Style Expose Blog

4/29/2009

Sixth Annual S.H.E Event

Join us for our summer celebration to highlight some of the brightest women entrepreneurs in Chicago. The Sixth Annual (Successful. High-Energy. Entrepreneurial.) "S.H.E." Reception will be on Thursday, June 4 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. One of CEC's premier annual events, the S.H.E. Reception introduces the rising stars of the ATHENAPowerLink® mentoring program to other leading entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors.
We will also announce the winners of the program's 2009 Business of the Year and Advisory Panel of the Year Awards.

RSVP by May 28th at: http://ww2.chicagolandchamber.org/sub/event_calendar_detail.asp?EVE_ID=1215

4/28/2009

RED 7 Salon Wants to Help You!

RED 7 SALON is a boutique hair salon company with 2 locations in Chicago (River North and Evanston). This award-winning and creative salon (http://red7salon.com/press.htm) has most recently worked with numerous independent fashion designers such as: Wanda Cobar, Amber Lynn Designs, and Anna Fong. RED 7 SALON offers specialized hair design and make-up services for photo shoots and fashion shows and LOVES to work with local designers. Interested? Contact Jason at 312-644-7337 or email us at: info@red7salon.com.

4/27/2009

Dollybird Studio Opening

Thursday, April 30th from 7-10pm--Join Katie Johansson of Dollybird at her new studio opening. There will be free drinks hosted and about 15 other Artists showcasing their work with their open studio's as well. The building will be open to walk through to visit private working artist spaces. (Feather Lofts, 355 N. Laflin, Studio #402)

4/27/2009

House of Sole's Shoes, Sugar and Chardonnay Weekend

This weekend is a non-stop event at the House of Sole. From Thursday, April 30th through Sunday, May 3rd, get on the sole train and attend any of the various events listed below.

• Thursday, April 30, 6-9 pm: "Shoes, Sugar and Chardonnay" party. Do a cakewalk around the House of Sole while sampling mini cupcakes from South Loop bakery Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique and wine pairings that play off of cake flavors. Shoe designers represented in the store will be matched with the style of the cupcakes and wines. A few lucky attendees will get a super discount through a Willy Wonka draw; select cupcakes will have a "golden ticket" on the bottom of them, offering more than 30 percent off a purchase that night.

• Saturday, May 2, 11 am-7 pm: Mohop trunk show (www.mohop.com) with the designer herself. Mohop sandals are environmentally friendly, comfortable, and best of all, allow for many designs with just one pair of wooden soles. Simply lace any ribbon through elastic loops to create one-of-a-kind sandals! Mohop shoes are hand-made by Mohaupt in her studio in Chicago.

• Thursday, April 30 - Sunday, May 3: discounts on all store items all four days, namely $10 off any purchase between $50-$99, $20 off anything $100-$149 and $30 off any item $150 or greater. Those who make purchases will receive a small, sweet gift and be entered into a drawing to win a free pair of Mohop sandals for the summer.

House of Sole is located at 1237 S. Michigan Ave.

4/22/2009

The Chicago Indie Collection

Just in time for Mother's day, "The Chicago Indie Collection" is happening next weekend at Northbrook Court Mall. So if you are in the suburbs and looking for a little excitement, yawning at Macy's, head over to 2171 Northbrook Court in Northbrook.

"The Chicago Indie Collection," located near center court by Lord & Taylor, will only be available Saturday, May 2 from 10am-9pm and Sunday, May 3 from 11am-6pm. Participating designers include:

Buckle Up Babe - www.buckleupbabe.com
Brynn Capella Handbags - www.brynnhandbags.com
CC Bella - www.ccbelladesigns.com
Cellkeeper - www.cellkeeper.com
Chic Gems - www.chicgemsetc.com
Juliet Jewelry - www.julietjewelry.com
Kfleye - www.kfleye.com
Lara Miller - www.laramiller.net
Objets d'Envy - www.objetsdenvy.com
Pretty Afrika - www.prettyafrika.com
See Jane Sparkle - www.seejanesparkle.com
Simple Treasure - www.simpletreasure.com
Squasht by Les - www.squashtbyles.com
Susan Elizabeth Designs - www.susanelizabethdesigns.com
Tangee, Inc. - www.tangeeinc.net
Zuzu's Petals - www.zuzuspetalsonline.com

