Category Archives: Guest Editor

EDO Edit: The Sassy Peach

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Aramide “Dee Dee” Esubi is a fashion girl at heart who originally hails from St. Louis and is currently living in Chicago. She brings her “fashion is fun” philosophy to life as a fashion stylist and as owner/editor of fashion blog, The Sassy Peach. Her other loves include makeup, food and all things Bob Marley. Sharing a birthday with the fabulous Coco Chanel, it’s safe to say she was fashionably born this way.

Dee Dee took the time to chat with us about her passion for fashion, and what she’s in love with on our current auction site. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and her blog for more fun, style, and amazing tips.

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Shop Dee Dee’s Picks:

Lida Baday Teal Draped Sleeveless Dress
3.1 Phillip Lim Red & Purple Aviator Thompson Sunglasses
Yves Saint Laurent Black Patent Leather Tribute Sandals
T Alexander Wang Black Silk Button Front Blouse

EDO: What’s your absolute favorite subject matter to cover on your blog?
AE: My absolute favorite subject matter to cover on TSP is what’s in the stores. I love sharing with my readers what I find online or while I’m out and about shopping. Whether it be a really great deal or that perfect little number for a special occasion, I share it.

EDO: Which designer inspires you the most?
AE: Rachel Roy. I have always been a fan of her designs and her aesthetic. Not only do I love her attention to detail and the way she hones in on a woman’s figure, but also her philanthropic efforts with orgs such as FEED and OrphanAid. It’s just lovely to see.

EDO: Ultimate piece of beauty advice?
AE: Never leave home without at least a little bit of makeup. Of course there are those “cheat days” where it may not happen, but try your best to at least do some foundation or tinted moisturizer, a swipe or two of mascara, a bit of lipstick and boom, you’re done! You never know who you’ll run into or see! A little bit of face goes a long way ;)

EDO: Favorite place to eat in Chicago?
AE: So hard to choose since eating is one of my favorite pastimes, but I’m going to go with Prasino in Wicker Park–especially for their brunch. The food is de-li-cious, they’ve got great outdoor seating and the service is top-notch. I highly recommend!

EDO: Describe your closet in 3 words.
AE: Fun, Girly and Sassy

EDO: What’s coming up next for you?
AE: Nothing maje of note but I’m definitely excited for what’s on the horizon. Stay tuned!

EDO Edit: Kelly Edwards

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Kelly Edwards is the co-host and design coordinator for HGTV’s “Design on a Dime” as well as STYLE Network’s “Tacky House”.  The celebrity designer offers dwellers with decorating dilemmas bargain-decorating projects, distinctive design tips, and total home makeover transformations inspired by personal style and popular trends. Kelly is well known for her knack in re-purposing everyday items into extraordinary collectibles, refurbishing unique home accessories, and crafting recipes for creative cleaning solutions.

In the pages of national magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style and Midwest Living, this former teen beauty queen is a do-it-yourself darling with passion for all things self-created from fabrics to fashions to foods.The Chicago native currently resides in sunny California and recently finished writing her new book “Design Cookbook: Recipes for a Stylish Home.” To help Kelly celebrate this amazing achievement, we’re hosting a book signing party with Glossed & Found, right here at EDO on June 5. 

Guess what else? You’re invited! Get all the details here.

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Shop Kelly’s Picks:

Oscar de la Renta Gold & Turquoise Dangle Earrings
Jimmy Choo White Leather & Gold Buckle Marin Clutch
Christian Dior Black Leather Peep Toe Cage Heels NEW

EDO: What made you decide to put your expertise into book-form?
KE: It was actually my Dad’s idea.  We were sitting around the dinner table and I told him I wanted to do a design book.  He said, “Why don’t you do one that looks like a cookbook?”  I loved the idea.  Fun, approachable and let’s face it…who doesn’t love to read a cookbook?

EDO: Who or what do you reference the most when you’re designing a room?
KE: Magazines.  I’m a magazine junky.  I get inspiration from other designers, rooms, colors.

EDO: What is your ultimate, aspirational fashion piece that you’d love to own?
KE: I love clutches.  So elegant.  I don’t have one in particular.  I love so many.

EDO: As a Chicago native, is there anything you miss about living in our great city?
KE: I miss EVERYTHING!!!  My family, my friends, the food!  I’d move back in a second if I wasn’t working in television.  There is a vibe in Chicago I adore.  I tell everyone that every time I land at O’hare airport I feel like I can breathe again!

EDO: Favorite designer and why?
KE: Windsor Smith.  Have you seen the kitchens she designs?  My dream!

