Who’s your daddy?

Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

If you weren’t able to make it to New York Fashion week this year, perhaps you can make it to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile on Saturday.

David Neville and Marcus Wainwright, the design duo behind the label Rag and Bone, will be making a personal appearance in Chicago, first on the 5th floor of Saks between noon and 2 pm and then at Intermix between 2 and 3:30pm.

This is the second visit by the lads to the Windy City in a year. Since they were last here at Hejfina in Bucktown, they have opened a second store in New York’s Soho neighborhood and both have become fathers for the second time.

It’s a testament to the speed with which this young label has ascended as a retail darling, and to the positive reviews for their  Spring 2010 show, that they  can swoop into town and, in a “who’s-your-daddy” show of force, land at both Saks and Intermix.

Fall 2009 collection

While the Fall collection was inspired by a trip to Japan and the movies because, as Wainwright confessed, “I’ve always wanted a samurai sword and I’ve always loved Star Wars,”  Rag and Bone’s strength is in what he describes as “our English, military-school heritage mixed with a utilitarian, made-in-America ethos.”

The focus of their appearances in Chicago will be to promote the women’s line but guys don’t let that intimidate you. The lads make, among other things, some of the most covetable vests and leather jackets you’re likely to see, so you should run accross to the men’s store at Saks and invest in your future (stylish self).

Saks Fifth Avenue is located at 700 North Michigan Avenue and Intermix is located at 40 East Delaware in Chicago. Intermix will be offering  15% off any purchase of Rag and Bone.

TheBestDressedList.com

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The Best and Worst Dressed List : The 2009 Emmy Awards

Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

At last night’s televised portion of the Emmys, Ricky Gervais made the hilariously irreverent confession: “This is the greatest awards ceremony in the world, there’s no doubt about that. Definitely, definitely no doubt about that. The thing about the Oscars and the Golden Globes is they’ve got film stars there, with their jawlines and chiseled looks, making me feel bad. But in this room – I’m not being funny – I’m probably above average. Here, Steve Carell is considered handsome.”

Much the same logic could be used to describe what is usually wrong with the women’s fashion at the Emmys. Since the  Emmys lack the star power, prestige  and, most importantly, the audience of the Golden Globes and The Oscars, it’s rare that actresses bring their A fashion game because it is even rarer that  the top design houses  loan out their A rate dresses. This means that if an actress is not careful, in that room–I’m not being funny–the Housewives of Atlanta would rate above average.

And so it was last nite.  Jennifer Carpenter, Kara DioGuardi, Sandra Oh, Holly Hunter, Sigourney Weaver, Drew Barrymore and Christina Applegate brought it. That’s because they would look spot on even at a more prestigious event.

On the other hand, stars like Vanessa Williams, Debra Messing, Marcia Gay Harden,  Julia Louis Dreyfus, Jessica Lange and Glenn Close didn’t. That’s because they looked like “make under” versions of the OC housewives. Their dresses, and most of the dresses period, were so safe and boring that you could easily find them hanging on the rack of a high end department store.

Tina Fey and Toni Colette have always been two outsize talents who have been in desperate need of a good stylist. Ms Fey, it seems, finally found one. Ms Colette, it seems, found the Rachel Zoe School for the Newly Emaciated and Fakebaked.  January Jones, Kristin Chenoweth (a very deserving winner for “Pushing Daisies”)  and Leighton Meester used overzealous stylists. Kim Kardashian used an overzealous pimp.

And then there was the worst offender of the evening, Heidi Klum, with her TMI maternity frock. Good god, the only way for her to have been  more inappropriately dressed was to have  arrived in a hospital gown with Seal telegraphing the number of centimeters she was dilated.

The best dressed men were  Tracy Morgan (surprisingly so), Steve Carell (reliably so), Ricky Gervais (eclectically so), Justin Timberlake (youthfully so), and Simon Baker (hot damn so). Jon Cryer was by far the worst dressed, perhaps because he dressed as his character on “Two and a Half Men.”

