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

Interview. Sabina Les and Her Fabulous Scarves

Sabina Les wearing her Signature Profile Paisley scarf.

I met Sabina Les a few months ago at a NYC fashion group lecture I attended. Not only was she very approachable, she was wearing a beautiful silk scarf that was perfect for the warmer (at that time) spring months. It was oblong and as stunning as any necklace could have been. Turns out she was sporting one of her own designs. Sabina Les is the designer of her new eponymous line of scarves.

The Sabina Les printed silk scarves collection:

Reptile Chain 10" x60"


Signature Profile Leather Net 36"


Signature Profile Paisley


Reptile Chain Square 21"


Animal Stud 36"


Circles Net 20"

I recently had a chance to interview Sabina:

SCS: So tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to design your line of scarves.

SL: I’ve been working in the industry for about 10 years with some of the most recognizable players and their smaller counter parts. I started out in print media designing high end advertisements and branding but since fashion was always been my passion I made a move into graphic and fashion design. Combining my creative and business experiences along with my BS in Marketing it was a comfortable transition to start a brand at this point of my life.

SCS: Why scarves?

SL: I was searching for “my own initial collection” and had “the aha” moment when realized that over the years I’ve designed various fashion items but never silk printed scarves. It was a very exciting decision to combine my love for prints and scarves into “The printed silk scarves collection.”

SCS: What is the inspiration behind your new/current collection?

SL: This particular collection was inspired by textures and graphics. Snake, reptile and fishnet textures are prominent along with metal chains and studs. Softness and hardware. The perfect combination.

SCS: Do you think you will eventually add more than scarves to your collection and if so, what is next and when?

SL: Absolutely and I can’t wait. I have had requests for men’s accessories. Also, I’m looking into adding bags and hair accessories.

SCS:  Which one/style is the most popular?

SL: The most popular style and one of my favorites is The Reptile Chain oblong scarf. (That's my favorite too.)

SCS: What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

SL: Not being afraid to try and if it fails then try with a different approach or cut your losses.

SCS: Where do you see your business in five years?

SL: The 5 year plan goal is to: grow the brand into a recognizable both women’s and men’s lifestyle brand; establish a strong e-commerce and retail partnerships; loyal customer following; co-design, co-branding, private label and licensing ventures.

SCS: What has been your proudest moment to date?

SL: I’m heavily involved with non-profit for St.Jude and Sunflower Children. Some of the scarves were part of their recent silent auction and they were quite popular. A woman from Prague won a 36” Signature Profile square scarf and then emailed me how much she loves it along with pictures of her wearing it around Prague. I was very proud.

SCS:  Where can our readers find your collection?

SL: Currently the collection is being sold exclusively at  www.sabinales.com. A few other select e-commerce and retail outlets are in the works.

* Make sure you enter our July monthly giveaway where you will have a chance to WIN a Sabina Les Reptile Chain oblong scarf...starting tomorrow.

- Lauren Dimet Waters

This Season's Accessory Trends. Interview With Constance White, eBay Style Director

Last year I met Constance White, eBay's Style Director while she was in Chicago and was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to her again recently about the current Spring/Summer trends. She offers a wealth of fashion information and style tips, so this season I wanted to concentrate on my favorite subject: shoes! (And then, of course I had to get into handbags a little bit, too.)

SCS: What are your top Spring/Summer shoe trend picks?

Constance: Well there are two trends that I thing you should concentrate on this season.
1. Chunky platforms or thick heeled pumps and sandals, which you can wear with skinny jeans or wide leg pants: or
2. The sexy flat sandal, it can be metallic, or have beading or embellishment. These work well with the longer dresses, as well as casual dresses and shorts.

SCS: What do you think about the gladiator look? I love it, but I'm worried...have we seen enough of this trend? Should we start to avoid it?

Constance: Yes, we are seeing quite a lot of this trend but I think that a lot of fashionable women will still be wearing the gladiator this season. It can be modified and just go up around the ankle, it doesn't have to go all the way to the knee!

SCS: Can women find a real bargain on never worn designer shoes on eBay?

