I had the exquisite privilege of meeting this designer at Chicago Cultural Center’s Fashion Cafe for eco-friendly designers. (You might recall Elise Bergman from the same event.) This was my first time attending and it did not disappoint.

The event took place in a marble-walled rool with beautiful molded columns and tarnished gold filigree ceilings. Yes, the venue is stunning, but it is far outshined by the clothing held inside.

My first heart palpitation was at the fault of Abigail Glaum-Lathbury.

Not only my first near-heart attack (beautiful clothing will do that to you), but also one of my first encounters with a Chicago designer and, let me give it to you straight, this city is definitely on the up and up. If the other Chicago designers I met tonight are one iota as stunning as Glaum-Lathbury’s… The fashion world is going to be taken by storm.

Though I have “photographer” on my resume, you wouldn’t know it by the photos I took. I only have my piddly point-and-shoot, which hardly did any of her pieces justice… But on with the show!

If I had to come up with a nickname for Abigail Glaum-Lathbury, it would probably be “Princess of Pleating” or “Duchess of Draping” because each of her garments look as though weeks were spent perfecting each fold, making sure each voluminous pour of fabric was immaculate, and no detail has gone unexamined for perfection. Glaum-Lathbury, who by the way looks like Edna Mode if she were to have traveled back in time to the turn of the century and added some dark pizazz and steampunk flair, is obviously passionate about her craft, and it shines through like a blinding light.

(A good blinding light.)

(Like maybe a light that is so bright, it helps you find the earring you dropped on the floor.)

(Or actually, maybe like a contact lens, because those are a bitch to find one you drop them.)

(Anyway.)

The designer had two ladies helping her pimp her amazing clothes, who were cute as buttons. They were also wearing her designs which they very sweetly allowed me to photograph.

As soon as I saw this top – I was in love. I adore a strong shoulder (and by “strong” I mean “noticeable but not obvious overkill a la Balmain) and this complimented her frame so well, as it would many other body types – a large part of the reason I love it. It’s made of almost a thermal, waffle-knit material reminiscent of long-johns. I can’t get over my love for unusually-used fabrics (long-johns in a designer, puff-sleeved top? AND it’s all eco-friendly? Just off me now.)

Here’s the other lovely girl helping out Glaum-Lathbury. This piece (described to me as “just a camisole” – HA) looks absolutely basic from the front. As a matter of fact, when I saw this darling head-on, I was ready to use my ADD to mosey along, but once she turned around, I was transfixed. That sentence sounds super pervy, but I assure you – I’m all business. Do you see, now, what I mean about “Duchess of Draping”? She even sat down in a chair and stood back up, keeping each delicate fold perfectly in tact.

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Is it a vest? No. It’s a beautiful, cozy, mustard-colored top with a killer serious cowlneck that drapes nearly to the wearer’s navel. The sleeves are long and potentially bra-showcasing, however it’d be easy to wear a camisole underneath it (provided it’s not “just a camisole” like above! That’s a whole lot of bustle!).

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I was surprised at the lack of dresses on Glaum-Lathbury’s racks… Most independent designers I’ve seen seem to flock to dresses and give separates and evil stare. Clearly, Glaum-Lathbury is not your typical designer. If my memory serves me right, this is a hand-printed dress – one of few! I love the bold panel at the bottom of the skirt.

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This might be my favorite piece from the collection I saw. This skirt is immaculate – high-waisted, assymetrical hem (but not handkercheif, thank GOD), and a beautiful, crossing (or not) set of belts around the narrowest part. The fabric looks a little dull, but I assure you – it’s soft and flowing and airy.

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Yet another amazing skirt – this one a little more customizable to the wearer. The snaps you see on the right release beautiful, petal-like panels that create different silhouettes, and can be re=attached to other snaps for a complete skirt overhaul, of you so desire. The fabric is similar to the previous skirt, excpet a little more green in color.

If you’re not enchanted by these shoddy photos, which I wouldn’t be surprised to hear, definitely check out the collections on her site.

xoxo.

Technorati Tags: abigail glaum-lathbury, chicago designers, eco-friendly designers, fashion cafe, independent designers

I wrote a guest post for Jennifer Nicole on Awakened Aesthetic about the truth behind the Founder/President of UO (including Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People) and his shady contributions to Senator Rick Santorum.

Check out the post here!

xoxo.

Technorati Tags: Guest Post, richard hayne, rick santorum, Urban Outfitters

Ever since I caught a glimpse of the Dries Van Notes S/S 08 sandals on the end of the denim-covered legs of Judy Aldridge… I’ve been kind of obsessed. I love the bright colors, the straps, and the casual cool of the designer slingback which, of course, I can’t even dream of affording. (Also, good luck finding them for sale somewhere – Lord knows I’ve tried!)

