Gen Art - Fresh Faces in Fashion

Saturday night I had the pleasure of attending the Gen Art "Fresh Faces in Fashion" event held at Millennium Park. The event featured various up and coming designers in the Chicago area and thanks to M.Richards Public Relations, I was able to register as Press. My view from the Photography pit was amazing. I don't know what I would've done if I was left to fend for myself in the standing section. 5'2" people don't belong down there lol.

My favorite designer of the night was Red Doll by Tatyana. Her designs were flirty and fun while maintaining a distinct hint of sophistication. My close 2nd was JLee Silver. I loved Other designers that made a great impression were JLee Silver, Imaginary People, C/FAN and Kristin Hassan.

check out my videos from the show!!

Red Doll by Tatyana

*The Designer - Red Doll by Tatyana*

Kristin Hassan




*The Designers - Kristin Hassan*


Imaginary People



*The Designers - Imaginary People*




JLee Silver


*The Designers - JLee Silver*



C/FAN





*The Designer - C/FAN*

"Conferences are like Freaknik for the Buppie crowd"

The National Urban League is holding their conference in Chicago so there are a ton of events taking place throughout the weekend. Here's a recap of my Wednesday night:

Gen Art Event - Patron Social Club @ Market (West Loop)
This was an open bar from 8p-10p w/ rsvp. Only snag? Everyone in the world seemed to be there. I guess free patron doesn't only appeal to me *smirk*. I loved the crowd that Gen Art pulled out - - very stylish, very hip, very diverse. I'll take more of that any day. After making our way thru the initial line to get in Market, we braved the line to get a wrist band. We were about 5 people away from getting a wrist band when we were told that they had no more free liquor (not a big surprise) and were having to close the event off (switched to an open bar).


Chicago Urban League MB conference kick-off party @ Dragonfly (West Loop)
When things didn't pan out at Market we headed over here to enjoy the best of the buppie crowd and open bar. I was pleased with the setup and the people at the door were really friendly.... but I may have been easily wooed due to the lack of a cover charge and open bar. Nevertheless, I had an awesome time here. The music was on point, I had great friends out with me, and really had a ball. I'm still learning how to enjoy myself at an open bar without being too extra with it (I did successfully cut myself off) and Ron from Oak Park (random guy with great social skills) put me up on "open bar etiquette" ... which consisted of ordering 2 drinks at a time, switching sides at the bar where I was ordering my drinks, and tipping. I saw a bunch of chicks wearing pearls and figured I didn't get the "buppie dress code" memo. Everytime I looked at them all I could think of was the expression "clutching my pearls" lol... It may not be funny to everyone but if you envision some tightly wound person be so appalled that all they can do is clutch their pearls for dear life... *sigh* lol... nevermind. Oh yeah, another thing - - a round of applause for all of the men that were dressed on point (minus the guy with the shorts on... big time party foul - - pictured to the right). I was impressed with all the fitted suits and bow ties.

Akira Chicago - "Couture for the Poor"

On Saturday, March 21st I attended GenArt's Shop Chicago held in the Great Hall at Union Station. The event had a good turnout and featured numerous designers showcasing the best in clothing and accessories - - Among my favorites was Akira, a Chicago boutique.

While all of the Akira sales associates were helpful, Robbie (from the State St. store) took the enabler role to a whole new level with her constant "are you sure you don't want to just try it on" and "what about these". She really was a great sales person because I didn't walk out of there empty handed (nor did the 2 friends I went with). Thanks, Robbie, for doing some minor damage to my credit card.

The one thing that did take me by surprise was the fitting room which was literally a 15x15 blocked off section. Trying on clothes was similar to being backstage at a runway show in NYC. I walked back there not knowing what to expect only to be met with boobs, thongs, and more flesh than I'd usually like to see. At the end of the day, we were all women so it's not as if someone had something I didn't have myself, well except for smaller boobs. lol... speaking of which, I didn't realize how huge my boobs were until I was back there comparing myself to others. Wow... My cups really do runneth over.

(The Icing on the Cake....)

As part of my Akira purchase I was given a 15% industry discount card that, get this, NEVER EXPIRES! Oh me, oh my! This was like music to my ears. Anyone that has been to Akira knows that 15% off can go a long way and the selection they have is amazing. I can't wait to start using it asap.

Gen Art - Shop Chicago 3/21

Gen Art's annual Shop Chicago is an event that I've always wanted to attend. This year they will be hosting the event at Union Station's Great Hall on Saturday, March 21st from 1p-6p. While the admission is complimentary (it does require an RSVP by Thursday 3/19 at 4p. Click here to RSVP) VIP tickets are available for $40 (non-members) and $30 (members). The VIP ticket price includes entry to the VIP lounge, special VIP preview from 1p-2p, gift bag valued at over $200, and complimentary cocktails, wine and chipotle snacks.

Gen Art and Degree Fine Fragrance Collection invite you to the shopping event of the season! Taking place in Union Station's magnificent Great Hall, Shop Chicago will showcase designers' spring collections at discounted prices of up to 70% off retail in womenswear, menswear, and accessories, as well as designer collections from Gen Art Chicago's Fresh Faces in Fashion runway show. Attendees can purchase the latest trends and enjoy pampering in the Shop Chicago Beauty Lounge.

I'm not one to ever need an excuse to shop and plan on attending this weekend. If anyone else is interested in going let me know. I'm going to pass on the VIP tickets since I've never been before, but we could possible make it a day of shopping and grab some drinks afterwards... and everyone knows that once the drinks start flowing it turns into a night full of good times.