Anniversary in Millennium Park | #OOTD

Hey Gorgeous Readers!

This Sunday I celebrated my anniversary with Josh! ♥ He had gotten tickets to Damien Rice and Iron&Wine at the Jay Pritzker pavilion (which is gorgeous) in Millennium Park- right by the Bean- so we got to spend the day in beautiful Chicago. :)

right against the stage

The concert was so amazing. Both Iron&Wine and Damien Rice (pictured)'s set were beautiful. I posted a few videos over on my Instagram (@BowsandBeau_ties). They're both really chill so definitely not a loud EDM concert lol. Damien Rice kind of reminds me of Ed Sheeran- one of his songs totally started like "Give me Love" and Iron&Wine is a really cool indie folk artist.

Our seats were just a couple rows from the stage and at the end we got to go stand literally right next to the stage.

I paired my high rise distressed shorts with my L.A Dream crop top to keep it pretty casual for an outdoor summer concert. I put my hair in a high bun and sparkly headband. 

Josh got me this beautiful Michael Kors bag which I'm in Love with. ♥ I also wore these suede flats with sparkly lips from JustFab.

The Faces

Stay Fabulous,

xoxo Aimee ♥

Chicago Fashion Fest

Hey Gorgeous Readers!

I know I said this at the beginning of this month too, really it's almost September? Really?

I actually have so much planned this September though so I can't wait to share it all (and not wait two weeks after..).

Well anyway, I haven't forgotten about Chicago Fashion Fest (which was um, 17&18 August). Like "Fashion in the Street" in June, Fashion Fest was totally fabulous. It's always amazing to see local designers and models and Fashion Fest was all about representing the local Wicker Park/Chicago brands and models. Along with the gorgeous and fun looks on the runway, Division Street in Wicker Park was lined with pop-up shops and vendors selling looks straight from the runway and more.

Check out all of the photos from the event here and the schedule of the shows here.

Day 1

Day 2

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee

Chicago Fashion Fest 2013

Happy Monday!

This weekend I attended Chicago Fashion Fest in Wicker Park organized by Michelle and Melissa Gomez of M. Go Fashion Salon. The entire weekend was completely fabulous and I can't wait to share all the photos and great designers with you (watch for it all this week! :))

Schedule:

Saturday 1:00PM

Taste of Division
featuring LEI By Leilani Tee Cutting

SATURDAY 2:00PM
Do Division Street- Do Fashion!

Saturday 3PM
WPB Last Call! Runway Show
Pascal Salon

Saturday 4:15
MAASH Boutique

Saturday 5PM
Vintage Runway Show
Le Thrift Boutique &
store B vintage

Wicker Park After Dark 
Saturday 8:00pm
Sorelle Boutique
M.GO Fashion Co
Steven Papageorge Academy
& More 

Sunday 1:00PM
Kids Back to School

Sunday 1:15PM
Teens in Style
Sponsored by Smash Talent

Sunday 2:00PM
WPB Last Call! Runway Show
Pascal Salon

Sunday 3:00PM
Do Division Street Do Fashion!

SUNDAY 4PM
TTK Collection By
Tsitsiki Felix Univision Radio

Sunday 4:15
Bridal
Sponsor Elevenzees Gift Registry
Designer Elda De La Rosa
Designer Maria Hansen

Sunday 5PM
Curvaceous Women Runway Show
Blair Chic Boutique


Wicker Park After Dark
Sunday 8:00
Avant Garde Marquin
Swimsuit Verneccia Vlashay House of Fashion
& More

Runway Shows and Vendors Include:

Angelique's Boutique
Dr. Martens
Gboutique
Le Dress
Elevenzees
Spex
Store B Vintage
Vive la Femme
Blair Chic Boutique