For a photo gallery and a slightly different perspective than the one expressed here, click here.

TheBestDressedList.com

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Denim & Champagne

by April Lawson

Get over “hump” day tonight with a little bubbly and a fresh pair of jeans.  Join Veruca Salt and GO Green Management for The Try Something On cocktail party showcasing clothes from Veruca Salt on 520 N. Kingsbury. Veruca Salt is a great boutique that has everything from Primp, Susana Monaco, funky t-shirts and unique belts to Vincent Longo cosmetics. And for yoga enthusiasts like myself, they also carry Hard Tail workout clothes!

Steve’s Deli will be catering the event and Veruca Salt will be providing champagne for you to enjoy from 5:30pm-8:00pm. Guys, The Try Something On event is not just for women, men can attend too. But this cocktail party is all about the woman! So let’s make our ladies happy!

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Be a Social Contributor

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

Black-tie event season is starting to pick up, but let’s face it; not everyone can spring for the $500+ ticket – no matter how big your charitable heart is! Well it seems as though many organizations are becoming savvy to the fact that many folks (and large corporations) are having to tighten their financial purse strings lately. Here’s a roundup of some fun events happening this weekend that support and celebrate a variety of causes while showing you a good time in the process.

Skyline Soiree – June 5th

The American Cancer Society’s inaugural Skyline Soiree will be held on Friday at the Harris Theatre Rooftop at Millennium Park. The event was created to balance out their annual grandiose black-tie affair, providing a lower priced event that still provides a high level of fun and entertainment. Hosted by the Associate Board of Ambassadors, the whimsical carnival theme will help guests get into the summer spirit.  Festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres and will include a silent auction, raffle and (of course) carnival games. Tickets are $75 in advance and $95 night-of-event. For more information, please call 312.279.7213 or visit www.skylinesoiree.org.

Lumen

“Let’s Hear it For the Girls” Summer Solstice Fashion Show – June 5th

OK, so this event isn’t exactly charity related, but something should be said for supporting young up and coming Chicago designers, right? Chicago hotspot, Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market) and Outfit Events will present the launch of its monthly female-focused event, “Let’s Hear it for the Girls Party” with a  Summer Solstice Fashion Show featuring summer collections by designers Miriam Carlson, Tiffany Albert, Caroline Borucki and Britney Devaris. If you like what you see in the show, it could very well be your lucky day. Sometime after 11 p.m.,  one piece from each designer’s line will be raffled off! All ladies can enjoy complimentary cover all night long and complimentary champagne cocktailsfrom 9 to 11 p.m.  Remember if you already have plans, this is a new monthly event that you should definitely pencil in your social calendar.  RSVP  required to  info@lumen-chicago.com.

Guiness Book of World Records Bar Crawl – June 6th

This may be the very first bar crawl you’ll ever participate in – or think about joining. Thirsty crawlers from around Chicago are lining up to take part in a once in a lifetime event: The World’s Biggest Bar Crawl. Never mind your liver, at least a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Heart Foundation. This Saturday, Chicago will strive to break a Guinness World Record originally set by 3, 163 bar crawlers in New York City . In order to break the record, all crawlers must visit at least eight bars on the course, with the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishment with an event after party at Stone Lotus Lounge. On crawl day, beginning at 10:00 a.m., participants will earn a participating bar discount card to enjoy $2 drafts, $1 soft drinks, great food and other specials along the way.  Any participants that reach the 8 pub goal will also receive discount cards to use at each sponsor’s establishment, at a later date.

The itinerary involves stops at several food and bev hotspots. Some of the participants include: Bull & Bear, Glascott Saloon, Prost!, State Restaurant & Lounge, Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort, Mad River Bar & Grille, The Coach House, Toasted Ox and more.

The event is expected to have more than 5,000 crawlers on board. A portion of each $15 ticket will be donated to benefit the Children’s Heart Foundation. And, an official judge from the Guinness Book of World Records will be present to make sure that all abide by the official record-breaking rules. For more information please visit http://thebiggestbarcrawl.com/.

