Haute Mess

Viva CelebrARTE

Pilara — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:33:37 +0000

By Pilara, Chicago’s best dressed professional

If you have good taste in food, fashion and fine art, then Latino Fashion week is your one-stop shop to get it. Art and fashion are a match made in heaven and this years’ theme at the 5^th Annual Latino fashion week at the Zhou B. Art Center. This six-day event boasts some a-list talent from both the runway and the finest art galleries. “Our intent is to further grow and share a greater understanding of art,” says co-producer Arabel Alva Rosales. Chicago is home to the only Latino Fashion Week in the United States created to support the talent of local national Latino designers and models.

The opening night red carpet reception began with fashion photographer Christian Rios signing his book of breathtaking photos “Dreamers.”

Attendees included the usual suspects like fashion hounds Marcus Riley, Andre Pellebon and Marco Foster. The food was as eclectic as you can get from sushi to gourmet dulche de leche cookies. I got down on some exceptional gumbo from Fluer de lis and washed it down with a red wine infused with dark chocolate cherry by Aged to Perfection.

After a star-studded show patrons were treated to custom swag bags featuring designs inspired by master painter Andre Guichard. Seriously, I took home a limited edition signed shopper bag entitled, “Good Morning God.” Wow!

Day 2

The Unity Canvas show was a daring display of eclectic elegance. Although everyone in pop culture has become enamored by the impressive rags to riches story of young designer Zoe Damacela, I’m still fascinated by designer Borris J. Powell so don’t sleep, people… I arrived back stage early Tuesday to get a sneak peek of what to expect for the Unity Canvas show, featuring the ethnic diversity of local Chicago designers. Two standouts were the Charisma collection by Rita Boorgu and the spring collection of Borris Powell. (Next summer for my birthday I will be rocking those canary yellow gowns in his collection for my GOLDEN champagne and cupcake tour.)

As all the waiflike nymphs got dolled up I slipped downstairs for the reception and got to taste some surprising creations by Chef Guy Meikle from Nana organic. I had an amazing gourmet organic torta with duck and cilantro. It’s no wonder he will be featured by the Food Network next week. Then I strolled through the Fashion Lounge and Expo to get an eyeful of art.

The British Fashion Invasion

Pilara — Sat, 14 May 2011 09:28:28 +0000

Remember the infamous cry of the minutemen in the 13 colonies “The Red Coats are coming?” Well there’s a British fashion invasion coming to the Gold Coast. The trendy British retailer, Topshop is coming to the Mag Mile where the bookseller Borders used to be on North Michigan Avenue in June. They will join other UK based clothiers like Ted Baker of London on Oak Street.

Just before one of Chicago’s Spring psychotic weather episodes (when we had a 70˚ day and the next day it snowed 2 inches), I went to Ted Baker of London on Rush and Oak. Stylist Rich February invited me to their in-store cocktail party right before the Red Dress Party that weekend. So of course, I tried on red dresses. Met a cool guy named Chris Hartley who asked for my fashion tips on a scarf he was eyeing. (There were truffles, Bombay Sapphire cocktails and a hot blonde chick DJ. It was 75˚outside and this was on April 13th. It’s now May and don’t trip if we see snow flakes this weekend.) see video.

Tequila, Tacos and Cinco De Mayo Cupcakes

Pilara — Fri, 06 May 2011 04:53:15 +0000

Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico, which occurs on September 16th. So, why Cinco de Mayo? And why should Americans savor this day as well? Because 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862. Besides, you know you just need a reason to drink tequila and now you have one. If you’re downtown, you should celebrate at Mercadito for the best fish tacos and margaritas ever. For something more authentic, check out the Little Village neighborhood near 26th Street and Kostner. The Little Village Chamber of Commerce will present a 3-day Festival beginning May 6th-May 8th with carnival rides, food and live bands.

For those of you who like their cake with a hint of fire, here’s one classy way to get your carbs ON. Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique has marvelous spicy Red Hot Cinco de Mayo cupcakes. Not only do they make gourmet cupcakes, but they constantly update their flavor offerings with timely specials. Visit sugarblisscakeboutique.com to sign up for their mailing list, or keep up with them on @SugarBlissCakes on Twitter. Of course, if you eat like you are celebrating Cinco de mayo everyday, you might qualify to try out for this show below.

CASTING CALL
A&E’S Real Life series HEAVY™-OPEN CASTING CALL THIS FRIDAY! 9:30AM-12:00PM Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago IL. Please bring a non-returnable, recent photo of yourself to the open call. If you are at least 150lbs overweight and it is significantly affecting your health, relationships, career and/or all aspects of your life, then the producers want to meet you.

SAIC 77th Annual Fashion Show

Pilara — Thu, 05 May 2011 01:49:44 +0000

SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO (SAIC) PRESENTS 77TH ANNUAL FASHION SHOW

Nick Cave, professor and chair of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) Fashion Design Department, proudly announces that SAIC will present its 77th annual fashion show,Fashion 2011, on Thursday, May 5, 2011. For the first time in its storied history, the show will take place against the backdrop of beautiful Millennium Park, in a tented venue at Chase Promenade North (201 E. Randolph Street).