Maash Boutique Sheyla Jarosz
Smoky Joe's Clothing
JadePath Acupuncture
El Rodeo Santiago
Baizaar
Mistura Timepieces
Futurgarb
TherArt Jewelry & Bella Donna Boutique
Salon La Rouge by MDL
FRILL Accessory Boutique
Le Thrift Consignment
M.GO Fashion Boutique
PASCAL Studio Salon
Moroccanoil Blow Dry LOUNGE
BGEL No Chip Nail BAR
NEURO Lounge & Spa
State Farm Ann M. Rodriguez Nolan 
McGrath Lexus of Chicago

DJ Entertainment All Day From 12-10PM

Jesse De La Pena
Lego Rodriguez
Lady D
Diz
DJ Greg Bauer
Dj Julio Bishop
Funky Couture
Madrid Perry
Monna Samuka
Dj Favi GTZ
Dj Kristin & Deseree Fawn
DJ DLive

Fashion Stage Live Entertainment
Saturday 6pm Ghosthouse
Sunday 6pm Hey Champ!

Mac's American Pub Band Stage 
@Wood & Division Performing: 
Honest Colin
Snow Ghost
Vamos!
Smilin'Bobby
Brighton MA
Sybris
Berto and the Lizard
Ronny and the Puzzle

Food & Drink Vendors & Sampling 

Mac's American Pub
Taco Joint
Frontier
Sparkling ICE
NEURO 

Division Street Between Damen & Paulina

Kids Fest will be on Wolcott Street off of Division with Bouncey Houses and more fun for kids Sponsored by Pando Kids, Gus on the Go & Alderman Joe Moreno

Division Street Between Damen & Paulina
$5 Gate Donation benefiting Local Schools & Programs


DJ Lounge Paulina & Division
Saturday

12-2 Todd Showalter & DJ JUNEBUG
2-4 Julio Bishop
4-6 Harrry The Blade
6-8 Dj Favi Gtz
8-10 Amy D

Sunday

12-2 Todd Showalter & DJ JUNEBUG
2-4 Dj Kristin & Deseree Fawn
4-6 Dj DLive
6-8 Dj Favi
8-10 Henry Castro & Augie DeLaRosa

Fashion Stage Wolcott & Division
Saturday

12-4 Lady D & DJ Greg Bauer
4-6:30 Dj Kristin & Deseree Fawn
6:30-7:15 Ghosthouse
7:15-10 Lego


Sunday

12-2 Dj Julio
2-6 DJ's Monna, Madrid, & Funky Couture
6-6:45 Hey Champ
6:45-8 Jesse De La Pena
8-10 Diz

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee

Close-Up | Taneasha Prunty of GIDI

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

I saw many gorgeous collections in Chicago during Fashion in the Street, and one- GIDI- was especially chic with its classic colours and romantic silhouettes. I am so excited I was able to interview the chic designer behind the brand, Taneasha Prunty, about her style, inspiration, and AW '13 collection ("Fall in Love")

KrygPhotography

How would you describe Chicago’s style? What’s your personal style like?

I'm proud to say that I can see Chicago's fashion changing and evolving. I'm proud to be from a city that is embracing change. Historically, Chicago had been classified as 'commercial' and 'safe,' however, since the inception of several arts/fashion-based organizations, Chicago is breeding a growing amount of diverse designers from around the world. Designers are even re-locating back to their Chicago roots. However, personally, my style is rather simple; I have to say, I don't enjoy wearing anything too complicated. I believe Leonardo da Vinci said it best: "...simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

Do you have any favourite local models to work with? 

I have been fortunate to work with some amazing models so far! I've worked with models from every top agency in Chicago, including, Ford, Agency Galetea, Factor, Lily's Talent, and even Wilhelmina Models. I've also had the pleasure of working with independent models who are just as passionate about their work. One such model is Willow Faygenholtz. She is the current face of my Fall 2013 campaign and I just love her style. I've had the opportunity to work with her on several occasions and although she wasn't signed to an agency, it's always been a professional and pleasurable experience.

Do you get inspired from other designers or artists?

