Ruff Hewn Giveaway for Chicago Readers

A couple months ago, I attended a presentation for Ruff Hewn a line sold at Carson's online and in the Chicagoland area. The collection is full of easy to wear staples like sweaters, jersey blazers and my personal favorite, winter accessories. Brightly colored scarves and mittens are part of my winter essentials; they provide warmth and a needed pop of color on dark and dreary days.

If you could use a pop of color in your winter wardrobe, then you should enter our giveaway for Ruff Hewn's bright blue Infinity Scarf and Mittens ($76 value). To enter, tell us what you would wear the scarf and mittens with this thread on our Facebook page or with a tweet with @sugrrockcatwalk @CarsonsStores and #RuffHewn.

Two winners will be selected at random and announced via our Facebook page & Twitter this Friday 12/20.  Contest open to Chicago residents only.

Chicago Events: Brooklyn Industries, Kelly Edwards, LOFT

Everyone loves summer in Chicago because the city is so alive!  After Memorial Day, it feels like there's something happening every day.  Here are a few events happening over the next week.

Tomorrow night, Brooklyn Industries Chicago is celebrating their 5 year anniversary.  For the party, they're teaming up with their neighbors at Lomography.  Enjoy PBR and art by Brian Willette, Anjali Pinto, winners of their Lomography photo contest and several other artists.  RSVP to events@brooklynindustries.com

Next Wednesday June 5th, there will be two special events - a book signing with interior designer Kelly Edwards and the grand opening of a new LOFT on Michigan Ave!

Now Wearing...

photo via Trés Awesome

Every piece in this photo has been in heavy rotation for me.  I picked up this varsity jacket from Topshop a couple months ago after DJing their prom shopping event, and I've worn the hell out of this thing!  It's so comfortable and makes every outfit instantly brighter and more playful.

The bag is a Botkier Valentina, which is on super sale at Amazon.  I'd be upset that I paid more except that I've had the bag for four months, and I've used it literally everyday.  For work, I'll occasionally carry an additional canvas tote bag, but for the most part, the size of this bag is perfect for me. There are just enough compartments for me to keep my things straight, but not so many that I forget where I've stashed things.  And the keychain is the best thing ever!

This photo was snapped by Chicago street style blog Trés Awesome (Emma Arnold).  I've heard quite a bit about Emma and her blog since starting at Leo Burnett last May because she's a Burnetter too!  Check out this video that our agency made featuring Emma and her life outside the agency.

And because I'm a very lucky lady, the agency recently featured me as well.  The video was filmed at The Bedford where I DJ monthly.  I'm spinning there again in a couple weeks on Saturday, June 1st.  If you're in town (and you should be because Chicago summers are the best), come say hi!

This Weekend: Gilt City Warehouse Sale Chicago

The Gilt City Warehouse sale is coming to Chicago this weekend, and I’m so excited!  I often miss being able to shop the designer sample sales of New York City, but Gilt Warehouse Sale helps ease the pain.

The merch is what you would expect to see at a warehouse sale, an assortment of pieces from various designers and seasons at deeply discounted prices like 75+% off retail. I’ve been to a couple Gilt Warehouse sales, one in Chicago and one in New York, and had great shopping success both times.

 Haul from a Gilt warehouse sale back in October 2011: Alice Ritter dress, Adam dress, Kai Aakmann vest, and Marni heels

 

Haul from Gilt Warehouse sale in NY last May: Cynthia Vincent top, Super sunglasses & Surface to Air Wedges

Having been to a couple sales, I have a couple tips. The fitting room is communal and sometimes mirrors are limited, so leggings and friends to shop with are recommended.

There’s no guarantee you’ll find something you’ll like, but there’s always music and refreshments to make it a fun experience regardless of whether or not you take home a shopping bag.

Who: Gilt City
What: Discounted designer goods, apparel, accessories, footwear and home
When: Saturday, April 13th
Where: MCA Warehouse @ 1747 W Hubbard, Chicago. Tickets are $10 and available at giltcity.com.

Pssst... Markdowns on Maison Martin Margiela x H&M

Mine! I literally clapped my hands with excitement when I found these.

I stopped by the H&M downtown on State St after work while waiting for a friend to wrap up.  I went through almost all of the store before noticing they still had some of the Maison Martin Margiela collection in stock.  And I didn't realize the pieces were marked down until I studied the tags because the original prices had be discretely covered with new prices.  Also, I hadn't checked out the collection earlier because I remember thinking most of it felt out of my price range!

