Archive for January, 2010

Mixing Classic and Punk

January 28th, 2010

Meet Lidia Wachowska’s Evil Kitty collection – which is just like the name sounds:
sometimes classic, sometimes playful, and always a little mischievous.

Mad Men Dress

Mad Men Dress

What started out as an animation character for a project at the School of Art Institute in Chicago has evolved into a modern collection with a loyal following. The reason is simple: Evil Kitty clothes are edgy but wearable.
Lidia Wachowska alternates between punk and classic, mixing the vibes.
If it’s a classic piece, look for a little punk in the details.
If it’s a punk look, you’ll find cuts that are still flattering and feminine.

For Spring 2010
, the collection concentrates on blues – soft blue or turquoise – with black accents. It was just released and is now available for pre-orders. Here are some of the standouts:


The Mad Men Dress
- embodies the Evil Kitty spirit. It’s classically cut to accentuate the best features of any figure. The inverted pleats allow for volume in the skirt without bulk at the hips. The soft blue is girlie, but then the black accents are done in black satin and patent leather.

Deconstructed Mini

Deconstructed Mini

The Decontructed Mini – for those with a rebellious streak. Black and turquoise satin pieces are chaotically assembled creating a sense of anarchy. Then the layers are attached with exposed zipper details.

Lace Mini Dress

Lace Mini Dress


The Lace Mini Dress
– one of my favorites. It’s Evil Kitty’s nod to the 60’s mod. And while lace is a major trend for the upcoming season, Lidia Wachowska does it as an overlay versus lace as exposed lingerie. It’s a bit fresher than the obvious undergarment exposure sometimes seen.


Blending edgy and classic
is not an easy balancing act, there aren’t many designers that would even push themselves to attempt it. But Lidia Wachowska makes it look effortless.
Find Evil Kitty at www.evilkitty.net or at these boutiques. Contact Dwight at dwight@rockuniform.com for detailed sales information.

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The Hunt for the Perfect Shirt

January 26th, 2010

Most stylists agree on the top fashion staples every grown-up woman needs in her closet: a perfectly tailored shirt, great fitting black pants, and the little black dress.
So if the tailored shirt is one of the must-haves, where do we find one that truly fits?

KateBoggiano_Logo fallChicago’s Kate Boggiano has the answer.
Launched by a Chicago native, the Kate Boggiano theory is that to do something fabulously you need to specialize. And specialize they do – perfectly fitting shirts that we all need.

To find your perfect shirt, you have lots of ways to go about it at Kate Boggiano.
You can choose the ready option, the tailor option or create your own.

Isadora Blouse in Pristine White

Isadora Blouse in Pristine White

Start by browsing the ready shirt options under Blouses. This category showcases some of Kate Boggiano’s most popular silhouettes. My favorite is the French cuff classic – cuff links included by the way. There is also the basic t-shirt we all need, made extra long for necessary coverage with low-ride pants. The Isadora Blouse shown left is a new addition with fabric covered buttons, front and back darts for a tailored look, and a dramatic, double ruffle collar.

The tailor option
is available for each of the blouses. What a relief for so many women – tall, short, larger-busted, etc. Sure, you can get any off-the-rack shirt altered, but the fit is so much better when the shirt is cut specifically for you. And the detailed measuring instructions on the website make it so easy to get right.
Madeline Blouse in Blue and White

Madeline Blouse in Blue and White


And then there is the Create Your Own option. This is where you can really make your signature piece. You have material choices, not just color.
What kind of collar do you like?
What kind of hem?
Do you prefer your buttons covered with fabric or hidden completely?
After all your choices, you have the detailed measuring chart. But, if you don’t trust your measuring, you can send in a favorite shirt of yours with information on where you would like to change the fit. It’s really that simple.


For added inspiration
, the Kate Boggiano website has a “Style It” feature where you can see your shirt worn different ways – casual, business, dressy. It’s a great way to see the versatility – and necessity – of having that perfect shirt in your wardrobe.

Find Kate Boggiano at www.kateboggiano.com

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Expanding Our Fashion Boundaries

January 22nd, 2010

The first thing I did when I walked in to Anastasia Chatzka’s boutique in Wicker Park was smile. With lots of colors and tons of creativity there is an overall feeling that you are going to have fun there.

Anastasia Bow Dress, photo by Sean Moran

Anastasia Bow Dress, photo by Sean Moran

After working in New York with designers such as Betsey Johnson and Anna Sui, Anastasia Chatzka returned to Chicago and opened the flagship store in the summer of 2009. She embraced the Wicker Park community and they in turn embraced her. Her clothes are made locally in Chicago using sustainable materials and natural fibers and everything goes back into the community.

Spring 2010 Dress, photo by Sean Moran

Spring 2010 Dress, photo by Sean Moran


Anastasia approaches design without limits and lets her imagination go. She keeps herself in mind, creating what she would like to wear. This makes for a collection that is an expression of the designer: fun, feminine and still street-smart. That feeling is especially embodied in her bow dress. It has become an Anastasia Chatzka staple item updated seasonally with colors and textures. The dress easily goes from summer to winter – layer with a shirt underneath, tights and voila.

For Spring 2010, Anastasia’s collection is inspired by 1700s French court. Look for intricate lace, dirty-washed colors and detailed layering. Lingerie influences are strong for Spring 2010, but Anastasia does it without being overt – think of stomachers and the slight hint of panniers. Madame de Pompadour would be a fan today.

Lace Detailing in Spring Collection, photo by Sean Moran

Lace Detailing in Spring Collection, photo by Sean Moran

Back view, Gray and Pink Dress, Spring 2010, photo by Sean Moran

Back view, Gray and Pink Dress, Spring 2010, photo by Sean Moran


Beyond her current collection,
Anastasia is passionate about fashion and sharing the process. The website offers sewing classes taught by Anastasia to help us discover the connection between idea, design and final piece. Anastasia is also one of the designers chosen by the Care for Kenya foundation to donate sketches to help create employment and sustainable growth for Kenyan women.

3 Collar Dress, Spring 2010, photo by Sean Moran

3 Collar Dress, Spring 2010, photo by Sean Moran

Part of the freedom of a designer having their own boutique is the autonomy to design for themselves and for their clients. Anastasia Chatzka’s Wicker Park boutique is just that – independent, authentic, and fun.

The flagship store hosts an event the last Thursday of each month. Anastasia is there to unveil a new garment, meet, consult, and chat. Check the website for details each month and upcoming fashion shows.

Anastasia’s Specialties Include:
Consultations
Custom Sizing
Monthly garment debuts
Sewing classes

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