Sustainable Chicago: Vert Couture Fashion Show
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the Vert Couture fashion show, part of Chicago’s Fashion Focus week, which showcased some wonderful sustainable fashion by Chicago designers. I was initially drawn to the show, because I heard that Vaute Couture would be showing their designs, and I have been interested in seeing their clothing in person. However, I was exposed to a slew of Chicago-based and sustainable clothing designers such as Frei Designs, Mountains of the Moon, Bryant McLemora Smith Vintage, the Fashion Institute Student Collective, shoes by Mohop and Kahlia footwear and accessories from Fanta Chelah.ÂIt really was a fun night with some great fashions. I really do believe there is great momentum for a movement and future in sustainable fashion andI’m happy that Chicago designers are a part of it.
My only regret? That I didn’t get the chance to try one of the vegan cocktails.
Here are a few pictures of the show:
Vegan Style: Vaute Couture
I thought it might be a bit cruel for me to start talking about winter coats, but seeing that the weather here in Chicago is starting to cool down and Fall is knocking on the door, I don’t feel so bad. Plus, I start searching for my possible winter coats way in advance and before the snow starts to fall and the cold weather starts to settle in. Coats are one of my favorite items of clothing, so I never feel that you can have too many.
I was intrigued when I first heard of Vaute Couture, a line of fashionable vegan coats that provide weather protection, insulation and comfort The owner, Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, spent almost a year developing the line which is produced in Chicago, IL. The advanced fabric is super soft and works well with sensitive skin, so no itchy skin here. The three styles of the coats were inspired by artists who were narrowed down in an international search and once narrowed down, the 8,000 public votes chose a winner. For F/W 09, 25 of each color/style of coats will be produced, and each coat will come with a numbered and certified print of the coat’s illustration.
What I really like about Vaute Couture’s line is that you can buy your coats to order if you have specific sizing issues/specifications. For me, buying winter coats is a bit tricky since I have a larger bust, so I’m never quite proportionate for what my “correct size” should be. Plus, I like to get as much wear out of my winter clothing as possible since I’m wearing it so often, so having the option for a custom coat would be perfect. Here are the coats from the 2009 line:
Chic Chicago
Being the consistent procrastinator that I am, I waited until the last minute to visit the Chic Chicago exhibit at the Chicago History Museum.  The exhibit has been showing since last year and it will be ending on Monday, so I thought right about now would be a perfect time to take my butt down there before it’s gone forever.  And yes, I’m glad that I went because I was able to take a few pictures before I was politely asked not to take anymore. So that meant I was unable to take a picture of an awesome Comme De Garcons gown that was absolutely breathtaking. Honestly, take my word for it.
An Issey Miyake gown
This 60′s YSL dress
Balenciaga
And this beautiful Charles James gown. Honestly, the picture doesn’t even do this gown justice.
It was really a great exhibit and I’m glad I was able to see it before everything was taken down.  I also visited an exhibit, Chicago: Crossroads of America, which featured the many innovations created in Chicago. One section focused on retail and a small section was dedicated to stylish hat maker, the “Mad Hatter” Bes-Ben.
Overall, I’d say it wasn’t a bad way to spend a portion of my Saturday. Hope everyone has had a good weekend so far!
Sample Sales in…Chicago.
Chicago has been on the fashion map for a lot of things: Michelle Obama’s favored designer Maria Pinto and her boutique of choice, Ikram are located here. We have some very fashion-forward boutiques such as Blake, a boutique very strong on Belgian designers; and Hejfina, a shop that stocks Alexander Wang, Comme de Garcons, Vanessa Bruno and Maison Martin Margiela to name a few. There are mini-shopping districts throughout the city. Our luxury shopping mecca, the Gold Coast, is home to Yves Saint Laurent, Hermes, Jil Sander, and Barneys. So what’s the problem?
Where are the sample sales?
If you live in New York or if you read about fashion in New York, then you hear about tons of fabulous sample sales for just about any designer you can think of. People score items way less than the original retail price.  Cashmere for $100 and runway platforms for $175. Where do you find those deals in Chicago.
We are in some tough economic times and the Chicago sales tax is pretty high, so while the great boutiques I mentioned above stock great designers and collections, it’s always nice to try and score some good designer buys for less. Where to go?
I saw the sign in the picture above while walking back to my office from my lunch break. The name of the shop is Thread Lounge and it is located in Lincoln Park. It is a permanent sample sale location, so you are getting a bargain 24/7.  The clothing and accessories are marked for a fraction of the retail price and features up and coming designers that are most likely featured in a magazine like Lucky.  While passively browsing, I found a very nice leather handbag for $150 and cashmere throws for about $75.
Beta Boutique is another sample sale location. Sales used to be held on a specific date and time, but they have opened a permanent store in Wicker Park that can be visited four days a week.  Prices can start as low as $10 and the boutique carrys all brands such as Three Dots, James Perse, Cynthia Rowley, and Ella Moss.
High Gloss is not a permanent location, but they do have sample sale events four times a year. Supported by Clever Alice boutqiue, the sale stocks designers such as Chaiken, Prarie Underground, and Frenzii at up to 80% off.
So while Chicago isn’t the premier location for sample sales, we are coming around.  While there are no super high-end designer sample sales that I’ve found so far, the market is beginning to thrive. Hopefully, it will continue to do so.
Battle of the Boutiques
Last Thursday, my friend and I attended a fabulously entertaining party put together by Poor Little Rich Girls titled “Battle of the Boutiques.  Participating boutiques in the Chicago area included: Le Dress, vFish, Eliana Lilly, Beta Boutique and Frankie’s on the Park who were to put together five “looks” with no piece of clothing costing more than $100 (except dresses, which counted for two items and had to cost no more than $200).  The guest judges were Ben Molin from Bravo reality show “Shear Genius”, Jes from VH1′s “Rock of Love” and Chicago Sun Times reporter Jessica Sedgwick.
My friend and I arrived somewhat late, but we were still able to catch the tail end of the show Le Dress was declared the winner, but each boutique had some strong looks. The beautiful Chaise Lounge in Chicago hosted the event, and it brought out some very fashionable people. Here are a few images from the runway:
Also, a couple more images that I took: the models in their runway outfits:
And one of a girl rocking a cute blazer/black skirt combo:
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