Fashion Forward by Renae: Jewelry with a rich history

Monday, December 22, 2008

Not many people wear brooches anymore, but that doesn't matter to Sophie Simone Cortina. She has come up with a way to "recycle" them, along with their counterparts--vintage beads and baubles from international destinations. Her collection, Sophie Simone Designs, is worldly yet delicate, strong yet feminine--and most of all--new yet rich in history.

A celebrity reporter who was born in Venezuela and raised in Mexico City by a French mother and Mexican father, Cortina was exposed to diverse cultures at a young age. She came to the United States to attend the University of Miami on a tennis scholarship, and then began traveling again for her job, staying on top of the international celebrity beat. Her artistic passion was reborn while traveling, and she picked up the hobby of jewelry making (which she began when her grandmother gave her a few antique brooches). After receiving an amazing response from friends and family for her collection, she decided to pursue her hobby further.

"I continued finding more unique antique and vintage centerpieces that caught my eye in all corners of the world," she says. "I am inspired by nature, the different cultures that I get to experience, and by the beauty that surrounds us at all times."

Cortina's inspiration is evident in each and every unique creation. Combining vintage pieces with precious and semi-precious stones and metals, her collection has drawn the attention of mega-stars. She has made jewelry for Madonna and her daughter Lourdes, and even sold her entire collection to Pierce Brosnan, who bought 10 pieces for his wife and a necklace for every single woman on the crew of one of his films.

She plans to continue designing unique pieces for women all over the world, "recycling beauty from one generation to the next," as she says. It is quite a lovely thought that translates very well in each piece of Sophie Simone jewelry.

Cortina will make unique pieces based on a brooch, pendant or beads that you give to her. You can also purchase pieces she has made with the treasures she brings back from her travels. Prices range from $40 - $700 depending on the type of materials used and intricacy of design.

"When making each one of my designs I always finish with a short meditation: I focus on love, peace and light," she says. "I believe that the energy that is infused in the stones and within the entire piece is transmitted and felt."

To learn more about Sophie Simone Designs, visit http://www.sophiesimone.com/.

Renae Placinski is the managing partner of Maven LLC, a hybrid publicity and promotions company featuring clients in the lifestyle industry. From fashion to restaurants to nightlife, Maven is on the cutting edge of what's going on in Chicago and beyond. Visit www.maven-chicago.com for more information.

Labels: chicago, fashion

Fashion Forward by Renae: Holiday deals and events

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

This season more than ever, shoppers are looking for the latest trends at reasonable prices. As many fashionistas know, this can be quite a challenge. But with the recession, several high-end retailers and boutiques are offering deals and special events to entice their clients to keep shopping. Here's the scoop on what some Chicago fashion destinations are doing:

Pivot Boutique (1101 W. Fulton Market, Chicago): This West Loop boutique offering eco-conscious fashion is slashing prices storewide by 40 percent, and 50 percent off three or more items (now through Dec. 14). From Dec. 15-23, save 30 percent storewide and 40 percent off three or more items. All menswear is 70 percent off until it's gone, signaling that Pivot is likely phasing out their menswear section.

Gray Boutique (1361 N. Wells, Chicago; 821 Chestnut Court, Winnetka): Gray customers can get 30 percent off all clothing and 20 percent off all accessories. The sale began yesterday, so get in right away for the best selection.

Mint Boutique (2150 N. Seminary, Chicago): No specific holiday sale here, but every weekend in December, shoppers can enjoy complimentary tea and cookies, plus free giftwrapping. Sounds like an enjoyable shopping experience to me!

Cusp (Water Tower Place Mall, Chicago; Northbrook Court Mall, Northbrook): Today through Dec. 14, if you buy one sale item, you get a second sale item for an additional 75 percent off. What a steal for designer items!

If you'd like to attend some holiday events, here are a couple unique ones coming up:

Thursday, Dec. 11, 6-8 p.m.: Eat.Drink.Shop. by Koros (1039 W. Lake St., Chicago). Stop by the Koros holiday party to--ahem--eat, drink and shop at this upscale boutique.

