GIVEAWAY: Join me for the Havaianas Pop-Up Shop Launch Party!

I am excited to announce that I will be co-hosting the upcoming "Make Your Own Havaianas" Pop-Up Launch Party this upcoming Thursday!

This event will kick off the "Make Your Own Havaianas" Pop-Up Shop that will be stationed at North Ave Beach from June 30th to July 31st. The Pop-Up Shop will give consumers a choice of 10 different flip flop straps and bottoms to mix and match with over 20 different pins styles. That's customization at its finest.

Previously, customizable Havaianas flip flops were reserved for celebrity events. Now, Chicago can get in on the fun!

As part of the host committee, Havaianas has granted me the opportunity to giveaway FOUR Launch Party tickets to my awesomazing readers!  I would love for you to join me.

Here's how to enter:

Leave a comment below indicating why you want to attend the "Make Your Own Havaianas" Pop-Up Launch Party. Be sure to include your email address.


Easy. Peasey.

GOOD LUCK to you all!


*The giveaway will end tomorrow, June 29th, at 5:00PM CST .  So..ACT. FAST.

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Winners Announcement:

Congratulations to Nicole, Jerry G, IrisDolls and Rochon! I will contact you shortly. I look forward to seeing you at the event.

Thanks to everyone that entered! And remember to visit the "Make Your Own Havaianas" Pop-Up Shop at North Ave Beach from June 30th to July 31st to purchase your own bespoke flip flops.

Linking Up: Afrobella's MAC Lipglass; Rhinestones & maxi dresses; Chicago street style; Home decor inspiration

My girl, Afrobella, created a lipglass for MAC as part of their new Bloggers Obsession Collection. (click HERE to learn more...and buy!)

Le blog de Big Beauty has me swooning over rhinestones and maxi dresses. (click HERE to see why)

Chicago Street Style captures Paula, of vINTAGE rEVIVAL, in all of her adorable splendor. (click HERE to check it out)

Refinery29 gives us a glimpse into the living quarters of Lindsay Segal (co-founder of Luxury Garage Sale). Now, I need to go back and get those hourglasses I spotted earlier this week. (Click HERE for home decor inspiration)

The Makeup Show Chicago: Makeup, Style & Food For Thought

This past weekend, The Makeup Show made its way to Chicago for the first time ever! As I've stated in the past, I'm no expert when it comes to makeup. I do, however, appreciate the correlation between makeup and fashion. We all know that styling, including hair and makeup, can make or break a runway show or fashion spread. Plus, trends in fashion influence makeup trends and vice versa.

So, when I received an invite to attend the pro-only event, I jumped at the chance to not only meet (and learn) from industry experts such as Reggie Wells, Sam Fine, James Vincent, Joanna Schlip and Danessa Myricks but to also hang with my fellow fashion and beauty bloggers.

The blogger event held on the day before The Makeup Show provided online media mavens with an opportunity to learn more about the event and its featured artists from MUA and The Makeup Show Director of Artistry, James Vincent (shown below). Afterwards, bloggers networked with one another and exchanged business cards. We also received a magnificent bag full of products. My favorites being the Senna Form-A-Brow Kit and the makeup loot from Ruby Kisses. Needless to say, we were all amped for the start of the show the following day.

The Makeup Show was held at Venue One in the West Loop. Upon arrival, I immediately noticed the twinkle in all the makeup artists' and beauty bloggers' eyes as they circulated the room. If long lines are any indication, INGLOT and Crown Brush seemed to be the favorites amongst the attendees. The Make Up For Ever booth was equally overwhelming. Their discounted "show pricing" even made my heart flutter a little bit. I was also drawn to the Ruby Kisses beauty demonstration area that was equipped with bright lights, beautiful people and flawless makeup application. Bright colors and glitter were the reoccurring themes throughout the show...and rightfully so. Nothing grabs attention better than color and sparkle.










As a lover of art, I was also a fan of the skillful artistry displayed in the theatrical makeup (courtesy of the Chicago-based school Make Up First) and body art.




Of course, even in a room filled with makeup, fashion was in the forefront of my mind. I spotted several stylish bloggers and makeup artists.




