Fashion Radar: Own the Night

I was inspired by Armani Exchange's new fall campaign, Own the night for this fashion radar post. The trend for fall is a look that appears you are going to an after- dark after- party-hiding from the sunlight. This look 'exudes intense mood and cool sensuality of youthful freedom at the edge of darkness.'
For the full looks to acheive this look from AK check out their site HERE.

How can you own the night? I love these pieces below that carry on this theme and round off a fashion radar fall trend. Look like you are headed to the after party when dressing for the party.
I love this metalic woven shirt from ASOS for $129. Pair with skinny black jeans or a bandage skirt to complete the after hours look.

Don't forget your party essentials (lipstick, CC, ID) in this over the shoulder mini sequin party bag.

Found at Club Monaco for $99.

You are dancing til the day light and wearing this sequin and fishnet dress. The seduction is more then the fishnets its also the dark eyeliner and red lips. Dress from Shop Akira for $99.

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Entertainment: Heshima Kenya Fashion Challenge

Tuesday night was an evening of fashion designers competing and charity. The room was filled with beautiful, oversized, tie dyed scarves that support the refugee women in Kenya. Heshima Kenya was built to protect and empower girl and young women from Rowanda, Somalia, Ethiopia, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. When you buy and wear a scarf (which are all so beautiful) you are supporting this cause.

photos courtesy of YourTrendy.com

This was the first annual Heshima Kenya Fashion challenge which gave an opportunity to 10 local designers to compete in a competition that revolved around the scarves. Each designer received a scarf at random with two weeks to transform a Heshima scarf into a piece.

 The celebrity judges which included: Billy Dec of Rockit Ranch, Christian Hanson of Nordstrom, Bianca Alexander of Conscious Planet and Matt Lorenz winner of Design star all had the tough task of picking just one of the designers as the winner. The winner was Jade Nguy whose design is pictured in the main photo of the blog and received a huge reaction when it first came out on the runway. The long train and peacock inspiration made you look twice as to where the scarf was even used. All of the pieces were auctioned off after the show to raise more money for the fund.

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Entertainment: Oliver People is for the Chicago People

This week, Oliver People eyewear boutique has added Rush st. to their resume.  PrivyDoll had the pleasure to meet and chat eyewear fashion with the owner and founder, Larry Leight. The chic and classic sunglasses and eye glass line has been a staple for the fashionable since the 80's and has, in my opinion found a new fan, the sophisticated yet statement-making Chicagoan.



Antique shapes have made a comeback and yes, the classic O'Malley frames are available from the American Pyscho get up that really helped define the brand. I asked Larry, why open a boutique in Chicago, what is cool that sets it apart? " The stories you hear from the people that come in and share their first Oliver People's experience. Their family brought them in , it was their first pair of glasses....  and a lot of Chicagoans have traveled to Ny for glasses for years. "



Privy Doll and Larry, founder of Oliver Peoples

 One of the most exciting elements to this store opening in Chicago is the 50 pairs of limited edition Chicago sun glasses. Retail for around $600 these frames are going fast. The style is the Benedict, one of their most iconic shapes almost an aviator look with a 24 ct. gold coating and mirrored glass and happen to have polarized lens.

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Fashion Radar: Best Coverups from North Ave to South Beach

My favorite two US beaches... North Avenue in Chicago (of course only for 3 months) and South beach in the always sunny miami. As you can imagine the two cities have a lot of differences but when it comes to coverups don't forget to stay stylish. We worry alot about our swimwear so lets not forget the cover up is the outfit on top of the swimsuit that can actually compliment your beach look.
Lets start south. You will need a cover up over your tiny Brazilian style bikini as you soak up sun in south beach. After hours of amazing people watching and speedo cringing you may want to head over to wet willies for a frozen cocktail. Think effortless and boho chic for south beach. I love this sarong found on sale for under $35 on PiperLime. This Roberta Roller Rabbit sarong screams Miami.

Miami nightlife comes to the beach with this sheer tunic from one of my favorite sexy swim lines, Beach Bunny. Throw this over your suit and you are ready to walk ocean drive after sunning. Check out this cover up for $235 on Beach Bunny.

Chicago girls need their cover ups to last all day, from brunch to the beach and then maybe a street festival. I love this cotton, ruffle romper from kensie.

For $39 this dress is a great look for a beach cover up that can carry you up for food and drinks at Castaways. The floppy hat is a great addition also! Shop Chicago local boutique, Akira to find this great dress.