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5-9 p.m.: Girls' Night Out by Sheque Chicago/Galleria Unico (44 E. Superior, Chicago). Want a break from Michigan Ave. holiday shopping? Destress with beauty treatments, including eyebrow threading and gold henna tattoos by Thread Away, manicures by Karen Nails, makeovers and massages. Also comp cocktails, small bites and desserts. Check out a runway show with luxury fur fashions by Hana K at 8:15. Plus, get a gift bag to go with a bunch of goodies. $25 in advance, $35 at the door. www.shequechicago.com.

Sunday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 21, noon-3 p.m.: Fair Trade Holiday Sale by Bethany United Church of Christ (4250 N. Paulina, Chicago). Looking for a truly unique gift item that is also socially responsible? Contribute to fair trade practices by purchasing gifts here.

Renae Placinski is the managing partner of Maven LLC, a hybrid publicity and promotions company featuring clients in the lifestyle industry. From fashion to restaurants to nightlife, Maven is on the cutting edge of what's going on in Chicago and beyond. Visit www.maven-chicago.com for more information.

Labels: chicago, fashion

Fashion Forward by Renae: New V. Mora collection to appear in 2009

Thursday, December 4, 2008

A new designer is appearing on Chicago's emerging fashion scene, and you can expect to see her collection in early 2009. Anna Livermore, a Columbia College graduate, is the creative designer behind V. Mora. According to the press release, the new V. Mora collection promises to "help women escape from the cookie-cutter, shapeless styles that are ubiquitous today by introducing a collection of unique and bold pieces that infuse a modern, playful take into the classic cuts that best flatter women's figures."

Anything that flatters my figure sounds good to me! Not to mention the bold color palate and vitality that's captured in the V. Mora Spring 2009 collection. Here's a little bit more about the brain behind the designs: Anna is a designer, seasoned buyer and fashion entrepreneur who began designing clothing in the second grade with paper poodle skirts for her entire class. She turned her creativity into a fashion design degree from Columbia College, and shortly after graduation began working as a buyer for two local boutiques.

Anna wanted to create something different than what she was seeing as a buyer, so she launched V. Mora, which boasts vibrant colors combined with classic cuts that are well suited for contemporary, confident women. Her talent and hard work is paying off in the Spring '09 V. Mora collection, a very cohesive and flattering group of dresses, skirts, tops, vests and more. Best yet, V. Mora offers high quality pieces at reasonable prices, combining the key elements of what many of us look for while shopping: fashion, function and affordability.

The V. Mora collection delivers in February, so keep your eyes out for Anna's designs in local boutiques. Her goals for the new year? To always design for the customer, utilize cuts that fit and flatter a woman's body and to inspire fashion by selling her collection on a nationwide level. Best of luck to this emerging designer! You can check out V. Mora by visiting http://www.vmora.com/. For inquiries, contact Anna at 773-540-4097.

Renae Placinski is the managing partner of Maven LLC, a hybrid publicity and promotions company featuring clients in the lifestyle industry. From fashion to restaurants to nightlife, Maven is on the cutting edge of what's going on in Chicago and beyond. Visit www.maven-chicago.com for more information.

Labels: chicago, fashion

Fashion Forward by Renae: Changes on the Magnificent Mile

Thursday, November 20, 2008

This year as you venture out to do your holiday shopping or go to see the lights on Michigan Avenue, you may notice some changes. Some new stores have opened, others have moved locations and others have closed. The transformation will continue in 2009, as additional stores move in. Here's the scoop:

American Girl Place, which moved into the old Lord & Taylor store in Water Tower Place, has opened its doors to thousands of little girls looking for dolls and doll accessories.

Michael Kors has opened a lifestyle boutique at the 900 N. Michigan Shops. Another Kors store in the same location will open in 2009 and feature the designer's collection line.

Cusp, the hip boutique from Neiman Marcus, is now open in Water Tower Place.

Zara, Spanish clothing retailer with numerous international locations, will give H&M some competition with its new outpost at 700 N. Michigan Ave. Zara is rehabbing Chicago Place, and the upper floors will feature a hotel.

Talbot's is closing (Zara takes its place in the same location).

Columbia Sportswear will open a retail space at 830 N. Michigan Ave. in late spring of 2009.

As Michigan Avenue continues to transform over the years, Chicagoans can always count on the Magnificent Mile as one of the hottest spots to find new shopping destinations--it's even worth fighting a little tourist traffic to get there.

