evolve

good day chicago valentine’s day segment

jessisheehan — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:01:06 +0000

Valentine’s Day

Still don’t know what to wear on your Valentine’s date this weekend?!

Yesterday, I styled 5 looks for the Good Day Chicago Valentine’s Day segment. It was about being sexy without being scandalous.

I was not able to say everything I wanted to in the 2 minute segment, so here is a description of each look from head to toe.

Look 1 from Underthings (804 W Webster Ave)

Josie Remy Solid Slinky Wrap | Josie chemise

If you are going for something on the sweet side, I like an oversized night shirt. You can show off your legs but still feel comfortably covered. As for lingerie, I love the length of this piece and the deep neckline of the chemise. And to spice it up, I say wear lace, especially black lace. It is really sexy. I love Josie because the quality is amazing, and the price is just as sweet. This is perfect for a night in while making dinner, or changing into after coming home from your date.

Look 2 from The Blues Jean Bar (2210 N Halsted St)

Sweater | Skinny Ankle | Boot | Tote | 310 jewelry

If you don’t love the ‘all over red’ look, try a colored jean instead. Pair it with a fun metallic top and low boots. This casual look is perfect for going to a Bulls or Hawks game.

Look 3 from H & M

Red or bright pink not for you? Try raspberry. If you aren’t into the Valentine theme all night you can always take the blazer off and still look great. Combinations of black and white are a big trend this spring. This print is cool and edgy to go under the blazer. Wear it with wax coated jeans and a bootie, and you are set. This is a more stepped up look for a wine tasting or movie. H&M also has some hot black and white colorblocked dresses in now if you don’t want to wear pants.

Look 4 from DNA2050 (900 Shops, 3rd floor)

Going out on the scene? I love this bright fuschia sheer ruffle top. It is paired with silver brocade pants, and suede and mesh black pumps. This look is really hot and takes some real confidence to wear, but you can pull it off! This is perfect for dinner at The Boarding House followed by drinks at The Office.

Look 5 from LK Bennett (900 Shops, 3rd floor)

Darwin shearling | Sarah dress | Nelly heel | Alexia clutch

Here is another option of wearing red that isn’t so overpowering. The animal print has some navy and black in it amongst the red. I paired it with an amazing shearling and some cobalt suede and gold metallic strappy heels. Not to mention the most perfect nude clutch I have ever seen! I love the idea of this dress for so many reasons but mostly because it shows off your curves, has three-quarter length sleeves so you won’t be cold at dinner, but still allows you to show off your gorgeous legs. This is perfect for a fancy night out to dinner at Goosefoot followed by a night stay at the Trump.

I chose to show my Valentine’s spirit in a subtle way wearing a grey open back, beaded neckline Religion tee, J Brand hydra print jeans, and Vivienne Westwood scented heart slingbacks. I topped it off with a red lip, red bow ring, Nialaya and Religion bracelets.

A very special thank you to Epoch Studio Salon for doing the hair and makeup | Ford models | and the stores who provided the wardrobe.

XO lovers

Jessi

grammy awards

jessisheehan — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:02:46 +0000

Trending at the Grammy Awards

Lady in red…

Get the look…

All eyes on emerald…

Get the look…

Michael Kors | Issa | Dress the Population | Shoshanna | David Meister

Beyond the basic black…

Get the look…

Lafayette 148 | M Missoni | Dolce Vita | For Love & Lemons | La Femme

Nasty Gal | Backstage | Keepsake | Issa | Nasty Gal

photos c/o www.people.com and www.eonline.com

sag awards

jessisheehan — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:31:55 +0000

Trending at the SAG Awards

Emerald pleated bodices…

Get the look…

Opening Ceremony |Alexander Wang | Rebecca Taylor | Akiko

Strapless metallic moment…

Get the look…

Kay Unger | ABS by Allen Schwartz | Haute Hippie |Sue Wong

Beauties in blue…

Get the look…

Body-con black swan…

Get the look…

Simple silhouettes in shades of pink…

Get the look…

Alice + Olivia | Theory | Josie Natori

photos c/o www.people.com and www.eonline.com

golden globes

jessisheehan — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 01:11:43 +0000

Trending at the Golden Globes

Winter whites with texture…

Get the look…

Milly | Badgley Mischka | BCBG | Alice by Temperly

Deep plunging necklines…

Get the look…

Rachel Pally | Boulee | For Love & Lemons

Longsleeve blues…

Get the look…

Madison Marcus | Robert Rodriguez

Shades of sherbet…

Get the look…

Jenny Yoo | Rebecca Taylor | BCBG

photos c/o www.people.com and www.eonline.com

wgn NYE segment

jessisheehan — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 10:01:23 +0000

Yesterday, I talked trends and all things fashion related when it comes to your New Year’s Eve look. You can sparkle and shine without wearing sequins…and please stay away from a boring LBD.

