Posts Tagged ‘Allison Schiller’

Fall Fashion to Welcome

Monday, November 15th, 2010

Welcome to fall in Chicago. The air holds a brisk chill and the trees are aglow with shades of yellow, orange and red. Signaling an adieu to summer and a hesitant hello to yet another winter, this change in season isn’t just a transition in weather. It’s a transition in wardrobe. As fashion’s favorite time of year, local designers and boutiques give shoppers an abundance of breathtaking clothing and accessories for Fall/Winter 2010. With both must-have trends and classic garments that cater to Midwestern style sensibilities, the city’s shopping scene offers rich variety and irresistible flair.

Set in the oasis-like Park at Lakeshore East, surrounded with high-rise condominiums, Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue, we at Style Admirer captured a piece of Chicago’s fall. These five looks, set against an expansive canvas, display the season’s hottest trends and incorporate pieces that can be treasured for seasons to come. With a focus on rich textures, tailored shapes, opulent embellishments and luxe fabrics–all by Chicago designers and boutiques–we pay homage to autumn.

First image: Velvet dress by C/FAN ($380; Cerato Boutique; 3451 N Southport Avenue), Allison Schiller ring ($449; Krista K; 3458 N Southport Avenue), Osanna Visconti double spiral cuff ($320; Sarca; 710 N Wabash Avenue), Hue lace tights ($18; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue) and Charles by Charles David “Nightlife” lace booties ($114; Lori’s Shoes). Above image: Agga B dress with gold beaded sleeves ($550), Melinda Maria “Baby Jane” earrings ($575; Sarca) and Hue tights ($18; Lori’s Shoes)

Agga B vintage fur vest ($760) and linen blouse with Swarovski crystals ($160), high-waisted jeans (the stylist’s own)

Smythe blazer ($595; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Market), Twelfth St by Cynthia Vincent patterned tank ($256; Fix Boutique), Rag & Bone wool mini skirt ($230; Fix Boutique), leg warmers (stylist’s own) and Sam Edelman black lace-up boot ($212; Lori’s Shoes)

Leather coat with fur lining by C/FAN ($1,118; Sofia Vintage; 72 E Oat Street), Allison Schiller stone ring ($398; Krista K), The Branch oversized silver cage ring ($160; Sarca); Maui silver antique heart necklace ($570; Sarca), Helmut Lang stretch leather leggings ($690; Krista K) and Josie satin tank ($128; Krista K)

Creative director and writer: Meghan Turner
Photographer: Ace Ujimori
Stylist: Maia McGinley with Meghan Turner
Model: Shanna Vincent
Hair and makeup: Emily Cumings
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth

Tags: Agga B., Allison Schiller, C/FAN, Charles by Charles David, Fix Boutique, Helmut Lang, Hue, Josie, Krista K, Lori's Shoes, Rag & Bone, Sam Edelman, Sarca, Smythe, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent
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Second City Fashion Happenings

Friday, October 1st, 2010

EVENTS

Fashion Mash at the Flat Iron Arts Building (1579 N Milwaukee Avenue)
This Friday, stop by Fashion Mash from 6pm to 10pm for fashion-inspired art that will be for sale along with boutique items. A 10:30pm fashion show follows at Double Door, and the after party will be at Debonair Social Club.

Soiree Chicago at Moka Gallery (2112 W Belmont Avenue)
Thierry Roger and Ellie Thompson invite you to Soiree Chicago for an evening of elegance. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served from on Friday from 6pm to 9pm, with a live fashion experience at 7pm. RSVP to ellie@ellieco.com.

Vince Boutique Grand Opening (106 E Oak Street)
This weekend, Vince, the LA-based casual luxury brand, opens its first store in Chicago. Rejoice!.

Trunk Shows at Krista K (3458 N Southport Avenue)
On Friday and Saturday, Krista K hosts two trunk shows featuring rising Chicago designers, Marisa Swystun and Allison Schiller.

Sofia Vintage and Dana Rebecca Charity Sale (72 E Oak Street)
On Friday from 12pm to 7pm, Sofia Vintage and Dana Rebecca Designs partner with the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. 20% of all sales from both trunk shows will benefit LSCRF. Shop for a great cause!

