BEAUTY NEWS: Marni Launches a Fragrance

So excited to announce one of my fav Italian designers, Marni, is finally launching its first fragrance exclusive to Saks Fifth Avenue! Out next month the scent combines ethereal spices, eclectic raw woods and a touch of rose to create a statement that is both elusive and uniquely memorable, echoing designer’s belief in silent elegance.

Available in stores this February, prices range from $50- $105.

REAL V DEAL: Isabel Marant v Target

REAL: Bekkett suede and leather high-top wedge sneakers, $640, by Isabel Marant available at Net-a-Porter.
DEAL: Kahsha High Top Wedge Sneaker, currently on sale $29.74 (originally $34.99), by Xhilaration® available at Target.

BEAUTY CONFESSIONS: CHANTEL MILLER Senior Mac Artist

This senior MAC make-up artist loves modern art, art history and re-inventing the past to make it new. They all provide her with inspiration for her work, which includes creating a look for a Broadway show and editorial shoots for Cosmopolitan and Surface magazine. Other professional highlights include working with celebrities like Steven Tyler, Cameron Diaz, Alicia Keys and Shakira.

WHAT’S YOUR BEAUTY ADDICTION?
My beauty addiction is the well-placed "dewy" highlight. It gives every face (including mine) the soft glow of candle-light. MAC Cosmetics ‘Cream Color Base’ in Shell ($18.50) or MAC Cosmetics ‘Strobe Liquid’ ($31) are the two "go-to products" that add the perfect amount of color and texture to the cheekbones, bridge of nose and cupid's bow.

WHAT’S YOUR FAV COLORS FOR THE SEASON?
My season’s favorites are the gypsy-chic jewel tones and rich burnt red lip colors like MAC Cosmetics lipstick in ‘Viva Glam’ ($15). It’s about saturated spice tones and sexy liner. Makeup has the spotlight this season and every girl needs a kajal-type liner like MAC Cosmetics ‘Eye Kohl’ in Smolder ($15) –the name says it all!

WHOSE MAKE-UP WOULD YOU LOVE TO DO?
One of the great things about being in this industry for 17 years is that I have been fortunate enough to work on inspiring faces every day. Take me back in the time machine and I would be hoping to get my brushes on Grace Kelly.

ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
I simply can't live without my MAC Cosmetics Face and Body Foundation ($33). Massaging it into the skin like a moisturizer is the trick to this iconic finish. It works on every skin I touch –when I am looking for that light, airy, perfectly young and fresh skin.

WHAT’S THE MOST PRIZED POSSESSION IN YOUR CLOSET?
My most prized possession is this great belt I found at a Goodwill years ago. It is made of metal tubes and black leather and I am convinced there is not another one like it on the planet. Every time I wear it –people stop me in the street to ask about it. There is something special about knowing you scored an amazing accessory, no one else has, for a dollar!

WHO’S YOUR STYLE ICON?
Iris Apfel is my style icon. Need I say more? She embodies the spirit of the individual and her style truly embodies her fearless embrace of color.

Iris Apfel photographed by Franco Vogt

THE STEAL: Milly

This figure hugging dress, with it’s visually sliming panels, by Milly originally cost $425. However Neiman Marcus has reduced it by 65% and now it’s only $148, another STEAL!

REAL v DEAL: J.Crew v Target

REAL: Wool schoolboy blazer, $168, by J.Crew.
DEAL: Beige blazer, $34.99, by Merona® available at Target.

GET THE LOOK: Anna Wintour

Loving Anna's long and full A-line skirt.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Halter camisole, $198, and lime green A-line silk skirt, $525, by Tibi available at Neiman Marcus. Christian Dior S/S’13. Black silk faille skirt, $525, by Tibi available at Shopbop. Christian Dior S/S’13. Coral silk faille skirt, $525, by Tibi available at Shopbop.

This Dior look is also worn by Jessica Alba on the February cover of InStyle.

BEHIND THE SCENES: The Bridal Team

My first bridal fashion shoot since leaving You & Your Wedding magazine in 2010!

THE BRIDAL TEAM fashion shoot
Photographer: Dennis Lee
Stylist: Jessica Moazami
Hair: Jen Bean and Kerre Berry at THE BRIDAL TEAM
Make Up: Frances Tsalas and Kerre Berry at THE BRIDAL TEAM
Model: Michelle S, Emily Marinelli and Sarah Baker at FACTOR WOMEN Model Management
Photographer's assistant: Hillary Clemens
Stylist assistant: Jacki Debb

Hard at work...

If you're wondering why we're in coats there was no heating in that theatre and it was FREEZING!

And here are the final images...

A BIG THANKS to Jenny Yoo and The Left Bank for lending me the dresses and jewelry.