Here is a description of each look from head to toe, along with the hair and makeup that was done by Epoch Studio Salon.

Look 1 from City Blue

This dress is ideal for a more casual evening out to dinner or inviting friends over. The silk dress, with self-fabric belt, is an easy and comfortable silhouette to wear, but the print adds a fancy touch. The hair is in a chic faux bob that was done by curling small sections of hair with a barrel iron and tucking under a few pieces at a time, securing with bobby pins. The bold eyeshadow pulls out the subtle blue in the print of the dress, and the full lashes make the eyes pop. The earrings are kept to simple studs, but the acid green scarf adds some drama. The shoes are color-blocked with a peek of red, and have an overall lady-like demure feel to them. They are a nice touch when the scarf is not in hand.

C/FAN for CB short sleeve Anemone print dress | Cheap Monday black pony hair bag | C/FAN acid green scarf | Jules earrings |

Zara red/khaki/black ankle strap heels

Look 2 from Sofia

For the girl who is typically drawn to black, especially leggings, these pants are for you. The shine and texture is what makes them perfect for a NYE party. They are more fancy and unique than something you might wear every other day of the week. The red sheer blouse, with suede accents, is a hot and sexy color to rock on a special occasion. The open back of the blouse shows off the lace detailing of the bandeau bra. It is not necessary to walk around half-naked in order to show off your body. An exposed back is one elegant way to do so. The black pony hair and leather heels with rose gold toe, complement the red in the blouse well. The edgy gunmetal choker is a nice alternative to a beaded bib. Three mixed metal rings, stacked on one finger, is all you need. Mixing prints and textures is a big DO which is why the grey ostrich clutch is perfect. Because the blouse is buttoned up all the way it is best to keep all of the hair off of the face. A top knot is a fast and easy way to do so. A cat eye with an orange-red lip complete the look.

Bless’ed Are The Meek red moral claim shirt | Again black textured low rise skinny pant | Paulina choker |

Septum rings (silver, rose gold, gold) | Messeca black heel | Ostrich clutch (stylists own)

Look 3 from Edith Hart

If you cannot let go of sequins, try doing it in a beaded way instead. This skirt is a gorgeous choice. It is paired with a basic black tee which is a nice background for a statement necklace. When the top is neutral the hair can be accessorized with a headband or hat. The vintage curls pair nicely with the pink girly fringe in the skirt. The eyeshadow is a subtle grey shade with a winged out black liner on the top lid. The khaki suede chunky bootie (with burgundy accent) makes the legs look long and lean, and the subtle patterned tights add interesting detail without taking away from the skirt.

Bec & Bridge black snap dragon tee | Bless’ed Are The Meek supercell skirt | ACB saga bronze necklace | Black pattern tights (stylists own) | Zara khaki/burgundy bootie

Look 4 from Krista K

Wearing brights in the winter is another DO. This color-blocked dress with cowl draped neckline is perfect if you will be at a hotel or partying late into the night at a club. The vibrant colors reflect beautifully onto Gabby’s face and skin. To keep from overshadowing the dress, the jewelry, bag and shoe are all in the nude color family. There is some rose gold and silver sequin detailing in the clutch which is a great addition to this fancy dress. Again, to keep the focus on the face and dress, the hair is pulled back into a loose chignon showing off the dangle mesh earrings. Rather than go wild with eyeshadow, wearing teal eyeliner is a great compatible color to the red and purple in the dress. One bangle and one large cocktail ring is all that you need for finishing touches.

See the full segment HERE

May you all look your best. Happy New Year!!

Jessi

friday feature

jessisheehan — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:01:05 +0000

Amanda Wolfson

Project Manager at Oak Street Design

Amanda and Jessi first met while working together for the first annual Style Down the Aisle! They were also friendly competition at this year’s Fashion’s Night Out at the Shops at North Bridge.

e: Tell us about your background.

