Anna Hovet F/W 2011 Fashion Show

This past Saturday, our friends at The AZK Group invited us to attend the Anna Hovet F/W 2011 Fashion Show. The show was held at the 900 North Michigan Shops. With wonderful front row seats, we got a chance to see what a talent Hovet really is. The pieces were a mix of trendy, urban wear with a relaxed look and feel. I loved her use of hoods on some of the dresses!

Anna Hovet was the winner of the premiere episode of Kenmore's Facebook reality show! The AZK developed the "#VoteHovet" campaign that was a creative spinoff of the Obama campaign. The models posed with "#VoteHovet" mini flags, buttons and banners at the end of the show. To vote for Anna every Thursday evening between 6:45pm and 7:45pm, you can go to www.facebook.com/kenmore and click "Be a Designer".

Take a look below at some of the designs from the show and go to http://www.annahovet.com/ for more information on the designer.

XOXO,
Mik S'ville

CS Modern Luxury and The AZK Group Launch Midwest Anti-Aging Center

Yesterday, my friends at The AZK Group helped to launch the Midwest Anti-Aging Center at the Water Tower.  I arrived early for the Media Preview to see John Chikow, CEO of the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, Dr. Asadullah and Dr. Akbar, cut the ribbon that would open the doors to the public.



Khaja Asadullah, M.D., Ayesha Akbar, M.D. & John Chikow



The reception area was beautifully decorated with purple and silver flowers and table cloths.  It was so pretty that I almost forgot that I was at a doctor's office.

Guests enjoyed appetizers and sparkling cider along with complimentary spa services, such as: Light Therapy, Chemical Peels, Foot Detox and Makeup by Bombshell Artistry.  I had the pleasure of getting my makeup done by Nicole Rogers (owner of Bombshell Artistry). Women were lined up to hop in her seat to get glammed up.




Me getting glammed up



Nicole Rogers, Owner of Bombshell Artistry

I also got a chance to chat with the founders of Midwest Anti-Aging Center, Ayesha Akbar, M.D. (Endocrinologist) and Khaja Asadullah, M.D. (Geriatrician, Internists) to learn more about the center.  They have been friends for over 16 years and discovered that they had a mutual interest in bringing "innovative vision to anti-aging and wellness".  According to Dr. Akbar, they specialize in treating the root cause of a lot of overweight people by treating diseases like diabetes.  One thing that really caught my interest that they specialize in was "Weight Loss through HCG Therapy".

Both physicians assured me that HCG Therapy is a perfectly safe way to lose 5 to 15 pounds per week without having surgery and for half the cost.  What was even better is that I got to speak with actual patients that tried HCG Therapy and loved it. Denise Ebert lost 30 lbs in 6 weeks.  She said that "there were no side effects and the hardest part was getting through the first day of hunger".  Denise's friend, Patti Burgin lost 25 lbs in 3 weeks. She said that her "energy was actually higher" than before she started the diet.  With a little more research, I may just try it myself!

Overall, The AZK Group did an excellent job with the launch of Midwest Anti-Aging Center! It is definitely worth stopping in for a consultation if you're shopping at the Water Tower.

iT Factor Agency & The AZK Group
 (L-R: Rodney Fox, Azeeza Desai, Karla Pope, Mikeya Summerville, Zeenat Desai)

The beautiful ladies of The AZK Group
(L-R: Azeeza Desai, Karla Pope, Zeenat Desai)

Mikeya Summerville, Rodney Fox & Fashion Blogger CChic (L-R)

XOXO,

iT Girl Forever











Stars for Hope Pakistan Flood Relief Fundraiser

I had the honor of covering the Stars for Hope Pakistan Flood Relief Fundraiser on Sunday, January 16th, 2011!  This star-studded, red carpet event was at the very colorful Carnivale Restaurant and hosted by The Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs Network (OPEN) and The AZK Group.  Glee star, Iqbal Theba; Actor, Faran Tahir (Iron Man, Star Trek); The Daily Show's, Aasif Mandvi and Bravo's Top Chef contestant, Malika Ameen were all in attendance to help raise funds. 

