Entertainment: Sassy City Chicks Shopping Event Recap

Sassy City Chicks shopping event rolled into Chicago last week after having success as a traveling sample sale, beauty supply stop for the fashionistas of respective cities. After Success in Miami, LA and others this year marked its first year here in Chicago. Attending the media meet and greet I had plenty of time to talk and mingle with the vendors and of course first pick of their wares. First stop eye brow wax by Anne, brow specialist from Sine Qua Non Salon . I learned quite a bit about the art and that "your brows are sisters not twins." I know most of us spend a lot of time trying to groom them perfect and matching. So before you go drastic to shaving your brows off due to frustration go their new West town salon for brow rehab. The number one biggest mistake women make is over tweezing. Anne suggests if you need a tweezer intervention in order to let them grow out, do it! I went under the wax to let the pro tame the brows.

Salons, boutiques and designers were just few of the vendors that set up shop Thursday afternoon. I love sharing privy finds, and there were some cool find. Like jewelry designer Marsha of www.spinalfusion.etsy.com who turns old clock hands into earrings.  The dangle ornate earrings for $20 were also part of a collection by the designer that utilizes bullets as post earrings. So rough and edgy with a feminine touch. Love!

I have to mention a great new handbag designer find. Vintage Reign (www.vintagereign.com) showcased clutches, handbags and much more which one was just as cute as the next. Leather, suede with animal print in bright colors were all on trend and I can see why Nordstrom picked up the line!

Deliciously Vintage, a vintage boutique (1747 S.Halstead) had a mini pop up of some of their special pieces where a PrivyDoll could dig!

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Entertainment: Summer Beach Reads

Sunglasses. Check. The perfect new bikini choice thanks to Privydoll's suggestion. Check. Some good summer reads... The best two books are out for summer lawn chair reading. Pull out your floppy hat and enjoy these fun reads, PrivyDoll style. I loved these two summer reads which are a bit different but both great finds. Maid of Honor and Bad Girls are my picks for summer reads.



Summer is the season of weddings, if we aren't going to them we are in them. Thats what I love about this relateable nonfiction book by Chicago native, Jillian Conley. Her novel, Maid of Honor is a  story of a single Chicago girl doing all she can do for her friend once she is asked to being the maid of honor.
A cutesy, easy summer read is perfect for a beach back drop and laughs with such relate able, cheeky happenings. Find it on Amazon Here.

I took the test. I am a bad girl wannabe. Take the test in Bad Girls written by Carole Liberman M.D. She has been seen on Dr. Phil and many other appearances covering the topic of love and girls that are bad. This book's title also includes, 'why men  love them & how good girls can learn their secrets.' This is not quite a how-to book but an interesting take on how to find love and how to spot a bad girl who takes good men.  I love the dedication " This book is dedicated to all the good girls who have been wearing their hearts on their sleeve... only to have it broken and to all the men who have been preyed upon and hurt by bad girls. May this book soothe your pain and help you find the love you deserve." This just about sums up why this book is a must read by all women whether you are bad or good :) Find it on Amazon Here.

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Fashion Radar: The One You Need: One-Piece Swimwear

One pieces are all over the beach and yachts this summer. We saw cut out dresses through this season and cut out bikinis are a must. They even can mask some unwanted tummy and side issues some of us have. I adore this stripe suit found on the left. The deep V is resemblance of the JLo plunge dress we saw on the red carpet years ago. Bring back the plunge in suiting this year. It is flattering and boarders a retro meets sexy look. Here are some of PrivyDoll's top picks to conquer this summer soiree trend.

Allure Magazine also recently wrote about this must have trend of one piece suits and how to wear them. For the full article check it out here: www.thewindow.barneys.com/one-piece-swimsuits/

I adore this monokini from OneSol for $105. The spandex denim look is studded and flattering! Sign me up!

Want a sexier spin on the monokini? This red lace up halter is for sure to turn heads and key your tummy tucked. For $144 on ShopBop this suit is a siren choice for a strong PrivyDoll.

A classic Black monokini can't be wrong. This one from Victoria Secret is only $66 and includes a little pushup on the top.

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Entertainment: Akira Drinkcessorizes with McDonalds Fashion Show

photos by Matthew Reeves

Last night was a first PrivyDolls, a fashion show exclusively designed at the top level of the Rock N' Roll Mcdonalds in the heart of downtown Chicago. The space is a meca past 4am , and honestly can say I haven't been a customer before that until last night. The media only event was huge brand initiative that just 'made sense'. You may of seen the campaign billboards and photos on buses of this very fashion forward push from McDonalds. They are promoting their 45+drink options and to "drinkcessorize". This is one show that the masses would  of enjoyed. Instead of waiters passing apps of the dainty size, quarter pounders and chicken nuggets were on trays and cokes and smoothies were passed in small cups.

