-Already opened up some cards and got some great Christmas cash to burn while all the last minute shopping sales are going on? Hit up InterMix not only for free standard shipping, but if you shop online through tomorrow, you get 10% off your next online purchase between December 25th and January 31st! The deals don’t stop online, for every $250 you spend in-store, you earn yourself a nice $25 gift card, a little kick-back for playing Santa to your friends and family. To sweeten up the pot (they sure have a lot of deals going on don’t they!) there’s also an additional 40% off of all sale!

-50% off should grab your attention for this deal! Urban Style Emporium is offering this fantastic discount on all jewelry, scarves, fall fashions, accessories, gift & home goods. The offer lasts until tomorrow at 3pm when the store closes for the holidays and is only good for in-store purchases.

-Gavin, a fantastic boutique located in Evanston, is boasting a 15% off coupon on all of their online orders! Use promo code GAVHOL15 until tomorrow, December 24th, to receive your discount.

-Who doesn’t love a sale on sale? Scoop NYC is offering 40% off all of their sale items both online and at all of their locations!

-Another killer sale on sale items is Calypso St. Barth’s 40% discount on all sale items in-store and online!

-Check out another fantastic discount going on through Christmas Eve is being offer at Gray Boutique! Take 20% off all clothing or receive a free gift with every gift card valued at $100 or more.

-Brynn Capella is offering free shipping all the way until the new year!

-Cusp is still offering it’s traditional free shipping but has made the end of the Christmas rush a little more rewarding with an extra 30% off of all sale merchandise!

If you’re in the mood for giving here are some stores you may want to hit up that are giving a little back, when you give to those in need!

-HisStuff in Andersonville is collecting non-perishable goods and personal care items. For each item you bring in you will get a $1 His Stuff buck, good for anything in either location.

-City Blue Apparel & Denim has joined up in the fight against hunger and is offering 20% of your entire purchase when you donate 3 or more non-perishable food items.

[Photo Credit]

Deals and Events is a post from: Violet Revolution

Not too familiar with The Working Wardrobe?  It’s where Rachel helps make it possible to look stylish in the corporate working world.  Not too familiar with Cerato?   Well, Cerato is not only one of the latest Chicago boutiques, it’s also is one of the few that features Chicago designers.   While visiting, we also ran into Jules, who was finishing up Cerato’s 12 Days of Christmas event with her jewelry trunk show.  As you’ll soon see, Jules lent a hand in blinging us out for the holidays!  We had such a blast picking out clothes and styling each other!  So much so that Rachel wound up going back and purchasing one of the items featured in the video!  Can you guess which one it is? Let’s watch and find out!

Below is more info. on the Chicago designers featured in our video, just in case you get the itch, like Rachel, to drop by and make a purchase of your own!

And…for more style advice for all your working wardrobe needs, visit The Working Wardrobe, or connect on Facebook or Twitter.

Happy Holidays everyone!

- Violet

———————————————————

Rachel Look #1:

Anna Fong “Zoe” sequined dress

Brynn Capella oversized clutch

Earrings by Jules

Juxtapose vintage ring

Rachel Look #2:

Anna Fong “Blake” leather jacket (Did you miss it???  Rachel just couldn’t stop thinking about this jacket, so she bought it!  Sometimes the best gifts for the holidays are the ones you give yourself.  )

Ali Ro ruffle dress

Jules Spinal Fusion earrings

Nancy Look #1:

Kate Boggiano tweed “Maggie” jacket

Jenny Han zig-zag tunic

Kristin Hassan wrap black skirt

The Wrist Wring bracelet and earrings by Jules

Brynn Capella clutch

Miriam Cecilia shoe attachments

Nancy Look #2:

C/FAN fur hood/scarf

Horacio Nieto “Nera” red party dress

Kate Boggiano “Alexandra” jacket

Bijoux layers necklace by Jules

Miriam Cecilia shoe attachments

Watch how the Working Wardrobe & Violet Revolution bring Holiday Looks to YOU from Cerato Boutique! is a post from: Violet Revolution

Sitting across from designer Bryan K Osburn and his creative director, Sue Yan, sipping Bengal spice tea and eating peanut butter Girl Scout cookies was more than comfortable. Their down-to-earth, friendly nature could put anyone at ease. In fact, one might almost forget they were in the company of a world-class designer, who has worked with Vera Wang, Lazaro, Jim Helm, and Paula Barsalona, to name a few. But, then you look around Osburn’s new 2500-square foot loft equipped with a photo area, kitchen, freight elevator, rooftop views, and of course, rows of gorgeous, custom-made gowns, and you know you’re witnessing some fashion royalty.