Blondes VS. Brunettes Powder Puff Flag Football – June 6th

The longstanding rivalry between hair colors continues with a new fundraiser to Chicago, Blondes vs. Brunettes (BvB). As the name suggests, 22 blondes and 26 brunettes take the competition to the football field in a fundraiser on behalf of The Alzheimer’s Association presented by the Gold Coast Wellness Center. The national organization, began in Washington D.C. over four years ago, brings talented, bright and beautiful women together locally for the ultimate powder puff football game in the hopes of raising funds for patients with the disease.

Game day starts at 1p.m. this Saturday at Diversey Harbor (2601 N. Cannon). A $25 donation will also provide access to the BvB After Party. Fans and patrons can also anticipate halftime entertainment as well as live music from local band Morley Shertz.  After the game, everyone will head over to Sheffield’s (3258 N. Sheffield) for the official Blondes vs. Brunettes After Party, from  3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Expect barbecue, beer and cocktails, as well as $3 Bud Light and Miller Lite bottles in honor of the festivities (those who donated $25 at the game will receive two free beers compliments of Sheffield’s). For more information, please visit http://www.blondesvsbrunettes.com.

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Young, Modern and Memorable

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

 

Arturo Gomez and Megan Klehr (Photo by Tyler Curtis)

It’s not every day that you run into billionaire Kenneth Griffin (#97 on Forbes 2008 list of the 400 richest Americans) but he was one of  many donors, art enthusiasts and collectors who attended the sold out Young Modern event last Friday. More than 1,200 guests attended the late night celebration which was part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s two-week festivities surrounding the opening of the new Modern Wing.

Mother and son duo Margo and Jason Pritzker co-chaired the event which included much more than gallery hopping and cocktail sipping.  Those appreciating the art of fashion enjoyed a show featuring local designers Marisa Swystun and Michelle Barone. Music was also a large component and included celebrity DJ’s Tommie Sunshine, Dark Wave Disco and DJ LoPro, with additional performances by Deep Blue Fields, Goran Ivanovic Group, Kalyan Pathak and Jazz Mata. Performance art by Industry of the Ordinary, and Igor Josifov took place in various galleries in the Modern Wing. Famed music and video director Vincent Haycock of Debonair Social Club transformed a portion of the space into a club-like atmosphere complete with multiple bars, lounge furniture and yes – servers holding out pizza boxes offering up slices of sustenance.

Nate Berkus and Friends (Photo by Tyler Curtis)

The event in itself was a work of art and could not have been executed without some of the city’s young executives, artists, entrepreneurs and nightlife impresarios. The Art Institute assembled a host committee which included Toni Canada, Glenn Eden, Claudia Gassel, Roxy Goebel, Arturo Gomez, Ted Haffner, PJ Huizenga, Brook Jay, James Kao, Sam Peter, Eric Sheinkop, Marisa Swystun, Stephen Tourell, Patrick Wood and Alex Zamiar. Sponsors of the event included Deloitte LLP, NAVTEQ, FIJI Water, PricewaterhouseCoopers, POM Wonderful and Grey Goose.

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Spring Into Fashion With The Hubbard Street Dancers!

Fayth aka Relaxocat, NBC Chicago Street Team

Just in time for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Spring performance series is an event arranged with NBC Chicago Street Team’s, Tom Kolovos, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Bloomingdale’s on Michigan Avenue. 

Tonight, Tom will put together some spring fashion for men and women to be modeled by Chicago’s very own Hubbard Street Dancers. 

The event will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 with a fashion presentation at 6 p.m. and shopping (!) until 8 p.m. 

10% of sales made by event participants will go toward Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s education and community programs. 

It all goes down on the fourth floor of Bloomingdales at 900 N. Michigan Ave.

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Just Shoe-t Me.

