Giuseppe Zanotti platform bow pump VS Jollie by N.Y.L.A.

I love seeing “comparison” or “inspired” shoes.  When I saw the Jollie by N.Y.L.A.on Lori’s, instantly I was reminded of the insanely popular Giuseppe Zanotti platform bow pumps that celebs like  Emily B, Angela Simmons, Jennifer Hudson, J.Lo (the list goes on)  have been rocking lately. 

The Giuseppe Zanotti comes in a wide range of colors for $895 and the NYLA goes for $114.95 or $129.95 on Endless.

So what do you think- are the Jollie’s passable? 

More Giuseppe Zanotti...

Celeb pics via Fashion Bomb

Shoe pics via Neimans and Lori's

Fashion Night Out- Chicago f/ Sarca, Macy’s, afterparty deets and more

It’s almost time…. For Fashion Night Out!  For the past three years the fashion industry has put on a night to remember full of fashion, events, champagne and more!  Its held on the first Thursday in September and revered and anticipated for all fashion lovers global and local. 

This year I see a theme emerging of local fashion bloggers hosting events and it makes this night all the better.  The  “friends in your head” will be available to meet and greet while giving their unique perspectives on what you NEED in your closet for fall.

My picks-

Sarca’s – Bold Looks Bold Lips -nibble, lips and lashes applications, and a celebrity stylist! Plus 20% off the entire store!

 

Shops at North Bridge-  Fall Fashion Challenge – blogger competitor Amy Creyer of Chicago Street Style and judge Candace Jordan of Candid Candace will be a delight to see.

Macy’s on State St-  Nikia of Chitown Fashionista will be co-hosting with a runway show styled (6 p.m.) by her and other Chicago bloggers.  Nzimiro Optua from NBC's 'Fashion Star’ will be the host.  After the show visit her “closet”. 

Water Tower is hosting FNO -BUT tickets (yes they were free) are gone.  Get on the waiting list, I received mine only one day after signing up.

For two hours you can experience food, fashion and fun from London, Milian and Paris.

There will be special offers from select stores, London on level 2, Milan on level 4, Paris on 6 and Party in the USA on level 7.

And don't forget my previous post on Fame, fashion and flavor

Afterparty- help the ChicagoFashion Foundation while enjoying more fashion, food and beverages. 10 p.m.to 12 at Underground.  $10donation

For more events-

Fashion Files Mag

SocialifeChicago

Alain’s Restaurant – a review

On a whim Jessica LaShawn of Such is Life  invited me to dinner at the new South Loop restaurant Alain's. I was hearing about Alain's and anticipating the opening because of  Alain Njike who previously was Chef over at Park 52 and co--owner Former Chicago Bear player Israel Idonije. I knew with these two powerhouses, this restaurant could not go wrong.

Inside white linen and curtains against a vibrant backdrop of pink and gold colors with paintings greeted me.  The vibe is very intimate and I love that you can sit in the window and take in the neighborhood while being romantic with the accompanying low lightening and soft music.

I was expecting a dinner to catch up with Jessica but instead was greeted to the private's Chef's table inside the kitchen!  We were able to sit back and enjoy watching the Chef create his wonderful menu ( top pic).  I wasn't ready for the flood of flavors that excited my pallet and kept me excited for the next item.

I was running behind so I did miss two courses BUT Jess saved me some portions of Fuji Apple Beet Risotto with chicken, risotto is one of my favorite dishes- but it can go easily wrong with hard or overcooked rice.  This dish was perfect.  Also I had a little of the Steamed Mussels Bourgeoisie which made me want to lick the plate, the sauce was so good.

We were also presented with marinated midwest Ratatouille with couscous, Wagyu beef with a cauliflower and mash pairing (Pic), creamy and succulent Mac And Cheese (pic), a delicious chicken breast and finally a dessert Of bread pudding and strawberries (pic).

 I noticed staple items the Chef's uses in all the dishes such as his purple cauliflower and creams.  What set each dish apart is the oils, seasonings and pairings of the ingredients together.

You can request to sit at the Chef's table like our group- or request private parties and catering.

Alain's sits on the corner of 13th and Michigan in the heart of the South Loop and I must say the cuisine and ambiance is very much needed in this area. It will bring a fresh new take to the Loop.

*excuse the photos- I didn't know this was waiting on me!

http://www.alainsets.com/home

@alainschicago

1355 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL. Tel: 312-922-1185.

Fame, fashion and Flavor- Fashion Night Out with 900 N Michigan Shops

It’s almost time…. For Fashion Night Out!  For three years the fashion industry puts on a night to remember full of fashion, events, champagne and more!  Held on the first Thursday in September and revered and anticipated for all fashion lovers global and local. 

I will continuously update on the events in Chicago to get you ready to have fun!

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900 North Michigan Shops along with Michigan Ave Magazine and McGrath Lexus and Acura of Downtown Chicago presents:  Fame, Fashion and Flavor with host Ali Later (NBC’s Heros).

From 6 p.m. to 9

Sept 6^th

Guests will enjoy:

·         The Beauty Bazaar

o   Makeup applications, manicures, massages and hair styling provided by Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa and Bloomingdale’s

·         The Gastronomy by Groupon restaurant tasting

o   Decadent bites and brews from Chicago’s top restaurants and Stella Artois

·         A fashion show

o   Featuring fall’s hottest looks, styled by renowned Chicago stylist, Eric Himel

·         Special gifts with purchase and festive in-store promotions

o   Shop 900’s retailers, sip champagne and save!

·         A GlossedandFound.com photo booth

o   Shop AND get your glam on!

6th Annual Taylor Street Festa Italiana adds a fashion show!

Food and fashion! I wouldn’t suggest spicy meatballs around your white dress but why not sit in the audience and munch while viewing the latest from local Italian designers and boutiques including: Kate Boggiano, Cettina, Paul Sisti Creations,Mona Lisa Boutique and Silver Elements, a line from accessory designer Marla Lenza Zegart and The Lovehammers’ Marty Casey!

August 11^th at 4:30

 WHERE:   Rosebud Stage, intersection of Taylor Street and Ashland Avenue in Chicago’s Historic Little Italy.

PRICE:   Suggested donation $5 per person, children under 12 are FREE

The festival will run from  August 9^th – 12^th,

For more information, please visit www.FestaItalianaChicago.com.         

Cityblue & CB presents – ROOF Runway show 8/9

WHAT: ROOF Runway featuring cityblue & CB

WHEN: Thursday, August 9, 2012 @ 7 p.m. 

WHO: Fall collections from cityblue & CB designers including Theyskens' Theory, Helmut Lang, Gryphon, Marc Jacobs, Yigal Azrouel & more

WHERE: ROOF on theWit|201 N. State St.|Chicago, IL 60601

For table reservations, call 312.239.9502

The event is free and all attendees will receive a discount card for 20% off at cityblue, CB and www.shopcityblue.com!