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Sunday, November 27, 2011

Fashion Radar: A Pleated Party

It's a pleat party this winter. Pleats were seen on the runways in Paris for Fall/Winter 2011 from the likes of Sonia Rykiel to Jill Stuart. Wear a pleated dress or skirt to your next holiday party. Keep the length in mind. The 2011 trend is keen length or mid calf since this is a throwback look tribute to the 1940's. I love the tiny waist look paired with a skinny belt in contrast to the skirt. Ankle heels and kitten toe are a great way to complete the look. Think vintage Chanel when picking a blouse or collarless jacket to pair with the pleated skirt.

Vera Wang 2011 - Pleat trend



Check out these Privy finds to conquer this holiday look. Whether a work party or a night out, pleats are the way to go this holiday season.





This black, shorter, pleated skirt is a great way to achieve this trend for a night out. Pair it with tights and a fitted sweater for a party look. Found here from Nasty Gal for $88.






For a more conservative holiday look, I adore this gem tone green, calf length skirt from Top Shop.

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Entertainment: Your 2011 Black Friday Guide

It is a shopper's national holiday. The Friday after thanksgiving is one of the biggest shopping days of the year. This is Privydoll's 2nd anniversary sharing some of the top deals for this holiday. Retailers and online stores offer ridiculous deals. But, where to go first and what are the best deals out there? Here are a few Privy Doll great finds to help you plan out your Friday. Set your alarm most stores open at midnight!

Deals to be had:

Armani Exchange is offering $50 off every $150 purchase in stores only from Thursday November 24-November 28th.


Sir Allstaur Rai is offering hourly deals on their chic scarves on Friday November 25th.
Save 25% all day long on http://www.siralistairrai.com/







Not done shopping after Friday? Shop on what they call "cyber Monday". Online deals that take place online only on the Monday after Thanksgiving.


Have many holiday parties you haven't bought dresses for yet? Rent them. Rent The Runway is offering deals on Cyber Monday for all your needs for upcoming events. Receive 20% off any gift card up to $50. If you spend $50-$100 , receive a $15 gift card . Spend $100-$200 receive a $25 gift card. 
Not a member? Join free here! http://www.renttherunway.com/referral/sebastianfashion

Want to score designer deals any day? Check out new website similar to Ebay , www.stylerecovery.com. A website that is changing the way people are shopping. This is a stylish alternative to Ebay that members can 'recycle' designer products. Shop gently used high end finds or sell yours here!
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Friday, November 18, 2011

Entertainment: Gift Guide 2011 For Your Man

Tis the time for shopping and showing the one you love, and a perfect time to update your man with some style help. Let's face it men will wear the same shoes and wallets until they literally fall apart, and then maybe tape them to ride them out a little longer. It is up to us to upgrade and buy them some key accessories that are also functional. Here is Privydoll's 2011 Gift Guide:

Put your money where your mouth is. Your man may need a new wallet. I love these 100% Italian leather wallets in fun colors by Hlaska out of San Francisco. For under $200 these wallets are functional, high quality and frankly cooler than what he is already carrying.
Your man dresses up whether its an every day suit and tie gig or you drag him to events. He has to wear a tie at some point. Why not make sure his tie shows some personality and edge. I love these ties from General Knot. Bow ties or regular ties these are some fun patterns to choose from. 

 Keep your man's tie down in the windy city and show some personality with a unique, vintage reconstructed Tie clip.Back in style thanks to Madmen and shows a like the tie clip is a modern twist to the forever trend among mens accessories. Check out the many handmade options with a steampunk influence at www.jojoandsofia.com for under $40.


