“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.”

The great Oscar de la Renta once said this. It was one of the many inspirational quotes he has said over his career. Over his eighty-two year old life span, over fifty of this time spent designing clothes, the designer has become known for quite a few accomplishments. No matter how much someone is interested in clothing, at the end of the day, Oscar de la Renta created quite the impact on the fashion industry that has effected women everywhere. From TV to the office, the famous designer has created clothes that has stuck in everyone’s mind.

The Couture Gowns

Sex And The City

There wasn’t a moment where Oscar de la Renta created anything with the greatest innovation or revolutionary work however he has managed to stick in everyone’s mind. While other American designers was working to build up a label, pushing ads out and trying to become a commonly used household name, Oscar de la Renta went a different path. Dressing Hollywood, filling the red carpet with silk and frills, he worked with high-profile cases and even dressing the First lady starting with Jackie Kennedy. Oscar de la Renta admired the feminine, proper, and dignified gowns made a name for himself unlike many designers.

Carrie’s “The Date with the Russian” Dress

Oscar de la Renta became a pop-culture icon with his work on movies and TV, especially with the designer’s involvement with Sex and the City. After this episode it’s safe to say everyone questioned what they wore to McDonald’s. The pink, classic dress was forever embed in our hearts as a classic. From the quote “You call him Oscar?” to the feeding of the French fry, no one can deny that Oscar de la Renta can be worn anywhere, anytime.

De la Renta in the White House

Jackie Kennedy was the first of many to bare the designs of Oscar de la Renta. The 1980’s was a stretch of Nancy Reagan wearing tomato-red and shoulder-padded gowns to dinners and events. During the 1990’s, not only did he dress Hillary Clinton, but convinced Anna Wintour to feature the First lady on the December 1998 issue of Vogue. It was the first time a first lady was ever featured on the cover.

Vogue Hillary Clinton 1998

Boy Scouts’ Classic Look

According to Scouting Magazine, Oscar de la Renta took what was once constricting military style uniforms and after a two year redesign, the classic look was achieved. The Boy Scouts were given new pants, shirts, the classic neckerchiefs. The designer told the magazine in 1980 “It should be suitable for strenuous activity; it should be made from an easy care fabric; and at the time the wearer should still look like a Scout.” Since the 1980’s boys, girls, and adults have the stylish attire due to Oscar de la Renta.

The Holy Grail of Fashion Awards

To say one knows anything about fashion, the Council of Fashion Designers of America should be one of the first things someone learns about. Between 1973 to 1976, and 1986 to 1988 Oscar de la Renta was president of the CFDA. Due to his work with the organization, the CFDA Awards came about. The awards, which de la Renta has been the recipient of many of them over the years, provides some of the ultimate honors in the fashion community.

Hillary Clinton De La Renta 1997 Inaguration

Of course, many of us will never get the opportunity to wear Oscar de la Renta, however the label and the designer has created quite the effect on the fashion community. From the runway to the red carpet, year after year he has managed to amaze us. Although the name Oscar de la Renta name lives on, the work that has been produced by this creative gentleman will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/21/oscar-de-la-renta-facts_n_6022020.html

http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2014/oct/21/oscar-de-la-renta-sarah-jessica-parker-amal-alamuddin-jackie-kennedy-michelle-obama-oscars

http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/biographies/oscar-de-la-renta-biography

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Lindsay Grundy– Fashion Contributor, Poor Girl’s Guide Chicago

Connect with Lindsay @lindsaygrundy or on her website, lindsaygrundy.com.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Reduced Cost Or Free Resources For The Girls

October 17, 2014Leave a comment

http://www.chicagobreastcancer.org

Let’s talk breasts. With it being October, pink month, aka Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s time to start thinking about taking care of yourself. Luckily there are plenty of tools and health centers that can make sure that you have all of your bases covered. No matter the budget, there are plenty of locations around Chicago that can assist you in making sure that your best friends aren’t causing any problems for you.

