The Style Cooperative & ABC News

Today on ABC Chicago's midday broadcast, Kiran from the Mayor's Fashion Council here in the windiest of cities talked a little bit about the shops that will be popping up alongside me tomorrow and Wednesday in the middle of the city.

Check out the short clip to hear more about some great designers that call Chicago home. The Co-Op holds it down for menswear nicely!

Quite Strong

Design tends to be a big fat Boys' Club, it's true. 

There's a lot of chatter on the web among creative types, particularly on twitter, about innovation, change, and being the agent of such things. A lot of times, being the woman forcing her way into that conversation and making a statement that is heard can be tricky.

Enter: Quite Strong, design's Girls' Club

Why Style Matters & other reasons why I want to be Ozwald Boateng when I grow up

Let me preface this by saying one thing: only begin to watch this when you have a block of time to kill. You will get sucked in. It is amazing. It just may entrance you.

With that said, enjoy this 1 hour documentary film on Ozwald Boateng, Savile Row, style vs. substance, and all kinds of menswear perfection. More after the jump. It's worth every minute, I promise.

After you watch, can we please talk about his shirt collars? Mmkgreat.

Ozwald Boateng, A Man's Story

Can't wait until the full length version is released. Simply brilliant.

The Grind & Taking Some Time

Almost 8 months ago, I walked away from corporate life to start The Style Cooperative.

It was a really bold (read: ballsy) move. This, I admit. I was looking for ways to exercise my thoughts and energy in a way that felt fulfilling. I began designing and working on an idea that I had come up with years before, and it became my life.

If you're into twitter and follow a lot of like-minded folks who are young, creative, entrepreneurial, and passionate about their craft, you start to see a lot of similarities.  One thing that I always see and hear from other people working to develop their future is the proverbial "grind-off".

The Grind-Off (n): The act of expressing publicly how hard one works, typically in a passion project that is expected to result in positive creative work to be consumed by the masses. Common phrases include: "The grind never sleeps", "I'll sleep when I'm dead", or some other expression indicating the lengths they will go to be successful.

And I shall not throw stones, because I, at times, am guilty of this as well. But there comes a point when you realize that even if you never sleep at all, there will still always be work you could do. Our work and ideas are not in a vacuum, and in order to progress and come to the table with the most original, ridiculous, and effing fantastic work we've ever produced, sometimes you have to know when to push pause.

Then I saw this video with Stefan Sagmeister on TED about design and the power of time off.  From all the self-induced stress that many of us are under, I feel like this is an interesting look at the idea of job vs. career vs. calling, and what it means for each of us today before we hit a plateau, wall, or anything else similarly uncomfortable.

Think about it.

Field Trip: Optimo Chicago

Remember when I shared the video of Optimo Chicago? You know, the hand crafted artisan hats from their workshop on the south side?  Well, I finally visited.

Long-haired beaver felt. No, seriously.

And the hats were unbelievable.

They start with felt base shapes of hats, the work them into the precisely shaped and deliberately crafted goods that are made to order.

When I spoke to one of the people in the shop, she mentioned that it takes about 1 month to received a hat upon ordering. After watching them in action, it's definitely worth the wait to have something made special and just for you.

Classic production, done the old-fashion way. There are signs of quality in goods like this that you just can't find when you buy off the rack. While the price is steep, you definitely can't buy the experience.

I've got my eyes on a new hat, and hopefully it'll be an Optimo.

Fashion Focus 2010

I got the great chance on Tuesday to sit in at the Fashion Focus 2010 runway show featuring designers from the Chicago Fashion Incubator of years past and some of the newer designers.  You can think of it like Project Runway, just without  the eliminations.

Luxury lingerie line by Dottie's Delights.

This was the opening event for what is known as Fashion Focus week, and all of the fashionphiles, style bloggers, and Midwestern press was in attendance.

Anna Hovet - got to meet her after. Loveliest gal.

While I do love showing support to local designers and seeing who's up to what, my favorite part was the people watching. Seeing people dressed up like you never do at other times in Chicago was exciting.