Labels: chicago, fashion, shopping

Fashion Forward by Renae: Holiday Parties

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The first couple weeks of November are like the calm before the storm. Sooner than we expect, we'll be in the middle of Thanksgiving meal preparation, shopping for holiday gifts, traveling to visit our family and friends and making the rounds to all of those holiday parties. Even if your office has chosen to forego the holiday party due to the economy, there's sure to be plenty of get-togethers that will need your RSVP ASAP. There are two essentials that you'll need to ensure you're prepped for this year's round of soirees: good host/hostess gifts (for house parties) and a few fabulous dresses to wear (or suits for the guys).

Instead of bringing the typical bottle of wine to a party, why not stand out with a fabulous foodie gift? My suggestion is to visit The Spice House (1512 N. Wells) in Old Town for a themed spice gift box. For about $20 you can get a box that contains four full jars of unique spice blends. (Hint: If you buy 10 or more gift boxes you'll get 15 percent off during the month of November.)Walk down the street to Old Town Oil (1520 N. Wells) for oils and aged balsamic vinegars from around the world. Rumor has it they're going to carry smaller gift size bottles for the holidays. Perfect!

Now that the hostess gift is figured out, what are you going to wear? Guys, now is the time to sport your finest attire. Put away the jeans and go for a suit! Why not? Just be sure it fits properly. If you're short on time, pay a visit to Halo for Men (21 W. Elm St., 3324 N. Clark St., 1655 N. Damen Ave.) to get your hair trimmed plus custom tailoring right in the salon from Halo's partner, Custom Suits You.

Ladies, still searching for that fabulous dress? Head to Wicker Park and visit Le Dress (1741 W. Division St.). Hate it when you go into a store to find a dress and there are only a few to choose from? Not at Le Dress...it's a clever dress-only boutique. If you can't find "the" dress here, well, you're just out of luck.

To get a jump start on your holiday outfit, come meet the owners of Le Dress this Thursday, Nov. 13, at the weekly Diva Series at Madame Tartine (22 E. Hubbard St.) from 7-11 p.m. Sip on kir royales as you get complimentary holiday style consultations and enter to win Le Dress giveaways!

Renae Placinski is the managing partner of Maven LLC, a hybrid publicity and promotions company featuring clients in the lifestyle industry. From fashion to restaurants to nightlife, Maven is on the cutting edge of what's going on in Chicago and beyond. Visit www.maven-chicago.com for more information.

Labels: chicago, fashion

Fashion Forward by Renae: A Visit to Evanston

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Looking for a different neighborhood where you can spend an afternoon shopping? Take a look at our northside neighbor Evanston. Accessible by El or Metra, Evanston's downtown area is a melange of brand name shops (Gap, Urban Outfitters, World Market, North Face, Ann Taylor, etc.) and independent boutiques. Throw in several dining options, and you've got the perfect destination to shop, browse, eat and enjoy a leisurely walk in a nice community.

I recently visited Evanston and found some spots that you should check out--especially as you're looking for holiday gifts for friends and family. One of my favorite boutiques is Asinamali (yep, strange name), located at 1722 Sherman Ave. Women's clothing, accessories and shoes are available, including many well-known labels such as Tulle, Free People, Michael Stars and Frye. Offering a fun, casual atmosphere, Asinamali's prices can be moderate to a bit high, but you're sure to get unique items and enjoy your time shopping here.

Fashion Tomato (1631 Sherman Ave.) may be just down the street, but offers something completely different. Check out this boutique if you're looking for trendy items but not any particular label. Reasonable prices make this shop a place to check out for an impulse purchase--maybe a cute top for a girls' night out?

If you're on the hunt for the perfect accessory, check out the Evanston outpost of Francesca's Collections (1706 Maple Ave.) While Francesca's has a few locations in downtown Chicago, every store has a different layout. Make this your last stop--you're bound to find the finishing touches to complete that new outfit you bought earlier.

Perhaps you're seeking unique gifts or just something different for yourself. Check out Ethical Planet, an all-vegan shop that's sure to carry any "green" item you may seek. Located at 111o W. Davis St, Ethical Planet has been around for just two years, but has amazing, eco-friendly options that should keep it open for a long, long time.

To complete your indie shopping trip, visit Vintage Vinyl Records. There are still a few of these hidden gems out there! Stop by Vintage (925 Davis St.) to pick up hard-to-find records and other music-related stuff you thought may have been lost for good because of those pesky big box retailers.

