Trendsetting Fashions Hits River West

Larry James has been in the fashion business for just about 20 years now and has made quite a name for himself in Chicago.  Although we attended the same high school, I wasn't formally introduced to Larry until the mid 90's, when he launched Ground Effects, housed in a converted brick bungalow in Broadview, Illinois, which specialized in upscale men's footwear and accessories.  During that time, I had just started my catering business and I was fortunate to have provided services for some of Larry's private events. 

Larry has outfitted some of the most celebrated A-listers, including Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose, Common, Terrance Howard, to name a few. 

Mr. James is no ordinary merchant of men's shoes...he KNOWS shoes.  In fact he is a footwear designer's designer, with a keen eye for high quality, craftsmanship and detail.  Fast forward a decade or so, Larry wanted to expand his line to include men's fashions, which lead to the opening of Trends for Men (Chicago).  Ultimately, he took his vision a step further to include women's fashions, thus House of Trend was born. 

House of Trend is quite an urbanesque space  - a contemporary, high ceiling, white-walled open floor plan with industrial fixtures and furnishings placed throughout. I have always enjoyed shopping at HOT for three reasons - the space is inviting, you rarely see the same items twice and you never know who you will run into.  I think I should mention the guest sitting area which I call the "Communion Sofa", because I've had the most interesting conversations, interactions and networking experiences while parked there.


In addition to the many hats Mr. James already wears, he is also the founder of Forecast for the Arts, a non-profits which supports artistic and cultural programs.

 

House of Trend's signature boutique style is urban-chic, but you will find many classic pieces and unique garments with a slightly architectural design.  HOT also offers designer footwear, neckwear and a variety of accessories.

Their mantra, "it's not just retail...it's a lifestyle" is very fitting for this River West boutique.  It's not unusual to see HOT featured in many of Chicago's most notable media sources, including Chicago Magazine, CS Magazine and Michigan Avenue Magazine.

If you're looking for a unique style boutique with great retail and custom fashions and excellent customer service, I invite you to visit House of Trend.

Other Details: Style Consultant & Tailor On Site, Custom-Fit Apparel, Free Street Parking, Customer Events.

VISIT HOUSE OF TREND / VIEW PHOTO GALLERY ON FACEBOOK
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iShop Chicago, a New Social Experience!

WHAT'S iSHOP CHICAGO ALL ABOUT? 

iShop Chicago was launched two years ago as a way to bring information about the best of the city to the Chicagoland community.  Our focus is three-fold:

First, iShop Chicago is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the best hot spots in Chicago, including restaurants, bars, retailers and event venues.  We believe Chicagoans will have a much better appreciation for their city if they simply knew where to go and what to do. 

Second, we have an ever-expanding community of loyal followers, shoppers and event attendees, many of which have supported our  POP! Events & Entertainment social events. iShop Chicago hosts various events throughout the year at many of the businesses we spotlight on our blog. Our private events offers iShop Chicago followers shopping, socializing and networking opportunities at Chicago area retailers and event venues.  All private events are designed by iShop Chicago event planners to offer exclusive 1-day only shopping deals, food & beverage specials and entertainment discounts.

 [iSHOP CHICAGO PROMO]

Third, our iShop Chicago private events are a huge hit!  Our events provide an additional marketing resource for Chicago area businesses.  Many businesses have experienced increased foot traffic by tapping into iShop Chicago's resources and customer base.  Not only are events attended by iShop Chicago's social community, they are also attended by tourists looking for interesting things to do while visiting Chicago.  Our events are also a fantastic platform to spotlight some of Chicago's smaller, independent and sometimes obscure businesses. 

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHICH BUSINESSES ARE SPOTLIGHTED?
We scour the city's north, south and west sides looking for interesting places to dine, shop and visit. We visit each venue and provide our followers feedback from a personal viewpoint. From time to time, we will spotlight businesses in neighboring Chicago communities, but our primary focus is within the city of Chicago.

[VIDEO: TAKARA BOUTIQUE]

Additionally, we often ask you, our iShop Chicago community, for future review suggestions. If you have a favorite Chicago hot spot and would like us to review it, please send us the name, address, website, phone number of the business to ishopchicago@gmail.com. We'll be sure to mention your name in our review.  

 

 

WHEN ARE PRIVATE EVENTS HELD?
You simply never know when we will advertise a private event.  So, follow our blog to stay in the loop!  We suggest you register for events as soon as they are posted, as our events tend to fill up quickly.

MERCHANTS, RETAILS & VENUES
Consider hosting an iShop Chicago private event at your business.  Benefits:

• Increased foot traffic
• Promote new products and services
• Reduce excess overstocks and inventory
• Reach new local audience
• Use iShop Chicago's customer base to target new customers
• Benefit from iShop Chicago's social medial marketing tools and resources
• Past event partners: -  Neiman Marcus, Chicago South Loop Hotel, L26 Restaurant, Fabbri Furs, Beef & Brandy Restaurant, MySpa Chicago, Les Tableaux Fine China, SoNo Woodfired Pizza, CapitalOne 360, Steppenwolf Theatre and more!

For inquiries or to request a marketing kit, contact Regina Dillard - ishopchicago@gmail.com
 

There's Nothing Buttoned-Up About an Ann Fontaine Button-Down

A few months ago I visited the Anne Fontaine fashion boutique on North Michigan Avenue. Although I frequent several shops and salons along the Magnificent Mile, it's easy to overlook many others. Known for her fashion-forward and interesting designs, Anne Fontaine takes the classic button-down dress shirt to new heights. I was intrigued.

With chic feminine lines and unique embellishments, the black and white shirt has never looked so good.  While browsing through the store, I was amazed at the many ways Anne could make the basic white shirt, well, not so basic.  As many corporate professionals know, the white shirt, is a must-have.  Anne Fontaine offers shirts for every occasion and every personality...something for just about every woman.

For me, I fell in love with the collars.  I had never seen a more elegant way to accessorize an ensemble or dress. The moment I tried one on, I had to have it. I'm hoping she expands her accessories line to include decorative cuffs as well...just a little wishful thinking.  Not only will you find white dress shirts, but skirts, trousers, dresses and a minimal selection of footwear. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Anne Fontaine Foundation, which aims to raise the awareness of rainforest protection. The Foundation's focus is primarily concentrated in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, also known as the Mata Atlântica, the world's most threatened forest. To help raise funds for the Foundation, the Michigan Avenue store offers fashionable and smart eco-friendly sling totes for only $20 - great for carrying swimwear, beach accessories or as a shopping tote. 

I give Anne Fontaine Fashion Boutique two thumbs up!!

VISIT ANNE FONTAINE ONLINE