'Fringe Binge' - My Search for the Ultimate Tassel Scarf

Ever since I saw Sakina, of the Saks in the City blog, wear a tassel scarf (check it out in this post), I've been on the hunt for one. Scarves with stringy, fringe-like tassels are pretty easy to come by. However, finding scarves with full tassels (several fringes knotted together in a bunch) is a fairly difficult task.

Since Spring is literally breathing down my neck, my goal was not only to find tassel scarves but to find ones in lightweight fabrics such as cotton and silk. Scarves are great accessories and the perfect alternative to wearing a necklace. The full tassel scarves speak loudly and they're the perfect way to adorn your neck and make a statement minus the weight of a typical statement necklace. Plus, with the growing number of ways to tie a scarf, the styling possibilities are endless!

During my exhaustive search, I discovered that the UK-based retailer, All Saints, has several options in stock (see below). From prints to solids, I truly want them all - although, the ditzy floral print is my favorite.



I also found an adorable tie-dye tassel scarf at ASOS (click here to view). It's available in blue, pink AND purple! You know how we love having options.

If you're like me, you probably already have several scarves and wraps. But just like shoes, a girl can never have too many, right?! Right.

Toe to Toe: ASOS 'Ponder' Platform

Who wins?!


Pick up a pair at Asos.com.

Review - NEXT Black and White Striped Jacket

When NEXT UK contacted me to review one of their five classic items, I jumped at the opportunity. I'm a fan of NEXT as well as classic wardrobe pieces. There really is no greater feeling than knowing you've purchased something that can be worn for multiple years AND with multiple items. Out of the five items, I was drawn to the Black and White Striped Jacket because I did not own anything remotely close to it and I knew it would be extremely versatile.

Although the striped design is bold, when I received the jacket, the first thing I noticed was the construction of the garment. The stitching and substantial lining exceeded my expectations. The jacket is very well made and fits true to size. The stripes are not overbearing and the 3/4 sleeves balances out the short length of the jacket. I decided to rock it with my fail-safe black dress and the color block Zara heels I mentioned in this post. I looked (and felt) uber chic! I also realized that this same jacket would work equally well paired with a skirt, trousers or skinny jeans.

I've styled three different looks to help you better envision the jacket's versatility:

Black Label's Style 101 Event = Fun Times!

It wasn't until owner, Yanira Garza, invited me to the Style 101 event that I was even aware of Black Label ("BOO" on me). I immediately accepted since I'm always up for anything involving Chicago fashion.

After researching further, I learned that Black Label was comprised of two components: wardrobe styling and a clothing line. I was equally impressed with both the wardrobe styling portfolio and clothing/accessories on the website. Needless to say, I was excited to see what was in store for the Style 101 event.

Upon arrival, I instantly fell in love with the venue! The Catalyst Ranch was so colorful and quirky. Yanira greeted me at the door and I immediately felt welcomed. She was wearing the most adorable black dress. Her style expertise was evident.

Before the styling presentation, guests had the opportunity to browse the goodies of some local vendors including Poési, Squasht by Les, M.Go Fashion Salon and Black Label's own line. There were also makeup consultations by Sin , hair consultations by M.Go and health and wellness consultations by Metaboliq System. Basically, something for everyone!

SIDEBAR: I must also mention the food provided by Macondo was yummilicious!! The empanadas topped with avocado sauce were amazing! Honestly, I wanted to take a bottle of that sauce home with me...it was THAT good.

When the style presentation began, I honestly didn't know what to expect. Yanira, with her engaging personality, started off with a little background on herself - as both a makeup artist and wardrobe stylist, she dons the title of 'Style Artist'. She, then, jumped right into the basic items every woman should have in their wardrobe. Being that I'm a fashion fanatic and love immersing myself in style-related books and TV programming, I was already aware of the essentials (ie: trench, neutral pumps, face framing shades, ballet flats, evening clutch and SPANX). However, I learned a few things from the shopping tidbits Yanira provided. Some of these tidbits included the sunglasses deals that can be found at Saks Off 5th in Schaumburg (Yanira found Gucci shades for only $89) AND the revelation that Victoria Secret's staff are not experts on bra fitting. Mental light bulbs were going off all over the room!

What was even more impressive about Yanira's presentation were the details surrounding the services that Black Label provide. This company does whatever it can to make your wardrobe/shopping requests a reality. They have a plethora of resources from tailors to experts in clothing reconstruction to vintage consultants. So, not only will they help you find a new wardrobe but they will also provide the means to help you update your wardrobe with a few tweaks here and there.