Shlomi Rabi, NBC Chicago Street Team

Okay, so while we are all for incorporating a little bit of foreign influence in fashion, something about the pair of Dior fertility heels feels a wee bit…offensive? a crime? both? that sounds about right. The Senufo fertility figure, a revered form in traditional West African ceremonies, was taken out of its original context–a shrine, then molded, re-cast in brass, and glued to the heel of a zebra print sandal for skinny starlets to wear to an event with the hope of being discovered by a hot producer. Makes you wish you knew some real voodoo to exorcise the stupid out of designers. And as for all those bamboozled into buying these shoes–yes, they make you look fat.

To learn more about what Shlomi considers to be worthy of a “Girl, please” eye-roll, click here.

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Michelle Obama & Desiree Rogers Fashion Problems!

 LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team
Of all the issues surrounding the White House these days, believe it or not, fashion is causing an uproar.

First Lady Michelle Obama’s green, sleeveless, tea-length dress was a hit Feb. 25 when she presented the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize to Stevie Wonder. And with all eyes on the First Lady, Obama choose another unknown designer for the high profile event, Wonder’s wife Kai Milla.

But the First Lady’s affinity for unknown designers and modern taste has come with its share of criticism. And her main love for all things sleeveless seems to be the source of the controversy.

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Crochet in Chicago

Damaris Woodbury, NBC Chicago Street Team

With 2009 here, how many of us made resolutions of some kind?  I won’t do this? I won’t do that?  I’ll lose this?  I’ll learn that?.  Sounds familiar, huh?  Well, I decided to not make any resolutions in 2009.  My only goal is to honor my word.  Do what I say I’m going to do and work to create huge possibilities in areas of my life that I feel may be “just good enough for right now.”  That includes learning new things.  One of the things I’ve wanted to learn is how to crochet.  I know, I know, out of all the things I can learn, I choose crochet?! Anyway,  I happened to be sitting in a cafe on Chicago’s South Side and saw that the cafe was being used by Erika and Monika Simmons. 

Simmons Sister, Co-Owners of Double Stitch

The Simmons sisters co-own a business called Double Stitch, for which they crochet clothing and sell it to local boutiques.  They offer FREE workshops on how to crochet and provide the tools to learn.  Beginners and experienced crocheters (is that a word?) are welcomed.  I was surprised to see people of all ages from teens to grandmothers in this workshop.  Somehow, I had the misperception that crocheting was something young adults do. Erika and Monika are very good, patient teachers!  And, they are authors of a book of patterns called “Double Stitch:  Designs for the Crochet Fashionista.” They will be doing a book signing at Macy’s on State Street during their mini-trunk show event on February 18th and 19th from 11am-6pm.  Come and shopt their clothing designs.  Then, buy a book and ask them when the next workshop will take place!

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Where Is an iTod’s When You Need One?

Shlomi Rabi, NBC5 Street Team

Far and few in between are those moments in life that we get to have a wish come true. Be it landing a dream job, saving enough to go on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, or being asked to go on a date with the hottest person we know, it can happen. For many Chicagoans, the launching of Tod’s new line of handbags, shoes and luxury goods, hit the spot.

At a fine cocktail reception last night, the Italian brand showcased the latest of their must-have items for the season, to the delight of many of Chicago’s fashion aficionados.

Keeping true to their palette of natural tones (which means no electric-green-anything, thank goodness), sensible forms (which means no square toe boxes on men’s shoes, a double Amen on that), and the beautifully crafted “vacchetta” leathers that have come to define the company’s goods, the store boasted a superb array of items for both men and women.

Launching right before Valentine’s Day, Tod’s collection will surely be featured on many Wish Lists this year.

To learn more about Shlomi’s suggestions shopping in Chicago click here.

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The Inaugural Wardrobe: Beyond the Clothes

 Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

The real news about Michelle Obama’s fashion choices for the Inauguration is not necessarily in the details but in the larger picture.

As of yesterday, there is a very good case to be made that, amid the rumors about whether Anna Wintour, the uber poweful editrix of Vogue magazine is about to be replaced,  America’s new First Lady  is now the de facto most important and powerful  champion of American fashion.