BKO’s Background

Osburn started hand-sewing Barbie doll gowns for his sister at 8-years-old. At the time, he didn’t even know what a designer even was. Realizing later, that this career objective was not only a possibility, but a passion, he decided to take sewing classes in high school and eventually moved on to study at the Ray Vogue College in Chicago.

Upon graduating, Osburn moved to New York City. He lived there for 14 years and looked back on his time with fond memories. “I was there in the eighties when it was messy, dirty, and dangerous,” said Osburn,”It was the best.”

Osburn’s fashion adventurism expands from New York to opening a store in Charlotte, living in France, and finally moving back to his native home, Chicago. “It’s home for me. You know when you travel and miss your bed? That’s what I felt like. This is my home,” said Osburn.

Endless Inspiration

Chicago itself is also a great source of inspiration. Within his initial month of moving back, Osburn completed five collections. Always with his sketch pad, Osburn absorbed Chicago from Lincoln Park to Buckingham Fountains, and even the ‘L’.

Like any good designer, Osburn draws in creativity from a multitude of sources be it foods, films, or fabrics. His most recent line was inspired by chocolate. (See Violet Revolution’s Chocolate Glam article for more details.) He also loves to watch old movies. “A lot of designers need to watch the old movies,” informed Osburn. “In those days, they always dressed.”

The Bryan K Osburn Collection

As Osburn distractedly snatched down various gowns for my view, I felt a melon-sized pit growing in my stomach. These gowns are stunning–ones seen in various magazines like Modern Bride, French Vogue, and this month’s Chicago Social. What if one ripped? My worries, of course, only made him laugh. His dresses are hand-sewn with high quality and premium-grade fabric, and careful attention to details. In other words, they are made to take a beating and last.

Each one of Osburn’s gowns come adorned with a shiny broach or pin, as well as a history. His favorite design? A 1989 winter-wedding gown for the heiress to the Budweiser fortune, featuring a fit and flared ball gown with a mink trimmed collar.

Osburn, known primarily for his bridal, cocktail, and evening gowns, said his two biggest design concerns are always to have “a good fit” and “make the customer happy.” And that, he certainly has. In 25 years as a working professional, Osburn has only received two complaints and accumulated an impressive client list including Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, and Kathleen Battle.

A Little Advice for the Holidays

With the holidays in full swing, I couldn’t help but ask Bryan for his holiday fashion advice. True to his old-school style mantra, he emphasized a need to dress up. “Women should think traditional and festive when it comes to holiday fashion,” Osburn said. “I encourage some type of black velvet or silk top with a red or green plaid skirt. You could also do a white shirt with a full skirt or dress pants.”

A signature white shirt is an item Osburn believes every woman should have in her closet. “White always works.”

What’s on Osburn’s list this season? A laptop or iPad and a nice wool coat.

A Glimpse of What to Look for Next

With his ever-evolving inventiveness, Osburn has two upcoming lines to introduce to fans. Sticking with desserts, Osburn will premiere a line inspired by smooth, lush vanilla ice cream. This will surely include some stunning gowns for the start of the bridal season in April. The second line, based on a vintage fabric Osburn discovered, will be Asian-themed.

Osburn will continue to display his cause-conscious nature designing “Bras for Hope”, a collection to help women’s struggle with breast cancer. He is also the official designer of the Chicago Red Dress Party, an event to raise social awareness and combat HIV/AIDS.

(Photo Credit)

Designers To Love: Bryan K Osburn is a post from: Violet Revolution

-Deck the Halls with 12 Days of Shopping at Cerato!

When: Dec. 3-14

Location: 3451 North Southport Ave.

Phone: (773) 248-8604

Description: There is an event within the deck the halls shopping event at Cerato! Come shop with Christina Fan of C/FAN Saturday, December 11th from 10-6pm. Buy 2 basics get the 3rd 50% off.Be the first to view, pre-order and receive 15% off C/FAN’s spring collection.

