Big "E" Levi's, big history.

Payday was always a religious experience for me when I began my first job at Caribou Coffee in Minneapolis. After two long weeks of slaving over espresso shots and steamed milk, I’d finally receive that long-awaited paycheck and head straight to my favorite vintage store, B-Squad. 

Prior to my earning money, B-Squad seemed like more of a museum than a clothing store. I’d spend hours fingering through their selection, dreaming of what I’d go home with if I had the money. To appease my desires, I’d purchase battered Prince records and $15 tour tees, leaving behind the pricier pieces to gather dust.

Hidden within a rack of leather jackets was a standout denim Levi’s vest with dozens of golden, star-shaped studs across the front and a giant black barcode printed across the back. At the time, I’d just begun listening to The Velvet Underground and watching Andy Warhol documentaries, so this particular piece seemed like the perfect way to realize my ’60s fantasy. I wanted so badly to look like Lou Reed—a struggling artist with no money and an irreversible drug addiction.

Unlike most Levi’s denim, this vest had a capital “E” on its signature red label, which indicated that it had been manufactured after 1950 and before 1971. Today, “Big E” Levi’s denim is so rare that many have resorted to creating fake labels to turn a profit.

Despite a month filled with visits to B-Squad, I could never justify that daunting $100 price tag. For weeks, I continued patiently saving my paltry barista paychecks, while the vest seemed to patiently wait for me, as well. Finally, on my 17th birthday, all this drawn-out waiting ended.

Like all previous paydays, I rode my lime green bicycle to South Minneapolis, but this time I was equipped with a crisp, white envelope proudly packed with $100. Like all previous paydays, I walked straight to that denim vest, but this time I wasn’t just window-shopping. And like all previous paydays, the owner of B-Squad warmly welcomed me, but this time she approached me with an undeniable proposal.

“How about you take that vest off my hands for $60 instead of $100,” she suggested, slyly. “Watching you drool every week is more painful to me than losing $40.”

I remember so clearly the feeling of leaving that hole-in-the-wall store with such a special piece of clothing—something I’d waited so long to acquire. In a high school filled with Sperry’s and Lululemon, that rugged, vintage vest really stood out in those boring, beige halls. This, however, is exactly what I wanted and still crave today—that reckless Lou Reed aesthetic. 

A fall must-have with a twist

Knit sweaters are known as fall fashion’s must-have clothing item, but heavy knit garments tend to get boring by the end of fall. This is why I love my H&M black knit sweater with cut-out sleeves. At a glance, it looks like the average sweater, but take a second look and you will notice it’s not-so-average sleeves.   

Usually knit sweaters make my body look too bulky because of my curves, but the cut-outs attract more attention to my shoulders, giving a balanced look to the rest of my body. The sweater is also lightweight and loose fitting, leaving extra room to layer without feeling like a walking bundle of fabric.

Black clothing is always classic and can stay in a wardrobe for months and maybe even a year or two. Even though the “cut-out” trend has re-appeared throughout the past couple of years, the cut-outs on the sweater—whether they will be trendy next year or not—will always make for an interesting ensemble. Without the subtle cuts, this would just be a black sweater.

Because of the sweater’s versatility it can be worn with denim, leggings and skirts, giving each look a different style. Toward the colder days of fall, the sweater can be dressed up with scarves, and the cut-outs make it breathable, allowing me to throw a on heavy coat during the winter months.   

Most days, if a sweater is on my outfit forecast, it is because I’m cold and I’m not looking to put too much effort into my look of the day. A black sweater goes with everything, but the cuts make the entire piece work double time, not only serving as a comfortable fall garment, but also an edgy piece without working too hard. I can dress the sweater down or up without feeling too lazy about my look.

Styling Shoes and Sexy Stilettos

Shoes can make or break an outfit. They are the accessory that pulls everything together and separates the stylish fashion elite from the amateur fashionista.  One can wear the most elegant dress or have the most put together office look, but throw on the wrong pair of shoes and she might as well be wearing last season's rags.

But having the perfect footwear isn't just about what it does for the outfit; it's about what it does for the wearer.  Nothing makes me feel more sexy and confident than a great pair of shoes. I appreciate the confidence I channel whenever I'm wearing heels.  I try to go for heeled boots or booties as opposed to a stiletto shoe because they are easier to walk in; and nothing breaks confidence more than face-planting on Chicago's city streets.

My favorite heeled shoes are my Tommy Hilfiger Rayelle Two Tone Booties  in dark green with a brown leather wrap.  I lead a lot of different lifestyles, and as a college student who can't afford tons of pieces, I need items that fit well in a number of situations. These booties are versatile enough to wear for both a casual or formal outing.  They look great styled with a pair of dark skinny jeans and a simple blouse as I head to class, as well as with tights and a little black dress for a formal work function.