Your man is techie. He can always use a new, cool Ipad case. This one is different and found on a favorite mens site of mine, MrPorter. This Ipad case has a pillow and a stand all in one. For $150 this is a unique find.
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Thursday, November 17, 2011

INSIDER INTERVIEW: La Isla Swimwear Desitination: Winter Get Away


 Everyone knows one of PrivyDoll's vices is an amazing swimsuit. When I find a new designer swimsuit I have to share it with you all. It was 30 degrees in Chicago today and only one thing on my mind: where is my next exotic vacation getaway and how soon can we book. It is days like these when I want to jump on a plane and run to an island. La Isla swimwear is that brand that embodies the palm tree driven getaway doll. I caught up with the faces behind the brand to get to know the brand better. Personally, cannot wait to rock my La Isla bikini next week when I am beach bound! The quality is great, and the patterns are fun and the fit is really incredible. Stock up now for your winter getaway at www.laislabrand.com

 PrivyDoll: What is the La Isla Girl? Who is she and where does travel to?
"The La Isla girl is a free-spirited, down-to-earth and adventurous girl who can express both her inner and outer beauty effortlessly. In her own element, the La Isla girl is able to embrace and enjoy her surrounding elements and become connected with her natural roots to the fullest extent. She is pleased by the sun and the ocean and desires the unbeatable satisfaction that being outside in nature gives her. She is confident in who she is and knows how to stay true to her individual style and unique flare.  
The La Isla girl is intrigued by adventure and fulfilled by relaxation at the same time. Wherever she is, the La Isla girl can find satisfaction in her surroundings by embracing herself and what her environment has to offer her. Whether she is soaking up the sun at a treasured secret beach spot, surfing the waves on the coast, or vacationing at a luxurious resort, the La Isla girl is sure to find pleasure, happiness and excitement."

PrivyDoll:    Swimwear is often times a hard thing for women to buy. What shopping advice would you give?
"Looking great in swimwear is all about comfort, confidence and a true appeal to the piece you are wearing. If you aren’t stunned by a piece, it’s not the right one to buy. It’s important to remember that finding the perfect piece won’t always happen instantly – there are seemingly endless options that fit just right on different body types. When shopping for swimwear, always keep your personal taste in mind, have patience, and eventually you will find the perfect piece that will leave you more than pleased. Always shop for yourself, not for others.
When shopping online, it does help to find a store with a good return policy. At www.laislabrand.com we have a 360 day return policy, which our clients really appreciate. If a suit didn’t fit you right, or you just happened to need a new size, send it back to us new with all tags and we will be more than happy to exchange the suit."

PrivyDoll :   Many people escape the blizzards in winter. What suit would you suggest for the following destination plans
·        Resort in Mexico
"Our Tribal World pieces release a natural and exotic aura, ideal for a lush vacation stay. Try mixing the print in our strapless hand crochet bandeau style with a string bottom featuring La Isla’s signature hand-embroidery. For a more fun and playful look, try mixing and matching the top with the Tribal World coconut, sea shell and wood-embellished bottoms."

·        Cruise in the Mediterranean
"Our Solid Wonders hand-embroidered one-piece suit would be a perfect, sophisticated look for a Mediterranean cruise. For a cute and youthful appearance, try the suit in our turquoise and orange cross-stitch combination. Or, for a more subtle and chic look, rock the style in our popular white and turquoise cross-stitch combination"

·        Summer home in Costa Rica:
"Our 60’s Love bikinis create a modernized yet retro feel with the combination of bright, vibrant colors that pop - perfect for either a relaxed day at the Summer home, or a long day on the beach. For a day of poolside relaxation, wear the halter-style top with the gold O-ring bottom to create a comfortable and stylish appeal. At the beach, try pairing a string bikini top and bottom for a fiercer look"

PrivyDoll:    What were the inspirations this season on prints?
"As always, our inspiration comes from our natural roots, down-to-earth style, and dedication to quality. This season, we incorporated themes from several influential eras, like the fun-loving 60’s and psychedelic 70’s. We also included several elements derived from nature’s inspiration as embellishments for our pieces. Keeping the La Isla girl in mind, our inspiration ultimately came from the natural spirit she embodies."
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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Entertainment: Akira's Fall Fashion Show Recap

All photos by Francis Son
The biggest yet, the brightest lights and the largest crowd ever seen at an Akira fashion show last Sunday. Every year this annual event draws a bigger and bigger crowd. The 3rd annual fashion show gave proceeds to Immerman Angels charity and showed the latest fall/winter trends down a zig zag runway that took up an entire level of a car dealership.

The show opened up with mens fall fashion looks. Some of the top looks were plaid on plaid. I loved the layering of collared shirts buttoned up all the way up with chunky V neck sweaters. Pants were a little shortened and even cuffed at times showing off a great ankle boot.