Constance: Yes, absolutely! One of the most well-shopped categories on eBay is Shoes. You can find shoes that may be worn one time but many are never worn. It can be from an individual or from one of the many vendors that set up a business on eBay. You can find designers like Gucci and Christian Louboutin.

SCS: Are there any vintage shoe trends that you see moving on eBay?

Constance: Vintage trends usually reflect what is current and hot - again like the platforms.They may find Sergio Rossi's from the 70s or go all the way back to 40s to find platform. Another popular trend would be 80s shoes from the punk movement. With vintage you can find never worn shoes as well.

SCS: Okay once we have the shoes, next I think of the handbag. What do you think are good handbag bargains for this season?

Constance: A smart trend that often is a bargain is and eco-friendly bag. They are trendy cute and affordable because they are often made of of fabrics, which are light and go well with summer fashions.

SCS: And what do you think is a wise investment bag for this season?

Constance: A good investment bag, since this is something that you are going to pay a nice sum of money should be something that is of classic styling and construction. It should be of leather, in a neutral color, which could be a black or a dark brown, but can also be a color like red or Hermes orange. These colors can go into fall as well. Patent leather also works well for your investment bag, and it could be quilted or with a finish. The shape I would recommend would be a hobo or satchel because these shapes can work with tailored or business to frilly clothes, and from day to evening. Also consider how comfortable it will be to carry the bag and look good padding on the strap or handle.

SCS: Many of our readers probably have valuable shoes and bags in their own closet that may fly on eBay and they don't know it. What hot items might they have that they can probably sell?

Constance: My tips for selling on eBay would be:

• First think of the trends that you see in magazines, stores, or online magazines and blogs like Second City Style. The things we just discussed, the flat or chunky shoes that you may have that just did not work for you may be right for someone else.

• List your items by brand, for example if you have Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, Manolo Blahnik and Kenneth Cole, these are all always popular. But also remember that there is a buyer for everything on eBay, so it does not necessarily have to be a well known brand or designer and the item can sell.

• If you don't want to deal with selling the items yourself, you can use one of our trading assistants on eBay that do everything for you, from listing and to shipping, and they do that for a commission that you agree upon. They are in all cities, and you can get a big bag of items from your closet to them and have them handle everything.

• It is not hard to sell on eBay for yourself, so it is worth trying a few item, I recommend starting the bid low, and you can set a reserve price that the buyers do not see, (say it is $100) so the item will not be sold if the bidding does not reach that price.

Listening to Constance got me excited about checking my own closet again. I may be able sell some items and I'll also check out eBay for purchasing. Or I just might be able to revive something I already have to wear this season!

— Carol Calacci

Buy or Sell on eBay.com

Christian Siriano Takes on Chicago. A Fierce Collection at Bonnie & Clyde's Fashion Show

Christian Siriano

Bonnie & Clyde's Love Games fashion show at Lumen last Friday featured Christian Siriano. I was pleased to meet the fashion prodigy before the show. Second City Style was not surprised when he won Project Runway Season 4 with his "fierce" and sophisticated back and white Paul Revere meets French Couture collection and we have followed him ever since at New York Fashion Week. But don't look for him under "Christian Siriano" Just Siriano. A smart move I'd say. After all, who wants to get confused with Dior and LaCroix? His last two collections continued to progress and change, yet keep it's impeccable tailoring and sophisticated design. Siriano can make his own name for himself!

I had only a few minutes to talk to Christian, but within the first second just knew he is one of those people that I could talk to for hours. He was very down-to-earth and polite, despite the cocky attitude he became known for. In person, I can see the "attitude" is really just for his amusement...and ours! I'd say he up for the challenge of being a fashion personality as well as a good designer. 

SCS: Your collections are very sophisticated and yet you are so young.Do you see a woman your age, twenty two wearing your designs?

Christian Siriano: Yes, totally. I think especially some of the pieces - like a blouse or maybe just the pants I can totally see on a younger woman.

SCS: I noticed a chartreuse silk ruffle blouse on Intermix - that would be great for any age!