First things first: early detection. Your doctor only checks up on you once a year, so the other 364 days it’s up to you to make sure everything is going smooth. Or in this case, feeling smooth. The good thing is with technology, there is literally an app for that. EarlyDetectionPlan.org offers a free website and app that provides information about mammograms, doctors, and locations based off of your age and health history. It not only can create a schedule for you throughout the year, but it can send you an alert to remind you to check yourself every month and you can schedule your clinical breast exams through the organization. Easy and fancy, all for your girls.

When it comes to locations, there are plenty of places that offer reduced cost or even free mammograms. You can check for a location near you on multiple websites including Chicago Breast Cancer, City of Chicago, and National Breast Cancer. Also, the Chicago Breast Cancer website features information about organizations that can assist with mammograms and more (check it out here). Another note, ask your current doctor if there is anything they can do to assist you with getting a mammogram. Some might be able to help with price or know another location that can help.

Most importantly, read up. Being aware of the signs, knowing the details, and using prevention methods will only help. You can check out any cancer organization’s website, including National Breast Cancer, to find out all the details to protect yourself. After all, not only is it important to stay safe, but no one can deny it’s great to have breasts. Do your part to protect them.

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Lindsay Grundy– Fashion Contributor, Poor Girl’s Guide Chicago

Connect with Lindsay @lindsaygrundy or on her website, lindsaygrundy.com.

U.S. Apothecary Opens On Southport

October 13, 2014Leave a comment

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For anyone that has walked down the Southport Corridor, you’ve seen the boutique Cerat. Wedged in between Crosby’s Kitchen, Suvarna Chiropractic, Free People, and Mystic Celt, the store closed down earlier this year leaving an empty store front and everyone wondering what will come next. In merely a couple weeks, the store was transformed into the new shop U.S. Apothecary.

The store, owned by the brand K. Hall Studio, Inc., features home goods and personal care items along with a small selection of clothing and gifts. This is the brand’s first time branching out from St. Louis, Missouri, where its flagship store and other location is. The new store has been given quite the makeover, featuring exposed brick and specially made sections for candles, lotions, soaps, perfumes, and other items. Like the other two locations, U.S. Apothecary is the only place where you are able to find everything. Although K. Hall Studio does wholesale through boutiques across America, including Anthropologie, this will be the only location in the area that will feature all four of the lines that the brand has to offer.

Each product feature simple and straight forward packaging with some even including letter press hangtags. All the fragranced goods are made by K. Hall Studio, with two lines even offering cleaning products (yes – that means you can have body cream that smells the same as your cleaning spray). Right now K. Hall Studio is testing the location in Chicago, featuring it as a pop-up shop through the holidays and continuing on if successful.

U.S. Apothecary opened quietly October 6^th at its location on 3451 North Southport Avenue. To find out more you can visit the store or visit the collection online at khalldesigns.com.

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Lindsay Grundy– Fashion Contributor, Poor Girl’s Guide Chicago

Connect with Lindsay @lindsaygrundy or on her website, lindsaygrundy.com.

Guide To: Going Out On A Budget

October 6, 2014Leave a comment

I’ll be the first to admit it – I’m not one to ever have a lot in my wallet. But with taste for good vodka and the need to be a social butterfly, I still manage to out and enjoy myself. And although I have mornings where I wake up and groan when I look at my bank account, it’s happened a lot less since I started being smart about going out. Here are a few tips to get me through the night:

1. Pregame

I know, terrible word to say when you have a college degree. However, for those who prefer a warm-up before they go out, it’s the easiest solution. To avoid feeling like an underage drinker, think of it as a cocktail party. Use nice glasses, make fancy drinks, and most of all, don’t use cheap liquor.

2. Set a budget before you go out

Keep in number in mind of how much you can spend. For some it works better if they have this amount in cash, some keep a running total in their head when using their card. Either way, determine how much you can spend and try your best to stick to it.

3. Factor in the odds

Do you always end up buying a round with friends? Feel a little better when you take a cab home? Always prefer at least one top shelf martini? Don’t forget to factor in the little things before you determine how much you spend.

4. Always remember to tip!

No matter how broke you are, remember a tip is just as important as paying for your drink! Plan on always giving a 20% tip on every bill. If you can’t afford that – you can’t afford to go out.