EVENT DETAILS
Chicago magazine is the exclusive print media sponsor of Fashion 2011 and THE WALK 2011 presented by Swarovski.Fashion 2011 will be presented three times on Thursday, May 5: 9 a.m. is a general admission dress rehearsal. Tickets are $40. 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. shows are general admission seating. Tickets are $75. Tickets to the 9 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 3 p.m. shows are on sale now. Tickets are available online only at www.saic.edu/fashionshow. A highlight of THE WALK 2011 will be when New York Times Style Magazine Editor Sally Singer, presents the SAIC Legend of Fashion Award to Ikram Goldman, owner of the renowned boutique ikram and trusted advisor to First Lady Michelle Obama.

AWESOME AUSSIE Jackie V

I know this isn’t fashion news but my God this little boy can sing! Move Over Justin Bieber. Pre-teen crooning has reached an epic high with the awesome Aussie singer Jack Vidgen. If he’s not on your pop-culture radar he soon will be; just listen here. Um-hmm. And the choir said, “AMEN.”

PILARA’S WEEKENDER

Pilara — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:03:57 +0000

FOR UP TO THE MINUTE deets on What-to-do, where-to-go, eat, drink and dress better than the prom queen while you’re there.

Mr. Chicago, Billy Dec hosted a killer fundraiser at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom last nite for President Barack Obama as he formally announced his bid for re-election in 2012. Then he and the Prez hob knobbed with Mayor Elect Rahm Emannuel. (Yeah. Get the feeling that Chicago is taking over the world?)

The Tax man cometh and as the April 15^th deadline loomed I can safely say it took me all of 30 seconds online to get my refund. It’s just all that dreaded paperwork prior. This weekend brings plenty of festivities for you to grab that congratulatory drink for finishing your taxes and toast away. Here’s my what-to-do, where-to-go, eat-drink-and-dress-better-than-the-prom queen LIST. Eat. Play. Dance. From blown Italian glass, house music, fashion for a cause, and Belgian crepes, Have a great weekend!

Pilara’s HOTLIST

Friday, April 15th-17th Wax Trax Retrospectacle The revered Chicago record label Wax Trax! Records will throw itself a party at Metro on 3730 N. Clark. They will be bringing back many of the artists and bands that put industrial music on the international map in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Saturday, April 16^th Chicago Red Dress Party Palmer House Hilton, 6pm

Saturday, April 16^th Frankie Knuckles CD Signing at Dr. Wax

Saturday, April 16^th Chicago Hot Glass’s 10th Anniversary Party

Live music, glassblowing demonstrations and a silent auction.  1250 N Central Park Avenue

Saturday, April 16^th Loose Ends performs live in concert at the Shrine, 2109 S. Wabash Ave.

Saturday, April 16^th River North Dance, Simply Miles, Simply Us by Frank Chaves 50 E. Congress Auditorium Theatre

Saturday, April 16^thFoursquare Day, Theory Sports Bar & Grill, 9 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL RSVP at: http://www.meetup.com/foursquare/Chicago-IL/85364/

Thursday, April 21^st Paper Source Earth Day, 716 West Kinzie.

If you enjoy contemporary Italian cuisine in a boutique atmosphere, Check out the Wit Hotel’s latest culinary brainchild, Cibo Matto.

Finally, if you’re only strolling for dessert, I recommend Leonidas Chocolaterie on 59 E. Chicago.
This Belgian cafe has everything from gelato to marzipan. It’s A no-brainer for your sweet tooth

Delightfully decadent chocolates plus gourmet crepes that cost less than a Big Mac. (No reason for the even the cheapest guy to refuse dessert.) Superb presentation, (even the plastic silverware looks like Christofle.) A gold coast gem.

Cool Chicks & Concealed Weapons

Pilara — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:00:11 +0000

GQ Magazine teamed up with Lucky Magazine to host a Fall Fashion party at Banana Republic on the Magnificent mile. As the champagne and hors d’œuvres flowed guests could get tips on how to transition effortlessly from summer to fall in a style presentation offered by reps from both GQ and Lucky. I learned that every sales associate is trained as a stylist at Banana Republic, too. (Oh really?) There was a HOT olive corduroy dinner jacket I made my date try on. It was so nice I thought it was velvet, not corduroy.

Usually I overlook Banana Republic for shopping. I think of it as an upscale GAP on steroids. But I can safely say now after this event there are some good choices there for affordable luxury. (Still not convinced all the sales folks are bonafied stylists, though.) Someone sure loves gingham shirts. They paired checked shirts instead of traditional stripes with darn near everything in the men’s section. Checkered shirts make me feel like there’s a picnic goin on underneath every jacket and I wanna strum along with a banjo.

