Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category

Miniature Models

May 22nd, 2013 by admin


It seems that modeling may be the next big trend among kids these days. Since the North Shore’s Next Top Kids Model experienced such a strong turnout during auditions, Sprout Kids—a children’s clothing store in Highland Park—will hold two more fashion shows featuring two more groups of model winners. The theme of the additional in-store shows will be summer trends and swimwear.

For some young models, the road will not end there. The winners of those shows will take on the catwalk during Downtown Highland Park’s Fashion Week in September.

Although the competition has taken place right here in Highland Park, many of the participants have traveled far to pursue their dreams of modeling. In March, over 50 children, aged 2-8, from Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin auditioned on the runway at Sprout Kids, where the winners were chosen by a panel of local stylists and mothers.

The additional shows will take place on May 25th and June 22nd at 11:30am. Sprout Kids is located on Highland Park’s main shopping street, at 644 Central Avenue. For more information, please call 847-780-4827, or visit sproutkidshp.com. Sister store Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore will also be holding a fun family friendly event on Saturday, May 25th from 11:30am-3pm. For more information, please visit the Yelp event page here. –Hope Holmberg

Photo courtesy of Julie Kaplan Photography

An Afternoon of Fair Trade Fashion

May 20th, 2013 by admin


Unique Fair Trade items will be showcased on at the Mustard Seed’s fourth annual Fashion Show Benefit in Lake Forest this Wednesday.

In addition to a chance to get a glimpse at one-of-a- kind pieces of clothing and jewelry from all around the world, attendees at the benefit—which will take place at the store–will also contribute to a great cause.

All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to SowHope, a global organization that helps and inspires women living in extreme poverty by promoting wellness, education, and economic opportunities.

Convinced that this is a good cause, but still a little bit confused about what Fair Trade is?

Basically, it’s a socially conscientious way to shop. Artisans are paid fair, sustainable wages for their work so they are able to support their families, and work in safe and stable conditions.

At Mustard Seed, the proceeds are donated to help women and children both overseas and in the United States.
As one of the only independent fair trade gift shops on the North Shore, Mustard Seed’s entire sales staff is comprised of volunteers, and over 95 percent of their products are Fair Trade items.

Mustard Seed’s fourth annual Fashion Show Benefit is Wednesday, May 22 at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at the boutique, located at 202 E Westminster Avenue in Lake Forest. For more information call 847-735-0211. –Hope Holmberg

Posh Night Out

May 8th, 2013 by admin

In honor of Mother’s Day and its 4th anniversary, Posh Essentials is partnering with local Highland Park businesses to put on a “Mom’s Night Out.” Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and nieces are invited to an evening of luxurious relaxation, and the evening will feature complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beverages, mini-makeovers, hair stylists, luxurious bath products, and fashion.

The event will include complimentary hair blowouts from BloOuts blow dry bar, mini-makeover demonstrations by Claudio Riaz at Cos Bar makeup boutique (pictured, set to open this June), samplings of luxurious cream and dusting powder from the Lady Primrose line at Jolie Maison, mini-massages at Therapeutic Kneads, anti-aging mini-facials from local skincare expert Anastasia Paras, and much, much more.

Posh Essentials will share their knowledge of comfort and style to ensure every woman in attendance is fully prepared to feel beautiful and comfortable this Mother’s Day. These august establishments will also offer numerous items for purchase.

Posh Night Out takes place Thursday, May 9 from 6:30-9 p.m. at Posh Essentials (658 Central Avenue) in Highland Park. –Katie Rose McEneely

A Shift in the Fashion World

April 11th, 2013 by admin

Like most women on the North Shore, we can still remember the first time we encountered Lilly Pulitzer and her whimsical designs.

The late designer, American socialite, and “Queen of Prep,” Lilly made a name for herself in the late 1950s with her brightly colored cotton shifts that she donned at her Palm Beach juice stand. Initially designed by Pulitzer to mask the inevitable stains and spills that are synonymous with running an orange juice stand, Lilly soon began to receive attention from customers for her fun frocks.

Adding to local popularity, Lilly’s brand became a national success when Jackie Kennedy wore one of her designs for a Life Magazine pictorial. Lilly commented on that event by saying, “Jackie wore one of my dresses – it was made from kitchen curtain material – and people went crazy. They took off like zingo. Everybody loved them, and I went into the dress business.” (Essentially Lilly, A Guide to Colorful Entertaining) And, thus, Lilly Pulitzer’s now iconic brand was born.

We’ll miss Miss. Pulitzer, but are excited to see what the brand has in store for the future. We’d love to hear your experience with Lilly, and what her dresses and the brand mean to you! Leave a comment on our Facebook to join in the discussion. -Kendall McKinven

Madewell Moves In

April 5th, 2013 by admin

We’re madly in love with the simple, chic styles at Madewell, so we were pleased as punch to hear about their new Chicago location.

Located on Rush Street, this location (the third to open in Illinois) is specially inspired by our fair city of Chicago, with décor sourced from the area. The store opened last night, and was full to the brim (and then some!) with thrilling people and fabulous merchandise.

Madewell was founded back in 1937 as a workwear company; while they still carry work-inspired fashions, they now possess a thoroughly modern twist, from jeans and tees to chambray shirts and vintage-inspired dresses.

To visit the new Madewell location, head to 932 N. Rush St. in Chicago. You can also visit Madewell at Old Orchard Shopping Center or online at madewell.com –Katie Rose McEneely