Fashioning Desire at City Gallery (Water Tower, 806 N Michigan Avenue)
Now through the end of January 2011, stop by Fashioning Desire: Chicago Fashion Photographers. Chicago’s lively and diverse fashion photography scene will be on display, featuring the work of nine local photographers.

Image courtesy of Vince

Tags: Allison Schiller, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Shopping, Dana Rebecca Designs, Ellie Thompson & Co., Fashion Mash, Fashioning Desire: Chicago Fashion Photographers, Krista K, Marisa Swystun, Nordstrom Fits America, Sofia Vintage, Soiree Chicago, Thierry Roger, Vince
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Simply Fabulous: Allison Schiller’s Horse Ring

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Making a statement is one thing, but doing it in an unexpected way is another. This 14K gold horse ring by Chicago designer Allison Schiller ($445) accomplishes that with its playful equestrian vibe.

Tags: Accessories, Allison Schiller, Chicago Designers, Jewelery, Rings
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Boutique Profile: GAVIN

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Given the impressive selection of boutiques and stores scattered throughout Chicago, it’s hard to fathom shopping outside the city limits. Unless we need glassware or end tables from Ikea, why visit the ‘burbs, right? Well, here’s why: GAVIN boutique (1939 Central Street). Though slightly off an urbanite’s beaten path, this Evanston shop competes with some of the city’s best boutiques, making the 30-minute commute more like a fleeting joy ride.

LEFT: LNA ripped leggings ($110); Elizabeth and James “James” jacket ($395); LNA strapless bralette ($50); House of Harlow pearl shoe ($225); Janis Savitt emerald cut earring ($127); Annie Costello beaded fringe necklace ($305); and a silver disc ring from Morocco ($142). RIGHT: Rory Beca shorts ($165); Heartfelt top ($184); Allison Schiller bracelets ($120- $125); Trina Turk jewel crusted ring ($88); and Allison Schiller necklace ($295). Top Image: LEFT: Lauren Cavallo Runzel, GAVIN’s owner, in a Gryphon silver sequin top ($310). RIGHT: Elizabeth and James “Jett” jacket ($595); Wilt cropped top ($126); and Elizabeth Cole lion head earring ($105)

Lauren Cavallo Runzel, GAVIN’s founder and an ex-runway model, opened the shop earlier this year. Since then, she’s played host to shoppers from all over Chicagoland. They come for the goods, atmosphere and welcoming staff. This trifecta tugs fashion-lovers heartstrings—a very debilitating weakness—who seek more than just an amazing selection. Upon encountering the charming storefront, a thoughtfully curated window display beacons shoppers’ entry. It opens to a sleek, cozy space that not only promises the thrill of shopping but also the calm respite of relaxation. The oversized couch, cushy throw pillows, black lacquered floors, sparkly chandelier, and antler wall fixtures create an atmosphere that’s traditional, rustic and comfortable, balanced with splashes of modern glamour.

LEFT: SASS & BIDE bones top ($100); Elizabeth and James blazer ($395); Vintage1 jeans ($207); Marc Bernstein Egyptian trip wrap bracelet ($92); and Erickson Beamon earrings ($298). RIGHT: Allison Schiller gold earrings ($135); Meg McGuinness leather fanny pack ($298); Elizabeth and James sleeveless boyfriend shirt ($245); Genetic Denim “Shane” cigarette jean ($180); Elizabeth Cole gold chain bracelet ($68); JADEtribe shell bracelet ($44); Celine set of four bangles ($188); and Elizabeth Cole Virgo necklace ($78)

Part of that glamour hails from the extensive selection of contemporary labels, both well-known and up-and-coming. For such items to make their way into boutique, they must fulfill three criteria: “chic, cool, and a bit badass,” as Lauren describes GAVIN’s aesthetic. “I try to buy some old favorites, like J Brand and Alice + Olivia, plus some new designers we discover, like Agent 001. Regardless, I avoid what other stores like Barneys and Neimans sell.” This rationale gives birth to a shop that has something for everyone. With designers like Elizabeth and James, Gryphon, House of Harlow, James Perse, and SASS & BIDE on the hangers, the selection is rooted in different design sensibilities. Some are rock ‘n roll, some are girly, some are ethnic, some are glamorous. It creates an interesting mix that makes roaming the racks an addicting adventure for women of different ages and styles. “I love the refreshing atmosphere of the young and old shopping here together,” she says.

