Loren is Senior Vice President of Market America, the giant online internet retail company, creator of best selling cosmetics Motives, and designer of gorgeously stunning Loren Jewels, worn by Eva Longoria Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Kim Kardashian, and others.

Kim Kardashian wearing Loren Jewels

Kourtney & Khloe Kardashian with Loren Ridinger wearing Loren Jewels

Eva Longoria Parker wearing (stunning!) Loren Jewels winning her Best Accessory Award by Hollywood Insider at the Emmys 2010.

I love that Loren also dedicates her time to many charities such as Rally for Kids with Cancer, American Heart Association, Make-a-Wish, and more.

I became interested in Loren because I thought she was so inspiring and positive, someone all women can relate to. I love following what she has to say on her blogs Loren’s World and My Fashion Cents and she is so much fun on Twitter! Loren is a total girly-girl who loves fashion and is extremely talented, and knows what she is talking about especially when it comes to life, business, and fashion.

She has taught me to really continue to pursue my dreams and ways to accomplish my goals without feeling overwhelmed or that my goals or aspirations are unreachable.

These are my favorite pair of earrings by Loren Jewels. I think they are so elegant and timeless, you would wear them over and over again. $3715

As you all know fashion is a huge passion of mine and I thought it would be fun if I could ask Loren a few questions about fashion and trends.

So last week, I had the chance to ask the fabulous Loren Ridinger a few questions about her inspirations and favorites in fashion.

1. Who is (or was) your biggest fashion inspiration?

Jackie O and Jennifer Lopez. Jackie O was stylish, elegant, but chic.  Jackie loved fashion and wasn’t afraid to experiment with other trends.  Jackie O always looked effortlessly stunning.  My other inspiration is my dear friend Jennifer Lopez.  Jennifer never missed a trend and knows what fits best for her body. Jennifer is a trendsetter, a true fashion icon, her style is edgy, fun and super glamorous.

2. What was your first big designer purchase?

A traditional Dolce & Gabana corset dress, I still have it.

3. What trend are you looking forward to this fall/winter 2010? Or what is your favorite look right now?

I love a beautiful structure jacket from Balmain with a great pair of Hudson or Genetic jeans.  I love this look because it’s modern, classic and you can wear  it anywhere.  This look is fabulously chic, it reminds me of Jackie O.

4. What is one fashion item you can’t live without?

My big diamond hoops, I love them! They are very Jennifer.

5. When getting ready for a big event do you have any rituals?

Well, it shouldn’t be a ritual, but I always wait until the last second and rush out the door late. I love working so I tend to work until the last minute so it always makes me late. Lol.

6. What is one tip you have for women to keep us youthful, healthy, and refreshed?

Great skin care.  I love Matriskin collagen serum from Market America.  Have passion for whatever it is that you do or find something new.  Sleep.  Although, sleeping is not something I do enough of.  I always say I will sleep when I am dead!  Right now I have too much to do and I love it.

Loren, I will continue to be a huge fan and thank you so much for the great interview! xo

So I searched and searched to bring you my favorite purse picks for this upcoming season.

Tory Burch

Tory Burch ~ 'Rodeo Lizzie' Leather Wristlet ~ $175

Tory Burch ~ Leather & Chains Satchel~ $595

Tory Burch ~ Glazed Leather Holland Satchel ~ $465

Marc Jacobs

Marc by Marc Jacobs ~ 'Saddlery Lou Lou' Satchel ~ $558

Marc by Marc Jacobs ~ 'Classic Q - Francesca' Leather Shopper ~ $528

Marc by Marc Jacobs ~ 'Totally Turnlock - Shifty' Satchel ~ $478

Marc by Marc Jacobs ~ Pretty Nappa Hobo ~ $498

Marc by Marc Jacobs ~ Totally Turnlock Helena Convertible Tote ~ $458

Michael Kors

Michael Kors ~ 'Gansevoort - Large' Tote ~ $498

Michael Kors ~ 'Gansevoort - Large' Shoulder Satchel ~ $428

I have this bag in this color and I absolutely love it!

