REAL V DEAL: Robert Rodriguez v M&S

REAL: Pencil striped skirt, $245, by Robert Rodriguez at Intermix.
DEAL: Cotton striped skirt, £29.50 (approx $45 USD), by Marks and Spencers.

FASHION CONFESSIONS: ERIKA MILLER Jewelry Designer

Erika Miller’s career with Elm Consulting focuses on strategies behind a fashion brand's keyword visibility in search engines. She has helped sites such as ELLE, Refinery29, and OS-Fashion with their search marketing and optimization. With a strong technical background, she is now pursuing her creative side, a love of jewelry designing at Studio Jewelers Ltd., in New York.

WHAT’S YOUR JEWELRY ADDICTION?
For me jewelry creates a statement that is very personal, and that statement can enhance the outfit or add just the right flair. I have an attraction to geometric jewelry, statement necklaces, and cuffs, but my true addiction is to gem and crystal rings.

TELL ME WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIG JEWELRY TRENDS FOR SS13?
Gem and crystal statement pieces, tribal jewelry, 3D rings.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR CURRENT COLLECTION?
Behind my collection the inspiration can be described as boho biker goes tribal. I describe myself as a ‘hippie who loves Gucci,’ and my pieces help show both sides of me. My collection includes both eccentric high-end pieces and pieces that are handcrafted and grounding.

IN YOUR OPINION WHAT JEWELRY RULES ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN?
Jewelry should not be refined and delicate. There is a time to break out and be bold with a statement piece. There is, however, also the time for pearls.

HOW DO YOU MAKE A STATEMENT WITH YOUR JEWELRY WITHOUT GOING OVER THE TOP?
Jewelry is like the paint on a canvas. It must tell a story. To connect the pieces with my outfit is simple; if my outfit is color blocked, my jewelry can be more playful and make a bold statement. However if the outfit is full of patterns or prints, then a subtle necklace or drop earring will do. I use jewelry as a way to enhance my look by making a bold or elegant statement. For me, fashion is the canvas and jewelry is the paint. The two must work together so that there is a story to be told about the look.

WHAT'S THE ONE ITEM OF JEWELRY YOU SHOULD NEVER LEAVE YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT?
My diamond studs. (Sorry I’m both bold and refined!)

IN THE PRESS: Chicago Bloggers Network

Honored to be voted 2nd best dressed at the Chicago Bloggers Network Oscar party –but definitely think I should have won ha!

TALKING TRENDS: Ruffles

Gucci, Spring/Summer 2013

CLOCKWISE: Ruffle blouse, currently on sale $188 (originally $313), by See by Chloé available at Farfetch. One shoulder ruffle dress, $395, by Rebecca Taylor available at Shopbop. Tiered silk-chiffon and satin dress, currently on sale $190 (originally $425), by Halston Heritage available at Outnet. Chiffon Tank Top, $25, by Buckle. ‘Ginta’ drop waist ruffle dress, currently on sale $220 (originally $275), by Rachel Zoe availableat Shopbop.

FASHIONABLE INVITES: March

SAMPLE SALE: PAURIC SWEENEY

GET THE LOOK: Pippa Middleton

Pippa’s wearing: Custom-made ‘Tori’ coat, £815 (approx $1229 USD), by Katherine Hooker. ‘Knock on Wood, Woodpecker' clutch by Kate Spade. 'Rhumba' Boot Aquatalia by Marvin K. ‘SGV 767’ leopard print sunglasses by Givenchy.

GET THE LOOK…

CLOCKWISE: Numberone knee-high boot, currently on sale $92.50 (originally $189), by Nine West. Luxe wool scoopneck coat, currently on sale $124.99 (originally $249), by Lands’ End. ‘Winter Palace’ hat, $70, by Sundance. Tonal taupe acetate leopard sunglasses, $330, by Dolce & Gabbana available at Stylebop. ‘Emboya’ wood clutch, $400, by Tesler + Mendelovitch available at Etsy.com

BEAUTY CONFESSIONS: CYNTHIA ALVAREZ Hairstylist

Cynthia Alvarez, a talented hairstylist, travels the world to work on runways shows, world stages, magazines, music videos and films. After touring with Alicia Keys, Cynthia’s clientele list has grown as she continues to work with some of the world’s most incredible beauties from Zoe Kravitz to Shakira. She’s on track to become one of the world’s leading hair stylists by staying ahead of the curve and using the latest techniques. I met Cynthia when I was invited to Ojon’s Treatment Triage during NY Fashion Week.

WHAT’S YOUR BEAUTY ADDICTION?
My beauty addiction is Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. It creates a smooth, flawless base for my foundation and stays put even during long days on set.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
I would describe my personal style as urban chic: a mixture of high fashion pieces with street style. I’m a woman with curves so I tend to gravitate toward clothes that help accentuate an hourglass shape, tastefully. A trendy blazer, trousers and pumps are never too far away!

