When it comes to summer fashion, the more bare, the better! As we make the transition into the season of non-stop sunny days, we are reminded that it’s crunch time for shedding the unsightly winter weight. For an extra dose of workout inspo, let’s talk about the hottest styles in swimwear: Crochet: Charming with a bit of sex appeal, the… Read more
Every day, day-in and day-out, we hear of problems and paradoxes burdening individuals, communities, countries… It is overwhelming to think about, let alone develop solutions for them. Where do you start? According to Kevin Conroy Smith, you build a network. Sounds so simple right? Guess what… it is! “I’m not going to change the world, but my network can.” With Smith’s devout belief… Read more
From scraped knees to broken hearts, she has been there to bandage them all. And though we tell her we love her often, Mother’s Day is the day to show it. A gift is nice, but really, your older, wiser BFF wants time to spend with her beautiful, and busy, daughter. To celebrate the queen mum in your life, here are four thoughtful… Read more
Every summer has an anthem. In 2000, it was R. Kelly’s “Fiesta”; in 2007, Sean Kingston’s “Beautiful Girls” and last year Carly Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.” It’s no secret: we link memories to melodies; and if you’re anything like me – you know what you were wearing when they happened. So, my point? If shoes were songs, the ankle-strap will be playing… Read more
For whatever reason, you are unlucky in love. Aren’t we all? That’s why we are single, right? Wrong. If anyone thought these things, it’s me. After going on only one date in a full year, I naturally began feeling frustrated and insecure. When the opportunity arose to interview the founder of Smart Dating Academy, Bela Ghandi, aka “The Fairy Godmother of Dating,” I was all… Read more
You did the quintessential spring cleaning closet cleanse…so, now what? The “toss” pile is folded, ready to go and staring you down – the question is: what do you do with it? No matter what, don’t throw it in the garbage. You may have gotten the max use of your purchase, but ladies – the buck doesn’t stop here. Old clothes are… Read more
Tulips have yet to bloom, but CTA heaters are off… which only means one thing: we are betweasons. Yes, betweasons…you know – the awkward stage; like in a break-up when you both know it is over and time to move on, but can’t quite quit “trying to work it out?” Well, that’s how Mother Nature is these days: complicated! And… Read more
If you don’t know, now you do: it is spring! And Cheeky kept it real last Thursday, saying “Sayonara” to winter and “Helllooooo” to the warm months. For the most down-to-earth fashion show in Chicago, a selection of well-known locals struck a pose showing off the hottest fashions in this season’s forecast: The Scene: From the get-go, the event made… Read more
Soon (-er or later), a hot streak of sunny days are on the way. In other words, it’s time to start thinking about accessor-eyes-ing! Sure, sunglasses serve as a protective shield from those dangerous ultraviolet rays, but to a fashionista, they mean much more. Adding outfit flair or a stylish disguise after a long night, a pair of shades are… Read more
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain.” “You have to have a little rain before you see the rainbow.” “Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.” Everyone makes wet weather out to be so inspirational. And yeah, sure, stormy days make great metaphors, but I have… Read more
In a relationship, “what’s yours is mine,” right? So clearly your guy won’t mind if you borrow parts of his wardrobe to “re-purpose” tomorrow. Whether the slumber party is at his place or you always have access to your romantic roommate’s clothing collection, make masculine feminine by adding lady touches to his brawny basics. Here’s how: His Wardrobe For… Read more
The winners for the Academy Awards 85th Anniversary were rumored to have been “too close to call,” seemingly setting the tone for this year’s Best and Worst Dressed categories. Otherwise known as The Fashion Superbowl, this year’s Oscars honoring the best in the biz unfortunately had a mediocre mélange of semi-glam A-listers in attendance. Ironically, the red carpet was, in… Read more
Whether it is the bus or El, Chicago is a city filled with people chasing dreams. To make it, you’ve got to not only master CTA timing and transferring, but be rush-hour ready. An abundance of “signal clearance” interruptions and “equipment failures” may make your commute inefficient; but that doesn’t mean you have to be. With the perfect tryst of function… Read more
Roses are red, violets are blue, just because you got Catfish’ed doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, too. Couples included, the general consensus agrees Cupid’s “holiday” is an overpriced sham, yet we still indulge. Let’s face it, love is in the air and it’s not just for those who are smitten. Valentine’s Day is not about being in love,… Read more
Jeans and a t-shirt – the twosome is such a great wardrobe metaphor for life. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of who is wearing what, trend alerts and the pity of feeling like you have zilch to wear; in life that is called gossip and self comparison. Ain’t nobody got time for that!… Read more
You may traditionally attach a sophisticated stigma to fine wines and fancy spirits, but beer is quite a complex beverage choice. It is no longer just the cheap, convenient can of PBR you drank in high school saw your dad sipping while growing up; in fact, it is a multifaceted, intricate and increasingly trendy type of thirst as I learned… Read more
Indeed, the accolade of a Golden Globes Award intends to recognize cinematic brilliance, but we all know that’s not why so many of us tune-in. From the first step onto the red carpet, we await newsworthy sound-bites and slip-ups, but mostly we watch for fashions. In honor of the categories dividing the prestigious Golden Globes, here is a recap of… Read more
They say it takes three weeks to form a habit. That’s not very long, so why the hell is it so difficult to stick to New Year’s Resolutions? It’s simple: people don’t know what new habits to form! If this year saving more money is the object of your affection, but the demise of your dollars is the fault of fashion,… Read more
Eye-catching 31Bits jewelry is as profound in fashion statement as it is story. At a glance, detailed bracelets and necklaces look like beloved Bauble Bar and J.Crew competitors. Similar beading, color, design, and price; but the real difference between big box brands and these hand crafted treasures is a compelling tale of “unique suffering overcome with joy and liberation”. Tell… Read more