As reported by The AZK Group, the benefit was able to raise "over $40,000 through ticket sales, pledge forms and an auction that included a private, in-home baking class by Ameen, Glee script and DVD, tickets to The Daily Show along with a private tour by Mandvi that went for a total of $10,000 alone, and more".  That's a great acheivement for just one night!

I had a wonderful time speaking to each celebrity and getting their opinions on why this crisis that has affected over 20 million people didn't get as much coverage as others. Please let's not forget the people of Pakistan and keep them in our prayers as they continue to rebuild their lives.

Azeeza Desai and Zeenat Desai of The AZK Group

Me interviewing Aasif Mandvi

Me & Malika Ameen

Glee Star, Iqbal Theba & Me

XOXO
iT Girl Forever

1154 LILL Studio





I attended the 7th Annual VIP Holiday party at 1154 LILL Studio this week. The minute I walked through the door, I was greeted by the chatter of several women swooning over the brightly colored array of fabrics to pick for their custom handbags.

Founder of 1154 LILL Studio, Jen Velarde

1154 LILL Studio was founded by Jen Velarde in 1999. I got a chance to steal Jen away from the crowd of customers for a few minutes to chat about her unique concept. Customers really get a chance to express themselves and show off their personalities and creativity through these beautiful handbags. Jen explained that you get a choice of 35 styles and 175 fabrics to create tons of possibilities that are tailored to your liking. If you aren't feeling very creative or need a quick gift, there are off the rack options also.


Some of the fabric options



In addition to everyday handbags, you can choose from wallets, makeup bags, travel bags, baby bags, other accessories and even pillows! There's a plethora of options to make your one-of-a-kind bag really stand out. The bags are made right in Chicago and only takes about 3-4 weeks to complete. Jen also said that they offer handbag parties in your home as well as in-store. This is a great idea for bridal parties, birthday parties or just girls night out.



Blank Canvas Wall



With the holidays approaching fast, 1154 LILL Studio is a great store for the perfect gift! The best part about LILL is that the prices are very affordable. With locations in Chicago (904 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL 60614), Boston (220 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116) and an Online Boutique (http://www.1154lill.com/), there's really no reason to not get your custom handbag fix. 



BRIANNA Bag, $110



Oh and in case you're wondering, my favorite bag is the BRIANNA (retails for $110) *hint, hint*.

XOXO,

iT Girl Forever













Furla Grand Re-Opening Event

Last night, Rodney and I attended the Grand Re-Opening event of Furla on Oak Street. (Chicago, IL). For those of you that are not quite familiar with Furla, it is an Italian, luxury brand that carries handbags, wallets, and other accessories. We were delighted to hear that the store was finally re-opening to reveal it's more modern, sleek makeover!

There were a ton of dedicated fashionistas and fashionistos that battled the rain to come out to this beautiful store. The Furla brand is very classic and well-crafted. The quality is evident in their gorgeous handbags. While sipping on glasses of Procecco, we perused the entire store admiring the lovely bags, jewelry, belts and scarves. 

We saw several familiar faces and also met some new wonderful people, including the CEO of Furla USA, Tommaso Bruso! The handbags that stood out the most and that I salivated over the entire night were the Guggenheim Shopper (retails for $695 at Macy's) and the Tate Lucchetto Lambskin Tracolla (retails for $895 at Macy's). At least I have one (or two) more things to add to my Christmas list!

Check out some pics from the event and stop by the Furla on Oak Street (106 East Oak, Chicago, IL 60611).

Ciao,
iT Girl Forever



Alia Rajput (Fashion Editor for Second City Style) and Mikeya Summerville





Furla USA CEO, Tommaso Bruso and Mikeya Summerville

 



iT Factor Agency and Friends





Mikeya and Rodney showing off their favorite Furla bags