I donned a giant black bow, paired with a top from The Co-Op (images coming to a blog near you), and matte red lips. Sharp, sleek, and pretty refined.

*All images in this post via

The Girl Version

Maybe it's just me, but lately it seems like guys are having a way better time and doing far more interesting things with clothing.  I've been a long standing fan of the urban prep looks from people and places like The Brooklyn Circus, Street Etiquette, and all those other men's style blogs I spend way too much time on.

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But here's the thing: I WISH THERE WAS A GIRL VERSION.

via... somewhere. Help me out if you have the source!

So girls like me (and the very awesome Sham!) have to get a little creative in order to incorporate these pieces into our looks. We dress menswear up, down, and contort it into something that looks like it was almost made for the body we possess. So maybe the world's ready for the real(ly cool) girl version of it all.

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*suspicious grin*

Made in Chicago: The Art of EMJ

Last night, I had a great time checking out the opening of the EMJ design loft here in Chicago.  I sported a bow tie just as I obsessed over earlier.

Eric, chief designer and fantastic host, introduced me to his product line of concept bow ties and a few prototypes that he's working on.

He's a hard working guy who just gets it in terns of shaking up the style scene in Chicago and beyond. He brought the stylish of Chicago out and together for a night- I'm excited to watch the great things that unfold.

(Disclaimer: I shamelessly stole borrowed these images from his site/blog.)

Made In Chicago: Optimo

A while back, when the weather was cold before, I shared my secret love of my dad's old fedora hats.  I recently learned about Optimo, a Chicago brand that makes hats by hand.  They understand the importance of craftsmanship, of handmade goods, and sharing it with the world. 

I'm not sure if it's just my fascination with luxury contemporary menswear, but it seems like the guys labels are really working hard to produce smart, individually crafted, classically branded, American produced goods that will last a  lifetime (or 2 or 3).

We've seen so much digital and production innovation in the past years, and I'm sure efficiency innovation is off the charts.  However, I'm so happy that brands and consumers are taking to product innovation and evolving to appreciate the art of apparel, and the story that has built it.

Handmade luxury is the new status symbol. There. I said it.

For Fall, Bow Ties

Rugby

 You may know this by now, but I'm kind of a cross dresser.  I mean not a serious one, but I definitely love and will fully embrace the androgonous look for fall. I'm thinking Annie Hall meets The Great Gatsby meets the Ivy League.  Oh yea.

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What makes me particularly happy is that mens accessories are being styled these days on women.  Think brands like The Brooklyn Circus that are menswear labels styling women in their clothes. Love. It.

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The way I'll be keeping it boyish but refined is with bowties throughout the fall.  You may just see some special little additions to The Co-Op as well.

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So what's your favorite gender bending style statement?

You Are Invited!

Outside of working on The Co-Op, Freelance Brigade, and the blog, I find myself working on other projects as opportunities present themselves.  Recently, I was offered the opportunity to be a part of a group of emerging designers in the Chicago area to create looks for a charity fashion event hosted by the WNBA team, Chicago Sky.

Hard at work in preparation for this show, I'm truly excited for what I'll be showing with Chicago Sky players as the models.  The evening gown I've designed will also be up for grabs in an auction to support A Silver Lining Foundation.  

If you're in the Chicago area, do consider supporting the show next week- it's a great cause.  I'll see you on the runway!

Style Like U

Lately people have been asking me pretty often where I get inspiration for some the projects that I work on.  Whether it's styling for shoots, designing for events, or whatever the case may be.  I think that's tough to say because for me, inspiration comes from everything around me, but especially things that aren't.

Ying Chu from Stylelikeu on Vimeo.

And then there are those times when I stumble upon people, places, online content, etc. that just surprise me into feeling a certain way. Inspired.  Watching the Style Like U video interviews make sense to me and kind of feel like I'm watching an interview with an old friend.  They are people who speak the same language of creativity, and possess this energy... that's inspiring.

Spring's Fall Picks

This past weekend, I took a 1-day staycation and went to the beach.  This gave me the time to finally catch up on some reading, sanity, and also some Autumn/Winter 2100 fashion looks.  Does anybody else see the irony of me at the beach pining over cold weather wear? 

