Friday, November 11, 2011

ATTENTION THEFRONTROWRUNWAY.COM SUBSCRIBERS!

Just a quick message to let you know thefrontrowrunway.com has moved to wordpress (a blog hosting site). The blog will remain on thefrontrowrunway.com, but if you previously subscribed by email before November 6th, you will need to subscribe again. To subscribe to my blog posts by email, simply visit thefrontrowrunway.com and enter your email in the top right column (it's the FOLLOW button).
I apologize for any confusion, but I wanted to send a quick note to keep my readers in the loop.

Feel free to contact me with any questions: thefrontrowrunway@gmail.com

Thanks!
B

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Attention thefrontrowrunway subscribers!

Good evening, all! Just a quick message to let you know thefrontrowrunway.com has moved to wordpress (a blog hosting site). The blog will remain on thefrontrowrunway.com, but if you previously subscribed by email before November 6th, you will need to subscribe again. To subscribe to my blog posts by email, simply visit thefrontrowrunway.com and enter your email in the top right column (it's the FOLLOW button).
I apologize for any confusion, but I wanted to send a quick note to keep my readers in the loop.

Feel free to contact me with any questions: thefrontrowrunway@gmail.com

Thanks!
B

Friday, November 4, 2011

Vote for me for Best Dressed - Chicago Blogger Network Tribute Party

Happy Fashionable Friday! Here's a picture of me from the CBN Tribute Party the other night. Big props to Tyler from Darkroom Demons for being such a personable photographer! 

Click on the link below and type in a comment to vote. Thanks for the support! :) 

Photo Credit: Darkroomdemons.com

Boots: Chloe
Clutch: Jil Sander
Lizard Cuff: Jil Sander 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Chicago Blogger Network Event @ Tribute

Last evening, I attended my first EVER Blogger event! I have to admit, I felt very intimidated before arriving. I knew NO ONE! However, upon checking in, I was greeted with smiles and welcomes from Kelly Ryan O'Brien, founder of Chicago Blogger Network, Lexi Hoffman, and the other wonderful ladies of CBN.
The soiree was held at Tribute, a new restaurant located inside the Essex Inn. I stuck to water for the night, but nibbled a bit on the hors d'oeuvres and bite size desserts. The staff was equally friendly and welcoming!

Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com

I scanned the room and put down my jacket to mingle with my fellow Chicago Bloggers. I quickly realized that I was silly to be worried about being nervous to chat with a room full of bloggers. Who was I kidding? This is Chicago, the heart of the Midwest! It was refreshing to learn about others' interests and how they began to blog. We also chatted about technology (a few had to fill me in on some of the new networks, such as Pinterest) and our favorite "big-time" (meaning blogging is now their DAY JOB) bloggers!

Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com

At the end of the night, we all left with swag bags filled with Loopt.com sunglasses, KINDsnacks, Pop chips, Freshii gift certificates, Pink Papaya hand scrub and cream, Sharpies, all inside of a black Chicago Blogger Network tote. It's the perfect "survival" kit for any blogger!

Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com
Moving back to Chicago has made me happy, but I have to admit, it was a big adjustment. Though I am no longer in the heart of the fashion world, I now feel like I belong to a great network of people that speak my language. We love fashion, food, culture, CHICAGO, and most importantly, are supportive of each other's passions. I look forward to future events with CBN!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Own a piece of Karl Lagerfeld's latest collaboration!

For a limited time, you can shop Karl Lagerfeld's latest collaboration! Lagerfeld, the Creative Director for luxury houses Chanel and Fendi, has collaborated with mass-market retailer Macy's to design for their contemporary section, impulse. The collection consists of dresses, vests, skirts, and a few accessories at an affordable price. Though the collection could pass as just another contemporary collection, I had to pick up a grey & black ombre tunic with Karl's face on the front. The tunic is now on sale!

Why so serious? Putting my best Karl face on.
Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com

Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Plane garb

During my last international trip, I experienced a few long flight delays. While awaiting an announcement to board (or a cancellation, luckily not the latter), I noticed many travelers that were lazily dressed. I saw a woman in bike shorts with a ratty old t-shirt, flannel pajamas, sweatshirts, etc.

