Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Red Bull Art of Can Chicago

If you find yourself in downtown Chicago in need of an energy boost, make your way to Millennium Park to visit Red Bull Art of Can. These days the sun sets as early as 4:30pm and Winter chills are encroaching quickly. The inspiring public art exhibition including a complimentary Red Bull is the perfect pick me up to counteract any Winter fatigue.


Hundreds of artists from across the nation conceptualized and submitted sculptural pieces of art created primarily of Red Bull cans. Thirty works were chosen for exhibition. Each prove inventive and impressive ranging from realistic to fantastical. "Mr. Bull a Community Brand", created by Kaleb Dean of Caldwell, ID is made entirely of can tabs. His subject is still, yet seemingly ready to spring to action similar to the artwork's material.


Red Bull Art of Can is a fun, interactive experience with personalized video sequences that are instantaneously sent to your cell and projected on the event's big screen. (Have you spotted me yet?) It doesn't stop there! Votes are cast for the "People's Choice Award" on Twitter and Instagram.


Although difficult to choose a favorite. I voted for "Swing of Things" by Angie Weaver of Delray Beach, FL. This piece is playful and evokes the invigorating and thrilling feeling of flying through the air on a swing as a kid. Red Bull gives you wings right?

      


Venue: Millennium Park - Chase Promenade South
Dates: November 7-16, 2014
Times: Monday-Friday: 7am-10pm, Saturday: 9am-10pm, Sunday: 9am-6pm

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Chicago Festival Outfits 2014

The weather here in Chicago has evidently shifted cooler. (Snowing on Halloween, c'mon!) As I pull sweaters out of my closet and pack away sundresses and tanks, I can't help but recall my favorite Summer outfits. A few of which were given some amazing compliments in the Chicago festival scene.

I pretty much lived at the Blue stage this year. The buzzworthy stage presented a home for both TDE's SZA and Isaiah Rashad, Magical Cloudz, Kelela and FKA twigs. Saturday while en route through the dusty field and sweltering sun, a young lady sought after and received my attention. She was from Teen Vogue and asked to photograph my outfit. Passing for a Teen... nah :)

Fondly referred to as my "creature dress", the colorful inkblot pattern instantly caught my attention through the beautiful racks at Anthropologie. The cocoon silhouette, collar and optional synched waist sealed the deal. A patterned dress can be a go to and speak for itself... but I don't leave the house without accessories ha!

elevation:
  • metallic dangly earrings: that sway to the rhythm of my stroll
  • new favorite crystal necklace: the length of which draws attention to my waistline 
  • fallback granny party purse: fits just what I need, allowing freedom to dance
  • tan, black with metallic fleck wedges: that allow my shortie self to walk flat with plenty of height to see over the crowds
To think I hesitated slightly with my final edit before stepping out the door (shrug)!


"This is one of the raddest dresses we've seen all festival season. We want it!"
Amanda Keiser
Shoutout to and Photographed by Amy Creyer

While enjoying Kelela's set I was tapped on the shoulder by a gentleman photographing for New York Times Fashion. Two compliments from notable publications in one day. What in the world! 

Initially I wasn't so sure about the location but there wound up being a level of dimension to this photo. The sunlight filtering through the fence gave me an afternoon spotlight. As the eye drifts from shadows, to the fence opening on the left, a parked car is visible and seemingly compliments the colors in my dress.

Shared the stylish company of SZA! Check out "SZA's Pitchfork Festival Style" for the New York Times.



Shoutout to and Photographed by Drew Anthony Smith


While chatting with friends at Lollapalooza I felt a gentle tap from a young woman photographing for Refinery 29. Taking my very serious expressions from the two previous photographs into consideration ha I decided to cheese for this one. 

Although the simple t-shirt dress I scooped in Urban Outfitters sale is textured, it has a clean, neutral palette that begged for accessories. The scarf and jacket were my summer armor this year. I loved that she preferred leaving my jacket slung over my purse for the photo! 

elevation:
  • black and white mock bone earrings: give a literal edge to the look
  • purple & brown tortoise sunglasses: compliment my scarf
  • multicolored printed scarf: twisted to give a three dimensional effect
  • greyish purple tassle belt: to accentuate my waist since I have a narrow, boyish frame
  • white lace tights: that don't work for many seasons but perfectly for a low 70ish day (yes I wear tights in August)
  • emerald green "Victorian" lace up boots: that I've worn into the ground and can't give up
  • army jacket: that has just enough feminine details 
Check out my Lolla weekend recap for Culture Collide and don't miss Lykke Li's stylishly brooding snap for Refinery 29!


"The tights, the shoes, the scarf...we love it all."
Rebecca Taras

Shoutout to and Photographed by Heidi Jewell


North Coast August 29-31, 2014
North Coast, my final festival of the season. (September = festivaled out.) Highlights from this year were Talib Kweli, Cashmere Cat and Snoop Dogg. In fact we heard a legendary crowd participatory moment during Snoop's set. I wish I recorded it. PartyLineChicago for Chi based Fashion blog Trés Awesome asked to take my photo.

I lived in my boyfriend jeans and army fatigue cargos this summer. However I did not wear my army jacket with my fatigue pants. That's just too much army y'all. There's some repeat pieces here. I love wearing accessories and separates in new ways.

elevation:

light brown fedora: menswear inspired to compliment the fatigues
gold three prong asymmetrical earrings: the gold has worn off a bit but I prefer them distressed

So I lost my sunglasses :( I'm so glad I have photos to remember them!



Shoutout to and Photographed by PartyLineChicago