Wednesday's Designer Profile: Vince Camuto

 "I love taking classic styles and adding a bit of seduction to them.." -Vince Camuto

Here at LGS we love Vince Camuto, specifically for his shoes. He makes a great heel.

So where did Vince get his start? It's interesting that he is not more widely known, because his name is behind several major brands! A great American designer is always a rarity, so Vince definitely sets a tone for other American designers.

He started out by co-founding Nine West, and making that a household name. He then went on to create the Camuto Group, which provides design, sourcing, marketing and production services to over 5,000 department and independent retailers throughout the world!
He then launched a few brands for Dillard's, including Gianni Bini, a more well known Dillard's shoe brand.

Just when his success seems to reach a peak, he acquires the footwear licenses to BCBG, 

which, of course, is major.

Alas, the main reason we love him, his self acclaimed footwear line "Vince Camuto" which started out exclusively a shoes & expanded to much more!

A couple fab shoes from the Vince Camuto label: 

It turns out that Vince has helped design/collaborate with many different labels! In addition to the ones listed above: Jessica Simpson, Tory Burch & Lucky Brand have been graced by Vince's fashion wisdom. So, does he have time to sleep!?

Not only is Vince a great designer, but he cares about the world, too!

Vince Camuto is a loyal supporter of charities benefiting children, including Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude's Hospital, Leukemia Society of America and The Domestic Abuse Awareness Foundation. He also serves on the board of Wish-And-A-Smile!

 Several A-list celebs sport Vince Camuto's heels down the runway 

& his casual shoes while out on errands, which is great advertising for Vince!

Visit Vince Camuto's fabulous blog: Vince Camuto Blog 

Now we're off to Nordstrom to find those bootie heels! 

See you there!

LGS

DIY Project: Fur Vest

I am constantly faced with an inner battle of animal lover vs. fashion-obsessed-who-appreciates-fur! Fur is being seen everywhere this season, not only in coats but vests, shoes and bags as well.

So my question of: "How can I get a fur vest without killing Thumper or Fantastic Mr. Fox?" was answered recently by deciding to recycle that old vintage fur passed down to me a few years ago!

Glass of wine and kitchen knife in hand, I decided to get to business right then and there on my bedroom floor! I am a patient person in general but when I have a project in mind, I have to get to it while my creative juices are flowing!

Step 1: I laid the coat out and visualized exactly where to cut (excuse my backdrop).

Steps 2 & 3: I turned the coat inside out so I could cut from the hide side, along the seems. Here is the Coat sans-sleeves.

And the sleeves awkwardly laying on my couch with my cutting tool (kitchen knife).

Step 4: I then cut as much as I could off of the bottom since it was originally a full length coat.

I know it is hard to visualize (I will wear it one day soon and snap a pic!)... Here is how much I cut off!

Looking forward to showing you how fabulous it looks on!

XX,
Brielle

Details on Dose!

(Photo courtesy of ChicagoShopping.com)

We had such a great time yesterday! We absolutely love being a part of Dose Market! There were so many great food and fashion vendors this past weekend and we were so grateful to be included. To learn more about Dose visit their website: Dose Market

The next Dose Market is October 16th!

We were super busy & met a ton of great people!

A few photos from the day:

Brie representing LGS! (photo courtesy of ChicagoShopping.com)

Some goodies at our booth!

LGS booth!

Happy shoppers swarming our booth!

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by!

XOXO,

LGS

Lindsay's Fall Wishlist!

It's wishlist time. OY.

Fall is my favorite season- The layers, the texture, the fur...

So, here is my edited version in no particular order (edited being the operative word, because I could go on...)

1. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
Phoebe leather-appliquéd suede knee boots
$950 www.netaporter.com

These boots are insanity.

2. MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS
Animal-print faux fur cropped jacket
$175 www.netaporter.com

This is actually no longer part of my wishlist, as I ordered it last week. Oops! This is fabulous. It is the perfect cropped faux fur jacket to go out in.

3. ALICE BY TEMPERLEY
Intarsia cotton cape
$450 www.netaporter.com

I am dying for a cape! This cape is perfect to pair with skinny jeans and ankle booties. LOVE.

4. ANNA SUI
Abstract-pattern knitted coat
$625 www.netaporter.com

Are you starting to get weirded out by my obsession with Black & White?

5. Fornasetti Plates. You can buy these at Barney's home, Neimans, online. I think they are perfect. But honestly, they are so beautiful, it is doubtful I would ever want to serve food on them.

