Chicagos' Got Talent: Shrine Haberdashers Boutique

           Rummaging around Chicago's Gold Coast (the most expensive part of downtown), I came across a hidden treasure. On the second story of a cluster of boutiques off Oak Street I found a place that although might not benefit me directly, my future boyfriend/husband or any male who likes to just look good would worship me for. Shrine Haberdashers is a luxury men's accessory boutique. They carry an assortment of accessories from ties, to jewelry, to cuff links, and suspenders. They sale mostly men's accessories but also have a select few purses and hats that the female demographic may enjoy. All things are hand made and artistically crafted.

        It is a new company, Owner Rafik opened it late last year. Although the price range is at the moderate level (most pieces ranging from $100 to $600). All items are luxury goods built to last, and meant to be passed down through generations. Shrine offers styles for both the traditional and more flamboyant consumer, but they all share the common denominator of superior quality. So any man who wants to step up on his preppster game, or wear something exclusive, or any woman who wants to treat her man; make your way over to 47 Oak Street and give the shrine experience a try!

Showing Out in Vegas: The Billboard Awards, The Good & The Ugly

              Somewhat agasint my will (thankyou Rhodela -_-) I watched the awards Sunday. Even though Im not really a fan of this particular award show, I was pleasantly suprised by the outfits that I saw. Some were succesful, some were dreadful, and others fell somewhere in between. But all of the ensembles were memorable. This award celebs were not trying to blend in by any means. From red carpet sophisticated chic, to attention grabbing (surprisingly) moveable attire in the performances, this year Vegas sparkled with more stars and glitter then a bachelorette party. Here's a brief recap:

Selena Gomez proving shes not a little girl in Dolce & Gabana

Nicki Minaj actually kind of chic (minus the wig) in Mark Fast

Fergie in Hervé Léger by Max Azria Atelier dress dont really like the bottom though

And Ke$sha looking kind of evil chic in her Jad Ghandour gown

Kylie Minogue in the late Alexander McQueen proving black is beautiful

Kerri Hilson finally giving into the beauty of simplicity and embrassing color in Rachel Roy

Always chic Beyonce, killing it once again in Lanvin

Michelle Williams all glitter bound (designer unknown)

Justin Bieber in his usual skinny jeans and sneakers uniform

with a jacket by DSQUARED2 to match his award

and Taylor Swift sparkling and pretty in pink in Elie Saab

The Stars also turned up the knotch in the one of a kind performance outfits:

True to Beyonce's bad ass style she shimmed around the stage

giving a stellar performance in this (dress?) she we call it?

Only the queen B could pull this off

Bandage and catsuits galore were present this award show

Ms. Spears' black bandaged outfit was no expception

True to Nicki style she performed Super Bass in this ensemble

it reminds me of some kind of bug but I applaud her risks

Rih Rih's second all white ensemble that night, This outfit

was very fitting for the S&M singer, although I think the hue is out of control,

the hair is cute on her, and I must admit

I'd probably buy something similar to this little bandage style corset ;-)

                                                              

Philanthropy is The New Black

            This years Cannes Film Festival annual amfAR Cinema Against AIDS gala's theme was clearly black. Black, black, black. Not that black can't be chic, or that it isn't pretty much the signature color for fashion, but who wants to blend in with everyone else? I applaud those who took a color stand against the typical black or bypassed the mermaid silhouette of red carpet usual duty call. For the most part the attendees graced the red carpet in style, with haute couture floor length gowns from the likes of Chanel, Fendi, and Givenchy to name a few. But of course there are some who missed the mark, but with a little bit of strategic styling could have been a definite winner. Here are a few of my favorite show stoppers:

Gwen Stefani, in custom L.A.M.B.

Uma Thurman, in Atelier Versace

Salma Hayek, in Gucci Premiere.

Zoe Saldana, in Vionnet

Kirsten Dunst, in Rodarte

Janet Jackson, in Haider Ackermann.

Jane Fonda, in Roberto Cavalli.

Fan Bingbing, in Chris Bu Kewen.

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, in Emilio Pucci

Here some stars that needed a little tweaking:

Anna Dello Russo, in custom Moschino, with Eddie Borgo and Faraone Mennella jewels.

Beautiful dress and fabric, but the jewels and the head piece are too much.
Simplicity is golden

Freida Pinto, in Lanvin.
Not really a fan of the fabric or the color.

