Style Expose Blog

3/30/2009

Pivot Dresses Week

For some of us, Spring-time means the can't wait for summer, no tights, leave the office early, sort of excitement. For others, its two baby showers, three graduations and a wedding. Fear not, Pivot has taken everyone into consideration this Spring and created, "Dresses Week." The eco-fashion boutique has brought in over 50 new dresses for all the many occasions(and at 20% off), carrying lines they don't typically carry for this one short week.

DRESSES WEEK LAUNCH PARTY

Thursday, April 2nd

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Featuring an organic wine tasting of selections now available at Green Grocer and sweet treats from Bleeding Heart Bakery.

Shoes & Jewelry: Mohop shoes will be available for try-on and ordering, jewelry from Julia Failey and Leaves of Glass.

3/26/2009

Chicago Reader's Best Clothing Designer: Abigail Glaum-Lathbury!

Our own Abigail Glaum-Lathbury was chosen as Chicago Reader's Best Clothing Designer of 2009. Congrats, Abigail!

"Glaum-Lathbury still gets obsessed by odd things: one collection was all about the shape of an insect's body, which, butterfly-like, underwent a wonderful metamorphosis on the way from her mind to the hanger. But she never lets her concept get in the way of her execution. Characterized by painstakingly tailored yet romantic flourishes like folds, pintucks, and pleats, her work showcases her sharp sense of the properties of different fabrics as well as an awareness of what flatters the body. Her clothes are vintagey yet futuristic, both pretty and thought provoking—truly the best of all worlds."

Anna Hovet was chosen as the reader's Choice so congrats to Anna too!

3/25/2009

Anna Hovet Lauch Party

Check out a new designer on the scene, Anna Hovet. She is having a launch party tomorrow, March 26th, at 9pm at Le Passage. Here she will reveal her new Spring Collection with a runway show, with music by DJ Shala. Annie's modern, quirky line is currently all custom orders, with select pieces at Akira, but starting in April, her line will be available to order. So hover over to Le Passage and check out Anna Hovet.

Le Passage
937 N Rush St.

3/24/2009

Pivot Receives Chicago Magazine Green Award!

Pivot, Chicago's first eco-fashion boutique, has received a 2009 Chicago Magazine Green Award! Jessa Brinkmeyer, the owner of Pivot, received this recognition along with five other local individuals hoping to make the world a better place. The article notes, "Since opening Pivot, Brinkmeyer has had to counteract eco-fashion's ugly stereotype. "People have images of hemp sacks, and clothes you can smoke," she says. And indeed, there are no hemp sacks in her boutique at 1101 West Fulton Market. Instead, hanging from her racks are funky tops from Stewart + Brown, slimming denim from Good Society, and a covetable black dress from the Chicago designer Lara Miller."Congratulations, Jessa!


Visit Pivot at 1101 W Fulton Market in the West Loop.

3/23/2009

Call for Designers: Designer Needed

See below for an email from a new women's wear line:



I am a former management consultant with an MBA and background in the retail industry. I am looking to start a clothing line and am working on two ideas. I am looking for designers interested in women's pajamas or plus size women's clothing. All interested designers can email me at tanisha.drummer@gmail.com.

3/19/2009

Fashion Deflation

Forbes posted an article last week discussing the attempts of wholesalers and retailers to cut costs and their pricing to keep their customers and avoid the 70% off sales of 2008. Brands such as Joe's Jeans and Coach might be marking down their fall prices up to 30% to maintain the quality of their brand without diluting it with bargain basement sales. According to Mounir Moufarrige, CEO and president of Emanual Ungaro, "Prices have spiraled in the luxury market in the last several years due to aggressive consumption," he says. "Merchandise became too expensive, and we need to bring things down to reasonably expensive now that we no longer have this demand." I guess only time will tell what does this do to small scale wholesalers and retailers who have to keep up.

3/18/2009

Retail Business Exchange

Women's Business Development Center

Retail Business Exchange


Running a small retail business is very demanding. That's why we've created this opportunity to meet other local retailers, share experiences, and learn the best ways to:

• Nurture your customer base, generate more referrals, and find new customers cost-effectively

• Keep everyone in your company connected, so your team can stay on top of new business developments

• Operate efficiently by keeping tabs on every aspect of your business
This is a chance to meet other retailers and discuss issues and challenges you'll likely face during this economic climate. Use the group setting as a resource and for peer support. The Business Exchange is open to all retail business owners.

