Shoes by Fossil - Can You Dig It?

I can remember a time, way back in the day, when Fossil was THE ultimate brand for watches amongst my peers. I would go crazy in the Fossil outlet store buying up the watches for myself, family and friends.

Fast forward about 10 years (man, I'm getting old)>>
Now my attention is back on Fossil and not because of the watches. This time it's all about the SHOES!!

I recently discovered them when searching for a pump with a wooden heel. I was pleasantly surprised at the caliber of shoes in Fossil's collection.







My current favorites are the Allison Peep Toe Pump (left) and theAllison Tall Boot (right). Both are vintage inspired and have a beautifully sculptured wooden heel that is half-wrapped in leather that is a contrasting color to that of the upper. How amazing is THAT?! Although I love the black/dark brown combo on the boot, for some reason I prefer the dark brown/light brown combo on the peep toe.

I'm also in lust with the Misha MidBoot (below). I'm so obsessed with wooden heels lately. Combine that with a slouchy fit and belt buckle, and I am SOLD!



So visit Fossil.com to check out these styles and more. There aint nothing old or outdated about these "fossils". Ya dig?

Shoe Swoon - ASOS HUSH Suede Cage Shoe

The ASOS HUSH Suede Zip Front Cage Shoe is available at Asos.com for $155. It comes in blue/black and green. My personal favorite is the blue/black one. Which color tickles your fancy?

It's SWABY Baby!!! - A Project Runway Contestant Makes Chicago Her Home

As you probably know by now, I'm a huge fan of the Randolph Street Market. One of the main reasons I fell in love with this market is because it introduced me to a fabulous designer by the name of Shernett Swaby. Shernett recently moved to Chicago from Toronto and is best known as the fifth place contestant from Season 1 of Project Runway Canada. Don't let her placing on the show fool you because her designing skills are first rate!

Shernett has two lines, SWABY and Model 29. There's not one item in either line that I wouldn't want to take home because everything is so wearable and extremely easy to incorporate into my wardrobe. Plus, her attention to detail is outstanding!

SWABY is couture at its finest. Period. It consists of lovely clothing, tailored to perfection as well as magnificent handbags constructed with sumptuous leather and detailing that would make even the most frugal of shoppers run home and break the piggy bank. My particular favorites are the dresses, outerwear and handbags.

Model 29 is her affordably priced line that consists of items all priced at $29. At first glance, you'll think that there must be a mistake with the pricing because the clothing looks so rich! Forget H&M and Forever 21. Model 29 allows you to look über-chic at a minimal price without having to shop at the same stores as the masses. Could we ask for anything more?!

Although the quality of her garments are enough to make you consider making a purchase, it is Shernett's super cool personality that seals the deal. It will only take one conversation with her to see the passion she has for designing and the fashion business, in general.

I've already purchased a Model 29 blouse similar to the one shown below and have my eyes set on a SWABY handbag (also shown below) that is to die for! Hopefully, hubby will deliver on my upcoming birthday. *wink,wink*






SWABY and Model 29 are available at the SWABY store located at 1933 N. Damen Avenue in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area. The Model 29 line can also be purchased at the Randolph Market. Visit ShernettSwaby.com for more photos and information.

So, c'mon Chicago! Let's welcome Shernett and show her that although Chicago is not a fashion capital (yet), we have a great appreciation for fashion and love for independent designers.

Images courtesy of shernettswaby.com

Great Bib Necklaces Under $50!

First Row (l-r):

JC Penney - $24
Anthropologie - $30

Second Row (l-r):

EzzaExclusive (Etsy) - $49
Forever 21 - $17

Chi-Town's #1 Event for the Release of "The September Issue"

For those of you that are just as excited as I am about the release of "The September Issue" this upcoming weekend (9/11 to 9/13), Shrink Boutique has created a weekend-long event entitled "A Weekend With Anna" that gives Chi-Town fashionistas a chance to be treated like celebrities and party like rock stars all while giving back.

To start off the evening, Shrink Boutique will be on-site at the River East 21 Theater located at 322 E. Illinois each day to photograph all of the fashionably dressed attendees. Shrink Boutique will also be hosting an after party each night where they'll be accepting new or gently used professional women's for Poised for Success.