Anyhow, here's what I drooled over for one reason or another.

All images via style.com

Chicago Blogger Soiree

I'm finally back in blogging business after a long 2 weeks of production, styling, and general craziness leading up to the shoot of my line (sneak peek to come!)

In between prep time, I got the chance to go to the Chicago Blogger Soiree at Sunda hosted by Alaina of Live Creating Yourself, Jess of Makeunder My Life, and Crystal of Plush Palate.  All really amazing and inspiring ladies, on and offline, and I feel really honored to have been invited to the event with such great writers on the blog circuit.

It was so nice to spend some time over drinks with this insanely talented group of people.  Everybody has a great point of view when it comes to design, style, and why they blog.  I love chatting up with some of the bloggers about our lives in terms of what readers see, talking shop with some wonderfully entrepreneurial ladies, and meeting the people behind some of my daily reads.  

Ever the design duo we are, Jess (above, far left) and I are sporting my dresses and her jewelry!

It was a fantastic time, I loved the energy of this group, and can't wait to do this again.  Hopefully we can see some more of you Chicago design & style bloggers out the next time around in June!

A Little Shoe Indulgence

I'm always really hesitant to buy anything that is too trendy, as I like to think of my closet as a collection of pieces that I'll wear forever. Then there's shoes. Usually I'll allow myself one indulgent, on trend and probably-will-not-ever-be-worn-past-the-season pair every few months or so.

It's because of this, I get really intense and spend too much time researching to know I'm getting what I'll love the most.  Style nerd, yes. That's me.

Right now, I've been consistently impressed with the looks that Jeffrey Campbell has out for summer (and they're reasonably priced!).  I'm looking for a sky high platform wedge with lots of straps, embellishments, and whatever other kind of crap they can put on it. I'm talking over the top, but with some versatile sensibility and charm.  I plan on wearing them to toughen up pretty little summer numbers.

I've got quite the list of requirements for a single shoe I suppose. The compulsive shoe research continues!

Print Works

One thing that's going to make my spring are all of the beautifully busy prints popping up everywhere.  While florals and similar prints for spring aren't such a surprise, the colorful prints this time around are more delicate, whimsical, and everything you'll need to make a simple piece a little more special as the weather warms up.

Nadinoo of the UK has some looks in vintage inspired shapes that somehow look perfectly current.  Do check them out.

Refined Inspiration

 I don't typically post runway images, but there is something so right about what you are about to see.

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Burberry's SS 2010 has been spinning through my mind to the point where I actually spend a little too much time thinking about how absolutely spot on it is.  The drape meets structure, and the structure has this incredible drape.  It almost is too much for me to think about, really.

Almost.

Liberty, Spring, and Bicycles

By the good graces of technology, I learned yesterday that Liberty of London will have a limited release of products for Target in less than a month.  The line will include home wares, apparel, and a few other goodies.

all images from Target.com

Of course the preview was minimal, but the prints look great.

However, the REAL treat about all of this is how they are applying the prints.  Starting to obsessively stalk all people who can help ensure I get this bicycle in my possession now!  (Crossing my fingers it's not just sized for kids as the video lets on.)

What I Learned from Alexander McQueen

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I learned late this morning that Alexander McQueen was found dead this morning in London. His life and work remains every bit imaginative and beautiful. With his mix of art and engineering, showmanship and craft; it all blows my mind.

So with that, what I've learned from his work.

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Impossible is nothing.

At 40 years, he was able to accomplish what some can't in a lifetime. Starting with learning the fundamentals with the best, once in a lifetime opportunities happen pretty often, and he was ready. With a fearless work ethic and a real understanding of textiles as art, he dreamed it, then did it.

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Trust your gut & hold on.

Fans and critics alike began to expect the unexpected from his collections. They were strange, exciting, different, and show-stopping. He had a visions and the intense courage to run with it, and the faith that it would all work out in the end. That fearlessness of artful innovation is something that positively inspires me.