Epitome Boutique Inc. celebrated their 1 year anniversary with an exclusive "sip and shop" soiree at its new location in Chicago's versatile Bucktown area. Some of the city's most valuable movers and shakers were in attendance to help 'turn up' with the fabulous owner, Laricia (la*ree*sha) Chandler. Rapper Mikkey Halsted, VH1's Basketball Wives Malaysia Pargo, nightlife promoter Anthony Lindsey of A&O promotions, Pastor Charles Jenkins and the 1st lady of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and Theus Griffith of Litehouse Whole Food Grill just to name a few. Being the consummate hostess, Laricia aka "FabRicia" kept the Grey Goose and Cherry Noir flowing and everyone's hands filled with her personal picks of chic designs.
Conveniently located right off the expressway, every females dream closet sits along North Avenue and Hermitage Street. The boutique's fly black and white glam decor includes rich leather and crystal tufted shelf displays, spacious well-lit dressing rooms and tons of all the proper accoutrements to complete any look. The store is simplistic but ritzy without being overdone or overwhelming. Quickly rising to social media fame via MySpace, Twitter and Instagram with her followers craving to cop her swag, FabRicia decided instead of just having a website that she wanted a boutique as well and did just that. But don't get caught lackin' and miss out because pieces go fast!
"I put things up on Instagram and it's gone in 2 hours! I have to really keep up the inventory a lot. I order new stuff every week because a lot of times people order stuff off the website or call over the phone to order and we're shipping it out faster than people are able to make it in!"
- Laricia Chandler
Without further ado, some of the dope fashions I peeped during my visit listed in order of flexin' probability from "Oh yeah, I'll kill that!" to "Oh fo sho, I’ll totally merk that! U.E.N.O.!!!" When you think of Epitome Boutique...picture Nicki Minaj meets Marilyn Monroe: gutsy and sexy with the panache of class and grace...fearlessness! Chandler said, "I select pieces that are kind of trendy, but classic...pieces that you will have forever." I also noted the fine construction of each garment, its' design and use of quality materials and fabrics, which sets this boutique apart from the competition. Epitome has it all from easy wear to club attire, offering edgy leggings, daring custom dresses and playful shirts moderately priced from $35-$150.
I have come to the conclusion that Epitome Boutique Inc. should be every woman’s first stop shop to find all things fabulous. No matter what the occasion – lunch with the girls or rooftop listening party, transform your look and be the epitome of the crowd. Fellas, don’t feel left out because there is plenty of seating to lounge while your lady shops and if you come alone looking for that special gift, Laricia will help you find the perfect surprise!
I haven't had a trend thats really made my heart flutter for a long time... it not ever.
I recently starting seeing ox blood everyere! There is just something about it. Perhaps its the combination of extremely daring, but not cheesy, perfect to tone down for the day, or tone up for the night.
What do you guys think? I'm obsessed.
And don't worry guys, I didn't leave you out.
Fieg x Dr. Martens just released some awesome oxblood and camo oxfords. Is that... Ox squared?
Here is the first look at this year's All-Star jerseys, as the NBA and adidas are about to go heavy with the promotion for next month's mid-season exhibition in Houston. Per usual with adidas, there are some intricate details in the design that takes inspiration from the subject:
Designed by adidas, the 2013 NBA All-Star uniforms were inspired by Houston’s rich aeronautical history and the speed of the jet planes that dot its skies. The uniforms’ eye-catching impact camo pattern evokes the world’s fastest fleet of aircraft with the classic silhouette of a basketball net.
I love how direct to the subject that adidas gets their ideas. What do you all think of the threads? I rock with these, especially compared to all-star jerseys of the past few years. Plus, I love when the name of the player is under the number, as seen in one more detail below. As for the game itself, the All-Star starters will be announced tomorrow night on TNT!
From backward pants to diamond studded eyewear, Jermaine Dupri drops serious knowledge about fashion ideas turned into iconic styles. Learn the real reasons why artists wear glasses according to Jermaine Dupri and their importance through hip hop history.
The true King of NYC lives in our hearts and printed across our chests. Snag this King of NYC sweater at a store near you. Biggie never goes out of style. Sure to be a gift that keeps giving all year long.
Expressive in style and committed to quality, Johnny Bravado brings you a collection of premium quality goods built on longevity and ultimate feel. His assortment is geared for those wanting that extra bit of functionality and urban fashion. His new lookbook is filled with hand crafted goods ranging from snapbacks made with super ultra soft cotton with brown tweed brims, lambskin pocket crews , and accents of duck camo. More recently he has expanded to provide premium wristwear, 100% handcrafter agate gem beads, and even more importantly, American made. Check out his lookbook ahora!
I’ve had the chance to meet this designer himself at the “Streets are my Canvas” events hosted by our very own Marcus Shadden. I immediately saw high quality hats and robust florals lining his table. Ever since, I’ve been following his tumblr. Its amazing; its beautiful filled gritty seductive images and stellar patterns. I’ve been able to see a little bit more of what goes through his mind and the hip hop influences he puts in his work.
Tons of family, extended relatives pinching your face, screaming younger cousins, the perpetual " when are you getting married/having kids/getting a real job", or whatever this holiday season may bring you.. here are some tips on how to get you through this holiday season.
High fashion meets street fashion when the two worlds of MUSIUM DIV. and New Era collided. I have to admit, I wasn't a big cap fan but until our partnership with New Era in Chicago but things started changed. My eyes opened and I discovered this gem.
I've been rocking studs since before it was the latest crazy... and I mean... I was wearing studs when I had to sift through Claires and Hot Topic in my middle school days. New Era and their latest collab efforts has taken the guess work out and came up with some real shiz. This cap is totally pulling at my heart strings. I hope you enjoy it too. Releases on 12/14 at MUSIUM DIV. retail stores for a cool $193.
1. Wu-Tang Manual - Long awaited and much anticipated, The Wu-Tang Manual is The RZA’s first written introduction to the philosophy and history of Hip-Hop’s original Dynasty, the Wu-Tang Clan. via theFancy
2. Pencils - Nothing says "Push It" better than these as you use that eraser to make life's mistakes dissappear.
3. Posters - Hip Hop inspired posters to get your day going. Ho do you like me now? I plan to only speak in verse for 2013.
4. Wallet - For all you Young Money Millionaires out there.
5. T-shirts - If its screen printed, its the truth.
6. Coloring Books - Definitely better to color the pages of a nina, then owning one. Always.
7. Something handmade - Always from the heart, cross stitched with love, your true feelings and unadultered lyrics