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Entertainment: Custo Barcelona Fashion Show Recap

Custo Barcelona showcased their summer collection last week in the eccentric Sushi Samba which was a perfect back drop for the urban cartoon imaged T shirts. The show brought to you by Funky Couture had an impressive, fashionable guest list. After a long anticipated time for show time, Custo's cotton tops were paired with jeans as the models pranced through the restaurant as 200 guests sipped cocktails and sushi bites. The restaurant closed for this Sunday night show and with the sun still out the fashionable showed up. Women rocked Custo in the audience to show their love and possibly take note of their next must-have dress. Custo has made its home in Water Tower and has crossed the pond years ago where you can find Custo Barcelona stores everywhere in spain and beyond.
The colorful line had great fitted tees as well as some updated takes on the cotton T shirt. For more information check out their site, Custo Barcelona.


All Photos by Matt Binder



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Entertainment: Scoop NYC Boutique Opens New Doors

Gold Coast is known for its shopping and now Scoop NYC can now join the gang. Scoop NYC opened its second location in Chicago's gold coast on the popular Rush street last week and Privydoll attended the media/VIP preview. What is better than sipping on Grey Goose and having your fingers on the first selections of this new, highly anticipated store. Many well heeled Chicagoans filled the store buzzing with dj beats, libations from Grey Goose and of course gushing over the new arrivals. AG jean shorts covered a wall and the popular straw trend took over a display.

A straw fedora, clutch and accessories were right on for this summer's trend. The second level is all about the man. Great mens denim and dress shirts were combined in the 2nd level with a  charming patio that  stretches out on Rush st. perfect for events or maybe a happy hour cocktail trunk show. A very unique element to the gold coast shopping experience. Make sure you stop by the new Scoop NYC store at 1009 N. Rush Street.

One of my favorite finds for women was this yellow strapless dress by Pleasure Doing Business. Obsessed and it came in 3 different colors.

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Fashion Radar: Embellished Flats

Stilettos will never be replaced and as  heels are pretty much an extension of my legs most of the time I see the trend of embellished flats  as just another option. For me, after 4 days in a row of 12+hours running and dancing in my 4inch heels. The embellished flats are great for running around with a skinny jean or a girly dress but they have also made their way on the red carpet with young Hollywood and beyond.  Don't take just PrivyDoll's word for it check out the article from BarneysNY Blog, The Window where Amanda Brooks is seen wearing flats. http://thewindow.barneys.com/amanda-brooks-on-flats-for-evening/

                       I just bought a pair myself. I love my new MIA bling bling flats found on their website. My favorite things have combined.. animal print, bling and comfort. Best $69 you have ever spent.

                   These dazzling bowed Steve Madden flats from Nordstrom are $89.95.

I love these classic black flats with one large stone found as a steal on Shiekh Shoes for only $19.99.  Pair these with a pencil skirt or leggings for a great look.

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Fashion Radar: Who Runs the World? PrivyDolls do!

Beyonce's new song and video is one of her best yet with, Who Runs the World. I can't get it out of my head and when it comes on at the club you cant help but cheer, Girls! Girls! I say PrivyDolls run the world and this is a genuine amazing find. The music video appears to be a Vogue spread included Laruicci, a jewelry line in the video. The affordable and extremely beautiful pieces make you feel like you are running the world.

Get Beyonce's look with these earrings and rings found on Laruicci's site.

Get these earrings for $275

                                                              and the claw ring for $78

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Fashion Radar: Feather Earrings

Feathers are all the rage. We have seen them on handbags, hugely gathered on dresses and shoulder pads on the runway and the highly promoted feather hair extension piece that was featured on the blog. I found some amazing handmade feather earrings from JousJous.com I wanted to share. For under $45 these are all so individual and can capture the feather trend with minimal commitment. Pair them with a maxi dress or a black attire to spice up the look.

I also found some great choices from Bebe and Urban Outfitters.

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Fashion Radar: Sneak Peep at New Swim line

I think everyone knows by now I have a lot of favorites, but bikinis are on the top of my list. I was beyond thrilled to hear one of my favorite lingerie designers, Mariana London (designer interview featured on  PrivyDoll) has grown her brand by including brazilian bikinis. Could my week get any better? These ultra sexy, lingerie inspired suits will be available soon on her website and will retail around $40 and up. She is filming her first swimwear look book but gave PrivyDoll a little peep show if you will.

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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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