The climax of the day was the highly-anticipated keynote speaker, Sam Fine. As a celebrity makeup artist to clients such as Iman, Tyra, Janet Jackson and Queen Latifah, I was extremely impressed with his humility. When one of the audience members commended him on it, he explained that his humility is the basis of his mantra: "we're all servants". Well, and also the fact that "that's how my mama raised me". His engaging demeanor made us all feel as though we were hanging with one of our BFFs. As he took Q&A, he offered up more than just makeup tips. There were several pieces of advice that not only applied to the makeup industry, but to life in general.




Re: Mentors - You don't have to necessarily have someone physically take you under their wing. The work of those you admire can influence and inspire you. So, use magazines and other references as your "mentor".

Re: Competition - Don't live with the idea of competition. It is counterproductive. The only competition you should worry about is yourself.

Re: Sense of Self - "You can know who you are by the people that hang around you"

The Makeup Show Chicago was a great experience! Unfortunately, I could only attend Day #1. But I gained so much insight from that one day.

Do I now consider myself a makeup expert? Absolutely not. However, the personal connections as well as the tips and products I received certainly opened my eyes, even more, to the wonderful world of makeup.

Now, if only I could learn how to apply eye liner with a steady hand. Alas, some things just can't be taught...

Did you attend The Makeup Show in Chicago or any other city? What was your favorite moment?


*Special thanks to Melody of Melody Joy PR for the invite. Additional thanks to The Makeup Show for featuring ChiTown Fashionista on their blog. Click HERE to read the post.

StyleChicago.com Presents "The End of Prohibition"

Once in awhile, a truly unique fashion event appears in my inbox. And the email I received about StyleChicago.com's "The End of Prohibition" is one of those instances. With a 1920s theme and a host of goodies like creative cocktails and wine, roulette and craps, vintage fashion AND mini-spa services, this event is shaping up to be one of the most memorable.

The event takes place this Thursday, June 16th. Click the image above to learn more and purchase tickets.

I hope to see you there!

Linking Up: Chicago street style; a Chicago summer brunch crawl; the DIY pedicure

Chicago Street Style snaps a photo of a stylish chap! (click HERE to be impressed)

Trés Awesome captures the beauty of another local street style photographer. (click HERE to see why I love Isa so)

Refinery29 is hosting a Brunch Crawl. Shopping and eating? Sign me up! (click HERE to get in on the fun)

Swa-Rai breaks down how to get the perfect DIY pedicure. (click HERE for some great tips)

[Shoe Swoon] Jeffrey Campbell "Rockin"

This curvaceous beauty is the Rockin by Jeffrey Campbell and can be found at Lori's for $160.
(click HERE to purchase)

*if your size is no longer available at Lori's check Lulus.com or ShopAkira.com.

Are you a fan? Or does that cutout wedge make you nervous?

The Randolph Street Market: Chicago's treasure trove

As much as I adore the Randolph Street Market, I was shocked when I realized I had never covered it on my blog! I have written several recaps on its affiliate event, Modern Vintage. But nothing about my "first love"? Preposterous!

So, when I visited the Randolph Street Market for the season opener in May, I was determined to capture the vast amount of goodness. From the antique and vintage dealers, you can always expect to find one-of-a-kind treasures: clothing and accessories for the fashion lovers; furniture, trinkets and home decor for interior design lovers; and everything else in between! There's also the Indie Designer Market which always includes the best in local emerging talent! It's always great to have them all available under one roof.

This time around, I was lucky enough to attend the Randolph Market's first blogger event, "Happy Hour", which was hosted by the lovely Sally Schwartz (founder) and Nena Ivon (creative director).  Bloggers mixed and mingled over cocktails the night before the opening. The event allowed us to witness the set-up process and provided us with the opportunity to scope out the items we were going to purchase the next morning.  After the event, I had visions of bakelite earrings dancing in my head. Needless to say, that was one of my first purchases the next day!

Despite the gloomy weather the next morning, the vibe at the market was uplifting! The antique and vintage dealers were enthusiastically sharing the stories behind each item in their collection, while the aroma and persuasion from the food vendors made it difficult to decide on whether to shop or eat. The Indie Designer section included some of my favorites, SWABY and K-Fleye, as well as some market newbies like Exploding Library and local designer Anna Fong.