(see below for movie showtimes and after party locations)

So, go ahead and get dolled up for this great event! Because, although you may not be in New York for Fashion Week, you can go and check out this movie in celebration of fashion and look fabulous while doing so.

Now...Who's with me?!


Movie Showtimes:
Friday - 7:15pm
Saturday - 7:15pm
Sunday - 4:45pm


After Party Locations:
Friday, September 11
SMASH&CRUNCH @ DEBONAIR SOCIAL CLUB
1575 N Milwaukee
DJs: CT, Madrid, Sadie Woods & CAPCOM
Hosts: Jillian (Outdanced), Josh Rodriguez & Johnny Hollywood
10:00P-2:00A

Saturday, September 12
SUSHI SAMBA CHICAGO RIO
504 N Wells
DJs: Madrid & Andre Harris
8:00P-1:00A

Sunday, September 13
REGGAE SUNDAYS @ VERTIGO SKY LOUNGE
2 E Erie
DJs: Ron Sager, Madrid & Sadie Woods
3:00P-11:00P


Oh, and if you're interested in paying homage to the two most intriguing members of the Vogue staff, pick up a 'Save Anna' or Andre Leon Talley tee at shrinkboutique.com. They're SO fierce!

A Payless Shoe I LOVE - Could the World Be Coming to an End?

So, I normally don't shop at Payless. I actually can't remember the last time I stepped foot into one. It wasn't until my fellow fashionista, Chandra, recently told me about the great designer lines at Payless that I started checking their website on occasion. On my latest visit to the site, I discovered the Antoine Bootie by Abaeté for Payless. This platform bootie is extremely chic and on-trend with the foldover cuff and chain detail. And at a price of $49.99, one can afford to buy into the trends without breaking the bank. Add to that the fact that it's only available online and you have a great shoe with a great price and some level of exclusivity. "Payless" and "exclusivity" in the same blog? That's craziness!

Go ahead and pick up a pair and join in the Payless love fest. :-)

Coat Swoon - Dorothy Perkins Tiered Coat

Occasionally, I come across items that I just HAVE to HAVE! This is definitely one of those items. This purple tiered coat at Dorothy Perkins is simply amazing. Everything from the tiered detailing, the puff sleeve and the large foldover collar screams femininity! And to top it off, it's in one of the most popular colors for this fall season. For a little under $125, it's a steal - especially since the likelihood of you seeing someone else in it is slim to none. Don't you just love international finds?!







It's also available in orange and pink.

There's really nothing to debate here. Go ahead and get it. You can thank me later.

A "Chain" Reaction

It was at this year's 57th Street Art Fair that I discovered the magnificent jewelery line known as Rapt in Maille.

We all know that chain jewelry is very prevalent in the fashion world now but there is something extremely unique about Rapt in Maille. At first glance, you'll notice that the designs are much more sophisticated than what you would find at a typical store. The intricate details are breathtaking and rightfully so since each piece is handmade by local designer, Melissa Banks. I also love the fact that with so many collections within the Rapt in Maille line, there is something for every taste and every occasion. So, you can ALL join in the fun!!

Below are the items currently on my "must-have" list.




Clockwise from top left:

1. Pure Collection: Rectangle Ring - $75
2. Halo Collection: Multi-Chain Necklace - $245
3. Slinky Collection: Squares Bracelet - $215
4. Slinky Collection: Scrap Bracelet - $115


You can check out all of these items and a ton more at RaptinMaille.com. To view the items in person and truly appreciate the workmanship, you can check out Rapt in Maille at the Lakeview East Art Festival, September 26th-27th.

And since you already know my wishlist, you know exactly what to buy me. THANKS!

The Uniform Project Update - September 2009

The Uniform Project has now received over $12,000 in donations and it's only been 4 months. Go, Sheena!! It's unbelievable the impact one person can have.

To find out more about the project and/or donate, visit TheUniformProject.com.

Now, for my favorite looks from the past month....












Pretty hot, huh?