Sometimes there’s too many fashion events to attend them all. Fatigue can hit in a big way, and then comfy PJ’s trump the glamorous stilettos, champagne and mingling. That’s why we’re lucky local blogs like Ryan Beshel’s The Bowtie Memoirs exist. The avid event attendee makes an appearance (bowie in tow!) at local soirees and later blogs about his experience for those of us otherwise engaged. From fashion shows to store openings to product launches, Ryan’s, 27, name is a regular on party guest lists and one of the friendliest faces there—not to mention one of the best dressed. If you haven’t been already, I’m pleased to introduce you to Ryan and his fabulous blog, so that when your PJ’s call your name, you won’t miss the show. Welcome to The Bowtie Memoirs!

Besides bowties and blogging, what else interests you?

People interest me. Be it people watching or just meeting new people every day, I find that you can learn so much about yourself from others. I’m also interested in sharing experiences with others. Mentoring the individuals who are finding their way in this industry gives me great joy. After all, I was in that same place not too long ago.

Are you from Chicago?

I’m from Gurnee, about 45 minutes north of Chicago. So, I have always had ties to the city. I went to Warren Township High School, and then I went to Columbia College of Chicago for about a year to study film and video. I ended up switching my major and finally earned a degree in Fashion Marketing and Management at the fantastic Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago.

How did you get into blogging?

It initially started as a recommendation by a few friends. I started attending many events and was finding that many people remembered me from event to event—thank you, bowtie! Eventually, I decided to start the blog so my family, especially my Mom, could see what I was doing here in the city. I also wanted to keep a sort of online journal that documented my life just before graduation and then after. In addition, I wanted to show what I saw of this city’s industry through my point of view.

What is your individual approach?

Well, I think relationships are so important in the industry, so I always like to touch upon who was at the events I attend. I’ll admit, I’m not a “serial blogger.” Sometimes I even miss a week or so. I focus on quality when I write my posts, and I always try to do my best to really describe what the event was like. Every now and then, I throw in a post called “Obsessions of the Bowtie,” where I highlight some of my favorite retailers, designers or products. My biggest focus is trying to expose the emerging, up-and-coming designers and products.

Who are your readers?

Many of my readers are already in the industry. It’s also those individuals who have become my friends and now check to see themselves in a post. Also, there are many students who are working their way into the industry that follow my blog. Then there is my family, who reads to see what I’m up to and check out the path that I am taking in Chicago.

Why do you think blogging is such a viral phenomenon?

Because it’s so instantaneous. When I started blogging, I would go to an event and then have a post up an hour after it ended. I was covering the event and then getting the word out about it before NBC.com, Time Out Chicago, CS, etc. Our world has learned that we no longer have to wait, and we’ve become inpatient because we have everything at our fingertips. It also offers an array of opinions, not just what the local news is telling you. Blogging offers the reader a way to connect with the writer at a more personal level.

What is your professional background?

Well, I am a new graduate, but I have completed an array of experiences. I was an editorial intern at Michigan Avenue magazine and worked directly with Susanna Negovan, the editor-in-chief. I have had the chance to work with some of Chicago’s smartest and most influential women, including the Barbara Glass of InFashion With Barbara Glass. Right after college, I worked freelance with another Chicago star and successful publicist Julie Darling. She taught me the ins and outs of public relations and introduced me to so many great people. Most recently, I interned for another fabulous woman named Sarah Burrows, the Marketing Manager at The 900 Shops.

What do you plan to do in the future professionally?

I’ve recently taken a job at a model and talent agency called Agency Galatea. I work for the Beauty and Fashion Director, Marie P. Anderson. In my new position, I assist in the daily management of models, comps and portfolios, photo shoots, runway shows, and the procurement of print work for talent. I also manage the website updates, online portfolios and social media.

What are your plans for The Bowtie Memoirs?

In the future, I’d like to look to my friends to be guest bloggers and offer yet another point-of-view on “making it” in Chicago. I’d also love to highlight even more innovative designs and designers. Keeping up with blogging with my schedule these days has been a challenge! Once I settle into work, I will have more time to really focus on the future of The Bowtie Memoirs. So, stay tuned!

What are your favorite blogs?

