Anastasia Chatzka is a Chicago based designer with a wide range of creativity who constructs innovative and fashion forward garments. No one can deny her talent with her highly textured creations. She uses rich and intense colors with natural fibers to make her unique and feminine pieces.
Showing interest in design at an early age, Anasatasia decided to turn her talent into a career. At the age of twelve, Anastasia self taught herself to sew while making her own personalized pair of bell bottoms. She went on later after high school to attend the International Academy of Design in Chicago. After graduation she went to New York to work with top designers such as Betsy Johnson and Anna Sui. In 2007 Anastasia returned to Chicago to focus on her own line, Anastasia Chatzka.
She has a retail store and an online shop that customers can stop by and pick up her amazing garments! The high volume, texture, and rich color is a perfect combination that makes any woman feel feminine, fun and confident.
Check out some of her intricate styles here……
Anastasia Chatzka
1740 W. Division
Chicago, IL 60622
Hey Styleaholics,it's time for you get hip to Efficacy Episodes! Efficacy is a web series of viral episodes on Youtube. It was created by The Bloom Effect’s, Fiona Bloom which capture the in depth entertaining and enlightening facts about artists you may not ordinarily know. It gives viewers a bird’s eye/deeper lens into their lifestyle/history.
Here are some new all-stars that have been previously featured...
Sandra St. Victor – member of the innovative trio Family Stand then to establishing a solo career signed to Warner Brothers in 1996 with a critically acclaimed debut ‘Gemini: Both Sides.
Homeboy Sandman- rising up as one of hottest indie MC’s on the scene, most recently featured on MTV.com as ‘One to Watch.’
Shinobi Ninja- electric/live energy and super hustlers with a huge following
Eternia— just signed a record deal and has been on scene for many years. She revered as one of strongest female MC’s on the scene who is Canadian.
Crosmopolitan - Founder/Producer of Hip Hop Howl and creates Clocks by Cros. who has been nominated for a Shorty Award
Adam “Illus” Wallenta- ill graphic designer who did the Public Enemy comic book, debut album out now!
Check out the latest episode of MC Eyeris..
And tune in Thursday for the first ever episode via SKYPE! On Thursday Efficacy will debut Felecia Vs Spills. The US artist from NY has left for Cambodia to do Fighting For Futures work with kids. The up and coming Efficacy episode will be very exciting as the audience will be able to see first hand experience with her work with the kids. This will be the first time she’s shot a video showing the children!
The benefit concert for Fighting For Futures is tomorrow night and on the screen they will premiere on Efficacy. Felecia will call in via skype to introduce it! So make sure you tune in!!
The distinguished young men of Street Etiquette have come together to create a video and photo essay creatively named “Sewn From the Soul.” The video channels style icons and great African American historians such as Cornel West, Gordon Parks, Sammy Davis Jr., and Miles Davis.
These sharp men are breaking the stereotypical style barrier for African American men. Instead of seeing them rock baggy jeans and sportswear you will see them sporting tailored suits , fly fedoras and quaint bowties. These dapper, young men understand the fact that you must look and respect the past before you step into the future. They have combined the classic and elegant style of men from history and put a dash of their own personal flavor to create these flawless looks.
I absolutely love the project and the walls they are tearing down. Styleaholics, I know you appreciate a well dressed, dignified male as much as I do!
Evette Rios is an all-star craft and design expert as well as an overall a true home enthusiast! She is known to most for being a contributor to the Rachel Ray Show for her hands-on advice, innovative crafts, and dramatic room revisions. Many viewers love her ideas because she can create a budget-friendly project that looks like a million bucks! Evette also has her headlining blog on Rachel Ray’s official site. In addition she is the host of popular Better Homes & Gardens 100- Days of Holidays online video series.
As a woman of many talents, her responsibilities do not stop there. Evette is the Creator, Host and an Executive Producer of two new projects in production, P.S. I Love You which is a makeover show for NYC Public Schools and The Craft Show which is a survey of all that is handmade around NYC. To top it off this superwoman is also the the field correspondent of The G Word where she is known as the Salvage Queen!
