Hey Ladies! Love shopping at Water Tower but hate carrying your goods on the CTA? Starting Friday, July 23through Sunday, July 25 Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue is waiving the parking fee for up to 10 hours when summer shoppers spend $100 or more. If you don’t tend to make it down the Michigan Avenue way (we know… there is a LOT of foot traffic there in the summer) Water Tower Place does house some cool stores like Forever 21, Coach, Sephora, Betsey Johnson, CUSP (a PLRG Favorite!), and a ton of places to grab some grub.
Shoppers who park in the Water Tower Place parking garage and spend $100 or more should present their same-day receipts during shopping center hours to the Water Tower Place Concierge Desk at the Michigan Avenue lobby entrance. In return, shoppers will receive complimentary parking at the Water Tower Place parking garage. The cost for parking at the Water Tower Place parking garage usually costs $28 for three to 10 hours of parking.
A PLRG Tip? Our Fave Rave waxing spot Sisters is ALSO located in Water Tower, why not kill 2 birds with one stone and save some coin on parking?
A complete list of stores, events and special promotions, terms and conditions of parking are available atwww.shopwatertower.com.
My lack of athleticism and interest in physical activity has become a running joke in my family. Their favorite line: “I’m in shape. The shape I’ve chosen is a pear.” But according to Shabby Apple’s Fit to Flatter body type identifier, I’m actually an apple.The Utah-based company specializes in dresses for women, with an emphasis on modesty, which are sold exclusively through the store’s website.
Shabby Apple’s owners Athelia CK Woolley and Emily Bell McCormick subscribe to a “more is more” philosophy when it comes to dressing. More fabric, that is.The pair searched high and low for dresses that didn’t require a camisole or cardigan to make the wearer feel covered, but came up empty handed. It seemed that the days where a single piece of clothing, a dress, functioning as an entire outfit were long gone.
As young Mormon women, this discovery was problematic.The faith requires women to wear clothing with sleeves, conservative necklines, and knee-length hems.Although not all Mormons choose to do so, followers must also wear special underwear, known as “garments.” Finding trendy pieces that comfortably accommodate these panties is a pain.
La Tour Eiffel Dress, $96
Woolley and McCormick took matters into their own hands, designing a line of dresses they couldn’t find anywhere else.The styles transcend religion and Shabby Apple gained recognition across the country.Ladies who never felt comfortable in low cut mini-dresses finally have an alternative to layering.With prices hovering around $100 dollars, investing in a Shabby Apple dress won’t break the bank. Plus, signing up for the online mailing list will earn you a 10 percent discount.
That the dresses are designed for the modest woman is more or less imperceptible.The website features eight different women’s lines, a line for preteens, baby, expecting mothers, and plus size women.The pair also designed a line of tankinis and one-pieces perfect for the summer.
Of course, Shabby Apple features an incredible selection of jewelry, handbags, shoes, and accessories.At the company’s core is the idea that the dress is timeless, classic, and if designed properly, needs only some well-chosen accessories to complete the look.
CEO Dress, $96
There is not a closet in the contiguous United States that would not benefit from a Shabby Apple dress. Perfect for work or play, the dresses are very Mad Men. Since having a backside and breasts was all the rage in the 60s, the clothing accommodated these ample assets.Ask any big chested woman these days and she’ll tell you that most lines are built for B-cups and designers assume women want to show a little cleave. The women of Shabby Apple don’t have the misconception that all women want their boobs and butts on display.Woolley and McCormick merge flattering fits and functional designs to create dresses that speak to an era when clothing respected, enhanced, and celebrated the female figure.PoorLittleRichGirls think this idea is not too shabby.
Re.Stock Shop was a contender in the 2010 Battle of the Boutiques.
June marks the first anniversary of Re.Stock Shop, Chicago’s only traveling designer sample sale, and they have pulled out all the stops to celebrate and thank their customers!