4/16/2009

Squash My Heart: Squasht by Les

Lesley Timpe, a St. Louis native, moved to Spain to teach English after college, looking for an adventure. While in Spain, she dabbled in design and finally stumbled into design school. Design school in Spain? Not a bad way to go! "I learned the history of fashion and about great Spanish designers like Balenciaga. We learned serious techniques and so much of that has influenced my line today," Lesley tells me as we drink root beer in her new Pilsen studio. She has a HUGE space that she has split into different sections. The sewing room is a big, curtained off portion while the front is split into office and show room. The cool old space melds well with the vintage Squasht vibe and the fun mannequin heads wearing Squasht signature headbands add an extra punch of whimsy. The Squasht line has vintage shapes with fun, new twists creating the modern vintage shoppers dream.

A Stitches Q&A with Lesley

S: What were the first steps in starting your company?
L: I didn't even mean to. I always wore my hats and friends would ask me to make them for them. I soon realized I could make money off of this and slowly Squasht by Les happened.

S:What inspires you?
L: Vintage clothing! I love vintage silhouettes and great accessories. That's why I use as many vintage fabrics as I can.

S:What's your favorite part about being an entrepreneur?
L:Being my own boss, making my own schedule. I really love coming to work.

Shop Squasht by Les at Wolfbait and B-Girls, Habit and Florodora. Don't miss this Friday's Florodora Squasht Trunk Sale from 12-6. Florodora is at 330 S Dearborn in the loop.

4/16/2009

Chicago Designer Sale Event: Lara Miller, Kate Boggiano and Erin Gallagher

Join Lara Miller, Kate Boggiano & Erin Gallagher for a Chicago Designer Sale Event at Chocolate Grape in Wicker Park on Thursday, April 23 from 6-10pm.

Event highlights:
-Shop & meet 3 top Chicago designers
-Delicious desserts
-Cheese spreads
-Wine & champagne

Menu:
-Exclusive cheeses with crackers, dried fruit, almonds & grapes
-Chocolate financiers & seasonal berry financiers
-Red wine
-White wine
-Rose
-Champagne

Tickets for this event are $20 at the door, and include food & drinks above.

Chocolate Grape is at 2113 W. Division St.

4/15/2009

Project Runway Casting Season 7

Do you have what it takes to be the next Project Runway winner?

Always dreamed of showing your work on the runways of New York City's Fashion Week?

Project Runway is now casting for season 7. If you are are interested, check out www.bunim-murray.com/prcasting. Auf wiedersehen!

4/14/2009

Grand Re-Opening of B Boutique

Thursday, April 16th at 6pm- Grand Re-Opening of B Boutique: (1117 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614) Join B Boutique in welcoming Chicago designers Steven Rosengard of Project Runway, Alice Berry, Kate Boggiano, Tennille White, Lauren Lein, Double Stitch, Anna Fong and Lara Miller to the new B. The redesigned, gallery-inspired space offers a unique shopping environment that focuses on wardrobe building through its offering of one-of-a-kind items and custom orders. Food and drink reception on April 16th at 6pm, RSVP to jada@highstylemarketing.com or 312-375-4136.

4/9/2009

Stitches/Real Talent Event: A Real Taste of Chicago Fashion

Thanks to everyone who came out to our event last week! It was a great success with wonderful turnout. Second City Style wrote a sweet posting about the event.

http://secondcitystyle.typepad.com/second_city_style/2009/04/a-real-taste-of-chicago-fashion-hanging-out-in-the-vest-kitchens.html

4/6/2009

Kristen Hassan on Bravo's "The Fashion Show"

One of the coolest ways designers have chosen to get PR for their company is venturing down the reality tv show route. Laying it all on the line, Chicago's own, Kristen Hassan of OrganiK Revolution, has made her way to Bravo's new reality tv fashion design competition, The Fashion Show. The winning designer will get $125,000 AND have their designs sold in retail stores. Watch out for Kristen on the premiere on May 7th.