TALKING TRENDS: The Little Black Dress

CLOCKWISE: ‘Neoprene’ sleeveless dress, $689, by Tibi available at Matches. Ribbed v front skater dress, $100, by Topshop. ‘Lynnton’ dress in silk taffeta, $265, by J.Crew. Black & white silk dress, £3,025 (approx. $4,800 USD), by Jason Wu available at Browns.

Runway image by YannisViamos / GoRunway.com

THE STEAL: Jason Wu

This beautiful charmeuse ruffled-back silk skirt, by JASON WU available at Outnet, originally cost $990 but is now only $295, a reduction of 70%! I think it's a STEAL!

NEW WORK: Chicago Tribune

Check out my baroque trend picks for A/W featured in the CHICAGO TRIBUNE.

REAL V DEAL: Yigal Azrouël v Zara

REAL: Lattice Cable Knit Jumper, currently on sale $333 (originally $666), by Yigal Azrouël available at Avenue 32.
DEAL: Turtle neck knitted sweater, currently on sale $29.99 (originally $79.90), by Zara.

IN THE PRESS: Trendy Magazine

Spotted by Trendy Magazine with Simon Perry (fellow Londoner and fashion photographer), Dennis Lee (photographer) and Jordan Lindley (videographer) at Factor Models Holiday Party.

TALKING TRENDS: Chantilly Lace

A favorite of Kate Middleton, lace, was again a big trend on the runway. It popped up in the collections of Frankie Morello, Oscar De La Renta, Valentino, Giambattista Valli, Vera Wang and Thakoon.

Main image: Sarah Gadon in Flare Magazine photographed by Chris Nicholls.

CLOCKWISE: 'Cloud lace' box clutch, $1,650, by Jimmy Choo. Black lace cat ears headband, $8.80, by Windsor. Black imperial lace skirt, $170 ($340), by Tibi. Trinket studded shoe boots, $87.95,  Asos. Blue scallop hem lace dress, $68, by Miss Selfridge.

More BEAUTIFUL images from this shoot...

THE STEAL: J.Crew

Just because I’m a shopaholic doesn’t mean I’m willing to pay full price, on the contrary I love nothing more than a hunt for a good deal. It’s the best feeling when you get a fabulous piece at a reduced price! THE STEAL, a new section to my blog, is where I’m going to be sharing with you fantastic finds –who says you have to have a BIG budget to be fashionable!

This fabulous ‘double-cloth symphony’ coat by J.Crew, originally cost $350 but now online has been reduced to $139.99. However with the code STYLEFIND you get an additional 30% off bringing the price down to $97.99! You can get this A-line Italian wool coat in 4 colors, peached khaki, black, Dublin green and vibrant fuchsia (my personal fav).

IN THE PRESS: Trés Awesome

Thank you to Très Awesome and Second City Style for featuring me on your sites, it was a fun day!
Click through to read the full articles tresawesome.com and secondcitystyle.com.

REAL v DEAL: Urban Outfitters v Target

REAL: Tripp NYC Basic Camo Jean, $79, by Tripp NYC available at Urban Outfitters.
DEAL: Juniors Skinny Camouflage Denim, $22.99, by Xhilaration® available at Target.

FASHION CONFESSIONS: EMMA ARNOLD Streetstyle Photographer

Emma Arnold is the creative force behind the hugely popular street style blog, TRÉS AWESOME. The blog was started as a personal side project. Its main aim was to showcase the fabulous style of Chicago; a city often overlooked by the fashion community. Always obsessed with clothes and photography, TRÉS AWESOME allows Emma to indulge in both her passions. More importantly she hopes her blog gives people inspiration and even encourages them to experiment with their style and self-expression. This Über talented photographer has been published in New York Times, Elle, Time Out Chicago and even been featured on NBC news for Lollapalooza. My partner in crime at fashion events, Emma knows everyone who’s anyone in the Chicago fashion scene. Next month will be hitting NYFW together, trés excited!

WHAT’S YOUR FASHION ADDICTION?
Beautiful leather gloves and statement necklaces

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE CHICAGO'S FASHION STYLE?
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, so it really depends on which one you're talking about. Wicker Park is art school chic whereas Lincoln Park is sporty spice.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
It's a combo platter of classic silhouettes with a contemporary edge.

WHAT’S THE MOST PRIZED POSSESSION IN YOUR CLOSET?
An Indian Chief Head Ring I got in a boutique in LA. And a pair of huge turquoise lace earrings from designer Ashley Scott of Drapes.

WHICH DESIGNERS DO YOU WORSHIP?
Stella McCartney, Elbar Albaz and the Mulleavy Sisters.

ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Laughter and love.

BEHIND THE SCENES: DESIGN BUREAU Cover Shoot

Photographer: Billy Rood
Stylist: Jessica Moazami
Hair and Make Up: Fredy Anaya
Model: Katrina Hoernig and Michael Zdanowski at FACTOR WOMEN Model Management
Stylist assistant: Scarlett Trumpy

And the final images...

A BIG THANK YOU to Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus for lending me the clothes.