JAKIMAC: Leather Rings and Zig Zag Bling

I first discovered the coolness of JAKIMAC at the One of A Kind Show.  The leather two-finger rings caught my attention and had my twitter followers going crazy after I tweeted out the picture above. Then, when I found out that they were a Chicago-based jewelry line, it made my encounter with the brand even sweeter.

JAKIMAC utilizes leather to create a unisex collection of that is equally attractive to guys and gals. The rings are constructed with one strip of repurposed leather, studded with brass pyramid rivets and stamped with the JAKIMAC logo. Although there are several colors available, they are all neutral enough to be added to your personal collection with ease.

Red was my favorite until I recently spotted the fresh white one on their website.

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The rings are definite standouts but the creative mix of zig zag leather and brass chains on the Spiked Punch earrings have me adding those to my wishlist as well.

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Visit JAKIMAC.com to view the entire collection. If you prefer to check out JAKIMAC in person, check out their list of stockists, which includes four locations in the Chicagoland area. And with those affordable price points (most items are $30 and under), there's no excuse to not walk away with at least two items. You know...one for you and one for me.

What do you think about JAKIMAC? Any personal favorites?

Etsy Showcase: Plastique

Plastique is an Etsy shop I've known about for awhile. It was the Chicago skyline necklace (above) that initially caught my attention. However, Plastique has even more to offer.  From well known skylines to turntable cufflinks, L.A.-based graphic designer Jen Murse has created an affordable jewelry line filled with instant conversation starters.

1. cufflinks | 2. DJ brass knuckles | 3. Golden Gate Bridge 3-finger ring | 4. London skyline | 5. tweet twitter necklace | 6. interchangeable ring set (teal) | 7. interchangeable ring set (red) | 8. prismatic square earrings

Each piece is made with laser cut acrylic and directly reflects the designs Murse creates on her computer. With geometric earrings, knuckle rings, and necklaces representing the world's best cities, this Etsy shop is the ideal online destination for gift hunting. There's even a cassette tape necklace that has just enough space for you to add a custom "mixtape" label. What a unique, personalized item for a music lover, right?

After adorning your body with Plastique goods, take to the walls of your home. Majority of the necklace pendants have been resized to larger dimensions, which results in eye-catching wall art.

The wall art is available via the Plastique online shop and appears to be a customer favorite (since all but one are currently sold out).

Click over to the Plastique Etsy Shop and get acquainted with the brand. With everything priced under $30, you'll be adding items to your virtual shopping cart in no time. Trust.

What do you think about Plastique? Which piece is your favorite?

Shoppin' and Stylin' at Mr. and Mrs. Digz

A few weeks ago, I was invited to Mr. and Mrs. Digz to check out the store and style looks from their wide variety of merchandise.

With a 4-part store concept (designer vintage, consignment, new and handmade)*, I had a feeling that I would be overwhelmed with choices from which to style our lovely model, Rochelle. And I was indeed correct!

*For more information on the store, click HERE to view my post on Chicago Like A Local

Since this was my first time visiting Mr. and Mrs. Digz, I took a few moments to browse the store and get myself acquainted with the well-edited collection of clothing, jewelry and accessories. I was particularly impressed with the range of sizes that were offered AND the presence of a men's section. It truly is a one-stop shop.

Here are just a few things I discovered during my walkthrough:

CONTINUE READING...

Modern Vintage continues to woo me!

I attended Modern Vintage for the first time in October 2009 and have been an avid supporter ever since. Organized by the creators of the Randolph Market, Modern Vintage is typically filled to the brim with vendors selling jaw-dropping, heart-palpitation-ensuing vintage finds. And this past weekend was no different.

There were some new additions as well as the longstanding favorites. As usual, Ladybag International had everyone drooling over Chanel, Hermes and Fendi. While newcomer, Joules Jewels Vintage, introduced Modern Vintage attendees to her cute and quirky vintage clothing and accessories.

In general, I tend to focus on jewelry and handbags at these events. However, the clothing, hats and housewares equally gained my attention this time around.

I also ran into the enthusiastic Sally Schwartz, founder of the Randolph Street Market AND the ever-stylish Nena Ivon, the Fashion Director of Modern Vintage. This year, Nena decided to nix the runway show format and opted to have professional models walk around the event showcasing some of her favorite vintage pieces. As we discussed how brilliant the concept was, she escorted me to a few of her favorite vendors; one of which had THE most amazing handmade necklaces I'd ever encountered (as shown on the model above). And as a Georgia-based traditional seller (i.e. no website, facebook page, etc.), Modern Vintage is quite possibly the only place I would've had the opportunity to view his work.

Now do you see why I can't stop going?!?

