When I'm invited to a boutique opening, I always assume that there will be some kind of discount, free drinks and/or the occasional gift bag. All of which are great ways to attract a following, especially when you are new on the scene, but tends to become boring(as a blogger)after the first 20 you go to.

At a recent opening I went to, I definitely was not bored. It was because this time, the owners did something a little different. Instead of having their party IN their store, they had it ABOVE, on the the rooftop of the building their new boutique is housed.

The view was amazing and of course, the Champagne and chocolate fondue station were nice, too!

The new boutique I'm talking about is Michelle Levelle. The high-end dress boutique will be selling gorgeous dresses and is by appointment only. Pretty fancy.

It was no surprise, with the caliber of this party, that beautiful Chicagoans abound. In the crowd I spotted a top model and project runway alum.

Did I mention the hot tub? Yea, this was definitely the best boutique opening in a while. Check out Michelle Levelle's designs at www.michellelevelleboutique.com

I have taken my share of pictures at my friends' space, the WOR Loft, over the last few months. I feel pretty bad shooting style photos at the same place over and over again but I can't help it. It's just that it has been incredibly cold this winter (which has, sadly, hindered the street shots) but also, every time I go, I can't help but find people I think are pretty interesting, it's just that kind of place. I hope you understand...

This is my official first post on the new site!!!

Here are some pics I took back on January 29th (i know, i know, i am sooo behind!) at the Chicago Fashion Resource Launch party. If you aren't familiar with the site you need to follow the link above and take a gander because the it is a-maze-ing.

CFR is dedicated to guiding their viewers to all things, fashion related in Chicago. You'll find in depth profiles of boutiques and designers, as well as, a neighborhood excursion guide.

The party was held at Lumen, in the West Loop and hosted the who's who of the Chicago fashion industry.

At any party I attend it's usually the women attendees that steal the show with their outfits but this time it was the men who gave me an eyeful. I had never seen as many bow ties and pocket squares in one place in my life as I did that night. It was a dream come true!

It's been two weeks since the new year has begun and I am finally putting up pictures from the party I went to.(If I believed in resolutions, I would probably resolve to post in a more timely manner but I don't so you're kind of out of luck...) This year, like most others, I dodged the overpriced party scene and frugally rang in 2008 at People Projects, a local art/music space. I drank cheap champagne til' the wee hours and hung out with great friends, it was awesome. Here are some pictures from throughout the night...

Adorable, even with tape on her fames.

Oh, Michael!

You may remember the girl on the right for her role as Hitler's other half but I think, from this day forward, she'll be better known for being one of the NYE poncho twins.All jokes aside, ponchos are the shit! I have three, none of which are as elaborate as the above, but I wear them to death and I owe the inspiration for my obsession to a girl I spotted at the Eskell opening party with a really cute one on.

I love him for many reasons but the fact that he always coordinates his headband with his outfit is high on the list.

A housecoat with big, black boots makes me feel awkward.It looks like she's hiding something really sexy under her grandma's nightgown which is a little weird to me. Take away all the black and I think this would be a really cute dress...for spring (i mean, summer and belted).

You know him best for being in Kill Hannah, I know him best for his weird taste in gloves.