5. Look around for deals

Chicago bars always have drink deals going on. Dollar beers here, wristband deals there…there’s always something. Look online and ask around to see if there’s a good deal at a favorite bar.

6. Mix the good with the bad

I like a dive bar just as much as I like going a nice bar. Sometimes you meet an array of people at both places and it leads to a good night. If you bar hop a lot, opt to go to a dive bar in between nicer bars. You never know what you will come across and your bar tab will be a little cheaper.

7. Think before you drink

Do you always have to have that $14 scotch? Do you really need that last drink? Know when it’s time to take a step down from your drinking pedestal. Whether it means going for a well compared to top shelf or just cutting yourself off completely, realize that sometimes it’s just not worth it.

Some of these might be tips or tricks you use every day, some might be brand new to you, but in order to go out without feeling guilty, they are all ideas you should keep in mind before you take the city out for a spin.

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Lindsay Grundy– Fashion Contributor, Poor Girl’s Guide Chicago

Connect with Lindsay @lindsaygrundy or on her website, lindsaygrundy.com.

A Love, Hate, Love Relationship Tale Featuring Forever 21

September 29, 2014September 29, 2014Leave a comment

Fall 2014 Forever 21

Alright, I’m not the most excited to admit this, but I shop at Forever 21. A lot. However, most people don’t realize it. A store like this isn’t my first pick to walk into, however when a gal is on a budget and has a shopping addiction, choices must be made. Although at some point I hope to be able to shop at Barney’s and Kate Spade on a daily basis, I think now I have cheaper points of life down.

That’s right ladies and even gentlemen, it is possible to purchase something that is worthwhile at Forever 21. I’m not saying it’s like a walk down the aisle at Bloomingdale’s, however with a few things kept in mind you can make the trip into the store worthwhile. Here’s what helps me:

1. Go for the basics

I live in their $2.80 tanks. And their knit pencil skirts are perfect to throw on before work and are comfortable. Basics here are perfect because you wear them out quicker compared to your other clothes.

Try it onThis one I hate to do, but it’s true. Most of the brands Forever 21 buys from are fitted from a designer or their assistants – not a stand fit model. Plus with cheaper manufacturing you never know how it will look until you put it on.3. One stop trend shop
Dying for that trendy crop top that you know you probably won’t wear next year? If you feel like trying a trend however you don’t know how long it will last, don’t bother with a higher priced store. Forever 21 is great on offering pieces for every trend and style. It hard not to find that latest style you’ve been wondering about.

4. Think of the personal value

If it’s the leather jacket you’ve wanted since your teens, Forever 21 probably isn’t the place to buy it. However if you don’t plan on keeping it forever then what’s the point of spending a lot on it?

5. Don’t get attached

Speaking of not keeping it for the rest of your life, never forget where you purchase those jeans for $9.95 or that handbag for $34.95. To shop here you have to accept the inevitable – something with break, something will tear, something will easily get ruined. Once you accept the fact you get what you paid for you will not only be a little less angry for buying that jean shirt, but you will also think twice before you purchase those printed leggings.

6. Make outfits before a purchase

To avoid wasting your money, try to come up with at least a few ways you could wear to garment. Sometimes you let something waste away because it was inexpensive. Or you buy it in impulse and realize the mistake you made later. If you figure out multiple ways to wear it before you buy it, the more likely you are to actually wear it.

7. Look at the content

Do a little fabric study. Depending on the weave and what it’s made out of will determine how long it will last. Some materials are more likely to tear or pill easily while other fabrics will last a lot longer than you think. Study up and become a better consumer here.

8. Remember: Cheap is cheap

I’m smart about what I pull off the rack at Forever 21. At the end of the day, not matter if it looks good from afar or it’s that piece I’ve been looking for, if it looks or feels cheap, it’s not worth it.

With these tips you can now be put in the right frame of mind to indulge in your guilty pleasure. Now run along beauties, and when they ask you where that adorable skirt came from, give a sly grin and act like the name slipped your mind. Hopefully if you are smart and savy enough, they’ll never know.