Michael Kors ~ Hamilton Leather Tote ~ $298

The Hamilton is going on my wish list!

Kate Spade

Kate Spade ~ 'bow regard - maryanne' leather shopper ~ $445

Kate Spade ~ Five Points Camille Leather Femme Satchel ~ $475

I saw this purse at Kate Spade in the Gold Coast Chicago and it is absolutely stunning.

Henri Bendel

Henri Bendel ~ No. 7 Quilted Shoulder Bag ~ $395

What you will notice about the purse style trends for this fall/winter 2010 are:

• Soft simple styles – which would be a simple chain, braided or interesting straps, or simple closures.
• Gem colors – this season you will find bags in tones of soft blues, emerald greens, and amethyst.
• Simple shapes – the classic rectangular shapes as in the shoulder bag, or tote.
• Lots of pockets – such as side pockets like on the Gansevoort by Michael Kors.
• Over-sized shapes with multiple uses – these bags are perfect for the girl on the run, and in this trend you will see most of these bags have shoulder straps as well.

What style do you like?

Whatever purse you decide on this season, Happy Shopping!

In May of this year www.garmental.com launched a unique website that came to every woman’s rescue; a FREE online personal shopper that would take the worry out of finding that perfect look.

The editors of this site search Chicago boutiques like Fix Boutique, Tribeca, and She One, to name a few, and pick out their favorite outfit each day and bring it right to your fingertips. Their goals are to bring inspiration to you, to help take the stress out of searching for something to wear, and help support the fabulous boutiques and designers that we have here in Chicago. The editors keep in mind prices, the day of the week, and the weather in their daily search.

New feature coming September 1st!

On September 1st www.garmental.com will launch a unique Chicago search option to the site called “The Closet”. This portion of the site to lets us fashionistas search for a style by neighborhood, boutique, and a price point.  From the filtered search results, we can view the clothing options as thumbnails, as well as printable lists.  Garmental’s visitors will be also be able to find boutique contact information directly on the site!

I had the opportunity to interview one of the founders, Suzanne Kopulos!

What was your vision for Garmental.com?

There are two key reasons why Garmental was created: to be the go-to authority on how to shop local boutiques and to give style inspiration on a daily basis with one complete look a day and Garmental is the only fashion resource that offers this unique format.

How do you predict what looks and styles your users will like?

The great thing about Garmental is that we have more than one point of view. We focus on the style aesthetic of the boutique that we feature and showcase a complete look that exemplifies their approach to fashion. This way, readers will not only get style inspiration, they will make notes on boutiques that resonate with their personal style and become part of their shopping roadmap.

What do you think will be the biggest trend of Fall/Winter 2010?

Utilitarian apparel & boots and loads of leather! Everyone will be investing again in leather jackets, and riding boots. Leather leggings are here, so we’ll see how much people overload on leather. I’m game.

Is there one fashion item you can’t live without?

Statement or vintage jewelry pieces are a must for me. Whether you have an endless budget for high-end designer garments or have tight purse-strings, accessorizing a basic dress or top and jeans with statement jewelry instantly transforms your look or can make a look all on its own.

Why should you shop at boutiques?

More than just to support local business owners, boutiques are unique because when you find one that matches your personal style, you will shop exclusively with them because you will love everything in the store. Boutiques typically offer brands that other stores won’t have or they will have exclusives on great items, so you won’t be a replica of every person walking down the street.

Are their any fashion no no’s?

One of the biggest fashion Do’s is to always dress age appropriate! There will always be fashion trends that look cute and fun, but that doesn’t mean they are made for you. I think it is always important to be mindful of that rule.

Who is (or was) your biggest fashion inspiration?

Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors and Tom Ford, for all very different reasons. First off, I am a massive fan of the DVF brand. Mostly because I believe Diane designs for every woman and produces pieces with longevity and should be a staple in every closet. I adore Michael Kors, not only because he is a witty and smart designer, but because he inspired me most by his dramatic use of color while Creative Director for Celine. He really knows how to make women feel beautiful. Lastly, Tom Ford because he is the definition of debonair.  In all instances he exudes sex appeal through his personal style and I feel most men should aspire to reach the same level of personal confidence. Well that or just being Johnny Depp wouldn’t hurt.

When getting ready for the day or for a big event do you have any rituals you follow?

I wish I had something funny like Jersey Shore’s “GTL”. So, I guess my regular everyday is Gym, Coffee, Computer, Shopping. On a big event day, it is almost always day before, eyebrow wax and hair, day of-mani/pedi and try not to wear any make-up until the hour before the event so that I always look fresh.

When you sign up and subscribe to Garmental here are the special perks you can receive;

• Wardrobe Wishlist: Premier savings on items from boutiques around town.
• Primped & Polished: Deals on products that pair perfectly with our Look of the Day.
• Garmental Gifts: A chance to win amazing designer swag.
• City Soiree: Exclusive invites to the city’s most sought after events.

I think this website is an amazing concept. It’s a great tool to help all women find great looks. I will definitely use this site to help me with my shopping. I can’t wait to see the fall trends. I already check the site daily!

A special thanks to SkirtPR.com, Garmental.com and Suzanne Kopulos for the great interview.

So, I thought it would be fun do a different kind of post and share the makeup products that I really love and I would love to hear what brands and products you are fans of as well.

CoverGirl ~ Invisible Concealer

For years I have been using this concealer. I don’t use Covergirl products very much but when something works, you should stick with it.

Invisible Concealer in Light Pale by CoverGirl

Sephora Collection ~ Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer

I really love this tinted moisturizer. This moisturizer evens my skin tone, has an SPF 20, and gives me a refreshed look that I love.

Sephora Collection ~ Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Oil-Free in Medium Peach

Too Faced ~ Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer

I have tried many face primers and this is my favorite one by far. I really like how you can use it by itself without foundation or blush and it will give your face a fresh flawless look. I use it under my Nars blush and my blush stays perfect all day long.

Too Faced ~ Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer

Revlon ~ Colorstay Eyeliner

I love this eyeliner, it’s a great color and it does stay all day long. You can’t go wrong!

Revlon ~ ColorStay Eyeliner in Cocoa

Revlon ~ Double Twist Mascara

I feel like I am really lucky to have long, thick eyelashes. But, I’m in love with this mascara it’s amazing and make my eyelashes even more full and so luscious. You just have to try it!

Revlon ~ DoubleTwist Mascara in Black

NARS ~ Blush

I won’t use anything else on my checks! I love, love, love the colors and LoveJoy is my absolute favorite!

NARS ~ Blush in LoveJoy

Revlon ~ Colorstay Eye Shadow

I used all these great eye shadows, perfect for everyday.

Revlon ~ ColorStay 12 Hour Eye Shadow in Blushed Wines

Sephora Collection ~ Eye Shadow

I think this eye shadow is perfect for going out at night. It’s dark without being too dark and has just the right amount of sparkle. I also like to blend it with a light cream shadow.

Sephora Collection ~ Eye Shadow in Choco Excess

Sephora Collection ~ Shimmer Lip Gloss

I love to finish off my look with lip gloss. I love so many of the Sephora glosses but right now Sugar Cookie is my favorite.

Sephora Collection ~ Super Shimmer Lip Gloss in Sugar Cookie

Let me know what your favorite makeup products are? I would love to find out about what you like so I can try new looks!