Black Label was created in 2009 and I can already see it's potential. Yanira is indeed a wardrobe styling guru and someone I consider to be my 'shopping soulmate'. I look forward to attending more of her events in the future.

To learn more about Yanira and Black Label, visit shopblacklabel.com today!

Coat Swoon - Rachel Zoe Leopard Trench

Let me start off by saying, I'm not a QVC shopper. Period. I tune in when my favorite designers are on but even then, I never feel compelled to buy anything...until this week. Rachel Zoe was on QVC showcasing her newest items and the Leopard Trench Coat was really talking to me.

See, I've been searching for the perfect leopard-print coat for awhile now. What does "perfect" mean? Well, for me, it means that the print is not too overbearing or cheesy, the fabric is not cheap and the construction is solid. The Rachel Zoe Leopard Trench Coat meets all of the criteria. I was really impressed with the construction and the details - buttons on the sleeve as well as stitching on the collar that allows for the "oh-so-chic" standup collar look. If you don't know, I absolutely LOVE the standup collar look with oversized shades! *calming down now*

The coat is available up to a size 3X. That means everyone can take advantage of this beauty! Priced at $116, what else is there to do but to pick one up today? Visit QVC.com to make a purchase or check out the video if you're still not a believer.

Anyone have a leopard print coat that they adore? Do tell!

Go TRIBAL with ken&dana design

Amidst my hectic work schedule, pending blog posts and life in general, sometimes I encounter something that makes me want to stop everything and blog IMMEDIATELY. That's how I felt this morning when I received an email from ken&dana design introducing their new TRIBAL Collection. ken&dana design triggered my fashion radar last month and their RIGHTS Collection inspired this blog post.

The new TRIBAL Collection left me speechless. I was in awe of the beauty and grandeur of each piece. According to their website, this collection was inspired by a 1984 article in National Geographic entitled "Africa Adorned" that discussed how accessories are a means of communications in African culture. Being that I love African-inspired as well as bold jewelry, there's really no need to mention that I literally want the entire collection!

Do NOT be taken aback by the price range of the collection ($65 to $325) because not only are the items aesthetically beautiful but the quality of the materials used in their creation make them worth every penny. Crystal, smoky quartz, blue and red tiger's eye and natural rough cut amethyst are some of the elements used in this collection. This jewelry is indeed heirloom status. You'll want your children and children's children to experience this.




Some of my favorites include the Crystal and Lion-Head Pendant Necklace (the pendant is reminiscent of a door knocker), Geometric Bib Necklace (the chain bib allows for boldness without the weight), Two-Finger Knuckle Duster Ring (the striking geometric design covers both fingers without confining them) and Two-Tone Texture Handcuff Bangle (I've never seen a handcuff look so lovely).

Click here to view the entire TRIBAL collection. With a total of 30 pieces, I guarantee you'll fall in love with at least one item. Once you check it out, please come back and let me know which one is YOUR favorite.

Happy Shopping!

Shoe Swoon - Poetic Licence Glitz and Glam

EVERY girl needs a shoe that can instantly jazz up an outfit. The "Glitz and Glam" by Poetic Licence definitely fits the bill!

The bow details (on the upper and the sole), along with the mirror embossed suede, scream "I'm a woman that loves to be noticed"!

You can pick up these glitzy beauties online at Lori's Shoes. If you're in Chicago, you have the privilege of seeing them up close and personal.

Lori's Shoes
824 W Armitage
Chicago, IL 60614

I'm a firm believer that you can never have too many "notice-me" shoes. Do you agree?

Etsy Showcase - Obscured Couture (Funky Fresh Specs)

I first learned about Etsy Shop, Obscured Couture, when a pair of their "nerd" glasses was featured on an Etsy list of great neon-colored finds. Out of all the items showcased, the Obscured Couture's specs jumped out at me. Of course, I had to follow the trail back to their shop's page.

It is here that I found some of THE funkiest pairs of "nerd" glasses I had ever seen. Although, I've seen specs with chain detailing a million and one times, the items in this shop were different. The bright color assortment and the tone-on-tone chain specs make Obscured Couture stand out from the pack. I mean, when have you seen blue "nerd" glasses with blue chain?!!? That's just craziness!!





