Vintage Find: Clock Ring

I have been carefully documenting my love for vintage jewelry and the finds are as treasurable as the journey I often stumble upon finding these unique, pieces. Lunching in the suburbs one spring day I came across Re.Defined (115 E.Station St. Barrington, IL) (website coming soon) a store that makes you look twice when you are coasting through quiet Barrington with manequins posing in antique finds and worn leather suitcases propped up against the aged models posing on the sidewalk. Their scarves blowing in the wind it mocked  the boutique found in "The Sweetest Thing."


To my surprise this little gem is shared by other fashion lovers, like hometown designer, Cynthia Rowley. The store utilized every square centimeter with glasses, clothing, jewelry, handbags and everything in between.

 The store's owner does a lot of searching herself for great finds and embellishes the vintage finds with a modern, artisitc trend including one of my favorite styles; steampunk. Her knowledge and artistic view on vintage is bar none. Turning a floor length, polyester, patterned gown into two mini skirts is just one of the very modern  take on vintage you will find here. Ask for Laura and tell herPrivyDoll sent you!

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Fashion Radar: Printed Pants

These aren't your cartoon pajamas. These are the 'it' pants of the season. Printed, relaxed fit or harem prints are in. They are cheeky, and a coversation starter to say the least. Many designers have used some really fun prints that are a great way to bring some colors into your wardrobe. You can easily sabotage this trend with a crazy top. Keep it simple, try solids and tucked in and depending on the top belt it for a more refined look with the pants.

I love this semi- tribal print that is still in neutral tones, You could even throw in a pop of color of wedges or a top to off set the gray tones. These are from Asos for $88.63

An amazing find from Rachel Roy

The splurge inspiration are these from Roberto Cavalli found at Neiman Marcus for $432.

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Fashion Radar: Summer Chiffons

Easy, breezy chiffons have taken over high on the trend list for summer. I love the chic, easy look they portray and are extra comfy for the office and out. Blousey tops tucked into a pencil skirt or chinos with a skinny belt are office-appropriate. But has the versatility to wear with skinny jeans and flats or a great layering piece.  Many floral chiffon prints are great for summer and look great with capris or shorts. The effortless look is ideal for a great, summer look.


This bebe chiffon top is a great piece for wear with denim or at the office.

A snakeskin chiffon is a little bit of an edgier take on the trend, and still loving the longer sleeve to pair with shorts or a skirt. This one found by Parker on Cusp.com for $187.

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Entertainment: Driehaus Fashion Excellence Award Fashion Show

Friday night 25 student designers from the top fashion design schools in Chicago competed in the Driehaus fashion excellence 10th anniversary award fashion show. The setting was Driehaus's personal antique car museum a blank canvass for a unique event of mannequins from previous winners around beautiful antique cars roped and stacked in the entrance. The competition was stiff but I wouldn't of wanted the judges job. Peach Carr from season 8 Project Runway was of the celebrity judges that had the difficult job of choosing the top emerging designer.

This year marks the 10 year anniversary of the Richard Driehaus awards which supports the Chicago Fashion Incubator program and has raised over $1 million dollars. Richard opened the show with thanks to the supporters over the years and shared the many successes this program has housed. Winners receive a check to support growing their lines. What an amazing jump start to these bright talent's careers!

All of the student designers had talent. All of them had such vision and really captured their voice in the three items each sent down the runway. Collections were as diverse as the students who designed them. The pieces ranged from  wearable outerwear to items Lady Gaga would rock.  I did have favorites. Jessica Fitzgerald's black and red cut out jackets were screaming my name. I adored Maggie's knit collection that was so chic and cozy. Winner of the night? The only mens collection of the competition won first place and earned with amazing detail and tailoring with unique euro touches. Definitely stood out for more than one reason!



PrivyDoll enjoying the after party



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Fashion Radar: Seeing Red

Seeing red this season is in. Is it a coincidence that the Bulls are in the conference finals and Chicago is the hot ticket in town? Red chinos and denim are in for spring/summer in Chicago and beyond. Skinny and stretch are great choices for a good fit. Celebs such as Rihanna have been spotted in the last month rocking red denim jeans. Treat this trend as if they were the new solid base. Pair it with nude, khaki or a T shirt. Stripes also work well for a nautical, modern edge for summer.

 J Brand is known for a good stretch fit and these red cropped jeans are right on trend. You can find them at Nordstrom online for $176.

Punk store go to, Hot Topic has a very resonable red studded, skinny jean for only $24.50.

When summer rolls around you can still stay true to this look with these great red shorts from Forever 21. Tucked in blouse with a belt and wedges and these shorts are a great statement item.

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Beauty: Best Bronzers

It has been a very, very, very, did I mention VERY, long winter PrivyDolls. Its the days like these that the weather is participating in our happiness of sun shining and highs hitting higher. The off days that we are able to show our bare legs again are here and for many its a sad, pale story. We are trying to skip the smelly self tanning and if Miami isn't in your close future try some of my favorite (I promise) products to give you a very soft, make up bronze for the rare chance a night out includes bare legs and some extra skin before summer hits. These products are truly found in my makeup cabinet and felt I should share my favorites.

My secret for traveling bronze: Michael Kors Roll Stick. This product is a bit hard to find but looks like a deoderant that is used for a very light shimmer that leaves the original Kors perfume scent behind. LOVE! I roll it a few times on my legs and arms before heading out. A smear proof product with just a hint of sheen and perfect for on the go.

Tarte also has a roll on product in a smaller size which also has a scent. a fresh fruitier scent with a bit richer bronze comes along with this roll on bronzer. This product is a great one to throw in your purse and found at Sephora.

 

 I also have two favorite lotion bronzers that I adore. Note these are not self tanners. They do come off with a towel or sweat off in a hot day and will immediately come off in the shower. These are for a nice glow when you head out to give your skin a natural extra shimmer.

Mac shimmer lotion is a small tube with a lot of kick. Use a dab of it after primer on her face along cheek bones for a nice shimmer before adding your blush.

 Victoria Secret also has a great garden collection that includes their top scented lotions in a sparkle version. High intensity bronze btw. It often leaves your palms extra dark, so remember to wash/scrub your hands after. But since this is just a lotion it comes off very easy. Great scents and easy to find.  Stay golden PrivyDolls!!

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Entertainment: SAIC The Walk 2011 Fashion Recap

New talent showcased their lines last night under the tents in Millennium Park for The Walk 2011. The opening hour included signature cocktails from Grey Goose and a media studded and fashion blogger frenzy. The students of the Chicago Art Institute are extremely talented who presented to honor Ikram Goldman. I saw very little difference among the sophomores and the senior collections. The inspirational night included scholarships and awards given to SAIC students on their collection achievements.



Privydoll spotting

 The collections were as different as the designers behind them with inspirations as diverse as : technology vs. nature (Nicole O'Malley), Japanese Samurai Armor (Jasmine Tsang),  and Disney Superheros (Lauren Rataj).

Thirty five sophomores, 46 juniors and 14 seniors sent three for four pieces down the catwalk. Many of the collections were extremely avant garde, others seemed very wearable and right on trend with future streetwear.

 The creativity filled the tents to the brim with collections of knit wear, mask-wearing models, 80's pop art street-wear and gowns to name a few. Structure was a common thread among many of the designers, with fan designs and an umbrella skirt (Derek R. Conrad).

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