Le $38/$148 Dress

Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

OK ladies, if you normally have the requisite fashionista aversion to a dress which retails for $38, you may want to reconsider said aversion. Perhaps the economy has transformed you into a recessionista, or you needed something to wear in the 98 degree heat to Lollapalooza.

But the best reason to justify a $38 dress is because it’s actually a great summer buy and transforms into several dresses in one.

The dress is called Le Sac, and you’ll find this versatile piece at American Apparel. It comes in solid colors and a black strap that runs through essentially a halter top shape, but with enough imagination (and the pictured instruction postcard that comes with it), you can create at least five different dresses you would not be embarrassed to wear — the Braided halter, the Architectural mini, the Grecian, the Gathered mini or any of several variations that might look completely at home on a Narciso Rodriguez runway. Really.

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

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The Boys of Summer

Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

What separates the men from the boys this time of year? The men know it’s not how much you spend but how much you save.

If it is true that along with age comes wisdom, then some of us have been around long enough to know that one of the great joys of shopping the summer sales is getting a deal on  designer clothes that you normally can’t afford and that are going to perfect  your Fall wardrobe. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and, yes, real men get great deals on their Fall clothes in August!

One of the perennials you should be seeking out are coats. Spring coats that failed to impress your fellow shoppers can be had for 75% off if you remind yourself that for a city like Chicago, the difference between the weight of a Fall or Spring coat is indistinguishable.

Best buys this time of year would include a new trench or a leather jacket. For the latter, try the  sleek olive green military inspired one from Rag and Bone or the grey Ellie Tahari, both at Saks Fifth Avenue right now.

Those with an eagle eye for fashion this Fall will tell you that donning a henley instead of a t shirt or button front shirt is one of the surest ways to update your casual wardrobe. So if you’re a desperado for the perfect henley, pick up the  perfect  cotton and cashmere version from Rag and Bone that is still available,  again at Saks. Roberto Agnes can help you locate all of the items mentioned here.

Finally, lightweight knits that can be easily layered like the v neck sweater — and especially the cardigan — will be ubiquitous right through next Spring. Pick up the grey Etro cardigan with tie dye detail, for instance, again at Saks (most likely still available through the Beverly Hills store. Ask for Christopher).

Let the best Spring 2010 men’s collection at Bottega Veneta inspire you. And remember, the early bird gets the worm and the kickass fall wardrobe.

TheBestDressedList.com

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Randolph Street Market Festival’s Grand Opening

Laura Lodewyck, NBC Chicago Street Team

Be among the first to visit the return of the Randolph Street Market Festival in this weekend’s Grand Opening event. Featuring an eclectic array of vendors such as the Chicago Antique Market, Indie Designer Market, Fancy Food Market, Vinyl Swap Meet, and Global Good Bazaar, the market attracts shoppers hip to items both ultra-unique and fashion-savvy. Even Oprah’s getting into the action for the first time this year, bringing The Oprah Store’s specialty items into the mix.  Add to your antique collection, get an heirloom sized up by a professional appraiser, hit the bar for a bloody mary, and even make some extra cash yourself by bringing in your unwanted gold jewelery to be sold onsite.

Courtesy trolleys will take you to the Festival from Water Tower Place at the top of the hour from 11am to 3pm (and cart you back with your loot every half hour 11:30 to 4:00). Check out the legendary extravangza for $10 general admission (which earns you a shopping refund voucher with your admisison), or “see for free” the final two hours of the market.

Email me at llodewyck@nudehippo.com and check out my reports with Nude Hippo at NBCChicago.com.

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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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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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A New Look and Menu for Oak Tree

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

Shopping at the 900 Shops on Michigan Ave. can work up quite an appetite.  Although I’m not a big shopper, I am a frequent guest there mainly because of my better half.  Even though my window shopping is limited,  I tend to venture to the 6th floor to check out Oak Tree, my favorite restaurant in the building.

Click here to read the full post on nbcchicago.com.

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Crave Holiday Shopping Party

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Last night I attended a huge girl party at the Chicago Cultural Center. Girls rock.