 
LEFT: Torn by Ronny Kobo Paris tee ($75); Gryphon gray cardigan ($310); Mima earrings ($148); mother of pearl ring from Morocco ($172); Allison Schiller pyrite memory bracelets ($125); and Goldsign white cutoff shorts ($150). RIGHT: Elizabeth and James sequin Tokyo top ($365); Lauren’s belt from Morocco; Goldsign “Bon Bon” pleated shorts ($180); Kain Label pocket tank ($78); silver stone ring from Morocco ($292); Allison Schiller pyrite memory bracelets ($125); JADEtribe small prayer bead bracelet ($32); and Elizabeth and James cross earrings ($105)

This atmosphere may have something to do with Lauren’s shopping excursions with her six children (the store’s actually named after her second-born daughter). She understands the importance of addressing different styles, without letting the selection or experience suffer. By using her role as a mother and background as a fashion model, she tantalizes customers with must-have fashion, an inviting space, and staff that’s more like girlfriends than sales people. It’s quite the dynamic trio even if it is outside the city. As Lauren says, “Everyone finds something they love at GAVIN.”

Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Model: Lauren Conrades
Special thanks to Maia McGinley

Tags: Alice + Olivia, Allison Schiller, Annie Costello, Barneys, Céline, Chicago Boutiqes, Chicago Shopping, Elizabeth and James, Elizabeth Cole, Erickson Beamon, Evanston, GAVIN boutique, Goldsign jeans, Gryphon, Heartfelt, House of Harlow, J Brand, JADEtribe, James Perse, Janis Savitt, Kain Label, Lauren Cavallo Runzel, LNA, Marc Bernstein, Meg McGuinness, Mima, Rory Beca, Sass & Bide, Torn by Ronny Kobo, Trina Turk, Wilt
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Chicago Fashion Entertainment This Weekend

Friday, April 9th, 2010

A glimpse at Winter Kate’s spring/summer ’10 collection

312 Fashion Runway Series at Loft on Lake (1366 W Lake Street)
On Friday beginning at 7pm, the Lara Miller Collection will be the first independent designer show of the 312 Fashion Runway Series. On Saturday, Horacio Nieto presents his Fall/Winter 2010 womenswear and Arlo menswear collections to close out the 312 Fashion Runway Series. Tickets are still available, so get yours now!

Yana Collection Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
On Friday from 12-6pm, CFI alum Yana German launches and displays her Fall 2010 collection.

Allison Schiller Trunk Show at Krista K Boutique (3458 N Southport Avenue)
On Friday from 10am-7pm and Saturday from 10am-6pm, shop the entire collection and meet local designer Allison Schiller. Enjoy 20% off any two or more Allison Schiller jewelry pieces.

Nicole Richie Personal Appearance at Nordstrom (55 E Grand Avenue)
On Saturday from 1-3pm, meet Nicole Richie as she presents the her just-launched collection, Winter Kate. Bohemian chic at its best.

Evil Kitty Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
On Saturday from 11am-4pm, Evil Kitty hosts their Spring 2010 Collection. Enjoy complimentary sips and nibbles and a mini makeover by Sugar and Spice. RSVP to lidia@evilkitty.net.

2010 Creative Chicago Expo at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E Washington Street)
All day Saturday, artists in all disciplines, including fashion, are invited to an annual gathering of resources, services & expertise specifically for people in the arts. Discover more than 120 vendors and services, 25 workshops and discussions.

Spring Blossoms at Alice Berry Studio (1820 W Cortland Street)
On Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm, some of your favorite Chicago designers will display their spring collections and have a sample sale.

Images courtesy of Winter Kate

Tags: 2010 Creative Chicago Expo, 312 Fashion Runway Series, Alice Berry Studio, Allison Schiller, CFI, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Designer, Chicago Events, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Incubator, Chicago Shopping, Evil Kitty, Horacio Nieto, Lara Miller, Michigan Avenue, Michigan Avenue Shopping, Nicole Richie, Nicole Richie Winter Kate, The 900 Shops, Winter Kate, Yana Collection, Yana German
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