Christian Siriano: Yes, Intemix is geared for younger women, and I don't really like department stores. Although, Nordstrom does a pretty good job... they try. Other department stores I also like are Barneys and Saks. I really don't want to get lost in department stores. That's why I like being in boutiques like Bonnie & Clyde's.

SCS: Yes there really isn't another boutique in Chicago like Bonnie & Clyde's - they bring in fresh designers, take some chances and introduce edgier fashion.

SCS: I saw that you design shoes and I have to say they are really cool, I love the heel. Is this something you will be getting into?

Christian Siriano: We did shoes for Payless. I have always done shoes for the runway, as part of my collection. So yes, I do shoes!

SCS: Will I see your shoes tonight?

Christian Siriano: Yes! You will see my shoes.

SCS:  Now, I know I can say that your first collection was definitely "fierce".

Christian Siriano: (making a little fist gesture) Oh yes!

SCS: But what one word can you call your current collections?

Christian Siriano: Oh... I don't think there is another word... but for Spring the theme of the collection is "Etherial" (he stretched out the word in sing-songy fashion)...and for fall it is "Hieroglyphics" - it has an Egyptian influence.

I do want to see Christian Siriano go far. His totally "up" attitude is very contagious and reminded me of what I love most about this industry...that fashion is truly a form of art and expression!

Siriano Spring 09

Siriano Spring 09

Siriano Spring 09

^{Ideeen NY}

^{Vivienne Westwood}

–Carol Calacci

Christian Siriano Photos: Steve Starr

All Other Runway Photos: Sapan Ahuja

Mucho Gustto. Interview with Handbag Designer Agathe Planchon of Gustto

Gustto is a line of handbags we adore here at Second City Style and we recently had the opportunity to interview handbag designer Agathe Planchon about her line and her inspiration.

Born in the South of France, Agathe has always loved to travel. Portofino has long been the designer's most beloved sanctuary and primary source of inspiration for her 4 year-old line.

Ms. Planchon currently resides in San Diego, California where she owns and operates the Gustto brand.


SCS: How did you come to design handbags? What is the story behind your line?

AP: I actually used to be in the corporate world, not as a designer, but as a technology executive. Motivated by the allure of Portofino and life on the Riviera, I wanted to create a perfect accessory for the modern, glamorous, fashion-forward woman. I started designing luxury leather PDA and Blackberry covers. I wanted to bridge the gap between fashion and technology. It turned out to be the wrong trend. Instead people started using those plastic covers. Everything that went into making my covers was from France and was top quality. I knew I would have to adjust for the American market so I then created a high-quality leather clutch that held a PDA. I used colors like pink, blue and green and mixed it with studs and hardware.

My new focus was fashion meets technology meets business and the computer bag came next. So jumping into large bags was really jumping into fashion. My first handbag design, the Sola City bag became my first big seller. You have to remember at that time there were not as many handbag designers as there are today. This was also before clothing fashion designers got in on the act.

Gustto Sola Bag

SCS: Was there a turning point or defining moment for Gustto?

AP: I was attending a show in Geneva and I saw a rich, sophisticated American woman on a yacht carrying my bag. It took my breath away. It was a very rewarding moment.

Then I noticed women in NYC started carrying the bag. The leather is very soft and back then there were not many choices for bags that have a French look, touch and quality. 

SCS: Who are some of your celebrity clients?

AP: Uma Thurman, Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba, Hallie Berry and Jessica Simpson are the first ones that come to mind.

Gustto Baca Bag

SCS: Which styles are the most popular?

AP: The Parina and Setela and Big Baca Patent. Oversized bags or totes came into fashion and thankfully I was ahead of the trend. Some of the newer styles are the Victoria and Renassino. They are sophisticated, edgy, high-end and creative.

Gustto Victoria Bag

Gustto Renassino Bag

SCS: What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

AG: Believe in yourself and be true to who you are. Listen, be persistent, understand the market and never stop!

SCS: How well received are your bags in urban environments like Chicago and New York?

AG: In NYC women leave for work and tend to go right out afterwards so they need to carry what they need for the entire day. Therefore they tend to like the larger bags. They like the Parina and Setela because the are large, not outrageous and easy to carry. In L.A. they tend to like the smaller sized bags and neutral colors that go with everything.