How you spend New Year’s Eve determines how the rest of your year will be – location, company and attire! The most important outfit you wear all year is the one you wear when ringing it in. If you plan to take control of 2013 like a boss, make a first impression with your clothes… Regardless of how fancy the fete,… Read more
Contrary to popular belief, the words “ugly” and “holiday sweater” are not mutually exclusive. Of course we’ve been to our fair share of annual theme parties mocking the tacky tops, which makes it difficult to believe festive, chic knits do exist. It’s true…and the proof is in the figgy-pudding. Take note, you guys: ugly sweaters are out, [like, really out]… Read more
Holidays are magical; full of special traditions, joy, love….and parties! If you’re anything like me, at first site of an invite, you immediately think…”What should I wear?!” Fancy fete or a simple celebraish, when it comes to the season intended for sparkle and wonder, it only seems appropriate to wear just that. In other words, sequins, beading, rich colors, lux… Read more
Make a list and check it twice. Now that you’ve noted who to buy for, all you have to figure out is what!? From person to personality, here’s a guide to gifting this holiday season: Snoody Mom What: Fur Snood, Bloomingdales or any department store. Why: Classy, impeccable taste and dressed to the nines. If Momma were an accessory, she would… Read more
The bad thing about covering events is it’s after the fact and you have to read about good times missed-out-on like last Friday’s WinterEscape at the Hard Rock Hotel. Sorry, I’m not sorry, you’re about to kick yourself. However, if you were there, let’s relive the night, eh? With a toy donation entry ensuring Ronald McDonald House tykes have a… Read more
Most of you are probably thinking about Thanksgiving Eve festivities or Black Friday bargains, but have you decided what to wear on the day celebrated with a huge effing delicious meal? It is much more complicated than one would think! More so than any other holiday, Thanksgiving requires strategic outfit planning. From anticipating a lot of eating, to cheering on… Read more
From Rio to Shanghai, Milan to Sydney; fashion is all around. A girl’s street style is a statement of herself, her culture and her city. Or is it? Without labels, would you be able to guess each lady’s locale? According to my research, cross-continental chic includes layers, bright pops of color and dressing down fancy by pairing casual items. Climate may… Read more
Admit it or not, you walk Chicago rues giving makeovers with your eyes and taking mental photographs of others’ style to translate for later. Find safety in numbers, because there’s plenty more people like you and they’re on the new social networking site meant for outfit judging and loving. Come out of the closet with www.whatRUwearing.net and make the world… Read more
The anticipation for Halloween undeniably has the same haunting effect as it did during childhood days. That is, even if we are now more interested in drinking pumpkin ale than carving jack-o-lanterns (um, or not). The bottom line is we seek out spooky ways to celebrate long before it’s time to put on our costumes. But while we wait to… Read more
If there is one fashionable item underestimated in adding versatility and personal statement to an outfit, it is the scarf. The envy of all other accessories, scarves have the ability to singlehandedly perfect an entire look. Incorporate texture, pops of color, or print. Use it to dress up or dress down. Let it serve as a layer of warmth. We… Read more
If you are anything like me, you have been thinking about what you’re going to be for Halloween this year since November 1st of last year. But if you’re not like me, I’m here to light the fire: it is officially three weeks until the big day. Chronic procrastinator? “Too busy” to think about a costume? Lack creativity? Not your favorite… Read more
Take basic to designer or create chic one-of-a-kind looks your friends will totally envy. Do-It-Yourself projects not only save bank, but an investment of blood, sweat and tears makes end results inherently invaluable. Fun to do, fun to wear; and when people compliment, a great sense of pride comes with saying: “Thanks, I made it.” Whether you want to revamp… Read more
While most people say “No way, Jose,” I say “Absofu**inlutely!” Wearing a black bra under a white top has too notorious of a reputation for being a fashion don’t. It’s 2012, ladies. If we’ve burned ‘em and worn ‘em cone shaped, we can certainly let ‘em show through our shirts. While Amy Winehouse had one-of-a-kind talent, her look isn’t exactly… Read more
Gorgeous. Intelligent. Ambitious. Three words representing G.I.A. Luxe handbags, the woman who wears them, and the artistic brains behind them. Sheetal Patel, designer and owner of G.I.A., and I met at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago’s Terrace, where we chatted became BFF over Freeze Pops (delish!). WHO: Only 28-years-old, Sheetal has a lot to say for herself: two Bachelor’s degrees,… Read more
The modified version of the cowboy boot is truly hot to trot this fall. And while Chicago is no home on the range lifestyle, city-folk, too, want in on western-inspired trends! Super stylish, full of character and accessible for any budget, it’s shoes like these that make me want to fully embrace my inner (Mid)western cowgirl. With only a short heel,… Read more
While I’m excited for Oktoberfest and tailgating, it always takes a minute to – literally and figuratively – warm up to fall. However, with coats like these, the process should be pretty easy! If you’re melancholy about saying goodbye to boating and bare feet, look to this cooler-weather-wear. Each is a perfect compromise of function and fashion, providing a layer… Read more
What do you get when you mix fundraising with a fashion show, a concert and lots of beefeaters? None other than Macy’s Glamorama 2012, “The British Invasion: The Music Then. The Fashion Now!” Held at the Harris Theatre in Millennium Park, the stage was set with a solid scenery and soundtrack from across the pond. The event featured eight of fashion’s… Read more
She is fun, fabulous and fierce. She is chic, intelligent and in-the-know. But most of all, the Cheeky chick is the kind of woman who embraces, admires, respects, smiles at and opens her heart to other fabulous chicks. Now THAT'S Cheeky, darling!
