Luxbar

Last night's birthday celebration for a friend led us to a post-dinner drink at Luxbar. Luxbar was created by the owners of famed Gibsons and Hugo's Frog Bar (which I love). If you are familar with Chicago you've probably heard of these restaurants. I have to say...if you are under the age of 50 I would not recommend Luxbar! Our stylishly cute clan of girls were possibly the only people there without a little silver. Even though the place looks cool, it definitely doesn't live up to it's hype. Maybe Luxbar's location (near Tavern, in the "Viagra Triangle") had something to do with the 55+ crowd...

Trend: Miliary Jacket

The Military jacket is definitely a must-have for this season and is easy enough for anyone to pull off. This jacket fits right in with the grown-up, more conservative look we are seeing this fall. You don't need to spend a fortune on it. The Gap even had a cute one. The key to a good military jacket is in the buttons - small circular (preferably metal) buttons, the straight collar and fitted shape. Garnish the jacket too much and it will spoil it.

Fantasy Football for Women

There's finally a game similar to Fantasy Football but for Women...or anyone really interested in fashion (not to discriminate). The fee is $18 - $8 of which goes to the American Red Cross. So it's for a good cause. Here's how it works:
1. You "draft" your team of designers and celebrities.
2. Points are earned when designers/celebrities gain exposure in the press, fashion magazines and on the runway. You can "trade" designers/celebrities to improve your team.

It started with the Emmy's but you can still join in the game. It ends with the Oscars (i.e. Superbowl of fashion) in March.

Check out the Fantasy Fashion League site to join!

Glam.com

I love this new fashion/beauty/celeb site! Glam.com has everything from the latest looks, the hottest designers/editors, beauty secrets and what to wear guides for absolutely anything. They have great little bios like "the women behind Juicy." And when you are ready to make a purchase they take you directly to the site (saks, eluxury etc.) where you can buy it. They update the site daily so it's definitely worth checking out!

Feeding the Denim Addiction

For those of you who can't get enough jeans, there is this all-inclusive site on jeans called "Daily Denim." They feature men's jeans as well. Now through October 30th you can get 10% any purchase over $100. That's pretty easy to do considering most of popular brands start around $125! They have all the obsessed-over brands: Hudson, Rock & Republic, True Religion, Paige (my new fav) just to name a few!

Over-Done Boho

I usually like Mary Kate's Boho style because it is cute and creative. It's also refreshing to a see a celeb not showing alot of skin. But this time I think she's taken in a little too far!

Mayor Daley Backs Chicago Fashion Week

It's great to see more fashion events take place in Chicago. This week is Chicago's Fashion Week, otherwise known as "Chicago Fashion Focus 2005." The city of Chicago is taking the fashion industry seriously - even Mayor Daley expresses his support.

The Perfect Winter Boot

These Michael Kors boots are so cute and perfect for tromping in the snow. Not only will they keep your feet warm & dry but they have a wedge heel - giving the perfect amount of height. That's something your Uggs can't do!

5 more days till fall...

Shopbop put together this great fall look book...a creative summary of all the fall trends.

Remember Mia Wallace?

Uma's come along way since playing Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction (great movie). Doesn't she look great? And isn't that a cute bag?

Don't piss off your bridesmaids!!!

Remember, they are you friends. Eeven though it's "your big day" and you want to be the most beautiful thing in the room, give your bridesmaid a break and let them wear cute, stylish dresses. Check out the dresses at J.Crew - they have great, simple dresses in a variety of cuts & styles. Sorry, no peach satin or puffy skirts here.
If you aren't in the wedding and are free to choose your dress I'd go to BCBG. They've never failed me. The last several dresses I've bought for weddings have been from BCBG. Their newest dresses would also be great for a holiday party.

Daily Candy's Sweet Deals

Daily Candy is producing a new newsletter just for online sales, promotions and special offers. Now this is something worth signing up for!!

Trend: long shorts

The long shorts have showed up on the runaway several times at NY Fashion week. I hope this trend carries over into next summer. What else does a girl wear to an outdoor event when it's 90 degrees out! You really don't want to worry about sitting down in your skirt. This cute pair is by BCBG.

My Favorite Week...

It's Fashion Week in NYC. Wish I could be there! I guess I'll have to get my fill from style.com or the Fashion Week Daily.

Holds up your pants..or at least makes them look cute

All this jean talk made me think of belts. I mean, what a great way to update your jeans if you really like how they fit and don't want to spend $$$ on a new pair or spend two hours in the dressing room searching for that perfect new pair.

I found a great belt on Blush's website. It's a total "Sienna" belt. It's perfect over a simple white, ribbed (think "wife beater" for girls) tank top and a gauzy skirt or jeans. A definite must-have to complete the "Boho" look. It's a great accessory - it can be the centerpiece of your outfit so you can keep everything else pretty simple.

3 day weekends = 4 day weeks

Enough said.

More on jeans...

The GAP (being the jean centric store that it is) is trying to compete with the more expensive, premium jean brands. They are promoting their new jeans as your "Favorite Jeans". So I visited the Gap the other day so I could try out their new jeans. I don't think I've bought a pair of jeans from the Gap in about 8 to 10 years. I have purchased quite a few blazers and a couple skirts from the Gap recently but we'll get into that another day. Back to the jeans...they have several different fits (curvy, straight, etc.) and a couple different washes. My favorite fit was the "low-rise flare". Of all the new fits I think this one is closest to some of the designer jeans like Blue Cult and Joe's. I do have to say they are a great buy for less than $50!!

The Chicago Tribune recently published a great article on the designer denim trend titled "Can You Tell?". It discusses whether it's worth it to drop $200+ on a pair or jeans. Okay enough on denim for now...

Seven jeans has done it again.

The latest creation by Seven is called the "Great Wall of China" Collection. You can find them at Neiman Marcus or online at shopbob.com. These jeans come with Swarovski crystal and gold stud detail - definitely a great way to dress up and reinvent your every day jeans. These are perfect with a basic gold cami and heels.

The next Kate Moss??

According to MSNBC Mary-Kate Olsen has been picked to be the next Calvin Klein model. Calvin Klein pretty much made Kate Moss an icon when the grungy, waif look was in.