 But her hair, makeup, and silhouette are on point

Élodie Bouchez, in Louis Vuitton.

If she would loose the belt and the sleeves

and add a chic updo it would be amazing

Inès de la Fressange, in custom Carven.

SMH. All wrong! trade the shoes for heels.

Decide if its long or short, not both

Tilda Swinton, in Haider Ackermann

The navy is great with her skin and eyes but

the two different colors is not flattering and the neckline looks a little

turtleneckish.

Courtney Love, in Givenchy

Actually a huge improvement to her usual vulgar and gaudy style

all she needed to do was get rid of the sheer pant pieces, or make them into a train.

And make the halter a little more fitted. Other than that she is most improved.

                                                                      

Raise Your Glass...in honor of Bill Cunningham

                This weekend I had the privilege to attend a party in honor of famed photographer, Bill Cunningham. The party was hosted in the Tula Boutique (3738 N. Southpost) on the North side of Chicago. The invitation encouraged coming "dressed to impress" and me and my girls, definitely did. Upon arrival to the invitation only event, we had our pictures taken and were handed the cutest and clever gift bags and quickly escorted into the dressy casual ambiance inside of the store.

               The boutique itself was sophisticated and chic in motif, which perfectly matched the co owner Laura Westgate who runs the store with her mother. I found it to be a very warm and inviting atmosphere. I also had the pleasure of meeting some local fashion legends, including: bloggers Afro Bella blog, Nikia Jefferson of chitownfashionista, and Luis Torres of chicitytrends.com, all of which are extremely kind and personable people. We all met in honor and celebration of Mr. Cunningham whom popularized street style. There was a movie screening across the street in theatre and an after party following. Needless to say, my night was kind of, no completely amazing! =)

me & my girls all dressed up

me & Afro Bella

me & Luis Torres

                                      

me & Tula owner Laura Westgate

inside Tula

Manifested Destiny, Aesthetic Value Worthy

           Every good story has a finale; and for me as well as the rest of Columbia students, Manifest Destiny is ours. At the end of each year, the school host a kind of carnival show case if you will, displaying different talents. There's concerts, photography and art displays, plays, and of course a fashion show. I have had the pleasure of dressing for Launch Fashion Show the last two years. This year it was especially important, with it being my last semester at Colum, that I be a part of it.

    Both years I've had the opportunity to dress and meet the most amazing models (both professional and armature). And both years I've been in awe of the beautiful clothes and craftsmanship of the collections shown in the show. This event really shows off the creative talent and passion of the students that the school is known for. I couldn't have thought of a better final farewell then being part of this show. So to any manifest designers reading this, take your bow, and aestheticvalue readers; I present to you a snippet of the collections.

              

(photos courtesy of Ann Wallace)

3 Fingers or One: Who's Really at Fault?

            You know that old saying, "when you point at someone you have 3 fingers pointing back at you? I feel like that's what happens when a celeb lands themselves on the "worst dressed list".The red carpet divides its attendees into two categories: the haves (fashion sense) and the have nots (get me a stylist); those praised by Joan Rivers and the fashion police and those crucified. But as I watched award show after award show and one red carpet appearance after the next, I began to wonder; are these seemingly fashion senseless celebs as dumb as they look? Are they purposely seeking the wrath of the fashion police and strategizing for a spot on US Weekly and Instyle's worst dressed lists? Or are they simply taking a stance towards individualism and creative expression?

           There has to be a reason celebs like Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Ke$sha, Willow Smith, Katy Perry and lately Rihanna; are showing up in the feathered, leather, clad and overtly revealing ensembles. On one hand I guess its strategic on the premise that bad press is better than none. And constantly gracing the worst dressed list makes them stand out amongst their perfectly coiffed and draped peers, even if its in a negative light. And they're clearly doing something right because with every "miss" step they're popularity seems to grow. Lady Gaga premiered Alexander McQueen's collection in her Bad Romance video, Rihanna rocked Stella McCartney at the Met Ball and Elie Saab to the Grammys, and Nicki Minaj wore a dress by Manish Arora to the American Music Awards.

          Beauty is most certainly in the eye of the beholder, although in fashion, most successful designers aim to hold that eye with the masses. So what do you think? Who's fault is it? The designer for making it, the stylist for pulling it, or celeb for wearing it? And are these mistakes foolish fashion faux pas or simply a differentiation strategy meant to gain fame?