And what better way to show their appreciation than to put on killer sales every weekend in June. We’re talking up to 80% off designers like Ted Baker, JLee Silver and Serpico (to name a few). Check out their websitefor more detailed information on times and dates of the sales.
There are also a ton of special events ging on for their customers this month:
H2O Warehouse Sale, June 12- Located across the street from the RE.STOCK Shop Sale! Savvy shoppers can stock up on great summer clothing and great skincare products and save up to 80% off!
The JLee Silver Trunk Show, June 19- Shoppers can meet the designer and check out their new Spring 2010 Collection all specially priced. 12-5pm.
Taste of Randolph, June 18-20- This is a chance for people to indulge their taste for great food & great fashion. They’re located just steps away from the street fair.
Last, but certainly not least, Re.Stock Shop will be hosting their 1st Anniversary Party and you are invited! From 4pm-8pm, you can party with fellow fashionistas enjoying food, drinks, music and, of course, fashion. There will also be goodie bags for the first 100 guests to arrive.
PS- There is word that an after party is in the works. Stay tuned to PLRG and Re.Stock Shopfor further details.
Hey girls, we know its springtime, which gives us all a million reasons to splurge and go shopping, but the ladies at Dress Up Boutique are giving you one more: 15% off your entire purchase during their grand opening this week (through 5/15) in Bucktown!
Dress Up at Battle of the Boutiques
You may remember Dress Up’s trendy yet affordable fashions from this year’s Battle of the Boutiques, and since these ladies have turned their internet store into a “real life, OMG, can stop by whenever we want store” we are VERY excited.
Stop by. Shop. Look hot and get an awesome discount. This is what being a PLRG is all about.
As you’ve probably noticed we’ve been a little preoccupied with the hustle and bustle of everyday life and have been slacking on the website front (sorry about that, we promise we’re back from hiatus now!) So, you can imagine our shock and dismay when we finally saw the email that was sent out to us yesterday- Gen Art, due to hard times brought on by the recession, is shutting down shop.
Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion Show, 2009 (Photo by Billy Rood Photography)
In a letter posted on their website,Gen Art Founders, Ian and Stefan Gerard, cite the collapse of a new, major corporate partnership as the straw that broke the camel’s back. The letter states the company had been struggling through tough times, operating with less resources and revenue than necessary, but up until now had managed to overcome their hardships.
Over the past 15 years, Gen Art has introduced us to the best emerging fashion designers, artists and filmmakers out there, showcasing their work in various shows and events across the country. They even gave us some of the first looks at the fashion world’s biggest hit makers including Zac Posen, Louis Verdad and Shoshanna.
We are very sad to see the end of an era in Gen Art’s closing, but would like to thank them for paving the way for young artists and designers and also other organizations who support creative arts. We will miss you and wish everyone from Gen Art the best of luck in their future endeavors…we know this won’t be the last we hear from you!
Meet Lauren Hurley & Marcia Callaghan. Together they are the powerhouses behind the fabulous events that make Gen Art Chicago, and now the authority when it comes to fashion at PLRG. From curating to directing, this dynamic duo sleuths for creative talent and inspiration in the city of neighborhoods. At the beginning of each month Lauren & Marcia will take us on a ride as they look back on the (always) eventful month they just had and narrate the highlights - where they went, what they wore and who they met…all with their personal commentary. We suggest you buckle up.
C/FAN
Ever since meeting Christina Fan, we’ve known the woman’s got “it” - that indescribable factor that makes someone stand out from the rest. After graduating from Northwestern and ditching her aspirations for law school to pursue her love for fashion, she launched C/FAN. The spring 2009 collection opened the Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion show last October. From the garments to the daring cone hairstyles (that she worked with our stylists to create), Fan’s visionary personality shone. We’ve been “FANs” ever since.
