I have had the pleasure of working with Miss Illinois 2011 over the past few weeks. As many of you know Angela Sparrow is the face and person behind the Crown. Before I get into details concerning the photo shoot and all it entailed, I would like to get all of the questions, assumptions and … Read More
Author: Tracy Clifford
Lost Sole
I stopped in Neimans today on Michigan Avenue. I was browsing around mainly to avoid stepping back into the cold when my eye caught a few pairs of shoes that I had never seen before. I immediately recognized them as Alexander McQueen Booties in rare fabrications. One was black and white tweed, the other was … Read More
I’m an FAO Schwarz Kid
I realize that the average kid grows up playing in Toys R US, but for me FAO Schwarz always took the cake. It was my favorite store in the world. In fact, it still may be. I love fashion more than anyone I know yet I still find it more amusing to play with toys … Read More
Keeping Chicago Hot
Now that it is so cold in the Midwest, I thought I would take a break from my typical blog and choose a hotter topic to put us all to bed this evening. I sent an e-mail out to the most random group of men and women I could think of and asked 3 very … Read More
The Art of Buying
Before I get into the whole Valentine’s Day business this year, let me just leave you with my own words of wisdom which have helped me become a great buyer. The same thought process has made me an excellent gift giver as well. “You always have to remember that you are not buying for yourself.” … Read More
We all have favorites!
I have had a moment to reflect on all of the orders that I submitted for Pre Fall 2011. The one that I cannot stop thinking about is, Givenchy, designed by Riccardo Tisci. At first glance, I found the collection to be slightly intimidating as a buyer representing a store in Naples, Florida. Givenchy was … Read More
The Ending Order
“Break out the Cristal” at last I am done with all of my orders for Pre Fall! The final order that I submitted was Alberta Ferretti. I put together a concise yet stunning group of pieces from her collection. I selected a few embellished charmeuse blouses (truly some of the best in this category) to … Read More
Never Ending Orders: Part 2
Just when I thought the Pre Fall orders were filed away, they immediately resurfaced for another analytical round of discussion. The team did not share the same opinion on which piece should be discarded from the Derek Lam Order. A few hours later, I ended up submitting the original order! The interesting thing about … Read More
Denim Daze
I am still not ready to go out and bare that cold Chicago blizzard that has been attacking my glass box of an apartment for the last 24 hours. Anyone who claims Chicago earned the title “Windy City” due to political involvement or anything else for that matter should take a stroll down Michigan Ave. … Read More
Never-Ending Orders: Part 1 and a 1/2
The Blizzard that we are all experiencing here in Chicago made me think of one more fact about Giambattista Valli that might be helpful. In addition to designing an upscale collection under his own name, Valli is the man behind Gamme Rouge for Moncler. Gamme Rouge offers the same type of product as the main … Read More