Look, I get it. You want to be very comfortable, especially if you're stuck in coach on an international flight and need the sleep. But, you don't have to dress like you just rolled out of bed. I've become accustomed to running into clients and friends at the gate and the last thing I want to look like while chatting is a mess. Is running into people that you know not a deal breaker for you? How about the dressing for the airline?

If you're pulled together and have a nice attitude, you may be placed in a better seat or receive that upgrade. Look important! I've tuned into the new ABC show, Pan Am, and it has made me nostalgic for a past that I was not a part of. Although I am thankful times have changed and I can travel in flats, I still wish there was more respect for travel.


Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com
I never travel without wearing my Jil Sander tailored leggings or nice denim. Since I am usually freezing on any flight, summer or winter, I top off my look with a long cardigan (to cover my bum!) or a draped jacket.
The jacket I have been living in all fall is pictured above, by Free People. I also slip on Smartwool socks for the flight to keep my toes warm! This past summer, I wore a lot of maxi dresses on the planes with cropped leggings underneath to keep my legs extra warm. The dress acted as an extra blanket for me as well. Since I am not a fan of airplane blankets or pillows, I travel with my own from Brookstone, along with their eye mask.
Don't forget your Ray-Bans or favorite pair of sunglasses to cover up tired eyes.

Greased Lightning!

There is an uncertainty in the world right now, largely due to the economy. Many individuals are trying to sell their home, cut back financially, and try their best to stay secure in the unsteady employment market.
Designers aren't immune to the current economic state either, so perhaps it was time to take us back to an era of optimism, the 1950's...

Prada
Miuccia Prada combined the essence of femininity and a custom car mechanic into a saccharine collection. There were plisse and pencil skirts that sat at the high waist, under a long, classic Prada dress coat. Prada was also quite literal with this collection, showing printed flames, the ones you would see on an old classic car, on skirts and dresses. The accessories made a clever statement alone, with 3D flames on the heel of a shoe. Even the spray paint "decal" on the handbag was so tongue and cheek. Grease is the word...

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com
Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

Jil Sander
It was hard to imagine if Creative Director Raf Simons could top last year's outstanding collection, but indeed he did. 

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com


The first 8 looks were developed from the house's iconic white shirt, into dresses and coats, reminiscent of the lab coat/cape look while getting made up in a beauty parlor. Following these looks of purity, were models dressed in bold colors and bright paisley prints, meant to represent the women entering or leaving the salon. The silhouettes were extremely feminine and fitted, which had not been shown by Simons lately.
Hats by Stephen Jones (see me modeling a navy one here) and crystal brooches completed the chic ensembles. 

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com
Just like a the finale of a couture show, the last few looks were all about the Bride. 

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Bottega Veneta - Urban Chic

Creative Director Tomas Maier of Bottega Veneta showcased a vibrant Spring Collection during Milan Fashion Week. Maier mixed fabrications and bold hues to create an element of "urban ethnic." The result was absolutely stunning. Maier resides mainly in southern Florida, so it's refreshing to see a taste of that urban lifestyle, without the bells and whistles. Ladies of Miami, take note.

Isn't this leather jacket to die for?!? What a brilliant color!
Photo Credit: GoRunway.com


Photo Credit: GoRunway.com


Photo Credit: GoRunway.com


Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Excelsior Milano

Photo Credit: Excelsior Milano
Aside from the shows last week, the city of Milan was buzzing about the newly opened concept store, Excelsior Milano. The seven floor store by architect Jean Nouvel, is located in Galleria del Corso 4, the center of Milan. Excelsior boasts Women's, Men's, Accessories, Contemporary, Beauty, a cafe, restaurant, and a food mart.
The brands carried at Excelsior were in collaboration with Antonia Giacinti, of the famed ANTONIA boutiques in Milan. The vision of Antonia is certainly clear throughout the store.

Antonia Women's
Photo Credit: Excelsior Milano
Accessories
Photo Credit: Excelsior Milano
Antonia Men's
Photo Credit: Excelsior Milano
Being a buyer means being a great editor. Every single piece in Excelsior feels handpicked and meaningful. The merchandising by Jo Ann Tan is impeccable. And Men, do not assume this is just a store for the ladies. The selection for Menswear is unique and no fuss about it.