Of course I love Barbara’s blog and Style Admirer! I am also a lover of strong fashion images, and as cliché as it may sound…Yes, I love The Sartorialist! One of my favorite blogs is written by my friends Matt Fox and Enrique Crame III, and it’s called the Fine and Dandy Shop blog. Once you go to this blog, you’ll know why I love it so much! In the true spirit of my love for Chicago, I try to stick to local blogs when I do have the chance to browse. One of my Chicago favorites is The Midwasteland. I also enjoy Second City Style, The Coveted, and Darkroom Demons for some very cool photography.

What is your favorite Chicago boutique?

I have to admit: I’m a huge thrifter. I love to pass a few hours at Unique Thrift Store, Vintage Underground, Knee Deep Vintage, and The Brown Elephant. As for Chicago boutiques, I love The Goorin Bros. Hat Shop and Bonnie and Clyde’s. I also find some great things at Zara on Michigan Avenue. They have the best fits for tall, slim men! DNA2050 in The 900 Shops has the best denim in the city!

Who are your favorite designers, both international and local?

Internationally, I love Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. They both inspired me to get into fashion in the first place. McQueen had such an eclectic eye for menswear. Galliano, to me, is the king of the runway show. I remember watching his F/W 2007 show on YouTube and literally not being able to breathe. Locally, I love and respect the Chicago designers that I have gotten to know personally, such as my friend Christina Fan of C/FAN and Miriam Cecilia Carlson of M.C.C. I also enjoy the menswear by Donaldo Smith of Killian Gui, Jonnie Rettele of Nonnie Threads, and my good friend Maureen Refvem’s stunning pieces.

Do you have a tip to other bloggers looking to create their own online identity?

I would say to always know the intention of your blog. Do you want to make money? Do you want to fill a niche? Do you want to share a personal journey? Knowing the reason you are blogging will guide you in the right direction and act as an outline for your content. I would also say to do your best to stand out. With so many blogs on the internet, it is important to have a brand or logo or blog title that makes you different from every other blog. Finally: just have fun with it, share your passion and follow your dreams even if everyone around you thinks you’re crazy. After all, we all hold the power to be great!

Written and produced by Meghan Turner

When a new Chicago boutique opens, I can’t help but experience a little surge of excitement. So, it’s with double the pleasure that I inform you of two store openings: Cerato and Muse. After the demise of so many boutiques this past year, it’s like our retail community is experiencing a mini fashion resuscitation. Thank goodness!

Cerato

Our affection for Chicago designers holds no bounds. So when we learned Cerato (3451 N Southport Avenue) holds a store-full of local designs, we knew this shop was something special. The Southport Corridor storefront opens to a sunlight space that has a calming, organic aesthetic, with its blue floral wallpaper on one wall and industrial-style bricks on the other. There’s a simplicity to the space, which highlights the incredible selection, including designs by Anna Fong, jules, Kristin Hassan, Horacio Nieto, Eskell, frei, C/FAN and more. Whether it be clothing or jewelry, Cerato’s selection is a magnificent display of Chicago fashion.

Muse

Slightly off Chicago’s beaten streets, Oak Park’s got a new reason to venture beyond the city limits. Muse boutique (106 N Marion Street) caters to those seeking something special, something individual—all in a superb setting. The charm of Marion’s brick street continues into this adorable yet distinctly stylish shop. The boutique aims to inspire women of different styles with its carefully selected contemporary lines of up-and-coming, obscure and well-know labels, like Hudson, Runaway Pony, 2Love, Leigh & Luca, and many more. And, its man room in the back has seating and a flat-screen to keep your hubby occupied while you do your thang.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Cerato

Bloggers have become an international media phenomenon with their highly opinionated, influential, and individualized content. As style bloggers gain more and more popularity, we’re spotlighting those living right here in Chicago. By shedding light on this very specific dynamic immersed in Chicago’s fashion community, we’re bringing you face-to-face with local, fashion-forward bloggers who may just help shape the future of Chicago fashion.

The first in our blogger series is Miss Lauren Conrades. Like so many other style bloggers, the 23-year-old, Illinois Institute of Art Chicago alum has been obsessed with fashion for as long as she can remember. A product of that obsession is her blog, RADES, which features a range of designers, collections, photos, news and personalities she finds stylishly appealing. What initially drew us to RADES, though, is its design. The block format triggered clicks of our mouse just to see what’s behind each square. From there, we were channeled into Lauren’s muses and opinions on various fashion-related topics. Her insight is intelligent and engaging, communicated in a causal yet refreshingly real voice. When reading this blog, you’ll learn about fashion and delight in topics you’ve loved for years.