SCS: Where do you see yourself/business in 10 years?

AG: I see Gustto as a worldwide brand. I really see it as a global market. We are currently expanding in the Middle East and Asia. We recently opened a corner store in Bahrain. A Gustto travel collection is being released soon. After all I travel a lot. We also plan on adding a denim line and other products in the upcoming months. It's important to have your own identity and stand for who you are in this global market.

* Don't forget to sign up for Second City Style's December giveaway! You could win a Gustto Renassino Bag or shop online at gustto.com.

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Jewelry/Bling. An Interview with Alexis Bittar

When I discovered Alexis Bittar was going to be at Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue last Friday, I wanted to meet him! Alexis Bittar jewelry has graced the pages of Second City Style and has been selected by our editors time and time again. I wanted to learn how these wonderful wearable sculptures are crafted, and the inspiration behind them.

Alexis Bittar is a regular guy from Brooklyn, New York. He has no formal training in art. In fact he said he smoked pot all through high school and didn't last long at a local college. He does credit his parents, both professors, for constantly exposing him to art and culture when he was growing up.

He sold jewelry at the flea market in Chelsea, and enjoyed the nightlife. Soon he realized he would have to do something more. At age 22 the self-taught designer began designing with Lucite. He figured out a way to carve Lucite into jewelry, much like Bakelite was carved in the 1920s. His technique was really like nothing else done before. Unlike resin jewelry which is poured into a mold, Lucite comes in sheets like thick glass. Since Lucite was a material he knew how to work with, he wound up developing a unique, revolutionary craft in jewelry making.

Alexis: Lucite jewelry wasn't an easy sell. For the first ten years no one got it. People were not into bright colors at the time, everyone was into black. But then there were a few breakthroughs, or perhaps defining moments: In 1999-2000 I did a couture line for Burberry, and then in 2000 Lori Goldstein used one of my pieces for a worldwide Estee Lauder Campaign. I think she made the right prediction. And then in the second season of Sex and the City, Kim Cattrell wore one of my pieces in just about every show as well as in the movie.

SCS: Who are the celebrities that wear your jewelry?

Alexis: (his head sort of spiraling) Oh well, there's Cameroin Diaz, Zaha Adid, Madeliene Albright, Alicia Keys, Debbie Harry...

SCS: Just about every woman! And how is your jewelry mass produced? Do you have a lot of craftspeople making the jewelry?

Alexis: Yes I have 160 employees and the pieces are all hand carved and painted. They all follow specifications and guidelines, so they will look exactly alike, but no two pieces will really be exactly alike.

SCS: Tell me about the inspiration for your pieces.

Lucite Spring 09 - Celestial Ocean Hinged Bracelet in Gold and Large Celestial Hooped Earrings

Alexis: Well there are actually 3 lines. "Lucite" is the hand sculpted, hand painted and gilded jewelry that I have done for 18 years. Nordstrom carries a lot of these basic pieces. "Elements" is a second line that is nature inspired, uses some different materials like metals and amethyst, and inspired by the late 60's and early 70's. Then for the last 3 years there is "Miss Habersham" which is an all metal, 1980's Grace Jones inspired collection. I guess a lot of my inspiration is art and architecture based. And yes there is a fourth line coming out...using all gold and silver.

Elements Spring 09 Collection - Glass Waterfall Collar

Miss Haversham Spring 09 - Large Retro Link Bracelet in Rose Gold and Solid Molten Cuff in Rhodium  

I work with a lot of stylists for photo shoots for magazines like Italian Vogue, French Vogue and American Vogue.

SCS: Are those one-of-a-kind pieces?

Alexis: Sometimes it is just for one shoot, or sometimes it becomes requested or then get watered down a bit (these pieces can be quite a lot) and then goes into the line for sale.

(Then he sent an email on his phone to have a spring '09 line sheet sent to me, and read an email coming in.)

You know, I've been working my ass off for 18 years, and I don't take time off, I really should take time off... but anyway, I am still like a little kid. I got an email to do something and now I am thinking about it already.

