5 posts tagged “fashion”

Just a sample of what I've bought recently.  If you like a crisp grapefruit scent, I highly recommend Hesperides by Fresh.

• I'm not sure why I feel the need to write any of this out.  It's truly self-centered,  but I'm trying to persuade myself I'm just checking in.
  
• I'm working for my friend Abby of Antsypants Jewelry at the One of a Kind Show at the 'Mart today so she can attend a gem show.
  
• The weekend is very busy.  Matt's work party is tonight.  I'm meeting up with navelgazer, followed by dinner with our dogsitter at our favorite place (and hope it's not too early to give our waitstaff and busboys holiday gifts).  Sunday is the Joffrey ballet with my friend and her 8 year-old daughter.  I just wish I was going along with the daugther as she is more fun these days.  Monday I'm meeting my darling friend Kathryn and her fiance at one of my favorite places to eat,  Blackbird.
  
• The benefit is in two months and I'm working on music for the fashion show.  I'm not a big fan of electronica but it is most appropriate as we need a good beat and nothing that will detract from the models.  I really want to work David Bowie's 'I Would Be Your Slave' into the mix.  I found I really liked Candie Hank  and his song J'Adore Whiskey but, alas, not runway appropriate.  Also, BOO to iTunes for making it an protected MP4 so I can't share with you.
  
• I have way too many nice items of clothing that I don't use.  I want them to go to people I know will like them.  Maybe I need to have a clothing swap?  There is one really lovely vintage black cashmere beaded cardigan that I've never worn (bought online) because it's just too poofy in the arms for me.  I look silly but it would be wonderful on the right person.  It's lined and in pristine condition.  I have other very cute skirts that won't go over my butt as it got much rounder with lifting weights.  If you know anyone who fits a size 2 with a flattish ass, let me know.
   

Inspired by Kirk Starr and his fashion rules for men, I have decided to do the same for women. 

1. Dress for your shape, not your dress size.  I think a lot of women make the mistake of dressing according to the size they wear and not their body type.  There is a big difference. 
   
2. No holiday themed sweaters ever!  Same for shirts with embroidered cartoon characters on them.  I do not care how old you are or if you have children, there is no reason to dress yourself like an overgrown toddler.  People will know that you know it's a holiday without wearing one.  I promise. 
   
3. When you go shopping, try on at least one item that you wouldn't typically consider.  I'm not saying to try on something really ugly but go for something that is out of the norm for you.  Some of my most flattering items are ones I would not have normally tried had I not pushed myself to do so.  If you don't trust your ability in doing this, find a salesperson or friend you trust.  Open-minded is good.
   
4. Getting older does not mean you need to start dressing like one of the Golden Girls.  Sure we all love Dorothy, Blanche and the others but a lot of women, once they hit 30, think they need to start looking mature.  Mature is one thing.  You don't want to look like you're trying to relive your highschool days but you don't need to turn frump on us. 
   
5. Pleated pants are not your friend.  They just want to harm you and give you a front butt. 
   
6. No one wants to see your underwear.  Stop showing us your thongs already!  Really low cut jeans and thongs are not only passe but they aren't flattering. I don't care if you are in college.
7. Really clunky shoes need to go!  Why, why, why, I ask, do a lot of women in their 20s and beyond insist on still wearing those awful clunky platforms?  You know, the ones you find might find at skechers or hot topic?  I see it way too often.  If you want a chunky heel, try a pair of Frye's.  Fluevog is good.  Just stop stomping around like Frankenstein.  Bad. 
   
8. Jeans are great but mix it up a bit.  Buy a couple of casual skirts and dresses.  I promise they are just as comfortable. 
   
9. Just become something is a trend, doesn't mean it's good.  As evidence I would like to refer you to the mini skirt and leggings of 2006. 
   
10. For all you women in college,  please wear a coat when you go out at night.  You look so silly running from bar to bar with your arms wrapped around you.  There's no good reason to freeze. 

Aside from making chocolate,  I have been spending my time planning a chocolate fashion show as part of For The Love of Chocolate, a benefit that is happening February 10, 2007.  The event will benefit Careers Through Culinary Arts, a national non-profit that promotes and provides career and job opportunities for disadvantaged youth.  The proceeds will go to the Chicago chapter and make it possible for the organization to continue to offer scholarships and programs.  Last year over 1,000 attended the event.  This year, we are planning for three times that number!

I am seeking fashion designers who would be willing to donate an outfit for the chocolate fashion show.  The outfit will be given to a renowned chef who will turn fashion into chocolate.  If this is you or someone you know, please tell them about this opportunity.  The benefits to participating are recognition at the show and on the event website, a ticket to the benefit, access to the VIP area, lots of chocolate and I promise to be a wonderful hostess!  Please note that your garment will not be the same afterwards due to the chocolate. 

To give you a better idea of what this is about, the NY Chocolate Show has an amazing  Chocolate Fashion Show every year.  Look at their photos. 

It may not be Fashion Week in New York but Chicago is having its own version, Fashion Focus 2006.  Last night I went to Chicago is...Red Hot, which features the city's best new designers, including my friend Abby Koch of  Antsy Pants Jewelry . 

It was worth standing 40 minutes in line to watch Abby walk the runway with the other designers and see her beautiful jewelry on the models.  Just a little over two years ago, I remember her meeting me and some friends for dinner, telling us about her new hobby and passing out the simple bead bracelets she had made.  She was working at Bank One as an analyst at the time and I don't think any of us had any idea she'd progress so quickly.  I still have the first bracelet she made me.It's nothing like her work today but I keep it to show people I knew her when.