These are just a few of the options Evanston has to offer. Why not make a day trip out of it and check it out for yourself?

Renae Placinski is the managing partner of Maven LLC, a hybrid publicity and promotions company featuring clients in the lifestyle industry. From fashion to restaurants to nightlife, Maven is on the cutting edge of what's going on in Chicago and beyond. Visit www.maven-chicago.com for more information.

Labels: chicago, fashion

Fashion Forward by Renae: Latino Fashion Week Returns to Chicago

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Often, it seems as if Chicago plays second fiddle to New York and L.A. when it comes to fashion. Occasionally, we see a bit of fashion news coming out of our city, but that's certainly not enough in my opinion. Do we have the talent and resources required to become a top-tier player in the fashion world? If you check out the many components of Latino Fashion Week Chicago, you can easily see the answer should be a resounding "yes."

In its second year, Latino Fashion Week is heating up Chicago's fashion industry this week with numerous events, runway shows, contests and more. The honoree list is impressive--from Broadway stars to media personalities to models. The designers featured are not only showcasing their beautiful clothes, but their personalities and heritage. The events are fun and fresh, and many of them also benefit nonprofit organizations in the Latino community.

If you're searching for something beyond the typical shopping trip and more fulfilling than the regular night out, I suggest you check out one of the events at Latino Fashion Week. It's a great opportunity to learn about emerging designers, Latino heritage in Chicago and what's on the cutting edge of fashion right now. Plus, you're supporting a good cause--you're helping to put Chicago in the fashion spotlight. For more information and a list of events, visit http://www.chicagolatinofashion.com.

Labels: chicago, chicago events, fashion

Fashion Forward by Renae: Bill Cosby - Fashion Icon?

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

He's famous for his classic television show. His comedy. His Jello commercials. But fashion? A recent article in New York Magazine (also posted online at NBC5.com) claims the "Cosby Sweater" is making a return to become a retro trend today. Is this true? I had a friend, who, with his buddies, decided to all sport Cosby sweaters and take silly group photos at Sears. (Yes, they really did.) They were joking around, and it was just for fun. But in all seriousness, it appears the Cosby sweater trend is really coming back. (The photo is a Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater. Marc Jacobs knows his stuff.)

Here's the question: Is it a good thing? These sweaters, and a myriad of other related looks for both men and women, have created a comfy, homely fashion phase that's big this fall. Men, would you wear sweaters like this? And women, would you wear the red-and-black-plaid trend that has appeared on runways and in magazines (such as Elle) this season?

Perhaps this trend stands for something deeper. It's been said that when our nation, or the world, faces greater hardship, a widespread tragedy or similar difficulty, fashion reflects it as designers showcase more modest looks. Conservative colors, practical materials, more coverage, etc. It could be argued that the fashion industry's recent attraction to plaid, fair isle, and overall L.L. Bean-esque attire is a reflection of the suffering economy and a nation in transition. We are drawn to safety and security right now. What makes you feel more secure than a big, soft, warm sweater or a quilted plaid vest?

This is simply an observation on my part. Whether you agree with me or not, you can't deny that this trend will come in handy for us Chicagoans this winter. I say wear that Cosby sweater with pride--you'll be "in" and stay warm too.

Labels: chicago, fashion

Fashion Forward by Renae: These boots are made...with open toes?!?

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The air is getting cooler. Leaves are changing color. This can only mean one thing: fall...fashion! I can unleash my sweaters and jackets from their cramped storage space and give them room to hang in my closet. (A coveted position, indeed, as I do not have a walk-in.) Even though I have many fall favorites that I wear every season, I still need to check out the latest trends and purchase a few key items that will elevate my look to reflect what's hot right now.

I couldn't help but notice the carry-over of gladiator sandals from this summer into this fall's heels. I really do like this trend and I'm glad it's sticking around a bit longer (especially after watching my "Sex and the City" DVD last night and seeing the fab four sporting beautiful examples of the gladiator). With extra metal hardware and material that covers the top parts of the foot and ankle, this is one look that is bold and fashion-forward.

In my recent searches for those few key items for this season, I've been seeing what I'll call the "gladiator boot." Essentially, these are boots with open toes. Now, I'm all for experimenting with new trends and embracing unique looks, but the gladiator boot may cross the line. If you live in Chicago like me, you know how difficult it is to walk in heels in the snow, let alone having open toes!