Inside View of The Roof

Open all year long, The Roof is 7,000 square feet on the 27th floor of The Wit Hotel featuring spectacular city views, roaring fire pits, plenty of seating to lounge with a group of friends, including a suspended over the city glass enclosed table for 8 people, flat screen T.V.’s, and live music or featured DJs. I have to say this hotel and lounge reminds me of my favorite hotel in Miami or New York City, The Gansevoort Hotel.

Outside at The Roof

When I go to The Roof, I really enjoy the drink menu with unique cocktails like the  Cucumber Ginger Mojito which is my favorite drink on the menu.

About to enjoy my favorite drink at The Roof: Cucumber Ginger Mojito

My friends and I crave the Hand Cut Gourmet Fries! The fries are a must have every time! The Roof’s menu also has 20 Italian inspired small plates that are great for sharing.

Hand Cut Gourmet Fries, Yum Yum!

The Roof is perfect for a girls day or night out. You can plan an eventful fun time with the girls around your visit to The Roof at The Wit Hotel.

Day Drinks at The Roof

• Start your day by shopping on State Street with tons of fabulous shopping a few blocks from The Wit Hotel including; Macy’s on State Street, Zara, Nordstrom Rack, Sephora, Filene’s Basement, Old Navy, H&M, and more.
• Treat yourself to luxury with a Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream Pedicure at Spa @ theWit
• By 4pm you will be ready to head up to The Rood and endure in a refreshing cocktail.

The Roof at Night

• Start the night with a delicious dinner at one of The Wit Hotel’s trendy restaurants, Italian restaurant cibomatto or State and Lake an artisantal American restaurant.
• Or with the Chicago Theatre right next door be sure to check out a show at this historic landmark or close by is the Theater District or the famous House of Blues located in Marina City (the corn cob buildings).
• End the evening with drinks at The Roof overlooking the gorgeous nighttime views of the Chicago.

Me at The Roof

So if you are visiting Chicago or haven’t been to The Roof it is definitely something that should be on your to do list.

I love greens, it a great color and goes well with many skin tones. Along with cream and pink tones, this season army green is one of the big color of the season continuing on from the Spring and Summer trend, but this time with more layers. I have seen some great styles and ways to wear this color already. Look out for military inspired jackets, trench coats, and boots. I’m excited to show you my picks of must-have army greens for this Fall.

Boots & Shoes

Avery by Steve Madden $99 at Macy's

Union high heel pump by Banana Republic - $120.00

Casilda by Nine West in Olive Green - $99.00

Cole Haan 'Air Kennedy' Ankle Boot - $348.00

Jackets & Trench Coats

Sanctuary Military Jacket in Olive - $130.00

Kloth 'Bradly' Military Trench Jacket - $78.00

Tops

Cropped Toggle Capes at Old Navy - $34.50

Tie-Neck Ruffled Tops - $19.99

Short-Sleeve Capes $34.50

Elizabeth and James Explorer Blouse $245.00

Bottoms & Skirts & Dresses

Cargo Skinny Pants at Express - $59.90

Express Draped Mesh Mini Skirt $49.90

Foley + Corinna Netting Dress - $205.00

Wrap it Up Dress at Lulus.com - $49.50

Accessories & Purses

Spun by Subtle Luxury Infinity Scarf - In Olive - $51.00

Military-Inspired Cap at Bloomingdales - $34.00

Joe's Jeans Pyramid Studded Leather Belt - $98.00

Carrera Champion Sunglasses - $120.00

Lucky Brand 'Front Line' Canvas Tote - $149.00 (Great for school or work!)

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Totally Turnlock Helena Leather Tote - $458.00

We got to the event right around 7pm and got great seats at the bar, right in front of the runway. If you have been to District Bar Chicago you already know that every night they have awesome specials. Last night they had 1/2 priced bottles of wine and 1/2 off all salads. So of course we took advantage and enjoyed a nice bottle of  Cabernet and the steak salad while we waited for the show to start.

