Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Bowtie Memoirs: Profile on StyleAdmirer.com

Photo captured and edited by Meghan Turner of StyleAdmirer.com:
Thursday, June 17, 2010:
Recently, I had the honor of being profiled for a feature story put together by Meghan Turner, editor-in-chief of Chicago style and event blog, Style Admirer: Chicago.  Click on the link below to have a look at the full story!


Many thanks to Meghan and her continuous (and fabulous) coverage of Chicago style.  Her blog is entertaining, informative - and incredibly stylish.  The Bowtie Memoirs loves Style Admirer: Chicago!

Enjoy!

Truly,

R.M.B.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Obsessions of the Bowtie: Gap 1969 Jeans Shop

Wednesday, June 16, 2010:
If you've taken a stroll down Chicago's lively Rush Street lately, you may have noticed a new resident to hit the retailing scene.  Enter:  the 1969 Jean Shop, brought to our fine city by power retailer, Gap Inc.  This 1969 shop is only the second Gap concept store to hit the nation.  (Lucky us!)  The first concept opened last August in San Fransisco, right along with the launch of the newly improved 1969 denim line.  According to my 'denim insider' at the shop, there is an actual "second store" in Soho - however, it's not considered a true concept store due to the outfitted Gap store located on the 2nd floor of the building.  (But, who's counting?)
The original Gap opened it's doors in 1969, born with a vision to offer affordable, fashionable denim outfitter with a consumer-centric custom service style.  To celebrate the birth of the retailer, Gap introduced a stellar line of denim fittingly called the 1969 collection.  Just after one year of selling the new line, Gap decided to introduce boutiques and spread the word about these amazing jeans.  With the new location on Rush, 1969 is able to compete against high end denim outfitters in the area with prices that are literally half of designer denim (most under $100!), and of the same quality. 
In order to stand apart from a typical Gap,  1969 does not provide the customer with an discount, promotion, or sale on any of their merchandise.  A majority of the merchandise is the same as a typical Gap store, however, the 1969 shops receive merchandise weeks before the others - and in denim washes exclusive to their shops.  1969 also carries third party merchandise with exclusive ties with What Goes Around Comes Around, a vintage belt wholesaler based out of New York and L.A.
I had a chance to snoop around this new shop and was excited with the selection of denim and other garments to complete any look.  The service was exceptional and the denim pros I spoke with really were experts.  I love the fact that the 1969 Jean Shop also reaches out to other vendors to offer eccentric finds to complement their selection of denim.  This concept seems to be a fresh idea that I'm loving - big name retailers breaking off from their mega stores to offer an edited selection, alongside some really special boutique-like items.   The fits are great, the washes are perfect, and the service is exceptional.  What more could you ask for?  Get in there today and make 1969 your new obsession.

Truly,

R.M.B.
Selections for the ladies:
Denim 'stools':
Kate & Paige, my 'denim insiders':
Denim for days:
Don't we wish!:
Rush Street Loves... The Bowtie Memoirs!
1969 on Rush Street:
Gap 1969 Jeans Shop
939 Rush Street 
Chicago, IL 60611
312-951-1745

Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Bowtie is Back!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010:
Hello again to you all! First, let me apologize for neglecting you and my beloved Bowtie Memoirs for so long. Things have been quite busy in my world, which is why I'd like to take a minute today and fill you in on all the happenings this past month or so. As you may know, I have been on the job search since I completed college in December. This journey has kept me quite busy and blogging, as well as attending events, had unfortunately taken a back seat during this process.

In April, I took a great internship at The 900 Shops to gain experience in marketing and broaden my skills. I worked under the amazing Sarah Burrows, Marketing Manager, assisting her in daily tasks and promotions, as well as handling the social media for The Shops. I worked the internship until the end of May, when a great opportunity came my way...

My dear friend and mentor, Julie Darling, passed along a job lead to me just before I left my internship. The position was to assist the Fashion & Beauty Director, Marie P. Anderson, at a modeling agency called Agency Galatea. I met with Marie, Alexis McGraw (Marie's assistant/fashion booker) and Katherine Tenerowicz (the Director of G&J Models), and knew right away that I could fit right in. A few days later (and some relevant negotiations), I got 'the call' and was offered the position!

I now officially work for Marie P. Anderson, an International Model Agent and Scout, former fashion model, modeling industry expert, public speaker and educator with over 30 years of professional experience - (not to mention, she discovered THE Cindy Crawford). In my new position, I assist in the daily management of models, their marketing materials such as comps/portfolios, help coordinate photo shoots and runway shows, and procure print work for any given talent. I also manage the website updates and online portfolios, while working to establish a strong presence for the brand using social media. My focus for the future is to assist in increasing business and to grow with the company as they forge ahead.

