Qlix Is HERE (and there and everywhere).

September 22, 2010:

Over a year ago, I sat down to meet with a very motivated and talented woman, with a love for emerging fashion.  (A woman after my own fashion heart.)  We met at a Starbucks and she told me about a very special magazine that she was creating.  This was the first time I had heard about Qlix Magazine.  This creative format was one that I had never seen in any Chicago magazine - it was something fresh and exciting to our industry.  Tenisha Anderson was her name, and Qlix Magazine was 'her baby'.

Time had passed, we kept in touch and then I received an invite that made me clear my evening immediately.  It was the official (and very exclusive) launch party for the magazine's second issue.  I arrived early at JBar with Paige Peterson and Miriam Cecilia Carlson and was warmly greeted by Jada Russell - Owner & Principal Publicist for High Style Marketing (also a great friend of Tenisha's and event planner).  We sipped a cocktail, had a bite to eat and looked through Qlix while waiting to hear Tenisha speak.  As stated earlier, the format is much different than other magazines.  Instead of your typical format, Qlix is laid out like a series of posters and collectors cards.  This allows the reader a much different experience when reading, as well as a piece of art to keep for yourself (see below).

When it was time, Barbara Glass - a very special woman, blogger and great friend - took  a moment to introduce Tenisha and the magazine that she has poured her heart into.  Once complete, Tenisha - publisher/editor-in-chief/founder of the mag - told us of her passionate journey from Day One to today.  After tears were wiped away (by most of the crowd), the event resumed and the fabulous folks shared drinks, laughs and a bunch of hugs in celebration of this day and all the work that Tenisha has accomplished.

Barbara Glass, Tenisha Anderson & Jada Russell:

On a personal note, I want to thank Tenisha for inspiring our industry to push forward and create something that has never been done in our city.  Her persistence and drive is a testament to anyone who has a dream that they hold deep inside.  I am so proud of all the work that she has done - while never giving up - and I am honored to call her my friend.

Keep pushing, Tenisha!

We are all behind you.

Much love and positive energy,

RMB

Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Ryan M. Beshel & Paige Peterson:

 Photo courtesy of KIEFFER Photography

 Tenisha Anderson & Barbara Glass:

 

Photo courtesy of KIEFFER Photography

Ryan M. Beshel, Tenisha Anderson, 

Miriam Cecilia Carlson & Paige Peterson:

Photo courtesy of KIEFFER Photography

The event entrance at J Bar:

Photo courtesy of KIEFFER Photography

Please have a closer look at 

Qlix Magazine 

and continue to support the amazing work of Tenisha 

and the Chicago fashion industry.

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