NEW WORK

Photographer: Jennifer Avello
Stylist: Jessica Moazami
Hair & make-up: Paula Heckenast
Model: Brooke at Factor Women

Trilby hat by Mosley and Hatt London. Multicolor striped knit pull over, $595, by Jason Wu available at Neiman Marcus. Bangles by H&M. Plum skirt by Tibi.

Red knit pull over, $1650, by Dior at Neiman Marcus. Ring by H&M. Black and white heart print jeans, $430, by Stella McCartney available at Neiman Marcus.

Red felt sunglasses, $12.99, by Xhilaration available at Target. Lime green jacket, $445, by Hugo Boss at Bloomingdales. Zebra print knit sweater, $325, by Rebecca Taylor at Bloomingdales. Gold chain necklace by Michael Kors. Tweed piped pocket shorts, $795, Jason Wu available at Neiman Marcus.

Black and white striped sweatshirt, $465, by Christopher Kane at Neiman Marcus. Army green cropped silk cargo trousers, $375, by Haute Hippie at Neiman Marcus. Leather cuff by Vince Camuto. Shoes by Forever 21.

Big Thank You to Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales on Michigan Ave for lending me the beautiful clothes.

FASHIONABLE DISCOVERIES: Jo Malone London x Michael Angove

I remember clearly when I first became a devotee of Jo Malone London. It was the early 00's and I was working at InStyle. We were all given a Jo Malone candle, I can't remember why? Maybe it was for xmas? As a fashion assistant I was on a tight income and not willing to spend lots of money on things like lux candles. I didn't think they were worth it. That all changed once I smelt Jo Malone. I was hooked and quickly realized there was a difference in the scent quality between a cheap and luxurious candle. Accompanied by their minimal ultra chic packaging it just added to the elegance and appeal of the brand.

During the last 20 years Jo Malone continues to excite and delight with new launches that includes collaborations with amazing artists and designers keeping things fresh. And speaking of fresh, this spring sees Malone team up with British artist, Michael Angove. As a textiles, wallpaper and fabric designer, Angove has created designs for prestigious brands such as Liberty of London, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hugo Boss and Farrow & Ball.

For Malone, Angove carefully chose two scents from the current line, Blackberry & Bay and Orange Blossom, as his inspiration to create a limited edition packaging. His botanical style of design - which is on trend just check out Christopher Kane's S/S collection -has created new life to the established brand pairing these amazing scents with a decorative statement. This home collection consists of a candle, scented sachets, diffuser and bath soap.

Blackberry & Bay Home Candle 200g, $70

Orange Flower Scent Surround™ Diffuser 165ml, $85

Blackberry & Bay Scented Sachets, $35

Blackberry & Bay and Orange Blossom Bath Soap Collection, $40

I caught up with Angove on his recent visit to Chicago's stylish Thompson hotel where we chatted about all things fabulous.

WHAT'S YOUR BEAUTY ADDICTION?
I know I shouldn't say this but it’s Vetyver by Jo Malone London.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LONDON?
The availability, you could go out at 3am in the morning and you can get a cappuccino. I love that -that kind of accessibility of things is just amazing, 24-7!

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
Dandy? I try to dress kinda sharp cos I'm kinda short. It's a mix up a bit of vintage and a bit Euro -nice suits, nice jackets, nice ties you can't go wrong.

WHO'S YOUR STYLE ICON?
I adore Dries Van Noten cos he's a print a person as well. I love print and I don't think men wear enough prints.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE FASHION DESIGNERS?
I have several. I love Diane von Furstenberg I think she is a print queen. Comme des Garçons is really just bonkers and fabulous. I also think Paul Smith is still a strong contender.

ONE THING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?
I can't live without shinny shoes. Without this I'm nothing and I know that sounds a bit silly but it just makes me complete -a nice shinny pair of black shoes.

WHATS INSPIRES YOU?
The kookiness of nature is a huge inspiration and to see it you have to look really closely. And you have to be surrounded by it all the time.

Available at Jo Malone™ Boutiques, jomalone.com, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus from 1st April 2014.