Womens fashion followed and capes stole the show, a huge trend for fall. Paired with platform shoes and some were Prada looking, laced and floral printed. I adored the lace booties that shuffled down the runway. The media pit was the largest I have seen for a show in Chicago. Every blogger and local magazine was there covering the looks that soon will hit the stores in Akira's location and Akira.com.

After a short intermission and a performance
by My Gold Mask who covered a Robyn song, men in shirtless football pads filled the runway as models rocked the next looks while weaving around the 'body guards of fashion.' I call the next looks 'the band leader of the band.' There was a definite look of rock and roll meets marching band. Red platform shoes and leather pieces.
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Fashion Radar: Hand me my Poncho

Move over Sherlock Holmes.A big fall fashion trend is the cape or poncho for fall. The picture to left is from Alexander Wang's fall/winter collection.It is an effortless but chic way to layer, and transition your summer pieces into fall. It can be easily thrown over an existing dress paired with riding boots or throw it over a Tshirt and skinny jeans and your looks is complete. Its a casual but urban look that is all the rage this season. Usually found in neutrals I love this look to transition to casual to even dressier for night with a big, chunky, bling necklace. I found some of the best picks of the season within a budget.

This cowl sweater poncho is a great find for $88 from Echodesign.com . Comes in a few colors and great over leggings or jeans.

What a cozy poncho from Akira for fall. Looks like a blanket but can be belted for a polished look. For $44 this is a great find for fall!


This wool 'ladylike' cape is a great choice for evening. Instead of lugging a big jacket this is a great choice to throw over a black dress and tights. Found on Piperlime for $59

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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Fashion Radar: Everything that Glitters

Sequins are shinning everywhere you look this season for night looks. Heavy sequin tops and dresses are a must have for Fall/Winter. Afraid of looking like a disco ball? Try pairing a heavy tunic or sequined blouse with skinny jeans or black pants to break up a bit of the sparkle. If you ask Privydoll, there is no such thing as too much sparkle. Hitting the town in a sequin number will grab the eyes of the crowd and can be reused all season as a layering piece. Think denim jacked or fur wrap over it as different options to change up the look.

I love this gold dress dripping in gold sequins for $89. The cap sleeves and deep V is a perfect party piece. You can find it here
. For a trend piece on a major budget this sequin blouse from Forever21 is only $17 and right on trend. Seen here paired with a colored denim for a very edgy look.
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Friday, September 9, 2011

Entertainment: Top Shop VIP opening

The highly anticipated Top Shop/ Top Man store opened its doors yesterday for a private VIP/media experience. It was definitely the calm before the storm. It was a great way to preview and shop the looks, talk with employees and even meet the owner who was at the store as well. The store is gorgeous, beautifully done and three levels of fashion heaven. This is going to save me a lot of money having to fly to NY or Europe for these looks. I was most excited about the limited edition Chicago branded merchandise for women and men. I adored this 'From London with Love' with Chicago on it. There were some vintage-looking collared shirts and harem pants with a 'Chicago' stamp print. Hang tags that said Limited Edition Chicago hung on many racks.

I was extremely in aw of the shoe section. an amazing place to hang out and try the beautiful shoes that included platforms, leopard print and combat boots. The store was a mini department store, with a good sized make up section as well that has been newly launched and by the same distributor as MAC I was told. The accessories department took up most of my time with the rows of GORGEOUS pieces that just are too good to be true for the prices. Feathers, animal heads and skulls paired with pearls and rocker-ish looks had me having a very hard time just choosing a couple pieces. Most pieces ran between $20-$50 and were stand out accessories. There was a necklace choker that had fringe down to your hips! A style icon has arrived on Michigan avenue!