AW: I began in Fine Arts at the University of Colorado studying drawing and painting. After moving to Chicago in 2002, I started with Saks Fifth Avenue, which is when I first took notice of the displays, mannequins, and visual team cruising around the store with their tool cart. I thought, “that’s what I want to do”!

e: What is Oak Street Design?

AW: Oak Street Design is a visual resource for hotel, retail and corporate clients. We act as an extension of a company’s PR or Marketing team providing 3-Dimensional displays, branding, integrated marketing programs, styling, and special event decor. We truly are a niche group, customizing everything we do to create unique programming for business, education and the community. We are a small group and always remember to have fun with what we do. Remember, there is no such thing as a “display emergency”!!!

e: What do you do for OSD?

AW: When I first started at OSD in 2004, we were doing mostly window displays and holiday decor. Over the years my job has evolved to include not only visual merchandising, but styling for local TV stations (ABC7, WGN, Windy City Live, and NBC), as well as editorial styling for local magazines, fashion show production, and the development of signature OSD programs like our Columbia College Collaboration, PROJECT windows, and Style Down the Aisle. More recently, I have written an article on Visual Merchandising for Retail Minded magazine, a trade publication for independent retailers, offered contributions to articles in VMSD magazine, the leading resource for retail designers and store display professionals, and have given numerous presentations on Visual Merchandising and Design.

e: You definitely have a good eye. What is your favorite fall trend?

AW: It’s always fun to get back into layering once the cold weather is upon us, and mixing funky prints and patterns is one of my favorite trends. I am loving my new pair of cobalt blue skinnys from J.Crew, they seem to go with anything and everything. I also love to mix a menswear inspired piece with a feminine floral print or super feminine high heel, and my geek chic eyeglasses make me feel smart, sophisticated and a little nerdy all at the same time.

e: Who inspires your style?

AW: My Danish cousins definitely inspired me. They have always been one step ahead of the curve, showing urban sophistication at its best (think riding a bicycle around Copenhagen in 4” heels). I love a combination of artsy and edgy, with the feeling that a look comes together effortlessly. Kate Moss and Sienna Miller do this well, with a combination of glam with just the right amount of “I don’t care”. Although I’m no longer in high school (a far cry!), I am still hooked on Gossip Girl and can’t wait to see what S and B will be wearing next…

e: We are just as smitten as you Amanda!

www.OakStreetDesign.net

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friday feature

jessisheehan — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:01:40 +0000

Samantha Uhl

Assistant Store Manager at L.K. Bennett

Jessi used pieces from L.K. Bennett for the recent cover of Time Out Chicago, “Rahm’s rookies.”

e: What do you do at L.K. Bennett?

SU: I have all responsibilities here at the store. This includes being in the front of the store; helping clients shop, being the face of the store and making sure everything runs smoothly; and of course managerial duties behind the scenes with new product and all the daily paperwork. I consider myself a jack of all trades here at the store!

e: What drew you to working at L.K. Bennett?

SU: At first glance it was the opportunity to elevate my level of expertise in luxury retail and to branch out to diversify my knowledge of brands. Now that I have been with the company for over a year it is the amazing team, quality of the brand and the special relationships that I have with my clients that keeps me excited to be part of this adventure.

e: What is your favorite piece in the store right now?

SU: My favorite piece in the store right now is the Johanna coat- it is really lightweight but still very cozy with its wool and alpaca blend so you still feel ready for the Chicago winter. I am super excited to pair it with all of our amazing boots that are coming in with our new collection.

e: What do you love about the brand?

SU: I love that the brand translates well for every woman regardless of age and for every occasion that she is going to attend; it is for work, a special dinner, cocktails with friends, or to a relaxed barbecue at home. Our clients take part in all of these things while looking and feeling great. Additionally, my clients have told me how much our pieces have enriched their lives – not just their wardrobes. It is the passion for style and well-being that keeps me falling in love with L.K Bennett again and again.

www.lkbennett.com

Visit them inside the 900 Shops on the 3rd floor.

twitter: @LKBennettOnline

friday feature

jessisheehan — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:32:07 +0000

Mariella Loiacono

Store Director at DNA2050

Jessi recently styled a shoot using their new fall pieces.

e: What do you do at DNA2050?