EDO: What’s next for you?
KE: I have a few pretty big things lined up that I wish I could talk about…but I don’t want to jinx it. Hopefully I can talk about them soon!

What I can talk about is my new book, The Design Cookbook. It’s doing really well!  I just shot Rachael Ray and Marie Osmond’s talk show last week so that should air soon.  I’ll be doing a few book signings in Chicago and LA at various Barnes & Noble, West Elm and Room & Board stores and I just signed a deal with Lazy Boy to be their new media spokesperson.

For more on Kelly, follow her on Twitter!

EDO Edit: Sarah Boyd of Simply Stylist

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Sarah Pollack Boyd is the founder and ‘dot connector’ at Simply Stylist. Soon after she completed her degree in Fashion Merchandising at Philadelphia University, Sarah discovered a need unmet by other publicists and professionals in the area; the need to connect stylists dressing their celebrity clients with desirable brands, all the while giving them the press and recognition they deserve.

Following this discovery and her passion for fashion, PR, and events, Sarah launched Simply Inc. in 2009 as an agency specializing in Public Relations, Events and Brand Collaborations. Shortly after, Sarah came up with the idea for Simply Stylist: a company that would focus on connecting stylists with top brands, and that would aid in growth and development of these individuals. The company has grown from an idea, to a full service PR and Management company with a wide variety of talented clients on board. Simply Stylist is dedicated to connecting consumers with top tier designers, stylists, and tastemakers in the fashion industry.

On June 8, Sarah brings Simply Stylist to Chicago for the first time! Her panel of experts will include Catt Sadler of E! News, celebrity stylist Trish Townsend, and our very own Corri McFadden! The event will be a day of networking, learning, shopping, and pampering. Now, doesn’t that sound good? Buy your tickets here!

Sarah was kind enough to take over our blog today to make fabulous EDO auction picks and answer our burning questions. Be sure to keep up with Simply Stylist on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook, and stop by Sarah’s blog for even more on the entrepreneur and her thriving company.

sarah_pollack_boydShop Sarah’s Picks:

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012 Brown Embellished Long Sleeve Dress NEW
Hermes Black Noir Box Calf Leather & 22K Gold-Plated Hardware 35cm Birkin Bag
Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013 Green & Purple Floral Sleeveless Dress NEW

EDO: What do you look for in industry experts when you hand-pick your panel for Simply Stylist events?
SB: First and foremost I seek experts with an interesting story that our attendees can relate to.  Someone who made it in the industry from the ground up.  I also make sure they have a big & engaging personality.  I look at their social media stats since our events have heavy interaction via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

EDO: What drew you to expand your brand to Chicago?
SB: After Los Angeles and New York, Chicago was the next logical choice for me.  It’s the 3rd most populous city in the US and there are so many fashionistas looking for events like Simply Stylist. I got numerous emails from ladies in the Chicago area asking to bring the event there so I had to go where the fans wanted it!  (Buy tickets here)

EDO: When (or if) you have free time, what do you most enjoy doing?
SB: The key to success is balance, so I make sure to not work at all on weekends unless I have an event.  I think it’s so important to spend time with friends & family!  I got married about two years ago and inherited two beautiful boys (12 & 8) so weekends consist of swimming, baseball or basketball games and family BBQ’s.  It’s my favorite time of the week to unwind and reflect!

EDO: All time favorite designer?
SB: I think I’d have to go with Marchesa for designer — I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bad look!

EDO: Who or what do you look to for personal style inspiration?
SB: I am inspired daily by so many people that I meet with.  Living in LA and working in fashion, you can imagine the stylish ladies I meet with on the daily :-).  I also keep up with a few fashion blogs – I love Aimee Song (Song of Style), Julie Sarinana (Sincerely, Jules) and Jacey Duprie’s (Damsel in Dior) styles.

EDO: Describe your closet in 3 words.
SB: Organized. Stuffed. Neutrals

EDO Edit: Wendy Brandes

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Fine jewelry designer Wendy Brandes is our fabulous guest editor today! She is the 2012 winner of Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award for fine jewelry. Her jewelry has been worn by Rihanna, Britney Spears,  Hayden Panettiere and “Impossible” singer Shontelle; it’s also been featured in magazines including British Vogue and InStyle.

Wendy’s history-inspired 18K gold and platinum signature line is known for its “covert luxury,” featuring hidden gems and moving parts. Her WENDYB by Wendy Brandes diffusion line reflects her interest in social media, an area in which Wendy led the industry when she launched her humorous and frank blog in 2007. You can also find her online via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Pheed.