SCS: Can you tell me what it is?

Alexis: This email says "Grace Coddington loves this necklace... she want to shoot for Vogue... for a jumpsuit story... can you do a piece? Maybe like a bow tie?"

SCS: So now your wheels are turning and you're starting to design something in your head? You can't stop working!

Alexis: Yes, I am already thinking about what I can do...it's like I still want to show off that I can design.

SCS: Good, good. Please continue to show off!

Shop Nordstrom for Alexis Bittar Jewelry

Jewelry Photos: courtesy of Alexis Bittar

—Carol Calacci

An Interview with "The Queen of Glow" Terry de Gunzburg.

I recently had the opportunity (truly the honor) to meet Terry De Gunzburg the creator of the ulta-luxe By Terry Cosmetics line. Terry was at Barneys New York on Oak Street making her first public appearance in Chicago. I approached the sea of black-clad cosmeticians to try to find Terry, and she was the first one to greet me. She spoke English beautifully with a little French accent. She told me Barneys is the exclusive department store to carry By Terry, and you can also get it online at eluxury, Space NK and Sephora. 

I had heard that celebrities like Katherine Heigel, Julianne Moore and Mary Kate Olsen were fans and I was about to find out why. 

SCS: Please tell me more about your amazing background at YSL.   

Terry: For 15 years I was the makeup director and and director of color collections for YSL. We were like a family, a family of creatives, not clones to copy from Yves. He would not want it any other way. We would develop the makeup for each clothing line, each season, and do makeup for photo shoots. We would even match a fabric for a season, perhaps matching a certain colored velvet. We were pioneers in developing makeup and working with the pigments and ingredients. I was behind the development of Touch Eclat. 

SCS: How did you start your own line By Terry?

Terry: The line started in 2001, but I started with a store in Paris. I offered couture colors, refined colors. It was by appointment, one-on-one with the customer. A couture house of makeup! So after 2 years, the custom couture makeup was developed into the RTW, so to speak. It was a line that could be manufactured and offered for sale. The line offers the best ingredients andpigments, 100% botanicals, real rose petals, orchids and real pearls, tourmalines... luxury botanicals and mineral. 

SCS: So how did you become "The Queen of Glow?" Do tell me about "the glow"...

She began applying Rose de Rose Eclat de Tient to the top side of my hand. This demonstration almost spoke for itself as my ashen skin became moist and bright. There was a light fragrance of fresh roses. 

Terry: Rose de Rose uses real rose petals. The thing about the glow is that I find the glow to be more important than perfection. When I did photo shoots for Helmut Lang, it was better to show extra bright skin, to see a reality under the skin. 

SCS: What's new? What are the makeup trends for this season?   

Terry:

• Still a smoky eye, but purple is the new black for fall.   

• There is a new beige - the beige is not real matte, but more of a silver or bronze.

• The mouth is sophisticated with peony and geraniums reds. These reds work well on all skin tones, where with blue-red it is not always the case. 

• I have a natural gel mascara. This mascara actually conditions the lashes. The more you use it, we have tested and measured it, after 3 weeks the volume is multiplied by two. All of our products have a treatment and skin care approach. 

• And a new jet black eyeliner. She did her own hand demonstration with the liner, drawing a perfect rich black unfeathered line.) Anyone can do it. The makeup artist line is idiot-proof.

I think at that point she could not stand to look at my under-eye issues and asked if she could try a few things. Gladly, I hopped up on a chair. One of the make-up artists asked if they could watch. I was thrilled to be in hands of a make-up legend. She used Touch Valette Concealer under my eyes, a beautiful violet eyeshadow (Black Grape) with a brush as a shadow above and below my lashes, and Rose de Rose (the glow) to my cheeks, and Baume de Rose Lip Balm. One of the cosmeticians said "I didn't even know what color your eyes were before!" Now my eyes were definitely green, under eye circles diminished and I looked refreshed and revived.

In came the flurry of appointments and Terry de Gunsburg energetically greeted and gave advice to one after the next. When I left Barneys and stepped onto Oak Street the autumn wind blew, with the fragrance of spring roses. I decided was never going to wash my face again! 