In previous years, Evette has been the co-host and designer for Freestyle (HGTV), and TLC’s home repair show In A Fix. Evette has also been featured on the Today Show, CW11 Morning Show , Despierta America and Inside Edition. Evette instills her Puerto Rican roots in everything she does.
Let's get to know Evette Rios a little better....
What first intrigued you to turn your passion of craft and design into a profession?
I have always loved design and art. As a kid my favorite subject was art, and in college I double majored in Biology and Theater, and did most of my theater requirements by working in the school’s costume shop. In my family making things is just something you did. My dad would do things like make his own gift boxes and my mom would sew all sorts of things like slipcovers and pillow cases. I remember that as a kid, when I would go shopping with my mom, if I liked something my mom would say “Ay, eso se hace” which means, “Oh, you could make that”, so before buying anything my mom would force me to think, could I make that for myself? And if I can, couldn’t I make it that much cooler? I guess that is where it started and it has stayed with me ever since!
Where do you receive your inspiration for your projects?
Most of my inspiration comes out of need. Seriously, Necessity is the mother of invention, right? So, often what I will do is make something that I need; A lampshade in a particular color, window treatments in a specific length, earrings to go with a particular dress or sweater boots out of an old sweater, these are all things I have made simply because I have needed them. I also get a TON of inspiration from my peers. I love looking at the work of fellow crafters, designers and artists. I will take a look at something and think, “wow, I love that technique, maybe I could apply it to something around the house”, so I am always looking at design and crafting magazines and checking out blogs and sites. It’s my favorite pastime!
What was your most difficult challenges that you had to overcome while making a strong name for yourself in the industry?
There are so many challenges to overcome, and I am sure that a lot of them have come from being a woman first and foremost and also being Latina. But quite honestly the hardest thing to overcome has been me, myself. There are so many times when I am my own worst enemy, I will doubt myself, wonder if I am talented enough, smart enough, pretty enough, skinny enough, we all do it. Overcoming that voice in my head that says “I am not worthy” is my most difficult challenge. Everyday I have to try really hard to silence that inner voice, and when I do, I am unstoppable!
How does your Latin background influence your work?
Being Latina is always present in my work. I think my work ethic is probably where it is most evident. My family, like many immigrant families, came here to find more work. One grandfather was a NYC Taxi driver, the other was a hotel bartender, and my dad’s family would all come home after work and school and assemble toys for a NYC toy company. They never stopped working and so do I. I feel guilty when I am not doing something productive!
And being Latina also affects my design choices. I love rich, bright tropical colors, I love entertaining so everything I do must be people friendly and I am all about friends and family, in fact most of my friends can’t believe how much time I spend with my parents! And everything I design is always party friendly, because we Latinos don’t need much of an excuse to celebrate!
How did you become such a great friend of Rachael Ray's?
I have been working on her show since season 1, now she is in season 4, (which is so crazy that time has gone so fast!). I think Rachael took notice of me because I delivered. Rachael is one of those people who works harder than anyone else in the room, and she likes hard workers. I think she liked me dedication and my creativity, and since then I have been writing for her magazine, Everyday with Rachael Ray, blogging for her website, www.rachaelray.com and appearing on her show!
What have you learned from being a part of Rachael's team in terms of being a creative, female entrepreneur?
More than anything I have learned to surround your self with good people, people who believe in you and people who can support you. And once you do that, you have to trust that they will do the right thing. Rachael is not a micro manager. Instead, she delegates and those types of entrepreneurs are always the most successful, and they sleep better at night!
Any other big projects on the horizon that you care to mention?
Wow, honestly 2010 has come in like a lion, so far I have been really blessed! I have LOTS of projects on the horizon. I am producing and hosting 2 shows for NYCTV, one is called The Craft Show, and profiles the handmade scene in and around NYC, the second is called P.S. I Love you (Public School I Love You) and is a makeover show about New York City public schools. I will be redesigning art rooms and auditorium, teacher’s lounges to schoolyard gardens. We are in pre production now, but the shows should be up and running this summer!