While strappy shoes generally intimidate me (images of blisters, rubbed-raw skin, and after-shoe-removal indentations haunt me still…), I definitely enjoy the funky class that embellished or loud sandals bring to the party. You can toss them below an otherwise “ehh…” dress, or just like Judy does with jeans of any state, worn casually with some serious visual interest at the feet.

My criteria (you should probably get use to this Miss-Elle’s-Dad influenced method of shopping – breaking it down to the basics!):

• Colorful somehow. Whether it’s straps, the sole, the overall color… Whatever. Just has to be colorful.
• Embellishments will do. A jeweled T-strap, just at the toe, shells, rocks, people – it’s all good stuff.
• No taller than 3.5″! I want to wear these all over town.
• Sandal shape is preferable, as these will be the official “summer ‘09″ sandals.
• I’m not particularly partial when it comes to the type of heel involved. Wedges are fine, stacked heels are fine… Just no stilettos.
• The shoes must have some type of heel anchoring mechanism (i.e. not mules). If I’m going to be walking in these, I can have and shoe-loss episodes… I need to be strapped in!

After searching for a while, I noticed exactly how hard it is to find a classic, embellished/funky shoe that’s not based in a neutral color like black, brown or silver/gold metallic.

So let’s see what we did find!

Nine West Moochy Sandal
$78.95 $55.14

The Good: Color options forever, very strappy, very… blue.
The Bad: Lack of rockin’ embellishment… Though the knots are nice. Also, the slingback strap looks awfully thin… Thin like razor-wire. *cringe*

Restricted Khiara Heel Sandal
$64.95 $54.14

The Good: LOVE the orange/brown combo, really sturdy-looking heel, I dig the saltwater sandal style
The Bad: Well, there’s literally no embellishment here… And cork heels are kind of tacky, in my opinion. I’m also a little iffy on the patent leather. I already have one pair of orange patent leather shoes, and I’m not sure if I need two…

Nine West Doverly Sandal
$79.95

The Good: I don’t have yellow shoes, and this lemony yellow is GORGEOUS! The straps are really visually interesting, and the heel is structural, yet cool.
The Bad: I’m not really down with the champagne-colored satin sheen alongside the bright yellow. It makes it all look just a little country club.

Apepazza Andorra Wedge Sandal
$128.95 $59

The Good: Definite embellishment! Loving the ins and outs of the straps, and the heel looks cozy.
The Bad: I’m not a huge purple person. Literally and figuratively. I’m not sure that purple shoe + wedge heel would look anything other than “struggling fashionable geriatric”.

London Underground Happy Mediator Sandal
$98.95 $54.42

The Good: Love. The. Color. Love the stacked heel and I’ve been wanting peep-toe, slingback booties forever.
The Bad: These are peep-toe, slingback booties. Why did I include these again?

FRYE Dolly Woven Sandal
$198 $93.88

The Good: In a previous life, my name was Dolly. Also, these have a REALLY similar shape to the Dries pair I love, and the metallic isn’t horrifying.
The Bad: Wooden soles send a tiny shiver up my spine.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Know Best T-Strap Sandal
$79.95 $69.90

The Good: Same cute saltwater sandal style as the Khiara heels above. Really into the embellishment on these, and the straps are adorable. 3″ heel? Nice!
The Bad: Purple. =(

So? Which is the victor? I vote: The Kenneth Coles (last) or the Frye “Dolly” sandals. I can get down with purple if they’re in an adorable shape like those. The Kenneth Cole sandals are just perfect – no ifs and or buts about it!

Which would you choose? Are you into the idea of “loud sandals”?

Technorati Tags: dries van noten, heeled sandals, loud sandals, summer shoes

Have you heard of the brand, Quail? I’ve been hearing about them more and more recently… It started as a mention in a magazine, then a mention in a press release, finally ending up with the internet slowly exploding with Quail(s).

Whenever this happens, I like to try to find out what the brand is all about, and why they’re suddenly hogging spotlight, little by little. Naturally, Google scared the crap out of me when I did a search for more information by sending me to The Dictionary of Sexual Terms (huh, whew knew “quail” was… so… multifaceted as a word?), but eventually I found some information.

Quail was started by an L.A. girl named Michelle Nguyen Williams, who takes inspiration from her homegirls, which I totally love. In all honesty, her lines are not… exactly… “budget”; however, when they hit the sale rack, they fall nicely into my price range, anyway (which is definitely less than $100… Although right now, my budget is hovering around “less than $2″).