My wardrobe consists of a lot of neutral tones, so I like using the dark green boot as a way to add subtle color into my outfit.  I like the dullness of the green because it blends nicely with the rest of my pieces.  It makes enough of a statement to show my styling abilities, but not too much to that it draws unwanted attention. 

Winter’s here early, time to dust off your faux fur

With winter in full effect in the cold city of Chicago it’s time to pull out my favorite piece from the back of my closet, my fur! Don’t worry, it’s not real, even though I’m not exactly against real furs. If I had the money I’d probably have one.

Furs are just so luxurious. They make you look like you have money or that you’re important and that’s what I strive to be. I feel like Anna Wintour or someone of her stature when I walk the downtown streets of Chicago in it (not that Anna Wintour would be walking anywhere, but you get the point). What’s that saying? “If you want the part, you got to the look the part”, something along the lines.

Along with many things in my closet, I picked this jet black fur from my favorite store, Akira, just last winter. Originally around $150 I snagged the statement piece for only $40 at the end of the season.

The fur is by a brand by the name of six crisp days and features a black faux leather panel strip in the front with gold zipper detailing. It goes with just about anything and that’s why I love it so much. The shaggy coat looks fashionable but it’s warm at the same. I wish it was the soft kind of fur but nethertheless it’s still my favorite. The coat has a loose box like fit so you still have room to breath. Who said you have to be bundled up like an eskimo to be warm?

The Everlasting Piece

Out of everything in my closet, from shirts, to jeans, to dresses, there is one piece that I go to for everything. My leather jacket. For two years now, I’ve used this jacket like it was my best friend.  With it being one of the more expensive pieces in my wardrobe, I never regret spending the money on buying it. When I put it on, I feel complete. I’m confident and it is like no one can stop me.

The real dark charcoal gray leather matches with everything I wear. It has a simple collar and zippers as the accents. They are on the sleeves and pockets. Although the outside had stitching going vertical on the sleeves and the coat itself, the inside it what really sold me.

There is also square stitching across the shoulders, almost making it look like there it shoulder pads. The bottom of the jacket also has a pattern stitch to give it a more fitted look.

The lining of the jacket is all a floral pattern. Which gives the jacket that delicate feeling of it.  The outside looks like the motorcycle jacket, that has been around for decades, but the inside makes it different, makes it for the a woman. It’s personalized to me. I am the type of person that wears floral patterns and grays. This jacket suits me perfectly, it describes me as a person, and it my comfort blanket that I go to for everything. It will forever be that piece of clothing that I can wear for years and it will never go out of style.

Some good shoes

    November, 2011, Friday afternoon. I bought them for two dollars, or a dollar a shoe. I was roaming around the Salvation Army on Grand and Milwaukee, looking for a blazer for a “fancy” dinner party that weekend, when they caught my friend Tom’s eye. He tried to squeeze his long ass feet in them, but they wouldn’t give. He tossed them my way. As every dumb 19 year old, I couldn’t give a damn about any shoe other than a Nike hi-top, but for two dollars, why the hell not. They were faded around the soles, but were nowhere close to falling apart.

    March 2012, a Thursday night. I wore blue jeans and a buttoned down shirt. I didn't want to wear sneakers, because while I was casually dressed, I wasn’t a casual. It was misting out, so I wasn’t about to break in my brand new Adidas’. So for the first time in my life, I wore dress shoes when I wasn’t explicitly asked to. Before heading off to a party, I stopped in my friend’s dorm room for a few beers. His roommate was a fashion major. He asked me what kind of shoes I was wearing. I took off one, looked at the sole, and told him Alan Edmonds. He nodded. He’d been looking for a pair like mine for years. I didn’t tell him how much I spent on each shoe until later that night, and he lightly punched me out of jealousy. I still don’t think he’s found his perfect pair.

    October 2013, the Friday night before Halloween. I’ve broken in the Alan Edmonds, through snow in wool socks, without socks and cuffed pants through humidity. It was a costume party a week early, I wasn’t aware, but I fit in as a twee professor. A lady came up to me, herself in knee socks and ankle boots with the zipper on the side. She was fascinated by my shoes, enough to come over to me. We talked the whole night. I was convinced these shoes were magical.

    November 2014, Sunday night, typing how I feel about these Allen Edmonds. I have other items of clothing. My dad’s 1968 graduation present Beatles jacket, made in Holland, when they used to make clothing in Holland, and when they used to call the country Holland. My green Levi’s skinny jeans, worn so much there’s a hole on each side. But I’ll never find shoes so respected, at a better cost, than the thrift store Allen Edmonds.

It’s Time for American Made

After only one month, the leather strap of my Shinola watch has begun to darken, which reminds me of my love and passion for the American-made timepiece.