-Grasshopper 510: Free Shipping!

When: Through Monday, Dec. 13

Location: 1944 N. Damen Ave.

Phone: (773) 292-0510

Description: Free shipping on all orders over 75$ now through December 13th!

-SCOOP NYC Sale!

When:  Starting Wednesday, Dec. 8

Location: 1702 North Milwaukee Avenue

Phone:  (773) 227-9930

Description:  Take 30% off select outerwear. Both in stores and online.

-CUSP Sale!

When:  Dec 8-15

Location: 835 N. Michigan AveDescription: Take 20% off all boots and booties! Also free online shipping!

-INTERMIX Special Offer!

When: Dec 8-24

Locations: 40 E. Delaware,1633 North Damen Ave., 841 West Armitage Ave.

Description: Earn a $25 gift card for every $250 spend…$50 gift card for every $500…$75 for every $750..it goes on and on and on…Gift cards must be redeemed Sunday, Dec 26 through Monday, Jan 3.Also enjoy free standard shipping! (Must order by Dec 15 for Christmas delivery)

-Koros Art & Style Holiday Sale

When:  Going on now!

Location: 1039 W Lake St

Phone:  (312) 738-0155

Description:  Enjoy 40-50% off select items

-Gilt City: The Holiday Hundred

When: Now-Dec 11th

Description: Get a $25 credit when you spend $100 on one purchase. Credits expire two weeks after purchase. Limit one per customer.

-Art Effect: Free Shipping

When: Happening Now

Location: 934 W. Armitage

Phone: (773) 929-3600

Description: Free shipping on orders over $150. New markdowns!

-Evil Kitty Trunk Show

When: This Saturday from 10 am-5 pm

Location: Local Lookbook, 11 W. Webster Ave

Phone: (312) 560- 8066

Description: Complimentary drinks and snacks while getting a chance to browse through the collection

-Calypso St. Barth Sale (All Locations)

When: This Saturday, Dec 11th

Description: 25% off your purchase

-Pretty in Pilsen: Winter Event

When: This Friday from 5pm-9pm

Location: 2150 S. Canalport Ave.

RSVP: Kate@KateBoggiano.com

Description: Shop with Kate Boggiano, Objets d’Envy & Other Chicago Designers. Receive 25% off when you donate an old, gently worn sweater. For each additional sweater donated, receive $5 off total order coupon to be used at participating studios.

-Fairmont Hotel’s Holiday Shopping Package with Macy’s on State Street

When: Now through Jan 2nd

Hotel Location: 200 N Columbus Drive

Phone: (312) 565-8000

Description: The package includes overnight accommodations for two, an $100 Macy’s gift card, complimentary overnight parking, complimentary gift wrapping, complimentary shipping on Macy’s purchases, late check out at 5 pm.

-Halo for Men Gift Card Special

When: All of December

Description: Buy a $100 gift card and receive a $50 card free of charge. Perfect for the gal shopping for a special man or a guy looking to pamper themselves during the holidays.

(Photo Credit)

Deals and Events is a post from: Violet Revolution

If you’re looking to add some local flavor to your gift selections, or want to put others to shame when you step out for a holiday party or New Years Eve this holiday season, plus use Violet’s exclusive coupon codes, then Read On.

Last week, I stopped in Glitter: A Holiday Shopping Event at the Chicago Cultural Center.  For those of you who missed it, Glitter was a one-stop shop to find gifts from local designers and boutiques.  Some local favorites included 1154 Lill Studio (see our holiday bag picks here!), the oh-so-coveted Diego Rocha handbags, fabulous finds from Bucktown boutique Malabar, and jewelry and hair accessories from L’Atelier Poesi.

For all you gift-givers out there, here’s some of my favorites from the show.  If you missed out, you can still shop online or call directly for more information:

GIFT IDEAS

Stocking Stuffer Alert!  I found some adorable felt brooches being sold by Objets d’Envy, who we all know, is typically known for sparkly jewelry.

These feather hair clips by Love, LuLu Mae are great to spice up a plain outfit and to give as a gift (or even a stocking stuffer).  Some of the smaller ones are about $10.

Speaking of clips, these clips aren’t for your hair — they’re for your shoes!  For a fashionista on a budget, give her some trendy shoe clips, found at M. Go Salon (Which by the way is both a salon and a store.  Pampering and shopping…how sweet is that?), to change up her look without buying another pair of shoes.

