BEAUTY: Vote for your Favorite 2010 Fragrance

Privydolls have their favorite, signature scent. Us dolls now have a say in voting for the top fragrance of the year!  The 2010 FiFi awards are approaching and you can vote for your favorite perfume. Last year, NOIR by Victoria Secret won "Fragrance of the Year". Noir is a great fragrance and I love the travel size which I keep in my clutch, so they would of had my vote last year. This year Victoria Secret's new fragrance, Love Rocks is a finalists and you can vote for that scent or any perfume you are loving right now  by clicking HERE. Fill out your entry ASAP to make sure your scent gets a vote!

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Fashion Radar: Gray Booties

PrivyDolls are awakening from a dark winter and if you live up north, we aren't quite ready for the open-toe sandal yet. Luckily, the fashion-forward bootie is here. It is a little boot, a little sandal, and I cherish it. The look is great with jeans, fantastic with tights for transition and also works with a dress. My favorite pick is a grey bootie to go with the posh black wardrobe most of us rock most of the time. It is still very much a neutral which blends and matches with any splash of color and of course is a nice change from the black on black on black. I found some great picks including some great finds! Enjoy your booties, including this dream bootie seen here.


ShopBop really is a one-stop shop for fashion shopping and I easily found a couple of gray booties I could really develop into my wardrobe.

These booties from Dolce Vita found on Shopbop.com for $208

For no wallet damage version, here is a pair from Forever 21 for $20! 

What another great find on Shiekhshoes.com for a pair of grey, distressed booties for $35!

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INSIDER INTERVIEW: Vintage Never Felt so New

Are you having a flashback or just falling in love again with a members only jackets, lace dresses and a fedora worn just right? Vintage fashions has made their way back into the mainstream. Embrace the old with the new. I love mixing a piece that has stories to tell, mixed with modern new pieces from the hottest designer. Meet Sofia. A boutique that marries the new with the old. Opening this week, PrivyDoll sat down with its owner, Ashley Zisook to get the skinny on her inspiration of vintage.
Sofia Opens this week at 72 E, Oak

Name: Ashley Zisook, Owner of Sofia boutique

 

PrivyDoll: 3 words to describe your company:

AZ: fresh, laid back, lovely

 

PrivyDoll: Vintage is one of the fashion trends that really never go out of style. Your concept of an appointment shopping experience for vintage is so unique for Chicago. What inspired you to create Sofia boutique? 

AZ:Well, throughout my life I have loved collecting one of a kind items.  Sofia started as an idea for people to find those unique additions to their wardrobe, knowing the treasures they found at Sofia would not be found elsewhere.  Because the demand was so high, we have now expanded into selling new lines as well, from emerging designers.  Since we have moved to the new location (opening April 29th), we are no longer appointment only, but will always remain having that special one-on-one client experience, with myself or my fabulous team.   

 

PrivyDoll:  In your opinion what is next season’s trend and how do you translate it with vintage?

AZ: Aztec inspired vintage clothing mixed with the new moccasins.  The feminine woman is also coming back strong with bold colors, flattering fitting suits and dresses.  These trends can always be mixed with vintage and new pieces.  Also, never have we seen so many varieties of decades mixing together to form a season.  

 

PrivyDoll:What are some of your favorite pieces in the store right now? 

AZ: Skingraft harness, Vintage Givenchy necklace, House of Harlow Moccasins, M2F Jeans, ELTIF Hamsa necklace

 

PrivyDoll:Where do you find most of your vintage for resale?
AZ: Estate sales, auctions, and we also love going on vintage buying trips throughout the country.  

 

PrivyDoll: Female entrepreneur of the year award  should go to: 

AZ: Kelly Cutrone.  I think she is amazing.  I am inspired by what she has created and admire her work ethic.  I love the way she runs her company, Peoples Revolution.  

 

PrivyDoll: Sofia Vintage has put vintage back on the radar with fashion shows and posh clubs and partnerships around the city. What events and showcases do you upcoming? 

AZ: Well, we officially open up April 29th...i cannot wait until that Thursday when we open up our doors.

 Speaking of opening the doors, we love the space! Check out this interior picture taken by Darkroom Demons.

PrivyDoll: What kind of press/marketing/celeb spotings has your store received?  

AZ: Nicole Richie was in town last week and I received word that she wanted to see the store (since we will be carrying her House of Harlow collection). That was a dream of mine come true.  She is truly inspiring and an amazing fashion Icon.  Joe Perry (of aerosmith) came in last summer looking for an outfit to wear to his show.   Cisco Adler & Shwayze stop by every time they are in town for a concert or performance.   Also, we kicked off the first of the year with Leighton Meister when we styled her for a performance at Underground.  We are so lucky to have had this kind of press with celebrities thus far, and looking forward to everything to come in the future!  