I also am working on a huge pitch for a JC Penney product line that will focus on beautiful, simple and inexpensive ways to make your home look great without driving yourself crazy, and I have got a book proposal in the works. All in all it is shaping up to be an exciting year!
What is on piece of advice you can give to young women who want to follow in your footsteps?
For young women who want to pursue a career in TV or in Design, the biggest thing to remember is to never Diva out, especially not early in your career. You need to be easy to work with, be reliable and get things done. Say yes to every project that comes your way, even if you think you might be worth more, or you feel that maybe you are not qualified enough to do it yet. Force yourself to grow, make yourself a little uncomfortable and push yourself to your limits. You never know where an opportunity might lead and you never know who is taking notice of you.
Assemble your rolodex early on, stay on top of your contacts and keep them aware of you. Even though we are in a digital society “friend-ing” someone on facebook is not enough, it is important to send people handwritten notes, cards and gifts. These keep you top of mind and set you apart from those that rely on digital hellos.
Dynamic designer Rachel Roy and British star Estelle have partnered up this Spring for a limited edition jewelry collection that is featured on the Rachel Rachel Roy line! The collection features intense cuffs, funky necklaces and head turning ear cuffs.
You don't have to break the bank to get one of these spectacular pieces because the price range is from $35- $50. The collection was inspired from culture, art, music, photography and philanthropy.
Rachel Roy states, "I love Estelle's sense of style because she takes risks and I think that to be a trendsetter you have to take as many risks as safe turns."
Come and hear her soulful pop sound while she belts out her well crafted lyrics live! With a soulful voice she is often compared to legends such as Etta James and Judy Garland. The New York Native has performed on festivals with Drake, The Cool Kids,Jean Grae and Mickey Factz just to name a few.
Don't worry, if you can't make the Macrh 5th performance check her out at the huge SXSW showcase
Wednesday, March 17th at
Club 115 at Midnight in
Austin, TX.
In 2007 Jay Adoni and David Giordano launched the winning collection Pour La Victoire. Pour La Victoire means "for the victory" which is appropriate for the name of this European inspired footwear line!
Pour La Victoire is inspired by European style and the spirit of evolution. It creates a Modern 21st century look that is often linked to Marie Antoinette. Each shoe is made by premium soft leathers or materials that are carefully crafted in the country of Brazil.
David Giordano, co-founder states, "We felt strongly that the shoe industry was long overdue for an exciting new concept that was not the rehashing of successful mass market brands. We are in a time where the price-value relationship means everything to all consumers in all industries.”
Pour La Victoire has over 200 features in major publications such as Teen Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, WWD and Nylon. You can find these fashion forward shoes at Bloomingdales, Intermix, Bergdorf Goodman, and Harvey Nichols.
Can I have an "Appletini," a "Tahitian Tea" and a "Tango Cocktail"?? Now, you're probably thinking I have a bit of a drinking problem but I'm actually requesting hand made jewelry pieces from the collection Girls' Night Out Design!
"Orange Blossom"
Holly Davis is the creator of Girls Night Out Designs which offers handmade jewelry, cigar box purses and hosts home parties. The concept behind the line is to capture those fun filled nights of energy and adventure and express them through jewelry. Each individual piece is hand crafted by Holly Davis who names each piece after a fun mixed drink.
During the day Holly Davis is the editor of the NH Mirror which is a statewide women's magazine based in Manchester, NH and makes jewelry on the weekend. Her main focus is creating pieces for customers that they love and makes them feel good when they wear them.
Check out my fave pieces, the Cigar Box Purses...
Scarlet Fever
We usually spotlight different designers but I know Styleaholics are true lovers of vintage also! This is one of Chicago's best kept secrets when it comes to finding great and affordable one of a kind vintage finds. Every time I visit the store I always end up leaving with more than I expected to buy! With it being 2 floors, including the bargain basement, it’s hard to demonstrate self control.