WHOSE HAIR WOULD YOU LOVE TO DO?
I would absolutely love to do Jennifer Lopez's hair. Her hair is the most coveted and the fact that we were raised in the same neighborhood makes me want to work with her that much more. She was such an inspiration to me that I'd love to pick her brain while tousling her hair.

BEST TIP TO KEEP YOUR HAIR IN GOOD CONDITION?
The best hair tip I could give someone would be to consistently moisturize. We tend to over process our hair with chemicals and heat styling without realizing the need to combat the dryness with hair penetrating oils. Ojon Rare Blend Oil treatment is my staple recommendation because it’s super easy to apply and is very effective at repairing, preventing, and treating damaged strands. Apply to freshly washed, damp hair and you’re done! It absorbs quickly and acts as a heat protector as well. Easy for women on the go!

WHAT’S THE MOST PRIZED POSSESSION IN YOUR CLOSET?
The most prized possession in my closet is a limited edition Louis Vuitton handbag I snagged in Paris as a gift to myself after a long world tour. It’s a traditional shape with metallic leather accents and camouflaged logos. I’ve yet to see another person wearing the bag and only real fashionistas recognize where it’s from.

ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
I could not live without my iPhone and all its wonderful apps...I’m pretty obsessed!! If my hands are free for longer than 10 mins, I’m going through withdrawal. I’m constantly updating and refreshing my social networks, texting, and replying to emails. Instagram might have to be the runner up. Needless to say, I have a problem, lol.

Rare Blend Oil Total Hair Therapy, $35, by Ojon.

IN THE PRESS: SociaLifeChicago

Spotted by SociaLife Chicago at the Gucci party and nominated for Best Dressed on the Scene. If you think I’m the best dressed you can vote for me here!

Snapped with the artist, David Csicsko and Tribune editor, David Syrek.

REAL V DEAL: Alexander McQueen v Darling

REAL: Flower skull clutch box, currently on sale $1,679 (originally $2,795), by Alexander McQueen.
DEAL: floral clutch, $62, by Darling.

WARDROB ESSENTIALS: DRESS UP, DRESS DOWN

TOPSHOP beret. URBAN OUTFITTERS blazer. NEIMAN MARCUS CASHMERE COLLECTION cashmere sweater. DAISY KNIGHT skull necklace. MAISON BOINET belt. ALEXIS BITTAR ring. MICHAEL KORS handbag. BCBG MAX AZRIA heels.

ELIZABETH AND JAMES fur collar. DIANA VON FURSTENBERG top. DAISY KNIGHT skull necklace.  ALEXIS BITTAR ring. JIMMY CHOO clutch. REISS heels.

GET THE LOOK…

Full skirt, $49.95, by H&M.

An all important THANK YOU to BRYAN WHITELY.

FASHION CONFESSIONS: JENNIFER CHUN Designer

Jennifer Chun started off her career working with some of the greats including Michael Kors and Derek Lam before launching her own line in 2009. Blending interesting fabrics and classic silhouettes each season, her clothes are feminine and casually refined. This New York based designer has managed to create an effortless polish with strong European influences. She has an incredible understanding of the importance of structure and tailoring. While at New York fashion week I had the opportunity to interview Jennifer and see her Autumn/Winter ‘13 collection.

WHAT’S YOUR FASHION ADDICTION?
I'm not really a bag girl, but I have a severe shoe addiction problem. I must have so many different pairs and version of an oxford I think my husband is cutting me off. I don't always wear heels, but I still like buying them.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN NEW YORK?
I am a restless person, and I rarely sit still even when I'm sick. There is always something to do and see in NYC, so I'm never bored!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
"Modern Tomboy", not so put together or overdressed.

WHAT’S INSPIRED SPRING/SUMMER’S COLLECTION?
All the art Nouveau architecture, prints and colors I saw on my vacation to Barcelona.

WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO DRESS?
Melanie Laurent; I love how effortless she is.

ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Every year I buy an old school calendar book. I have to write down what I need to do everyday. Whenever I pull it out in meetings people laugh at me, but I would be lost without it!

Photo of Jennifer Chun by Emma Arnold of TRÉS AWESOME.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK HIGHLIGHTS: Day Five

Snapped by Emma Arnold of Très Awesome.

Designer, Jenny Packham backstage with Katherine Heigl and Vanessa Hudgens.

Jenny Packham, Autumn/Winter ’13 collection
Gorgeous red carpet dresses, can’t wait to see which ones Kate Middleton will be wearing.

Naeen Khan, Autumn/Winter ’13 collection
A very beautiful and opulent collection inspired by the Byzantine Empire and Erté's illustrations from the twenties.

Adeam, Autumn/Winter ’13 collection

Brandon Sun, Autumn/Winter ’13 collection
Loving the eastern warrior touches in this Axel Vrvoodt inspired collection.

(Photos by Monica Feudi and Sean Waltrous)