepburn to me.

Nora del Busto

Donaldo Smith of Killian Gui

Really like the color blockedand untucked shirts!



A man cannot go wrong in a tailored button down shirt, crisp jeans and polished boots!

This was an excellent offering of past and present Chicago Fashion Incubator designers. I'm so proud of Chicago. There is an amazing plethora (I love that word) of fashion talent here and I am so glad that I now know of some local designers.

Do any of the designs appeal to you? Let me know what you think!!