Round Up: Top Chicago Fashion Blogs of August

August is officially half way over, and we would be remiss if we didn't tell you which style blogs we've been checking out this month. We're totally obsessed with Chicago style bloggers. They layer like champs, wear heels year round, and have a certain dressy-casual swagger all their own. We might be a little biased--but we think you should check out our August top 5 fashion bloggers....all from Chicago...all totally amazing in their own way.

Fashionaholic

http://www.fashion-a-holic.com/

Blogger Janet Lee Mandell is who Beyonce was talking about when she wrote the song "Diva". One part businesswoman, one part most enviable closet in Chicago....she is all fierce. We're obsessed with her footwear choices. But make no mistake, although she's all business...she's the sweetest lady you'll ever meet!

Cedar and Rush

http://www.cedarandrush.com

Nicole Regan, the blogger behind Cedar and Rush describes her blog as "a girl's handbook + lifestyle guide to Chicago". We agree, but we'd tack on....as told by one of the city's most stylish (and blondest!) girls! Nicole is also the brainy blonde behind Garnish & Glam. 

Stylish Scatterbrained

http://www.stylishandscatterbrained.com

We're pretty much over the moon for Megan Jedlinski and her always-put-together sense of style. It's no wonder that brands like Mashall's and Vineyard Vines have tapped the Chicago style blogger for collaborations. Megan's polished but fun style has had us smiling all August. 

Actually, Just Jennie

http://www.actuallyjustjennie.com

Jen Wold, or Jennie.... is the blogger behind Actually, Just Jennie. We are trying desperately to channel her casual but luxurious style. (How are we doing, Jen?) Luckily she's a fashion and wardrobe stylist...so maybe she can give us some pointers. A sartorial savant with a penchant for incredible prints paired with the absolute coolest shoes, she's a breath of fresh air....and so much more than "just Jennie".

 Chicago Chic

http://www.chicagochic.blogspot.com

Don't call it a throwback...because she never left. Chicago Chic blogger Rachel Jensen is our go-to inspiration for old world glamour in the modern age. We can't get enough of her 1940s femme fatale meets Marilyn Monroe looks. Every look is so Pinterest worthy, we can't choose our favorite...but this shot oozes fashion icon. 

Steal Her Style, with Chicago's Larisa Kronfeld

I simply adore Larisa Kronfeld's simple and timeless style. I'd call her Chicago's own Catherine Deneuve with her ultra fitted party frocks and demure 2 inch heels. She always looks every inch the lady. If you wan't to steal some of Larisa's style, check her out on Instagram for her daily looks. 

Let's break down two of her looks!

Spotlight On: Chicago in Stilettos' Monika Pardala

The second I came across Monika Pardala of Chicago in Stilettos, I knew her looks would quickly become one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Always effortlessly turned out, the Chicago based fashion stylist and girl about town, blends chic black staples with bohemian influence.

Monika isn't hard to spot around Chicago, her trademark long black locks are typically tucked under a classic hat and one of her trusty Chanel bags is usually riding shotgun. When you see her...be sure to take notes.

Rize Fashion Show at SHAKOU

June is heating up to be on heck of a month for Chicago Fashion. Usually the social off season, this June brings us one of the most exciting summer fashion events to date. The Rize Fashion Show at SHAKOU in Libertyville is a runway presentation that you shouldn't miss!

Join the wives and better halves of Chicago's professional sports teams as they strut the runway for charity. The benefit is open to the public and is part of the Shakou Cares program. All proceeds will go to help the Visualize and Rize Foundation, which was founded by NFL’s Jermon Bushrod in 2010 to support youth sports and education programs in the Chicagoland area.

Randi Moxi, who is planning the fundraiser for Shakou Libertyville and Jermon Bushrod says. “We figured what perfect synergy between Hot Summer Trends, and a venue that was named among the Top 100 Hot Spots in America.” Moxi will be co-emceeing the event with the One and Only, Martellus Bennett, whose wife will be featured in the show.
Guests will have the opportunity to purchase from a variety of ticket levels, from standing room only ($35 each) to VIP ($125), with certain packages offering VIP gift bags sponsored by Godiva and Sephora, photo opportunities with the pro players and their wives and appetizers created by Shakou Libertyville’s Executive Chef Sang Choi. Purchase tickets here.

The Japanese word for Shakou translates as “social life.” This multi-level venue is found in the heart of Libertyville.“Community focus is at the heart of the Visualize and Rize Foundation,” says Bushrod who is a two-time pro football, Pro-Bowl player and current left tackle with the Chicago Bears, whose wife will also be featured in the fashion show. “We created the foundation to inspire kids to become leaders, to be positive influences in their communities and to motivate them to reach their fullest potential,” adds Bushrod. To learn more about Visualize and Rize visit: www.visualizeandrize.org

The pro players’ wives will be gracing the runway wearing apparel  provided by Akira’s suburban locations at Hawthorn, Woodfield and Old Orchard Malls and will then be posing for photographs with their husbands and VIP ticket holders in the VIP lounge at Shakou Libertyville. Visit:  www.rizefashionshow.eventbrite.com  for more information on how to purchase tickets.

Located in the heart of downtown Libertyville at 625 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Shakou is conveniently located within walking distance of the Libertyville Metra Station and parking garage. For more information about Shakou, visit shakousushi.com.

Luxury Garage Sale's 1st Warehouse Sale

Our Night at the Red Door Spa

We knew we were in for a treat when we started planning our private member's only event at the iconic Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. This slightly secretive, hidden oasis is one of Chicago's gems. Tucked away in the Palmolive Building just off of Michigan Ave, it's a quiet tranquil respite on a cold winter's day. So naturally, we threw on some red lipstick and hoofed it to what I now call every Chicago socialite's best kept secret. Just walk down Michigan Ave, take a right at Louis Vuitton. Once you reach the door, take the unmarked lift upstairs and get ready to unwind.

Through the Red Door, what pleasures await.... We can testify that their manicures are flawless and the brow wax is somehow much less stressful than choosing an eye cream. Continue reading to see inside the spa and get my rundown on the night's festivities...

Happy Birthday Kate!

Here at the Chicago Fashion Foundation, we know that fashion just wouldn't be the same without Kate the Great. Kate Moss, that is! At only 5'6", she paved the way for untraditional looking models...making it okay to be a little short, a little less leggy, and a bit more unconventional. We think Kate is a pioneer! Not only is she one of the last of the Super SUPERMODELS, but she's a savvy businesswoman. Here's looking at you Kate, Happy 40th birthday....here's to 60 fabulous more years!

A New Year, A New Blog

Dear Chicago Fashion Insiders,

We can't thank you enough for all of your support throughout the years! It's 2014, a new year...and we're kicking it off with a new blog! This year we have heaps of exciting things going on, and we have a feeling this is going to be a show-stopping year for the Chicago fashion industry. Tons of boutique openings, star-studded parties and events, and the coolest runway shows this side of New York Fashion Week are around the bend.

Our newest member of the Board, Mischaela Elkins, has been tasked with the tough (but glamorous) job of bringing you all of the hottest and most newsworthy fashion content fit to print. As a former model and chronic sample sale stalker, she has the inside look on what's happening on the runway and off it....behind the sales and in Chicago's most fashionable streets and avenues.

Bookmark us and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to stay up to speed on what's going on and what's being worn in the Windy City!