Last Week...

Last week was uber busy but super epic. (Warning: this might end up sounding like a brag post.)

On Monday, I met the co-owner of the "World's Greenest Restaurant" / "First Certified Organic Roof Top Farm in the Country" and listened to her speak about sustainability in business. Her thoughts are that living a green lifestyle or using sustainable products doesn't have to equal expensive and she has the research to prove it. (Translation: Maybe we can't all afford solar panels, but we can make small changes in others ways - less waste, recycling, earth friendly products.) The best part, the restaurant is right in our back door. We love walking over for last minute weekend brunches or quick weeknight dinners and it feels good supporting such a local gem!

On Wednesday, I attended an inspiring session with a long time favorite jewelry designer turned business consultant. (Her blog is a must read.) Just a group of business folks, brainstorming and sharing stories - good times. Some say the key to success is to surround yourself with like minded people - I'll definitely be hanging with this crew again!

On Thursday morning I got to be on TV. No big deal. :)

On Thursday night, as part of the Chicago Fashion Foundation, I helped host our largest (and sold out!) event to date where we awarded a lovely new designer with scholarship funds and the title of "Future of Chicago Fashion." (She was also recently inducted into a local fashion incubator program. Watch out for this one folks - she's going places.)

And now, I'm recovering...

Chicago Fashion Foundation's 6th Annual Scholarship Event

Consider this your personal invitation to 2013's Future of Fashion event hosted by the Chicago Fashion Foundation (aka yours truly, along with a fab group of industry enthusiasts intent on supporting the local fashion community here in Chicago.) Based on a theme of Thread of Time, each designer chose a specific decade for inspiration. We've previewed the 16 looks and all agree, it's the best year yet!

Tickets are still available but going fast, don't miss out!

UPDATE - 3/20/13 - I was just informed that tickets are SOLD OUT! Hope you got one!

Chicago Fashion Foundation's 5th Annual Scholarship Event

As you may have noticed things around the blog have become a bit blah lately. That's because I've been spending loads of time preparing for the Chicago Fashion Foundation's 5th Annual Scholarship Event and Fashion Show that took place last week! Ten Chicago based aspiring design students presented their interpretations of Chicago's street style to a crowd of over 350 fashion industry professional and enthusiasts at the Chicago Cultural Center. The scholarship competition and runway show hosted by the VH1's "House of Consignment" star Corri McFadden also featured looks from past finalists, "Project Runway" contestant Peach Carr's latest collection, a multitude of fashionable items up for grabs in a silent auction and a best dressed award handed out courtesy of the ladies of Style Block. The designs this year were spectacular and it's a quite treat to see them grow from inspiration board to runway ready! Take a peek at the action...

Director of Global Artistry for Too Faced Cosmetics, Kalina Fernandez, preps a model for the runway

The beautiful Tiffany dome ceiling in the Chicago Cultural Center's Preston Bradley Hall

The judges: Erikka Wang, Catie Keogh, Peach Carr, Candice Jordan, Diego Rocha, Andrea Schwartz

Gift bags galore.

Appetizers anyone? 

Me and the hubster.

Sadly, I didn't get a great outfit shot that night, but the pant pockets are my favorite feature, they protrude people! 

Our host, Corri McFadden and the ladies of Style Block

Let's get this party started!  

The student designs on the runway

And the winning design by Columbia College student Elena Bobysheva!

The board of the Chicago Fashion Foundation

photos by Francis Son Photography

It was great to see some of my blogging buddies in attendance as well, thanks for the support friends! 

The Chicago Fashion Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to maintaining and developing the local fashion industry by providing academic scholarships, professional networking events and mentoring programs. I serve as a Vice President on the board. If you're interested in learning more about our organization, becoming a member, sponsorship opportunties or for general questions feel free to contact me here.