Find By Terry at Barneys New York or at Eluxury

— Carol Calacci   

Celebrity Interview. Jamie-Lynn Sigler on the Master Card Savings Program and Entourage

First let me say, I must have Jamie-Lynn's Orlan Louboutins. I'm sold! Any person who wears my favorite shoes to an interview is golden in my book. What can I say? I'm an easy sell.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler was in town to introduce MasterCard's new savings program to  debit and prepaid cardholders. See? Even celebrities like a good deal! This new MasterCard Savings Program allows you to customize discounts and special offers from thousands (nearly 25,000) of merchants nationwide. Debit and prepaid MasterCard cardholders can quickly enroll at savings.mastercard.com and it's free to cardholders.

You can select which retailers you want to receive promotional offers from and set up e-mail alerts so you can be notified when discounts and other unique offers become available. Take advantage of discounts both on-line and in stores. Discount offers average from 5% to 20% and can include free shipping. There is also a
Premium-Level Program, with discount offers averaging between 20% to 50% as well as limited time offers and special in-store events can be purchased for an annual fee of $29.95 by cardholders.

On to Jamie-Lynn...

SCS: So why are you working with MasterCard on this program?

JLS: I think the program is relevant to the times. Everyone is looking for a way to save these days. I love that you can customize who you want to be alerted to. One of my favorite stores, Saks Fifth Avanue is participating. Who doesn't want a discount from Saks?

SCS: Do you have any style tips for us?

JLS: I always splurge on accessories, particularly shoes. Don't skimp on shoes. You need a good shoe because let's face it, you are on your feet most of the day. I shop at Urban Outfitters, Gap, Old Navy and the like for my clothes as much as anyone else, however, I feel you can pull off anything as long as you have a great pair of shoes.

SCS: What are some of your favorite brands? Besides Christian Louboutin I see. I love your Orlans.

JLS: They are so comfortable! I have had them on since 7:30am and am surprised my feet don't hurt. I also love Sergio Rossi. I think they are really sexy shoes.

SCS: What is your must-have this season?

JLS: I'm obsessed with anything purple. It has always been my favorite color. I love it and can't get enough. I just saw this amazing purple coat in Ralph Lauren! Who knows if I will splurge?

SCS: So I hear you are starting a jewelry line. can you tell us about it?

JLS: It's called CJ Free and will launch around the end of the year. My partner and I are all about gold beading which runs throughout the line. (Jamie-Lynn was wearing the cutest little gold beaded chain with a small dangling charm). We will have bangles, pendants, necklaces and will offer custom ordering. So many of our friends say 'I love that bracelet and would like it with this charm," so customization will be a focus. The line will be available at cjfreejewelry.com and hopefully some specialty retailers soon.

SCS: So what else are you up to...acting-wise?

JLS: I will be on HBO's Entourage for three episodes. It airs in two weeks. I play myself, well a version of Jamie-Lynn.

SCS: I love that show! Can you tell us more about your role?

JLS: I guess I can since it's already out there, but I will be playing opposite Turtle. He comes out of his shell, so to speak. It's the evolution of Turtle. I had a few scenes where I was able to work with the entire cast and the dynamic is amazing. That is why the show is such a success.

Don't forget to enroll at savings.mastercard.com

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Photo: Second City Style

Surprise and Delight: Interview with Harper’s Bazaar's Mary Alice Stephenson

Natayle Henry for Second City Style Magazine

Imagine being in your favorite department store at the cash register about to pay for your items when a beautifully chic woman offers to pay. Your first thought is probably that you’re going crazy or she is crazy. What what person in their right mind would offer to do that? Customers at select Saks stores nationwide were able to experience that moment of disbelief and later euphoria when Saks Fifth Avenue and MasterCard joined together to bring the “Want It” event hosted by renowned celebrity stylist, TV personality and Contributing Fashion Editor for Harper’s Bazaar, Mary Alice Stephenson. Shoppers left with fantastic finds and amazing gifts with purchases, not to mention the opportunity to meet Mary Alice.

