The Explorer, This slim bag offers enough space and protection to carry your beloved tablet or laptop without compromising on style. There is a handle on the flap and a removable leather shoulder strap. Seen in the photo with a file folder, this is IDEAL for keeping your slim notebook computer or tablet device of any size, safe and sound while you run around to meetings or go out shopping! Available in Italian Tobacco Croco, Metallic Platinum Leather, and Royal Blue Croco.

The Explorer has a removable pad to protect your laptop or tablet (Interior of Explorer Handbag)

The Dindia Tote!

This full sized, all leather tote comes in 3 colors; platinum, black, and metallic apricot. It has a removable strap and removable laptop padding if you want to convert it after work. Built to last, this solid tote with reinforced leather handles will go the distance with you and let you bring everything!

The Dindia is a 18" wide handbag that can fit any laptop

The Jipsea: This over-sized, front flap, carry all comes in 3 colors as well. Beige, Purple, and the Turquoise pictured here. It’s fiercely adorned with spikes and braided leather fringe. She’s a beast and is quality built to take all you have to give and has a removable cross-body strap so you can go mobile. The Jipsea also comes with a removable laptop pad so it can go from business to pleasure in a snap when you find it possible to leave the laptop on the desk!

Jipsea Bag

*All FashionJenn Handbags are Made in America.

If you haven’t heard, it’s my honor to tell you that I have been invited to show a collection at Midwest Fashion Week 2011. Midwest Fashion Week (MFW) began in 2006 when Catou Couture fashion designer Berny Martin, discovered a need for an outlet to allow local, national, and international designers, models, stylists, and photographers to showcase their talents. I’ve designed a new collection for the season and this is an amazing opportunity for me to share it.

I’m looking forward to showing a re-imagined, evolution of my Signature Collection with some smart and highly functional handbags. A handful of entirely new pieces  will round out the showing.

The fall air is also bringing me closer to nature, natural (bold) colors and materials, these things inspire me lately. Structured shapes and refined finishes put a feeling of luxe and lasting quality to the natural materials. While I may find myself going back to the tried and true classics of fall fashion for a look, it’s always a good time for a ‘statement piece’ accessory, especially a handbag.

I’m REALLY excited that I get to show this new season in my hometown of Indianapolis. It means a lot after living outside of Chicago for the last ten years to get to come home and be part of this years show (extra butterflies). I really hope to get a group of friends and relatives to attend (hint, hint). Alas, these next four weeks (and sadly the show as well) will be gone in a flash, so I am going to make this one to remember, I hope you all enjoy it!

Every year the Chicago Merchandise Mart hosts the One of a Kind Show a fabulous collection of fine art, gifts, apparel, jewelry and accessories. It’s a wonderful place to kick start your holiday shopping, get a inside look at the local fashion scene and meet the artists and designers all under one roof. It’s nothing short of retail heaven, complete with trend shows, artist talks and demonstrations and food vendors when you need a break to take it all in.

I spent some time before the show compiling a list of must see vendors and visiting their respective websites just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. The show is divided into districts which does make it a bit easier to navigate and of course  I spent nearly my entire trip in the fashion district.

The Trend Show featured layered looks with exposed seams and beautiful textures. Ruffled scarves, embellished velvet gloves, oversized leather handbags and gorgous coats and hats. The color palate was rich with jewel tones and chocolates, all a perfect compliment to the long dark days of the Chicago winter.

One of a Kind Trend Show

One of a Kind Trend Show

One of a Kind Trend Show

One of a Kind Trend Show

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BocUe Bags

Amid the beautiful apparel and art were some fantastic handbags by local Chicago designers. One of my favorites were BocUe Bags by Theresa Buffo. Each Bocue bag is carefully handmade in limited quantities and  the simple shapes and beautiful color combinations  offer a refined and almost rustic accent to any wardrobe. I love the Cello-African Bag from her modern collection, season after season this bag can easily transition from spring to fall and carry all your daily necessities.

Cello-African Bag by Bocue

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Zola Jones

Another local favorite proudly represented were the fabulous Zola Jones Bags by designer Jason Loper. His shapes are clean and modern and the stunning textiles and seat belt accents he incorporates into many of his designs give each bag a very distinctive “oh-so zola” look. You can stop by and visit the Zola Jones studio at 1944 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago which also features other lovely handcrafted gifts by local designers… and if you don’t live in the windy city Zola Jones handbags are also available on Etsy. The Bumby Ride Back Pack is the perfect accessory for all the fashinable unbanites who want an truely charming look with industrial street strength.

Bumpy Ride Back Pack by Zola Jones

Jason also keeps a blog that I love reading when I have a case of the “designer blues” it awalys puts a smile on my face and you get a first hand peek on his latest projects like this fur-licious messanger bag I fell in love with!

Black Leatherette Square Peg Bag by Zola Jones

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Despite the current economic conditions, I was pleased to see the throngs of consumers that turned out for this one of a kind opportunity to shop the best local and national talent. Even on the last day of this three day event only hours before the show closed the building was a buzz of activity. The One of a Kind Show offers a very unique opportunity for both consumers, artists and designers alike…a chance to meet face to face. A personal moment to shake the hand of the person who dreamed up and created that perfect item that you are now holding in your shopping bag and know that you as a customer are supporting their vision and hard work.

