Archive for January, 2012

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Grand Opening Bash

January 27, 2012

Photo by Max Herman of Time Out Chicago

When I was invited to the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel’s grand opening bash, it was a party I couldn’t refuse. My best friend Sarah [above] is the Human Resources director at a boutique luxury hotel in downtown Evanston. I invited her to come along for the ride since I knew she’d enjoy celebrating the local hospitality industry’s newest member. Chicago is home to the first Radisson Blu concept hotel in the USA, and people flew in from around the country and overseas to partake in the festivities.

The event also gave me a chance to wear my new Theyskens’ Theory chiffon shirt, which I wore over my new plum ACNE dress from Barneys. I knew people would overdress (and they did). Chicago ladies, you don’t need to wear a ballgown that looks like a prom dress to a hotel opening! I habitually underdress, because I think it’s way cooler than looking like you’re trying too hard. Or at least that’s what I’d like to think… While I was talking about this with Sarah she summed up my fashion sense in a few words;

“You know what Amy? You buy grungy looking pieces made of expensive fabrics so that you can always look like you don’t care, but you care way more than anyone else here. Let’s not fool yourself…”

BURN! Nah, I love it when my friends call me out because even I get sick of my own bullshit. She’s right too. I do love buying expensive pieces that don’t look expensive to the average American, ones that only trained eyes can instantly spot. It’s the ‘dog whistle’ signaling theory for all you sociology nerds. Oh, and let’s not even bring up the Margiela sneakers, because that’s case in point. Sarah wins!

We spent the evening alternating between mingling with other partygoers in the ballroom and hiding out in Filini Restaurant for some fresh air and delicious food. It was a great night bringing a personal friend along to one of these events for once so I could truly enjoy myself and not feel like I was working. I even got to meet one of my favorite food bloggers, Louisa Chu. Funny story, as it turns out she reads my blog too. “Wait a second, you wear the fluffy white coat, right?”

If I had a nickel for every time I heard that…

For more photos, visit Time Out Chicago’s website here.

Virginia Smith of American Vogue

Virginia Smith of American Vogue

January 27, 2012

A little known fact about Virginia Smith, Vogue’s Fashion Market/Accessories Director is that she grew up in Texarkana, Arkansas. Virginia is proof that you don’t have to grow up in New York to pursue a serious career in fashion (although you’ll very likely have to move there eventually).

Karrin Pond: Chicago Blues and Bluegrass Festival

Karrin Pond: Chicago Blues and Bluegrass Festival

January 27, 2012

Amy’s note: I took Karrin’s photograph to include with this story.

Words by Karrin Pond

Festival photographs by Tyler Sporer of Soundfuse Online Magazine

The moment I walked into the Auditorium Theatre, I couldn’t help but feel that I wasn’t wearing the right outfit for this golden, mosaic landscape that lay before my eyes. However, The Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival was about to ensue with 10 hours of finger pickin’ music that brought along an unexpectedly relaxed atmosphere. People of all shapes and styles were there to enjoy something they had in common –love for bluegrass music. From the Chicago based bands Henhouse Prowlers and The Giving Tree Band to bluegrass legends Del McCoury and David Grisman, there was definitely no shortage of personal style in the entire theatre. Grisman’s magic fingers danced across the mandolin, The Travelin’ McCourys steady baseline kept me tappin’ my feet, while Joe Purdy’s sweet lullabies sung me into an acoustic heaven.  I couldn’t help but feel fortunate to live in a city that both enables and encourages two of the things I love most- music and fashion.

 

Out of all the artists performing I had only seen The Giving Tree Band on NYE when they opened for Cornmeal in Palatine and I have been itching to see more bluegrass ever since. This festival was the perfect fix for my craving. To top it all off lead members of two of my favorite bands- Bill Nershi of the String Cheese Incident and Jeff Austin of Yonder Mountain String Band -ended the night with a final set that brought the energy in the auditorium to a whole new level. Jeff, bursting with excitement gave me the urge to kick off my suede booties and dance barefoot on the velvet chairs for the rest of the evening. So much for feeling underdressed.

 

Whether you love bluegrass or not, your own personal style is out there in Chicago. Take a break free from your usual weekend routine to go out and find it. Make sure to check out weekend two of this awesome festival this Saturday at the Congress Theatre, it might be this month’s best purchase. Click here for more information on the lineup and prices.