Check out more of the fabulousness I encountered:








Visit RandolphStreetMarket.com for the full market schedule.

OK. You know the drill. Let me know what you scored at Modern Vintage. I'm dying to hear about your great finds!


P.S. There was another vendor/Etsy seller I finally had the chance to meet at Modern Vintage. She's so awesome, I'll be dedicating an entire post to her shop. So, stay tuned...

Linking Up: A crew of eight with major swagger; Amazing Chicago-based Etsy sellers; Strong shoulders and bold color

SWAGGER 360 photographs 8 young chaps with outstanding swagger. (click HERE to be impressed)

Refinery29 provides us with a list of amazing Chicago-based Etsy sellers! (click HERE to check it out)

Dara Udom gives us strong shoulders and bold color. (click HERE to get inspired)

Etsy Showcase and GIVEAWAY: Leetie Lovendale Lucite Earrings

Yes. You already know I love Etsy. But Leetie Lovendale lucite earrings are a little secret I've been keeping to myself for some time now. Sooooo, I figured there was no better way to share my Etsy crush with my readers than with a GIVEAWAY!!

I adore post earrings. However, it's hard to find a variety of styles and colors. When I stumbled upon the Leetie Lovendale Etsy Shop, filled with bright, bold and colorful post earrings, I felt like a kid in a candy store. Designer Heather DeSimone creates amazing posts, hoops, and now wave sticks using the 40,0000 lbs of vintage lucite beads and components she purchased in 2004. That's a LOT of lucite! And the best part is that the surgical steel earring posts are hand set...no glued-on posts here!




With over 100 earrings, all sorted by color scheme, you are bound to find something that meets your needs. And with most items priced under $15, you can try as many colors as you please.


NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY...
Heather has given me a pair of hoops, a pair of "cubist" posts (my personal favorite) and a pair of her new wave sticks.








One lucky winner will win ALL THREE PAIRS!

To enter, you must do the following:

Leave a comment below (including your email address) stating which pair you like the most and why.

For additional entries:

1. Join the ChiTown Fashionista Facebook Page
2. Retweet this post by using the 'Tweet' button at the bottom of this post

GOOD LUCK!!

*The giveaway ends on Monday, April 18th at 11:59pm CST and is only open to U.S. residents.*
*Winner will be randomly selected.*

Jewelry overdose at the vINTAGE rEVIVAL Trunk Show

My personal goal as a fashion blogger is to support independent designers that focus on craftsmanship and quality. And Paula Michelle (shown above) of vINTAGE rEVIVAL is no exception! We met in the Twitterverse a few months ago and shared a common bond...fashion. I knew she had a jewelry line that was being sold on Etsy but when she tweeted me about her trunk show, I jumped at the opportunity to finally see her collection in person.

The trunk show was held at Per Populus Gallery, a hidden gem in Pilsen. It was the perfect venue for the artistic concept Paula had for the show. Prior to the event, Paula had photographer James Cox shoot the collection using a myriad of vintage props including a retro television, a vintage camera, old tennis rackets, vintage furniture and clothing. Using those same props, Paula recreated the photos to display her jewelry at the trunk show. It was genius!



vINTAGE rEVIVAL is a collection of spectacular statement jewelry created with elements from a prior era. Old locks and keys? Check. Vintage watch parts? Check. Crystal brooches and earrings? Double Check. Paula mixes these items with chains in varying sizes, styles and metals to build some of the most creative remixed jewelry I've encountered. Within the collection, you can expect to find necklaces, rings, bracelets, brooches and even super-cool earring chain necklaces.




Of course, Paula was rockin' one of her own necklaces, which was a mix of glam and industrial.  It added the perfect amount of edge to her otherwise preppy look. 



Besides Paula, I spotted a few more fashionistas in the room wearing vINTAGE rEVIVAL.



How can you NOT love this stuff?!

And the beauty of it all is the fact that no two pieces are alike. As Paula proudly states on the vINTAGE rEVIVAL twitter page, each item is "1 of 1 just as the person wearing vINTAGE rEVIVAL". That level of exclusivity is unbeatable. Not only does that mean you won't catch anyone else wearing the same jewelry but also that when you see something you like, you better act fast! And if you have a design idea in your head, you'll be glad to know that Paula also takes custom orders. How fun would it be to collaborate with an amazing designer and have your design come to life?

Prices typically range from $60 - $275. However, the earring chain necklaces are priced as low as $40. Also, you can grab old skeleton key + ball chain necklaces for $25 a piece.

If you missed the trunk show, check out the vINTAGE rEVIVAL Etsy shop. There, you'll see even more of what Paula has to offer.  And remember, with customization, the possibilities are endless!