Here’s what we learned about Lauren (shown above) and her blog:

Why blog?

It’s more of a creative outlet for me. I can document and share ideas with others who have the same interests.

What is your individual approach to blogging?

I don’t want to be taken too seriously. Everyone has a different approach and purpose, but for me, it’s fun and a way to engage in the community.

What makes your blog different?

Mine is not so focused on the content but the idea. I am a visual person, and I tend to blog about the industry as a whole, not so much about products.

Who are your readers?

Anyone who finds me! That tends to be someone who is infatuated with fashion as much as I am. It’s an ongoing relationship.

What inspires you?

Besides incredible fashion and apparel, it’s people, icons, art, editorials, models, sustainability…pretty much anything that enthralls me. Food is my next one.

How did you get into blogging?

It has always been an interest of mine ever since I stumbled across the Sartorialist in 2005, but I could never find the time. Five years later, I made time!

What is your favorite part of the blog?

The fact that I can post whatever I feel and make it appealing to an audience. I am most thrilled when readers are responsive and want to know more. I also love that I’ve been able to connect with people. There’s so many other bloggers I’ve been in contact with that I wanted to meet in person…people whom I can nerd out with over a pair of stacked thigh-high duck boots.

Lauren’s blog, RADES

Why do you think blogging is becoming such a viral phenomenon?

It gives anyone and everyone the chance to voice their own opinions. Everyone and their mother wants a chance to be heard—literally. Long gone are the days that only editors and buyers are attending shows and writing reviews. You have young fashion bloggers like Tavi and now even 5-year-old Katie front row dissecting the collections. Love it or hate it, it’s up to the readers to decide what’s relevant and valuable.

When did you become interested in fashion?

Fashion has been a fascination of mine since I was changing Barbie’s outfits as a child up until I opened my first Vogue. But I wasn’t serious about it until my first job in retail, where I became fascinated with branding and the logistics behind it.

What is your day job?

Currently I do sales for a complete non-toxic nail polish and organic skin care line called Priti NYC that is based out of New York.

Besides that, what is your background in fashion?

My last position was held managing a luxury consignment store on eBay, selling everything from DVF to Hermès and offering services equivalent to wardrobe consulting and closet cleaning. Before that, I gained experience in the endless trails of retail, working at concept stores including Club Monaco and so forth.

What are you interests outside of fashion and blogging?

Art, film and cinema, dining–I’m a foodie and have a GIGANTIC sweet tooth–family, modeling, and travel.

What are your favorite blogs?

JAK & JIL, Garance Doré, and bunny BISOUS (her tumblr as well) are my go-to’s. Also, my friend who recently moved from LA runs three blogs, and they are fantastic: Style Per Minute, the Style Titles (an online book club, which is currently reading Kelly Cutrone’s If You Have to Cry, Go Outside), and Influence (blog for “in-the-know,” high-end consignment shop Edrop-off based here in Chicago).

What is your favorite Chicago boutique?

Mulberry & Me in Ukrainian Village. Shopping there is like shopping with your girlfriend. The owner, Jana, is incredibly sweet and is dead honest when it comes to indecisiveness and has the best customer service hands down, which is incredibly important to me. She carries my quintessential wardrobe from button-down oxford shirts and bamboo tights to a fabulous frock for a night out, all within reasonable pricing.

Who are your favorite designers, both international and local?

Locally, I’m into eco-friendly designer Lara Miller and have been recently introduced to C/FAN. My favorite [international] designers are Isabel Marant, Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, and wishing Olivier Theyskens to come back.

How do you think Chicago fashion has changed in the past five years?

I must say, it is definitely evolving. I think there is a lot more recognition for local designers now, and having icons like Ikram Goldman and stylish Michelle Obama certainly helped boost the Chicago fashion scene.

Do you have a tip for other bloggers looking to create their own online identity?

Make sure you find your own voice. There’s nothing worse the re-blogging! My best advice is to just get involved. Reach out to other bloggers. Strike up a conversation. We’re all humans behind our avatars! Everyone is out to help each other, and knowing what else is out there will give you a perspective of what’s missing or what you can do differently.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Ace Ujimori

re:MAKE Fashion Show at Loyola University’s Mundelein Center Auditorium (1020 W Sheridan Road)
On Friday at 7pm, the re:MAKE Fashion Show will feature collections by local designers showing off their first-hand fashions created with second-hand materials.

