Jewelry Swoon - Beaded Chain Link Necklace by Sequin

All I can say about the Beaded Chain Link Necklaces by Sequin is that they are simply gorgeous and bold enough to make a statement all by their lonesome. They are only a subset of the wonderful pieces included in Kim and Linda Renk's Sequin line. Oh, and did I mention they were both born and raised in the Midwest? *Naturally, I had to highlight that fact. ;-)*

Check out these necklaces and other fabulous jewelry by Sequin at Charm & Chain.

For the recessionistas out there, I have to mention that majority of the items are well under $100. And in case you were wondering, I'd like one in every color. Please and Thanks!

[André Leon] Talley Ho!

Fashionistas everywhere know that André Leon Talley is Vogue's editor-at-large and has been in the fashion business for over 25 years. Putting aside his questionable wardrobe choices as of lately, you HAVE to admit the man is iconic. And what better way to broadcast your fashion obsession than to wear the face of Anna Wintour's right-hand man across your chest?!

The shirt was designed by New York's own Christopher Lee Suavé, who is widely known for his 'Save Anna' tee (worn by Mr. Talley below) that was created when false rumors were being spread about Anna Wintour getting the boot as editor of Vogue.

Although these tees showcase the faces of fashion icons that may not be recognizable to the common man, you will definitely get the nod of approval from your fellow fashionistas.

To get your hands on one of these shirts, visit the Chicago-based online store, ShrinkBoutique.com. Here you will find the shirts on sale for $45, which is $20 off the retail price. So, support a Chi-Town business by picking up one of these shirts today!


For a limited time, get 15% off your order at Shrinkboutique.com when you enter the following code at checkout: 060308.

Shoe Swoon - Due Farina Red Wingtip Pumps

There is something I love about this Due Farina Spec-Tacular Pump at Endless.com. It's probably the combination of the wingtip/spectator style plus the bright crimson red color. I'm still debating if I like the mesh, though. Let me know what you think. To buy? Or not to buy?

Shopaholics Mount UP! - Shopping Ops in the Chi This Weekend

If you're in the Chicagoland area, this weekend is filled with many opportunities to get some great shopping in at great prices. Check out one or all of the three events detailed below to feed your shopaholism.

I know...I'm such the enabler. :-)

1. The Randolph Street Market (1340 W. Washington Street):

Paying homage to the French this month!

• Antique and Indie Designer Markets as well as The Vinyl Swap Meet
• Saturday: 10AM-5PM, Sunday: 10AM-4PM
• $10 admission

2. The West Loop Sidewalk Sale:

In the vicinity of the above mentioned Randolph Street Market...kill two birds with one stone.

• Spring and Summer Merchandise up to 75% off
• Saturday: 11AM-6PM, Sunday: 12PM-5PM
• Participating stores include:

Fig Tree - 1037 W. Madison Avenue
Tribeca Boutique - 1035 W. Madison Avenue
Pivot Boutique - 1101 W. Fulton Market
2 Sisters Boutique - 1167 W. Madison Avenue
The Oprah Store - 37 N. Carpenter Street
Erin Galagher Jewelry - 1017 W. Lake Street
Bess and Loie - 1015 W. Lake Street
Koros Art + Style - 1039 W. Lake Street
Smitten Boutique - 1041 W. Madison Avenue

3. The Wicker Park & Bucktown Sidewalk Sale (near 1600 N. Damen) :

This sale + the Wicker Park Fest = FUN TIMES!

• Over 75 participating stores and boutiques including Akira, Shebang, Vive la Femme, Urban Outfitters, The Silver Room and P.45
• Saturday: 11AM-6PM, Sunday: 12PM-5PM

Move over Chuck Taylor....

We all know that the Chuck Taylors by Converse are the ultimate sneakers for fashionistas. However, there's a new sheriff in town, by the name of Upper Echelon Shoes. UES has taken the sneaker to a whole new level or echelon, if you will. :-) Their sneakers combine comfort and sex appeal with a side of edginess.

UES's mission is simply stated as "SHOEWLERY!". According to UES, Shoewlery is defined as "creating new and elevating current trends to an Upper Echelon through intricate detail and styling with jewelry accent". And all I can say to that is MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! The use of chains in addition to shoelaces on the Nise shoe is one of the most creative details I've seen on a sneaker in quite some time! Check out the pics below to see both the leather and denim versions of this shoe. These shoes are guaranteed to garner attention and spark conversation.

Now, don't get me wrong. These are no substitutes for the original Chuck Taylors that are classic and timeless. However, to add a little va-va-voom to your sneaker game and to showcase your inner urbanista, grab a pair of Nises or any of the other UES styles from Tipsntrends.com.

**UPDATE**

Hubby bought me a pair of UES! Check them out here along with some of my shoe collection favorites.

Coat Swoon - It's Black, It's White

Starry Binded Coat

This lovely little number is available at Brooklyn Industries for only $58!! You can't beat that and you shouldn't even try. Pick up one today!