 I think everyone had to leave their stuffy fashion attitude behind when media cameras kept capturing me eating greasy fries. The fashion show was a mens ands womens showcase of Akira's summer collection that included the models carrying McDonald's drinks. The perfect summer accessory if you ask me! Trends for the summer included bold colors, yellow scarves, nautical prints, and white blazers and pants. It was a very light hearted, different kind of event that really tied McDonald's new campaign to street wear. I may of double thought eating one of everything as the size 0 models pranced through the restaurant though! McDonalds has never looked cooler!

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Fashion Radar: Festival Fashion

Tis the season for outdoor music and meat on a stick. Your threads need to meet the needs of the outdoor festival surroundings. Keep in mind: comfort, breathable, mobility and of course chic-ness. Long maxi dresses are an obvious good choice as well as some of this season's hot trend of cotton, patterned shorts. Pair the shorts with a wedge or nicer sandal and you can complete the look with a floppy hat. You are now ready for whatever Lollapalooza and Pitchfork throw at you!

While doing the online shopping for you PrivyDolls, I came across Forever21 has their own selected pieces that are music festival ready! Check out their complete looks HERE. You can expect cropped, rocker tanks, comfy skirts and rompers.

I love these shoes by MIA found at AKIRA for $69. They are a step up from flipflops with a small wedge and more support for dancing!

Choose an airy top that is breathable and fun. I Love this cropped button back top from Akira also.

Love my pics? ShopAKIRA has their own festival section as well with some great choices from their stylists. Check out their picks HERE.

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Vintage Find: Clock Ring

I have been carefully documenting my love for vintage jewelry and the finds are as treasurable as the journey I often stumble upon finding these unique, pieces. Lunching in the suburbs one spring day I came across Re.Defined (115 E.Station St. Barrington, IL) (website coming soon) a store that makes you look twice when you are coasting through quiet Barrington with manequins posing in antique finds and worn leather suitcases propped up against the aged models posing on the sidewalk. Their scarves blowing in the wind it mocked  the boutique found in "The Sweetest Thing."


To my surprise this little gem is shared by other fashion lovers, like hometown designer, Cynthia Rowley. The store utilized every square centimeter with glasses, clothing, jewelry, handbags and everything in between.

 The store's owner does a lot of searching herself for great finds and embellishes the vintage finds with a modern, artisitc trend including one of my favorite styles; steampunk. Her knowledge and artistic view on vintage is bar none. Turning a floor length, polyester, patterned gown into two mini skirts is just one of the very modern  take on vintage you will find here. Ask for Laura and tell herPrivyDoll sent you!

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Fashion Radar: Printed Pants

These aren't your cartoon pajamas. These are the 'it' pants of the season. Printed, relaxed fit or harem prints are in. They are cheeky, and a coversation starter to say the least. Many designers have used some really fun prints that are a great way to bring some colors into your wardrobe. You can easily sabotage this trend with a crazy top. Keep it simple, try solids and tucked in and depending on the top belt it for a more refined look with the pants.

I love this semi- tribal print that is still in neutral tones, You could even throw in a pop of color of wedges or a top to off set the gray tones. These are from Asos for $88.63

An amazing find from Rachel Roy

The splurge inspiration are these from Roberto Cavalli found at Neiman Marcus for $432.

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Fashion Radar: Summer Chiffons

Easy, breezy chiffons have taken over high on the trend list for summer. I love the chic, easy look they portray and are extra comfy for the office and out. Blousey tops tucked into a pencil skirt or chinos with a skinny belt are office-appropriate. But has the versatility to wear with skinny jeans and flats or a great layering piece.  Many floral chiffon prints are great for summer and look great with capris or shorts. The effortless look is ideal for a great, summer look.


This bebe chiffon top is a great piece for wear with denim or at the office.

A snakeskin chiffon is a little bit of an edgier take on the trend, and still loving the longer sleeve to pair with shorts or a skirt. This one found by Parker on Cusp.com for $187.

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Entertainment: Driehaus Fashion Excellence Award Fashion Show

Friday night 25 student designers from the top fashion design schools in Chicago competed in the Driehaus fashion excellence 10th anniversary award fashion show. The setting was Driehaus's personal antique car museum a blank canvass for a unique event of mannequins from previous winners around beautiful antique cars roped and stacked in the entrance. The competition was stiff but I wouldn't of wanted the judges job. Peach Carr from season 8 Project Runway was of the celebrity judges that had the difficult job of choosing the top emerging designer.

