7 Warm-Weather Wedges Under $50

clockwise from top left:  2 Lips Too Too Desire Wedge Pump, $45 | Delia's Stephanie Wedge, $40 | Charlotte Russe Cork-Inset Striped Linen Wedge, $25 | Baby Phat Juno Wedge Sandal, $42 | Delia's Candice Wedge, $35 | SODA Terani Platform Wedge, $27 | Charlotte Russe T-Strap Cutout Zebra Wedge, $25



One of my loyal readers reached out to me, seeking help on finding a fabulous peep toe wedge under $50.

I look forward to reader requests that involve a budget because they become even more of a challenge. But, since she loves color, this made my search easy and frankly, quite tempting.  I would rock every single one of these myself. And with those prices, who can stop at just one pair anyway?!

So tell me. Which one would you add to your Spring/Summer wardrobe?

Sarca: Rare Finds Off the Beaten Path [EXCERPT]

Ruthie Davis shoes at Sarca

Although the gems and baubles may grab your attention initially, the racks of clothing will have you in awe. The ample amount of textures - think lace, feather, fur, sequin -  and rich colors will have you wanting to play dress up in the super chic dressing rooms. - Chicago Like A Local

Click here to read my latest article on Chicago Like A Local and find out what makes Sarca one of Chicago's prime shopping destinations.

Use Your Klout to Save Big on Gilt.com (Limited Time Only)

I often mention designer flash sales site Gilt.com on Twitter and Facebook, especially on days when they have my favorite brands on sale.

However, since I am such the enabler and love sharing hard-to-pass-up deals with my readers, I had to dedicate a blog post to announce the partnership between Gilt.com and the social network influence barometer Klout. Starting today and running through March 10, Klout members can receive major discounts on Gilt.com based on their Klout score.


[here's how it works]

1. Based on the information below, your Klout score (sign up here if you're not a member) determines which day you can claim your perk.

• March 6:   Klout score up to 20, user gets 20% off
• March 7:   Klout score between 21-40, user gets 40% off
• March 8:   Klout score between 41-60, user gets 60% off
• March 9:   Klout score between 61-80, user gets 80% off
• March 10: Klout score between 81-100, user gets 100% off    

2. On your designated day, go on to Klout and claim your perk. I suggest you do this early, around 7:30am CST, to be sure you don't miss out.

3. Redeem your discount on Gilt.com within 24 hours. (here's a Gilt invite if you need it)

Although the Gilt sales change daily, with so many great items from big names like Kate Spade, Diane von Furstenberg, Missoni and Amrita Singh, using that discount within a day will not be a problem. Also keep in mind that Gilt offers deals in men's, children's and home goods

So, mark those calendars and synchronize those watches to ensure you are ready to claim your perk on your designated day!

You know I will.

T-Shirt Alert: Threadless Collaborates with Gap

Yes. That's correct. Chicago's own Threadless has collaborated with mainstream retailer, Gap!

If you're unfamiliar with the brand, Threadless is an online community - with the exception of its two local retail locations - known for providing artists the opportunity to bring their designs to life on t-shirts, backpacks, iPhone cases and more. Users submit their designs, which are then in the hands of the community. Based on votes, Threadless determines if the design will go into production. Artists are compensated and consumers get an ever changing selection of customized merchandise. Brilliant concept, right?

The Threadless + Gap collaboration, which includes designs by international artists from Canada to Indonesia, takes the exact same democratic process and makes it available to an even wider audience. Now, consumers can visit their local Gap store to see the designs up close and try on the super soft cotton tees that will have you wanting to head towards the register with at least two in hand.

Last week, Gap and Threadless hosted a soiree for press to check out the newly-launched collection. Music, food and drinks were in abundance while attendees shopped both the Threadless collection and the new Spring goodies Gap had in store.

I walked away with the Love You and So Into You tees. Both of these have a sentimental theme, which is completely in contrast with the more humorous men's designs I favored: Pyramid Scheme (displays an actual pyramid screaming "Gimme All Your Money!") and Born for the Job (shows a block of cheese holding up a camera while telling his subject to "Say My Name").

Unlike the regular Threadless tees, the Gap collaboration designs are gender specific. So unfortunate. My fingers are crossed that Gap will make each of the designs available to everyone. I mean, a girl could use that Car Audio tee in her life!

Click HERE to view the entire collection. Then, let me know which t-shirt is your personal favorite.