FASHIONABLE DISCOVERIES: Topshop x Adidas Originals Collection

My 20 year love affair with the iconic German brand, adidas Originals, began in the 90's when I was a teenager. At the time, living in London, it was the era of Britpop and my music heros like Ian Brown (The Stone Roses), Tim Burgess (The Charlatans) and brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher (Oasis) all wore adidas Originals. I was too young in the 80's when the brand first became cool with the hip hop counter-culture specifically RUN-DMC. Most recently you would have noticed Pharrell Williams, rumored to be designing his own collection with the brand, sporting several leather adidas Originals jackets over the last few months.

Along with it's connection to the music industry, various branches of adidas over the years have collaborated with many designers including Rick Owens, Jeremy Scott, Yohji Yamamoto and Stella McCartney. Now joining the long list is the British brand Topshop launching this week. It's perfect timing as athletic-inspired fashion is a big trend seen on the runways shows of Balenciaga, Prada, Tommy Hilfger and Marni. The 20-piece collection consists of signature Adidas pieces like tracksuits, running shorts, hoodies and superstar 80s trainers in bold graffiti-style prints. Inspired by the Adidas' archives the range combines sportswear with fashion streetstyle giving it a modern feel with flattering fitted cuts.

Here are my particular favs from the collection...

Printed Hoodie, $100 and Printed Track Pants, $75.

Tracksuit Top, $100.

Print Sweatshirt, $80, and Mattitude High Top Sneakers, $120.

Printed Vest, $40, and Track Pants, $75.

Superstar 80s Sneakers, $100.

Listen to the creative directors of both Topshop, Kate Phelan and adidas Originals Josefine Aberg discuss the collaboration.

The collection, priced from $40 to $150, is available at Topshop.com, adidas.com and Nordstrom.com.

REAL v DEAL: Marni v H&M

REAL: Crystal-embellished leather slingback sandals, $480, by Marni at Net-a-Porter.com.
DEAL: Crystal-embellished leather sandals, $34.95, by H&M.

NEW WORK: Chicago Tribune

Some of my fav pieces that didn’t make the final cut…

Rose print 'Firebird' zip up, $65, by Adidas Originals.

Crêpe de Chine trim ultra-silky floral tee, $88, by 1.State at Nordstrom.

Cotton jersey knit with floral print and Contrast chambray trim shorts, $24.95 at Gap.

Canvas and leather trimmed slip-on sneaker designed in collaboration with artist, Jim Lambie, $370, by Mother of Pearl at NET-A-PORTER.com.

Tank in floral mesh with black and white rib, $52.69, by ASOS.

REAL v DEAL: Chloe v Jeffery Campbell

If you saw my trends page in the Chicago Tribune (see below) a couple of weeks ago you’d know that shower slides is going to be huge for this spring/summer season. Its lead me to a couple of slides that are perfect for real v deal.

REAL: Embellished neoprene slides, $650, by Chloe at Net-a-Porter.com
DEAL: Gold bar slides, $59.95, by Jeffery Campbell at Nasty Gal.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE, From Shower to Runway

REAL v DEAL: Tibi v H&M

REAL: Black and white silk-gazar paint splatter skirt, $650, by Tibi at Neiman Marcus (737 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, 312. 642.5900)
DEAL: Black and white flared brush strokes skirt, $59.95, by H&M.

OSCARS 2014 BEST DRESSED

BLUE MONDAY 

lots of beautiful navy was worn on both women and men

Kevin Spacey in Burberry, Jason Sudeikis in Prada & Leonardo Dicaprio

Chiwetel Ejiofor & Sari Mercer

Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen

Amy Adams in Gucci

LADIES IN RED

Jennifer Laurence in Dior
Nice to see her in a more slim silhouette

Pink

Love the low neckline with covered arm, it’s sexy but still classy.

MORE OF MY FAVS

Olivia Wilde in Valentino

Its simplicity is what really makes the dress.

Calista flockhart in Andrew Gn

Great silhouette for her petite frame.

Anne Hathaway in Gucci

Sally Field in Randi Rahm

Delicate and pretty with its fabric and beading but modern with the high neckline and short sleeves.

Lupita Nyong in Prada

Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive

Jared Leto in Saint Laurent