Cold weather accessories make great gifts since winter is just beginning (sadly), so now’s the time to get someone’s outerwear look in order with unique finds like this…

…powder pink scarf by Evil Kitty; or this feathered pill box hat by Nicojoy and Russian-style fur hat by Angela Morano (thanks for modeling, Angela!)

Handbags are always a safe bet — a girl can can never have too many!  I mentioned 2 brands above, but we also found these colorful, yet business worthy bags at House of Sole in the South Loop:

Last but not least, jewelry is always a girl’s best friend, and comes in all shapes and sizes.

Colorful, statement jewelry by five ACCESSORIES and Jewels by Alisa (which you can also find in the gift shop of the Art Institute).

Sleek metals like Jules’ Lucky 7 necklace in silver or gold (Save 20% on this necklace (and pay only $72) or on any of Jules’ other designs with code VIOLET20, but HURRY, expires Sunday, 12/12/10).

Shimmery natural minerals in rings and bracelets at Mulberry & Me.

HOLIDAY WEAR

If you love Kristin Hassan’s ruffle two-tone party dress from the Spring/Summer collection, you’ll love this holiday version with flecks of gold on the skirt (at right, below), or this gold-infused pink party dress.  Save 20% using code VIOLETREV20 at her online store through 12/31/10!

If you’re going out this New Years Eve, but are keeping it a little more casual; check out this top from M. Go Salon.  Pair it with skinny jeans and sparkly heels for NYE.

For a more business-appropriate look, take any of the above apparel and pair with a blazer, and belt with a thin gold or silver belt over the blazer.  For the top, wear with trouser black pants and pumps.

Check back later today for more gift ideas from yours truly and a special guest!

- Violet

Gift Ideas and Holiday Looks found at Glitter! is a post from: Violet Revolution

-CUSP has free online shipping off of any order now! No code required!

-Create a wish list at Krista K, 3458 N. Southport Avenue, send a loved one in–they will get 20% off one item on your list! PLUS get 20% off all maternity dresses Friday-Sunday! There will also be a Sway Jewelry Trunk Show at Krista K’s. Come and enjoy 20% off Friday December 3rd from 9am- 10pm and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm on their items.

-Yes, you can have it all, Save up to 75% when you take an additional 25% off all sale items at Intermix. Also get an online exclusive 20% off select dresses from now until Tuesday.

-Radiance Fine Jewelry, 2139 N. Damen Ave, is all about giving this holiday season. They are giving away free ipod shuffles with a purchase of $500 or more, while supplies last!

-Feeling the need to give back this holiday season? Nat and Helen’s Pump Shoes and Accessories are having a 10/10 sales. You get 10% off and they give 10% to the Chicago Foundation for Women.

-Nika Butick has Rich and Skinny jeans on sale, take 20% off all Rich and Skinny jeans.

-Receive 30% off your purchase at Tusk’s First Chicago Trunk Show, 1133 N. State St., now through Sunday from 11 am-7pm. You must print the coupon from Style Chicago to receive the discount.

-At Zamrie’s Holiday Designer Sale save up to 20% off all tops. The sale is December 9th from 4-8:30 pm at 1213 W. Diversity Pkwy. You can also a raffled to receive a Zamrie blouse.

-1154 Lill Studio, 904 W. Armitage, has free shipping on online orders over $150 from now through December 31st.

-Who doesn’t love free stuff? Buy 2 get 1 free at Hubba Hubba, located on 3309 N. Clark Street, now through December 12th.

-For 3 days only, Francesca’s Collections will be running free standard shipping online. The discount starts today and ends Sunday! It starts tomorrow and ends on Sunday.

-Get paid to shop! If you collect $300 in receipts from NOW through December 23rd at Lakeview East neighborhood stores, you can receive a $50 Lakeview East gift card to spend in participating stores. All you have to do is collect your receipts and bring them into the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce, located on 3138 N. Broadway, by noon on December 23rd.

-Here’s a store with a heart!  Mark Shale will be hosting a Holiday Book Drive for Chicago Public Schools, November 15th-December 19th. Drop off donations and receive $25 off $100 purchase. The store is located at 10441 Beaudln Boulevard, Suite 100 in Woodridge.