Click here to read the rest of this story on nbcchicago.com.

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On the CUSP of Hot Chicago Fashion

Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

Ladies, you know the holiday party season is upon us and you know you need to look gorgeous. But where should you go shopping for that perfect dress? If you’re looking for the best selection of the season’s hottest trends, then head over to Cusp at Water Tower Place or Northbrook Court.

 

Cusp, owned by Neiman Marcus, is targeted to the crowd that would prefer to skip the department store experience in favor of a more intimate, trendy and eclectic boutique.

Click here to view the rest of this post and video on nbcchicago.com.

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10 things you can’t afford to live without

 

Tom Kolovos, NBC5 Street Team

We are all being forced to cut back on the non essential things in our lives. Here’s my list of things you can’t afford to live without. Feel free to leave a comment with your own list.

10 New York Times Select. The online version of the newspaper of record. If you were part of the 70% + of people who thought Iraq was responsible for 9/11, don’t worry, you won’t hate everything. The Op Ed page has Bill Kristol who convinced John McCain to put Sarah Palin on the Republican presidential ticket. You’ll like him. 

     

9 indianmathonline.com  You can’t afford those damn American Girl dolls anymore for your children/other people’s children? Good.  You are not the only one that thought they were always a transparent antifeminist waste of money. American girls don’t need dolls, they need math skills. Come to think of it, so do boys. Playing with dolls or soccer balls will not be a valued skill set in the 21st century global economy. If that surprises you, then you need to fork over $150 a year, per child, ASAP–before their math score turns out to be 150 on their SAT.

                                

8 Window shopping. You go to a museum to educate yourself about the history and quality of art. You don’t go there to bitch that you can’t afford the art or to ridicule the artists. Try the same logic in a high end department or specialty store.

 

7 A museum membership. Museums exist for a reason. If you are unsure why, now would be a good time to find out for yourself and for any children in your life.

6 A good hairstylist/colorist. Length is not a hairstyle. Peanut brittle is never a convincing shade of hair color even if you are the governor of California and are married to a Kennedy. Oh, and ladies –male and female alike–highlights are not a hair color either.

5 A great pair of  shoes and jeans. I mean ones that other people consistently compliment you on and not the ones you’re wearing while you are reading this.

4 A friend that will bring you chicken soup when you have the flu. That eliminates everyone from your Facebook/bigmuscle/jdate account. Now what? 

3 Your own personal Gayle King: Someone who (or something that) would have no real reason for being if it were not for you.

2 A loving mother. Just like she keeps telling you: you really are going to miss her when she’s gone.

 

1 The knowledge of what  the hell has happened to Nicole Kidman’s face.  Did anyone catch a glimpse of Clutch Cargo Kidman on “Oprah” this week? Caveat emptor.

tomkolovos.com

 

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Bravo! Chicago Designers Steal the Show

Joy DiNaro, NBC Chicago Street Team

Chicago was haute with wannabe local fashion designers lined up outside Joe’s Bar (940 W. Weed St.) on Thursday to see if they were “fierce” enough to qualify for a new yet-to-be named reality fashion show on Bravo.

Let’s hope Chicago wasn’t a “hot tranny mess.”

Click here to read the full story on www.nbcchicago.com.

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Makeover Boot Camp Targets Female Entrepreneurs

Joy DiNaro, NBC5 Street Team

Twelve of the city’s most powerful female entrepreneurs were chosen to receive professional fashion makeovers at the sixth bi-annual Biz-Over event.

 The event, held at the Marlowe Boutique, was designed to help the honorees think about more than just the business side of their operations.

Click here to read the full story on www.nbcchicago.com.

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Fashion a la carte

Amanda Hunt, NBC5 Street Team

The most wonderful thing about going out to dine is satisfying your craving for pleasure.  Whether it’s dessert and wine or a full course meal, nothing is more pleasant to the senses then the chance to see, taste and smell a well-prepared dish.  The same goes for fashion.