The smell of fresh wood still remains on the box that encased my favorite watch. The box is proudly engraved with “Shinola Detroit,” so no one wrongly assumes that this is just another brand that manufactures outside the United States. As the box suggests, Shinola manufactures all of its watches in what was once the booming automobile manufacturing city of America. 

Though Detroit has deteriorated to its skeletal remains, according to Shinola’s website, “We’re starting with the reinvigoration of a storied American brand, and a storied American city. Because we believe in the beauty of industry. The glory of manufacturing.” 

Within the wooden box is a steel label, which reads, “Built by Stefan Mihoc,” who I learn from Shinola’s website is from Troy, MI and has worked for Shinola for three years.

As I wear my watch, I feel as though my purchase is contributing to the rise of the Motor City and success of the people within its walls. 

Before I purchased the watch, I spent 30 minutes of the sales associates time trying on countless Shinola watches. Shinola had me at ‘Made in America,’ but choosing just one watch was growing more and more difficult. I was in the market for a time piece that would join me through my lifetime, so I decided on The Runwell. Its tan leather strap stitched with cream thread was made at Chicago’s Horween Leather Company in Bucktown and blends well with my skin tone. Plus, the white face that's enclosed by a steel case compliments most of the items in my closet. 

Since the day I purchased the Shinola watch in early October, I haven’t gone a day without wearing it. 

My Go-To LBD

“One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress.” Karl Lagerfeld once said. Everyone has a staple clothing item in his or her closet that are considered “go-to’s”. Whether it is your favorite tweed blazer, laced black wedge heels, high-waisted jeans, or in this case the ultimate little black dress.

No matter the occasion, formal or casual, my staple item of clothing is a narrow-waist a-line black dress. Perfect to dress-down with a quarter length sleeve bomber jacket or dress-up and accessories with colorful jewelry, shoes, and makeup.  Something every woman holds near and dear to her ankle-strap heels that say I can be simultaneously sexy and serious.  

With the rise of LBD’s in the late twenties stemming from women entering the workforce, this created the fusion of ‘serious’ feminine attire. This uniform for strong independent women became the models for the LBD.  No matter your lifestyle, taste, or preference this go-to black dress will be a timeless fashion piece in the wardrobe for future women. 

Prior to this, you would only see women wear black during a time of mourning; Coco Chanel is credited for spearheading this staple on the 1926 cover of American Vogue. Perhaps one of the most infamous LBD’s that seemingly became it’s own character was Audrey Hepburn’s in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s designed by Givenchy.  Based on this alone, you can see why it’s maintained its place in fashion for decades. 

Mine on the other hand, would be a more modern take on a formal LBD with the influence of the item du jour skater baby-doll dress incorporation of a flaring skirt. Having bought from European-based online store Motel Rocks last year with practically all of my tax return money, you can easily see how this is a staple item in my closet.  Made of 100% Viscose, this drop neck, 3/4 sleeve, zip closure, high-low hem dress all enhanced by a strategically placed mid-section inset to emphasize the curves; a beautiful matrimony for the girl-on-the-go’s LBD.   

Blazin'

A piece that can go with jeans, heels, tennis shoes or leggings. It's the blazer. I love my blazers and I recently stepped out of my all black persona and purchased a navy blue one. Yes, it's not a pop of color,per se, and it's pretty close to black.

Moving on...I love wearing blazers because they are very versatile. I can dress down and look like I still care. The best ones are long enough to cover your bum when you're wearing leggings. I find that the softer, looser blazers are more versatile than the blazers that you typically would wear with a suit.

Another positive is blazers comes in all different colors so you can pair an yellow one with a black and white stripped dress in the summer. Or a red blazer with a white top and black jeans and heels. You can get so many looks with them because they're a layering piece.

Personally, I wear blazers with almost every outfit.  It makes me look more put together. I even wear them with tennis shoes, if I am dressing down. I'll wear a white men's n-neck tee, leggings, tennis shoes and a blazer. A look I, jokingly, call my Kris Jenner look.



I honestly think a blazer fits everyone of all shapes and sizes and can be appropriate in any situation.

A night in Paris with ALYCE Paris

ALYCE Paris is a Chicago based brand that caters to formal dresses from homecoming, to prom, to bridal.

Their mission is “to design and market consistently innovative and fresh styles in evening wear that inspire and endow a unique look and personal feel for girls and women experiencing such momentous occasions as the milestone rites of passage of prom, marriage, graduation and other special life events.”

The founder Alyce Hamm (formally Alice) was born in France in 1930. In honor of the brand’s founder and where she came from they strive to incorporate French and European aesthetic and sense of style through each gown. Some gowns may be more revealing than what royalty would have worn but one step into these gown and I’m sure you’ll look and feel like Kate Middleton. You can definitely see the European elegance throughout each gown.