Though pictures were not allowed of the merchandise, I snuck in a few shots of the store.

Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com

Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com

Milano Spring 2012 Fashion Week

I just returned home to Chicago after spending the past 9 days in Milan for Fashion Week. The weather was perfetto! No grey days, just abundant sunshine. Sadly, I only had a few opportunities to enjoy the weather, as my time was mainly spent in a showroom. After all, I had work to do!

Check out a few of my pictures below of the Milan Fashion Week scene.

Straight off the flight. First stop, La Rinascente!
Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com

The official Spring 2012 Milan Runway schedule
Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com
Live Feed of the Runway shows
Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com
Sporting a Stephen Jones for Jil Sander hat, Spring 2012
Photo Credit: thefrontrowrunway.com

Monday, October 3, 2011

ATTENTION SHOPPERS

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

+
Women's Wear Daily is reporting that Jason Wu will be the next to collaborate with Target. The February 5th launch will include Women's wear and handbags. No word yet on how Target plans to calm the masses after Missoni mayhem in stores and online last month.

New York Fashion Week Spring 2012 Round-Up

Bravo, Jason Wu.
Last season, I may have suggested that Wu had been playing it safe. See my post here. After following his talent, season after season, I knew the 29 year old designer had more to offer than easy sportswear, and safe cocktail pieces. Spring 2012 may have been Wu's sleekest collection yet.

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com
Wu paired a pearly coated outerwear piece over floral printed silk high waisted shorts. The ivory silk georgette blouse with embellished collar perfectly tops off the look. No pun, intended.
I also love the mixing of prints in this Look below.


Photo Credit: GoRunway.com
With this latest collection, Wu also added a bit of structure to his pieces and really played with his fabrications.
Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

Photo Credit: Go Runway.com
Does this mean we may see chic structured cocktail coats next Fall?

Rodarte
Photo Credit: Go Runway.com
One of my favorite shows to watch for in NYFW is Rodarte. Laura & Kate Mulleavy are truly the dreamers of the design world. The sisters take an idea and create a beautiful show every season.
Their Spring 2012 show was inspired by...Walt Disney's (!!) Sleeping Beauty color palette and Vincent van Gogh's. As Kate Mulleavy told Style.com's Tim Blanks, she "thought there was a weird correlation between that (Sleeping Beauty) and Van Gogh's color palette." Laura also mentioned "that people often have an aversion to the color yellow, but the way Van Gogh used it in his paintings was so inviting."
Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com
The shapes and proportions of styles are a bit different this season, and so is the fit. Think fifties, with a modern twist.
Photo Credit: GoRunway.com
Photo Credit: GoRunway.com



Another sister duo design team, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen of The Row, scaled down their Spring 2012 show to quiet, but luxiorous pieces. The mainly white, pale mint, and ecru palette was refreshingly clean, in a season dominated by color. Tailoring and craftmanship remain impeccable.


Photo Credit: GoRunway.com
Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

I heart Barneys New York new Fall 2011 Ad campaign

A number of changes circled the fashion industry within the last year. Barneys New York announced a new CEO, Mark Lee, Chief Merchant and Executive Vice President, Daniella Vitale, and Fashion Director, Amanda Brooks, amongst other new hires. Throughout the group's transition, the BNY website has undergone a significant improvement in navigation, a blog addition (The Window), and an overall cleaner look.

A sneak peek of the new Fall 2011 Ad campaign debuted on The Window last month. It's also hard to miss the images if you're flipping through shows on your Style.com iPhone or iPad application. Carine Roitfeld, former Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue, collaborated on the campaign, and is featured with her family and other style subjects.

Check out a few of the images from the campaign below. Comment on your favorites!
Carine Roitfeld with son Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld in Rick Owens
Photo Credit: Barneys New York


Mademoiselle Marie Agnes Gillot in Ann Demeulemeester
Photo Credit: Barneys New York



Victoire de Castellane in Alaia
Photo Credit: Barneys New York


Bambou in Lanvin
Photo Credit: Barneys New York

Fei Fei Sun in Bottega Veneta
Photo Credit: Barneys New York
Natasha Poly in The Row
Photo Credit: Barneys New York