*Threadless + Gap will introduce new shirts in late Spring. Enter your own design(s) to be considered for the next round (submissions close on March 19, 2012).
**Special thanks to Bethany Allen and Threadless for the invite and complimentary t-shirt.

[Closet Addition] Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp

It was Mary Katrantzou's Spring 2011 collection, which also happened to be her first solo runway show - that resulted in me, and countless others, falling in love with the London-based designer.

Katrantzou's use of print was not only refreshing, but also quite strategic. Using images from interiors featured in Architectural Digest and World of Interiors, she created looks that were both artistic and wearable.

So, when I discovered that she recently collaborated with Longchamp to launch a collection of bags, I immediately started my search to find out where I could get my hands on one.

In comes French retailer, Colette.

I was very familiar with the store but had no idea they had an online shop AND shipped to the U.S.! After a few minutes of deciding which size I wanted (hubby was laughing at me while I literally pulled out the measuring tape), I was adding the bag to my shopping cart and entering my credit card details. Since it was sent from Europe, shipping was not inexpensive. But I must admit, it arrived in lightning fast time and was worth every penny.

And if my photos aren't enough to entice you, check out this video of Katrantzou explaining the design process as well as the inspiration behind the collection.

Click HERE to check out the entire line of bags. And be sure to act fast to get your hands on this limited edition collection!

My Jason Wu for Target Experience...as seen on Twitter

The Jason Wu for Target collection launched yesterday with much anticipation and excitement amongst the fashion community. Actually, many who don't necessarily stay abreast  of fashion news were enthusiastic about the collection simply based on the adorably captivating Jason Wu + Target commercial. Even my mom said, "can you pick me up one of those cute t-shirts with the cat on it".

As with any designer collaboration, it's serious business for those in the know. Staying up through the wee hours of the night to take advantage of the online sales or getting up extra early to beat the crowds in-store is the normal protocol. Remember my Lanvin for H&M adventure?

Luckily, I was still awake at 2AM on Sunday when the items went up for sale on the Target website. I quickly snatched up the t-shirt for mom and two blouses for myself. I was content with my purchases but still decided to head to the store to see the goods in person.

Of course, I took to Twitter to keep my fellow fashionistas informed. Here's how it went down:

Overall, I was not overly impressed with the clothing. As mentioned in one of my tweets, the jersey shirts and dresses, the trench and the tote were the best finds.* I was told that the quality of the navy poplin dress and the flared black dress were also on par. Needless to say, when my blouses arrive, they will be returned.

Oh well, can't win 'em all.

I know that quality and fabric choice has to be sacrificed to keep prices down. But what do you think? Should the Target designer collaborations focus a little more on quality, even if it means an increase in price? Or do you think cost should remain the priority and Target should continue to cut corners to keep the price as reasonable as possible? I know there is a happy medium. But I'm not sure Target has found it yet.

Let me know your thoughts. And also share what you scored from the collection!

*Since the handbags and scarves were nowhere in sight when I arrived, I can't comment on those.

JewelMint: Get a Monthly Dose of Trendy Jewelry

By now, you've probably heard of the many entities under the BeachMint umbrella: JewelMint, StyleMint, BeautyMint and ShoeMint.

As an accessories junkie and somewhat of a jewelry hoarder, I decided that the best way to get acquainted with the BeachMint family would be through JewelMint, an ever-changing jewelry collection designed by actress, Kate Bosworth and her stylist, Cher Coulter.

[here's how it works]

After completing a Style Profile - which is established using the results of a survey that helps to determine your personal style - you are presented with jewelry recommendations in your virtual showroom.  And if you're like me and want to see what else is currently being offered, you have the option to view more items and add them to your showroom for future purchase.

Once you purchase your first item, you buy in to the monthly service that allows you to receive a new piece of jewelry for only $29.99. The service is flexible so you are free to skip months if nothing strikes your fancy. You will also receive periodic emails that announce the sales that occur on what seems like a weekly basis. So you also gain the opportunity to purchase numerous items at a discount.


[my experience]

After viewing the recommendations, I decided on the "Call to Arms" bracelet (shown above).  The lovely team at JewelMint sent it to me for review and I must say that I am impressed with the quality.  The bracelet is not heavy but it definitely feels substantial. It is the perfect size to be worn alone or stacked with an arm full of bracelets. I'm also a fan of the JewelMint packaging and branding. They certainly put much thought into the details.

In terms of shopping the site, I have noticed that items move quickly. If you see something you want, act fast because it won't be around for long.

Here are a few more items that caught my eye recently.

Nice variety, right?