Tagged: accessories, bocue bags, chicago, Chicago Fashion, chicago handbag designers, fine art, gifts, handmade apparel, merchandise mart, one of a kind show chicago, one of a kind trend show, trend show, zola jones designs ]]> http://fashionjenn.com/2008/12/10/one-of-a-kind-show-chicago/feed/ 0 fashionjenn One of a Kind Trend Show One of a Kind Trend Show One of a Kind Trend Show One of a Kind Trend Show Cello-African Bag by Bocue Bumpy Ride Back Pack by Zola Jones http://fashionjenn.com/2008/11/06/how-it-all-began/ http://fashionjenn.com/2008/11/06/how-it-all-began/#comments Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:28:53 +0000 fashionjenn http://fashionjenn.wordpress.com/?p=209 Continue reading »

My hometown...Indianapolis

Growing up in downtown Indianapolis on Talbot street I recall walking around the city with my dad and passing the Heron School of Art and being memorized by the the blue mohawks, acid denim and studded leather clad students milling around the streets. I was barely seven years old and recall pulling on my dad’s shirt sleeve and asking him how they got their hair so blue. He looked at me and laughed “honey, I hope you never have blue hair, but they are art students and it’s part of their self expressions I guess.” he said. “Did you ever have blue hair?” I asked. My dad had who is an avid artist and master carpenter had attended John Carol University. He later joined the Peace Corps and traveled the world and used to tell me bedtime stories about the amazing people he had met and what life was like living in an adobe hut and painting in Chile. “No” he replied, “But I used to have long hair and I wore an earring.”

Throughout the rest of my childhood my dad was there was there to oversee the construction of my four story cardboard box dollhouse that consumed a better portion of our “playroom.” He carefully preserved the numerous fully illustrated books I wrote and most of my childhood paintings. When I turned eight my mom taught me how to use her sewing machine since I seemed to be under the impression that my dolls simply had to have a new dress every other day and when that lost it’s luster I moved on to the deconstruction of every other piece of clothing I felt needed a makeover.

Many years later it was no surprise when I announced that I wanted to move to Arizona to attend design school. Fascinated with digital media and graphic arts, I made the move to Tempe, Arizona to attend Collins College. I wouldn’t dare bore anyone with the details of my collegiate experience but I did graduate with a BA in Visual Communication and when I did return home with neon red hair wearing Swear Boots (which at the time resembled something that KISS would wear while walking on the moon) my dad only shook his head and laughed.

When I began designing this collection it was theses memories that served as my inspiration. I wanted to incorporate the use of wood and natural materials with my love of bold patterns, metallics and vinyl. On a visit back home i sat down with my dad in his shop and we began to bring my vision to life.

Though the journey has only just begun, nothing has been more satisfying then being able to work with my dad who has always been my biggest inspiration.

Tagged: about fashionjenn, chicago, designer bio, handbag designer, Indianapolis, Jennifer Brickel ]]>

Cotton Candy Fairy Princess

After the past few days of seriously gloomy Chicago weather I decided to head to Yellow Jacket Vintage located at 2959 N. Lincoln Ave. for a little “vintage therapy” I can’t say that I’ve ever been there before but after doing my usual research and read so many good reviews I just had to see what all the fuss was about. In my experience with some vintage boutiques they seem to either be very picked over or they have a limited selection of quality items. That I was so thrilled to discover was not the case at Yellow Jacket.

I made a b-line for the accessories and found some really fantastic shoes, belts and handbags which are always a favorite then something on a nearby dress rack caught my eye. A stunning full length leopard print Lycra gown for $22.00! Now I know what your thinking…really Lycra leopard print, how absolutely horribly tacky, borderline trashy. Take into consideration for one moment that I do so love over-the-top everything and it’s definitely not something that everyone would wear but I was in fact shopping for myself. The cut was flawless and fit as if were were soul mates. I think it will look smashing with a very simple pair of strappy black stilettos, some layered chain medallions (since it has a plunging neckline) one of my black vintage fur jackets and a great “fashionjenn” clutch.

Okay, I know I just got way off track but the dress really is fabulous.

After pinching myself for a third time I scored a killer white woven bucket hat decorated with silk flowers, I totally plan on taking them off and replacing them with some huge vintage brooches I’ve collected add in a pair of huge old school sunglasses and you’ve got yourself one heck of a shopping trip!

I would also be amiss not to mention the wonderful girl who was working, she was so helpful! She seemed to size up my style right away and pulled all kinds of great outfits for me to try on.

Oh So Pretty in Pink

I left the store feeling like I had just found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and I can say without a doubt that they have made me a loyal shopper for life.

The next time you are in the neighborhood stop by…you never know what you might find!

