Chi-town Chic

Caroline Hedaya

Love this dress from Caroline Hedaya's Fall 2008 Collection!

www.carolinehedaya.com

ShopStyle: Fall Skirts

The Luxe List

I am currently reading Nina Garcia's The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own.  And I am loving it.  Such wisdom she has chosen to share with us.  But 100 pieces is a lot.  Fortunately she also has her Top Ten Luxe List.  Ten is a bit more managable.  Time to analyze my closet and hit the stores!!

Source

Project Runway: Episode 11

This week was an interesting challenge.  The final five designers had to have each other as clients and theme their designs around a genre of music Tim picked for them.  At first I thought it would be a drama filled show, but it turned out the only drama was Kenley giving more attitude to Tim.  That girl cannot learn to take advice!  LL Cool J was the guest judge which made me happy because for some unknown reason I like LL Cool J. 

Korto Won!  She designed a punk themed ensemble for Suede.  It wasn't my favorite look, but he did look like a punk!  The judges seemed wowed by her use of bleach on the jeans which did not impress me but overall I think she did one of best jobs of conveying her theme.  I also think that Suede's personality rocked this outfit.  Below is her creation on Suede.

Jerell had Kenley for his client (lucky him) with a pop theme.  He channeled "Kenley Spears" for this design and I think did a great job.  He nailed the typical outfit a pop princess would wear in concert.  I wasn't crazy about the blue/purple vest thing BUT thought he did a great job.  Plus he was able to work with Kenley without killing himself.  That in itself is success!

Leanne designed Korto's clothing.  She was assigned country music which I think made both the designer and client nervous.  Overall, Leanne clearly played it too safe.  I couldn't tell you that Korto was wearing "country" music clothes, except for the cowboy boots.  Oh and a plaid scarf.  Fortunately Leanne was not in the bottom two because this was not her best work. 

Kenley, Kenley, Kenley...when are you going to learn?  Tim DOES actually know what he's talking about.  And you appear to be rude and naive and dare I say BITCHY every time you talk to him with disgust and bad mouth him to the camera later!  You are not always right.  Tim tells you that.  The judges tell you that.  Pay attention!  Anyway, last night Kenley designed a hip-hop themed look for Leanne.  And it was terrible.  Other than some flashy gold there wasn't anything hip-hop about it.  Plus the jeans were poorly made.  I felt so bad for Leanne as she was forced into it.  And so sad when you weren't kicked off.  There's always next week. 

Suede, Suede, Seude... I cannot believe it but I think I am going to miss you speaking in third person.  But I will.  I actually thought that you did a good job last night. Yes it might not have been the flashiest design, but I thought Jerell looked Rock & Roll.  I thought the vest had a great design and the pants fit really really well.  They might not be full of surprises but it was rock and Jerell really seemed comfortable in it as well.  Bye Suede...hopefully we'll see you soon!

Project Runway: Episode 10

Jerell wins again!!  The further into the season we are the move I like Jerell.  He is talented and has a great attitude with both his competition and models/clients.  He chose the perfect look for this young woman who needed to look a bit more professional and feminine without compromising her personal style.  Way to go Jerell! p.s I think this look was showcased better on TV than it is in still film. 

Okay, I side with Tim Gunn on Kenley...I don't think her look deserved top three.  For one, I just didn't like it as much as at least one other.  Also, Kenley basically designed what she wears everyday.  Her model/client was her mini-me.  And while it was probably fun for her to make the outfit she did it certainly wasn't challenging.  And I am sorry...once again her attitude is HORRIBLE!  Did she seriously laugh out loud during Joe's time for judgment?  What would ever make her think that was the appropriate action at that moment?  She is just mean and I am ready for her to go. 

Speaking of Joe...sorry, pal, you're out!  I really didn't like this look.  At all.  I really only wanted him to stay because I wanted meanie Henley to go.  That and I think it would be amazing to see a straight man win the competition...what are the odds against that one!  Anyway, his design was just all wrong.  His model/client was a recent graduate looking for a graphic design job.  So he puts her in a blue pin-stripe suit? What was he thinking?  It does not get anymore blah than that.  And I am not sure if the top fits her very well.  Oh well.  Good luck Joe!

Suede bad idea. If Joe's design wasn't so bad...you'd be home right now.  Enough said.

I also liked Korto and Leanne's looks.  The judges might not have agreed with me on Leanne but...too bad... I am right!

Polyvore: I heart Marchesa

Project Runway: Episode 9

Last night was interesting...I got the impression from what I watched and from Tim Gunn's blog that the show could have been two hours long.  The little bits that made it on air seem to show lots of drama.  Anyway, last nights challenge: the designers were paired up with the past cast members and had to make an avant garde design based on one of their zodiac signs.  To top it off it spanned over two days and included a cocktail party where their designs were showcased for the previous seasons winners who voted on the best design.  It was a lot to pack into an hour long show. 

Anyway, in the end Jerell won.  Congratulations Jerell!  His design was not my favorite but the judges liked it.  What I will applaud is that he worked really well with his partner, Jennifer AND took a risk.  Avant Garde is all about risktaking.  Not all the designers did that. 

Blayne and Terri were out.  I am not sad to see Terri go.  I think she is a great designer but she struggles to work with others (time and time again) and I didn't like her design.  Before or after the edits.  I think it's a loss to the competition to not have Terri there, but I will not miss seeing her attitude.  Blayne on the other hand has a brighter personality, but I think is a poor designer.  I am actually shocked he didn't leave sooner.  When the judges have to tell you it looks like your model is "pooping fabric" it's a bad sign.   Good luck Blayne & Terri!

Blayne's look

Terri's look

My personal favorite was done by Joe & Daniel.  I think Daniel had a lot of influence on the project; it was the first time I saw Daniel displaying the taste and couture skill he always talked about.  The skirt had drama and I liked the colors.  I struggled to see "Aries" in it, but I really struggled to see the signs in any of the clothing. 

I also liked the pairing of Leanne & Emily.  Leanne is just good.  I had my doubts about her early on but she has really delivered recently. 

And I am just going to ask because everyone is thinking it... Kenley, what are you doing??  Not only did the design not say Aquarius BUT she continues to question the judges.  You do NOT know EVERYTHING!

Fashion Week: Marc Jacobs

It's time once again for New York Fashion Week.  It's the opportunity for designers to showcase their Spring collections.  I love fashion week...so much buzz...so many surprises.  Expect to see a lot more posts this week. I think I finally dug myself out of the hole I seem to have been in.  Work and School (just started grad school) were a bit too much for me last week, but I am finally feeling organized. 

Anyway, onto Marc Jacobs.  Marc's show as usual was celebrity filled.  The stars just love him and you really cannot blame them.  Marc delivered another eclectic collection, but one that I am sure with a few changes will sell in the stores.   Full of color, different fabrics, and lots of belts.  I love the belted look!
Below are some of my faves from the show. 

T-bags Jemma Flower Tank

Absolutely loving this top.  It's as comfortable as a t-shirt, but looks a lot cuter.  It can be dressed up with a pencil skirt or black tuxedo pants, but it can also easily be worn with some skinny jeans and go casual.  Either way you will look much more stylish than if you settled for the t-shirt.

Photos courtesy of Shopbop.com

Project Runway: Episode 8

I really have been a horrible blogger this week.  Seriously...all week I just couldn't get my act together.  It didn't help that I had a major deadline at work and had something going on every night this week.  Anyway, my apologies for being silent! 

I must admit I haven't been able to watch Project Runway yet this week (gasp!) but after reading many blogs and looking at all of the pictures I can say with confidence that the judges picked the right design. Way to go Leanne.  I love it!