There were two racks worth of womenswear collection left, including the Narrow Shoulder Jacket, Horizontal Dress, Blazer, Oversized Peacoat and just a few of the Hitched Up Dress.  Prices were roughly half off ($99+ after markdowns), and while limited in quantity, those styles were available in all sizes with the exception of the Hitched Up Dress.  To reference the lookbook, click here.  For Erin's write up on the construction and fit of some of the pieces, click here.

Ever since images of the collection were released, I'd been eying the footwear specifically the black patent wedges and black leather booties.  The wedges unfortunately didn't fit the way I would have hoped; my heels kept slipping out and the sides felt too stiff.  The booties on the other hand fit quite nicely, perhaps because I can wear them with socks.  While they fit comfortably, I must admit that I will have to walk a little differently in them to avoid clomping around because the lucite wedge has no give.

There were plenty of silver ($40) and black flats in stock ($60).  There were lots of wedges ($99) in black, red and tan and about a dozen pairs of booties ($129) left, mostly in sizes 8-10.  There were several pairs of black knee high boots (a great steal at $129) and a few pairs of the maroon ones left as well, but I didn't get a chance to look at sizing before I left.

Falling for Orange and Red

I'm DJing at The Bedford Chicago again this Saturday, November 10th. I'll be spinning 80s classics, indie favorites, and as always, a little disco! Come warm up with a drink and maybe some dancing!

The poster for this Saturday is another work of art by Austin Eustice.  I usually gravitate towards cooler colors like blues, greens and purples, but since spring I've been having a love affair with oranges.  And this fall I've added reds into the mix, so in collaborating on this flier, I asked Austin to look use a palette of oranges and reds.  The poster is great isn't it?

Poster by Austin Eustice

Oranges and reds have been making their way into my closet.  Most recently, I was gifted a pair of faded cherry red jeans.  I never thought I could get into anything resembling pink, but these jeans have changed my mind.  I've worn these skinny jeans almost every other week.

Hudson Nico Skinny Jeans, $100 (retail $154)
Worn with old Theory flats (similar) on left. Right. Worn with vegan leather peplum last time I was at The Bedford on right.

Lani Love at The Bedford Chicago 10/6

poster by Austin Eustice

I'm at The Bedford Chicago again this Saturday, October 6th.  I'll be spinning a mix of indie, disco and 80s favorites!  Here's a link to the Facebook invite.

I love spinning at The Bedford because it's such a beautiful space.  Inspired by the vault and bronze deposit boxes, here's a mini shopping roundup of my current favorite metallics finds.

House of Harlow sunburst button earrings, $30

Awear gold sequin peplum top, €50

Botkier Valentina gold snake shoulder bag, $350.00

Lani Love at The Bedford

Chicago friends, I'm back at your favorite bank-vault-turned-bar this weekend.  Join me at The Bedford this Saturday, August 18th 10:30PM-2AM for dance rock and disco.  And have I mentioned the drinks are fantastic?  My personal favorites for summer are Cusco Mule and Jessica’s St. Germain Cocktail.

The Bedford is located at 1612 West Division Street (at Ashland).

Nail Artist: AstroWifey

Photo courtesy of AstroWifey

Last week I was in the Dominican Republic for a wedding.  The Sunday before my trip, I ventured to Jefferson Park to visit manicurist and nail artist AstroWifey for festive "no chip" manicure.

I came to AstroWifey with a few ideas in mind, and I could not be more pleased with how she brought the "his & her" theme to life.  It may be a bit hard to tell from these pictures, but she even drew different style eyeglasses.  Yes, she hand painted each of those designs!  Amazing right?

This manicure has been one of the best manicures of my life.  It's been 10 days and I literally have just one chip, and this is after a hell of a lot of activity - traveling, carrying DJ equipment, swimming, playing in sand, zip lining, horseback riding, and biking.  AstroWifey uses CND Shellac.  You may remember Erin's writeup about it awhile back.  The shine really does hold up!  And CND has some new powders, so your manicurist can custom make colors like this bright orange by AstroWifey.

I had such a great experience and her prices are very reasonable.  I highly recommend it!  It can be a bit of a trek from the east side, but if you live off the blue line, it's actually super easy to get there.  To view her price list and book an appointment, visit her page on StyleSeat.