Swap-O-Rama-Rama at Chicago Waldorf School (1300 W Loyola Avenue)
On Saturday (9am-5pm) and Sunday (1-5pm), bring a bag of unwanted clothing and a small donation to Swap-O-Rama-Rama, and you’ll be able to exchange your threads for items in the “swap pile.”

Laura Tanner Jewelry Trunk Show at Dame Couture (1927 Central Street in Evanston)
On Saturday from noon to 5pm, enjoy champagne and cookies at Dame Couture while perusing Laura Tanner’s bridal collections. Laura will also be on hand to help you with your selections.

Cynthia Ryba Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
On Saturday from 12-6pm, Chicago designer Cynthia Ryba shows off her collection as a part of the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s month-long pop-up shop at The 900 Shops.

CFI’s 2010 New Designer Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
Meet and shop the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s new class, including C/FAN, Donaldo Smith, Jonnie Rettele, Leah Fegan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, and Stephanie Kuhr, this Saturday from 12-8pm.

Afternoon Tea and Dresses by Jess Audey at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
View and shop Jess Audey’s Fall 2010 collection of dresses this Saturday from 12-2pm at CFI’s pop-up shop.

Veruca Salt Scarf Folding Class (1921 N Damen Avenue)
Want to learn more ways to wear your scarves? Head to Veruca Salt’s Bucktown location on Saturday from 1-2pm, and they’ll show you how.

SALES

Chicago Fashion Incubator Pop-up Store at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
Starting this Saturday, CFI’s current designers and alumni will be selling their collections at this pop-up store on the fifth floor of The 900 Shops.

Maria Pinto Liquidation Sale (133 N Jefferson Street)
Maria Pinto’s five-day Liquidation Sale ends this Saturday, March 20. It’s your last chance to snag some of her incredible designs at 50-70% off. Plus, for these final two days of the sale, get an addition 25% off the sale price!

Fix’s Wheel of Fashion (1101 W Fulton Market)
Until March 30, swing by Fix for the opportunity to spin the wheel of fashion, which offers variety of discounts, including 15-20% off, free goodies, and gift cards.

GAVIN in Wonderland (1939 Central Street in Evanston)
Stop by GAVIN boutique this weekend and pick from a deck of cards for the chance to receive 10-20% off your purchase. One lucky girl will win a $250 gift certificate!

More upcoming Chicago fashion events and sales

Images courtesy of Laura Tanner

Christina at C/FAN’s Fall 2010 Fashion Preview

New York Fashion Week kicked off last Thursday, and here in Chicago, we got a show of our own. That same evening, local designer Christina Fan debuted her fall 2010 collection to a crowd of Gen Art members, fashion insiders, and media at the Dubhe Carreño Gallery.

The artsy West Loop setting created a stark canvas on which C/FAN’s designs were presented in an edgy-meets-sultry fashion installation. Christina’s guests crammed themselves in the narrow gallery, where wine flowed, hors d’oeuvres were devoured, and a local DJ created a hip audio backdrop. Toward the rear of the gallery, a light installation of white umbrellas illuminated the presentation area and sculptures by Anne Drew Potter acted as a backdrop. Models soon appeared in sets of three, and one-by-one they walked the teeny, tiny “runway.” What was originally meant to be a typical installation turned into a pose-hold-walk routine that offered views to only those standing in the front couple rows.

If you were as lucky as I to see Christina’s designs, you were treated to a show of luxe fabrics and an earthy palette ideal for fall. The overall theme seemed to be sharp, daring cuts, including exposed midriffs, plunging necklines, asymmetrical hems, and batwing sleeves. Texture was also a key element as satiny silks, coarse goat and lamb furs, and liquidy velvets made their in and out of the installation. As Christina is known to do, the fall 2010 collection is loaded with wearable pieces that keep Chicago’s fashion sensibilities in mind, while also appealing to fearless trendsetters. “My inspiration is a woman who is carefree while still being sensual and soft,” says Christina. “She’s someone who isn’t afraid to experiment.”

This was my second encounter with C/FAN – the first was at Gen Art’s Fresh Faces last October. The fall collection maintains the same aesthetic I enjoyed then, but Christina brought the design and craftsmanship up a notch and presented some quality designs I look forward to seeing on the backs of stylish Chicagoans.