We were super excited to team up with Fan again in February for a Gen Art Preview of her autumn/winter 2010/2011 collection that combines ethereal silks, crisp wools, unique furs and rich velvets. At the event, the live model installations remixed with a runway presentation practically blew the roof off of the West Loop’s Dubhe Carreno Gallery.
The Event: February 11 - C/FAN Fall Fashion Preview.
The Wardrobe:
Marcia's Look: The Pierce Dress
Lauren's Look: The Aoyama Dress
The Interpretations:
Marcia: Lauren and I showed up in our load-in clothes and nothing to wear for the event. Yes - that’s right - nothing (except a pair of heels). We knew that we would love anything that Christina had for us backstage. Once we were set up and close to doors [opening], she pulled out a few options for us. I practically dove for The Pierce dress, a short sleeved dolman dress that functions as either a tunic or dress. Being notorious for short hemlines, I obviously wore it as a mini-dress. The classic C/FAN silhouette (fabricated in an olive sueded silk for the season) made me feel instantly sexy when I slipped it on right before guests arrived.
Lauren: I wanted to go for something a little more delicate and feminine, so I chose the Aoyama dress instead of a tunic. Since Marcia was going for the moss green color, I decided to accent the dress with a rich wine-colored sash. I secured the sash so that side panels of the dress were separated just enough to expose part of my black lace bra underneath, creating a sexy but demure look. A pair of black heels and leggings and voila! Simply chic. But my favorite part of the evening was supporting Christina in her design on her big night!
TRACEY MAYER
When we stumbled across Tracey Mayer 950 silver jewelry, it stopped us dead in our tracks. The designer (who has been making women’s jewelry for ten years - and still does) shifted her focus to men’s collections just four years ago. Mayer’s latest venture, “Have Links, Will Travel”, is a gift program where the beautiful blonde herself visits recipients in their own offices with a variety of her cufflink designs for a consultation and selection of their own gift set. Since we both love daring androgyny, when we spoke with Mayer, we didn’t hesitate to inquire about both men’s and women’s pieces.
Tracey Mayer is truly an artisan jeweler; much thought and handcrafted work goes into each piece. Asian influence inspires much of Mayer’s creative process. She uses 950 silver (which is slightly more pure than sterling) from South Asia and then transports materials to Indonesia for stone-cutting, carving and metalwork by some of the best gemologists in the world. As her website a states, her line is created by artisans using “cutting-edge techniques hand in hand with the noblest traditions.” Mayer doesn’t stop there; she packages each piece with the story of its creation. When our order arrived, it felt like a silver Christmas!
The Event: February 25 - Advanced Screening of The Good Guy.
The Wardrobe:
Marcia’s Look: Breeze bracelet, Soar necklace and Diva ring
Lauren’s Look: Flex necklace and Ruby Rock ring
The Interpretations:
Marcia: It was such a pleasure shopping with Tracey Mayer! She walked me through every step as I chose the perfect designs for Lauren and me. I initially contacted Tracey after seeing her Breeze bracelet. The dramatic 4″ hand-woven cuff with faceted aquamarine is a real show stopper. It drew several “Wonderwoman” comments from the crowd and was perfectly complimented by the men’s Soar necklace: a dimensional eagle head with black sapphire eyes. (I was especially drawn to this piece because Lauren and I regularly use the term “eagle eye” during events.) But wait - there’s more! Tracey recommended I try the Diva ring. Sold! This beauty is encrusted with white topaz and topped off with pink tourmaline. I loved it so much that I wore it the next day to a photo shoot with Paradis. I have worn it many times since, and Lauren has even borrowed it too. It’s perfect.
Lauren: Who doesn’t love a bold piece of jewelry? Especially badass cocktail rings! Whether masculine or feminine, Tracey Mayer’s designs are always powerful. My Starburst ring is definitely an attention-getter and always wins rave reviews from friends and passersby. Being such an animated and enthusiastic talker though, I have to be a little careful when my hand starts flying. I almost knocked someone out in Miami with this sucker! But all the drama this ring creates is well worth a little danger. Pairing the Starburst ring with Mayer’s men’s Flex dog tag necklace was a great choice. I was attracted to the necklace’s texture which is dramatically fused with black spinel. I thought the Flex contrasted nicely against the Starburst ring in shape, but were tied together by their little gems and sparkly brilliance.