Starting today through Oct. 8, Chicago is laying out a buffet of fashion entrees sure to satisfy the most mature palette.  Chicago 2008 Fashion Focus is back and lucky for us,  service is a la carte.  Our city is laying out the nice silverware, featuring everything from runway shows, industry seminars, fashion installations and neighborhood shopping.  Go to  ChicagoFashionResource.com to pick and choose from an array of special events this week.  To get you started, here’s a list of highlights to consider:

Oct. 1- Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion, Hosted by Pete Wentz.  Tickets start at $60 and seating is limited.

Oct. 2- World Fashion by Chicago Sister Cities International. Admission is FREE, after-party details online.

Oct. 3- Dress Code: Rising stars and students from Chicago’s design schools.  Admission is FREE.

Oct. 5- A Fashion Performance: Alice Berry uses fashion to explore business & pleasure. Admission is FREE.

Oct.6-  Allure of Couture: High-end, contemporary collections produced by B. Samuels. A FAVORITE & FREE.

Oct.7- Macy’s Presents the Designers of Chicago. Focus is on futuristic trends. Admission is FREE.

Visit ChicagoFashionResource.com for your fashion flavor of choice, and be sure to write in your most memorable event.

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Sex and the Second City

Liz Holland, NBC5 Street Team

It’s finally here. Sex and the City- all 2 hours and 20 minutes available for your viewing pleasure this Friday.

I remember when I could go from dorm room to dorm room, only to hear SATC on infinite repeat. Admittedly, I was not sold from the beginning, but you can’t deny the dynamics between the cast and the hilarity of the situations that transpire.

Whether it’s Carrie’s fashion, Samantha’s unapologetic sexcapades, proper Charlotte and her quest for love, or quirky Miranda and her trails of motherhood, we ladies can somehow relate.

Above all else, I am going to see the movie this weekend because of the CLOTHES! Ohh The FASHION! Better than Devil Wears Prada, I will gush about the amazing clothes I can only aspire to wear. The cast has already been making the rounds in high end eye candy at the London and New York premieres.

Patricia Field, SATC’s award winning stylist and fashion designer, has outfitted the movie stars with six seasons of stunning dresses, boots, stilettos, handbags, hats, coats, and accessories. After all, Elle Magazine did dub SATC,

“the biggest thing in fashion since the invention of pants”.

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Slideshow: Sex And The City London, NYC Premiere

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Not to sound cliche, but I am most excited about getting a closer look at the flamboyant veil and princess style wedding dress by Vivienne Westwood. The New York Post reports that Carrie’s custom made dress costs upwards of $18,000 and her “Extreme Gladiator Platform” shoes by Christian Dior cost $770 plus $100 for added Swarovski crystals. Delish.

Back to Chicago, grab your favorite pair of shoes and plan on drinking some stiff Cosmos at the Victor Hotel for a Premier Party and Fashion Show, this Friday at 7 pm. For $35 you can attend a reception complete with gift bags, Champagne, Martinis (of course), and bites from Fleming’s Steakhouse. Cheers ladies!

Victor Hotel

311 N. Sangamon

312.733.6900

www.victorhotelchicago.com

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COLOR, PRINT HER 2.0

Tom Kolovos, NBC5 Street Team
Hands down, J Crew has the best mass market women’s collection of the spring season with beautiful colors and refined vintage shapes that are as easy on the eye as they are on the pocketbook. I defy any woman (unless it’s Morticia Adams) to walk out of there empty handed.

(By the way, the worst collection is at the Gap. Prairie skirts? Are you kidding me?)

Here are my my favorite/must have items at J Crew. Check out their website but be aware the stores and the (beautifully styled) catalog offer a greater variety of items.

1. The City Fit cafe capri.It comes in solids, in a killer black and white check print and this Lilly Pulitzer inspired print, $88. The new capri ends 3 or 4 inches above the ankle bone. No matter what anybody else tells you, anything shorter looks positively ghastly and outdated.