Clothes Optional is located in Chicago, IL in the Lakeview area. It carries a variety of styles from the 1950's to the 1980s. Clothes Optional also carries a selection of local designers. Vintage pieces are handpicked by the owner through various garage sales, estate sales, and flea markets. They carry brands such as Levis, Wrangler, Sportbouts, Lacoste, H Bar C, Gloria Vanderbilt, Van Heusen, Nike, Adidas, Kennington, and LeTigre just to name a few! From $ 3- $30 for shirts, Clothes Optional definitely is for anyone who is shopping on a budget.
Clothes Optional not only support local designers but also local artists! Periodically Clothing Optional will hosts art shows for customers and art lovers to come and check out fresh creativity!
If you’re in the Chicago area Clothes Optional is a must see….
2918 N Clark St
(between Oakdale Ave & Surf St)
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 296-6630
Both Mr. Adoni and Mr. Giordano had a vision to revamp and redesign the junior's shoe market and this is when Kelsi Dagger was born. The name Kelsi Dagger comes from a fictional English literary Show Girl/femme fatal. It represents the risks, the confidence, and independence that young people claim in their everyday life!
Kelsi Dagger is an innovative and fresh line that accommodates to consumers who are both trendy and fearless. From flats to open toe stilettos, Kelsi Dagger designs makes a bold statement everywhere they go!
Kelsi Dagger has been profiled in major publications such as Cosmopolitan,US Weekly, Elle, InStyle, Marie Claire just to name a few. Kelsi Dagger is distributed all over the United States and in over 20 countries worldwide. There online retail store will be available soon.
Check out a couple styles from there 2010 Spring/Resort collection..
Dashing Diva is the creator of highly innovative, professional quality nail and skin care products. They are a leading name in the nail care industry that has a portfolio of patented products.
This past week we all know Fashion Week was celebrated and presented in the fast paced city of New York. Pattie Yankee the head nail tech of Dashing Diva, was busy working backstage at NY Fashion Week.
Check out some nail polish trends that made their debut on the runway..
Naomi Campbell's Fashion For Relief took place on February 12. Models wore white shimmer shade which really popped on the runway.
Photo Credit: Ann Lawlor
George Chakra- Created a "dried blood" look for the nails . The color they chose was "Dashing Diva's Central Park After Dark" which is a deep plum burgundy.
Photo Credit: Ann Lawlor
LORICK- Designer Abigail Lorick chose a bright neon orange to accent the blues, greens, and browns in the collection.
Why carry a fashion magazine in your purse when you can use the magazine as a purse? Sylvia Holden is the designer of these fashion forward wallets which features a magazine spread in the design. Sylvia has always thought outside the box even since she was a young girl. From redecorating a shed with old paintings and dishes to painting her neighbors porch, Sylvia Holden's creativity has been apart of her since she was an eight year old girl.
Sylvia Holden has a background in Fine Art where she studied at RISD and FIT. She has practiced at the world renowned auction house Butterfield and Butterfield in San Francisco. Soon after this she began to create her vintage inspired handbags by using antique fabric remnants and old handbag handles. She now has a full line where she mixes her own twists to vintage pieces.
The quality and one of a kind wallets only run $65.00 a piece. Each wallet is created with leather and vinyl with Velcro closures. The spacious wallet has a change compartment with four slots for cards as well as a cash compartment.
Nicole Newsum has staked her claim in the intense and competitive industry of PR! Nicole is a New York native who holds a BA from University of Albany and MS in Elementary Education from Brooklyn College.She has over 5 years experience and have worked with heavy hitting agencies such as 5W Public Relations, Sayles and Winnikoff Communications, Terrie Williams Agency and The Britto Agency.
Nicole has effectively worked with marketing brands such as Avenue, Barbara’s Flowers, Boost Mobile, Toyota/Scion FedEx, Hip Hop Theater Festival, Weatherproof, and American Media Incorporated just to name a few. She has done personal publicity and branding for celebrities as actress LisaRaye McCoy,actor/comedian Tony Rock and social/political Jeff Johnson. Nicole has managed celebrities such as Vivica A. Fox, Lauren London and Taryn Manning. Nicole Newsome is currently the PR consultant for the new women's online magazine, VAIN magazine.
