Style Memo RSS

Independent Designers. Emerging Trends. Essentially we're the pencil toting, note-takers of fashion; memo pads in hand, we follow the independent runways and young designers as they show their collections. We scour fashion trends, find the best and brightest and doll 'em out to ya. Our interviews get you inside the heads of fashion-mavens, trend-setters and designers; plus we go behind the scenes at the shows offering first dibs on who to watch and what you'll want to get your hands on. With our monthly video installments, we'll take you around to visit boutiques and help you put together outfits that you can run out and own tonight before dinner. We'll show case some of the sleekest designs from a bevy of talented up and coming designers. Whether you're a total fashion-head and love to be in the know about the latest trends and newest designer darlings, or you're a classical-beauty kind of gal who just wants a few ideas for putting together something fun for a Saturday night out, we've got you covered. -Kari Check out our video installments:
Above the Fray Presents Gen Art Chicago Fresh Faces Recap. Shot and edited by BMP. from Video that rocks. on Vimeo.


Paper Bag Waist Shorts from Kari Skaflen on Vimeo.


Above The Fray, Ep. 2 - Elise Bergman Designs from Big Teeth Productions on Vimeo.

Trends Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory

Independent Fashion Bloggers/

Archive

Dec
22nd
Mon
permalink
We’re going to a new name and a new address— Above the Fray Mag at www.abovethefraymag.com — but we still got the same fashion-fever and frequent updates… and more.

We’re going to a new name and a new address— Above the Fray Mag at www.abovethefraymag.com — but we still got the same fashion-fever and frequent updates… and more.

permalink

Switch Up-Change Up

Hey, I wanted to make it official on the tumblr blog that Style Memo is morphing into a website and monthly on-line magazine. The website format allows for more photos (we have a whole section devoted to photo galleries), TV, and more ways to contact us and participate in the on-going fashion conversation that we love doing.  The independent vibe of Style Memo will be continue at Above The Fray Mag which is the new home of this blog: www.abovethefraymag.com

Also on the AtFM- is a link to our very first issue of the AtFM on-line magazine. It’s a more in-depth look at new designers and trends, has video and a photo-spread; all designed to satiate the more hard-core fashion fanatics.

From now on, please look at www.abovethefraymag.com for blog updates, the new monthly magazine and more photos.

Take a look and please, don’t hesitate to contact us with your feedback.

Kari

Dec
20th
Sat
permalink
Perfect for a sunday brunch!

Perfect for a sunday brunch!

permalink
Cumberbunds are not just for boys anymore

Cumberbunds are not just for boys anymore

permalink
I’m all about this Jumper dress from Karen Zambos

I’m all about this Jumper dress from Karen Zambos

permalink

Karen Zambos more Couture than Vintage

The women of Chicago have always been a talented bunch, but Karen Zambos takes the word multi-task to an entirely different level. Designing a Fall, Holiday and Resort collection, while also working on her Elegantly Waisted belt collection AND colaborating for the Zambos & Siega bag line, her ability to sustain that much creativity makes my head spin. And it’s not just quantity, each collection has a difinitive personality- filled with detail and variety.

Zambos began her rise to success when working at the L.A. Boutique Tracy Ross. After working with clients, she realized that the fashion world was aching for clothing with a vintage feel with high style construction techniques. Soon enough, her foray into belt design began to garner serious attention- from Heidi Klum to Hilary Duff. After ten years and three different lines, she’s reached a great place: small enough to keep control of the product, but large enough to design freely.

Her pieces are great, wearable and classic. I’m in love with her Tuxedo and Jumper dresses, as well as her Curve Cumberbund. Lucky you, it’s all available online!

Dec
15th
Mon
permalink

Where to Be: Fashion Calendar

  • Monday: Dec. 15th

Olympic Gymnasts Appearance
Macy’s on State Street, 111 N. State, Lower Level, noon.
Starting this week, Macy’s on State Street is selling Official Chicago 2016 Candidate City Merchandise, including long-sleeve and short-sleeve t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and hats. Olympic Silver and Bronze Medalist Jonathan Horton and Olympic Silver Medalist Chellsie Memmel will be on hand to sign autographs and the new merchandise.

  • Wednesday: Dec. 17th

Agent Provocateur Opening
British lingerie brand Agent Provocateur opens their boutique. RSVP essential to jeanann.williams@agentprovocateur.com or (212)226-1260. agentprovocateur.com. 47A E. Oak, 2-5pm.

Intermix Holiday Soiree6:30- 8:30 40 E. Delaware PlaceCelebrate the season with cocktails and canapés while shopping for everyone on your list! Complimentary Cocktails provided by Bull and Bear.

Akris Spring 2009 Trunk Show
Informal modeling. For more information, call (312) 944-6500. Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan, Designer Collections, 2nd floor, 12-3pm. Also, THU/18.

The Energy of Style
The Ruby Room, 1743 W. Division, 6:30-9pm.
Empower your personal style for the holidays. Are you in the right color energy? Does your hair, makeup and wardrobe reflect the inner you? Find out how to take your personal style to the next level and how to jazz up your look for special events. This two and a half hour complimentary event will include a lecture, demonstrations, and Q & A. Bring any makeup, accessories and jewelry you have questions about. (773)235-2323.

