The Art Institute of ChicagoThe MidWastelandChicago's Street Style & Fashion Blog

Fall is (almost) here!The MidWastelandChicago's Street Style and Fashion Blog

Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion - ChicagoThe Local AttractionsThe MidWastelandChicago's Street Style and Fashion Blog

Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion - ChicagoThe ShowThe MidWastelandChicago's Street Style and Fashion Blog

I had the honor of attending Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion show. Gen Art, is a non profit dedicated to promoting emerging artists, filmmakers and fashion designers. Fresh Faces is credited to launching designers Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor and Chaiken. This year the line up included: Abigail Glaum-Lathbury, Apparatchik, Biasline by Soo Choi, Dieter Bennet, Moire Conroy, Nora Marcella, and Wrath Arcane.

I was so excited to go to this show because I hadn't been back since 2003. Back then I was a lowly intern that fetched Starbucks and answered phones and all I had to show for it was a load of free champaign and some makeup samples (okay, so it wasn't half bad!)

In the last 4 years the show has gone from a small theater to a tent(a-la-fashion week) in Millennium Park. I was blown away at how professional and elaborate the show has become.

Here are a few pics from the show.

Fall Back Forward! III. - GirlsGlamorama 2007

On to the main event...

On the runway at Glamorama 2007 were looks from Marc Jacobs, Just Cavalli, Donna Karan, Temperley London, Calvin Klein and Alberta Ferretti. The shapes, the accessories, AND the colors were impeccable. I can't wait to get the knock offs at Forever 21.

I think I was so impressed with these looks due to the late 80's/early 90's influence I saw in every collection. Those were the weirdest most memorable years in my wardrobe's history.

Sometimes, I look in the mirror and I wonder why my outfit feels so familiar. Maybe it's because I already wore it in 1989. Man, I was one hip seven year old!

A few of my favs from the show:

The Shapes.
*Boxy * Cinched Waist * Straight * Bubble * Pleats*
*Ruffles * Mini * Midi * "Heart Shape"*

The Accessories.
* Thin Belts * Short Colored Gloves * Bonnets* Opaque Black Tights*
*Hats, Hats and more Hats! * Clutch Purses * Bows*

The Colors.
*Monochromatic * Black/Black * Black/Electric Blue*
*Purple * Mustard *Orange * Metallics*

Fall Back Forward! II. - BoysGlamorama 2007

I know that MOST of The MidWasteland readers are women so if you aren't a man OR you just don't care about men's fashion, sit back and enjoy the eye candy. My pictures do these models no justice; they were so much hotter in person.

This fall, men's fashion is ALL about the accessories. Hmm, sounds familiar! We will see everything from hats (yep, they're still here) to red leather jackets a la Michael Jackson.

Here's a list of some things I liked from the show:

Davey Crockett hat * Red Leather

Bow Ties * Slim Black Ties

Black Frame/"Nerd" Glasses * Suspenders



Fur * Puffy Vest



Thick Cable Knit

Fall Back Forward! I.Glamorama 2007

In Chicago, it's rare that we that we have noteworthy fashion events but last week I had the opportunity to attend Glamorama, one of the few in that category. Glamorama is Macy's fall fashion preview/charity event that is not only noteworthy but NYC worthy as well. This year's show had a Wild West meets haute couture theme suitably named, "The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful".

I wasn't sure what would be in store for me when I was invited to attend the mid day dress rehearsal but on arrival I was pleasantly surprised. Streaming pictures of cowgirls on the big screen, a countdown to the show and upbeat club jams let me know that I was in for something spectacular.

Diamonds & Pearls.The MidWastelandChicago's Street Style & Fashion Blog

As 20-something fashionistas the only things on our minds are the September issue of Vogue, what colors are in for fall and how we're going to afford our credit card bill after that new pair of Louboutons.

As time goes on, those things become less important and we begin to care more about fashionable strollers instead of shoes and Botox instead of bare minerals...or do we?

Today I spotted two geriatric fashion plates that made me hope I still value my personal style in 50 years as much as I do today.

First of all, she had crimped hair and second of all she had a (fake) diamond studded, Chanel choker on - I love that idea.

Honestly, I know this lady is off her rocker but in person she is a total show stopper.
Her hair was cut to perfection and straight out of the 20's.
I fucking LOVE pearls so I thought her choker was awesome.
I know, I know, her sweater coat is a little wild but I think it fit her personality.

*****************************************************

Obviously, I meet a lot of people on the street, some rude and some nice. Most of the time, people wonder why I'd even want to take their picture but these two women had no qualms. They started to pose the minute I came up to them. To me, THAT IS STYLE.