I ran into Diana Dittmer, Design Director at
ME: IN FOCUS Magazine + Studios, during the media check-in before the celebrity interview and photo-op rope lineup. She and I both wore LBDs with turquoise blue tights and matching blue cat eyes. You may be thinking it was a coincidence, but Pantone (fashion’s leading authority on colors) declared
Turquoise the color of the 2010. Great minds think [and dress] alike!
I am wearing a T by Alexander Wang dress, American Apparel tights, and Belle by Sigerson Morrison zipper booties. My hair was styled courtesy of the lovely and talented Halley Nop at Marianne Strokirk Salon. My makeup is by M.A.C. and manicure from Paint. Earrings and ring by Tiffany & Co. My nose piercing was done by Bob Jones and shoulder tattoo from artist Ryan Flaherty, both at Insight Studios.
I am an ardent supporter of of non-profits, volunteerism and philanthropy. Kiva is one of my favorite organizations and I am a huge fan of their business model. They do an excellent job of using the internet to bridge the gap between first-world philanthropists and entrepreneurs in developing countries. I visited Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya last year to learn more about international development, and the one message I kept hearing was “we need opportunities.” By loaning only $25, you can help women and their families open or expand an independently run business. The best part about working with Kiva is you don’t have to be a billionaire to be a philanthropist! Before you donate be sure to join our lending group,
Chicago Street Style first.
Since this is a style blog, here are some loan applicants who work in the fashion industry:
Gaudence Mukashema, Rwanda: Dressmaker, tailor and fabric merchant.
Hawa Dawin, Liberia: Vintage clothing dealer.
Amatour Ramath Sadikou, Benin: Millinery owner and hat-maker
I am wearing a
3.1 Phillip Lim navy tank over an
Armani Exchange dress. These are my favorite pair of shoes (I even ride my bike in them), but then again platform
Chloés never go out of style. My bag is also by
Chloé. I love to wear bright eye-catching colors (especially when meeting new people!). When my clothing choices are fairly conventional, spice up my look with an offbeat accessory like this off-centered belt (
J.Crew).
Hairstyle courtesy of the lovely Halley Nop at Marianne Strokirk Salon. Look for the upcoming interview in the next couple of weeks.