The sun is peaking out, temps are rising, so it’s time to put a little spring in your step literally! Eidia Lush is offering one lucky PLRG the chance to win a pair of fully customizable designer shoes that retail up to $400!!
Eidia Lush shoes are more than just a blank canvas. Your journey into the world of custom-designed shoes begins when you choose a style from their ever-expanding shoe collection. Hand-selected from a local wholesale supplier, they only choose shoes made of high quality materials and construction that have been tested to work with the Eidia Lush design process.
Then cobblers bring your custom designs to life. Once your shoe design is created and submitted to Eidia Lush, their professional cobblers get to work. With trained hands, they create every stitch and glue every component with skill and accuracy. You won’t see assembly lines, just individual craftspeople doing what they love - making custom shoes.
This is your chance to have complete control. As you will work one-on-one with a designer to create your very own dream shoe. You will start by answering a simple set of questions and then an Eidia Lush designer will put together 3 solid-one-of-a-kind options for you to choose from. After you make your choice you will be hitting the streets in your custom shoes in 15 business days or less!
Also if you don’t win the giveaway, you can still grab a pair of custom shoes. Eidia Lush is offering 15% off for your first purchase, just enter in the code PLRG at checkout.
Thursday night, the 7th floor of Macy’s on State Street was transformed into a high-fashion showcase for some of Chicago’s most talented fashion design students. The room was filled with people eager to get a sneak peak of what’s in store for the next generation of Chicago fashion, and PLRG is happy to say that this upcoming class did not disappoint.
The event was the 3rd Annual Chicago Fashion Foundation (CFF) Scholarship Benefit, with a new theme this year - “Chicago’s Sister Cities“. Chicago’s 28 “sisters” span the globe, and according to Mayor Daley, the program will strengthen our city’s economic and cultural ties with each one. From a fashion point of view, the theme was perfect for Chicago design considering how Chicago is really a city of immigrants and has been influenced by cultures from around the world.
Each of the ten student finalists created ensembles based on one of the cities and were judged by a panel that included Stacey Jones, Fashion Director for Chicago Magazine; Steven Rosengard, Project Runway Designer & Assistant Curator at the Museum of Science & Industry; Tracey Tarantino, Producer/Director for ZZAZZ Enterprises, Inc.; Erikka Wang, co-owner of AKIRA; and Andrea Schwarts, Director of Media Relations for Macy’s North & Midwest. At stake this year were three scholarship prizes - $500 for 3rd place, $1,000 for 2nd place and $5,000 for the first-place winner.
PLRG got the chance to talk to three of the finalists and get the inside scoop on the designers’ inspirations.
Michael Schellenbach, Illinois Institute of Art
Sister City: Moscow, Russia Third Place Winner
Michael Schellenbach was one of two male designers in the competition, but the only designer to create a men’s wear look. Besides the fact that Schellenbach’s model was easy on the eyes, this was one of our favorite looks in the competition. Schellenbach designed and created the shirt (Italian cotton), jumpsuit (bottom weight cotton/poly blend with faux fur cuffs and collar) and belt (metal auto-inspired buckle).
PLRG: Why did you choose Moscow to be your sister city? MS: When looking through pictures of Moscow, the architecture really just spoke to me.
PLRG: Tell us about the outfit - who might wear this or something like this today? MS: The look is a combination - a marriage if you will - of Moscow’s heroes. Imagine - Russian cosmonaut meets modern business man. The look is meant to be worn in the fall, and definitely is not something for the average male. I would say a fashion-forward man would be the most likely person to wear this look in today’s world.