2. The Polkadot Lana top. A beautifully cut vintage inspired sleeveless silk top that can be worn equally well under a suit or with jeans. It comes in 3 color combinations, $88.

3. The Brushsroke bateau top. Another vintage inspired shape. Very Laura Petrie. It comes in rose or sky blue, $74.

4. The Brushstroke print Sydney dress. It comes in lavender and navy in both regular and petites. One of the most gorgeous dresses anywhere at any price, $168.

5. The LaJolla print cardigan. Woven so it’s as lightweight as a t shirt but it’s a cardigan! Layer it or wear it alone, it comes in several delicious colors, $88.

I’d love to hear what are your favorite finds of the season. Don’t be shy…..

Happy Shopping! 

TheBestDressedList.com

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Tom’s 10 summer fashion must haves

Tom Kolovos, NBC5 Street Team

Just so the guys don’t feel left out, I thought I’d share with you what I have been buying for myself and for my male clients so we can look oh so cool as the weather (finally) warms up.

1. The off white blazer. It’s the transformational piece of the summer. It has the formality of a dinner jacket, but it’s made of cotton and, ideally, it’s a bit cropped and tight to the body. Dress it down with jeans and wear it everywhere you want to look “oh so cool.” Think Ashton Kutcher on the cover of Details.

Buy the Gucci one he’s wearing if your budget allows. I bought the version from Philip Lim 3.1 (shown here) for $695 at Jake on Oak Street. It feels amazing on! Banana Republic makes a shawl collared version from their Heritage Collection for $375.

2. The skinny tie. If you must wear a tie, it should be a skinny one or at the very least  much skinnier than the one you are most probably currently wearing. Unless you shop in the big and tall department, your tie should be no more than 2 inches in width, and this summer, preferably in a bold rep pattern. Try Jil Sander, Z Zegna, Theory, Band of Outsiders or Dries Van Noten.

I can’t live without my Band of Outsiders ties, which you can find at Barneys, Apartment Number 9 and Jake. For summer I bought a silk cream and yellow rep stripe by Dries van Noten at Barneys, $155. I also bought a red and white horizontal stripe knit tie from Alexandre Savile Row, $95, at Macy’s State Street. Both of them look amazing with a white shirt! (See #5 below.)

3. The trainer shoe. This summer I can’t live without Puma’s AMQ canvas street low top designed by Alexander McQueen, $200. Only 100 pairs were made and they are available at Saks (while supplies last, as they say.)

4. The terry cloth shoe insert. Unless you are at work, you don’t have to/shouldn’t wear socks in the warm weather months–even with dress shoes. Buy yourself several pairs of the “Cool Off” terry cloth shoe inserts from Aldo, $6.99. They will absorb the sweat and smell from your bare feet, and you can throw them in the wash like socks. Pure genius. Consider this must have a gift from me to you!

5. The narrow collar trim fit white dress shirt. Enough said. It’s the only shirt that looks right now. Just go buy one that fits that exact description.

6. The trim fit polo. Hugo Boss Orange Label at the flagship store on Michigan Avenue carries the best one of the season in 3 colors, black with blue sleeve detail, brown with yellow and cream with gray. Peer polo, $75.

7. The pinstripe white cotton pant. Wear it casually with a polo or throw a black sportcoat over it with a white shirt. Either way, you look completely appropriate when you need to navigate the vast wasteland between jeans and dress pants. You can find the “Producer” pant at Express for $39.50. But the best one can be found at Club Monaco. I bought myself and my clients the Ethan model with black stripe, $129. It comes already cuffed, which makes it look sleek and ultra cool.

8. The ribbon belt. If you don’t want to wear a tie, you can still look polished if you wear a ribbon belt instead of a leather one. Club Monaco makes 7 different colors, $39.