 

PrivyDoll: If you could dress any celebrity at the moment who would it be? 

AZ: Zooey Deschanel.   I love her!! And the Olsen twins....I am always inspired by their style.

 

PrivyDoll: And Lastly, spill the Privy find:  
 AZ: We are proud to announce our new address of: 72 East Oak.  Chicago, IL 60611.  (312) 640-0878.  Our website is www.sofiavintage.com where you can find online shopping, read the sofia blog, follow us on twitter and become a fan on facebook. 

www.twitter.com/sofiavintage

www.facebook.com/sofiavintage

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BEAUTY: Islander scrub

The memories of summer beach - going has been bottled up in a scrub! Once you open the jar, the smell of coconut oil and and the 'secret of the islands' is exposed. The glass jar scrub is a great gift idea for Mother's day, but make sure you buy an extra jar for yourself! The scrub works great, leaving a very light scent on the skin. The scrub itself is very soft and great for feet to prepare for flip flop weather!

Secret of the Islands is 100% natural and is a recipe that has been passed down through many generations. The brand is extending to face scrubs and lotions and they hope to have the new extensions out by Fall!

What a great way to kick start the summer! You can purchase the scrub on their site at secretoftheislands.com Enjoy! and scrub the winter away!

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Fashion Radar: Romper Rave

PrivyDolls have a love for anything comfy and stylish. Lukily the 80's romper is back in and strong for Summer. You can find a romper at just about any store and from any designer this season. It is important to consider the fabric and the fit when buying your romper. It is greatly versatile depending on the fabric, that can transition to a night out with a clutch and bangles or of course stylish poolside attire. Tube rompers have made their way into my closet and every day wear coming into summer. You may be asking  yourself, "How do I wear a romper without looking like I am 8." The answer is make sure it fits. You do not want it extremely tight in the front area or back. It is suppose to be casual, laid back look. However, make sure it is not a saggy fabric on your back end which will make your tush look quite large. The best ones allow for you to use your own great belt with it that can really make the romper look like an outfit. Heels are acceptable if going out if the romper is not a terrycloth or jersey material. Remember a few bangles, gladiator sandels or heels will complete this look along with a clutch. We picked some of our favorites to share with you and once again you don't have to spend a lot in this trend.


Here are a few rompers that can sustain daily wear as well as transition into heated summer nights with a few accessories.

 Cat and Mouse Romper by Free People $188

BCBG Generation found at Macy's halter romper $98

Forever 21 bow front , zipper back Black romper $36

Charlotte Russe Tube romper in Plum $16

Joie Cavier romper $232 found on Zappos.com

What a great color and a touch of ruffle on this romper from BEBE. Seen here for $109!

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INSIDER INTERVIEW: Nikki Lund and Richie Sambora of White Trash Beautiful

 PrivyDoll wrote about the launch of White Trash Beautiful last month, but after LA fashion week, this line has received so much press we wanted to share more about this line and the designers. This line will be a household name, thanks to pop star, Nikki Lund and Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi.  We were flattered to hear that Nikki Lund wanted to do a piece with us on her new line with Richie Sambora. The line is full of pieces that make  your heart beat faster. Structured blazers, flowing dresses and unique shapes that flatter. We are ecstatic and excited to share with you the creative brains behind the collaboration. Lund shared the inspiration of the line and her favorite pieces. Enjoy!

3 words to describe your label: SEXY, ELEGANT, AND UNIQUE

In your opinion what is next season’s trend? MORE CLASSIC PIECES, BACK TO THE
BASICS, BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK

What is your inspiration for this season/line entirely? And what was the idea behind the
name? MUSIC AND THE POWER THAT WOMAN EXUDE. BEING CONFIDENT
AND SEXY WITHOUT BEING OVER THE TOP......... THE QUIET ALLURE THAT
CAN SEDUCE ANY ROOM.

What are your favorite materials to use? HARDWARE MATERIALS THAT YOU
WOULD NOT NORMALLY USE FOR A FULL GARMENT.....WIRES, ZIPPERS,
BUTTONS ETC. MATERIALS THAT MAKE YOU LOOK TWICE.

Favorite place for brainstorming and day dreaming: THE BEACH

Female entrepreneur of the year award should go to: NIKKI LUND

Your line received some great press from LA fashion week. What were the highlights?
THE BLACK “CLOUD” DRESS WITH THE WIRES, THE ZIPPER VEST AND ALL
THE SUITING. THE FEED BACK HAS BEEN AMAZING!

You have teamed up with Richie Sambora. What kind of ideas does he bring to the table
that is different than your style? HIS LEGENDARY MALE INFLUENCE THAT GIVES
A TOUCH OF BOLDNESS AND SEXINESS......RICHIE IS A GENIUS ON EVERY
LEVEL!