PLRG: Well, your model sure does wear it well ☺. Now, we don’t have many male readers on PLRG, but we’d love to know what your number one tip is for men’s fashion on a budget? MS: It’s all about fit for men. If it fits well, no matter if it’s from H&M or your mom’s attic, you can create a look that’s better than any ill-fitting high-priced item.
Eunyoung Joo, International Academy of Design & Technology
Sister City: Moscow, Russia
First Place Winner
Eunyoung Joo was the winner of the first place $5,000 scholarship and was overjoyed with her victory. Joo also was inspired by Moscow, and created a women’s winter look made of wool and faux fur that she says is a contemporary take on a very traditional Russian look.
PLRG: Congratulations! So, first things first…why did you choose Moscow? EJ: I chose Moscow because the relationship between Moscow and Chicago has recently been growing and it’s very interesting to me. You see lots of non-stop flights now being advertised heavily by American Airlines, so I think people are intrigued by this city. Also, the weather is similar to ours here in Chicago.
PLRG: Oh yes! We’ve seen those billboards for sure. Who do you imagine would wear your look in today’s world? EJ: Any woman from her mid-teens to 30s, in winter cities. She would wear this outside, as it is wool and very warm.
PLRG: Warm is good these days for sure. Last question before you go celebrate - any tips for our readers on how you save money on fashion without compromising your style? EJ: I think that basic designs will always be in style. Also - alterations are a key. It costs less to alter your looks than to buy new pieces. I don’t throw anything away because I always find new ways to alter and wear items by mixing them with other things.
Caitlin Lindell, International Academy of Design & Technology
Sister City: Prague, Czech Republic
Finalist
Although she didn’t place in the competition, Caitlin Lindell was definitely a crowd favorite at the show. Her ensemble made an impact as her model unwrapped the ultra suede beige cape lined with a rust-orange rayon lining, to reveal a chic dress made of antique satin and cotton/poly blend lace that she hand-dyed a dark brown color. The look was ready-to-wear and was surely sophisticated beyond Lindell’s 20 years.
PLRG: Caitlin, amazing job! We really loved your look. Tell us - why did you choose Prague? CL: I’ve never been to Prague myself, but I was very inspired by many things about this city. In Prague there are many silk scarf vendors that sell scarves in beautiful colors. The scarves inspired the rusty orange color that lined the cape. Also, it’s very foggy and wet in Prague so the cape is for protection and would keep you warm. The dress was inspired by the architecture of the city - the common white buildings with rusty tops, I feel the city has uniformed chaos, lots of asymmetry, and an antique/textural feel.
PLRG: That sounds beautiful just in your description. So who do you picture wearing your look, and to what type of event? CL: The woman who would wear this look might be going to a fashion event or silent auction…somewhere where the crowd is dressing to impress. I like to mix high-fashion couture with ready-to-wear looks, which this is. This entire outfit would retail for probably between $300-$400.
PLRG: Not bad! As a young student new to Chicago (CL hails from Des Moines, IA), how do you keep up your own fashion while staying on a budget? CL: Outlet shopping! IADT is across the street from Nordstrom Rack which is nice. Also, patience. I will wait to buy things I love until the end of a season when they are marked down. I am on a tight budget since I’m a student so I make sure to find the best quality garment on the sale racks or after the season, and usually it’s not that hard if you take the time to look and wait for it to be marked down.
If these students are any indication of the future of Chicago fashion, then we are for sure excited. Here’s a look at all of the finalists’ competition looks from the show.
It’s early March and although this winter hasn’t been completely unbearable, it’s still 30 degrees outside and the non-option of “Spring Break” in your life has led you to actually contemplate whether or not your office copy machine could double as a tanning bed if you photocopy your face enough times.
You need a fix. Fast. Where do you turn? Caffeine? Chocolate? Wine? Perhaps. Shopping? Definitely. Easy access is yours with PLRG fave and Battle of the Boutiques 2010 competitor, Dress Up Boutique.