9. The skinny black jean. You don’t have to pay a lot for a great one. Express has the best pair around for $99. Just steam out the creative wrinkling. I’ve bought them for all my clients and they love them. The find of the summer, for me, is the midnight blue mineral wash stretch denim at American Apparel for $68. I’m going to live in that pair all summer.

10. Anything in Yves Klein blue. Try the J Lindeberg golf shirt at Stockholm Objects in Hinsdale, $96, or my pick, the Oliver Striped ribbon belt at Club Monaco for $39.

And guys, let me know what you can’t live without this season……

Happy shopping! 

TheBestDressedList.com

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COLOR, PRINT HER

Tom Kolovos, NBC5 Street Team

Walk into any  women’s fashion retailer this spring and summer,  and you’ll be struck by the candy colors and bold prints. This will not be the summer of the little black dress.

If you’re overwhelmed by the choices out there and want to make sure you’re spending your money wisely in this rocky economy, here are some practical tips on how  to wear color and pattern.

 

Happy Shopping!

TheBestDressedList.com

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO WEAR, YOU DONT KNOW TOM!

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Polygamist Chic

Tom Kolovos, NBC5 Street Team
I owe John Galliano an apology.

I’ve never really been one that cared much for the theatrics of fashion. I’m far more impressed by the actual garments and their construction, fit and wearability. Many of the fashion shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris are not presentations of visionary design but bi-annual excercizes in egotistical masturbation for coked up designers, models, fashion editors and assorted courtesans.

Gosh Tom, you say, doesn’t that sound fun?

Apparently, not anymore to Donatella Versace who, having recently kicked her decade/s long habit with blow, produced the most extraordinary spring couture show in recent memory.

One of my absolute favorite designers, the late Franco Moschino, used to call the whole idea of runway presentations “the fashion vampiress” because it really does suck the blood out of real creativity when you have to present a collection regardless of whether you have anything worthwhile to present.

Today, a client sent me an AP article on the polygamist wives and it brought to mind two of my least favorite designers, John Galliano and Marc Jacobs. (Yes, I am a fashion heretic.)

I’ve never really cared for Galliano’s vision of how women should dress and all the theatrics he engages in on his runway for Dior have never been able to distract me from that point . (As Leann Womak once sang, “I just hate her, I’ll think of a reason later.”)

I can be much more direct about my dislike for Marc Jacobs. Copying other people’s work (sure, you can call it paying homage, if you want to look the other way) and putting your label on it year after year, collection after collection is not my idea of genius. Oh, that reminds me to CC Tory Burch on this.

So, enter the polygamist wives, who are apparently taking their fashion cues from Ann B. Davis’ character Alice on “The Brady Bunch.” Some of us fashion buzzards are  wondering how influential their look might become, given that “inspiration” in fashion is serendipitous.

Alluding to Mr. Jacobs’ penchant for “homage,” Susan Cernek, the fashion editor of glam.com wrote that the womens’  look “sounds like a good Holloween costume…or Marc Jacobs Spring ’09.”

Well, I’ve got news for Ms. Cernek. John Galliano beat him to the punch(line) in his Dior Spring ’07 collection. It was a collection so dreary, one wonders whether he was way ahead of the rest of us by researching fundamentalist Mormon sects. Maybe, just maybe, I’m wrong about him and the man is a visionary and a psychic!

Read the AP story on cnn.com  which does a good job of explaining some of the sociopolitical aspects of these womens’ appearance and a review I wrote of the Dior exhibit when it appeared at The Chicago History Museum.

TheBestDressedList.com 

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Tim Gunn Rocks!

LeeAnn Trotter, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

Love him! I interviewed him today. He was in town for a Project Runway Chicago Casting Day. He was in all black, with his little signature glasses–of course! Interestingly, he had just eaten lunch, and he had a little hint of sushi on his breath.

He was very cordial, and even used my name in a couple of his answers. No pretense….no airs….no snootiness: just pure and simple Tim Gunn. Hear what he had to say about 5 Basic Spring Must-Haves. He also weighed in on What Not to Wear!

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