I had a chance to sit down with Mary Alice.

SCS: Tell us about the event.

MAS: Tonight is a fun cocktail party MasterCard and Saks are having for their “Wanted List.” Every Fall MasterCard and Saks work with [Fashion Director] Michael Fink, to bring a fashion hit list (key trends) of what you need to have to make your Fall wardrobe more fashionable. This event is a really great way for real women to say “so what is it that I really need to have and know about?” There are eight fashion musts women and six for men.

We’re also going to be doing something really fun that MasterCard loves to do called 'surprise and delight.' So I get to have my Oprah moment and actually go up to some customers at the register and say “I’m going to buy this for you.” Which is so fun! It’s so rare that you get something free anymore, there are usually strings attached. People have been in all out tears to complete shock or denial. It’s Saks and MasterCard’s way of thanking their customers.

SCS: What are some of the must-have trends for Fall?

MAS: One of the trends for the season is the romantic blouse, which you are wearing so good job. A lot of the trends for the Fall are about embracing your curves and femininity. The tailored dress is another fall must-have. There will be more tailoring for Fall. Size doesn’t matter.

A top handle bag is another Fall trend. All you need is one bag for the day. This season, designers have created bags special enough to wear to work and out at night. Practical yet special. Another trend this year are boots, boots, boots. Boots have a lot more personality and diversity this season than any other I’ve seen in a long time. Designers have put as much emphasis on boots as they do on handbags. Boots have become  the real focus for Fall.

Read more "Interview with Harper’s Bazaar's Mary Alice Stephenson" here.

Image: Jessica Piraro

 

Interview with Bobbie Thomas: Fall Fashion and Skin Care Tips from the “Walking 411”

Last Thursday afternoon, Carol and I had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely Bobbie Thomas. She loves Chicago, has friends here so we hope she visits again soon. You may know her as your Today Show style editor, your E! red carpet style expert, or your In Touch Weekly trend finder (yes, she does it all!).  A real woman’s woman, Bobbie graciously took time out of her busy 20-city tour on behalf of the new Gillette Venus Embrace razors to chat about fall fashion tips and skin care, and a little girl talk.

SCS: So, any fashion advice for the upcoming fall season?

BT: Well, be sure to break all of the rules! Your style is your way to speak to the world without words. This season there is something for everyone, from the bohemian look to minimalism. Be sure to look for season-less pieces. And with the economy in a weakened state, the best way to stay chic is through responsible consumption. Consider being green - reinvent and recycle! This means you don’t have to bust your budget.

SCS: As summer comes to a close and we look towards a new season, what are the best skin care tips for the fall?

BT: Number one, get enough sleep and take some time for yourself! With rich new makeup colors splashed across the pages of magazines and your busy social calendar filled holiday parties, Fall is the season of the 'painted face.' So stay on top of your beauty routine and be sure to cleanse. The best way to get the most out of your beauty products is to exfoliate. A battery operated hand held device, like a Clarisonic Buffer can help break up build-up while swiping a toner on afterwards will bring balance back to your skin's ph level. Women find it hard to change their moisturizer, but look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid. (she had us try a hyaluronic acid serum on our hand - it is light and holds in moisture!). And don’t forget to re-apply your SPF in the fall! Most of us don't want to mess with our makeup applications or add any extra shine throughout the day. A mineral powder SPF is the answer (yes, even in fall). Instead of using blot papers, absorb excess oil and shield your skin with an all-in one purse size powder applicator.

(Left to right)
clarisonic Skincare brush
derma e Hyaluronic Acid Firming Serum
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 Powder

SCS: You’re on tour with the Gillette Venus Embrace razor. What can you tell us about it?

BT: It is the most advanced female razor on the market! The Venus Embrace is a 5-blade shaving system complete with a ribbon of moisture that provides a smooth glide for a close, comfortable shave, getting virtually every hair! The five blades individually adjust to stay in contact with the skin – even around such tricky shaving areas as the knees and ankles. This unique razor allows for longer lasting shaves and softer, smoother skin.

SCS: Do you see yourself as a role model for women today?