ML: I am the Store Director for DNA2050 Chicago (a division of IK Retail Group). My role really encompasses all aspects of the fashion world from buying, styling, and training, to the pleasure of working with our amazing clients. It’s a multifaceted position that allows me to utilize my creativity. Best of all, it’s a blast! I love it!!!

e: Explain your background before DNA2050.

ML: I have been extremely blessed to have the opportunities I have had, and currently do, in an industry that I love. I started my career at Smashbox cosmetics and was given the opportunity to attend Fashion Week many times, as well as to participate behind the scenes in the runway shows of some of my favorite designers and celebrities. My passion for the industry over the years has grown not only my creativity, but, my closet as well. I really believe my love for fashion started from my early ages. I am convinced I inherited this passion from my grandmother and mom; whom have always been super chic…my grandmother still refuses to wear anything but stilettos, even when running errands.

e: What do you like most about fashion?

ML: Fashion allows us to be a different “character” within ourselves everyday.

e: DNA2050 Chicago has not always carried these brands. How have you re-invented the Chicago store?

ML: DNA2050 Chicago is always evolving based on the most current trends. While I really wanted to keep true to that philosophy, I also wanted to put a colorful spin on the concept to give the store a unique flare, different from any other boutique. The store is now a mixture of the classic styles that we adorned by style icons ranging from Jacqueline Onassis-Kennedy to Twiggy. The store is a bold twist on classic sophistication and chic bohemian.

e: What is your favorite new piece or trend right now?

ML: My favorite piece and fashion trend… that’s such a difficult question…I love it all…If I had to choose one though, I would have to say the bright colors that have trickled into the FALL and WINTER seasons. I think it’s going to be a great pop against the white winter landscape that will soon be the backdrop of our Chicago streets.

e: Any FNO plans??

ML: Yes! Of course!!! We cannot wait! We are having a cocktail party on September 6th from 6-9…DJ, Denim, Drinks, and the launch of the seasons hottest trends. We have great promotions going on throughout the entire month of September as well! The only thing that is still up in the air is my outfit!

www.DNA2050.com

Visit them inside The 900 Shops on the 3rd floor.

facebook: DNA2050

twitter: @DNA2050Chicago

friday feature

jessisheehan — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:09:04 +0000

Megan Williams

Director of Sales & Merchandising at Henry & Belle

Jessi went to their event last evening and left in a pair of Super Stretch Ankle Skinnys in ‘Chili Pepper’!!

e: Tell us about Henry & Belle.

MW: The story of Henry & Belle begins with the eponymous couple, whose love of style, philanthropy and each other laid the foundation for the company we are today.

They met in 1931, against the backdrop of Chicago’s thriving garment district. Henry Mann was a young designer; Belle, meanwhile, worked as a fit model for the elegant, tapered styles of 1930’s couture. Henry and Belle fell in love and married in 1932. From that point forward, she was Henry’s constant muse—the inspiration behind each collection he created. Through innovative, new materials, these designs weaved Henry’s vision with Belle’s insight into fit, movement and feel.

While she loved fashion, Belle eventually made the decision to give up her modeling career and become a volunteer philanthropist—a calling she embraced for the rest of her life.

In the end, Belle was Henry’s vision of perfection: a woman who was confident yet caring, chic yet natural. She looked good. She “did good”. Together, Henry & Belle not only built the successful family company that continues today, but also a legacy of steadfast commitment to philanthropy.

e: What are you best known for?

MW: We have over 80 years of history making quality garments from the best materials available and a true focus on fit. This level of attention to fit and fabric are often overlooked in our industry. Henry & Belle merges its heritage and tradition with a modern and contemporary flair for a product that is both timeless and sexy. We combine the most important trends in fashion with the most technologically advanced fabrics on the market – fabrics that offer amazing fit, feel and shape retention while still allowing us to be true to the authentic looks we’re known for. Our aesthetic is clean and refined. Our denim is known for authentic washes and textures. Our non-denim offerings pay homage to the couture markets. Here we emphasize fluid lines and soft textures, while still working in technologically advanced fabrics that have excellent shape retention.

e: What is your favorite pair of jeans right now?