You can also find Yellow Jacket Vintage in Milwaukee, WI at 1237 E. Brady Street or at:http://www.myspace.com/yellowjacketvintage

Simple decor, but not too bare

Got the chance to visit a boutique I read about on ThrillList.com called p+l. They are located on the 2900 block of Clark in Chicago, just a few doors south of the Clark Dog.

Let me just say that I was in love from the very moment I set foot inside. They have a smallish space but it is very well organized and very smartly detailed to showcase the variety of wearables and accessories they carry. Men on the left, ladies on the right; they have a great selection of indie labels from Insight to Wrath Arcane for men and a great little collection of wooden jewelery (Bauxo) handmade in Bali for the ladies. Yes, they have the staples of denim and tees but they also stay very current and with the season. The labels are not the main focus of this neat Chicago boutique but they provided a blend that was as cohesive and appealing as the labels themselves.

I’ll definitely be headed back there, because not only did they exceed my expectations for selection and value but their staff (Paul especially) was so helpful and courteous I just wanted to give him a big hug before we left.

If you are looking for something on the unique side but not so far out you can’t wear it everywhere then I am sure P+L will have something for you. The few sale items they had left from the summer were not throw aways and they were very reasonably priced.

From Industry for the Girls to Wrath Arcane for the Boys

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During one of my many expeditions in search of less mainstream fashion I found myself in Logan Square at the Wolfbait & B-girls Boutique on W. Logan Blvd. http://www.wolfbaitchicago.com I had heard about them while visiting  Fashionninja  in Milwaukee http://www.fashionninja.com and was excited to learn about an thriving “indie” boutique in my home city!

Stepping inside the doors I was met by two friendly faces who offered their assistance from behind a counter where they were manning various sewing machines. The small space was carefully merchandised with handmade treasures ranging from cards, jewelry, handbags and clothing.

I have been in many “indie” boutiques but I would have to say that Shirley Novak and Jenny Stadler the owners have done it right. The place has attitude and panache, and I found myself wanting to stay all day and just hang out.

I loved the wrist cuffs made from recycled bicycle tires by Decycled and the fur handbags, though I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the designer (sorry).

It’s a great place to snag a truly unique for someone really special… or to spoil yourself rotten just for the hell of it!

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Let me begin by saying that I am a huge fan of the Akira boutiques, so naturally there was no question that I would have to make it out on a “school night” to attend the “Possessed” Fashion Show at the House of Blues on September 14th. Atkira offers a fabulous mix of clothing and accessories for the discerning taste of the Chicago fashionista. They have separate mens and womens stores and an accessories boutique with a yummy array of top notch kicks. Every time I set foot in that shoe store I want to leave with absolutely everything!

Okay enough with my obsession…

At any rate, the House of Blues was a great place to host the event, it fit the whole voodoo, New Orleans meets urban witch-doctor theme and everything appeared to be well planned with a nice mix of attendees and still enough elbow room to not spill your Sunday night cocktail on your brand new heels.

The lights went down, the music started, and suddenly I got quite a shrieking earful from a red spandex clad woman sporting a feather headdress of sorts and some metallic purple leggings. Now, for the record, I’m all for artistic expression and I do enjoy new forms of entertainment but this interpretive dance/ song set was just something I was not prepared for! We’ll just leave it at that… I think the outfit should have been an omen.

Akira Possessed Fashion Show

The rest of the show was really gorgeous, an absolute urban-voodoo-safari with great jackets, lovely dresses (especially the last one of the show) love it!!! Some gentleman wearing horse heads and plenty of feathery flair. Overall I would have say the event was quite a success and well worth the day after haze I knew would await my Monday morning.

Akira Possessed Fashion Show

I’ll just skip the whole part about heading over to Crimson Lounge for the after party, but seriously if you do happen to be in the neighborhood, Crimson Lounge is a nice place to stop and have a drink. It’s open but intimate and the decor is lovely.

After attending the Renegade Craft Fair last year and finding a wonderful array of handmade treasures, I was ecstatic to see what the Renegade crew would put together this year…but Mother Nature had other plans.

Plagued by some of the nastiest rain Chicago has seen in quite a while we braved the elements all dolled up in golashes and umbrellas to scope out the fair. There was an nice mix of jewelry, artwork, stationary, screenprinted apparel and some of my favorites from last year.

Despite the nasty weather Renegade was a blast

I couldn’t help but purchse yet another monster tee from seibei, I love them all! Created my David Murray a self taught artist and professional screenprinter (who also happens to have a degree in Japanese literature) His comical and brightly colored t-shirts put a smile on my face every time I wear them. I am now the proud owner of the hot pink and green “Sandwich Dinasour”

It's so Fierce

I also stopped by to scoop up a few vinyl wristlets from Miss Alison. Her designs are so cute and practical I take mine everywhere I go. It’s small enough to fit into a larger purse to hold the millions of assorted lip glosses I seem to need on a daily basis or when I’m on the go it’s perfect for the bare necessities!

They come in a rainbow of colors and have a motif for every fashionista…and did I mention the fabulous checkbook covers, belts and pouches?

Orange goes with everything...so spring and so fall