This year marks the 10 year anniversary of the Richard Driehaus awards which supports the Chicago Fashion Incubator program and has raised over $1 million dollars. Richard opened the show with thanks to the supporters over the years and shared the many successes this program has housed. Winners receive a check to support growing their lines. What an amazing jump start to these bright talent's careers!

All of the student designers had talent. All of them had such vision and really captured their voice in the three items each sent down the runway. Collections were as diverse as the students who designed them. The pieces ranged from  wearable outerwear to items Lady Gaga would rock.  I did have favorites. Jessica Fitzgerald's black and red cut out jackets were screaming my name. I adored Maggie's knit collection that was so chic and cozy. Winner of the night? The only mens collection of the competition won first place and earned with amazing detail and tailoring with unique euro touches. Definitely stood out for more than one reason!



PrivyDoll enjoying the after party



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Fashion Radar: Seeing Red

Seeing red this season is in. Is it a coincidence that the Bulls are in the conference finals and Chicago is the hot ticket in town? Red chinos and denim are in for spring/summer in Chicago and beyond. Skinny and stretch are great choices for a good fit. Celebs such as Rihanna have been spotted in the last month rocking red denim jeans. Treat this trend as if they were the new solid base. Pair it with nude, khaki or a T shirt. Stripes also work well for a nautical, modern edge for summer.

 J Brand is known for a good stretch fit and these red cropped jeans are right on trend. You can find them at Nordstrom online for $176.

Punk store go to, Hot Topic has a very resonable red studded, skinny jean for only $24.50.

When summer rolls around you can still stay true to this look with these great red shorts from Forever 21. Tucked in blouse with a belt and wedges and these shorts are a great statement item.

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Beauty: Best Bronzers

It has been a very, very, very, did I mention VERY, long winter PrivyDolls. Its the days like these that the weather is participating in our happiness of sun shining and highs hitting higher. The off days that we are able to show our bare legs again are here and for many its a sad, pale story. We are trying to skip the smelly self tanning and if Miami isn't in your close future try some of my favorite (I promise) products to give you a very soft, make up bronze for the rare chance a night out includes bare legs and some extra skin before summer hits. These products are truly found in my makeup cabinet and felt I should share my favorites.

My secret for traveling bronze: Michael Kors Roll Stick. This product is a bit hard to find but looks like a deoderant that is used for a very light shimmer that leaves the original Kors perfume scent behind. LOVE! I roll it a few times on my legs and arms before heading out. A smear proof product with just a hint of sheen and perfect for on the go.

Tarte also has a roll on product in a smaller size which also has a scent. a fresh fruitier scent with a bit richer bronze comes along with this roll on bronzer. This product is a great one to throw in your purse and found at Sephora.

 

 I also have two favorite lotion bronzers that I adore. Note these are not self tanners. They do come off with a towel or sweat off in a hot day and will immediately come off in the shower. These are for a nice glow when you head out to give your skin a natural extra shimmer.

Mac shimmer lotion is a small tube with a lot of kick. Use a dab of it after primer on her face along cheek bones for a nice shimmer before adding your blush.

 Victoria Secret also has a great garden collection that includes their top scented lotions in a sparkle version. High intensity bronze btw. It often leaves your palms extra dark, so remember to wash/scrub your hands after. But since this is just a lotion it comes off very easy. Great scents and easy to find.  Stay golden PrivyDolls!!

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Entertainment: SAIC The Walk 2011 Fashion Recap

New talent showcased their lines last night under the tents in Millennium Park for The Walk 2011. The opening hour included signature cocktails from Grey Goose and a media studded and fashion blogger frenzy. The students of the Chicago Art Institute are extremely talented who presented to honor Ikram Goldman. I saw very little difference among the sophomores and the senior collections. The inspirational night included scholarships and awards given to SAIC students on their collection achievements.



Privydoll spotting

 The collections were as different as the designers behind them with inspirations as diverse as : technology vs. nature (Nicole O'Malley), Japanese Samurai Armor (Jasmine Tsang),  and Disney Superheros (Lauren Rataj).

Thirty five sophomores, 46 juniors and 14 seniors sent three for four pieces down the catwalk. Many of the collections were extremely avant garde, others seemed very wearable and right on trend with future streetwear.

 The creativity filled the tents to the brim with collections of knit wear, mask-wearing models, 80's pop art street-wear and gowns to name a few. Structure was a common thread among many of the designers, with fan designs and an umbrella skirt (Derek R. Conrad).

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