I'm absolutely inspired by other designers, both past and present. Listen, I'll be the first to tell you that there are some designers who simply leave me breathless - Valentino, Oscar de la Rento, Elie Saab, the list goes on, but, I have to say, Valentino takes the cake! I also often take a lot of inspiration from vintage books, movies and clothing. I love the 40's and 50's era! To me, this era was a true celebration of the female silhouette. I also get inspiration from unlikely sources like architecture, sculptures, and paintings. Sometimes inspiration is as simple as a striking color in a painting or an interesting shape in a sculpture, or even a time of day. For example, my current collection (Spring 2013) was inspired by Napa Valley. I aimed to evoke the feeling of a soothing day soaking in the ambiance of Napa Valley; the sun setting, with a cool, relaxing breeze blowing overlooking the sprawling vineyard - every piece in the collection echoes this sentiment.

How do you prepare for a photo shoot or show? 

Preparation for photo shoots and/or shows are a lot of work. Photo shoots include completing samples, fitting models, selecting a hair and make-up styles, selecting a mood for the shoot, finding the perfect location, and the perfect team (photographer, stylist, model, assistants, etc.)! But I have to say, I've been very fortunate to have a wonderful team, so, for me, the main thing I have to worry about when prepping for a shoot or show is making sure that the garments are completed and fit perfectly, and getting some rest!

What was your inspiration for your “Fall in Love” collection? How did you choose the fabrics and colours that you used?

For the "Fall in Love" collection, I took inspiration from the Chanel brand. I wanted to get back to the basics, and what better way to get back to basics than by the pure and simple contrast of black and white. I was very inspired by the way Chanel redefined femininity, while having subtle menswear influences; there was structure to each piece, but it was delicate. So, my collection has some delicate blouses, flirty, feminine skirts, an elegant jumpsuit and there's even a pantsuit (you can definitely look like a 'woman in control' when wearing a pantsuit!). The fabrics that I chose to use were wool, silk, and couture jersey. I chose them because of their durability and draping characteristics. I love the way the couture jersey hangs!!!

Do you have a favourite piece from the collection? 

If there was a favorite piece from this collection, it would definitely be the jumpsuit. I love how simple and elegant it is. The plunging neckline is perfectly flattering and shows 'just enough' skin.

Where can readers buy your pieces? 

Readers can always email me (info@gidionline.com) a preferred size and/or color and I will gladly ship to them, or, they may buy my line at the following locations: 

Made In Chicago
16 W. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60654

Mrs. Elle's 
2235 45th St.
Highland, IN 46322

See all of Taneasha's stunning GIDI pieces and upcoming events by following on twitter and facebook.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Fashion in the Street; Part Two

Happy Friday Fashionable Guys&Girls!

Did you see Part One of my Fashion in Street weekend and interview with Benjamin Cottrell?

Most of the shows on Saturday got rained out... but with some rescheduling and no rain forecasted for Sunday, the shows went on. And what could be a better excuse to be in Chicago a second day?

Day Two Schedule--

12:30pm: Matt Kysia Live

2pm: Blair Chic Runway Show

2:30-4pm: Ghosthouse 

3pm: Caroline Borucki Runway Show

4pm: Ramsey J. Prince Runway Show Featuring DJ AppleJackz

5pm: Barbara Bates Runway Show Featuring World Renown Pianist Ani Gogova

5:30-7pm: Hey Champ

6pm: True Blessyn Runway Show

7pm: J. TOOR Runway Show Featuring World Renown Cellist Ian Maksin

8pm: GIDI Runway Show

8:45pm: Soraya By Rozi Runway Show

9:30pm: E.Kaye Runway Show

Close of Fest... After Party at Bar Louie

The weather was right- there was no rain... but it was freezing! I stayed for almost the entire day anyway, staying warm with a quick outfit change (definitely not cute skirt and tank top weather) and Starbucks. 

