HATS OFF TO THE HOLIDAYS

Formé Millinery Tops off the Holidays with its Annual Holiday Hat Tea

By Denise O’Handley

Just in time to ring in the New Year in style, Formé Millinery will host its Annual Holiday Hat Tea Event at The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Place, on Friday, December 28th, featuring the exquisite creations of award-winning couture milliner, Jenny Pfanenstiel.   The festive event features The Drake Hotel’s Afternoon Tea menu, informal modeling and live harpist music.  Four seatings are offered and sell out quickly.  To make a reservation, email Shaun.Rajah@hilton.com.

Jenny’s designs recently earned her a 2012 FGI-Chicago Rising Stars Award in the accessories category.  To view her latest collections, visit www.fromeonlineshop.com.  You’ll also find her designs at the annual One of a Kind Show and Sale at The Merchandise Mart December 6^th –9^th (Booth #8033), where she will have her complete Fall/Winter, Cocktail/Derby and Baby hat collections for sale. 

I’M DREAMING OF A BLUE CHRISTMAS

Cityblue Apparel & Denim Hosts Holiday Pop-Up Shops and

Jewelry Trunk Show by Local Designer this December

Cityblue Apparel & Denim’s Old Town boutique, located at 1444 N. Wells St., will host a festive shopping experience this December when the store is transformed into a Holiday Pop-Up Shop.  Featuring designers including C/FAN, Nicki Jean, busywrist, Jules and Ashland Leather, to name a few, the event will offer a one-stop shopping destination for all your gifts for him and her this season.  Light refreshments will be offered to shoppers.  The Holiday Pop-Up Shop will be open Friday, December 14^th from 4 pm – 7 pm; Saturday, December 15^th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, December 16^th from 12 Noon – 5 p.m.

And if that’s not enough to knock your stockings off, Cityblue also will feature a trunk show by local designer Pamela Cohen and her Aviva Rose Jewelry collection at the boutique’s Lake Forest location, 662 N. Western Ave.  Shoppers will enjoy 10 percent off any Aviva Rose purchase during the show, which will be held Friday, December 14th and Saturday, December 15th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Aviva Rose Jewelry combines timeless elegance with modern creativity to produce beautiful pieces that can be worn morning through night.  Her pieces are the perfect accessory to complement the unique style of CB clients.

For more information about the Cityblue Apparel & Denim Holiday events, visit www.shopcityblue.com.

Neiman Marcus hosts FGI, Chicago Member's "Fall Fashion Event"

Neiman Marcus Chicago hosted Fashion Group International, Chicago for a Fall Fashion Show Event on October 10, 2012.  This exclusive event featured Fall designs by; Red Valentino, Tory Burch, M Missoni, LaFayette 148 and Burberry.  Models were lovely with fresh faces and red lips by CHANEL.  

Neiman Marcus Hosts FGI Members Only Fall Fashions Event

Fashion's Night Out Chicago 2012

 

Fashion's Night Out Sponsored by The Shops at Northbridge & CS Magazine

Monique Lyle, Lisa Ackerman & Kerri Hannen 

Fashion’s Night Out was started four years ago as a way to celebrate fashion and boost consumer confidence in the retail economy. The New York-based event has grown worldwide, with over 5,000 Events being held globally.  In the early years, 2009 and 2010,  it wasn’t even on my radar in Chicago.   Maybe I was still in “recession-shock”.  By 2011, it had became a curiosity and by 2012 in had gained plenty of traction.   I am proud to see that in 4 short years, it has grown up and has become a fully embraced Industry Event in Chicago. 

The Mile was full of activity on 9/6/2012!  So much so, that I was sad to only make it to one event – but it was a very Chic Party hosted by The Shops at Northbridge and CS Magazine.   

They teamed up to create "The Ultimate Fall Fashion Challenge" with looks styled by a host of local Celebrity Stylists using items from The Shops at Nordstrom Retailers such as; Nordstrom, Forever XXI, Tommy Bahama, Hugo Boss and many more. 

The Judges included myself, Candace Jordan (Bell of the Blog), Carrie Lannon (Ulta Beauty), Katie Schroeder and Lisa Shames (CS Magazine), Jessie Kalin (Windy City Live), and Elaine Doremus (NS Magazine). 