Met some CRAZY COOL folks including @jessicawalden and I couldn’t agree with her more, BR had some great jewelry. One lady in particular made my night. Rachel Canis had a handbag by a label called CONCEALED which had the outline of a pistol etched into it. It seems demented fashionistas have recently hit on the idea of creating a ladies handbag featuring the imprint of a gun — purportedly to act as a deterrent to would-be attackers. I found it clever and couldn’t contain my laughter.

Turns out Rachel is a stylist of sorts who has dressed celebrities, musicians and the wives of athletes. She is also an expert at building relationships at Best Foot Forward and a trained makeup artist. For more about this event check out P rêt-à-porter jewelry for Fall 2010 – Banana Republic and GQ/Lucky Magazine/Banana Republic Event: Pics! Hopefully Rachel’s company can help me find my first husband! lol

Sean-Michael Catwalkin at the Black Women’s Expo

Pilara — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:25:31 +0000

Who is Sean-Michael? An exotic up and coming male model to be featured in Macy’s top Chicago Designers show at the annual Black Woman’s Expo. Fashion show coordinator Duvall discovered a bronze Adonis. How did both Tommy Hilfiger and Marc Jacobs miss putting him in a campaign? Well maybe Skrebneski will get some cameo’s before he blows up like Tyson Beckford.

Featured Designers include Lara Miller, Tennille White, and Alexandre-Saville Row. Lara’s pieces have been called “sultry, sophisticated, and as endlessly variable as the woman who wears them” by elle.com. Tennille White designs are timeless and her supremely wearable silhouettes with modern details strike a fine balance between simplicity and intricacy.

Savile Row is a shopping street in Mayfair, centralLondon, famous for its traditional men’s tailoring. The short street is termed the “golden mile of tailoring”,where customers have included Winston Churchill, Lord Nelson and Napoleon III.

Showtimes are Saturday at 3:00-3:30 and Sunday, August 8th at 3:15 -3:45. The Celebrity Guests are plentiful and they don’t think twice about prowling the catwalk. Maybe they’ll let me celebrity guest? lol

Who’s That Material Girl?

Pilara — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:09:49 +0000

Tuesday morning was Macy’s launch of the Material Girl Collection designed by Madonna and her teenage daughter Lourdes (Lola). For those of us that grew up with the Brat Pack in every John Hughes film that lived through the late 80′s this is old news. However, the pieces are flirty and fun enough to add a little funky to your wardrobe.
I arrived at Macy’s State Street 2^nd Floor by 10:00 am where they handed me a ten dollar Macy’s gift card and a free Material Girl bandeau. I tried on a super short crinoline ballerina tutu Madonna made infamous in the 1987 film Who’s that girl? Publicist, Liz Kores gave me some impromptu styling with a belt and I was off to the races.

THE FAB FIND- a Material Girl black tailored bolero jacket.

This was the most sensible thing I could justify as a must-have for a 40 something year old in the junior department. You can rock it with jeans, slacks or skirts.

OLD SPICE BE NICE! GIVE A GIRL A SKYPE

Pilara — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:50:03 +0000

I’ve begun a twitter campaign to invite the handsome actor from the Old Spice commercials to my birthday party. (Really we’ll settle for him Skyping a special birthday wish.) Just like Martin Luther King, I too have a dream. Old Spice Guy please spice up my birthday. Afterall, you turn 29 only once every year. PLEASE CHECK OUT MY VIDEO by clicking here

Please retweet this message by cutting and pasting the message below in twitter. DON’T FORGET TO USE HASHTAGS!

#Oldspicebenice have @IsahiaMustafa SKYPE @slackerdiva for her birthday. #isaiahmustafa #Oldspiceatmyparty #oldspicebenice, #skypeslackerdiva

FUTURE FROCK STARS

Pilara — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:57:07 +0000

Christina Fan, Donaldo Smith, M.C. Carlson,Leah Fagan, Johnnie Retelle, Step

Highlights from Chicago Fashion Incubator’s Open house

by Pilara

What is The Chicago Fashion Incubator? It’s the American IDOL for fashion designers; or the windy city’s version of Project Runway. CFI provides six (6) emerging Chicago-based designers with the resources, mentoring and education about the business of fashion to launch their careers in fashion. The Designers in Residence (DIR) are provided office space, a workshop room as well as a showroom. DIR are required to complete a core curriculum of workshops and seminars conducted at the Incubator location at Macy’s on State Street for the duration of one year.

The bottom line is if you want to discover emerging talent then you better get to the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street. I got to preview some wildly diverse styles at their open house recently.

Among this handful of hopefuls I met a would-be historian, a guy bringing funky back to tailored shirts, and a girl who clearly is enamored with nipple tassles and pin up girls. Stephanie Kuhr for Dottie’s Delights screams Burlesque because Betty Page and Lady Gaga would have been proud. There was also the line of men’s shirts presented by the only male participant, Donaldo Smith for Killian Gui. Andprobably the most couture oriented ensembles were by Christina Fan for C/Fan a Northwestern grad with a BA in history who has flirted with becoming a lawyer.

Mayor Daley, this was one thing you got RIGHT. (Still trying to figure out why Chicagoans must be taxed for bottled water, though.)