What kind of press/marketing/celeb spottings has your line received? THE COVER OF
THE L.A. TIMES, PEOPLE MAGAZINE, US WEEKLY, IN TOUCH, GOOD DAY
L.A., KIIS FM WITH RYAN SEACREST, AMERICAN IDOL, EXTRA TV, AND IT
HAS BEEN ON CELEBS SUCH AS HEATHER LOCKLEAR, CIARA, KE$HA,
RICHIE SAMBORA AND MANY MORE......

If you could dress any celebrity at the moment who would it be? RICHIE SAMBORA
OF COURSE

And Lastly, spill the Privy find:
WWW.WTBCLOTHING.COM
ANNIE CREAMCHEESE
42 SAINT
KITSON

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BEAUTY: The Shiny Truth of Macadamia

When a PrivyDoll finds something that changes their beauty routine one must dish. I received a sample at this year's Midwest Beauty show of the new Macadamia Nut Natural Oil hair masque and oil treatment. I cannot stop raving about this product. I am a fan of their competitor, Moraccan Oil. The smell of Macadamia masque is so consuming I couldn't stop getting a wiff of my locks hours after the treatment. It left my hair amazingly shiny, soft and the ends sealed for about two days. I used the Masque before the shower on damp hair and the oil after a shower before blow drying. The oil smells as great as the masque and really seals in the shine before adding heat. The line is available in some salons and on their website. I love that they also sell 1oz size, great for trial and traveling. Your hair is just $28 away from a body lift. Check out the site for all their products at: www.macadamiahair.com and in stores at Ulta.

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FASHION RADAR: Denim Uniform

Privydolls love a great pair of jeans, and whether it be your daily uniform or your weekend wear you appreciate the familiar fit of your favorite pair. Premium denim has taken over the past few years and we have all paid up to $300 on that 'it' pair. Those times are over with the line, UJ (www.Uniglo.com). UJ jeans just opened a store in SOHO in NY and brags its prices of their premium denim is $39.50! Cutting edge cuts, washes is what UJ claims and we believe it with the many styles including our favorite, Extreme Skinny. Try one of their pastel colors for spring!


On the higher end we are loving JET Jeans, a hollywood based denim line seen on many celebrities and in many exclusive boutiques. Prices are about $185 and can be found on Shopstyle.com

On the highest end for Spring/Summer denim has to be Acne Jeans. Their metal collection is made to order and can also protect you in a sword fight I would guess. The chain ling, and metal knee pads are custom and start around $2,000!

We Also found Chanel apart of the Spring/Summer denim movement. These sunglasses have denim sides. So very cute!

Denim is also being seen in purses and shoes and fanny packs from many of the biggest designers including Chanel, Louis Vuitton and many more. You can acheive this summer trend very easily. Many brands and stores are also catering to the denim lover. Just remember pastel denim and light colored, bleached is in.

Miss Sixty has always been one of my favorite go to denim brands and of course their S/S line incorporates all we love in denim with their edgy, 80's flair. Acid wash, tapered and zippers are included on most of the collection. My favorite is below!

 

Guess has always been a leader in denim and this season the denim vest is back. Buy a denim vest that is versatile and looks great dressed up or down. I found this one on www.Guess.com. 

For the Doll on a budget, Forever 21 has an entire Jean Shop. Click HERE to see all the denim under $25!!!

Deal of the day is found on Sheikshoes.com. Stone washed denim heels also seen in People Magazine. Seen below for $29!!

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FASHION RADAR: Shades of Summer

Privy Dolls love a stylish way to protect our eyes Sunglasses are a staple and this season we have a lot to choose from. It is always safe to wear an aviator version like the classic ray-ban shades. Rumors have been circling that Lady Gaga is teaming up with UK designer, Linda Farrow. Her rep has not denied this rumor that MTV and Vogue have reported. Gaga often wears over the top glasses in most of her videos and when she is caught by her very own paparatzi on the streets.
Ever see your favorite celeb wearing a pair of sunglasses you wish you could find? Head to :
http://www.celebrity-sunglasses-finder.com/Celebrity-Sunglasses-Finder-StarShop1d.html  for an easy match up of sunglasses to the celebrity wearing them.

I love these new sunglasses from Balmain seen here for $595. 

There are a lot of great shades out there for the PrivyDoll on a budget. check out these great vintage looking glasses from Aldo for $12!!

For another great find. Try these snakeskin sunglasses from www.mandee.com for $7!

The cut out square lens in the oversized glasses is a trend that is seen in Gucci's 2010 collection for sunglasses. These are available at Neiman Marcus for $245.

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Fashion Radar: Sustain Style

It is Earth Day week and all Privydolls like to do their part in being green. There are many designers that are using sustainable fabrics and reusable materials to make very stylish pieces. Do your part in Earth week by buying designs by sustainable brands. I have put a list of some of my favorites.