To get you up to speed: Agency Galatea is a division of Grossman & Jack Talent, an agency that has represented actors and voice-over talent in Chicago for many years now. Katherine Tenerowicz, whom I mentioned above, runs G&J Models, a division that represents commercial and lifestyle models. These three entities all work together, as well as individually, all under one roof. Needless to say, there is never a lack of creativity and controlled chaos in the office - which is perfect for me! I already feel right at home with the team and can't wait to learn more about the industry as I move forward with the agency. The office is moving to a new location in July, which will make for an exciting new beginning for the entire team.

So, my friends - that is what I have been up to all this time! Moving forward, I already have collected some photos for some great posts coming up. Also, keep an eye out for a fantastic feature and photoshoot on me and my blog, which will be posted on the Chicago style site, Style Admirer. Many thanks to Meghan Turner, the editor-in-chief of Style Admirer, who reached out to me to be included. It's truly an honor. I hope all is well with you, my friends and readers. Looks like summer in the city has begun - and it's looking to be the perfect time for new beginnings!

Thank you for reading, and keep an eye out for more very soon!
(I promise.)

Truly and gratefully,

R.M.B.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Child Cause: Red Gala

Friday, April 16, 2010:
This past Friday, I had the honor of volunteering with my roommate John Clock at the Red Gala, benefiting Child Cause. Upon arriving at Griffin Lounge, where the event was held, the theme of the night was reflected in the scarlet curtains that adorn the entrance and interior of this Chicago hot spot. The event, which raised money for teens affected by AIDS and substance abuse, was produced by the fantastic Justin Jacobson of Platinum Events and Stephanie Castagnier, the founder of Child Cause.
Stephanie Castagnier & Justin Jacobson:
John and I photographed the incoming crowd and mingled with the philanthropic guests who showed up to support the Child Cause team. Towards the end of the night, Stephanie shared her past struggles and present successes that have driven the passion she has for helping children affected by AIDS and substance abuse. It was truly touching to hear her speak so candidly about her past and the path she has taken that led her to the creation of Child Cause. After we all got to know her a bit better, Paris Delane performed for the onlooking crowd. He belted out some great songs and was followed by the talented Platinum Dancers who tore up the dance floor as only they know how.

Paris Delane:
The event raised enough money to help many deserving children and I was incredibly pleased to have been a part of it. I urge you to have a look at the Child Cause website and give your time or money to help this great charity. It's something that doesn't happen as often as it should and I commend everyone that showed up on Friday to open their hearts and wallets to help others in need. The work that Stephanie does is truly remarkable, and from my own experiences I can tell you that giving time to help others is simply one of the best feelings there is.

Here's to many, many more!

Truly,

R.M.B.
Child Cause Volunteers:
Jillian Harris & Ed Swiderski (The Bachelorette):Jill, Justin Jacobson & Tiffany Pennington:
Robbie Martin & Erin Brown:Stephanie Castagnier & Paris Delane:
Anastasia Bullinger, Ryan M. Beshel & Stephanie Castagnier:
Jane Granner & Tyler Lennox Bush:
Stephanie Castagnier & Trina Hayes:
Jim Smith & Penny Cruz:
Larry Ulanski, Stephanie Castagnier & Victoria Butcko:
Justin Jacobson & The Platinum Dancers:
Become a friend, or join the Child Cause group on Facebook!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Saks Fifth Avenue Gets Cheeky!

Jessica Zweig, Michael Mason, Lynne Bredfeldt, Arturo Gomez,
Itika Oldwine, Marcus Riley, Julie Darling & Erica Bethe Levin:
Thursday, March 25, 2010:
Saks Fifth Avenue and CheekyChicago presented "The Cheeky People of Style" with a fabulous runway show to celebrate "Contemporary Week" at Saks. Chicago's most stylish showed up to support Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin, the beautiful duo behind CheekyChicago. On the runway, spring trends from Saks were shown off by Julie Darling (Julie Darling PR), Lynne Bredfeldt (Director of PR, Park Hyatt Chicago), Itika Oldwine (Harpo Studios), Arturo Gomez (COO Rockit Ranch Productions), Marcus Riley (NBC), and Michael Mason (James Hotel)--the "Cheeky People of Style".