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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Fashion Radar: What to wear to Fashion Night Out

Fashion's biggest shopping world extravaganza is here. Tomorrow is FNO (Fashion's night out) where designers and retailers across the country jump on the bandwagon to offer great deals, charity donation and additional entertainment around shopping. Every city has some top events. Chicago is excited for Top Shop to open its doors officially tomorrow. Water tower place and 900 shops all have developed some great events and buzz around the day with celebrity hosts and cocktails. What to wear to this very fashionable shopping experience wherever you may live? Comfy heels for sure- this is a shopping event don't forget. I love this dress from Cusp that is boho fall chic but still cute to shop in .
If the suspense of counting down the days til this shopping frenzy wasn't enough the Fashion Night Out official website has a ticker to count down to the last second. A downloadable app, maps and event listings are also really a great tool on the site to make sure you hit all the stores you can.

Shirt dresses are great and versatile and this one from Nasty Gal is a great color for fall. Belted with some wedges are great and throw on a scarf its chilly while walking the streets for sales.
You need to be hands free when shopping. This cross body bag found on Zappos is perfect and for $35, you will have plenty money left for shopping FNO.
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Monday, September 5, 2011

Fashion Radar: Fur is Flying

Fall Fashion has hit the stores and after seeing many trends on the runways this is one you can wear. Fur. Faux if you wish but the "fur look" is in. Subtle fur collars, scarves, fur on handbags and accessories is huge! I don't expect you dolls running out and jumping on the Alexander Wang fur sunglasses band wagon (seen to the left) but do take this trend to the streets with utilizing fur on your accessories like handbags and gloves. I love the colors Wang did for Fall that included this soft beige/nude and also a light gray color. Here are some great finds, most under $100 for this fall look.



I love this interesting take on a cropped fur, almost motorcycle inspired jacket from NastyGal for $68.
What a cozy, wrap sweater (also fall trend) with faux fur detail. Found at Victoria Secret for $98.
This subtle fur detail on this clutch from Piperlime is to die for. For $89 you can't go wrong!

Fur booties with a heel. Yes please. Adore these found on MyWardrobe for under $400 these are my splurge of the season!

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Friday, September 2, 2011

Entertainment: OC Housewife Gives Chicago Makeover

Last night, Gretchen Rossi (known from Housewives of OC on Bravo) made an appearance at Chicago's own, Watertower Place during their In Fashion Lounge that is including appearances from numerous housewives leading up to Fashion's Night Out. Gretchen, known as the Barbi entrepreneur in the past 6 seasons didn't showcase her current hand bag or cosmetic line. Instead, she ran around watertower and in about 40 minutes put together some looks from stores found in the mall that were styled "OC worthy". How does the Chicago women look OC? Ask Gretchen. She picked up looks from BEBE, White House Black Market and Betsy Johnson to name a few. She explains her look as, "girly-girl and loving dresses." She explained she loves mixing high and low priced items to complete a look, including the one she wore last night. She bragged she got the bling necklace from TJ MAXX and the tank top from Target, while her shoes and skirt were designer splurges.
These were the picks that Gretchen put together with her speed shopping spree for fall looks. She included a fall trend she likes, color blocking and she may wear that pink dress to the grocery store. She loves BEBE and picked the black retro dress form Betsy Johnson because it reminded her of being a housewife in the 1950s. She is a busy lady these days between her handbag line which is growing to 'everything else in the closet' to a cosmetic line to (she shared with the Chicago fans) a mens line debuting next year. A Q&A finished off the night.
Gretchen and PrivyDoll
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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Entertainment: Top VMA looks

Every year, the MTV Video Music Awards never disappoint. Although the show is always entertaining my natural instinct is to be way more interested in the red carpet. And of course this year is no different. I was very impressed with a lot of the looks this year. There were some stunners and most of the looks were very much on trend for this Fall. What can you take from this? These top trends in a general sense. Below are PrivyDoll's top picks and how you can use these trends for your own Fall looks.

Trend: Lace: it is back and in, and layered or blouses for fall.
Selena Gomez in Lace
Trend: Hardware. Chunky is in. Metal pieces, brass knuckles some tough pieces on a pretty dress is in


Zoe Saldana in rocker chic   

Trend:One sleeve: One shoulder goddess inspired dresses are in again for fall, do it in a gem tone and make sure the draping is right- even if you don't have a bundle of joy on the way!
Beyonce +1 in red Grecian Style dress




Trend: Metallics. Privy doll just covered the big metallic trend for fall. Kim K did it right in this floor length super fitted dress.

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