A Big Bone to Pick with Rail Thin

            The issue of weight and size, is one as old as time itself. And although it affects every aspect of our lives, controversy due to weight in fashion is one of the most prominent issues. Recently I went to an interview with one of my close friends, during the cattle call, on - the - spot, type interview process; my friend got a second interview and I didn't. I attributed it to the fact that she has more experience than me and is probably better at thinking on the spot than I. When I told my grandma what happened, she said something that shocked, appalled, and annoyed me all at once. She said "your friend probably got the job because she is skinny". -___- don't grandparents say the darnest things? Although I highly doubt that is the case, it is quite possible that, tho unnecessarily blunt in my time of slight ego bruising, my overtly rude grandmother might actually have a point.
            Later that day, I was posed with the same issue again, when reading a post on lovebrownsugar.com: http://www.lovebrownsugar.com/2011/01/great-debate-do-skinny-girls-have-more.html
http://www.lovebrownsugar.com/2011/04/jennifer-hudson-reveals-hollywood.html In the first post, she talks about if skinny girls have more fun, and the second is a review on Jennifer Hudson's reaction towards peoples reaction of her weight loss. As both a lover of fashion, as well as a "full figured woman" myself I decided to weigh in on the issue.

(Jhud before and after)

            Personally, I don't have any weight related health issues, aside from my doctor wanting me to be at a lower weight. Granted this is relatively speaking since I am so young. But I can still run, play sports, walk up stairs, and breath properly just like anyone 50pounds smaller than me. And as far as the misconception that heavier woman don't get as much attention from guys; a quick look at my call log and recent text and you will find a steady plethora of suitors. Not trying to tout my own horn by any means, but I'm just saying, I don't have a problem in the male department. So my problem lies with the industry that I love and adore so much.

(me in a dress from Faith 21)

             Once upon a time, women with wide hips and thicker thighs was in style, but that time is centuries away from the reality today. Not since the 1800's has actual curvy women been en vogue in fashion. (I can't include the 50's when curvy celebs like Marilyn Monroe were popular because she was at the most a size 8.) I'm talking double digits, real sized women. I'm sure you've all heard stories, of anorexia and/ or bulimia, I'm sure you've seen some designers feature real sized women on their runways, or seen the 'curves' ad for Levi's Jeans. But the market for plus sized women in the fashion industry is still tepid at best. Sure stores like Lane Bryant and Torrid exist. Sure places like Alloy and Delia's carry extended sizes, and of course Brands like Apple Bottoms, by Nelly and Faith21, for Forever21, or House of Derion by Beyonce are sold. But most of these brands are specific to a type of customer (people from urban areas), and are in a higher price point than their supposedly equally priced budget market retailers. Although I applaud the strides the fashion industry has made thus far, the effort is still weak.

         My problem is with the designers, who act as tho making the same garment a few more inches in size takes away from its aesthetic value. Or who feel that they have to change the design to make it in a bigger size. My issue is why "plus sized" or women's clothes usually consist of one relatively drab section in the back of department stores. I'm wondering why designers claim to be making clothes for bigger women, but only cater to the 25+ consumer, and completely disregard the young women from 13 to 24 who wear above a size 12. Why do I as a lover of beautiful clothes have to go on a mission or shop online or pay extra everytime I want a pair of jeans that actually fit my ass? Why is it, that the 'real women' models and features in magazines like Glamour and Seventeen is something new and special?

(plus sized model Crystal Renn)

         I personally feel that if you're going to do something, don't half ass it. Don't make clothes for bigger women and dress them like grandmas. The fashion industry still has a lot of growth to do. Many people will talk about how bigger sizes need to be incorporated but no one is doing anything about it. The plus sized niche in fashion is still relatively unattempted. Yes fashion is an industry based on a lot of materialistic and superficial aesthetics, but to be truly a force of influence in the world, and to truly cater to consumers, especially in America; designers and retailers alike need to stop ignoring the curvy step child, and accept that their are bigger women in this world, and they want to look cute as well. The average American women is a size 12, and yet the average American retailer stops at a size 12. I am not at all promoting obesity or unhealthy lifestyle habits, I'm simply just pointing out the obvious void in the market. Suicide rates, body issues, and food - related diseases would decrease significantly if the fashion industry could embrace normal sized women. Because let's face it, it wouldn't kill any designer to increase the seam and fabric of those jeans.