One of a Kind Show – Chicago

fashionjenn — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:09:40 +0000

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

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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

Boutiques South Haven, MI

fashionjenn — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:29:59 +0000

On a much needed vacation to South Haven, Michigan I uncovered an unexpected shopping experience

For those of you who have haven’t been, South Haven is a small beach community along the shores of Lake Michigan. The scenic town is full of vacation rentals, pristine public beaches, family owned restaurants and a wide variety of retail shops. Among the surf spots and typical “gift” shops I found a some real gems!

~Renaissance & Papyrus~

Renaissance and Papyrus is a lovely two story boutique located on Phoenix Street in a turn of the century building. Walking through the front door you are greeted with racks of beautiful dresses, coats, handbags, tops and more accessories than one could wear in a lifetime. Every detail of the store has been carefully planned with the fashionista in mind, I found the most amazing necklace ever…I’ll elaborate on that

later! Up a small staircase you will find yourself surrounded by delicious beauty and bath products, aromatic candles, linens, home accessories, cards and wonderful gifts. I could have spent hours in there and still not have seen every treasure. The staff were very sweet and helpful and seemed to be having a great time putting together accessories as they chatted with the customers.

Renaissance and Papyrus is my best boutique pick in South Haven!

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~Murphy’s Mall~

Murphy’s Mall…well it isn’t exactly a mall and don’t let the modest exterior and Forth of July homage fool you, this place is jam packed with an array of goodies! From retro collectibles, china, vintage clothing, furniture, accessories, glassware and display cases bursting at the seams with costume jewelry I think I lost my mind somewhere on the basement floor wondering how on earth I would ever fit everything into my car on the way home.

So, I suppose mall would be a accurate description after all, it’s truly worth a stop…but you might want to rent a U-Haul!

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~PROPS~

“Your home is your stage…Add some drama!”

Props is a contemporary home accessory and gift store that has something for everyone, as their mantra would suggest! Bright and spacious with an open airy feeling they offer carefully selected merchandise to add some serious flair to your living space. I especially loved their serving platters, wall art and very reasonable pricing.

This boutique really has a sense of humor that brings a smile to your face once you step inside.

Lavish Luxury Handbags- Fashionjenn » gifts

One of a Kind Show – Chicago

Boutiques South Haven, MI