What I purchased...
As you know, I had already planned to purchase a brooch. Luckily, when I asked Paula to hold one of her kilt pin brooches for me, she kindly obliged. Then, I came to find out that it included a cameo pendant! There was no way she could have known I was looking for cameo jewelry. Clearly, the fashion gods told her.



*swoon*

Linking Up: Lookbook + Giveaway from local Etsy designer, Gabrielle Zwick

Today, Refinery29 shared the Spring Lookbook for local Etsy artisan, Gabrielle Zwick. And thank goodness! Especially since I'm always scouring Etsy for Chicago designers.

Click HERE to take a look at Gabrielle's amazing handmade pieces and find out how to enter Refinery29's custom jewelry giveaway.

Have a great weekend!

'Tis the Season: ChiTown Fashionista and Violet Revolution 2010 Holiday Gift Guide for Men

Violet Revolution and I are back with Part 2 of our 2010 Holiday Gift Guide!

Our first gift guide was all about the ladies.  But, of course we couldn't leave out the guys...especially since they tend to be the hardest ones to shop for. Check out our Top 10 Gifts for Men!

Hats and Caps by Goorin Bros ($25 and up): From the dapper gentleman to the cool kid, Goorin Brothers got you covered. With a wide variety of hats and caps, you're sure to find one that perfectly matches the personality of the recipient. Regardless of whether he's into hats, it's difficult to not appreciate the attention to detail that goes beyond just the exterior of the hat and spills over into the interior. You can order online but I suggest you visit them locally to check out the selection in person.

"Get Off Your High Horse" Shirt by Enstrumental ($80): You can always count on Enstrumental to design high-quality, creative shirts. And the "Get Off Your High Horse" (Ego Trip Edition) polo is no exception! Created as a spoof on a certain designer brand's polo, this shirt will definitely garner attention. But, it's also meant to make a statement with a logo that screams "I'm grounded"...literally. It's a limited edition so make sure you grab one before it's too late.

Frames at LabrabbitOptics ($75 and up): Whether he's into one-of-a-kind sunglasses or enjoys rocking the "geek chic" look, there really is no other place to find so many unique frames in one location. The owner, Coyote, is more of a curator - selecting frames that will spark an immediate emotional attachment. The leather shades and vintage designer specs are my favorites for the guys. Locals can visit LabRabbit in Wicker Park. Don't fret if you're not in Chicago, the online shop is well-stocked and organized. Just make sure you don't end up buying a pair or two for yourself.

Reveal Watch by Daniel Will-Harris ($100): If he seems to have EVERYTHING, this is the perfect gift. With a unique display that fades the numbers in and out as time passes, it would be especially intriguing to a Techie. On the flip side, its sleek and understated design would also compliment a businessman's wardrobe while still allowing him to show-off to his friends. And we all know how much men love to do that...

Cufflinks on Etsy ($20-$50): Can a man ever have too many cufflinks? Absolutely not. And the Southernliving26 Etsy Shop gets that. From bar codes to Transformers to logos of entities such as the NBA and Apple, these cufflinks appeal to a man's "cheeky" side. They are great gifts for a man who doesn't take himself too seriously. With prices starting at $20, you can buy multiple pairs - which is great since you won't be able to narrow down your choice to only one.

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Shaving Kit ($50):  Does your man travel a lot? Or are you planning a winter getaway soon? How about this shaving carry on kit from The Art of Shaving? They are located at The Shops at Northbridge at 520 N. Michigan Ave. or you can shop online. All the sizes meet airport requirements and come in a plastic carrier.

Fun And Creative Date Guides ($10): How's your dating life been lately? If your answer is pathetic or non-existent, and your guy won't have a bruised ego about this gift, maybe it's time to drop a few hints with a Fun and Creative Date Guide. Whether you're married or dating, these ideas will certainly give your relationship a boost (plus, you might get a fabulous V-Day date out of it in a few months). This could also be a clever gift for your brother, especially if he's younger and just starting to take girls out on dates, or if he just has no skills at planning (a girl can only go to the movies so many times).

Haindpainted Drinking Glasses ($120 for 6): Whether you know a man that likes mixed drinks or has graduated to scotch on the rocks; he can now enjoy his drinks in this set of colorful, handpainted double old fashioned glasses. These are great for a guy who just moved into a new place or is just out of college and looking to add a whole new level of sophistication to his image.

Tretorn Winter Boots ($55-$140): Poor guys. When it's cold and snowy outside, what are they to do? They don't have Uggs or Hunter boots to choose from. In fact, I don't ever recall seeing men's cold weather boots in stores. Help a guy stay fashionable and warm this winter with Tretorn boots (boots pictured are $60) which can be found at HIS Stuff Chicago.