Scoop NYC Gold Coast Anniversary

Last week, I had the pleasure of DJing the 1 year anniversary for Scoop NYC's Gold Coast store.  Scoop NYC was one of the first designer boutiques I ever shopped at, so I was very excited to part of the festivities.  Clothes and music, it was my double rainbow.

James Rand & Sugar Rock Catwalk Reunited

SugarRockCatwalk readers, hopefully you’ll recognize my name, but this is may be the first time you’ve seen my face! I wanted to explain the absence of my photos from the site for the past 6 months, and to excitedly announce my continued collaboration with Sugar Rock Catwalk!

Last November I lost my job, and though I had many good years in NYC, I felt it was past time to move on. Since then I’ve been traveling around the world with my camera, including a very exciting trip to Japan and a winter sailing voyage off the coast of Maine! With my wanderlust temporarily sated, I followed Lani’s lead, packed up my stuff, rented a van, and moved to beautiful Chicago.

Now settled out in the friendly midwest, Lani and I will once again to collaborate to bring you fashionable outfits and accessories from a new city!

It’s a very exciting time for me, because in addition to a new city, new friends, and another chance to work with SugarRockCatwalk, I’m striking out on my own as a professional photographer. To kick off my new career, I’ve launched a brand-new jamesrand.com!

So please, if you’ve enjoyed my work here, please give the site a visit. Check out my travel pictures in the galleries, and visit the blog for regular, photographic updates. And check back often, here at SugarRockCatwalk, to see what Lani and I cook up!

James Rand

Now Wearing...

Photos by James Rand

A few weeks ago, I went for a walk along the Bloomingdale Trail with my roommate and our apartment mascot Harper, the crazy cute and cute but crazy Jack Russell Terrier.  It's hard to believe that this outfit was weather-appropriate just last month.  I'm still wearing the polka dot dress in this heat, only with shorts and sandals rather than leggings and boots.

While I don't do well in the heat, I love almost everything about summer.  I love how cities and people come to life; this is especially true in Chicago.  I almost had a heart attack looking at my busy calendar for June, but it's filled with lots of celebrations and events I'm very excited to be a part of like Scoop NYC Gold Coast's 1 Year Anniversary event.

Thursday evening at Scoop on Rush Street,  there will be cocktails and fun.  I will be DJing and designer Roderick Tung and stylist Eric Himel will be providing shoppers with expert styling tips.  If you'll be around, please come by and say hello!

Style & Safety Prep for Bike to Work Week

Missoni for Target bicycle

If you’ve been thinking about getting bicycle or commuting by bike, next week might be a great time to start because it’ll be Chicago Bike to Work Week, June 9-15, 2012.   And you can sign your office up for the Bike Commuter Challenge at bikecommuterchallenge.org.

I’ve been biking work for the past couple weeks, and I absolutely love it.  I’m fairly active but far from athletic, so if I can do it, just about anyone can.  Biking at a very comfortable pace it takes me about 20-25 minutes to bike 4.5 miles.

I’m no expert but through biking in New York and Chicago, I’ve learned a few things about bicycle safety and style:

Chicago Designer: Agga B.

One of the hardest things about moving from New York City was leaving America's fashion capital, but moving to Chicago has introduced me to new, smaller lines that I might not have otherwise discovered.  

Left: Green Diamond Dress $320. Right: Pink Sweetheart Dress $305

At last month's Dose Market, I came across Agga B. a line by Polish born who moved to the US in 2002, starting in New York and moving to Chicago in 2005.  Her line caught my attention because it spoke to my aesthetic.  Her dresses are her standout pieces; they incorporate a mixture of textiles and a balance of classic tailoring and modern embellishments.

The top images are from her Spring 2012 lookbook.  Both of these dresses are pieces I would love to have in my closet because I would feel comfortable wearing them to the office and out with friends.  I love the use of black and a lighter color to create a simple, yet bold look.

The pieces below are a couple favorites from her online shop.  The vest would be great for layering over a basic dress and adding some structure and polish to an outfit.  The orange dress I've seen in person, and it's awesome.  The print is reminiscent of classic European art, but with a modern twist of neon orange - and you know how much I love neon.

Left: Honey Dew Vest $205. Right: Orange Dress "dress du jour" special pricing $130 (reg $215)

For my fellow Chicagaons, you can shop Agga B in person at:

1717 North Ave, Wicker Park

Tues-Sat 11-6PM

312-772-2230

Now Wearing...

