Tag Archive | "fashion"

Shabby Apple’s Not Your Mother’s Modesty

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Shabby Apple’s Not Your Mother’s Modesty


Pont Neuf Dress, $78

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.

(Lauren Bonenberger)

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Celebrate Re.Stock’s First Birthday with Amazing Sales & Events

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Celebrate Re.Stock’s First Birthday with Amazing Sales & Events


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 website for 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 Shop for further details.

(Lacey Brenly)

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On Our Radar: Volume 2

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On Our Radar: Volume 2


We get so many emails and phone calls each day with information on new products, boutique sales, restaurant openings and everything in between, that we thought it would be a good idea to let you in on what the PLRG team is into lately. The Radar is your at-a-glance guide to what is oh-so-hot and so-right-now in the world of a PoorLittleRichGirl:

The lovely ladies of Borrow a Dress Couture are gearing up for their First Annual Fashion Statement Soiree. Friday, May 28, they’ll thank you and all of their customers for their support by hosting a cocktail reception and fashion show at Bon V, complete with goodie bags and a chance to win a month’s worth of dress rentals!

We love getting gift cards and love all the discounts our various reward cards afford us, but our wallets and our sanity are suffering (we have ruined many a high priced wallet by overstuffing it with god knows what). So, we had one of those “why didn’t we think of that” moments we we came across the Card Cache. Just punch holes in all your gift or reward cards, not on the magnetic part, and string them through the slim wire ring. You’ll love all the new real estate in your wallet.

After 17 years serving up French fare in Chicago’s West Loop, Marche will be closing its doors on June 13. Owner Howard Davis and Jerry Kleiner (under their KDK partnership they also own Red Light, Giocco and Opera) cite the end of their lease as one of the many factors that led to the closing.

We’re totally digging Kate Miller Heidke right now. The former opera singer’s sound is reminiscent of all the other female artists you love so much (Lily Allen, Regina Specter, even Cindy Lauper), but still is too unique to pin down. We especially love “Can’t Shake It”, “Caught in the Crowd” and the instant classic “Are You F*cking Kidding Me” - we don’t want to spoil it for you, so just go listen to it now.

Speaking of music, a new website, SongVote.com, launched earlier this month. The site functions as an open election to help you find the perfect music for your upcoming cocktail party, wedding or any event that might call for some crowd-sourced music. We’ve even created a playlist of our own! Use VIP Code: PLRG Summer Playlist and Pin: 374 to add music to our playlist and vote for your favorite songs.

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PLRGs, Fashionistas & Artists Everywhere Will Miss Gen Art

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PLRGs, Fashionistas & Artists Everywhere Will Miss Gen Art


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!

(Lacey Brenly)

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The Chicago Fashion Authority Takes On C/FAN & Tracy Mayer

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The Chicago Fashion Authority Takes On C/FAN & Tracy Mayer


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.

-Lauren & Marcia

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Win Tickets to 312 Fashion Series!

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Win Tickets to 312 Fashion Series!


312 is hosting their first fashion series, and we are offering 2 lucky PLRG’s the chance to win a pair of tickets!

The series will showcase three nights of the best of Chicago design located at the very posh Loft on the Lake. Not only will you get to indulge in fashions from local designers you will also get to enjoy a complimentary cocktail hour, music by DJ Young, and free admission to the after party at The Underground.

PLRG is offering you a chance to win a pair of tickets to Chicago Designer Vignettes on April 8th or Lara Miller’s show on April 9th, see below for details.

April 8th 7-10pm: Chicago Designer Vignettes
Designer Vignettes will kick off The 312 Fashion Runway Series with a cocktail reception hosted by StyleChicago.com from 7-8:30pm. Then at 8:30 the show will begin featuring looks from Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Borris Powell, and Anna Hovet. After the show is over hit the after-party at The Underground!