Here are a few of my discoveries:
















Click HERE to view the complete set of photos!

Side note: I was glad to see so many of the Bill Cunningham Chicago attendees using their free passes that day! There really is nothing better than sharing the Randolph Street Market experience with others.

As usual, I set a budget for myself. Can you believe I actually stuck to it?!

There were a couple of items I regret not purchasing.  But thanks to my "shopping ADD", I'm sure I'll get over it once I see the slew of merchandise on hand this month.

Visit RandolphStreetMarket.com for more info, including the full schedule.

So, tell me! Did you attend the Randolph Street Market season opener? If so, what did you find?

Linking UP: Dose Market THIS WEEKEND; Chicago's most stylish back office; Tips on tie + pocket square styling

Refinery29 sits down with the ladies behind this weekend's highly anticipated shopping event, Dose Market! (click HERE for details)

Chicago Street Style gives us a glimpse into the cities most stylish back office, Shop E-Drop Off. (click HERE to see why)

Guerreisms breaks down the key to mastering tie and pocket square look. (click HERE to get schooled)

GIVEAWAY: Ticket to The Makeup Show Chicago!

I'm a makeup novice. My idea of shopping for makeup is going into Sephora or Ulta and getting suggestions from a salesperson. It's what I do. Well, unless it's nail polish. I can go in any store and pick out a thousand colors I love. I guess you can say I'm much more brave and confident when it comes to nail lacquer.

There's no denying that there is a strong relationship between makeup and fashion.  To be a fashionista, you must have a complete head-to-toe look. Because of this,  I've made a vow to learn more about makeup application and what works best for my complexion.  And that's exactly why I'm excited about The Makeup Show Chicago!  Running June 12th-13th, this year's lineup of exhibitors (MAC, Make Up Forever, Stila, Kryolan), keynote speakers (Sam Fine, Joanna Schlip and Reggie Wells), and hands-on workshops will appeal to everyone from those in the industry to makeup junkies and folks like me who have not a clue.

Click HERE for all of the info!

And here's the fun part...

The Makeup Show Chicago has teamed up with ChiTown Fashionista to offer one of my readers a ticket to the Sunday (June 12th) lineup!!

So, who's going to be joining me for this lovely event?

To enter: *
Simply leave a comment with your name and email. Also mention what you're excited to see at the show. 


*The giveaway ends Wednesday, June 8th at 11:59pm (CST) and the winner will be chosen at random.

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WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

Congratulations, Mama Violet!!  

Thanks to everyone that entered. As always stay tuned for more giveaways.

Adventures in Shopping: L.K. Bennett in Chicago

L.K. Bennett has been receiving a lot of press lately due to the fact that Kate Middleton is a customer. However, I've been a fan of the UK-based retailer since my days in London.

L.K. Bennett consistently yields timeless pieces.  Although the store tends to lean more towards the conservative side, I always manage to find something that works well with my existing wardrobe. The quality of clothing, shoes and accessories is impeccable. And most items possess subtle details that keep them fresh and modern.  I mean, I have a pair of loafers I purchased over 4 years ago and they're still relevant and in great condition.

Needless to say, when I heard they were opening they're first-ever U.S. store in Chicago, I was a tad bit excited. I went there within days of its opening, determined to walk out of there with a pair of shoes (they're my weakness, you know). I spotted the Selina and immediately fell in love with the Sage color, in all its perfect-for-spring-and-summer patenty goodness. It was unlike anything else in my closet and the quirky bow was the icing on the cake.

The atmosphere was pleasant and customer service was on point, as usual.  I walked out of there feeling quite giddy about my reunion with the brand.

Fast forward a couple weeks and I received a handwritten (yes, handwritten) note from Holly, the salesperson who assisted me on my visit.

*swoon*

The moral of this "Adventures in Shopping" story? Pay a visit to L.K. Bennett. The high level of quality and customer service is enough to soften the blow to your credit card... I am still in the process of convincing hubby to believe that.