Chicago Fashion Foundation's 5th Annual Scholarship Event

Speaking of being busy, one of the big things on my plate right now is gearing up for the Chicago Fashion Foundation's 5th Annual Scholarship Event and Fashion Show. Taking place on March 7th at the Chicago Cultural Center and hosted by eDrop-off owner and VH1 'House of Consigment' star Corri McFadden, this is going to be our biggest event to date! Themed to Street Style: Chicago Fashion through Chicago Communities, ten promising design students will present their garments and compete for the grand prize - scholarship awards and the coveted title of Chicago's Future in Fashion. (I got a sneak peak at the fittings on Monday - these designers are on fire!) If you're in the area, I'd like to invite you to attend. Check out pictures from last year's event and learn more/purchase tickets here. Hope to see you there!

Bloggers need to get out from behind the computer & here's why (Oh, & an event recap)

First, look through these pictures and tell me you're not jealous...

Racks of Lara Miller clothes, hair and makeup artists that worked their magic and took me from drab to fab, a photoshoot for Lara's Spring 2012 Lookbook. Am I bragging? Maybe a teeny bit, but only so you'll realize how important (and fun!) it is to get off the computer and get out there and meet some new friends.

Photos by Fig Photography, see the full lot here. 

There's a new network in town and it's fun-times galore. (Events that center around fashion and cocktails... I'm in!) Even before we had CBN, local bloggers were creating our own meetups, like Mani's and Merlot, simple dinner's or date days. Lately, it feels like I'm on the once a week plan (a bit much perhaps) but the point is, I'm loving every minute of it and I think you would too. So you might say, "Oh, but you're a social person, Ashleigh." No. No I'm not. Maybe more so now because I've been practicing, but at heart I'd rather go home and watch Modern Family. In fact, even when I've got an outfit planned, have spent the day pumping myself up and am driving in the right direction I'm usually thinking of excuses to turn around, head for the couch and rest. I make myself go. Why? Because I love my blog and your blogs but I need a break from the computer 10 hours a day and fabulous pictures telling me I need to buy more fabulous things and Pin-spiration that I'll never get around to doing. I need real interaction with real people and real connections.

If you're overwhelmed, start small with just a few of you. Eventually, bring a friend, then they'll bring friends. Don't worry about conversation, you already have so much in common you have no idea. If nothing else you can vent about blogging issues, pet peeves, etc. Conversely, many times we never even touch on that subject - sometimes you just need a breather.

It'll make you feel like a stronger blogger. Your network will grow online and in real life. And if you think these people are cool on the internet, you have no idea how awesome they are in person.

*Update: 1/31/2011

The official photo!

See the full set here.

2nd Annual Little Black Dress Party

It was ladies (+ a few gents) night out at Casey Moran's in Wrigleyville on Thursday evening. Donning Little Black Dresses for round two of this popular summer time event benefiting the Chicago Fashion Foundation, guests sipped on specialty cocktails, chatted and dress/accessory envied the night away. What a gorgeous group, you all looked fabulous!! (See more photo's from the event here.) Thanks to everyone who attended, it was lovely to catch up with some familiar faces and meet a few new!

Stay tuned for the next CFF event taking place on July 8th at Crimson Lounge.

2nd Annual Little Black Dress Party

Chicago Fashion Dolls, 

It's that time again! The 2nd annual Little Black Dress Party is taking place on June 23rd. 

Proceeds benefit the Chicago Fashion Foundation, get your tickets here.

Need proof it'll be a darn good time? Check out my photo's from last year. 

Chicago Fashion Foundation's 4th Annual Scholarship Event

On March 3rd, 2011, Chicago fashion enthusiasts gathered at the Chicago History Museum to observe designers in the making compete for scholarship awards. Showcasing designs inspired by the Chicago music scene, nine students vied for $6,500 in scholarship prizes and the coveted title of 'Chicago's Future in Fashion'.


Chicago's School of the Art Institute student Ana Leon, took home a $5,000 scholarship for her original design inspired by Chicago's jazz scene.  K'lynn Kennedy (International Academy of Design and Technology) came in 2^nd place for her 'Classical Edge' design and Rebecca Lopez (Columbia College) placed in 3^rd  for her ensemble inspired by The Maxwell Street blues. 

