Well Suited

Every man should own a well-fitting black suit. 

It's versatile, classic, and you don't have to spend a ton to get a great looking option. This one is from Express and both pieces were purchased on sale for around $200. 

Black suits like this one can be worn styled as such for black tie events. For interviews, sub in a more traditional shaped tie.  

Special thanks to my very handsome model. That's actually my boyfriend, Andrew. I'm a lucky lady, yes? 

All photos were shot in Chicago's Lincoln Park along Lake Michigan. The painted trees are actually marked for removal because of rotting and invasive species. They were painted by the park district to symbolize art in nature.

The stone wall and statue are a memorial to Ulysses S. Grant built in 1891 by Louis Rebisso.  It stands at the south end of Lincoln Park Zoo.

Outfit: Suit and shirt: Express, Tie: Metro Park, Shoes: Florsheim at DSW, Sunglasses: Ray Ban


Styling and photography by Fauxshionable
Modeling by Andrew Gruber

Now That's Sexy

I sometimes describe my style as classy-sexy. To me, putting it all out there isn't the best way to get attention. Showing off your shape while maintaining a little mystery never fails.

In this, the third post featuring the work of Angel Eyes Photography, we explore just that. A gorgeous, figure hugging bridal gown and the sexy texture of faux fur.

If you want to look and feel this good, contact Hilda Burke at hilda@angeleyesphotography.com and request a bridal fashion shoot. You even get your very own stylist - ME!  :)

To see the previous to posts, click here and here.  

The Talented Mr Keller

Chicago and men's fashion make sweet music together.

This post features Chicago musician Tyler Keller. I took the photos and styled some looks for him to use on promotional materials. We went to two great locations for the shoot: the North Avenue bridge and a vacant bar called Life's Too Short.

Tyler wore his own t-shirt and jeans and I brought him a BGBG button down, a nautical blazer, and a paisley rock n' roll shirt - all from the thrift store! Great finds for a total of $10. Thrift stores have an excellent menswear selection, including designer and hardly worn items like what you see here.

Want to know more about Tyler and his music? Read on for an interview.

Faux: How long have you been playing and what is your musical background? 
TK: I really initiated musical creativity through listening to 90's rock bands and playing the piano (I took lessons from age 10 - 15). I always dabbled in poetry, and picked up my mom's classical guitar at 15 and began writing simplistic songs. I've been playing and songwriting ever since. I didn't go about learning the guitar in a normal fashion- I just picked up the instrument and felt my way through until it started clicking.
 

Faux: What kind of music do you focus on?
TK: I focus on rock ballads driven by deep rhythms from the acoustic guitar and piano. My inspirations include The Counting Crows, Led Zeppelin, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, and Oasis.

Faux: Can you tell us what your set list is like?
TK: My set list consists of over 15 original songs and some covers here and there, depending on the mood. I'm also in the process of releasing a 3 song EP.

Faux: Nice! In the meantime, where can people contact you to book a gig or hear a sample of your music?
TK: By email - tylerkellerband@gmail.com, or by phone 630-470-2712.

  Styling, Production, and Photography by Fauxshionable

Flower to the People

I won't take credit for the catchy title of this post.  It's actually the name of the sculpture garden you'll see throughout.

  

Designed by Chicago artist John Donahue, the work resides on California Avenue in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.

We ran into to John completely by chance while trying to shoot this post. He was kind enough to let us take photos amongst his beautiful creations.

Special thanks to my wonderful model Amanda Ball. You make it look easy!

Outfit: Dress: thrifted, Belts: Amanda's mom's, Necklace: Betsey Johnson (gold), Headband: J Crew, All other items: Amanda's own

Styling, Production, Photography, and Makeup by Fauxshionable

Behind the Seams

I was so excited to attend the Behind the Seams event this past weekend. The event was all about Marshalls and TJ Maxx - more specifically - how they stock the latest designer merch at low prices.  The perfect information for Fauxshionistas! 


