Our 2011 Highlights & the First Giveaway of 2012

2011 was the year of elevation for ChiTown Fashionista. With several mentions on major websites, invitations to premier fashion events and the successful execution of our own events, this blog has grown tremendously in the past 12 months!

I've decided to highlight some of my favorite moments and blog posts of 2011. But not without making it interactive and potentially rewarding for my readers!!



This photo collage represents the best of 2011. And here's where the fun begins...

Below is a list of the photo descriptions:





Leave a comment that matches each photo with its corresponding description and you will earn the chance to win a $100 AllSaints gift card! Yes. The very same AllSaints that had me swooning at their grand opening in Chicago last summer.

Remember to also include your email address in your comment. I need to be able to reach you if you should win, right?

You won't be scored on your answers...I refuse to add that much pressure. However, if you're not sure, educated guesses are highly encouraged. [I'm having flashbacks of standardized testing days]


GOOD LUCK to you all and thanks a million for supporting ChiTown Fashionista!


**This giveaway ends Monday, January 8, 2012 at 12:59PM CST. Winner will be selected at random.**

Get the Look: Sorel and Columbia Outfits Handpicked by Daily Candy Editors and Us!

SOREL footwear has protected feet from snow and rain since 1962. However, the brand has not always been considered the fashion force we know it to be today. In the past few years, SOREL has recreated itself from head-to-toe, featuring a new look that marked the brand's descent from the mountain peak and into the fashion world. Last week, the footwear brand partnered with Daily Candy to introduce its new winter collection to the Windy City.

SOREL's transformation has been swift due to the brand's strategic press campaign and a fresh look. As a part of its transformation, SOREL created new looks that appealed to women and men who had to brave extremely cold weather conditions but didn't want to sacrifice style for practicality. It's no surprise that the footwear company would team up with Daily Candy, the online resource of editors across the globe delivering the scoop on choice online finds including fashion, food, home décor and must-have accessories, to push their new look to the masses.

SOREL and Daily Candy familiarized Chicagoans with the SOREL winter collection over finger food, sparkling wine, sweet candy and baked treats. The "Step Out in Style" event, which occurred at the Columbia Sportswear store on North Michigan Avenue, was the perfect blend of social and style.

CONTINUE READING...

Randolph Street Market: Things I Saw

This past Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity to accompany Nikia Jefferson, the mind behind ChiTown Fashionista, her husband and her friend to the Chicago’s World Famous Randolph Street Market for my first official outing as a ChiTown Fashionista contributor. It was also my first encounter with America’s biggest urban market.

I would be lying to you and myself if I didn’t admit that I had a few reservations about attending the event. All I heard was “street” and “market” in the same sentence, which was enough to turn me off, and if that wasn’t enough, Mother Nature turned the temperature up to a scorching 1,000 degrees!

As I arose from the blissfulness of my bed to travel towards the “street market,” I thought to myself, “This is crazy! Turn around.” However, I guess I’m not always right. There’s indeed a first time for everything.

The Randolph Street Market was both refreshing and adventurous. Over 200 indoor and outdoor vendors and boutiques were packed like sardines to showcase their eclectic finds. You could spot everything, from vintage treasures and collector’s items to indie fashion designs and decorative home furnishings. The event also offered many food and drink options.

I see why the “market” is being compared to New York City’s SoHo - but honestly, I’ve been to SoHo and it has nothing on this! Sally Schwartz, the Founder and Executive Producer of the Randolph Street Market, is both fashion forward and kind. If you ever find yourself at the event, make sure you find her.

I’ll definitely be returning until I can’t return anymore. Maybe you can join me and the entire ChiTown Fashionista crew next time.

Check out the price details, location and event dates below:

Admission

(Children 12 and under are always free)

Online - $8.00 for general public, $3.00 for students and seniors with ID

At Door - $10.00 for general public, $5.00 for students and seniors with ID

Location
1350 West Randolph Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607

Dates
(Remaining in 2011)
(Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.)

September 24 - 25
October 22 - 23 (indoor fashion only)
November 19 - 20 (indoor only)

Things I Saw at Randolph Street Market

Black Lady, Vintage Painting circa 1960s/1970s, By Charles

Chocolate Boy, The Picaninny Caricatures, Antique Propaganda

Pin-Up Girls, Vintage Propaganda circa 1950s

Army Memorabilia, Vintage Army Gear and Findings