In the city, you can find some gladiator boots (like the Steve Madden Rytz Boot) at Akira. DSW also carries an open-toe boot, the Steve Madden Luxe Magic Suede Bootie. (It seems Mr. Madden is championing this look!) In the burbs, Cusp carries Loeffler Randall cutout booties that have closed toes with the cutout just below the ankle--much more reasonable for cold weather, and still fashionable.

I'm interested to see how many women in Chicago will brave the weather and wear open-toed boots this season. This trend is truly making us decide which is more important--fashion or practicality. Which one will you choose?

Labels: chicago, fashion

Fashion Forward by Renae: Are You Still Shopping?

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Unless you've been hiding out in some remote locale without access to media, you have certainly heard about our current economic crisis. While the writing has been on the wall for a while, we are now feeling the financial strain as individuals, as cities and as a nation. When a situation like this happens, people generally seek financial safety and cut back on spending.

But if you're a fashionista like me, you find ways to update your wardrobe and still shop. I was curious what my fellow trend-setters are doing to combat financial fears and remain fabulous. I asked some friends about their tactics--and received some good tips.

One friend, a media personality, conducts fashion research by checking out the latest trends on Oak Street. She strictly window shops, and then makes her purchases at Forever 21, where she find many of these looks at a fraction of the price. H&M is another good location for this kind of design rich clothing at a reasonable cost. Label hunters often check out Target for their GO International guest designers, who create pieces that us "regular folks" can afford. This trend is catching on, as Kohl's, Payless and others now showcase affordable designer looks.

Another friend shared her secret for a "new" winter wardrobe: she keeps tailors busy by hiring them to rework her old wardrobe into new, fresh pieces. A dress was simplified into a blouse; a long, knee-length jacket morphed into a shorter suit length and a voluminous skirt became a sleek pencil skirt. By adding new items she found on Internet bargain shopping sites like Bluefly.com, she now owns a closet full of chic new looks that didn't cost an arm and a leg.

But what about shoes, you say? One friend suggests US #1 Vintage in Bucktown as THE spot to score a great pair of shoes for a steal. She also checks out the shoe section at Nordstrom Rack for designer deals.

To throw in my two cents, I've recently shopped with a guilty conscience, nervous about the economy. But my experience helped ease my fears: I shopped at P.S. Accessories' moving sale. They left their State St. location, but offered an absolutely amazing sale where I secured a hefty 60 percent discount. So scope out those moving and going-out-of-business sales!

Finally, don't forget to sell your old items. Try Crossroads or Buffalo Exchange for some instant extra cash. I like to call it my own personal economic stimulus package. And we know we could all use that.

Labels: chicago, fashion

Fashion Forward by Renae: Chicago's Fashion History

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Chicago's Fashion Focus is currently taking place; it's a weeklong series of events designed to showcase Chicago's emerging designers, neighborhood boutiques, up-and-coming trends and more. Through an array of workshops, runway shows, lectures, Q&As with designers and more, we are supposed to gain a better understanding for our city's thriving fashion scene, an appreciation for the artistic merits of local designers and an overall awareness of Chicago's presence in the international fashion industry. While Fashion Focus events highlight the future in fashion (both the looks and the designers), the most interesting event to me actually draws on the past.

The Chicago History Museum has just unveiled "Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum." This exhibition captures the essence of our city's fashionable past, something that is often overlooked. This collection contains garments dating from 1861-2004, covering more than a century of historic designs and their connection to Chicago.

I attended the History Museum's Christian Dior exhibition last year, and was thoroughly amazed at the opulence and true artistry of his New Look, which has served as the inspiration for countless designers who followed in his footsteps. I'm looking forward to viewing "Chic Chicago" as a true representation of Chicago's fashion history. I'm happy to see that the museum is also drawing on that history for FashioNext, a competition for local designers who will create a couture look inspired by one of the pieces in the "Chic Chicago" collection. What an amazing way to cultivate Chicago's fashion identity!

"Chic Chicago" runs through July 26, 2009. For updates and information on the exhibition and FashioNext, visit the museum blog. For information on Fashion Focus and to access the event list, visit http://www.chicagofashionresource.com.

Labels: chicago events, fashion