And the runway fashions were still hot...

RJP Designs

View full gallery on KrygPhotography's facebook.

 These models must have been freezing, but from their walks were still totally fierce. The RJP Designs collection also had so much sparkle factor with glamourous swimwear and swim cover ups.

Barbara Bates Designs

View full gallery on KrygPhotography's facebook.

The Barbara Bates Designs collection had super cute prints in pinks, blues, and black. Peplums and hi-lo hemlines were so pretty in the prints.

True Blessyn

View full gallery on KrygPhotography's facebook.

The True Blessyn collection was so bright and fun with bold colours. All of the pieces were fun and chic- easy to dress up or down in the summer.

J. Toor

View full gallery on KrygPhotography's facebook.

It was so exciting to see a men's line of course. Bold colours and subtle prints like dots, checks, and stripes are always fun to see. And if the men watching the show were any indication of Chicago's style, J.Toor fit in perfectly.

Every show was stunning and all of the entertainment was awesome. I can't wait to see (and share with you) more from the above designers along with others I saw or shopped at in the vendor area. Check out the complete list of designers, entertainment, and sponsors on Fashion in the Streets' website and facebook.

And don't miss it next year (28 & 29 June 2014 are listed right now).

Happy Weekend &

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Close-Up | Benjamin Cottrell

Photos from Saturday 1 June
Most shows were moved to Sunday,
but it was still an awesome day of shopping.*interview 2 June 2013

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

In case you missed all my tweets and instagrams this weekend, I was in Chicago for Fashion in the Street (FITS). Green Curtain Events' second annual fashion festival featured gorgeous collections by designers like J. Toor, Caroline Borucki, and Ramsey Jay Prince on the 100-foot runway and great DJs and bands like Hey Champ and Ghosthouse.

Of course the weekend couldn't have been incredibly fabulous without Chicago's hottest fashion show producer, Benjamin Cottrell. It was so fantastic to meet and interview him (Bows&Beau-ties' first ever!).

How did you get started in runway fashion?

I started actually in special events and worked for a high end special design firm for about four years working up to management there and then went into my own production company and really just focused on fashion, so I produce events but I'm always working on fashion. I don't really do anything but that. I don't do weddings or different parties like that.

When did you start your own design company?

I actually started my own company when I was in college and then always kept it on the side when I moved to Chicago. And then four years ago started doing it full time again.

What do you do as a fashion runway producer? Do you choose the venues and the designers?

I'm there from start to finish. I select the venues. I have my whole team that comes with me to each show. And I choose the designers based on the venue and the look that I want, work with lighting and staging, set-up, pretty much anything that goes into an event.

Do you get inspiration from other designer's shows?

I don't. I actually don't look at other designers' shows; I really like it to come from my heart. And I like to walk into a space and be inspired by the space.

What is Chicago's fashion industry like? Like in comparison to New York or L.A.

Very supportive, a lot of great people.

On your page it said something about Benjamin Cottrell Runway; is that different from your design company?

Yes, Benjamin Cottrell Runway is a boutique agency. It's a sister agency of Benjamin Cottrell Designs. I hire around 25 to 30 models each season and all of those models walk for my shows. You have to be a Benjamin Cottrell runway model to walk for my productions. It just keeps everything a little bit simpler for me and also just builds a family, builds relationships with people. It's great to have the same girls and guys always with me. Everybody kind of knows each other, all one big happy family.

What's your next project?

Next project is my last show of the season. It is called "Come Sail Away". I'm shutting down the Castaways Boat at North Avenue Beach. It's on June 12th and I'm going to have a fashion show on top of the boat. First ever. And we're going to have fireworks following the fashion show. Live steel drum band. It's going to be a really hot, sexy, warm night in Chicago.


Photos from Sunday to come, but until then, check out these photos by KrygPhotography. And follow Benjamin Cottrell Designs on facebook and twitter to stay up-to-date on all of his upcoming glamorous events

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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