We love knowing that there are always new, cute and affordable pieces, and if you spend $100 or more, shipping is free. Here are a few of our current faves…
(Shown at Battle of the Boutiques) BB Dakota Lola Dress in Black, $78; BB Dakota Shearer Coat in Manila Yellow, $92
Fada Elastic Flower Belt, $24
17" Gold Zipper Leggings in Black, $76 From Lindsay Lohan's new leggings line inspired by and named after Marilyn Monroe.
Dress Up was this year’s only online boutique in the show, and they proved to be fierce competition. The site was launched in 2008 by two sisters with an ambition to create a place where women could find trendy, unique and high quality clothing and accessories without the designer price tag. In addition to the usual online shopping experience, Dress Up offers exclusive shopping services including shopping parties, personal shopping and house calls.
This month’s spotlight falls on an exclusive offer that was included in the programs at Battle of the Boutiques, and now is available to all PLRG readers:
Enter BOTB2010 on Dressup-boutique.com and get 20% off your entire purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offers/promotions, expires June 1, 2010
Now, slowly walk away from the copy machine and nobody will get hurt.
It’s been a week since Battle of the Boutiques, the hangover has finally worn off and we’ve finally caught up on our sleep. The event was a huge success and we have lots of people to thank and lots of things to catch you up on. If you missed the show, check out this video for a little recap….
We’d also like to thank our sponsors, Honda on Grand, Hub 51, Ulta, Ultimate Vodka, PAMA Liqueur, Studio-808, Brynn Capella Handbags, Vavoom Pinups, The Chicago Bulls, Moxie, Red Ivy, Korbel and Lumen for all of their help getting this event of the ground.
Last, but not least we’d like to thank all of the boutiques who came out to compete and showed us that the local boutique scene has plenty to offer a PoorLittleRichGirl! And, of course, a special congrats goes out to our winning boutique, which swept the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice categories, 2 Sisters Boutique (the real sisters behind the boutique are pictured above, collecting their prize). Check out our favorite look from 2 Sisters, along with our fave looks from the other boutiques, below:
Dress Up Boutique- Dress, Lani, $49; Blazer, Lani, $79
Photos from the event are now posted in ourGallery, so check them for pics of you and all of your besties at the show or to see the all of the looks put out by each boutique.
And, for all of you savvy ladies who saved your programs, don’t forget about the special 20% discount off your purchase at select boutiques. Details are inside the program!
Give back while throwing down with the Stimulus Social Club's July 7 event at Stanley's Kitchen & Tap in the West Loop. A $10 donation gets you your first drink and apps, plus all the proceeds will go to House of the Good Shepherd. July 13 is National French Fry day, but soggy fries in a red paper carton aren't on the menu for you, PLRG! Stop by deca BAR at The Ritz-Carlton, spring for a cocktail and you'll score complimentary hand-cut french fries. Choose from truffle/duck fat fries with smoked sea salt or regular fries with lemon salt, fresh oregano and grated parmesan reggiano. If you're celebrating Bastille Day, July 14, what better way to pay homage to our French friends than with gourmet food and wine? In Fine Spirits is serving up a four-course garden dinner and wine pairing, prepared by Chef Marianne Sundquist, for just $50. Make sure to call and RSVP by July 10.
Hey Ladies! Love shopping at Water Tower but hate carrying your goods on the CTA? Starting Friday, July 23 through Sunday, July 25 Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue is waiving the parking fee for up to 10 hours when summer shoppers spend $100 or more. If you don’t tend to make it down the Michigan Avenue way (we know… there is a LOT of foot traffic there in the summer) Water Tower Place does house some cool stores like Forever 21, Coach, Sephora, Betsey Johnson, CUSP (a PLRG Favorite!), and a ton of places to grab some grub. 
Give back while throwing down with the 