Christina Fan (center) with her models

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Tim Musho of Fig Media

Samantha and Angela at C/FAN’s Fall 2010 Fashion Preview

Chelsey at C/FAN’s Fall 2010 Fashion Preview

Fashion and art will converge this Thursday evening at C/FAN’s Fall 2010 Fashion Preview. The Chicago designer and Gen Art Fresh Faces alum Christina Fan, known for her luxurious and fashion-forward take on everyday basics, will debut her collection at the Dubhe Carreno Gallery (118 N Peoria Street) in the form of a fashion installation. While models present C/FAN designs—featuring an array of gray tones on silks, wools and velvets—sculptures by renowned artist Anne Drew Potter will be on display, creating a night of artistic expression. The evening begins at 7pm, and the fashion installation starts at 8pm. Tickets include complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Get tickets here.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of C/FAN

There’s no doubt the economic crisis downsized the festivities at Fashion Focus Chicago, but the designers of Gen Art’s Fresh Faces runway show braved the downturn masterfully. As if acknowledging shoppers’ shallow pockets, the emerging designers’ wearable, versatile pieces were the driving force behind each collection.

C/FAN

C/FAN’s über comfy basics made their way down the runway to start the show, and start it off right. The collection’s superb craftsmanship was evident in the lightweight, fluid movement of the silky tanks, tees and dresses—all must-haves for spring/summer. The short shorts, leggings and cropped pant kept with the collection’s simplistic yet chic aesthetic. Not a print in sight, the solid grays, blacks and gorgeous pale pinks will work seamlessly with any wardrobe.

KRISTIN HASSAN

The Kristin Hassan collection paid homage to the eccentric ‘80s trend. Neon pinks and radiant metallics, mixed with the some natural hues, flooded the runway, dazzling viewers with their eye-popping colors and expert quality. Massive flower headwear was a playful addition to the already loads-of-fun spring collection that included vintage-inspired blazers, tie-waist skirts, tuxedo-front tops and dresses, and sparkling gold leggings, to name a few. Clearly, Kristin has an affection for Marc Jacobs, and we love that about her.

DORSIA

Made definitively for the urban male, Dorsia gave Chicago’s men something to look forward to this spring. Though the collection included items we’ve seen many times before, the leather jackets and tailored blazers and vests—boasting fantastic lines—were layered atop plaid button-down shirts in a variety of blues, purples and greens. Jeans completed most of the looks, but, thankfully, a few pairs of shorts with interesting plaid cuffs gave us an unexpected detail. Dorsia’s mix of edgy sophistication and preppy hipster was somewhat an odd styling combo, but the collection did seem to have something for every city guy.

JLEE SILVER

If the ladies couldn’t see themselves in one of C/FAN’s or Kristin Hassan’s creations, JLee Silver’s spring line has them covered. The slightly more conservative collection included an earthy palette and ladylike pieces that will transition from work to play with ease. Lovely tie-dyed dresses (topped with a floppy hat) offset solid mauve, tan, brown and black dresses and halters in a variety of materials, from rustic linen to touchable satin. The slinky black maxi, with its clinched waist and bodice drapery, exuded understated sex appeal and will take you from spring to fall effortlessly.

IMAGINARY PEOPLE

Imaginary People is known for their fashion-forward attitude, and spring ’10 is no exception. Not for the fashionably shy, the collection’s dramatic cuts, plunging necklines, and asymmetrical hems are made to stand out. Crowd favorites were the two black and white leggings with bold, graphic prints, but the billowy tops, backless vests, harem pant, and micro-mini dresses were just as attention grabbing. Though the collection predominately featured a palette of B&W, Imaginary People knows how to work color. A bright, hibiscus-print dress and matching leggings as well as two electrically hued halter dresses had us dreaming of jet-setting to the tropics.

RED DOLL BY TATYANA

Red Doll by Tatyana made for a glamorous ending to the show. The collection started with a nod to 80’s prom: an exquisite dress with a flower print bodice in silver lamé and a voluminous cream tulle skirt. As the collection of dresses progressed, so did the maturity level, but the intricate attention to fit and detail never faltered. From a sweet, white trapeze frock to tiny LBDs, the designs showed Tatyana’s understanding of girls and women with very different styles. Some dresses were over-the-top, elaborate creations, such as the aqua dress of scrunched fabric, but the red gown with shoulder detail was positively breathtaking in its simplicity. Though it reminded us of Bottega Veneta’s Fall/Winter ’09 white gown with knotted shoulder straps, Red Doll’s was a youthful, sexy version that stayed on our minds even after we left the show.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Billy Rood Photography