Dress Code at The Chicago History Museum

Of all the shows during Fashion Focus Chicago, Dress Code has to be my favorite because it shows the work of students at Columbia College, Illinois Institute of Art, International Academy of Design and Technology, and School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I love student designers because they are fearless and aren't confined to making a collection that will sell, they can do whatever they want and are free to experiment. Aspiring Chicago designers aside, it's time to look at what the audience was wearing.

One shoulder neckline with feathers? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Vivid tights paired with a sheer button up is amazing. And I'm all about oversized embellished tees.

Classic, refined, and monochromatic. 

Fur vest, check. Fur shoes, naturally.

The best accessory brings a casual outfit up ten notches.

She had me at the fur with the YSL crocodile satchel.

Both girls know how to rock a pop of color. 

Mom wears the fur while daughter gets to experiment with lace and bold patterns. Love the mother/daughter pose. 

Is it obvious how much I love a well-done fur? The color, the size, the placement, perfection.

Designer Marta Cebrat from the Illinois Institute of Art is glowing after her amazing show. 

Good friends can have completely different styles. From casual menswear to my favorite, all black, they make a perfect pair of fashionable friends.

I only got to attend two Fashion Focus Chicago events this year, and next year I plan to hit up at least three. But in the mean time, I'm going to be keeping my eyes peeled for more stylish Chicagoans. 

NEXT Fashion Chicago

Monday night kicked off the start of Chicago's Focus on Fashion week. The first big event was held at the Germania Place and featured designers Elda de la Rosa, Fraley Le, Gary Gonzalez, Sofia, Cleons Clothing Company, Caché, Sahar Dada, Hector-Javier Mon Arrez, Sujata Gazder, Bottega Contessa, and Mira Couture. All of the designers impressed the crowd but as always, my focus was on the guests with style. 

The edgy girls of Sophia were rocking a dress from the show, graphic tees, and deep plum lipstick.

Students love colored skinny jeans. And why not! Stay vibrant.

Fur and sequins. A daring, but amazing combination.

As always Ryan Beshel is working the bow tie, but I can't stop staring at her fuschia top paired with leopard print heels. Ah-mazing.

Designer Sahar Dada went simple in all black, with a floor length pleated skirt. Paired with a sparkly clutch, the designer does no wrong.

I love finding students at these events, because I'm one too! These girls went sexy and sophisticated and wowed with their sparkly accessories.

Simple and chic. From a white henley paired with a scarf, a great one-shoulder black dress, to dark denim and a blazer, these three could go anywhere in Chicago.

I can't get enough of nude pumps. They're unexpected and effortlessly cool when paired with simple silhouettes. 

As much as I love all black, (I'm wearing black head to toe as I write) I do enjoy color when it's well done. This red blazer had me staring from across the room and the perfectly fitted purple romper? Perfection.

The reason why I love black so much is the accessories can really pop. Check out that gold necklace and how easily black and white stripes don't have to look like prison. It's graphic and bold and I love it.

Tonight I'll be at DressCode, hosted by the Chicago History Museum. I hope to see you there dressed to the nines. 

“Everyone who is smart says they hate fashion, that it’s such a waste of time. I have asked many super-serious people, ‘Then why is fashion so popular?’ Nobody can answer that question.” - Miuccia Prada

Modern Elegance

Deanne, a marketing and public relations senior at Columbia College Chicago, was looking effortlessly chic for her class on Michigan Avenue. As always, I'm drawn in by the great shoes. Deanne looked like the perfect PR part in a grey knitted top (Topshop), blue fitted blazer (Rachel Roy) with to-die-for lining, black cuffed pants (Banana Republic), a simple heart charm necklace (Juicy Couture), and the perfect taupe, platform booties (Akira Chicago). 

Deanne loves color, as we can see in the fantastic lining of her blazer, and is excited for coloring blocking in the fall. When I asked about her fashion icon she quickly said, "Beyoncé! ... But I also really love Rihanna because she's younger and has an edgy but feminine quality. " 

"Simplicity is the soul of modern elegance." - Bill Blass

Go To Class With Class

Stephanie, a fashion design major at Columbia College Chicago, brought some serious style to the loop yesterday. Her cream front cowled dress  (Arden B.) with plunging cowl back was definitely a showstopper. Combined semi-sheer tights (New York & Company) and adorable basket weave heels (Wet Seal) her look is not only classy but affordable as well. But Stephanie doesn't want you to forget the bag (Guess), "I have to have a large bag to carry all of my things in. It's just easier." 

As a aspiring designer, Stephanie is obsessed with faux fur for fall.  She loves faux fur stoles but also is excited for other wintery accessories like thick scarves, cute hats and clochés. Her fashion icon is Betsey Johnson because of her use of feminine and edgy design aesthetics. "Betsey is never boring," explained Stephanie. I couldn't agree more.

Rainy Day Cool

It's back to school in the Chicago Loop and between late nights, early classes and concerts our style has to stay urban. Lacey, a fiction writing major, is the perfect example of laid-back cool. Pairing a black and grey pebbled sweatshirt (Forever 21) with a denim vest (thrifted) is comfy enough for long classes and cool enough with a brown faux leather jacket (Forever 21) on the street. What I love most about Lacey's look is how she's layering in neutrals. She's not afraid to mix black leggings (Victoria's Secret) with a brown jacket and a denim vest. It's perfect in it's simplicity right down to her worn in boots (Kohls).

Lacey's rings are a bold statement. A gold cross (Charming Charlie) paired with a golden eagle (Akira) make her hands the center of attention. Lacey is excited for the change in weather so she can wear some faux fur pieces. Her fashion inspiration is the infamous "It Girl" Edie Sedgwick.

Until tomorrow, "I don't do fashion, but clothes." - Véronique Nichanian

Do Division Street Festival

Where do I begin? Apologizing for not posting for a month is a definite. I know there are no excuses, but we all lose our way sometimes, and now that I'm back I'm going to be better than ever. It's summer and Chicago is giving us fantastic weather to look summer chic. Today I went to the Do Division street festival and among the awesome music, delicious treats, eclectic shopping I found three girls who really personified summer dressing in this hot hot heat.

Black is doable in the summer if the fabric is right! Her lightweight maxi dress with a brown accent belt allows her to be street cool without overheating. And skinny jeans and sandals are paired perfectly with an oversized gauzy tunic top.

Just because I love and live in neutrals doesn't mean I hate color.

Her bright coral shorts with a black skinny belt are bold and trendy. Especially matching it back to a grey and black tank.

It feels good to be back.

"Sportswear is 'dressing up' for leisure." - Birgit Richard

Evil Kitty Trunk & Fashion Show

On April 2nd, 2011 head designer of Evil Kitty, Lidia Wachowska got the opportunity to hold a trunk show and fashion show at the 900 N. Michigan Shops as part of the Chicago Fashion Incubator. The event was sponsored by SYS Creative Imagery, Emy Tres Jolie and

The event was filled with some shopping, mini cupcakes, make-up and discussion over the unique brand Evil Kitty. The show featured spring 2011 and fall 2011 looks, most of which are produced by the orders received.

I get really excited about cupcakes.

We all know how much I love a good backless dress.

"Fashion gave me the opportunity to always slip into different roles." - Veruschka