Artist Spotlight : Ivy Lenore

For about the past 8 months we have had a section of jewelry in the store that is handmade by local artists.  What has quickly become a favorite part of the store is largely in part to the amazing and talented artist : Ivy Lenore Herman.  Read her bio below and come check out her pieces at the store.  She is constantly creating and making new things so any time you are in there could be something new and beautiful!



Ivy Herman : I have lived 29 of my 30 years here in Evanston, but my constant wanderlust has led me to an array of places that have influenced both my use of color and materials. I appreciate all forms of art, but jewelry design is where I find my own creative voice to be the most strong. My palette tends to lean towards the neutrals, with the occasional splash of color. I like mixing the very old with new, and the juxtaposition of opposite textures. I like jewelry that is both subtle in hue, but powerful in effect. Just as much as clothing, or maybe even more so, jewelry is wearable art. It should make the wearer feel unique and special. That is my goal with any piece I create. 

My 3 Fave Spring/Summer Shoes and Why

Growing up with a father in the shoe business since I was little, I have always heard my dad say, "Take care of your feet.  Buy shoes that fit well and are comfortable. You haven't seen what years of bad shoes can do to you and trust me you don't want to."  With those words ringing in my ears as well as long hours on my feet working and walking, I am here to tell you that while yes, not all fashionable shoes are comfortable there ARE comfortable shoes that are fashionable.  I have 3 pairs this season that I think are amazing and want to share with you why I decided to take the plunge and make them mine.  Even if these exact styles are not for you I think the reasons I got them will be good for any woman's wardrobe.  

Shoe 1: The Deborah by Korkease  

 

I opted for these black sandals from Korkease for a few reasons.  The first one being they are black with studs.  Black is obviously a very easy color to wear and the studs make them a bit edgy and interesting.  I still think they are casual enough to wear to during the day but still sassy enough to take into the night.  Lastly these shoes are so freaking comfortable.  I have walked very far in these shoes and these have withstood the test.  They are cushioned and platformed to perfection.  The heel width is enough for stable support and the platform allows for even weight distribution throughout the foot so there is not pressure on my knees or balls of the feet that makes heels so uncomfortable. 

The Lesson: A great pair of black sandals that can be taken from day to night and have a bit of pizazz are essential!

Shoe 2: The Netty by Eric Michael   

These shoes by Eric Michael have the softest leather and hold the foot securely.  I think that a metallic shoe can pretty much go with anything and also looks great with a tan.  It can take the place of black or brown or a color and add warmth with neutrals.  Metallics are a must for everyone!

The Lesson:  Metallics are very versatile and everyone should have something in a metallic.  Easily worn with neutrals or colors these will become a go-to.  

Shoe 3: Flower Keds by Keds

The flower Keds are my final summer essential because everyone should have a cute sneaker.  Sometimes a girl just wants to put on a sneaker and lace it up and feel like she can make a quick getaway if need be. These can be worn with or without socks with shorts, pants or dresses.  A cute sneaker can be great for bike-rides, walking a fair or an after dinner stroll.  Pretty much every comfort brand is making a stylish sneaker from Merrell to Clarks so in this case you really can have it all! 

The Lesson: A cute sneaker can offer true support for casual summer athletics and still keep you stylish!

The 1/2 Tuck

The half tuck is the new shabby chic way to wear looser fitting shirts.  I personally think it's fabulous.  You get the best of both worlds because you can wear slouchier tops but not have them be just totally floating on bottom which can sometimes make hips looks wide.  This looks good with pretty much anything a bit more figure hugging on the bottom (another good reason to do this trend: you don't have to try to tuck all the material into a fitted waistband, just tuck in a bit in the front) from shorts, to dressy black cigarette pants, to jeans.  I do encourage accessorizing (when don't I?) just to make sure the look appears more casually on purpose than just rolled out of bed.  What do you think?  Will you do the half-tuck this summer?