Call 312-853-3477 x0 or www.wbdc.org to register today.


Tuesday, March 31, 2009 8:30am-10:00am

Soko Fashion Boutique

1925 W. Chicago Ave. (Chicago/Damen Ave.)

Chicago, Illinois

3/18/2009

Beta Boutique Walter Designer Sample Sale

What - In-Store Walter Sample Sale

When - 3 Days Only! Friday 3/20 & Saturday 3/21 11A-5:30P & Sunday 3/22 12-5P

Where - Beta Boutique store, 2016 W Concord Place

Why - Shop a to-die-for collection of the best of Walter's Resort 2009, priced wholesale and below.



For a sneak peak of the mind-blowing fabulous Walter blouses, dresses, skirts, jackets and more that they'll have in-store exclusively for this event, visit the Facebook event photo album!

3/17/2009

Stitches Event: A Real Taste of Chicago Fashion, April 2nd

We are partnering with Real Talent to present some of Chicago's top designers in the inventive "A Real Taste of Chicago Fashion" Showcase to be held Thursday, April 2 at 5:30pm with eight local fashion designers at Vesta Design Kitchen(1357 W Concord Place). The event brings together the genres fashion and food, to unveil the designers' new spring lines in modern kitchen spaces paired with themed menus. RSVP at rsvp@chicagolandec.org. Click on picture for further event details.

3/16/2009

CREATIVE CHICAGO EXPO

CREATIVE CHICAGO EXPO
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St

When: April 4, 2009

Where: Chicago Cultural Center

Time: 10:00 am — 4:00 pm

What: The Creative Chicago Expo is a unique gathering of resources, services and expertise specifically for people in the arts. Featuring workshops and vendors for individuals and arts organizations, it's also an important opportunity to network and build community. With over 3,500 artists making their way through the Cultural Center, it's one of the few times when so much of Chicago's cultural community is available under one roof.

Cost: Free!
Visit http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/dance/node/10269/// for more information

3/12/2009

Shop Ianneci's New Eco-Friendly Spring Line

Spring has err not sprung yet but spring collections have and its time to play a little make believe. The two sisters behind Ianneci have taken a cool new step this season and moved towards an eco-friendly eclectic look. Find cool magazine glossed bangles with punk details and some of their signature pieces with glass beads. Not to mention that baubly rings that could create quite the distraction in a meeting. Shop this new collection on Etsy while it lasts.

3/11/2009

Evil Kitty Trunk Show at Wolfbait &B-Girls

Wolfbait & B-girls is hosting an exclusive Evil Kitty trunk show this month. Evil Kitty will be presenting their new Spring 2009 collection. In addition to viewing the new styles, you will get a chance to purchase all the Evil Kitty classics for a discounted price.

When: Saturday, March 14
12 PM to 5 PM

Where: Wolfbait & B-Girls
3131 W. Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

So what's next?
RSVP for the show by emailing evilkitty666@mac.com.

3/10/2009

March Seminar at Saper Law: Litigation Exposed

If you are operating a business you've probably heard the ominous term "LAWSUIT" from a variety of advisors:

Incorporate--so you protect yourself from lawsuits!
Get insurace, to protect yourself from lawsuits!
Get contracts, to protect yourself from lawsuits!
Problems with a vendor? ex-employee? competitor? File a Lawsuit!

In an ever litigious business climate, its important for business owners to understand what's involved in the litigation process.

March's seminar at Saper Law de-bunks the mystery behind litigation and teaches business owners the lingo and procedures they need in order to tackle disputes.

Among the questions answered will be:
What is a litigator, vs a transactional lawyer? Can a lawyer be both?
What exactly happens in a lawsuit? What is the timeline, procedure?
What is the role of a lawyer, judge, and jury in a lawsuit?
What are jurisdiction issues?
Does litigation always have to be an expensive endevour?
When can a lawuit be used strategically to achieve a favorable settlement?
Other questions are welcome.

Details:
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Saper Law Offices, LLC
500 N. Dearborn, Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60654
Time: 11:45 — 1:15
Cost $15 with online registration, $25 at the door.
Lunch will be provided.

3/5/2009

Business Casual: A tip from our Special Interest Group

Find a good banker! A banker can be your best asset and they are a FREE resource. Meet with them every 6 months. A good banker should give you references for suppliers, tips for negotiating with landlords and business referrals. It's not about what bank you are at but who your banker is. Move around until you find a good one OR find out if your friends have a good one they are hiding. Go ahead, bank on your banker.

