Uptown Magazine & Buick's Artful Infusions Event

It Girl Fam,

Last night, Buick and Uptown Magazine joined forces to present “Discover: Artful Infusions” at Venue One’s beautiful event space in Chicago.  It had an ‘all white everything’ feel – a very open, sophisticated, and upscale lounge atmosphere.  Great venue choice!

Buick has been actively engaging the Chicago market for years. This is the 3rd Buick event that I’ve attended.  In my opinion, they have successfully created these lifestyle experiences that organically merge urban tastemakers, top chefs, delectable bites, premium beverages, and affordable luxury vehicles. There were no test drives this year. Instead the program was more informal.  It was a classy soiree with the 2012 Buick LaCrosse & Enclave on display, live music, appetizers, and beautiful people.  Oh, and the Ciroc was flowing as well.

There was a brief pause during the evening as Uptown’s Co-CEO Len Burnett and featured chef Cliff Rome spoke a few words of welcome and appreciation for Buick’s support ongoing support.

It was an enjoyable evening.

Below are a few pix from the event.

Enjoy!

Tamika
itgirlrules.com

Uptown’s Co-CEO Len Burnett 

Standing in front of the 2012 LaCrosse

(blurry...may bad)

You know I had to get inside and check it out too. 

Live music by Knights Ova Egypt was off-the-chain!

Singer Dani Jackson was amazing!

Dani Jackson

 My dudes, Kevin Williams & Kevin Stone, from the SWAY Agency

Some of the best dressed men I know. Squeaky clean!

Chef Cliff Rome was featured in a looping video projected on the wall. 

Chef Cliff Rome

One view of the venue with attendees...video in the background 

(The space is huge, so this really does it no justice).

ⓒ It Girl Industries 2012

Christian Fields Style Bar 5 Year Anniversary Celebration

It Girl Fam,

On Saturday, I attended the 5 year anniversary celebration of Christian Fields Style Bar. It’s a gem on the south side of Chicago. Once inside, it feels and looks like a salon that could easily be found in Manhattan or downtown Chicago. Christian Fields specializes in natural hair care and styles like locs, twists, and transitional styles, but braids and weaves are also available to their clients.

Within a few steps of the packed entrance was an ornate mock runway complete with white rose petals and short cylinder vases with flowers lining both sides.  So I quickly realized that this would be much more than an anniversary party and couldn’t wait for the start of the fashion show. I heard great music in the background courtesy of DJ Wyld Chyld and received a warm reception as soon as I checked in.  Not only was I escorted to my seat, but I was also offered a beverage. Nice touch! I’ll admit that I showed up later than planned, but had the opportunity to network with other attendees before the show started.  Owner Christian Fields and Salon Manager Se Bakunzi Matemane opened up the program by welcoming guests, providing a brief overview of the salon’s history, and introducing their incredible staff.

The show began with a beautifully choreographed dance piece performed by Tempestt Jackson. It was really unexpected, but totally on point.  The models were a mix of staff, clients, and friends to the salon.  Each displayed cutting-edge hair styles and wore fashions from local designers like Suzette Opara of The 828 Collection and Naketa Grant of Hand Candy Couture.  After the show, the music was turned up, the chairs were removed, food was served, and gift bags were given to guests.  I had a blast!

If you’re looking for a natural hair salon in the Chicago area, then you don’t have to look any further.

Janice, thank you for the invitation.

Below are pix from the event.

Enjoy!

Tamika
itgirlrules.com

Christian Fields & Janice Bond

A flurry of activity outside of the salon including photo opps

Inside the salon, guests are waiting for the show to start

Flower arrangements found along sides of the runway

Salon Manager Se Bakunzi Matemane 

saying a few words before the show.

Some of the Christian Fields Style Bar staff

Let the show begin!  

Look at this fierce model and her intricate hair style. 

These models have locs and are also wearing The 828 Collection.

Beautiful model with Christian Fields

Another model, who is part of the CF Style Bar staff also.

I loved her hair & outfit. She 'werked' it!

An impromptu group shot with several models

Christian Fields and designer Suzette Opara are in the center. 

