Hermes

Even though this event was in the spring, I came across some of my photos of it today, and was really inspired.  In March of 2011 the Craftsmen of Hermes came to the Chicago Hermes store for the Festival Des Metiers.  It was a feast for the eyes – the craftsmen, the products, the process, the people – really unbelievable!  Feast YOUR eyes on some sights from that night last March and enjoy.

 Final photo – me and my friend Donna – love you!

SCA Benefit Planning Party at Marc Jacobs Chicago

So I headed out last Thursday night to an event sponsored by the Society of Contemporary Art at the Art Institute of Chicago.  I have a few good friends who are very involved with this board and its wonderful endeavors and programming.  Did I mention the event was at the fabulous Marc Jacobs Chicago? Combine Art and Fashion and I am THERE!

As a special treat, the Spring 2012 Marc Jacobs Collection was flown in from New York and guests were able to pre-order their favorite looks from the runway.  Here are a few of my favorite looks from this collection:

LOVE !

    

images courtesy style.com

The Chicago Marc Jacobs people were perfect hosts – 

the store looked amazing and was chocked full of goodies:

I also met the CHARMING assistant manager, Andrew – 

head over there and do some shopping ladies!

The Benefit is going to be at Crown Hall (Mies Van De Rohe architectural masterpiece ! ) at IIT on June 2nd.  Great art, great crowd, in a special setting – you should check it out!  

http://www.scaaic.org/

CROWN HALL at IIT

Fashion Experts????

For some reason over the last couple of days, I have randomly heard “fashion experts” on various TV shows use the phrase “It’s all about......”.  Ladies, in my opinion, there is not a more annoying phrase used in conjunction with any style advice.  I would go even further and say, if you hear this phrase uttered by a “stylist”, or television style “expert”, grab your wallet,  hang on tight, and do not under any circumstances let go of your money.  This phrase is usually used (and overused) when talking about super-trendy items that retailers have bought heavily to be “on-trend” , but that you will wear once, wonder why you wasted your money, and will hate to look at wasting space in your closet.  
Yuck!

Better advice – You know your body and what flatters it – you know what you look and feel good in.  Look to designer collections for inspiration/ideas, and translate them into what you know works for you.  

Quality is always better than quantity.  2 cashmere sweaters is better than 5 “trendy” sweaters.  Denim comes in so many washes and silhouettes – everything from skinny, to flares, to Levis 501 -   any or all work as long as it fits you well and is flattering.  


Always spend your money on shoes and handbags – quality on these accessories lifts any basic/classic outfit about 5 notches.  Finally think “modern” not “on-trend”, and you will be fine :)  

Here are some pics of two women that I think get this whole idea of effortless and modern – 

Jenna Lyons, Creative Director of J Crew

 Judy Aldridge of the blog Atlantishome.com

  images from jcrewaholics.com, fabsugar.com, and atlantishome.com

The 7 best things you can say to a girl

As the mother of a 15 year old daughter - (how did that happen!)  I think a lot about how to raise a confidant, inspired, comfortable-in-her-own-skin young woman.  I saw this tidbit in Glamour magazine many moons ago, and thought I’d share it - good food for thought :)

56th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Awards Show

On September 15th I had the honor of Co-Chairing the 56th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Awards Show benefitting the Anne and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.  It was such a wonderful day – complete with a room full of donors supporting the kids and families served by this wonderful hospital – and AMAZING fashion.  My Co-Chair extraordinaire is Kim Friesen of Chicago.  In addition to the Fashion, we had Kimberly McDonald perform the Campaign song with a children's choir – they were INCREDIBLE!  

We presented the 2010 Award to Bibhu Mohapatra.  He is SO charming and talented, with a long bright future ahead – it was a pleasure to present his award.  And the 2011 winner was Fabiola Arias!  A delightful woman whose pieces are each like a work of art.  Makes sense since she is also a fine artist.  And the head pieces!  WOW!  

 Images courtesy of Children’ Memorial Foundation, Bibhu.com, and Fabiolarias.com

July in New York

Had to go to New York for a little business and  a little pleasure earlier this month.   I always love going there in July since much of Manhattan  has vacated the island to head to the Hamptons or the Shore,  so you can actually get dinner reservations etc.   Here were some highlights of the trip: The Alexander McQeen Exhibit at the Met.   It truly took my breath away.   He was first and foremost a fine artist,  who also lent his vision to fashion design.   It was THE most amazing exhibit the Costume Institute  has ever done.  I am going to treasure the book/catalog -  it includes each and every piece from the exhibit.                                         I randomly ran into one of my FAVORITE bloggers at Barneys.   This is Leandra of The Man Repeller.  I behaved embarrasingly like a 5 year old school child -  I think the first words out of my mouth were "Oh my god its you!    I can't believe its you!".  After the above picture was taken, where she looks lovely and  I had an expression on my face that looked like someone was  pinching me, I told her I was sorry for being so obnoxious,  and you know what Leandra said " are you kidding me?   I live for this shit".   Just more reasons to LOVE her! Finally, random Grafitti in the meatpacking district featuring Mickey Mouse.   Man, I really love getting my dose of vitamin NYC !