6. Theodora & Callum
Nefertiti Cuff
Style #:TCALL20042
$495.00 www.shopbop.com

This cuff is big, bold and 70's inspired! What could be more fabulous? I would probably style it with at least 2 or 3 other gold cuffs!

Here is to hoping somebody I know sees this list and surprises me! (doubtful)

xx,
Lindsay

Wednesday's Designer Profile: Charlotte Olympia

Charlotte Olympia Dellal launched her London based shoe brand
Charlotte Olympia in 2007.

Four years later the brand is becoming quite the hot commodity!

Charlotte's feminine designs & meticulous attention to detail are what set her shoes 

apart from the masses.

Charlotte Olympia is not a let-down when it comes to extravagance.

The Charlotte Olympia flagship store is in London. Her shoes are also sold at some of the world’s most prestigious retailers, such as Bergdorf Goodman, Dover Street Market, Harrods, Harvey Nichols,  Neiman Marcus & Net-A-Porter.

Here are a few fab celebrities in Charlotte Olympia heels:

Most known for her 'Polly' style (see below)

 

Olympia even makes sure to fit in with the consumer trends:

LEOPARD!

(We might as well add these onto Brielle's wishlist from yesterday)

Brielle's favorite pair of shoes (which is a big deal considering her obsession)
are by Olympia, and she got them from theoutnet.com.

Until tomorrow,
LGS

Brielle's Wishlist - Chrismukkah?

Sooo... my birthday and anniversary have passed.. Chrismukkah? Here's my wishlist of a
              few things I must own! AKA... things I stalk every night before I go to bed. 

  

                                                                                

  

#1

Alexander McQueen bag - Netaporter

This is the perfect evening bag. It is not only BEYOND fabulous, but also is easy to carry. I can bring it to a wedding and hold it while I show off my sweet moves on the dance floor. It's a bag and jewelry. It's a J-ag? or a ring bag... a R-ag? Regardless, I am obsessed. 

 

#2

Rachel Zoe Cape - Intermix 

(Was being sold elsewhere as well but is sold out almost everywhere!) Who doesn't want this? It's amazing. Shall I say "bananas"?

 #3

Chloe Leather Platform Wedge - Saks

These shoes are ridiculous and perfect for fall. The higher the better when it comes to shoes as far as I am concerned and these are delicious.

 #4

 Rag & Bone Fire Engine Red Jeans - Barneys 

Keep in mind, "capri" length translates to ankle length on us miniature people. These are the perfect bright red color.

 

#5

Christian Louboutin Leopard Studded Flats - Netaporter

  Two words: BAD ASS.

#6

Black and white polka dot top - Zara

Perfect work shirt and polka dots are on trend this season.

#7

Bensoni Pink Full Skirt - SARCA

One of my current favorites at Sarca. It is so unique and perfect for a dressy occasion. 

#8

Adrienne Landau Fur Vest - Intermix

I love this for so many reasons... the mix of color, the price relative to so many other fur vests currently out there and that it's not too much to pull off a semi-casual day look but can be dressed up for a night out. 

 #9

Richard Nicoll Metallic Maxi Skirt - The Outnet

This is so pretty and elegant. Unfortunately, like most things I stalk on the outnet, it will most likely sell out quickly. Tear. 

It's called a wishlist for a reason... A girl can dream, can't she?

Wednesday's Designer Profile: Mike Gonzalez

Mike Gonzalez grew up in Los Angeles, and was surrounded by several artists living their dream. Gonzalez was inspired by people making a career out of doing what they loved.

He got his start as a fashion photographer, even before photoshop existed, and still managed to capture the perfect photo! He started seeing fashion differently from behind the lens, and decided to start his own line. Mike & Chris was his debut line, where he made leather jackets luxurious, and 'hoodies' a must-have.

After this success, he branched out to his MIKE GONZALEZ brand, which perfectly mixes sophistication & edge. He has been worn by celebrities & featured in major fashion magazines. He can be found in several boutiques around the world, and in Chicago you can find some of his designs at Intermix!

Mike Gonzalez himself:

 

Isn't this ensemble fabulous!?!

How inspiring that he makes a living doing what he loves, and pleases people like us with his fabulous designs! Bring us more Mike Gonzalez, Chicago!

XOX,

LGS

P.S. Don't forget to submit your photos, only 2 days left!!

