The latest rendition of this creative outlet is Local Lookbook, a new Chicago boutique in the Lincoln Park/DePaul area that houses local designers’ clothing and accessories.  “It’s not about us, it’s about the designers,” explains owner Halli Mulei.  The boutique is sectioned by designer and denoted by a sign providing more detail about the designer and the collection.  Furthermore, if the line is changed out, they will inform their customers where else the designer’s collection can be found.  Some local Chicago designers currently featured are Evil Kitty, Zamrie, Objets d’Envy, Nora del Busto, Squasht by Les, JLee Silver, and Tzen Jewelry, to name a few.

(pictured: dress by Evil Kitty)

What I really love about Local Lookbook is that a) there’s a section of local designer clothing for plus-sized women and b) there’s a student/recent-grad designer section.  Hollywood Glamour by Sara Simmons focuses on plus-sized women, while Crescendo Apparel is for women who have small waists and full hips.  Most of the time, new designers and plus-size designers are hard to find, so it’s refreshing to find both in one place.  Let’s take a look at a sampling of what Local Lookbook has to offer:

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Reversible Red Dress by Marisa Swystun  This dress can be worn with the zipper in front (shown) or in back.

Earrings made from recycled “Around the World” stamps by Foxglove.

Reversible jersey dress by InsideOut  This dress comes in a variety of colors and can be worn with the powder blue side out (shown) or turned inside-out into a LBD.

Double hoop crystal earrings by Objets d’Envy

Tie-dye tunic blouse by JLee Silver

Stone and Crystal dangling earrings by Tzen Jewelry

Pink and Purple zipper top from Chrystal Alexander’s “Petal to the Metal” Collection

Hats both from Squasht by Les

Plus-size Violet Iridescent Chiffon Blouse by Hollywood Glamour

There will also be many fun events coming up at Local Lookbook to check out!  Marisa Swystun just held her trunk show there recently.  Marisa’s designs are known for their unique mix of patterns and textures, and timeless wearability.  She was up for FGI’s (Fashion Group International) Rising Star Award last week, is an Inspired Woman Award Recipient from Today’s Chicago Woman magazine, and had her first concept collection presented at the opening of the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2009.  The nighttime show was supposed to be a fun time, with a runway fashion show taking place in the middle of the store.  I caught some of the trunk show the next day, and was lucky enough to see some of Marisa’s designs modeled in-store:

To see more of all the designers’ collections, be sure to stop in Local Lookbook soon for a fashion event or some local shopping!

Lookbook: Local Lookbook Boutique is a post from: Violet Revolution

Which fall trends do you think are funky or fashionable?? Share with us!

Check out how to incorporate fall trends into your work attire! Will these fall trends work at your workplace??

If you are looking to show off the latest Fall trends but not break the bank, check out our under $100 picks!!

Kick off NYFW with Fashion’s Night Out at these Chicago shops plus festivals & more this weekend!

Violet’s Week in Review: September 7th- September 10th is a post from: Violet Revolution

Are zipper embellishments still in this spring, or am I wearing an outdated style?

A: First off, your handbag is awesome! Love the stud details too. Zippers are still in this spring…you can still find them on a variety of clothes and accessories. Just check out these gorgeous, unique handmade zipper necklaces by Etsy vendor Fancy Sense in this post by Daily Diva Dish! For more zipper accented clothing and accessories close to home, click on the links below:

Stripe handbag (another to add to your collection!)

Cut-out heels (OMG…so Hot!!!)

Flower flats

Striped dress

Zipper pants

Ruched Zip front skirt

Q&A: Are Zipper Accessories Still Trendy? is a post from: Violet Revolution

Crossbody bags are becoming more popular lately, and thus provide a “hands-free,” more stylish way of carrying around your stuff; whereas before I only saw these in a plain, rectangular shape (not very exciting, although the L.A.M.B. one below does spice it up a bit). 

Who remembers the drawstring, poofy bag from waaaay back when in the late 80′s/early 90′s???  If you do, you MUST let me know, so I don’t feel so old (although I was only 5 when those came out…).

Wooden handle clutches:

Black Crocheted

Multi-Color Woven  

Silky Turquoise

Drawstring closure:

Red Zipper Tote

Woven Fringe Shopper

Lucky Brand Butterfly Tote

Crossbody:

L.A.M.B. Street Graffiti

Studded Marc by Marc Jacobs

Neutral Studded Chain Strap

Lookbook: Latest Handbag Styles is a post from: Violet Revolution

There are many styles on sale for $58 or less, PLUS you can get some of the latest distressed denim styles at a fraction of the price!  Click on the styles below by Citizens of Humanity and TAG:

Shop the Hot Mama (& Hot Non-Mamas) Sale through this Weekend is a post from: Violet Revolution

Neutrals: The buzz everywhere is about neutrals.  As boutiques start updating their spring inventory, there’s an entire category dedicated to neutrals on nearly every site.  Neutrals are awesome because they can be paired with various colors, plus give off a fresh, clean aura…a perfect vibe for Spring.  I absolutely love how snake skin texture has been incorporated into this trendy Diane von Furstenberg studded clutch and adorable snake embossed beaded necklace.  Calypso has put out an embroidered and embellished mini-dress that’s such a versatile piece for spring, and I can’t help envisioning sitting on a deck in paradise somewhere in their printed breezy jumpsuit. 

Romantic: If you like romantic, feminine, slightly bo-ho pieces, you’re a lucky girl.  Lots of ruffles, lace, and whimsical delicate details will be around this season.  Check out this ruffled sheer chiffon dress or the ruffled sleeves in this sweet floral jumper and this filigree lace  handbag to see what I mean.

Polka-Dots: I don’t know about you, but I keep seeing polka-dot print in a variety of colors this season.  Of course, you’ve got your basic black and white, but you’ll also find them integrated with the latest colors such as the latest pineapple yellow that’s popular this season.  For a more modern, almost deconstructed, polka dot them, check out this green v-neck party dress where the dots fade into an inverted pattern.  Glam it up with this one-shoulder sequinned number, or channel your inner Pretty Woman, with an updated take on her signature polka dot shopping dress…

Distressed Denim: Distressed denim is back and hotter than ever this season!  Start of slow with this mildly ripped flare from Grey Ant if you’re a little hesitant to latch on to the style.  What something other than ripped/torn jeans?  Try J Brand’s pencil legged palette style which opts for, you guessed it, decorative paint splatter.  This faded skinny pair of Seven’s is highly distressed, but never fear, there’s some black material patches underneath to keep you covered.

Bold Graphic Prints: Not only bold graphic prints, but also mixing and matching various prints together, will be a popular trend this season.  For example, you could mix this floral blouse with this multi-patterned satin ruffled skirt.  If you’re unsure if you can pull off the mixing-and-matching yourself, try either this multi-patterned halter dress or multi-dot floral kimono inspired blouse instead.  Both have mulitple prints and textures themselves, so you can achieve the look without the work. 

Which styles are you planning on embracing this spring?

What to Wear: Top 5 Spring Trends is a post from: Violet Revolution