Her pieces are swingy, girlish, and a little sexy-playful, if you ask me. Some of the silhouettes bring old Chloé designs to mind, while others seem to have a unique flare, all their own.

Additionally, though, I really wish that designers would stop using the phrase “wearable classics with a modern twist”. I feel like I’ve read that 500 times from 500 different designers – come up with something new, folks! There are lots of adjectives at your disposal.

Quail Georgia Racer in Emerald
$143 $72

Quail Crepe Pant in Black
$195 $98

Quail Willit Short in Black
$145

(Of course I love those shorts – they’re the most expensive yet!)

Quail Dee Leggings in Black
$88 $44

I’m vehemently against the “leggings as pants” movement, as well as the “denim leggings” idea… But for some reason, I’m not disgusted by these…

Quail “Let Them Eat Cake” Tee
$56 $46

Quail P&P Tank
$115 $35

You must take 8 seconds to go to the site and check out the back of this top – extended straps WHAT?!

Quail Ten Skirt
$114 $87

High waist? Check. Structure? Check. Two neutral color options? Check. POCKETS?! CHECK!! New favorite skirt, for sure.

So? What do you think of the breaching-the-radar style from Quail? Love it? Hate it? Seen it before?

Let me know in the comments!

xoxoxo.

Technorati Tags: classics, la designers, los angeles, michelle nguyen williams, quail

This weekend edition of “I Wore” is dedicated to all those assholes who decided that they could determine what rights gay people have. I’ve partnered (unofficially) with Lily Allen (she doesn’t know) on this post (which she’ll probably never see) to bring you…

The Eff You, Homophobes Outfit:

Peacock feathers seemed like an appropriate pattern for this weekend’s Gay Pride Festival. I chose a couple of ribbed tanks from Marshall’s because IT’S HOT, Y’ALL. My obligatory grey skinny slacks (because they’re thin), and my ultra-femme, quilted bag, with a chain that is detachable for any human rights defending I might have to do (that sucker is like at LEAST 7 lbs. of metal…).

The shirt is a beautiful, sheer, lightweight material and I’ve been dying for a sheer jacket lately. Since this one looks like CRAP when buttoned up, I figured it was makeshift jacket material. The sleeves are pirate-ruffled (an ode to my newest baby, Ghetto Galley) and there is a tie-neck, which I love to just leave hanging. I think it adds major movement, as well as some visual interest.

Plus it looks really stupid when tied properly.

Shirt, Torrid , $32.98 $16.49
Pants, Sele, 15DollarStore.com
Bag, Compose, Mapel (Use “BROKE&BEAUTIFUL20″ for 20% off!), $32 $25.60
Shoes, Steve Madden, Marshall’s, $25

As for Lily’s portion of the post, it’s all in the interpretation. Her newest album contained a song appropriately titled “Fuck You” (Sorry mom, it’s for a good cause!), and some extremely awesome folks created a video using the song, dedicated to all those who voted against gay marriage in California.

It’s genius, and here it is:

Since I couldn’t make the video (done magnificently by StevieDidIt [formerly steviebeebishop] on youtube), I decided to throw in my own fashionable photo to let those who are stifling societal and emotional progress and freedom exactly what I think of ‘em.

Happy Pride! Go forth and be FREE!

xoxo.

Technorati Tags: Daily Outfit, i'm totez gay guyz, pride, prop 8, the big fat gay collaboration

I would like to introduce you to Bad Joan: an online sample sale featuring overstock from the best up and coming and indie designers offered at up to 80% off of retail! They offer women’s clothing, shoes, bags and jewelry and work directly with the designers to guarantee 100% authenticity. And, honestly, “online sample sale” isn’t the best way to describe this site because, contrary to the typical “sample sale” format, these products are available until they’re gone – no start/finish/crazed rush – they’re there for perusal, and the (very infrequent and unobtrusive) mailing list notifies you of new additions!

Guys, I have been swooning over Bad Joan’s inventory for months, and almost have an ulcer from the guilt of not telling you about them sooner. I am the worst fashion blogger ever, hoarding all the amazing, unique designs all to myself.

Well, no more! Let’s put a stop to this and use some Bad Joan pieces in an art project, yes?

Ready? OK!