Dear Missoni for Target,

We have officially lost our minds.

Brie and I stayed up all night for you. And we are tired. Oh, SO tired.

But, it was all worth it, because we bought everything we wanted!! I mean, everything. We have outfitted our houses with new linens, towels, dishware, pillows...and our bodies with new accessories! (Our new obsession, the floppy hat)

We set our alarms for around 3am and started constantly refreshing the Target site, until at 4am we struck gold and the product went live!! It was the most stressful online shopping experience ever. Mainly due to the fact that the site kept emptying our carts. Did you kids ever watch Supermarket Sweep? Well, that was pretty much the equivalent and Brie and I got the diapers and honey baked hams!

Then, even though we didn't sleep, we decided that we would go to Cicero, IL to a Target that we assumed would have some gems left. And they did, and then we got more. Mainly office supplies for our new space. But, we are able to see the clothes, and we were very impressed with the quality. 

Anyways, we are tired. But here are a few highlights from the shopping trip. Don't judge my face or my outfit. I didn't sleep, so cut me some slack!!

Me and the cart. Best Friends!

Too bad that backdrop wasn't for sale. Because I would have learned how to wallpaper if it was.

Baby Clothes! For all those little nuggets in your life!

Missoni Dreams,

Lindsay

Ode to Tibi

When I spot something that I absolutely love, I make stalking it my part-time job. My obsession this summer was a long, hot pink, maxi skirt from Tibi. I originally spotted it on shopbop.com but the pink was sold out. I spent weeks looking on every website and calling the big retailers to see if they had it and no one did. I finally decided it wouldn't hurt to just email customer service at Tibi and see if there was anything they could do to help me in my quest. It wasn't an option anymore, I had to have it.

I emailed the general customer service address at Tibi.com the following:

Hello,
I am desperately trying to track down your CDC Pink Pleated Silk Maxi Skirt in a Size 2. Any chance any of your stores have it or it can somehow be tracked down somewhere? I see it is sold out online. Any help would be much appreciated. 

Again, I wasn't expecting much but figured why not try?

Two days later, I received the following response:

Brielle,
Thank you for your inquiry. I have found the skirt you are looking for and have made it available on tibi.com for your purchase. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

I was in complete shock. This doesn't happen! Sure enough, I went on their website and it was suddenly available in my size. Best part... it was on sale!!! It would soon be mine and I couldn't wait to add it to my wardrobe.

Needless to say, I wore it the very night I received it. I styled it pretty similarly to how Tibi did on their site with a little extra flair.

Anyhoo... Thank you pink maxi for adding a bright pink ray of sunshine to my closet and thank you Lindsey from Tibi.com. You are a gem.

Fashion's Night Out: LGS with SARCA!

Last night we had such a good time at our FNO event with SARCA!
 Thanks to the fabulous ladies at SARCA & the enthusiastic FNO attendees!

Some coverage from our fabulous night:

 More adorable babies that love LGS!

 

Some of the LGS display! <3 Chanel

Fabulous treats both lovely to look at & eat!

Excited shoppers loving LGS merchandise!

We're so honored to have been a part of such a wonderful event. We'd say FNO was a great success, and we're looking forward to the next one!

XOXO,
LGS

Wednesday's Designer Profile (on Thursday): Versace

In honor of Versace's collaboration with H&M this fall, we decided that Versace was the perfect fashion label to investigate!

I'm sure you all knew Versace originates in Italy, but did you know it's only 30 years old?
And, that they also operate a Hotel - Palazzo Versace!

Gianni Versace founded the label in 1978, and became famous in the early 90's thanks to Elizabeth Hurley for wearing this Versace black dress:

 

There always seems to be a tragedy with famous designers, so you're probably wondering what Versace's tragedy is. Well, Andrew Cunanan took Gianni Versace's life in the late 90's, along with a few others. He must have felt bad about it, because he then committed suicide soon after. 

This is where Donatella fits in. After Gianni's death, Donatella took over as creative director. 

Versace is now a famous fashion label with over 80 boutiques in the world & showing up at every red carpet event!

 What we can't wait for - Versace's collaboration with H&M! 

(Oh, and what's with all these great collaborations this fall!?)

Sneak peek at Versace's H&M pieces:

  

Absolutely loving the bronze dresses!!

Watch this fabulous video below to get more of the scoop on the collaboration!

The date of the premiere has been ambiguous, but I know where we'll be the minute it comes out!

XOXO,
LGS