To entice you even more, JewelMint and the Chicago Mint Brand Ambassador Team are offering ChiTown Fashionista readers 50% off the first month! When you're ready to checkout, use code chicago990* to get $15 off your total.

So get to shopping and let me know how your first JewelMint experience goes!

*discount code expires 3/31/12

ChicagoShopping.com: Details and a $100 GIVEAWAY!!

ChicagoShopping.com (a Chicago Tribune affiliate) is dedicated to making your online shopping experience rewarding and even more convenient! With perks and daily shopping tips, this site could ultimately be your central location for accessing your preferred brands and local deals.

Here are some of my favorite features:

Local Dailies

Discounts from "flash sale" sites like LivingSocial that are only guaranteed for a short period of time

I spotted some great deals from locations such as 10 Pin, Sawtooth, Le Peep and Odyssey Cruises. Just make sure you pay attention to the Terms and Conditions on each offer because majority of the discounts indicate a minimum that needs to be spent.

Expert Advice

Style tips and shopping advice from local experts

With a format akin to that of a blog, this includes everything from Pantone's color of the year to home decor suggestions for your child's room.

CashBack Rewards

Earn money on purchases from your favorite websites

This is the ultimate ChicagoShopping.com feature. Always shopping online at Target or Bloomingdales? Or booking flights with Southwest? Buying from these brands via the Chicago Shopping website can earn you cash to be used for future purchases.

The cashback rewards are referred to as WOWPoints. 100 WOWPoints = $1

There is a long list of participating retailers in fashion (e.g. Nordstrom, Macys, Net-A-Porter, Brooks Brothers,Gap); beauty (e.g. Sephora, Kiehls); food (e.g. Harry&David, Omaha Steaks); and more!

Each retailer will give a certain amount of WOWPoints per $1 spent.  For example, if a retailer offers 5 WOWPoints for every $1 you shell out, purchasing $100 worth of goods will earn you 500 WOWPoints (or $5). Now, that's the type of math I really like.

If you're going to shop these brands anyway, you may as well earn some cash back from your purchases.

now for the giveaway:

ChicagoShopping.com is giving away 10,000 WOWPoints to one lucky reader!! That's $100 to use towards any purchase via the website.

Yep. $100 to help soften the blow on those designer shoes you've been stalking on ShopBop.com or to help with the purchase of that flat screen you wanted on Sony's website. You can spend that $100 any way you please.

To enter:

Visit ChicagoShopping.com. Then, come back here and fill out the entry form below, including which participating retailer(s) you would most likely spend the WOWPoints on.

Easy, right?

Well, hop to it!! And GOOD LUCK!




[update]
The winner has been selected. Congratulations to Karen Murtagh!! Enjoy those WOWPoints!



*Giveaway ends Sunday, January 15th at 11:59PM CST.*
**Winner will be randomly selected and does not have to live in Chicago to win**

Disclaimer: $50 in WOWPoints were provided to ChiTown Fashionista as part of this promotion and giveaway

Visit CurrentlyObsessed.me to "Stalk" My Ever-Changing Fashion Obsessions

On any given day, you can find me tweeting or updating the ChiTown Fashionista Facebook page with of-the-moment items I'm currently coveting.

The newly created website, CurrentlyObsessed.me, has made it extremely easy for readers and followers to keep track of my ever-changing obsessions and view them all in one central location!

Not only does CurrentlyObsessed.me allow members to "stalk" my obsessions, but it also links the merchandise directly to the retailer's website, allowing users to purchase the items and receive immediate gratification. You know the fashion consumption enabler in me is especially happy about that!

Once you sign up, you can also create your own page to list all of the items you've grabbed from my profile as well as some of the other bloggers listed on the site.

I add items to my profile almost daily. So, click HERE to check out my latest finds. While you're there, don't forget to hit the "Stalk Me" button in the top right corner (sign up is required to join the site). It will demonstrate your support of my online shopping addiction. And that, my friends, is a good thing.

As you can see, gold jewelry and cobalt blue are prevalent throughout my wishlist. Is there anything particular that you've found yourself obsessing over recently?

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...

Save on Last Minute Gift Ideas from ASOS! (My Top 10 Picks)

ASOS has knocked down the prices (up to 40% discount) on what they've deemed as last-minute gifting items.

Here are my top picks from the array of choices.