Alyce and her brand has expanded tremendously since starting in 1967. Though she’s no Balenciaga Alyce has still made a name for herself over the years specifically in the world of gowns.

This season and consistent with past seasons are very slim fitting dresses with the exception of some short princess like homecoming dresses. Most dresses are all blinged out in either heavy beading or shiny sequins for a signature look.

Alyce Paris prides themselves on tradition, heritage, culture, dignity, elegance and respect. Their dresses have been worn by Britney Spears, Vanna White and many more.

This brand makes me wish I was 17 all over again contemplating and trying on a million different potential prom dresses. Check out the latest gowns at alyceparis.com

Art Institute sticks out like sore thumb

Featured at Chicago’s disappointing fashion week Style Bias show was an array of designers. From Fashion Geek, to the Leaders, to designer Albert Ray they all had interesting pieces, and not the good kind of interesting either. Most of the designs were screenprint t-shirts but we’re not going to get into that. The most interesting designers, and remember interesting does not necessarily mean good, were from the Art Institute. Through all the ripped jeans, camo and graphic t’s these designer really stuck out like a sore thumb. Though they weren't cohesive with the rest of the show I’m sure the audience didn't mind a break from the DIY like designs, I know I didn’t. During the Art Institute collection, which included multiple unknown designers, a male model made his way down the runway in what reminded me of something Kanye West or Chris Brown would wear. Cut off black jeans were paired with a 3/4 sleeve black tee layered with a cut off sleeve hoodie with rope drawstring detailing and a pair of dirty gray high top adidas, but that’s not what intrigued me. The model had on a black medusa like headpiece that covered the the entire face, even the eyes. I’m not sure what exactly was made designer but the headpiece definitely stood out from the rest of the Art Institute collection. I don't think I’d seen anything like it before. It was a little scary and obviously not wearable but I give the designer cool points for standing out. It gave the basic outfit a little extra push which was very much needed not only in the outfit but the entire show.  

Due to the fact that the show was poorly organized and didn’t include a program I do not know which Art Institute designer made this piece.

A Wedding Dress That Took The Wedding Cake

Javonica-Chicago Wedding Gown

Javonica Sapp of Japonica-Chicago creates elegant, contemporary, and timeless bridal gowns and eveningwear. At Chicago's Fashion Week, Sanford-Brown College Chicago's fashion show presented the 2009 alumnus' bridal collection on October 15. Incorporated into Sapp's gowns are silks, French laces, and Swarovski rhinestones. Her work has already been featured in Chicago Style Wedding's Magazine after launching her bridal collection in 2013. 

The above Javonica-Chicago bridal gown was a standout piece because of it's elegance and timelessness. The fitted chest is balanced by the fullness of the ruffles. The tea-length gown lengthens into a floor-length dress, which adds a sexy appeal to the shin of the legs. The gown would suit any body type because of its silhouette. Sapp created a gorgeous gown for a magical chapter of a woman's life. 

Standout piece: Revolution Fashion Show

Cheap material mixing and tacky embellishments: the indirect fluidity of the student and alumni fashion show practically screamed. Just when you thought it couldn't get anymore tasteless the seemingly Candyland inspired gown stole the show, or the stock of red pleather at your local fabric store. With a questionable aim to shock the audience, the wrapped pleather, use of gold silk as a peek-a-boo to the train, the wrap-neck Dracula style collar, and attempt to incorporate poppy-like embellishments resulted in a scattered cheer and applause that could have been a result of the craftsmanship and idea or lack there of. 


Although the theme revolved around revolutionary fashion, which could be considered outlandish, the cheap leather and pearl embellishments to resemble poppy's just topped the cake as the wackiest fashion show to be seriously organized. Contemplating whether this was in lieu of the Halloween season or intentionally meaning to cause disbelief, the gown caused an instantaneously scattered applause to which made considerable audience members look to see if the designer came out to be acknowledged. Feeling as if this piece was rushed in production, specifically the wrapped materials outlined in a pearls made one reminisce of a piece featured in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  


Notably to take on fusing graphic design and fashion to create a "pop art fashion" show sounds provoking but prevailed to serve the audience anything but loud designs, overdone embellishments, neon stripper wigs, bright lipstick, and accompanying picket signs with POW!, BANG!, BOOM! Comic-style thought bubbles. Overall the attempt to create a stimulating fashion show where the aesthetics serve to an unconventional theme, could inevitably be illustrious. However the idea, theme, and way of connecting graphic design and fashion could've served us something more than a sloppy attempt at a fashion showcase. 


The aim of Stanford Brown’s revolution fashion show seemed prevalent to the idea of pushing the envelope with “the future of fashion”, though the creativity seemed rushed and intentionally un-wearable. The transparency for a far-fetched aim made for a Cosplay or new age Disney princess feel, in which the more playful and idealist-based the piece appeared the better.