3/5/2009

4 Designer In-Store Sample Sale This Weekend at Beta Boutique

From Beta Boutique:
You are trying so hard to be good. A cable channel here, a latte there, your nails can wait one more week…but there is only so much a girl can take, and that itch just won't go away. Spring is here, and you really need new clothes!! Once again, Beta Boutique to the rescue!

Join them this weekend only, for a special in-store multi-designer sample sale, featuring four fabulous designers at rock-bottom prices (starting at $10!) from New York & L.A, including:

Eva Franco (NYC) - selling Fall, Holiday & Spring stock at wholesale prices and below
By Francine (NYC) - selling Spring samples from $45 - $65
Alicia Bell (NYC) - selling Spring dress blouses (perfect for work) for $60
Elevate & Collide (LA) - selling Fall stock and samples starting at $10, priced significantly below wholesale

This Weekend's Event Details:
What - In-Store Multi-Designer Sample Sale
When - 2 Days Only! Saturday 3/7 11A-5P & Sunday 3/8 12-5P
Where - Beta Boutique store
Why - Four Fabulous Designers @ Rock Bottom Prices! ($10-$130)
Special Note - The store will be closed on Friday 3/6 in preparation for the weekend's event.

For an additional sneak peak of the seriously amazing and staggering discounted blouses, dresses, skirts, sweaters and more that will be at this weekend's in-store sale, visit our Facebook event photo album!

Can't make this weekend's event? No worries, they'll be holding in-store sample sales with fantastic new designers every few weeks. Next up - a to-die-for event featuring the best of Walter's Resort 2009 collection, priced at wholesale and below.

3/4/2009

Raymi Productions Mothers Day Event: Designer Booths

This spring, Cece & Melinda will host an exclusive boutique shopping event at the Metropolitan Club just before Mother's Day. The Metropolitan Club has become known as "the" place to conduct business, meet Chicago's Who's Who's and has developed a reputation as Chicago's finest Business Club. The Club continues to be known for these things and is celebrating its 34th year of serving the Chicago community.
Become a vendor today and expose yourself to new customers.
WHAT:Each designer or boutique will rent a 6x6 booth space for $350 dollars. This will include all of the marketing, promotion, logo signage, a table with a tan table cloth, a chair and an outlet. Wireless capabilities will also be available during the event. All online and email promotion for the event will be clickable to each designer or boutique's website.
WHERE:
The Metropolitan Club
233 S. Wacker Dr, 67th floor
Chicago, IL 60606
WHY: There are many amazingly talented designers in and around Chicagoland. Some have their own boutique while others consign their merchandise to stores and host individual trunk shows. This is a great way for savvy and trendy Chicagoans to shop great designers all in one location conveniently right after work.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 28th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. Don't forget this is the week before Mother's Day. This event will be heavily advertised. Each vendor is also encouraged to promote the event to their own databases.
If you are interested in securing a booth please email your: Name, Company Name, Contact Information and type of boutique to info@raymiproductions.com. Please also submit your logo.Send your $350.00 payment in full to Raymi Productions to Cece Gonzales Vidito at 1220 N Dearborn Suite 1A Chicago, IL 60610.

3/3/2009

Gen Art's Shop Chicago

We all need a little fashion therapy now and again. And it helps when that therapy doesn't prevent us from buying groceries. Gen Art comes to the rescue twice a year to showcase Chicago's top designers in an affordable way.

What: Shop Chicago will showcase designers' spring collections at discounted prices of up to 70% off retail in womenswear, menswear, and accessories, as well as designer collections from Gen Art Chicago's Fresh Faces in Fashion runway show.
When: Saturday, March 21st, 2-6pm
Where: 210 South Canal Street(Union Station)

3/2/2009

First Steps for the New Retailer

Starting a retail business can be overwhelming for many business owners. While you may know what lines to carry and what colors to paint the walls, there are intricate aspects of owning a retail business.

We have compiled a resource guide for you, the new retailer, taking your first steps into the boutique world to help simplify your new venture. Here you will find information on hiring sales associates, your financial statements and how to merchandise your store for the best sales. While we have included many helpful resources, this guide is a work in progress.

Login at the top of the Stitches page and access this packet as well as our Fashion First Steps Packet. Any questions, comments or concerns can be directed to elise@chicagolandec.org.