Below is a recap of all the winners, their prizes and the stores they styled but my favorite was the “Great Gatsbyesque” styling of Forever XXI by Maggie Morgan.  I loved the Pearls, drama and nostalgic references.   This won her the “Most Creative” styling and her prize was a week's test drive in a brand-new Cadillac, a custom piece of art and a sparkly necklace from Swarovski valued at $350

XXI Styled by Maggie Morgan

.Amy Olson (paired with Nordstrom) won for Judges's Choice. Prize was a "wine, women & shoes" party at Stuart Weitzman including a $400 gift card and party for Amy & ten friends, including 20% off for the night!

White House Black Market, Suzanne Kopulos of Garmental

Suzanne Kopulos of Garmental.com (paired with White House I Black Market) won for Shopper's Choice. Prize was a red patent leather YSL clutch from Nordstrom.

Erica Bethe Levin & Jessica Zweig of Cheekychicago.com (paired with United Colors of Benetton) won for Most Wearable. 

Made In Chicago, Lauren Lein Burgundy Dress

Prize was a deluxe beauty basket from Nordstrom values at $400.   They were all great – but my most wearable would have to be “Made In Chicago”.  I love that Lauren Lein Burgundy Dress!

By, Lisa Ackerman Regional Director, FGI Chicago 

@ackerman_lisa

FGI welcomes Tracey Mayer

Introducing, Fashion Group International, Chicago's newest Board Member, Tracey Mayer. 

Tracey Mayer

 Tracey Mayer developed her passion for hand crafted jewelry after several trips to South Asia where she spent countless hours side by side with the local artisans watching them create magnificent pieces of art.  It is her intention to design a collection for both men and women that is simply unlike any other, patiently hand crafted by artisans at the peak of their art, each piece a true indication of her passion and vision. 

Working with 950 silver, which is 2.5% higher in purity than sterling silver and gives the metal a distinct look, Tracey continues her innovative approach to metal refinement and stone cutting, including her signature sandblasted finish and bullet cut stones, both unique and unmistakable looks.

My Favorite Piece!

The fusion of nature’s most exceptional rocks, including black diamond, ruby, emerald, pink sapphire, and carved white and black mother-of-pearl, with her cutting-edge techniques position the brand where the mainstream and progressive markets intersect, offering just enough edge while retaining the level of sophistication Tracey is known for.  She welcomes you to experience the ultimate in quality, creativity and craftsmanship.

Tracey resides in Chicago where she is a member of Mayor Emanuel’s Fashion Council and a board member of Fashion Group International.  She is also an active volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and serves as a parent advocate for www.theconcussionblog.com

Tracey Mayer designs feature cufflinks, rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings which range in price from $350 - $1,700.  http://www.traceymayer.com/

Tracey has many skills to contribute to the dedicated FGI Board of Directors.  Her current passion, is supporting Chicago innovation and achievement get the "lift" they need to be successful.

"The rapid growth of the tech industry in Chicago and the common thread that now exists between the fashion and tech industries presents unlimited possibilities.  I would like to focus on initiatives that will bridge the gap between the creative entrepreneur and the financial end of the business."

Welcome Tracey!

Lisa Ackerman, Regional Director FGI, Chicago

FGI Beauty Buzzes on Social Media

Fashion Group International's Beauty buzz discusses the impact of social media on Chicago beauty business. Attendees sipped on great wines and nibbles while panelist discussed the role of SM in their business practices. All declared that the use of social media has been positive for them. There is the occasional wayward tweet or customer service issue, but all in all, the tone was that social drives business. People want to build community with the brands they use. Customers want to feel that they are apart of a movement, or something special. Social Media is the way to keep connected before, during, and after a business interaction with customers. Potential customers can see how responsive and informative you are with your own current clients and can decide to buy just from a social media interaction.

 

 

 

 

 

The panelist included greats like Stacy Koerner-Roney, Founder and Publisher of Glossed and Found (the online beauty mag), Kate Leydon, the Founder and President of the Ruby Room, Amber Wallor of The Left Hand Marketing group and and beauty extraordinaire Richard Class from Blue Mercury.

 

   

  

The Blue Mercury team was so gracious and the selection and space was amazing. I will be making a return trip for a spa treatment! Be sure to check out all of our great panelist on their social media channels. Tweet them and join their beauty community. Glossed and FoundBlue MercuryRuby RoomLeft Hand Marketing

And a special thanks to Lisa Ackerman, the Regional Director for the Chicago chapter of Fashion Group International. Thanks to her you will be seeing this lovely face around the FGI group more often as I am the newest FGI social media manager and blog writer. Thanks Lisa for the amazing opportunity. You can find out more about my fashion and social media experience at dbabetta.com  XO, @TerezBaskin