Douchette Duvall is a brand by two Manhattan designers that use environmentally friendly fabrics. Their line includes many 'green' dresses and blouses. We love this Little Green Dress but also check out their site for retailers nationwide including Barney's. www.duchetteduvall.com

Be fashionable and eco friendly with KOR  water bottles. They just launched a limited edition designed bottle that is supporting their water causes with donating 5% of sales. The Kor  bottles hold 750ml of water for your days on the road and has many really sleek designs for $35. Check out more at: www.korwater.com.

We also love what Soul's Calling brand stands for: "Fashion with a purpose". You can shop online HERE, and pick up some recycled plastic flip flops seen here for $22!

Happy Earth Day Fashionistas!

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ENTERTAINMENT: Fashion Bloggers Unite

Vogue has our back. Vogue had an entire section last month dedicated to fashion bloggers and how they are influencing the world of fashion media. It is very exciting to hear Anna Wintour speak about how herself and Vogue is open to the fashion blogging phenomenon and thinks it is good for fashion overall. I couldn't agree more! Wintour spoke at a speaking engagement at the Pratt Institute and said,

"We love as much coverage of fashion as possible. We don't care at all where it comes from, and we embrace bloggers and video and social networking, and anyone that's talking about fashion is a good thing. And we now have our own website that incorporates all of that. But I think what's interesting to us with this new phenomenon that 'everyone's a fashion editor, everyone's a fashion writer' is that all of that actually helps Vogue, because we have access and the understanding of fashion that, forgive me, but maybe some bloggers and some of the newcomers to this world have a little bit less experience of, but as I said, the more the merrier. We embrace it."  - Anna Wintour   And that is why we adore her. She gets it. Understands the natural progression of the industry and embraces the changes!

With that, PrivyDoll would like to share some of our favorite fashion blog sites. 

www.whowhatweardaily.com

www.simplyseductive.blogspot.com

www.stylist.com

http://nymag.com/daily/fashion

www.blog.polyvore.com

www.jakandjil.com/blog/

Check out backstage video on the set of VOGUE's Style Bloggers March segment HERE.

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INSIDER INTERVIEW: Rachel Olesker Jewelry Line

 PrivyDoll found a great jewelry designer, Rachel Olesker who happens to be a Chicago native! The lines are classic, but interesting, modern but reminiscent. The line can be found on Rachel's site, www.rachelolesker.com, which I invite you all to check out. The collection includes leather, chains and stones. Privy doll caught up with Rachel to learn more about the line! I included two of my favorite pieces that are PrivyDoll Approved!!

PrivyDoll: What three words would you use to describe your line?

RO:  Flexible, unique, chic

PrivyDoll: In your opinion, what is next season's biggest trend?
RO:I think this year people are going to be back to the basics.  I think people are going to be buying more neutral, classic pieces that will wear longer.  

PrivyDoll: What is your inspiration for your brand/line entirely?
RO:  Since all of my pieces are one of a kind, the inspiration for my line is always evolving.  I get inspired by what I see when I travel or go antiquing.    I never know what I am going to find but when I see it, I know it... and then again sometimes I don't.  When I buy a vintage piece, I know it is "cool"  and I love it but I am not always sure how I am going to use it.  Often, I take home a piece and let it sit for a while before I know exactly how I am going to incorporate into a piece.  That is what makes my work so much fun and exciting.  It is the hunt for a great piece, and then the challenge to use it and create a piece that is unique and wearable today.

PrivyDoll:What are your favorite materials to us?
RO:  My favorite materials to use right now is vintage chains.  There is such an amazing variety and no two are the exact same.  The chains  are so much fun to wear alone, layered with another chain or combined with another vintage find.  

PrivyDoll: What is your favorite place to brainstorm?
RO:  Since I am a mom of two young boys, my favorite place for brainstorming is in the car driving carpool. 

PrivyDoll: What designer inspires you the most?
RO:  The clothing designer that motivates me the most is Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein because his line is elegantly tailored, simple with a twist.  Perfect for my jewelry!

PrivyDoll: What advice would you give fashionistas when they are trying to pick out jewelry for their favorite Little Black Dress?
RO:  My advice to fashionistas when trying to pair jewelry with their favorite little black dress is MORE is MORE!!!    My rule when leaving the house is not to take off one piece of jewelry but to put on three!

PrivyDoll:What kind of Press has your line received?
RO:My jewelry has gotten press on vogue online and Janell Snowden, a host for VH1 has worn some of my pieces to events.

PrivyDoll:If you could dress any celebrity right now who would it be?
RO: If I could dress any celebrity at the moment it would be Heidi Klum.  She can wear anything and she is also experimental.  I love that...

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