The event was on floor 5 of the Chicago landmark and Julie Darling and I arrived to prepare her for the show. A sleek pink runway (that I could have swore was made of candy) was ready and waiting for the crowd and the models. Some of my favorite industry friends filled the rows including Kim Peiffer (NBC, Modern Luxury), Rachel Schwanz (Entertaining Company), Justin Jacobson (Platinum Events), Ben Soldinger (Cosentino Wines), Scott Johnson, James Goeke (Vital Bridges), Kelli Zink (CelebTV.com), Meghan Turner (StyleAdmirer.com), Abby Dunn (Blast Marketing), Stacey Levy (Exhale Chicago) and many more. The runway presentation was hosted by the Cheeky girls and Saks Fifth Avenue's Director of Marketing, Julie Selakovic. They explained the looks we were going to see and introduced the chosen models of the evening.

The resulting show was an absolute blast and it seemed everyone in the room knew one another. Models interacted with the crowd and no one took themselves too seriously as they strutted their stuff for us. The after party at JBar was also a hit (thanks for the impromptu photo shoot, Amanda Puck!) We finished the night at Hub 51 for amazing sushi, nachos, and Cosentino wine with the crew. A really great evening with some really cheeky company.

-R.M.B.

I filmed some clips from the show so you could get in on the fun. Excuse the lackluster quality and my commentary! The looks were grouped into Work, Play, and Party. Enjoy!




Abby Dunn, Kim Peiffer, Stacey Levy, Julie Darling, & R.M.B.:



Lynne Bredfeldt, Itika Oldwine, & Julie Darling



Julie Darling & Rachel Schwanz:



Kim Peiffer, Stacey Levy, Justin Jacobson, & Kelli Zink:

Jessica Zweig, Julie Darling & Erica Bethe Levin:

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Chicago Fashion Incubator Announces 2010 Designers at 900 Shops

The Chicago Fashion Incubator Designers for 2010:
(L to R): Jonnie Rettele, Leah Fagan, Stephanie Kuhr,
Donaldo
Smith, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, & Christina Fan
Tuesday, March 16, 2010:

The 900 Shops hosted an inspiring event to announce the six talented individuals that were chosen to be this year’s designers inducted into the Chicago Fashion Incubator. A space on the 5th floor of the 900 Shops was set up to showcase the work of past CFI designers and to introduce Chicago to the next class. I attended with Paige Peterson to meet and greet the designers that will be getting a lot of attention in the coming months. As part of the Chicago Fashion Incubator, each designer will have the opportunity to learn the economics, marketing, and merchandising that goes into developing a collection. Throughout the experience, they will have the support of industry experts, mentors from Macy's, and the broader fashion community. This opportunity is truly one-of-a-kind for these individuals and is proof of the hard work, dedication, and vision that it takes to be a successful designer.

The 2010 Designers in Residence and their lines:

*Christina Fan - C/FAN is the marriage of menswear inspired details, such as pocket squares, and feminine silhouettes, which creates a line that is extremely versatile, high quality, yet still affordable.*Donaldo Smith - Killian Gui is a contemporary menswear brand that masters the blend of elegant business attire with modern casual wear.

*Jonnie Rettele - Nonnie Threads is a result of early-mid 1900's inspiration, merged with a modern semblance. She is motivated by men's desire for functionality, fit, and ambition for modernity.

*Leah Fagan - PELOTON features Leah's trademark look; well-crafted separates, innovative details that are casual, yet polished, and, most importantly, a fabulously comfortable fit.*Miriam Cecilia Carlson - M.C.C. features draped and manipulated fabric inspired by ideas and thoughts of life.

*Stephanie Kuhr - Dottie’s Designs is a line of vintage-inspired lingerie and foundation wear, under the name Dottie's Delights.I had a chance to meet each of the designers and was truly impressed by their collections. They all showed a sense of maturity in their designs and an attention to the needs of the ready-to-wear consumer—which is an important aspect of fashion. But, making it into the CFI is just the first step—the hard work lies ahead for these talented Chicago faces. Whatever the outcome of their future, we will all be watching closely to see what these designers are made of. My very best goes to each and every 2010 CFI designer...Chicago's rootin' for ya!

-R.M.B.

p.s. Want to get a look at the collections for yourself? Check the hours below for the pop-up shop, located in the 900 Shops, 5th Floor—and get over to support your local Chicago designers!

**Store hours: Starting Thursday, March 18th, the retail store will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each Thursday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.**

Myself and Paige Peterson:

Christina Fan and myself:

Miriam Cecilia Carlson and myself:

Jonnie Rettele and myself:

Stephanie Kuhr, Ryan M. Beshel, & Leah Fagan:

Donaldo Smith and myself: