Second City Style Fashion Blog - Style, Luxury, Beauty & Shopping

Second City Style: New York Fashion Week February 2008 Interview with Glam

Second City Style's Carol Calacci & Lauren Dimet Waters

Second City Style’s coverage of February 2008’s New York Fashion Week was Fabulous! Glam wanted to catch up with Lauren to see what shes been up to…

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I have been in love with clothes and fashion ever since I can remember. My favorite book as a little girl was “Ann Likes Red” which was about a red dress and a little girl’s obsession with the color red. I have not looked back since, even though I love many more colors now. I originally wanted to be a fashion designer, but could not draw the ideas in my head so I went to school for merchandising. Then I switched schools and degrees. I received my MBA with a concentration in marketing from Johns Hopkins University and spent years in marketing and then in technology marketing. However, I missed fashion and writing so I came back full circle. Carol Calacci and I launched Second City Style 2.5 years ago because we saw a need in Chicago. We were pretty short sided about the power and reach of the Internet though and are thrilled our site reaches much further than just the Midwest. Last May I married my New York City born and raised (and never leaving) husband and left the Windy City for the Big Apple. Carol and most of our staff remain in Chicago.

Read more of the Glam Interview  here...

Wearing Fur With Pride?

I was raised by a San Francisco native who, in protest to the long Chicago winters, wore her floor length raccoon coat pretty much from November through March. I never thought anything of it, and grew up with the notion that when it's cold, you wear fur. So, during my four years as an undergrad at the University of Colorado at Boulder, that simplistic notion of wearing fur turned into a common sense fact that wearing fur is completely taboo, and you just don't do it. I remember coming home to Chicago for holidays, and cringing at the sight of my mother in her raccoon, begging her not to wear that hideous coat in public. One time we were walking down Michigan Avenue and a man stopped her and threatened to pour red paint on her coat. She looked at me, and very clearly, said, "It's 20 degrees outside—of course I'm wearing fur."

After leaving Boulder and moving back Chicago, my stance on wearing fur has changed once again. I even went so far as to wear my ever-so-classy grandmother's Voziou New York fur bolero on New Year's Eve. When people began making comments, I suddenly felt like an Olsen twin. In the age of PETA, wearing fur has become a "shameful" act, and it makes me nostalgic for the days when our mother's wore their furs with pride.

Mary-Kate Olsen has received much criticism for continuing to wear fur after PETA nicknamed her and her sister "The Trollsen Twins" Image: adelineandhazel.com

—Emilie Furda

Second City Style...is the News! Named Chicago's Best Fashion Web Site!

Yes, we made the list! Second City Style is one of only two fashion sites that made the cut in Chicago Magazine's February 2008 (not even on newsstands yet) issue! We toot our own horn so rarely, allow us this moment. Please.

"With fashion event listings, articles on the latest trends, and a very active and visual blog, SECONDCITYSTYLE.COM is one of those sites on which it's almost impossible to read everything. A directory of Chicago shops on the site lists hundreds of addresses and phone numbers."

Make sure to buy your copy too or visit Chicago Magazine (article coming soon)!

Sample Sale. '7th on Sale" Disappointment. Second City Style Fashion Blog

I normally do not post after "Blog Therapy Friday's," but I was told I must alert the women of NYC about to trudge to "7th on Sale". My civic duty, so to speak. Unless you plan to arrive very early and stand in line for a good long time...don't bother. There won't be anything left.

You must buy a ticket for $20 online to attend your chosen 2-hour allotment. However, the line moves slowly as your ticket has to be scanned and you must check in everything, but your wallet and cell (yes, handbags, coats, etc.). Then you are handed a clear plastic bag for which to jam your findings.

We signed up for the 4-6pm time-slot Friday afternoon and arrived at 3:30pm to be greeted by a line that wrapped around the block. We froze and entered the 69th Regiment Armory at 5pm by the time we were finally able to check in. Heading straight for the wall of handbags, we found there were 5 ugly, sad bags left. The racks were pretty much bare and all that were left in abundance were Nine West shoes (yes, you read that correctly), $5,000+ gorgeous evening gowns and huge beaded necklaces that nobody seemed to want.

Frankly, we were stunned they were not replenishing. It was the perfect set up for hoarding. People grabbed whatever they could and then sat down to decide what they wanted to buy by 6pm when the event closed. So if you walked in the door at 5pm (like we did) you were out of luck. Even though there were signs that clearly read "one handbag per person" women were grabbing as many as they pleased and walking around until they made their final decision. You could see them clearly in the clear bags. Yet, you couldn't have one.

On the one hand, yes, the event is for charity (HIV/AIDS) and from what I could see through the clear plastic bags there were many great finds to be found if you were lucky enough to grab them. We stumbled upon Zac Posen, Donna Karan and like Anna Wintour (looking fab) which I don't think anybody else noticed as they were too busy hoarding. On the other hand, the organizers (CFDA) should have replenished the inventory. Especially the handbags which seemed to be the hot ticket. Either replenish or let less people in.

Standing in the long checkout line to buy my paltry $12 scarf there were many angry women making cell calls to friends not to bother coming and what a disappointment the sample sale was. Then you waited in another long line to retrieve your items out of coat check (which was horrendous...they were bringing out coats without bags in many instances, like mine). During this time there were some understandably irate people yelling nearby who couldn't get through the door until 5:55pm and were left with an unusable $20 ticket and no refund.

I left frustrated that I donated $20 to charity and a pathetic scarf. I had money to spend (donate) and nothing to buy. I could have kicked myself for not purchasing the sweater and scarf I saw at the Yigal Azrouel sample sale or the dress I fell in love with at Lela Rose's earlier in the day. I stupidly saved myself (and money) for huge disappointment.

In the end, the good old fashioned showroom sample sale is a lot more civilized and rewarding. I'll make my own cash donations to HIV/AIDS research and buy MAC's Viva Glam, thank you very much. I have already canceled my plans to go back with other friends today. Unless I hear word this event is planned and executed better in the future, I don't think I will be attending again.

There is always EBay, but you have to bid and let's face it...that may not be a deal. Or, if you are lucky enough to be famous you can attend the gala dinner and shop. Like they need good deals. Why don't they just donate and leave the deals for us mere mortals?

Chicago News. Mixed Message From The Media. Shopping Mall Bomb Threats, But Don't Worry. Second City Style Fashion Blog

There is news today that Al-Qaeda terrorists made bomb threats to shopping malls in Chicago and Los Angeles.

We shoppers can live without a mall for a weekend, and possibly have not been to a large mall in a while anyway. I don't mean to make light of this, but this is another ongoing reason to shop our local boutiques and designer shops. I doubt that the terrorists care about that little strip on Division Street in Wicker Park, Damen Avenue in Bucktown, Southport Avenue in Wrigleyville, or the few short blocks on Wells Street in Old Town.  It's good for our city to support local commerce.

People are saying "Well if are they saying not to worry about this, than why are they even telling us about it at all?" The Chicago Tribune tells us that it was a media leak and the sources are "not credible" and to go about our holiday shopping. But they also say that the Chicago police were definitely alerted, so why shouldn't we be alerted? We like to know what's going on.

I think the good thing about this kind of news is that we should always be aware when we are in large public places with large numbers of people. In a strange way, it seems carefully planned. This mixed message came at a good time. Here in Chicago, I know that I do not think about 911 every day as some people in New York City probably do. People in L.A. may need a reminder as well. We must not forget. And maybe it sends a good message to the terrorists, too. "We will alert our public and you cannot get away with a terrorist attack on our nation ever again."

— Carol Calacci, Managing Editor

Public Relations Gone Wrong. Note to Zina Eva, Not All PR is Good PR. Second City Style Fashion Blog

Second City Style is at a loss. A loss of words, believe it or not. Our friends over at Bag Snob are currently being harassed and abused by an employee of a public relations firm because they would not endorse their client's products. The client is Zina Eva who is obviously a designer/manufacturer of handbags.

Here is a synopsis of what it going on....

"We weren't going to do an editorial on this bag line but have received over a dozen crazy harassment emails from the PR girl representing them so we decided to put it out there so you can stay clear of this line of horribly made and very cheap bags. Kelly first received an email two months ago from Zina Eva's rep asking to participate in our monthly bag giveaway but after receiving the samples this weekend we decided the bags were not up to Bag Snob par and we couldn't possibly endorse it let alone give it to our readers.

We promptly contacted them and told them we'd return the bags and will not be able to include them in our monthly giveaway but the PR girl turned nasty and started sending us harassment emails with racist overtones. Let's see, she accused us of using fake last names because our names are English/European yet we don't look European (Basically non-white people are not allowed to have European surnames according to this genius PR girl) and then she accused us of trying to scam them of $150 (wholesale price) bags?!?!??! How is it a scam if we didn't want to keep the hideous bags for our giveaway?"

Read the entire saga here...

Here's the skinny...

Over 57 million Americans read blogs averaging 23 hours online per week. Over 51% of blog readers shop online. Contrary to current public perception, not all PR is good PR. The better bloggers and ones with a vast readership are contacted by PR firms because their honest opinion is valued by those who read the blogs. You have to be prepared to take your lumps if your products are sub par. 

Regardless, this type of lashing out because the PR firm did not get their way is just inexcusable. It's like a baby throwing a tantrum and let's face it, that's never pretty. No person should ever tolerate racist abuse and/or personal attacks for any reason whatsoever. This is the utmost in unprofessionalism not to mention  counter-productive. Editors have every right to refuse products and/or write honest reviews. If you can't take the heat either get out of the kitchen or make a better product.

Therefore, Second City Style will be not be accepting any pitches form said PR firm, nor do we nor will we endorse Zina Eva (who should fire their PR firm immediately). In fact, we hope you don't purchase their bags in protest...at least until they apologize for being totally out of line. Besides, we think pleather bags are rather icky, just like the Bag Snobs.

- Second City Style

Update: Since we posted this Zina Eva herself contacted Web Snob and has fired her PR firm. Read about it here...The protest is over. Should you want to purchase Zina Eva bags...go for it.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sign Up For the Gal to Gal On-Line Virtual Walk & Revcieve a Discount on Your Orders!

Breast Cancer Awareness month is half over so time is running for the Gal to Gal on-line Virtual Walk.

Design-Her Gals has an offer that will not only speak to your charitable side, but will your holiday season a little easier (and cheaper)! For this week only, receive a 30% discount (you won't see this again for the entire holiday season!) when you sign up for the Virtual Walk! 

1. Go to galtogalwalk.org and donate $3 (or more!) to help fulfill wishes for Stage IV breast cancer patients and their families.

2. Then come back to www.designhergals.com  (you can click over from the Walk website) and receive 30% off any new stationery or gift item orders this week only!  

PROMO CODE: THIRTY (expires midnight Sunday, October 21)

Visit: galtogalwalk.org 

Join us! Second City Style is Joining Design-Her Gals in Walking Across America for Breast Cancer Next Month. Second City Style Fashion Blog

That's Lauren on the left (Born to Shop baby!) and Carol (she's shoe crazy) on the right. Truth be told...Lauren's taller in real life.

Design-her Gals will make “virtual” history when they launch their interactive virtual walk to benefit the Gal to Gal Foundation, the non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Stage IV breast cancer patients and their families.

Design-her Gals hopes to create a viral outpouring of support during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month with a goal of registering 1 million walkers in 31 days. Pre-registration for The Gal to Gal Walk will begin Wednesday, September 26, with official walk dates of October 1 - October 31, 2007.

Participate in The Gal to Gal Walk by creating your virtual likeness online and then watch yourself take a virtual walk across America. The walk will commence in the Virtual World of Harvard Square in Boston, MA, and will conclude on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, visiting 29 cities along the way. The landscape walkers travel through will change on a daily basis, giving participants a reason to return to see where they are walking that day. New walkers will be joining all the time – sharing their stories and building momentum as more people participate in this innovative fundraising effort.

Register for the Gal to Gal Walk at galtogalwalk.org for a $3 donation beginning Wednesday, September 26. After designing your character, you will be added to the walk landscape where you can also invite your friends and family to join you. Supporters will receive a virtual goody bag with items donated by the Foundation’s strategic partners.

We will keep you posted on our journey! Come on! It's a great cause and you virtually don't have to break a sweat!

New York Fashion Week '08. Devoid of Diversity. Second City Style Fashion Blog

Diane von Furstenberg

I noticed three things about the models during Fashion Week. One, there were hardly any African-American models. Two, there were more Asian models than I have ever seen before. Three, some of the models were still so painfully thin.

Fashion photographer and "America's Next Top Model" judge Nigel Barker said, "Everyone is always talking about the weight issue, I think they should be talking about race." Often it's the celebrity designers, not the ready-to-wear or couture ones, who are willing to use a wider range of models, Barker said. "Showing different girls of different shapes and ethnicities involves taking a risk and some are not willing to take that risk."

More often than not, diverse casting was not the norm. Steven Kolb, executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, said the variety of ethnicities in Phillip Lim's and Diane von Furstenberg's shows jumped out at him.

When casting for her show, Kai Milla said she looks for someone interesting and who fits into her clothes. "I think great models are of all ethnicities. We're living in the real world and the real world exists with a real mixed group of people. What we as fashion designers show in magazines and on the runway is really important to young girls because it affects their self image," she said.

Maybe the borderless business is being interpreted in unusual ways. One executive at a major design firm noted matter-of-factly, "We use all types of girls: English, Irish, American, Swedish. There is always a mix."

After modeling for Temperley, Rosa Cha and others, Solange Wilvert said she didn't think the casting in Bryant Park was drastically different than in seasons past. "Maybe there aren't many black models," she suggested.

Source: WWD

Opinion. Molina Fashion Manifesto. Why I Think Style Sucks this Season. Second City Style Fashion Blog

Trends Fall Flat For ’07 Retail Collections.

Joanne Molina, Senior Editor for Second City Style Magazine

I’m not really a nice person, even though people think I am. I smile quite a bit and laugh a lot but usually it’s because I’m bored and making inside jokes to keep myself amused during an interview with someone who thinks he’s designed the latest, greatest thing or while typing what amounts to promotional copy. And after looking at what retailers have to offer this fall, I’m laughing hysterically.

Let me be clear. There is a BIG difference between a style that’s definitive and something that’s merely good and both have their merits. An Armani suit is classic, beautiful and ought to be in everyone’s closet but it’s not a definitive piece. I’m not looking for something that’s never been done (impossible) and I think there are some beautiful garments that are making their way onto racks. However, we’ve seen it all before—the white shirts, the black, the gray, patent leather, the metallics, exotic animal skins, wide leg pants and dresses galore—but there isn’t a garment or style that says anything about Fall ’07. Instead, retailers are opting for what’s safe, what’s more expensive that ever or tons of garbage that’s less expensive than ever. What gives? Read more here...