Handbag Swoon - Dorothy Perkins Croc Satchel

Blue Croc Satchel at Dorothy Perkins - £30.00 (approx. $50)

Purple Croc Satchel at Dorothy Perkins - £30.00 (approx. $50)

Ping Ping Prop (my new London discovery)

The people that know me personally know that although I love Chicago, I consider London to be my second home. On my most recent visit to London, I visited the Spitalfields Market (one of my favorites) and stumbled upon the Ping Ping Prop stall which had some of the most unique pieces of jewelry I'd ever seen. I immediately fell in love with the headphones and cassette tape necklace (shown above). I love music just as much as I love fashion. So, needless to say, I purchased that necklace and have been wearing it in to the ground all summer! There were so many items (ie: the turntable ring and paper planes charm necklace) that I wanted to take home but I had to exercise MAJOR discipline. However, now I regret not getting the antique lock and key necklace - ESPECIALLY since it is not even available on their website. BUMMER!

Ping Ping Prop ships internationally. So for those of you in the U.S., take the GBP price and multiply it by 1.62 to get the approximate US dollar amount. Below are some of my favorite pieces. Check out all of these items and more at PingPingProp.com. You're sure to fall in love!



NECKLACES:






RINGS:

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale (My Personal Wishlist)

The Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom is officially underway and the savings are pretty spectacular. The sale includes what Nordstrom deems "Fall's hottest styles". With it being mid-July, I know it's hard to focus your attention on Fall items, coats, etc. However, with these sale prices, there is no better time than the present to take advantage.

So, instead of giving away ALL of my current wishlist items -I mean, a girl has to keep some goodies to herself- I've included only a handful of fabulous items that I think will entice you.

You can either visit Nordstrom in person or check them out online at Nordstrom.com. And keep in mind that the sale items will return to their regular prices on Monday, August 3rd. So, you know the drill...hurry up and get to shopping to ensure that everything you want is still available in your size.

ENJOY!




flounce tbd Fringe Trim Tank - $44.90 (reg. price $68.00)





Donna Morgan Belted Ponte Knit Dress - $78.90 (reg. price $118.00)





GUESS Stand Collar Coat - $109.90 (reg. price $168.00)





Jessica Simpson 'Amona' Platform Pump - $59.90 (reg. price $89.95)





MAXSTUDIO 'Toshi' Mary Jane Pump - $99.90 (reg. price $164.95)

Handbag Swoon (7/15/09) - Graffiti Clutch

The Skinny Clutch (handpainted graffiti) by alisa burke - $50

"Owl" Wear It

The owl pendant is still a very prevalent fashion trend. However, as with most trends, it's better to spend as little money as possible because we know how quickly they can fade. This is where Mod Cloth comes in. They have a variety of owl pendants and majority are under $20. Since the varying styles range from the vintage-inspired pocket watch to the blinged out locket, you're certain to find a pendant that matches your personal taste.

Check out more of the owl pendants at ModCloth.com and enjoy some guilt-free shopping.

Shoe Swoon - Aldo Strappy Heels

Simonelli by Aldo - $125

U.K. InVESTment

Grey Sequin Waistcoat at Dorothy Perkins - $50

Could it be one of the most fabulous vests east of the Atlantic?! Did I mention that they ship to the U.S.?

Enough said.

Click here to check out the vest as well as the rest of the new DP collection at Dorothy Perkins. Now, get to shopping, my lovelies!

Do You "Glove" MJ?

After the passing of Michael Jackson - the world's greatest entertainer in my opinion - we all know there has been an overwhelming amount of t-shirts printed in his honor. That being said, the "I Glove MJ" tee is one of the most adorable things I've seen over the past few days. The metallic glove says it all!

As I was perusing Etsy, I came across The Aranovich Shop which is run by Alex Aranovich, designer of the "I Glove MJ" design concept. It is available in 4 colors - teal is my favorite - and the unisex sizing ranges from XXS to XL.

So, if you're looking for a way to pay homage to MJ through fashion, check out The Aranovich Shop on Etsy and hopefully you won't have too hard of a time deciding on which color to buy.


Disclaimer: Please be aware that any other sites with the "I Glove MJ" tee are indeed selling knockoffs. Support the original designer by only purchasing the tees at The Aranovich Shop on Etsy. Thanks. :-)

The Uniform Project Update - July 2009

Thus far, Sheena Matheiken has raised $3,400 for the Akanksha School Project. Check out my earlier blog for more info (Fashion + Charity category) and be sure to support her cause. Philanthrophic fashionistas are the best kind!

Below are some of my more recent favorite looks. Let me know what you think.

Shoe Swoon - Wedding Edition

Ladies, we all know how difficult it can be to find wedding shoes that are unique with a side of fantabulousness (yes, fantabulousness). Well, thanks to one of my favorite UK shoe stores, the task has become much easier. These lovelies can be found on Dune's website ranging in price from $85 to $190. Although, Dune is a UK based store, they also ship to the U.S.

So, go on! Get to shopping, my fellow shoe lovers slash wives-to-be. *smile*