I tried to squeeze in behind Christian. :-)

Se Bakunzi Matemane and model with amazing locs

 Designer Tameka Weathersby, Nicoh David, and designer Naketa Grant

Janice Bond & Artist Jennifer Bridgeforth 

Friend Danielle Wideman

Believe it or not, these ladies did not model for the fashion show. 

However, Michelle Major (on the right) is featured on 

CF Style Bar's website & in their marketing materials.

I wonder how many years it would take for me to grow locs that long. Hmmm...

There is Michelle in the 3rd position on the outdoor signage

ⓒ It Girl Industries 2012

New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 was HAUTE!

It Girl Fam,

The world famous Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts was the hub for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 Collections in New York City.  However, there were many related events and fashion shows that were held outside of the venue also.  From the people watching to the giveaways to the engagement activities, the atmosphere was buzzing.  Honestly, it was electric.

The courtyard outside of Lincoln Center was a virtual runway.  The fashionistas and dandies brought their “A” games and the photographers swarmed. I even got featured in essence.com for my street style.  What an honor.  And there was no way to avoid a celebrity sighting as they were everywhere.

My goal for this post is to give you a peak into at what goes on outside of the fashion shows. 

Below are some of my pics from Day 6.

Enjoy!

Tamika
itgirlrules.com

Columbus & 64th Street. We're here!!

Striking a pose in the Lincoln Center courtyard

Top/Belt - Forever 21, Skirt - Deliciously Vintage

Ring - Chalk Boutique, Shoes - Cole Haan

Bag/Watch - Vintage

Inside of the tent was packed.  

 

Kimora Lee Simmons & Rachel Roy enjoying a moment 

shortly after Rachel's Spring 2013 fashion show and

minutes before they join Joan Rivers for a taping of Fashion Police

At the very top of this photo, you'll see where 

Fashion Police was broadcasting their show. Pretty cool.

Close up of the Fashion Police mock studio with Melissa Rivers on the left

Joan Rivers & Rachel Roy are on the right

 

Designer Harriette Cole of 108 Stitches

 She's wearing one of her handmade creations around her neck.

Maybelline is obviously taking their brand to a new level.

Look at the back drop and their new bright edgy colors.

On the right is a vending machine where attendees stood in 

line to receive their choice of a free eye shadow, lipstick, or nail polish. 

A close up of the vending machine. 

I got the Tenacious Teal eyeshadow 

from the Color Tattoo by EyeStudio line

Papyrus gave attendees a free greeting card of their choice. 

I got the Thank You card at the top left of their display.

 A quick stop at the Style Network's photo booth.

Tent wouldn't be complete without a Mercedes-Benz truck on display

Taking a break at TRESemme's lounge

TRESemme's set up was cute. 

The salon was upstairs (yes, they were doing hair up there)

 and the products were displayed downstairs.

With new friends, stylist Jamal Jackson 

and fashion stylist & blogger Joy Adaezé

Time to luxuriate at the Daily Front Row's Style Sessions 

held at the Empire Hotel Rooftop

The Daily Style Sessions ran daily during NYFW and provided 

an opportunity for attendees to take a break, relax, and engage 

with different brands in the beauty, health, and style space.

Yes, Yes, Ya'll!  Like I said, I was luxuriating! LOL!

I obviously wasn't the only one. 

Oasis Day Spa offered free massages to attendees.

Ran into old friend and style blogger, Dynelle Skinner

Chantelle has beautiful lingerie and offered bra fittings at the event.

They gave me a pretty purple lingerie travel bag just for stopping by their booth. 

vbeauté skin care products were featured. 

Check out Julie Macklowe's great story behind the development of the brand. 

 Bottles are the perfect size to get through TSA with no issues

Look at the cute case!

I stopped by Magnolia European Organic Spa to tighten up my manicure.

The nail game has to be right at all times. 

Tic Tac photo booth stop featuring their new Strawberry Fields flavor

Just in time for Fall, Hanes debuted several new tights. 

They gave me the Silk Reflections Boot Liner Tights in Black. 

I have no doubt I'll be wearing them in a few weeks.

 I tried the strawberry flavor of Luna Fiber Bars. 

They also gave me a tinted lip balm.

A view of the Daily Style Session vendors

Downy Infusions debuted a new line of fabric softeners with fragrant scents

 Bye Bye Daily Style Sessions! I had a blast!

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ⓒ It Girl Industries 2012