BT: Today’s woman is both smart and beautiful, and we longer need to choose between the two. I want to empower and encourage women through their own self-expression. As I said earlier, style is your way to speak to the world without words. But fashion and beauty are just two of many ways to express your personality. I see myself as a ‘style guide’ not a ‘style expert’. I’m here to share information in the sisterhood of style. And like Gillette, I want women to love the skin they are in!

—Gabbie Perez

Designer Interview: What a Joy! I Met Rachel Roy at Nordstrom Michigan Avenue

Designer Rachel Roy was in in town yesterday at Nordstrom Michigan Avenue, to make an appearance and present her Fall/Winter 2008 Collection. Fans and fashionistas showed up excited to meet Rachel (who was so very cordial) and to get a close look at the clothing! There was plenty in stock to try on, to buy and to order. Well that was the start of the evening...

I love the hombre coat on the left, and the dress on the right is a already a hit in Chicago - a few women wore it to the event!

When I met Rachel Roy I was struck not only by her beauty, but how genuinely warm she is. I was ready to get down to business with my questions for her, and she said, "take as much time as you need." She was not phased by the cameras, the line up of customers and fans ready to come into the roped-off area. She is one of those people that through all of the chaos calms you down. I knew immediately that I could learn from her, in the least to just chill out and follow her example of cool!

SCS: Who is the Rachel Roy woman? Who wears your clothing?

Rachel Roy: Hmm well, okay - without sounding like a cliche, I design clothes for who she aspires to be...strong and independent, modern and smart, there is a little bit of humor, and humility. She is is a mother... I don't mean that she has to have children, but she takes care of others, it may be her husband, it may be her gay husband...I actually have a few of those!

SCS: I think of your clothes as very New York. Aren't you from California?

Rachel Roy: Yes, [I'm] from Monterey but I am now in New York and went to school in New York. I did not go to school for fashion. I was in Sociology and then English. I feel that if you work hard in a given area, and may have to start at the bottom (I started as an intern) that you can be successful, and it does not have to be monetarily, but you can find your place in something that you love.

SCS: I love your mix of fabrics, a wool with chiffon, patterns and metallic elements, and how your clothing can be appropriate for so many different occasions, day and evening.

Rachel Roy: Yes, I like that balance of personal with the professional. To mix high end with low end is a totally modern way to dress. A woman can wear something from Target and mix it with other pieces. I feel a woman can wear the sexiest dress but she has to have the confidence from within to wear it.

SCS: Well, some of your pieces are not exactly inexpensive.

Rachel Roy: Oh I know! I do think of them as investment pieces. Pieces that make you happy so you wear them over and over.

SCS: Yes, we're big on the "cost per wear" at Second City Style.

Rachel Roy: I really agree with that concept. When I was in school, I would save up and maybe just buy one special thing every six months. I would be able to invest in Blahniks, but I would have the sales people contact me when they were on sale. I felt that that I was probably spending as much as I would if I just bought what I could more frequently, so instead I waited and spend more at one time on pieces that I knew I would love.

SCS: Can you give us a little hint at what we will see for Spring '08?

Rachel Roy: Let's see... that is less than a month away... what can I reveal?

SCS: Yes, yes, come on, we want to know...

Rachel Roy: Well for Spring '09, it is not about the clothing as much as the woman. There is a quote from Ghandi that inspired me: "Be the change that you want to see in the world." I designed a scarf that has the words repeated in a pattern.

SCS: What was the best advice that anyone ever gave you?

Rachel Roy: Andre Leon Tally is a good a friend of mine, and he is always drops jewels of knowledge, but his advice that I have embraced is about happiness. Being Happy and having the pleasure to choose things that make you happy and walk away from the things that do not.

SCS:  Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Rachel Roy: In ten years I would like to have a secondary line, a huge staff so I don't have to work until 9 pm every night! I'd like more time to spend with my daughter, and for myself, to travel. I want to strike that balance that we are all trying to reach.

Photos: Robert F. Carl

— Carol Calacci

Nordstrom Michigan Avenue, 55 East Grand Ave 3rd Floor, 312-464-1515