All of the glasses are priced at $30 or lower. In good ole Etsy fashion, they also offer customizable glasses where you can pick the chain and/or eyeglasses color. I mean that's the beauty of Etsy anyway, right?

Click here to visit the Obscured Couture Etsy Shop.

Now tell me, would you rock these funky fresh specs?

Ticket GIVEAWAY: "Rock the Red" Fashion Event

I'm so excited to announce that ChiTown Fashionista has teamed up with The Red Pump Project to offer a pair of tickets to one lucky winner for the "Rock the Red: Bold.Fashion.Awareness" event!

The Red Pump Project was founded a year ago by Luvvie of Awesomely Luvvie and Karyn of The Fabulous Giver. The organization's mission is to help spread awareness about the effects of HIV/AIDS specifically to women and girls.

The "Rock the Red" event will be held on March 25th in commemoration of annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. It will also be a celebration of the The Red Pump Project's 1-year anniversary.

All ladies are expected to wear their fiercest red pumps while guys are being asked to wear their most dapper ties! There will be a fashion show including local designers such as Pretty Afrika and Crystal B Designs. Also, the custom-shoe designing company, Eidia Lush, will be creating a custom red pump to be auctioned off at the show. Are you as excited as I am yet?!

In addition to all the fashion and fun, the remarkable, Emmy Award-winning HIV/AIDS activist, Rae Lewis-Thornton will be honored at the event and presented with the "Ultimate Red Pump Rocker" Award.

I know. I know. You're officially excited!

The event details are as follows:

Rock the Red: Bold.Fashion.Awareness
When: March 25th, 2010 - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (CST)
Where: Bottom Lounge 1375 W. Lake St. - Chicago, IL
Why: As the ladies of The Red Pump Project stated, "Awareness is always in style"

Click here for even more information.


To enter the giveaway:

Fill out the form below with your name, email address and the reason why you want to attend the "Rock the Red" event.


Easy. Peasy. Good Luck to you all!


**The giveaway ends at 11:59PM (CST) on Friday, March 19th. The winner will be chosen at random.**


UPDATE:

The winner has been selected and will be contacted directly.

Here's an excerpt of the reason why she wanted to attend:

"I have been an admirer of Rae Lewis Thorton forever. She embodies strength and courage. She spoke at my church when I was younger and her story stayed with me. I believe that not enough is being done to combat this disease that is killing more young Black women than anything else. I just learned of the Red Pump Organization and I love the idea of the organization. "

Congratulations to M. Perry! And don't forget to rock your fiercest red pumps! :-)

My Online Shop Discovery: My-Wardrobe.com

Hello, my name is Nikia and I'm an online shopping addict! Nothing excites me more than being introduced to a great website. Needless to say, I was elated when I found My-Wardrobe.com!

My-Wardrobe.com is a UK based site that carries quality brands like Anya Hindmarch, Mulberry, McQ, ASH and Acne. With those names, you already know that it's not necessarily a site for frugal shoppers. However, they do have great sale items. On sites like MyWardrobe.com, I tend to gravitate towards shoes, handbags and jewelry. I can justify spending a pretty penny on those items since they'll always fit regardless of weight fluctuations.

I just HAD to share this site with my readers because...

In celebration of the recent addition of U.S. shipping, for a limited time My-Wardrobe.com is offering 30% off to first-time customer (discount code: WELCOMEUSA). This offer expires on March 15th at midnight GMT - that's 6PM EST. So, if you're in the market for designer fashion, this is the perfect time to make a purchase!

Here are some of my favorite pieces. If only I had about $2K to blow. A girl can dream, right?














(l-r)
First Row:
Manoush Butterfly Necklace - $82.50
Malene Birger Dessin Shield Necklace -$265.00
Second Row:
Juicy Couture Striped Military Cardigan - $316.80
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Sunday Dress - $468.60
Third Row:
Ash Lotus Caged Wedge Shoe - $292.05
Ash Shangrila Ankle Boot - $287.10

Shoe Swoon - Gucci Patent Leather Platform

At Bluefly.com in Black, Coral and Jade for $508. Each color appeals to me for different reasons. Which color do you prefer?

My Latest "Wants" from Accessorize

Accessorize is one of the stores I MUST visit every time I'm in London. So, the fact that they now ship to the U.S. makes it easier for me to get my hands on their items any time my heart desires.