-Don’t miss this year’s installment of December on Damen on Saturday, December 4 from 12-6pm.  Stroll Damen Ave from North to Webster and enjoy some of the best shopping that Wicker Park and Bucktown has to offer. You’ll experience business specials, free hot chocolate, and FREE pedi-cabs connecting to Do Division Holiday and the Renegade Craft Fair. Free gift wrapping is also available for any December on Damen-related purchases at (participating store) Kathryn Kerrigan Footwear, located at 2031 N Damen.

-The shops, boutiques and restaurants of West Division Street between Milwaukee and Leavitt will rock with holiday cheer on Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5 for Do-Division Holiday. Beginning at 11am and continuing throughout the weekend until the last participant closes, Do-Division Holiday, a FREE event, features everyone’s favorite Division Street bars,restaurants and merchants boasting incredible deals on everything from designer duds to hand-crafted suds!

-Grasshopper 510 enjoy free shipping on orders of $75 and more now through December 13th!

-Greenheart, 1911 W Division St, will be hosting a ladies night December 6th featuring quick holiday make-overs, chair massages, holiday shopping, and fair trade wine tasting.

-Know someone that loves Gray Boutique? Buy $100 gift card at Gray Boutique for only $80! Gray Boutique is located at 821 Chestnut Court.

-Southport Holiday Stroll from 5-9 pm this Saturday. Click here for more information!

-This month, City Blue is having our second annual charity drive, this year benefiting The Greater Chicago Food Depository. When you donate non perishable food items at City Blue you will receive the following: 1 can/item = 10% off purchase, 2 cans/items = 15% off purchase, 3 or more cans/items = 20% off purchase. At the end of the holiday season they will be donating the goods, as well as a day of their time at Breaking Bread (A Ministry of LaSalle St. Church), our local soup kitchen.  Be sure to take advantage of the savings and help out this very worthy cause!

-Meet Chicago Designer Alice Berry and Shop at the Alice Berry Studio this Friday and Saturday from December 3-5th, 12-6 pm.

-Eyewear designer and expert Corinne McCormack will provide Bloomingdale’s customers with personal eyewear makeovers – just like she did this fall for Kelly Ripa on LIVE! with Regis and Kelly. Founder of Corinne McCormack, Inc., a line of her own eyewear and eyeglasses accessories, and Vice President of Fashion at FGX International. Corinne will be on hand to help consumers select the right styles for them, a process based on face shape, color palette and highlighting the person’s best facial features. Attend the event this Friday, December 3rd, 12-2 pm at 900 North Michigan Ave.

-On Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 from 5-8pm, join jewelry designer Kristen Amato as she will be showcasing her extensive jewelry collection at the Omni Hotel in Chicago.

-For one night only, on Thursday, December 9th from 5-9pm, join Squasht by Les for a holiday trunk show and receive 20% off Squasht by Les apparel, accessories & all Nomadic Ant Jewelry pieces!

(Photo Credit)

Deals and Events is a post from: Violet Revolution

Recently, I stopped in Calvin Tran on Armitage to find some holiday dresses for all types of parties.  Tran’s designs are best known for their sleek, refined sexiness and versatility, as most pieces can be worn multiple ways.  Wallflowers, get ready to step out of the corner because Tran’s styles will get you noticed for sure.

I picked out these eye-catching, yet work-appropriate outfits for an upcoming office holiday party:

The luminous patterned ivory skirt could be paired with a black 3/4 sleeve top as shown, with a strapless top for more of a cocktail party look or a blazer for a more conservative look.

For New Year’s Eve, I want to look red-hot in this fun one-sleeved dress or saunter into a fancy soiree in this sexy backless black gown.  If you’re looking to leave a path of drool behind you, this is the dress for you.

I loved both the chartreuse yellow and navy one-shoulder top and skirt for their versatility.  You could wear either to a holiday party, on New Year’s Eve, or for another non-holiday occasion.  The skirt can be worn a multitude of ways, so you can get a variety of other looks out of it as well.

Want to see more Calvin Tran designs?  Watch him on the latest season of the hit BRAVO show The Fashion Show hosted by Isaac Mizrahi and Iman!

Are you going to any holiday parties this year?  What are you planning to wear?