The Novem Store event
1104 N. Ashland, 8-10pm.
Local emcee, Qwel of Galapagos4 records, will be performing along with DJ Pickel on the tables. Complimentary refreshments. 10 percent off apparel. novemstudios.com.

  • Thursday, December 18th

Chicago Designer Sale up to 75% Off: Heidi Hess, Lara Miller & Kate Boggiano
845 W. Fulton Market #316 Chicago, IL 60607 5-9pm  Also Friday, Dec. 19th
Don’t miss an incredible opportunity to meet & shop 3 of Chicago’s top fashion designers: Kate Boggiano, Heidi Hess and Lara Miller - at bargain prices.

UGG Australia Airbrush Event (Or as I like to call it, Fug your Uggs)
Nordstrom, 10 Oakbrook Center Oak Brook, women’s shoes on one, 1-4pm.
Personalize your new UGG Australia purchase by an airbrush artist while you shop. For more information, call (630) 571-2121.

  • Friday, December 19th

Holiday Social and Fashion Show
Moda, 25 W. Hubbard, 8-11pm.
Benefiting Chicagotoydrive.org. Networking reception and fashion show sponsored by Latino Fashion Week and featuring designer James De Colon, Hector Monarrez and Susie Garcia. Complimentary cocktails and appetizers.  Tickets, $25. Full details at chicagotoydrive.org.

  • Saturday, December 20th

Bag Ambition Holiday Trunk Show
Pacific Interiors, 1154 W. Armitage, 11-6pm.
Bag Ambition, the Chicago-based online luxury handbag consignment site, bagambition.com, will be holding a trunk show.

permalink

Trend We Love

Okay, it’s not really a trend- but we love it anyhow and wouldn’t it be cool if it did become a trend, and we had cool artsy pictures like these everywhere?

We’re hooked on polariod transfers— especially transfers that are fashion focused.  We wanted to share the work of Elle Moss- a photographer who has beautiful, timeless images with a fashion-feel.

Here’s a link to her blog: http://ellemoss.blogspot.com/2008/07/etsy-favorites-polaroid-transfers.html

And if you’re looking for last minute holiday gifts, she sells on her site and etsy.com

-Kari Skaflen

Dec
11th
Thu
permalink
The dress that sparked my love!

The dress that sparked my love!

permalink
Dark and delicate top for a holiday fete

Dark and delicate top for a holiday fete

permalink
A soft look for spring from Chulette

A soft look for spring from Chulette

permalink

Chulette takes us to new lows

Dressing for winter is hard, and getting all fancy is even more dificult. I mean, how to make a statement without freezing? I’ve always been in love with dresses with low backs; its a nice way to be elegant, feminine and show a little skin without showing all your cards. When I was visiting Seaplane in Portland, I fell in love with this darling little frock by Chulette and I’m pleased to announce that Chicago’s own Habit carries this NYC designer’s line as well. Better yet, she’s having a sale on her website; empowering all those resessionistas out there who are looking for a great day to night piece.

Keep an eye out for even more low backed pieces from her spring line, I know I will!

-Kelsey Kreiling

permalink
Before you come out to Happy Dog for the Fashion Presentaion on Saturday evening, stop in to Abigail Glaum Lathbury’s studio.  She’s moving to a new location and selling some of her suprlus stock of beautiful fabric in quantities ranging from 1 to 20 yards, all for dirt cheap!!  And by that I mean, in the $1 to $3 range for stuff like Italian cotton, linen cotton blends, and lots of silks.The studio is mere steps from the Brown line Western stop in Lincoln Square, and is easy to get to on the Lincoln, Western, and Lawrence buses. 4770 N. Lincoln Ave.Suite 14From 12:00 - 5:00 Saturday December 13th

Before you come out to Happy Dog for the Fashion Presentaion on Saturday evening, stop in to Abigail Glaum Lathbury’s studio.  She’s moving to a new location and selling some of her suprlus stock of beautiful fabric in quantities ranging from 1 to 20 yards, all for dirt cheap!!  And by that I mean, in the $1 to $3 range for stuff like Italian cotton, linen cotton blends, and lots of silks.

The studio is mere steps from the Brown line Western stop in Lincoln Square, and is easy to get to on the Lincoln, Western, and Lawrence buses. 

4770 N. Lincoln Ave.
Suite 14
From 12:00 - 5:00
Saturday December 13th

Dec
10th
Wed
permalink
Drop whatever you’re doing and come out Saturday Dec. 13 for a Performance/Funeral.  The event is the brainchild of designer Annie Novotny of Frei Designs.
Intrigued? You should be— so get to Happy Dog 1542 N. Milwaukee Ave and satiate your curiosity.  Doors open at 8, performance at 9pm.

Drop whatever you’re doing and come out Saturday Dec. 13 for a Performance/Funeral.  The event is the brainchild of designer Annie Novotny of Frei Designs.

Intrigued? You should be— so get to Happy Dog 1542 N. Milwaukee Ave and satiate your curiosity.  Doors open at 8, performance at 9pm.

Dec
8th
Mon
permalink
Love this snake charmer’s bracelet from Roberto Cavalli that embraces the “Mimosa” color and interweaves a cool winter white.
www.netaporter.com

Love this snake charmer’s bracelet from Roberto Cavalli that embraces the “Mimosa” color and interweaves a cool winter white.

www.netaporter.com