*all images from google images

Met Gala 2013

So the Met Gala was a few days ago and this annual party is one of my favorite red carpet events to see what the stars wore.  This event is known as being more artsy, creative and avant garde than many other red carpet events and this year's theme "PUNK: From Chaos to Couture" proved to be no different.  Below are some of my favorites from the night and the reasons why.  While most of us will not be attending events such as this one or wearing dresses such as these, the reasons they were my favorite are things we can all apply to our fashion lives!  

Accessories, accessories, accessories!  I always say jewelry, scarves, handbags, and accessories in general can transform any outfit and Nicole Richie proves this point perfectly.  Her gorgeous white dress would be, sans the white hair, otherwise just another pretty dress.  She transformed this outfit by accessorizing with a bold statement piece in this case, her hair!

Know your body!  Jennifer Lopez is a perfect example of someone who knows her body and stays true to that.  She may edge it up or soften things depending on the event but she is true to her style and what looks good on her body regardless of the current trend.  I LOVED her look at the Met Gala. Brava Jennifer, Brava!

Know where you are going and commit!  Sarah Jessica Parker committed to the event and went for it.  She wore plaid velvet knee high boots, a printed gown and a mohawk headpiece.  She clearly paid attention to the theme and boldly went there.  I remember a time when I showed up at a dressier cocktail event wearing jeans and I deeply regretted that choice the whole night.  I did not enjoy myself and felt ill prepared for the evening.  Knowing where you are going and dressing for the event can give you confidence and make you feel good.  You have to just love SJP for having the guts to rock this with a smile and like it was not a thing at all that she a giant gold mohawk thing on her head.

Embrace your sexy!  While we all (read no one) may not look like Giselle we do all have our inner sexy which we should not be afraid to embrace.  Giselle knows she's hot and is not afraid to let it shine.  This confidence is the best accessory to any outfit any woman can have.  Put on something that makes you feel great and let the world hear you roar!

Our Northlight Benefit Party!

 For those of you who don't know we recently had a benefit party for Northlight Theatre, a local theatre  which does amazing works.  We partnered up with other local businesses and had an amazing time.  Oceanique provided the appetizers, Vinic wine provided delicious wine and live fiddle and guitar players provided amazing tunes to set the mood (think: party).  It was such a treat for us to be able to work with other local, independent businesses and show what we are made of and support the community.  Here are a few pics of the event.  Enjoy!

*To see more detailed descriptions of the pictures please go to facebook by clicking HERE

                                      

Local Artist Feature: Tania Rodamilans

Being a small local business we love to partner up with local artists!  One of our recent collaborations has been with local artist Tania Rodamilans.  Her unique and refreshing perspective has been a great addition to the store.  Come in soon to see her collection!

Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Tania began painting in her teens. Largely self-taught, she is forever learning and experimenting. She is currently living in Chicago, where she continues to pursue her love for art. For the last few years, that artistic pursuit has also extended into jewelry making. 

She has always enjoyed the creative process as much as the end result. She finds being in the studio relaxing and often loses track of time, whether working with paint or pendant. What she enjoys the most is the pleasure she finds in exploration and discovery, and the simple fact of being fortunate enough to play with colors, water, fire, metal and other materials...the potential of a blank slate and endless possibilities!

Nature appears as a source of inspiration in most of Tania’s work. Showing an appreciation for an organic, aesthetic sensibility, she wants to celebrate the sensuality of shapes found in the natural world, while infusing human emotions and experiences. Beyond nature, she looks to foreign lands and cultures for inspiration, brought to life through bold, vibrant colors.

The Cat's out of the Bag!

The cat is out of the bag ladies and you are hearing it directly from the horse's mouth! Cat eye sunglasses are currently the cat's pajamas!  As you may have seen in our last post, we found some really amazing sunglasses which should be arriving in the next few days that will retail for under $20.  The Cat Eye will definitely be all up in the mix so keep an eye out (and shaded from the sun) for this sassy style.  Meow!