April 9th 7-10pm: Lara Miller
Enjoy the first independent design show of the 312 Fashion Runway series, featuring Lara Miller. You will get to sip on a cocktail while you shop exclusive merchandise by Lara Miller from 7-8:30pm. Then at 8:30 Lara’s collection hits the runaway! Here pieces have been called, “sultry, sophisticated, and endlessly variable as the woman who wears them.” After you enjoy the show don’t forget to continue the party at The Underground.

Get inspired for Spring and sign up to win now! Email giveaway@poorlittlerichgirls.com with subject “312 Fashion Series” to enter now!

Also if you aren’t one of the lucky winners, feel free to visit 312’s website to buy tickets to any of the three shows: Designer Vignettes, Lara Miller, or Horacio Nieto. Tickets range from $35-$40 for one show or $55 for a two-day pass, which we think is well worth the price considering you get a full cocktail hour, a runway show, and complimentary admission to the after-party!

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Eidia Lush Custom Shoe Giveaway

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Eidia Lush Custom Shoe Giveaway


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!

Do we really have to urge you to sign up to win now!, this is every woman’s dream come true!! Email “Custom Shoes” to giveaway@poorlittlerichgirls.com to enter.

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.

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Get Hot for Spring This Sunday at The Tricoci Beauty Bash

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Get Hot for Spring This Sunday at The Tricoci Beauty Bash



Spring has sprung in Chicago, and you ladies know what that means- new habits, new hang outs, new boyfriends, and maybe even a new look. You’ll find everything a PLRG needs to get fresh start in the fashion and beauty department, this Sunday at The Franco Tricoci Beuaty Bash at Hub 51.

For just $20 you’ll enjoy a hosted cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, 7-9:30pm, courtesy of Ketel One, Jack Daniels, Miller Lite and Hub 51. To keep you entertained, Tricoci and his team will be doing live hair demonstrations during the reception, so you can see how to recreate that hot, spring hairstyle. Then at 10:30pm, get ready for the runway show, accenting 50 years of Franco’s dedication to the beauty industry.

Cash will get you in at the door (ps- proceeds go to charity), but you must RSVP before at OutfitEvents.com or you can email RSVP@OutfitEvents.com. See you ladies there!

Originally published, March 24, 2010

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BOTB 2010: Thank You and Recap

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BOTB 2010: Thank You and Recap


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….

First, a big thank you goes out to Showbiz Shelly from B96 and our judges Jessica Sedgwick, Fashion Columnist for The Chicago Sun-TimesSteven Rosengard, former Project Runway Contestant and especially Marcia Callaghan and Lauren Hurley from Gen Art Chicago!

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:

WINNER!: 2 Sisters Boutique- Dress, Fumblin' Foe, $184

Hubba Hubba- Leggings, Sugarlips, $34.95; Top, Free People, $98.95

Re.Stock Shop- Dress, JLee Silver, $89; Vest, JLee Silver, $82

Le Dress- Dress, Frock by Tracy Reese, $175

Wolfbait & B-Girls- Hat, Squasht, $54; Tank, Bruiser, $56; Pants, Bruiser, $98

Dress Up Boutique- Dress, Lani, $49; Blazer, Lani, $79

Photos from the event are now posted in our Gallery, 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!

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Beta Boutique Closes with Blowout Designer Sale

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Beta Boutique Closes with Blowout Designer Sale


We all love Beta Boutique’s famous “Stacked Rack” sale and all of their other fabulous, traveling sample sales. Well, it’s not just us, but all of Chicago, that goes gaga for these sales, and so with that, beta has decided to close the doors to their permanent location to focus on bringing you even bigger, better and more fashionable events!

But, as sad as we are to see them leave their Bucktown outpost, we are always happy to shop a “closeout” sale. Now, through Sunday, March 14 you can score discounts from 40-90% off their selection of designer duds. 90% off? Talk about a dramatic discount, er, I mean exit!

Beta Boutique
2016 W. Concord Place in Bucktown
Thur & Fri: 11am - 5:30pm
Sat: 11am - 5pm
Sun: 12pm - 5pm

(Lacey Brenly)

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Hot This Month: July, 2010

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.
Better Than Sample Sales