FASHIONABLE INVITES: September

CHICAGO Fashion's Night Out

The Shops at North Bridge and CS Magazine

Neiman Marcus

900 Shops

Saks Fifth Avenue

FASHION CONFESSIONS: LAURA FANTACCI Fashion Stylist and Blogger

A fashion & shopping editor at RED MAGAZINE in London, Laura works on editorial, commercial and advertising projects, both as a fashion and still life stylist. She also has a very successful blog, WEARING IT TODAY, which is a peek into a stylist’s wardrobe. Styling models for a shoot is one thing but trying to look good in every day life is quite another. So Laura puts in the groundwork and tests out trends for everyday life. But it is also an opportunity for her to share brilliant finds, styling tips, and search out inspiration that you can make your own. It's become the answer to the question "Where's that from?"

WHAT’S YOUR FASHION ADDICTION?
It would have to be t-shirts; I just can't seem to get enough of them. My eye usually falls on neon, stripy and grey. American apparel does my absolute favorite grey marl style, which is one of my wardrobe staples. I do however regularly edit them as I hate clutter and like to have a selection of crisp new ones at hand.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN LONDON?
The fact that I live in the center of the world but I can sleep with my window open and don't hear a peep...

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
Classic with a twist. I like to think that my wardrobe is built around everlasting classics which I update every season with the trends that I love.

WHAT DOES FASHION MEAN TO YOU?
Its part of the visual take I have on life on general - quite plainly I love things that look pretty and it comes completely natural to me to think have an aesthetical interest in everything.

ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
A good bag. Take away all the rest but a designer bag holds the fort to a successful outfit.

WHICH DESIGNERS DO YOU WORSHIP?
I think Miuccia Prada is always ahead of the game.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Sheridan Road Magazine

Photographer: Michael Dar
Stylist: Jessica Moazami
Hair and Make Up: Carley Martin
Model: Eleanor Simon at FACTOR WOMEN Model Management
Stylist assistant: Scarlett Trumpy

Watch us in action above, working hard creating the fashion looks for Sheridan Road Magazine, August/September issue.

And here it is…THE SHAPE OF FALL, Sheridan Road Magazine

Hat by Jenny Pfanenstiel of Formé Millinery. Coat by Eva Pazola. Belt available at Saks Fifth Avenue. Gloves available at H&M. Black trousers by Jil Sander, available at Neapolitan Collection. Heels by Manolo Blahnik, available at Neiman Marcus.

Dress by Chado Ralph Rucci; heels by Prada; both available at Neiman Marcus. Earrings by Miguel Ases, available at Shirise.

Hat by Maison Michel Paris; clutch by Viktor and Rolf, both available at Chalk Boutique. Leather top by Christian Dior, available at Neapolitan Collection. Trousers by Rachel Zoe, available at Bloomingdales. Gold stud earrings available at H&M.

Dress by Jonathan Saunders, available at Neapolitan Collection. Handbag by Reed Krakoff, available at Chalk Boutique. Earrings by Coralia Leets; snakeskin heels by Stella McCartney, both available at Shirise. Black leather gloves, available at H&M.

Dress by Stella McCartney, available at Neiman Marcus. “Sledge” Patent heels available at L.K. Bennett.

“Yvanna” dress by Diane von Furstenberg, available at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales. Boots by Jimmy Choo, available at Saks Fifth Avenue. Vintage gold cuff by Yves Saint Laurent, available at
Neapolitan Collection.

Hat by Maison Michel Paris; boots by Chloé, both available at Chalk Boutique. Dress by Gucci, available at
Neapolitan Collection.

Thank you Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Neapolitan Collection, Chalk Boutique, Saks Fifth Avenue, Jenny Pfanenstiel of Formé Millinery, L.K. Bennett and Eva Pazola for lending me such Fantastic clothes.

IN THE PRESS: CS Magazine

Thank you CS Magazine for featuring me on your website and in the August issue.

BEAUTY CONFESSIONS: CARMINDY BOYWER Celebrity Make-up Artist

WHAT NOT TO WEAR’s make-up artist, Carmindy, has painted faces in the studios of Paris, on the beaches of Brazil and on the streets of Havana. After living in Los Angeles, Milan and Miami, she now makes her home in New York. Carmindy’s editorial work can be seen on the pages of leading magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, InStyle, O, Essence, Self, Lucky, Seventeen, Marie Claire and Glamour. She’s also the author of three beauty books, THE 5 MINUTE FACE, GET POSITIVELY BEAUTIFUL and CRAZY BUSY BEAUTIFUL.

Photo Credit: Peter Buckingham

With one of the hottest summers in Chicago’s history l find out from Carmindy her top summer make-up tips...

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR MAKE-UP FROM DISAPPEARING IN THIS HEAT?
In hot weather, switch to powder shadows and blushes that won't melt off your face like creams will. Also use waterproof eyeliners and mascaras to keep from smudging.

DO YOU NEED TO BUY A NEW FOUNDATION COLOR FOR YOUR SUMMER TAN?
Add a few drops of liquid bronzer or a foundation a few shades deeper to your usual foundation to match your new (self-tanner) skin tone.

WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE SUMMER MAKE-UP TIP?
Keep blotting papers handy at all times to absorb oil and shine.

WHAT COLORS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR A FRESH SUMMER LOOK WHEN YOU HAVE TAN?
Stay away from dark eyes and lips and opt for corals and pinks to play up tanner skin.

HOW DO YOU CREATE A NATURAL GLOW WITH BRONZER?
To apply powder bronzer correctly sweep it on the temples, along the sides of the face and under the cheekbones for a faux glow that natural contours your face.

WHAT NOT TO WEAR airs on Tuesdays at 9PM ET/PT on TLC

FASHIONABLE INVITES: August

TRUNK SHOWS: Jason Wu, Valentino and Brunello Cucinelli at Neiman Marcus

GET THE LOOK: Katie Holmes

With her recent split Katie has been spotted out and about wearing a variety of stripes, a look perfect for the summer. Stripes never go out of fashion and to keep it modern pair it with a contrasting print like a floral, an animal or mismatching stripes.

GET THE LOOK...

LEFT TO RIGHT: Dress, currently on sale $235 (originally $467), by Sonia By Sonia Rykiel available at farfetch. ‘Samantha’ tank, $124, by Tory Burch available at CUSP by Neiman Marcus. Stripe skirt, currently on sale $89.99 (originally $128), J.Crew. ‘Estella Breton’ top, $70, Club Monaco. Shorts, currently on sale $49.99 (originally $65), J.Crew.

GET THE LOOK: Cashmere

I and a few other Chicago fashion bloggers were invited to Neiman Marcus to preview their new fall cashmere line. I know what you’re thinking; it’s a bit crazy to think of cashmere when it’s still so hot. However cashmere is a key component to any good capsule wardrobe and should be a staple in your fall/winter closet. I was pleasantly surprised to see some exciting designs that included new silhouettes with little subtle details and fab colors for next season. Cashmere can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be, the prices range from cheap (Uniglo) to mid-price (Neiman Marcus) to expensive (Brunello Cucinelli).

The Neiman Marcus cashmere collection is in store now and as a special treat you can get 20% off from Aug 1-5. HAPPY SHOPPING!