My most recent visit to the Accessorize website resulted in a ton of oohs and aahs! Although purchasing anything in British Pounds means basically doubling the price to get the US Dollar equivalent, it is absolutely worth it. As I've said numerous times in the past, there's no greater feeling than to know you're buying something that you won't see on or carried by everyone else.

Below are some of my current favorites and they range from bold to vintage-inspired to nautical. Even with the exchange rate, none of these items are priced over $70. Beautiful items, affordably priced is the perfect formula for temptation. Unfortunately, I'm currently on an online shopping fast. That means I must live vicariously through my readers. So, tell me...what great items have you found online lately?














(l-r)
First Row:
Atacama Necklace
Neon Animal Print Scarf
Second Row:
Paris Bon Voyage Brooch Set
Gladys Butterfly Suede Clutch
Third Row:
Ahoy Sailor Coin Purse
Gill Twist & Textured Stretch Belt

TJ Maxx Find: "June" by Frye

For those that don't know, Frye - a brand that has been around since 1863 - is synonymous with quality. Those aware of the Frye brand are probably most familiar with their boots, which are somewhat expensive but last a lifetime. About a year ago, I learned that Frye also made sandals. Needless to say, when I spotted the June sandal in TJ Maxx this past weekend, I HAD to have 'em!

A close inspection of the craftmanship would make the most amateur of shoe connoisseur swoon! The leather is rich and the stitching is impeccable. The padded leather insole and rubber outsole guarantees comfort and the ability to withstand normal wear and tear.



With a lovely price tag of $49.99, the sandals were $100 less than the lowest priced online retailer. It really was a no brainer.

Now...If only Summer would hurry it up!

Handbag GIVEAWAY: NEXT Quilted Bow Bag

Hello, my fabulously fashionable readers! I've teamed up with the UK store NEXT to give away this lovely Quilted Bow Bag. This giveaway is to celebrate the fact that NEXT now delivers to the U.S.! Yep, that's right. Another great UK store as added the U.S. to its list of delivery destinations.

For those of you not familiar with NEXT, they offer classic and on-trend items for the entire family. It's the ultimate one-stop shop - although, my attention is always drawn to women's fashion. *sorry, hubby*

What I love more than the clothes and accessories is the fact that there is no size discrimination. Majority of the items in NEXT's regular line goes up to a size 22UK (18/20 US) and the plus size line goes up to 28UK (24/26). They also have Petites, Tall and Maternity Collections. That means EVERYONE can find something. How lovely!

To enter the handbag giveaway:
-> Go to the NEXT website, find one item that you love and post the link to it in the comments section. Be sure to also include your email address in the comment.

For an additional entry:
-> Retweet this post.

That's it. That's all. Good luck everyone!!

**This giveaway is only for readers in the U.S. and will end on March 15th, 11:59 PM (EST). The winner will be randomly selected.**

UPDATE:

Congratulations to wildcat32 for winning the NEXT Quilted Bow Bag!!

Thanks to all of you for entering! For more fabulousness, be sure to visit ChiTown Fashionista again and often. :-)

Confessions of a Shopaholic - New SHOES!!

Lately, I've been on a serious shoe buying kick. I've added 4 pairs of shoes to my collection over the past 2 months and they're all equally fantabulous! Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been good enough for me to wear any of them yet. C'MON SPRING!!

*drum roll*

Now, please join me in welcoming my new babies - UES, Ellen Tracy, Zara and Dolce Vita - into the family. :-)

What do you think of my recent additions? What shoe purchases have you made lately?

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - Finale (My Parents & Final Thoughts)

For my final post in this series, I wanted to post a photo of my parents. When I saw this prom picture, I knew this would be the one. They're so very fabulous! Talk about color coordination...LOL! Mom is workin' it with the classic pearl studs to match the pearl trim on her dress. And dad has serious swagger with his textured jacket. I just need to understand why my mom's afro is SO tight!!!


I can't believe February went by so fast!! I've really enjoyed presenting the "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" series (click here to view all of the posts). When the concept came to me, I never thought it would receive such a huge positive response from my readers...but I'm so glad it did. This series has resulted in an increase in exposure as well as opportunities for ChiTown Fashionista and I have my fashionably fabulous readers to thank for spreading the word.

There are many more photos that I'd love to share but I'll save those for February 2011. Then again, I may post some periodically throughout the year because Black History should be celebrated every month!! Wouldn't you agree?