There are lots of off price merchandisers, but TJs and Marshalls have the most buying power with over 1800 stores nationwide. Their army of buyers travel to 60 countries and buy from over 12,000 different vendors and designers. A common misconception about the stores is that they carry last season's merchandise. On the contrary, about 90% of what they carry are this season's clothes, shoes, and bags. 


Here's one example of how it works: A designer will make a dress in 4 colors. Department stores decide to buy only 2 of the 4 colors. TJs and Marshalls swoop in and buy the remaining 2 colors of the same dress to stock at their stores within the next 2-3 weeks. Designers like working with the stores because at the end of the season, they don't have to buy their unsold pieces back.

So who taught us all this important information?  None other than style expert and TV correspondent Alison Deyette! Alison has been on The View, Tyra, and The Today show, to name a few. She was great, and took the time to speak with all of us about her life and career. It was such a pleasure to meet her! 

Miss Sixty trench coat and Lucky bag - Department store prices: $215 and $178, Marshalls' prices: $89.99 and $80.00

Jantzen swimsuit and Calvin Klein dress - Department store prices: $100 and $128, Marshalls' prices: $25 and $50

Alison, showing us the same Calvin dress in yellow

The Cube - Marshalls' trendy section

SHOES!

I met Gabi, creator of the blog Young, Fat & Fabulous. She has amazing style and was so sweet! Check out her website, asap.  This is her fabulous watch she scored from a street vendor in NYC.


More highlights:

• Marshalls and TJs carry Italian leather bags for around $150 that are also purchased for Bergdorf Goodman and sold for up to $900!
• Some Marshalls have Mega Shoe Shops with tons and tons of discount shoes - find one on their website.
• Some TJs have The Runway at Maxx which includes high end designers like Prada - find one on their website.

If you're doing the 2-month challenge with me, sorry to tempt you, but it's something to look forward to the next time you add to your wardrobe. Those that are shopping up a storm - enjoy!

Something Blue

More photos from the bridal fashion shoot with Angel Eyes Photography!

The touch of blue you see here was reworked a few times. I purchased 3 yards of tulle to work into a headpiece for Nicole. I thought I wanted to make it into a large bow, but it just didn't turn out as I'd hoped.

Some quick thinking made it into a veil. Doesn't it look great with Nicole's gorgeous blue eyes? They inspired the color choice.

Are you a newlywed just dying to put your dress back on? If you're interested in doing a shoot like this, check out the Angel Eyes Photography blog and email hilda@angeleyesphotography.com for more information!

The Diva Series - Fashionistas

I had the great honor and pleasure of attending The Diva Series Fashionista event, presented by Sarah Vargo of Maven Chicago. Fauxshionable was one of the divas/featured guests!

The Diva Series happens once a month and honors influential women in a variety of industries here in Chicago. Sarah started the series to empower and promote successful ladies.

 Hands off my Louboutins! (I saved extra money and got them on discount from The Outnet, don't worry!)

JBar at the James Hotel provided the background.  Thanks to everyone that came out and to Sarah for inviting me to participate alongside so many other talented Chicago women.

 Chicago boutique owner and designer Emilia Dlugolecka

Mr & Mrs DIGZ - www.mrandmrsdigz.com

Miss Maven herself - Check out the Maven website here! 

My outfit: Dress: Zac Posen for Target, Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Earrings: Vintage

Angel Eyes

I had the honor and challenge of styling a bride for professional photographer Hilda Burke - owner of Angel Eyes Photography. This shoot is a post-wedding, edgy and fun way to wear your dress again...and feel just as beautiful as you did on the big day.

I learned a lot about thinking on the fly, ditching what I thought would work and pulling in new pieces, and staying ahead of the light.

All of these photos feature one of Hilda's brides, Nicole, from Fall '09.   Isn't she lovely? I must say it was nice to be behind the lens this time :)

More photos to come in future posts...

Photo by Fauxshionable

Check out Hilda's website here.

Outfit: Bridal gown: Marisa, Nicole's own from her fall wedding, Red jacket: H&M Garden Collection, Necklaces: all Forever 21, Shoes: Steve Madden, Nicole's own