1. Made Brass Flower Cuff Bracelet
2. Made Macho Moja Ring
3. Leather Elbow Patch Gloves
4. Adidas Originals Cambridge Watch
5. Leather Contrast Snake Skin Shopper
6. Metallic Oversized Bowler
7. Calourette Pin Confetti Brooch
8. House of Harlow 5 Stack Rings
9. Harris Satchel
10. Faux Fur Long Cuffs


Now, get to shopping!!

*Save an additional 20% with code: XMASSHIPUS (offer ends Friday, December 16th at 4pm PST)

Panera to fuel downtown shoppers THIS Saturday. Find out how to get in on the goods!

I just received word that Panera's brand new location on 2 North Michigan Ave will be delivering snacks to shoppers in the Loop on Saturday!!  If you find yourself downtown, finishing up your holiday shopping between 9am and 1pm, you just may have a chance to get some good ol' Panera delivered to you.

All you need to do is tweet your location and include the hashtag #panerasnackbreak. If you are selected, you will receive a tweet that the delivery is on its way! Who doesn't need a little snack break amidst all of that hardcore shopping?

Not sure what is considered "the Loop"? Well, I've created a nifty map to give you an idea. 

The delivery area is between Monroe and Lake from Lasalle to Michigan. Got it?

And just in case you need a few suggestions of where to shop on Saturday, here's a list of some of the best shopping destinations in the Loop.

Macy's
111 N. State Street

Block37 (Zara, Anthropologie, AKIRA and more)
108 N. State Street

Nordstrom Rack
24 N. State Street

H&M
22 N. State Street

TJ Maxx
11 N. State Street

Urban Outfitters
20 S. State Street

Forever21
26 S. State Street

Ann Taylor Loft
51 E. Randolph Street
111 W. Monroe Street
33 N. Lasalle Street

Jeweler's Center (190+ jewelers)
5 S. Wabash Avenue

Nine West
35 E. Washington Street
111 W. Monroe Street

The Museum Shop in the Art Institute
111 S. Michigan Avenue


Enjoy your weekend shopping adventures and let me know if you score some Panera snacks! Good luck!

Holiday Gift Ideas from the Chicago Blogger Network

If you're still on the hunt for the perfect gift or looking to add more to your own wish list, check out the Chicago Blogger Network Holiday Gift Guide!

Over 30 local bloggers recommended their "favorite things" this holiday season and it resulted in one of the most impressive gift guides I've seen. It is filled with a variety of unique items, some of which are made by local designers and/or sold in local boutiques.

Yours truly also participated. Can you find my item above?   
hint: My love for this brand started over a year ago.

Click HERE to view the entire gift guide, along with the links to each item and the respective blogger.

Then tell me, which item(s) did you like the most? Which one of your "favorite things" would you add to the list?

Lori's Shoes Launches an Impressive Capsule Collection

When I received an invite for the Lori's Shoes Capsule Collection Launch, my first thought was "it's about time". Lori's Shoes is by far one of the best locally owned places to shop for footwear. Spend a few minutes in the store or viewing the e-commerce site and you'll see that Lori knows her shoes.

Lori's is known for having some of the best prices (just do a little online comparison shopping to validate that fact) and exclusive designs (Lori frequently travels to Europe to strike deals with some of the best footwear designers).

Now that Lori's has conquered the shoe retail game, they are diving into shoe design business. My fellow shoe lovers can rejoice because the collection is quite impressive...and affordable! Every style was on-trend and incorporated one or more of the following: mary jane straps, platforms, color-blocking, and snakeskin.

Check it out:

Kimber

Knockout (in green)

Knockout (in black)

Bamma (in grey)

Bamma (in camel)

After chatting with Lori about the collection, I was introduced to Italian shoe designer Maurizio Celin.

CONTINUE READING...

Support Local Businesses on Black Friday: In-Store and Online Sales to Add to Your List

Looking to bypass the mega retailers and outlet malls and, instead, support local businesses on Black Friday?

Well, here's a roundup of some of the best local shops offering great in-store deals post-Turkey Day! And since these are some of my personal favorites, you will most certainly bump into me at one of these spots on Friday.

CONTINUE READING...

The Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl: Fashion, Fun and Fellowship

(l-r) Andrea, Gabriel, me, Raijean, Dee Dee, Hallie, Patrice, Tabitha, Jen, Elise, Mariposa, Lisa

The Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl has come and gone.  Yet, I'm still recovering from all the shopping, in-store scavenger hunt missions, Twitter challenges and fun times!

I put my tagline - "the enabler of fashion consumption" - to the test last weekend and passed with flying colors. Everyone left the crawl with tons of bags and lighter wallets. SCORE!