-Violet

What to Wear: Get Noticed in Holiday Looks from Calvin Tran! is a post from: Violet Revolution

If you’re not familiar with them, you can literally create any size bag (cosmetic, tote, laptop, overnight, clutch, etc., etc.) from tons of prints and styles.  Here’s how it works:

They work their magic and…Viola:

Seems easy, huh?

Here’s a few styles we saw…

…but what we really want right now are these holiday handbags!  Forget a boring black bag, jazz up your outfit with one of the cuties in luxe holiday fabrics!

They obviously make good gifts for you, a loved one, YOU; and there’s still time to order yours for Christmas (no later than the 5th, so tick-tock).

Check them out at Glitter today at the Chicago Cultural Center and get 15% off!

Do you own a 1154 Lill Bag?  Why do you love it?  Which is your favorite?

-Violet

Holiday Handbags – What’s your Style? is a post from: Violet Revolution

Kirsten certainly knows how to make a girl shine.  If you want to sparkle and be the belle of the New Year’s Eve, corporate holiday party, or family ball; adorn yourself with these sparkling lovelies from Objets d’Envy.  Guests loved checking out Kirsten’s latest designs while savoring bites from Province in the West Loop.

As every fashionista knows, accessories are the perfect way to complete any outfit, and out of all the accessory options, jewelry is what people notice most. It is important, however, to keep in mind what’s appropriate for each event. You never want to overdo jewelry, so you should stick with one statement piece at a time with optional pieces to compliment it. Jewelry should flatter your outfit, not battle for attention, so select simpler ensembles for bolder jewelry and vice versa.

Here are three choices of statement pieces I loved for a holiday get-together with your family. They are fun, can be worn casually or dressed up, and filled with colors that everyone from your niece to your grandma will appreciate.

Above: A shiny, stone-clustery cocktail ring, a Perle necklace, which hangs like grapes from a long loop chain, or a Rock Candy bracelet, the signature piece that launched the whole company with its eye-catching, oversized, Swarovski crystals clusters.

When it comes to work, you want to be elegant; but still break out of the box from your normal 9-5 gear. Choose from one of these three options below, partner the get-noticed piece with a beautiful but simple dress, and you’ll be sure to get compliments from all your co-workers.

Above: A Rendezvous necklace with layered loops of interlocking black shimmer, ruby and gold 4-drop dangly earrings, or a shimmering, jeweled-ball-charmed bracelet with gold links.

No one wants to bring in the new year with a poorly picked accessory. This year, shine like a Hollywood star on New Year’s Eve with these three alternatives below. You may even have a few more offers coming your way for that midnight kiss.

Above: Magnetic closure, whole-bunch-of-sparkle bracelet with a centered gathering of accent stones layered on top of a strand of neutral-colored stones, an Amuse gold necklace featuring a rope of Swarovski charms that hangs from a delicate chain, or double blue-jeweled earrings with dangling gold strands.

We want to know what you think! Which piece would you wear?

Lookbook: Sparkle this Holiday with Jewelry from Objets d’Envy is a post from: Violet Revolution

Happy Holidays from b-glowing.com! Get 20% off the entire store on products like celebrity favorites: BECCA Cosmetics, butter London, and LaLicious through 11/29/2010. Use Code: GIFT20 to redeem.

Get 15% Off $50 with code GIVE15, or 20% off $100 with code GIVE20 for Black Friday!

Eat pie Thursday, save dough BlackFriday through CyberMonday with Free Priority Shipping* on the largest Dogeared Jewelry selection!

Black Friday Deal! Buy 1 get 1 50% off plus free shipping on orders of $30 or more! Use Code BCGBOGO50 11/25-11/27. Now at ELF Cosmetics!

20% Off Almost Everything at Shabby Apple “www.shabbyapple.com”. Use code “THANKSGIVING”. Sale ends November 30.

ShoptheLook.net Black Friday Deal! Take 60% off with code STLBF10

The entire sale section is 75% Off at Chickdowntown.com! Limited quantities selling out quickly…shop today!

Black Friday Sale – Use voucher SPLTG8 to receive 8% OFF on bookings at Splendia.com

Get 15% Off $50 with code GIVE15, or 20% off $100 with code GIVE20 for Black Friday!

More Black Friday Promotions is a post from: Violet Revolution