For more information and details on upcoming parties: http://www.craveparty.com/chicago/

For more super cool videos, check out http://jenchicago.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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Back Home Again In…Chicago – Events 11/21 – 23

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC Chicago Street Team

Chicago may be the third largest city in the United States, and it may be the focus of the world after the Presidential election, but it is still a Midwestern city. This weekend get in touch with what makes Chicago feel like a home town instead of just a big metropolis.

Step outside the suburbs and you’re surrounded by farmland. Or, step into the Cultural Center this weekend for the FamilyFarmed Expo. Meet local farmers, learn from cooking demos & seminars, and shop for local food and gifts. You can also shop local at the D.I.Y. Trunk Show. Chicago artisans display their works at the Pulaski Park Field House. And don’t worry: no geese with aprons allowed. Then head up Milwaukee Avenue and enjoy the first festival to celebrate two of America’s great music genres. We’ve been building up to it for weeks now, and the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival is finally here.

Chicago does have that small town feel at times, but it is still a big city. See the bright lights at the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. There’s a parade, live music, and fireworks. This festival heralds the holidays, as does the Goodman Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol. If you go tomorrow, make reservations for a 3-course dinner for $35 with any of the participating restaurants in the Appetite Stimulus Plan.

With Jimmy Alexander, owner of Powerhouse

I’d like to offer a special thanks to Powerhouse for hosting the very first Chef’s Table last night on their one-year anniversary, and thanks to every one who joined us. Some pictures have been posted already on Flickr (thanks to Mike Tipler for taking them!), and I’ll be posting some video from the event tomorrow. Our next Chef’s Table is December 17 at D.O.C. Wine Bar. Be sure to register ASAP since the last one sold out so quickly!

Have a great weekend!

Theresa

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A Trunk Show For Everyone

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC Chicago Street Team

“Trunk Show” usually means viewing designer clothes that cost more than a  subcompact. This Saturday’s D.I.Y. Trunk Show features items that are similarly one-of-a-kind, but whose prices are more inline with normal people budgets.

Now in its sixth year, this craft show in the historic Pulaski Park Field House brings together Chicago artisans in a public market. Crafters display and sell wares ranging from soap to jewelry. It’s a perfect place to take care of all of your holiday shopping. Not only will you meet the artist who created each piece, but you’ll know it will be unique.

For those of you leery of craft shows, don’t worry. In their “About” page, they decry the flea-market image of crafters:

“…you should realize that we’re not the venue for handpainted ceramic angels, snowman poop, wooden geese on a stick for putting in your yard, etc. If you think of yourself as “K”ountry, and if you spell craft with a “K”, this probably isn’t the right venue for your goods.”

They’re also not into precious gems and pawn-worthy metals. This is simply a market of creative works by people who believe that something made by hand is personal and powerful.

DIY Trunk Show
November 22, 10am to 5pm
Free
Pulaski Park Field House
1419 W Blackhawk
Transportation: Blue Line; Ashland, Division, or Milwaukee Bus

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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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Hip Sip – Not Your Average Cocktail Party

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC Chicago Street Team

Most folks in the know in Chicago can attest that there’s a ton of events, fundraisers and parties that you can attend on a weekly basis. There’s not nearly enough time to hit them all, so you have to be selective in the events you choose.

You might want to add “Hip Sip” at the W Hotel City Center to your calendar of must-visit events. It’s a themed cocktail party that is quite different from your average soiree.

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

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Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale

Jennifer, NBC5 Street Team

It never fails that every year when I just get into the summer groove, stocking up on the latest sandals and trendy fashions, my summer euphoria comes to a screeching halt a bit sooner than I’d like.  I wish I could go out to the mall this time of year and see nothing but beachwear and sandals, but instead I’m reminded of the fact that summers in Chicago are short lived. Yes my friends, it’s time to do the whole boot and winter coat shopping once again. 

 

O.k. people, I’ve said all that to make a point. What is it you wonder? Well point being, if you want to find some great deals on fall/winter fashions, I recommend high-tailing it over to Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. For some reason, prices go up August 4.  As usual, I’m being facetious but we all know that getting something for regular price when you could have gotten it on sale is beyond irritating. 

FYI- Don’t wait until the last minute to shop for as the ancient proverb goes, “the early bird gets the worm!” (or something like that)  Holla at ‘cha girl if you know of any other good sales around town!

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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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