Shoes: First, because that’s obviously what this outfit is all about… Marcello Toshi Rosario Pumps ($390 $85)
Dress: Love this not only because it’s made from sustainable fabrics, but also because it’s an easy, throw-on piece… ecoSkin Copper Dress in Cloud ($235 $45)
Earrings: These are statement earrings, but not so much that they’re unwearable… Lisa K. Lace Cake Earrings ($175 $58)

Summer date nights, anyone? Those shoes are hypnotizing… (Hopefully that means he or she would be, too!)

Jeans: I love the wash on these, and they look like the perfect amount of “skinny”… Karmel & lden Wendy Low Rise Skinny ($158 $60)
Top: The strong, bold zipper against the beautifully draped, butterfly-like shoulders make for a beautiful contrast… Object of Desire Dolman Zippered Top ($168 $33.60)
Shoes: These might be the most incredible wedges I’ve seen this summer… Colin Robertson Lynnette in Blue ($387.50 $77.50)
Bracelet: Just the right about of blue to make the shoes pop – this outfit is a beautiful bruise… Samanca Kelly Bracelet in Blue ($150 $30)

Easy, easy weekend date, girl’s night out, dinner with friends, concert… Pretty much, you could wear this anywhere.

Dress: Not only is it the perfect cut, length, and neckline for just about any woman – the colors are also extremely complimentary… Kaj Ani Striped Wool Jersey Dress ($415 $83)
Shoes: This guy is slowly climbing up my “Obsessed with” list… Marcello Toshi Tulipan in Brown ($425 $90)
Clutch: You don’t need a loud bag when your shoes are screamin’… Tucker Paisley The Joey Clutch in Green ($165 $85)

Talk about going from the office to the cocktail hour…!

Which outfit would you wear? Why did you choose it?

xoxo.

1. “Kaprise” $119.95 $89.96 2. “Merriee” $89.95 $67.46 3. “Sambuka” $79.95 $59.96

Title: 25% off PLUS Free Shipping!
Location: Steve Madden
Link out: Click here
Description: 25% off your order AND Free Shipping as a “Thank You” to all customers who shop through their affiliates (me!). Use code: WeLoveCJ25
Start Date: 2009-06-23
End Date: 2009-06-26

Like what you see? Check out more events on the Event Calendar !

xoxo.

Technorati Tags: affiliate sale, steve madden

Elaine Turner Croc French Purse
$71.19 $53.39

Title: eBags Any One Item 25% off!
Location: eBags
Link out: Click here
Description: Today ONLY. 25% off one single item!
Date: 2009-06-23

xoxo.

Technorati Tags: ebags, elaine turner, purse, sale

I’ve decided that ECIG isn’t just for Mondays anymore (though, this one obviously is…). It also isn’t just for designers under $100, either. There are far too many worth-the-money designers with brilliant ideas for me to stick to just one. I hope that this doesn’t infuriate you all, price-point-wise, but I can’t deny my love any longer – I have to share these designers with you.

I promise to do my best to keep these items “affordable”, or at least easily distinguished as “worth the money”.

Last week, I attended an eco-fashion event at the Chicago Cultural Center called Fashion Cafe. Many young designers showed up to display their sustainable, creative, beautiful clothes, and I was basically in heaven.

I’d like to introduce you to Elise Bergman. She is a stunning young Chicago resident whose namesake line plucks at my heartstrings each time I think about it.

If I had to describe Elise Bergman’s collection in two words, they would be Fabric Porn. As soon as I walked into her little corner of this tiny fashion mecca, my pupils dialated with complete awe (and, admittedly, some envy). For the non-fashion obsessed, I could understand interpreting this line as “simple” – maybe even “boring”, but for the ladies who know their fashion, and have intricately examined every single garment they own, prior to buying, you’ll understand my magnetic attraction to the sultry, luxurious bevy of fabrics that Bergman selects to craft her pieces from.

One of Elise Bergman’s adorable dresses

While I had ample opportunity to photograph her pieces in their complete visual form, I couldn’t. Her swingy, slinky dresses were definitely adorable, but their design was matched by the fabric selections, sometimes even exceeded. She splits her time between the bustling city of Chicago and the mountains of Montana, which give her pieces a very versatile country-girl-meets-city-girl aesthetic and charm.

One of my favorite aspects of Bergman’s line is her line of “wraps”, which are made from a range from fabrics from delicate silk to wool.

“I can’t find the size…” I told her. She smirked.

“They’re one size fits all.”

“*silence* …What?”

“Yeah, one size fits all. They can be tied and wrapped a ton of different ways for each body type.”

“*silence*”

Elise Bergman, let’s get hitched. You are a creative goddess and you’ve just made my day.

xoxo.

Technorati Tags: chicago designers, elise bergman, independent designers

xoxo.