MW: Each morning I wake up, open my closet and have a difficult decision to make. Henry & Belles all fit me so well and are so comfortable that it truly is a hard decision to pick a pair to wear that day. I will say prior to owning a pair of Henry & Belles I had a stack of jeans that could only be worn when I was having a “skinny day”. I am sure many women can relate when you put on a pair of jeans in the morning that didn’t feel this tight the last time you wore them. With Henry & Belle jeans I don’t have to worry about that feeling. Our fabrics are so soft and have a great amount of stretch that they fit me every day all day! As I mentioned earlier, Henry & Belle only uses fabrics that retain their shape. Many women shy away from fabrics with too much stretch because they are afraid they will stretch out at the end of the day. This won’t happen with H&B. Currently I am in love with our Super Stretch Ankle Skinny Jeans. They come in many great colors and are the perfect length for me because I am only 5’2! I also love our new Micro Flare which also uses our Super Stretch fabric. This style is fitted to the knee and has a slight flare opening at the bottom. In fitting women all over the country at our in-store events, in almost every fitting, women can take a size down!

e: H&B was recently featured in Lucky Magazine. Tell us more!

MW: Eva Longoria is on the cover of the September issue of Lucky. The main feature of that issue is “Eva’s Favorite Things”. We were thrilled that Eva chose Henry & Belle as her must have, favorite denim brand when she said, “I threw out every pair of jeans I owned and replaced them with these. I live in them and have them in all the colors!” Celebrities have access to all the new brands so when you see them wearing your jeans it’s a real endorsement for the brand. From early on we’ve been fortunate to have garnered a strong celebrity following. Charlize Theron, Emma Stone, Gisele Bunchen, Halle Berry, Megan Fox, Jessica Alba, Katherine Heigl, Sarah Jessica Parker, Olivia Wilde, Ann Hathaway and many others are regularly seen in Henry & Belles.

e: You are based here in Chicago?!

MW: We’re Midwesterners. We like to work in an environment where people are hard-working and generally nice to each other. In 80 years there have been tremendous changes in the Chicago apparel industry. At one time there were over 500 manufacturers here. Today there are a handful of upstart designers but there really isn’t any kind of denim industry here at all. Rather than allow that to be a disadvantage, we think it helps us to create our own identity. We travel throughout the world several times a year looking for trend inspiration from Europe, Japan as well as New York and Southern California but when we come home to Chicago, we put our own unique stamp on things.

e: H&B is carried at The Blues Jean Bar, which is how we connected! Explain the importance of being in specialty boutiques over department stores.

MW: Henry & Belle focuses on partnering with retailers that truly focus on the customer. Buying denim requires a lot more attention than buying other types of apparel because the fit is so critical. It’s a lot like buying a bathing suit. It is so important to have a knowledgeable salesperson guide you through that process, especially for a new brand. Partnering with retailers like The Blues JEAN Bar that truly understand fit and fabric (in addition to trend) has enabled us to grow very rapidly in the two years we’ve been in the market. Time and time again, when a woman tries on Henry & Belle she’s hooked for life. More often than not, her first exposure to our brand is through a knowledgeable sales person at a great specialty retailer.

e: You mentioned Philanthropy, and giving back to the community through fashion. What is ‘Right Amount of Give’?

Our company is based on three important things: Family, Fashion and Philanthropy. The owner of the company, Rob Mann, has an extensive background as a consultant to philanthropies throughout North America. When Rob launched the Henry & Belle brand in 2010 he wanted to merge his passion for Philanthropy with his love of denim. From our inception, Henry & Belle has partnered with dozens of charitable causes throughout the country. We’ve contributed close to $50,000 through in-store events that raise money for deserving local causes.

Later this month, we’ll take this approach to a whole new level. Corporate philanthropy today rarely considers the interests of those buying the products. Our new initiative, Right Amount of Give^SM will change all of that. Through this program, customers will be invited to determine how we allocate our charitable dollars amongst a group of well vetted causes dedicated to helping women, children and families. What’s more, once a customer voices her choice, we’ll send her updates from the actual recipients of the funds so she can see how her involvement truly makes a difference in someone’s life.

Get yourself a pair, or two, at The Blues Jean Bar (2210 North Halsted Street)

Check out their website: www.henryandbelle.com

facebook: Henry & Belle

twitter: @henryandbelle

pitchfork music festival

jessisheehan — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:01:08 +0000

Pitchfork Music Festival -

Kirsten and Jessi took to Pitchfork to capture some street (festival) style. They saw everything from the classic hipster to one concert-goer wearing plastic ladies on her necklace.

The images are featured here (Kit This)

Photography c/o Kirsten Miccoli; Scouting c/o Jessi!