In addition to making EDO auction picks, we are also featuring a few of Wendy’s “Venus” pieces for sale right now! Be sure to check them out here.

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Shop Wendy’s Designs:

Wendy Brandes 18K Rose Gold & Diamond Venus Ring
Wendy Brandes 18K Rose Gold Quartz & Diamond Venus Earrings
Wendy Brandes 18K Gold Rutilated Quartz & Diamond Venus Necklace

Shop Wendy’s Auction Picks:

Moschino Cheap & Chic Black & White Polka Dot & Striped Halter Top
Marc by Marc Jacobs Tan Cotton Short Sleeve Safari Jacket
Hermes Brown & Black Leather & Gold Plated H Buckle Reversible 24mm Belt

EDO: What motivated you take the leap into expanding your business in 2005?
WB: I started my career in journalism but after 11 years, I left to become managing editor of websites for an investment bank. My original plan was to save some money for retirement at this better-paying job, and then go back to journalism. But when the time came, that seemed so boring! Why not have an adventure instead? I had already started designing jewelry for myself, so I decided to put my investment-banking money into a plan to design jewelry for everyone else.

EDO: So many celebrities wear your designs – was there anyone in particular that REALLY made you freak out about it?
WB: Nothing beats the time when Britney Spears — during the worst of her troubles — left a magazine shoot without permission while still clad in a bunch of high-end designer pieces, including my gold-and-diamond Borgia poison ring. I was freaking out, but not with joy! The magazine eventually made good on it. Around that time, I also had some “interesting” encounters with Lindsay Lohan. I’ll leave that to your imagination.

EDO: Do you look to clothing designers for inspiration, and if so, who are your favorites?
WB: I do look to clothing designers — if you count the people who designed clothes for Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. I’m very influenced by historical figures and their clothes and jewelry.

EDO: Favorite piece you’ve ever made?
WB: I’m really fond of my onyx skull ring. The skull is surrounded by tsavorites — green garnets, one of my favorite stones — and there are diamonds inside the band. But, really, my favorite piece is always the one I’m about to finish.

EDO: Where would we find you on a rare day off?
WB: When you have your business and you’re the only full-time employee, there are no real days off. But recently I took a trip to South Africa and went on a great safari. I only had to do a little work in between the morning game drives and the evening game drives.

EDO: What’s up next for you?
WB: I’m working on a book about my business experiences.

EDO Edit: Susan Alexandra

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“I am fascinated by personal style. Just as a novel, a poem or a painting reflects the artist, fashion shows us the artist within.”

Jewelry designer Susan Alexandra’s “About” page is one of the most captivating we’ve read, only overshadowed by the explosive creativity of her work itself. With pieces that incorporate vibrant hand-painting, sculpting, and vintage elements, it’s easy to see that this is a woman with a strong point of view, who isn’t afraid to be loud about it.

When we found out that Susan originally hails from Chicago, well, that was just icing on the friendship cake we were already baking for her.

Susan was awesome enough to take a little time away from her burgeoning business to give you an inside look at her amazing creative life, and make a few selections from our current auction site. For more, be sure to follow her on Instagram & Facebook, and shop her collection online while you’re at it!

edo_edit_susan_alexandraShop Susan’s EDO Picks:

Comme des Garcons Multi Color Floral Sleeveless Body Suit
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Golden Yellow & Multicolor Mesh Maxi Dress
D&G Dolce & Gabbana Blue & Red Satin Scenic Print Pencil Skirt

Shop Susan’s Jewelry:

FRIDA!!! Bracelet
Baby Hold On Ring – Powder Blue Nailz

EDO: When did you know you were meant to design jewelry & why?
SA: After I graduated from college at Columbia College Chicago I was in this unpleasant mid 20′s rut. Not really sure what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. Art had always been my outlet and I had completely abandoned that aspect of myself. I moved to NYC from Chicago in 2009 and the pressure to know who I was and what I wanted from life and to do with my life built up greater and greater. It was (and still is) really scary. About 1 year ago I had a series of small epiphanies.  I have always been jewelry obsessed-since I was a wee little girl. Why not try to make a go of it? I took a very basic metal working class and the creative energy just started flowing like crazy. I made a wonky metal ring and to cover a very obvious seam, I painted over it. And then I was like…”oh, I sorta dig how this looks!”. That’s how the painted jewelry style came to fruition.

I’m realizing each day, every time I sit down to work, how happy and content I feel when I am creating.

