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

Fiat's Fashionable Grand Opening Event in Chicago

It Girl Fam,

Last night, Fiat partnered with the luxury and lifestyle magazine Chicago Social to launch their new dealership with a bang. My initial thought when I walked into the venue was "This is so CUTE!" The red carpet at the entrance was a nice touch also.  It didn't feel like a dealership at all.  They did a great job of converting the space for this grand opening celebration into something intimate and charming. The venue was buzzing with amazing beats from the DJ while well-dressed attendees chatted, sipped, and enjoyed the atmosphere.  It was great.  .

The social media engagement was very cool as well. Participants got an opportunity to take a photo inside of the new Fiat 500 and then instantly upload it to Facebook.  I'm a ham, so I jumped right into the car and got my photo taken.  Afterwards, they distributed a red Fiat gift bag just for participating. Nice.

The owners said a few words right before the fashion show kicked off. Then several Fiats were driven off the showroom floor to reveal a mock runway for the models. This was unique.  Edith Hart was the featured clothing boutique and I believe the models were from Ford. The looks selected were fierce - very vibrant and edgy, but practical at the same time.

Fiat's descent on Chicago was impactful and welcomed.  I'm no car expert, but it appears that Fiat understands the Chicago market and will likely do well given their prime location, reasonable prices, and fuel efficient vehicles.

Below are some pix from the event.

Enjoy!

Tamika
itgirlrules.com

Interior view of the Fiat 500

Couldn't help myself. I had to check out the white one too.

Friend DC Crenshaw, food critic

DC's lovely wife, Alayna Crenshaw

Everyone was having a good time...

Cute Fiat branded clothing. 

I want that white baby tee.

 Fiat dealership owners saying a few words before the show 

Edith Hart show was set to begin

 A few looks from the show.   

Crowd fully engaged in the fashion show 

New friend, Jennifer Rich from 101.9 fm

Jerry Paul & Cosmina

Michelle, Courtney, Sat, & Janae

 DJ Tyler was the truth. (I'm not joking!)

He played all the classic throwbacks.

ⓒ It Girl Industries 2012

The New Look of Leadership - YWCA's Fashion Event & Fundraiser

It Girl Fam,

I love all things fashion. However, it is very gratifying when fashion can be leveraged to benefit a worthy cause.  Last night, the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago hosted an amazing fashion event called The New Look of Leadership.  Held at Bloomingdale's within the upscale shopping mall at 900 N. Michigan Ave., the show focused on fashion-forward professional attire.  The models chosen are successful leaders from across the city like Malik Murray of Ariel Investments and Ticha Penicheiro of the Chicago Sky.

The show was fun and energetic.  The models did their thing and the crowd was rooting them on.  My friend, Kali Raoul of The Image Studios, was one of the fashion show MC's along with Rachel Canis from Bloomingdale's. Their colorful commentary garnered smiles and laughs throughout the event. Between the show, the appetizers, the cocktails, and the networking, everyone was clearly enjoying themselves.

Participants made a $25 donation to attend the event and were encouraged to shop afterwards as 10% of each purchase that evening would be donated back to the YWCA. Everyone also received a goodie bag filled with cool give-aways from local sponsors, which included donated copies of The Girl Rules.  (When asked, I was happy to donate my book).  In addition to Bloomingdale's, the other event sponsors were Ariel Investments, The Image Studios, Shopedropoff.com, The Seneca on Chestnut, and PWC.

Below are pix from the event.

Enjoy!

Tamika
itgirlrules.com

The one & only 900 North, baby!!

Model Rohini Dey of Vermilion Restaurant werking it on the runway. 

(Yes, werk with an 'e'!)

Model Cheryl Pearson-McNeil from The Nielsen Company

looking very regal in her ensemble

The crowd enjoying the show

The final parade is about to begin with 

model Malik Murray of Ariel Investments

The final parade:

Models Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Rosemary Gullikson of SNR Denton, 

and Quintin Primo of Capri Capital Partners

Quintin Primo & Ticha Penicheiro from the Chicago Sky

 Program was closed by Cindi Cervone Carlson 

of Challenger, Gray & Christmas 

and Cindi is on YWCA's Board of Ambassadors

Great job MCing, Kali!

(Fierce look, my friend)

 Hadassah Hickman & Carol Bullock, 

both on YWCA's Board of Ambassadors

 Friends Tamara Dervin & Erika Summers

 w/ Cheryl Pearson-McNeil post show

She's still bringing it. Her style is haute!

 Jill Brooks, Jen Ryan, Sara Maaske, Anjali Doshi, 

& Alex Botsford - clearly enjoying the event!

Fellow fashionista, Maegan Zarley of The Image Studios 

New friends Chrissy Hansen, Michael Carlson, & Emily

Just the girls....

Silvia Snowden, Illinois State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr,

Jasmine Guy (yes, for real - that's her name) & Lydia Snowden.

All looking stunning. Loving the bright pink lip, Ms. Lydia

Matthew aka DJ Chocolate Thunder on the 1's & 2's.

(ha! - I'm not commenting on his stage name)

ⓒ It Girl Industries 2012