Fashion Focus Chicago is finally here! Tonight was the Preview Party, held at the Public Hotel which was totally posh and beautiful! The crowd was gorgeous and were definitely the creme-de-la-creme of Chicago Fashion! I felt a little out of place because I am a newcomer to the scene and didn’t know anyone, but I warmed up after a bit. Over all, it was a very nice, swanky kick off to the week, and it made me excited about the shows to come!

I know you’ve seen this outfit before, but I love this dress and didn’t know exactly how dressy everyone was going to be. This struck a nice balance between between formal and casual. 🙂 Purple Iliana Knot Dress: Igigi, Red shoes: Me Too, Red Stone Necklace: Francesca’s, Earrings: No idea!

I spied this coat from across the room, and made a beeline for this woman. When I asked her where it was from, she said “It’s Armani….I’m sorry.” LOL. I didn’t know why she was apologizing….I mean…maybe I didn’t look like I could afford to shop at Armani…lol. but come on! Keep your pity in check. lol. Maybe she didn’t mean anything by it…but it is a gorgeous coat! Too bad I have diamond taste on a rhinestone budget!

I was obsessed with all three of these women! The designer’s name (in the middle) is Lauren Lein and she will be showing her line at the Vert Couture Eco-Fashion Show on Thursday.  The woman on the left in the gorgeous re-purposed (or up-cycled) cocktail dress is a model who I believe will be walking in the show on Thursday. The stunningly beautiful woman on the right is Bianca Alexander, Co-Founder of Conscious Planet Media, and the Executive Producer of the Vert Couture eco-fashion show. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of these dresses and I can’t wait to see what’s in store at the show on Thursday!

I made a friend! Her name is Nicole and she is covering the event for http://joonbug.com/newyork. I hope I run into her at some other events throughout the week!

I actually had to cut myself out of this picture, because these people were too glamorous for me. 🙂 Tony (on the left) was there to support Nunu, a jewelry designer and stylist. She is wearing a dress designed by the woman on the right (I didn’t catch her name!). They were a fun group and I’m glad I got to chat with them a bit.

We were all called into a posh back room to see a short video about Fashion Focus Chicago produced by Aleah Connect. I couldn’t resist lounging around on the soft, plush sofa. 🙂

OMG…How many words for stunning can you come up with? Aleah Connect from WCIU’s Fashion Express looked AMAZING!!!

And I snuck a picture with Mario Tricoci!!!! Isn’t he a dapper fellow? He’ll be hosting Wednesday night’s show called InspireDesign. 🙂 He was so sweet, and his wife was GORGEOUS!

I totally stalked this designer around the event and finally got a picture! Her name is Miriam Cecilia Carlson, and she  is incredibly talented. Look at the lines of her dress, and that belt is to DIE for! Her designs are going to be part of the Macy’s Fashion Incubator Show tomorrow night, and I can’t wait!

Here’s another amazing picture of Bianca Alexander. sigh. So wild and refined at the same time!

This is Christina Fan of C/FAN Designs….she is stunningly beautiful and even though it was too warm in the event for those beautiful coats, they slipped them on at the end of the night and I managed to snap a picture. Christina was part of the 2010 crop of Chicago Fashion Incubator designers, and she’ll be showcased tomorrow night too!

Had to get a shot by the chandelier. 🙂

OK, it was a great event, and I can’t believe so many of Chicago Fashion’s superstars were all in the same room with me! I have a ton to do to prepare for the rest of the week…and I hope my camera will survive the millions of pictures I plan to take!

So…goodnight for now!!! More to come!!!
xoxo