The competing designs were judged with the help of Chicago's fashion contributors and enthusiasts including designer Lara Miller, 24/Chicago's Catie Keogh, Amanda Monteiro of MODEcollective and fashion enthusiast and blogger Candace Jordan. 


As a board member, it was an honor to help host some of Chicago fashion's finest and provide an opportunity where industry enthusiasts could network with one another, support local design students and grow the Chicago fashion scene. 

Daniel Tomei of Tutto Bene Photography served as official photographer and his eye for detail captured the true magic and energy of the evening, have a look!

Much more after the break...

Excuses, Excuses

And this is just the work calendar...

Just a quick pop in to say sorry (again!) for being absent this week. Luckily, it's not one of those 'I'm-going-to pull-my-hair-out-strand-by-strand' type of weeks, just an 'I-really-don't-have-a-free-second-let-me-type-this-post-with-one-hand-while-I-inhale-a-muffin' weeks. Hope you all are fabulous and can't wait to catch up with you this weekend!

P.S. Tonight's the big event! You know...the Chicago Fashion Foundation's Annual Scholorship Event + Fashion Show. (That's what's consumed the personal calendar lately but I wouldn't trade it for the world!) Some of you emailed about attending - please find me and say hello, I would love to meet you in real life :)

Chicago Fashion Foundation's 4th Annual Scholarship Event - March 3rd, 2011

Chicago fashion lovers, mark your calendars!

Who:   The Chicago Fashion Foundation presents the 4th Annual Scholarship Event hosted by Project Runway's Peach Carr

What:   Enjoy an evening of fashion and fun while supporting the

local fashion industry

When:  Tuesday, March 3, 2011 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Chicago History Museum

Set to a theme centered on Chicago's music scene, nine student designers will complete for scholarship awards and the coveted title of of 2011's 'Future of Chicago Fashion'.

The ensembles will be judged by some of Chicago's fashion contributors and enthusiasts including local designer Lara Miller, 24/Chicago's Catie Keogh and Amanda Monteiro of Giorgio Armani.

Tickets available here. Purchase online and receive $5.00 off. You won't want to miss it!

Interested in becoming a member of the Chicago Fashion Foundation? Contact us here.

Style Secret

Let's play a little guessing game!  See this dress...

gorgeous isn't she?

This is me wearing the dress to the Chicago Fashion Foundation Christmas Party last weekend.  I cinched her up with a black leather wrap belt...

 (You remember Brooke, right?)

and added these Carlos platform sling backs.

Here she is with the group...

Now tell me Fashionista's - where is she from??

Popular guesses were:

 Lanvin for H&M

Forever 21

The Limited
Ann Taylor Loft

Answer revealed after the break...

Chicago Fashion Foundation's Annual Membership Event

On Thursday, September 16th the Chicago Fashion Foundation held it's Annual Membership Event at The Drake Hotel in Chicago. Attendees received gift bags filled with goodies, mingled with fellow fashion supporters and were delighted to get a bit of fashion industry insight from guest speaker Barbara Glass. Here are a few photos from the event...

Thanks to all the CFF board members and volunteers 

for making the event a success! ( You can view more of our photo's here.)

After the event Alex and I headed over to Joe's Bar (a little overdressed but c'est la vie...) to meet our friend John. He plays in country music singer Troy Olsen's band and wow! do they sound incredible live!

With Troy - isn't he a cutie??  

A talented songwriter (Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton anyone?) his own hit song 'Summer Thing' has been making the country music rounds lately.

Want more music? Check out John's wife Natasha Borzilova. Formerly of Bering Straight, Natasha's brand new album 'Balancing Act' releases tomorrow! With a voice so clear and beautiful it has honestly brought me to tears, she sings mostly in English but did grace the album with one Russian song, Recha. How I love it so! You can listen to some of her music here. We've been lucky enough to hear her perform at venue's from the Grand Old Opry to casually bursting into song among friends and each time I'm in awe. Go give her a listen!