EDO: Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration?
SA: Frida Kahlo. I may or may not have been her in a past life. COLORS! Colors and flowers and fruits. Anything just totally vibrant and girly speaks to me. When I first moved to Chicago I worked at this awesome dutch store on Michigan Avenue called Oilily. Everything had a floral print, and I realize now how huge of an impact the many wild floral prints had on my aesthetic. And also, hip hop music. Specifically anything trap.

EDO: We heard you love sharp juxtapositions in your personal style. Can you describe a few of your favorite looks that fall into that description?
SA: I’ve decided my new look is rich bohemian gypsy from the Bronx. Think sheer gauzy floral gowns from the 1970′s worn with a pair of giant door knocker earrings, Nike Air Maxes and a Been Trill snapback or an embroidered hat from my website.

EDO: As a former Chicagoan, what do you miss most about our beloved city?
SA: I miss going out anywhere and seeing people I know and love. I miss my wonderful friends. I miss sitting outside at Milk and Honey in the summer and having brunch. And most of all, my ridiculously amazing apartment on the corner of Hoyne and Division. It was a palace. I’m born and bred in the Midwest and have a softspot for all things Midwestern.

EDO: Best part about living & working in NYC?
SA: I think that if I hadn’t moved here I would have never pushed myself to take my passions to the next level and make them a career. This is where it all happens. I can meet a fashion editor at dinner and they will request my jewelry the next day. Things HAPPEN here. I love this city. It is shaping me into the person I am meant to be.

EDO: What’s next for you?
SA: More jewelry! Branching out into more designs-the perfect stud, necklaces, rings. Then hopefully clothing! I was approached by some big brands to collaborate which was mind blowing to me.
I want to help people who are as lost and confused as I was when I first moved to NYC. I also want to employ disabled and homebound people.  I want to make the world a better place. Cliche, I know, but I mean it.

EDO Edit: David Sanchez

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Today’s guest editor is as personable and bright as he is handsome – so you KNOW he’s awesome. David Sanchez is a Chicago based Ford model, fashion blogger, foodie & published photographer.  For the last 6 years, he’s been on the other side of the camera as a modeling agent for both Ford Men & Women, so he knows a thing or two about what looks good.  As David says, “Ultimately, the fashion business is exciting because you’re constantly evolving yourself to keep up.  Trust me on that!  It’s a great life lesson as well.” We couldn’t agree more.

You can keep up with David on Twitter & Instagram, plus on Ford’s website and his own.  We’ll also be featuring David’s style snaps from week two at Coachella, right here on our blog next week! Don’t miss it, or his amazing auction picks and interview below!

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Shop David’s Picks:

Stubbs & Wootton Black Velvet Medal Embroidered Loafers
Marchesa Teal Gathered Strapless Gown
Hermes Vintage Blue & Red Silk Twill Henri d’Origny ‘Eperon d’Or’ 90cm Scarf
Roberto Cavalli Men’s Gold & Grey Leopard Print Gradient Silk Necktie

EDO: What’s the craziest photo shoot concept you’ve ever modeled for?
DS: Craziest concept had to be jumping on a trampoline for a golf ad for Puma.  The shot was 15 feet in the air, so you had to hit your mark while holding a golf bag, club and all the accessories.  Thankfully, I grew up on a trampoline so I had fun with it – but after jumping up and down for 3 hours, I was ready for solid ground.

EDO: Favorite restaurant in Chicago & dish you love?
DS: I live in Andersonville so I love the neighborhood restaurants like Bar Umbra, Vincent & Ante Prima.  One of my favorite dishes, though, is the calf liver at RL Restaurant.  Served with a dry martini, of course!

EDO: Great stores for stylish men’s clothing you’d recommend?
DS: It’s all about mixing it up. Don’t rely solely on one place – find pieces at each of your favorite spots.  Haberdash, Trunk Club, Zara, & Emporio Armani are a few of my favorites.

EDO: How do you spend your time off?
DS: I love this city, so I always try to get out and enjoy it.  I can’t get enough of our museums, like the Art Institute or the MCA.  I recently re-discovered the Lincoln Park Conservatory.  It’s such a peaceful place for me.

EDO: Item in your closet that you couldn’t live without?
DS: I travel a lot & I always try to buy a piece of clothing anywhere I go.  So, hands down, a grey leather bomber jacket from Bogota, Colombia.  The leather is like butter and the jacket fits like a glove.

EDO: What’s up next for you?
DS: VACATION!  Heading to Palm Springs this weekend for Coachella.  I love live music and people watching, so it’s two of my favorite things wrapped into one weekend!  Check back next week for some of my favorite Coachella fashion moments!