Since we had such great seats we were able to get some video of the show for you all to check out. This was the first time I had been to District to see a fashion show. I thought it was well done. I’m not into fur but the furs, sunglasses, and swimwear was super hot and it was a really unique show.

Let me know your thoughts on the show and be sure to check out District Bar for fun events every week.

I have been to NYC a few times and each time there was a huge wait and lines that were around the restaurant. However, this time I called a few days ahead and was able to get a 9:30pm Friday night reservation. Yes! Finally! I was so excited!

That Friday we got to the restaurant and was seated shortly after 9:30pm. As I looked around I noticed that there was many collectibles and knickknacks all around the restaurant. Lots of the knickknacks you could buy as well as souvenirs.  It was smaller then then it looked on the movie, but had a great charm, very quaint actually.

Serendipity 3

Serendipity has a great menu with many foods choices, and a huge desert menu. I decided on the A Summer Bries, which was fantastic. Then of course I ordered the famous frozen hot chocolate which was amazing and just how I imagined it to be.

Me enjoying the famous frozen hot chocolate

I really enjoyed my experience at Serendipity. I would greatly recommend it as fun place to go when visiting NYC. We had great service, good food, fantastic desserts, and I was definitely happy that I was now able to check it off my list of must places to visit.

If you would like to visit Serendipity 3 here are a few things to remember.

• The restaurant has limited reservations each day so call in advance.
• Reservations are only if you plan to eat off the menu not just order dessert.
• You can’t order desserts to go.
• If you are just planning to try their amazing desserts be prepared to wait about 40mins or longer. If you have a party of two you will be seated a lot faster.
• You can purchase frozen hot chocolate in the store, online, or now in Williams Sonoma stores.

If you have experienced Serendipity 3 I would love to here your story!

The NYC location:

Elizabeth King and Ella Federovich, co-owners of Luxe a Salon + Spa in Roscoe Village (2109 W. Belmont Ave.), are happy to introduce the second installment of the Lessons in Luxe class series: Scarves & Strands.  On Thursday, August 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Luxe ladies will demonstrate the ins and outs of the chicest scarf hairstyles.  From simple looks for shorter ‘dos and eye-catching arrangements for longer locks, the tutorial will showcase a variety of easy, innovative ways for women of all lock lengths to dress up their ‘do – whether it’s a sexy braid, headband, bun, ponytail, or hair cover-up!  Best of all – each class participant can enter a raffle to walk away with the ultimate end-of-summer elegance: a fabulous Hermès scarf!

Reserve your spot for $10 in advance by calling 773-665-2049.  Luxe a Salon + Spa will apply this $10 as a credit to any future service with the salon.  Otherwise, attendees can pay $12 at the door (which will not be applied to a future service).  Class attendees will take a stab at their own strands while enjoying cocktails and light bites; each will receive a complimentary head-scarf and tips & tricks pamphlet.

Please visit www.luxeasalon.com.

Thanks to Skirt PR for all the information!

This weekend (August 6th – August 8th) bring in your Lollapalooza wristband for 15% off all weekend long.)

Then come back to District August 11th, 2011 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm to celebrate their 5^th year of The Fashion District: Hot Ice. This hot shows showcases swimwear, shades, and fur fashions from Meekis swimwear (http://www.modelmayhem.com/662544), Protégé eyewear (http://www.malachiartese.com), and is headlined by Elan Furs (http://www.elanfur.com/). These fashions are more than just your everyday bikini and cover-up.

Meekis Swimwear

Elan Furs

Protégé eyewear

Get to the show before 8pm (show starts at 8pm) to enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne! Guests can also enjoy ½ price bottles of wine, ½ price salads or nosh on the event’s “Hot Ice” menu.

Want even more? Dine at District the week before the event and get a free drink voucher for the night of the show.

District Bar

170 West Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60654-3737
(312) 337-3477

What is your favorite girl’s night out spot? I would love to know!

Thanks to Skirt PR for the event information.