Here's a recap of the day.

CONTINUE READING...

The Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl and How YOU Can Participate Virtually

I'm excited to announce that ChiTown Fashionista is hosting its first ever Chicago Blogger Shopping Crawl this Saturday!! 

That's right! I've rounded up some of my blogger friends to indulge in my favorite pastime...shopping.

We will be "crawling" to three local TJ Maxx/Marshalls stores to kick off our holiday shopping and to share with all of you exactly why these are the best stores to find great gifts and even better deals. 

the crew:

Elise of Seams Deep (@EliseColleenW)

Hallie of Corals and Cognacs (@halliekw)

Lisa of Fantabulously Frugal (@fantabandfrugal)

Tabitha of Defining Tabitha (@definingtabitha)

Patrice of Afrobella (@afrobella)

and of course, me (@chitown_fashion) and Gabriel (@mistertyler)

Add to that a few guests and you have a van full of fashion-loving, shopping-addicted bargain hunters!

Now, what started out as a small shopping trip for a few friends to visit some of my favorite local TJ Maxx/Marshalls stores, has turned into a shopping event that YOU can also participate in!

TJ Maxx, Marshalls and I decided that it would be even more fun to allow the readers to track our stops and join in on the par-tay!  So, we're hosting a virtual giveaway at each location.

here's how it will work:

1. The bloggers will tweet out a photo at each store and provide our followers with the retail or "compare at" price.

2. The first one of our followers to guess the correct TJ Maxx/Marshalls price (or comes the closest) will win a $50 TJ Maxx/Marshalls gift card!

That's THREE chances to win a gift card. And who doesn't want one of those cards to help with that upcoming holiday shopping?! 

In addition to the giveaways, we will be live tweeting our finds using the official hashtag #CHIBloggerCrawl. So, be sure to stalk our Twitter timelines Saturday (10AM to 2PM) to be a part of the fun!

Can you guess which locations we're hitting up?

This is a "pilot" event that may turn into something even bigger. Who knows? I could be chartering a bus the next go 'round and inviting all of you to join me! Time will surely tell...

Randolph Street's Holiday Market: Get ready for stress-free holiday shopping [EXCERPT]

"If you’re on the hunt for unique gifts this upcoming holiday season or one-of-a-kind home decor to spice up your holiday gatherings,  look no further than Randolph Street’s Holiday Market!

With the team behind the popular Randolph Street Market and Modern Vintage Chicago events as the hosts, the Holiday Market is bound to be yet another great shopping adventure. Under one roof, you can expect to find a wide range of items at various price points. Vendors offering up gift options such as artwork and vintage clothing will neighbor those selling home goods, antique dishes and serveware."

Click HERE to read my entire post on Chicago Like A Local and find out exactly where you need to be this upcoming weekend for some good pre-Black Friday shopping!

Trendevous at Carson's: An unexpectedly great shopping experience for the department store skeptic

With Autumn in full swing, everyone is looking to update their wardrobes with items that keep them warm while maintaining their sense of style.

So, when Carson's in Yorktown Mall (Lombard, IL) invited me to Trendezvous, their Fall trend show, I was certainly curious to see what this department store had to offer this season.  As a shopper that tends to avoid department stores like the plague, I was highly impressed with the fashion show.  

I already expected the show to consist of items by designers such as Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, John Bartlett, Victor Alfaro, and the store's newest addition, Vince Camuto. But it was the use of Ford models and the coveted looks created by the Carson's styling team that pleasantly surprised me. The mixing of patterns, the execution of layering and subtle styling choices - like the fur infinity scarf worn off the shoulder - provided the audience with ideas on how to wear the trends this season.

CONTINUE READING...

GIVEAWAY: Modern Vintage Chicago is coming!

I will bypass the formalities of explaining why you should attend Modern Vintage Chicago this weekend* and get straight to the GIVEAWAY!

*Simply click HERE to see what I spotted at the last one.

I have a pair of tickets for one lucky winner to attend Modern Vintage Chicago. That's right! You and a guest get to attend the event, ogle over the Hermes and Chanel bags and encounter some of Chicago's best indie designers...FOR. FREE.

To enter, post a comment below describing one of your favorite vintage items (include your name and email address).

The giveaway ends this Thursday, October 20th, at 11:59PM (CST) and I will randomly select the winner the following morning.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!

---

UPDATE:

And the winner is...

KESHA!

Congratulations and enjoy Modern Vintage Chicago!