I've been a terrible blogger.  I was suffering from an extreme case of burnout, but with the warm weather and the recent arrival of James Rand, I'm excited to get back into the swing of things.

Do you ever feel like so much has happened that your response to "what's new" is "nothing"?  I can report back that I'm still in love with Chicago, and I've been DJing quite a bit.  I recently played on a yacht and a few weeks back I was on Vocalo 89.5 FM!

I'm still learning my way around the city, but I've got a few favorite restaurants and a salon to maintain my asymmetrical cut.  Twisted Scissors in Bucktown/Logan Square is fantastic.  The alternative decor might be a bit intimidating to some people, but the staff is great.  I recently got a cut by Ashley, and she was such a sweetheart!

Winter Mixtape: Warmth of Love

Artwork by Austin Eustice

I made this mixtape a few weeks ago inspired by my first months in Chicago. I included songs that have been on heavy rotation on my iPod as well as songs that capture how I feel about Chicago - a little nervous, but above all, jazzed and freaking excited. A lot of girly and dorky bedroom dancing happened in the production of this mixtape.



The people of Chicago are amazingly welcoming. There are nice people in New York too; there's a camaraderie that happens because almost everyone is a transplant.  But in Chicago it feels more basic than that. It's not about a need for friends, but rather a way of life.  The other thing that differentiates Chicago from New York is its modesty.  This windy city is full of quietly amazing talent and secrets.

Though mild this year, Chicago winters are long and cold. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But the wonderful people of this city have kept my spirits high and made me fall in love. I feel so lucky to be here, and I'm so thankful for the new friends in my life.

Photos by Corey Lillard with Owen Black

Chicago Nightlife: The Ponzi at The Bedford

Since moving to Chicago, I've had the pleasure of DJing a couple parties at The Bedford in Wicker Park.  It's a beautiful space inside an old bank with fantastic sound, and the specialty cocktails are fantastic.  It's truly one of my favorite venues in the city.

This Wednesday will be the third edition of The Ponzi party at The Bedford.  This week I'll be spinning with DJ Moppy, filling in for DJ Castle, so you can expect to hear some great music.  And there will be giveaways and drink specials galore - half off bottles of wine, $6 cocktails with Svedka and Four Roses Bourbon, and $3 Schlitz drafts.

I know going out during the week might sound tough, but it makes the work week go by faster and who knows maybe you win something!  If you're in the windy city this Wednesday, I hope to see you at The Bedford.

Who: The Ponzi with DJ Lani Love & DJ Moppy

What: music, drink specials & giveaways

When: Wednesday 2/15 10PM-2AM

Where: The Bedford in Wicker Park, Chicago @ 1612 W. Division near Ashland. no cover, 21+

Chicago Shopping: Jason Wu for Target

This morning my friend Rachel and I met at the Target in Logan Square 15 minutes before doors opened. This was the line at 7:45AM.  It was mostly women ahead of us, but around 9:50 a huge crowd of women pulled into the parking lot with their significant others and even children.  And if the security Segway was any indication, we could tell we were going to be in for a little madness.

There were fully stocked racks to start.  By 8:10AM, they were almost completely ransacked.  Dozens of women running, grabbing, squealing... it was so intense!  I picked up the signature navy striped dress, which Rachel ended up buying, but I had to fight a man for it.  We both grabbed it at the same time, and I had to give him the look of death.

By 8:45AM, only a few lonely pieces were left and mostly in size L or XL.  As for the accessories, the scarves and wicker bags were gone almost instantly.  When we left, there were a few small racks of unclaimed black clutches, canvas totes and flower satchels.

With some determination, speed and agility, we each took home a few pieces from the Jason Wu for Target collection.  The quality is consistent with previous designer collaborations; the sizing however varied from piece to piece - some true to size, others a bit large.

I am so excited to own two blouses from the collection.  I think both of them will work well tucked into skirts and high waisted jeans and untucked with skinny jeans.  As for the skirt, I love it because I've been wanting a longer pleated skirt, but it's actually a bit large on me so it would need to be taken in.  As much as it is, it does seem a bit silly to spend money tailoring skirt from Target.

Left: Jason Wu for Target yellow peplum blouse and Loeffler Randall black zipper skirt

Right: Jason Wu for Target mesh floral top and H&M lace skirt

Jason Wu for Target pleated skirt.  Marni heels and Tashkent wedges.