Crossword Puzzle Baseball ($20): What man doesn't love baseball? Test his knowledge with this crossword puzzle baseball from the New York Times. Your man will learn even more baseball trivia to impress his friends! This is ideal for a stocking stuffer, for dad, or even for a male boss or co-worker.

What do you think of our top gift ideas for men? Can you think of any other great gifts for the men in our lives?

P.S. Follow my buddy, Violet Revolution, on Facebook and Twitter.

'Tis the Season: ChiTown Fashionista and Violet Revolution 2010 Holiday Gift Guide for Women

What better way to celebrate the holidays than to present to you a Holiday Gift Guide with fellow fashion and shopping blogger, Nancy of Violet Revolution!!

In this two-part comprehensive guide, we will list our Top 10 Gifts for women AND men. So, let's get to it!

First up, gifts for the ladies...

The Scent of Anna Dello Russo  ($25): The self-titled, newly released (on December 3, 2010) fragrance from the Fashion Director of Vogue Nippon and all-around fashion goddess, Anna Dello Russo. Even if you're not into fashion, a vanilla and almond scent that is housed in a lovely gold shoe is bound to please any woman who loves all things pretty.







Shirts from Out of Print (under $40): From t-shirts to the newly-added long sleeve fleeces (as pictured), Out of Print clothing offers the perfect gift for bookworms or those that simply love the nostalgia of revisiting some of their childhood favorites. Plus, every purchase provides a book to a community in need. My current favorite is the Catcher in the Rye fleece!

Bracelets by RLT Collection ($35 and up): From wooden beads to semiprecious gemstones to pearls, the RLT Collection consists of bracelets handmade by the Emmy Award Winning AIDS Activist (and friend) Rae Lewis-Thornton. With so much variety, there is something for every woman AND budget. The ones completed with a fireball center will add just enough bling to your favorite girl's wrist.

Customized Le Pliage Bag by Longchamp ($45 and up): The iconic lightweight and foldable carryall can be completely customized! Available options include bag size, handle length, main color, stripe color, hardware finish plus embossing and/or embroidery. Here's a little formula to give you an idea of the number of possibilities: 6 models + 225 color combos + 2 handle sizes = 6750 creations. These can take up to 3 weeks for delivery, so hop to it!

Fashion Plates by Ben Morris ($8 each and up): Adorned with images sketched by SCAD professor, Ben Morris, these plates are perfect for any fashionista! Will they eat off of them? Who cares?! The only questions you should ask are "black and white images on round plates"? OR "colored images on square plates"? Decisions, decisions.

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Kimono Robe by Plum Pretty Sugar ($70):  If you know a mom, whether it's your mom or a friend who's a mom; you know that moms like to be pampered, but that doesn’t happen too often in reality. Make her feel special everyday with this delicate Plum Pretty Sugar Kimono Style Robe. Ankle Length. Darling Jardin Bleu. Whenever I see robes in a department store, they're always either grandma style or these black satin ones meant for a night of oh la la. This one is practical enough for every day. So if baby spits up, the soft cotton can be washed easily; but is also feminine and sheer enough to make a girl feel sexy.

iPod Cozy by DashingEtc ($20): OMG, I want this! How cute is this felt floral iPhone/iPod carrier? It has a velcro top, so you can clip it on your belt and still look fashionable, plus it even has a little credit card/ID pocket hidden in back. This is great for working out or if you walk to work or take the el.

Leg Warmers by Hue ($16): For the fashionista in your life, get her some trendy legwarmers. No longer do you have to shelf your pumps for winter. These chunky knit ones by Hue can be worn over tights with a skirt (as shown) or over jeans/leggings. You can also wear them slouched down (as shown), pulled up the calf, or under tall boots so just the top peeks through. (Click the link to see other images.) Plus they come in a variety of styles -- I've seen some with fur trim on Etsy or even in chunkier and cable knits.

Candles by Et Al Designs: I know it's probably cliché or impersonal to give candles as a gift, but if you know a woman who loves to entertain, she probably loves setting out candles everywhere to make her home cozy and inviting. I'm not a big candle person myself, but I couldn't resist these modern, handmade ones by Et Al Designs. They come in all these fun, unusual patterns -- like mine are black tapers with little rhinestone swirls all over them, which I found at Elevenzees in Wicker Park.

Betsey Johnson Houndstooth Wallet ($59): Do you have a friend or sister that's a little preppy and a little rock 'n roll? Get her this studded metallic teal houndstooth wallet by Betsey Johnson. Sounds kind of odd, but I like that you could be carrying around this black bag and then pull out this unexpected pop of
color.



And that's our 2010 Top Ten Gift Guide for Women!! Click HERE for the Men's gift guide. You know we couldn't leave them out.

P.S. You can follow my buddy, Violet Revolution, on Facebook and Twitter.