Nicole is a strong supporter in giving back to the community. She has worked with Young Survival Coalition, AngelRock Project, Black Girls Rock and Women in Entertainment Empowerment, Network.
As you can see Ms. Newsum has a quite impressive life resume. Let’s get to know her better.......
1.) Why did you first begin to work in the intense and fast paced field of PR?
What opened my eyes to pursue PR was having an opportunity to intern at Motown Records (nearly a decade ago) under Kedar Massenberg. Although I worked in the Promotions department, I sometimes supported the publicity and marketing department. It was in that instant that I fell in love and knew that was my calling Publicity/ PR. Since that moment, I have been running in the world of PR working with such industry veterans as Terrie Williams, Marvet Britto, top brands like Boost Mobile, Toyota/Scion, AVENUE, Weatherproof, Step Up Women’s Network. Working in PR has given me the opportunity to find my niche in the other specialties including fashion, consumer lifestyle and nonprofit.
2.) What's the biggest difference between working with marketing campaigns compared to personal publicity for celebrities?
They are both present their respective challenges. Indeed, you must possess the proverbial persistence and love to work in PR. Personal publicity; however, is a 24 hour job. You are always on call. Personal publicity is essentially managing a celebrity’s image and making sure that he/she is aligned with the right organizations, associations and events to continuously build and maintain their celebrity status. It is your job to use publicity to raise their personal profile and expose the client to all forms of opportunities.
On the other hand, when you and your team work with a consumer brand, you brainstorm and put into action a creative and innovative initiative/campaign that generates buzz, builds brand awareness and recognition and influences consumers.
3.) You work with many charities and nonprofit organizations, why is it important to you to give back to the community?
I grew up in a household in which my parents gave back in the community. My father spent his weekends coaching Junior Pee Wee football to 8 year olds and my mother was very active in the church. Giving back to the community comes naturally to me. Using my skills and gifts is what I am supposed to do for the betterment of myself and my community. A very close friend of mine was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 28. She became an active member of Young Survival Coalition (support advocacy group for breast cancer survivors under 40). From that point, I devoted my time volunteering with Young Survival Coalition and organizations that benefit women and children. I have also volunteered with many organizations such as Black Girls Rock, Step Up Women’s Network, Angel Rock Project and others.
4.) What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome working in PR?
I would say my biggest challenge was doing a career change. After teaching for 2 years teaching, I made the drastic career change into PR. I had to take a pay cut and start from the associate level and learn really quickly. It paid off and made me a stronger individual.
5.) What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to women who want to follow in your footsteps? I have a couple
• Be passionate about your job. Love it. Live it.
• Make sure you have a mentor in your life guiding you. (I have a few people but am always looking for another)
• Always be proactive and reactive
• Have a great network of friends
• Time is of the essence so try your best to work smart
6.) You received your Master's in Elementary Education, would you ever want to teach in a school setting?
No. When I graduated from college, I applied and was accepted in the NYC Teaching Fellows Program. I was teaching 6th grade in Brooklyn, NY. After that experience, I respect all teachers and education professionals. Their job is not an easy task but you are helping, guiding and educating children through life’s obstacles. Let’s just say it wasn’t for me but I am highly grateful for Masters in Elementary Education.
7.) You're an avid traveler and shopper. What's the best piece of clothing/accessory that you bought on a trip?
On a visit to Barcelona, Spain (food is so good) there. I picked up these brown suede wedge boots. So cute and comfortable and still trendy, after 5 years. I am heading to Costa Rica in April, so I can’t wait to pick up some unique accessories.
8.) What makes you a Styleaholic?
As a fashion and lifestyle publicist, I am on always on the cusp of new trends of the season. I love to shop in boutiques, bargain spots, vintage shops, dig into friend’s closets and find cute pieces that can compliment my look. I also have different looks every day. I am actually a sucker for dresses, coats and shoes. I wear a dress nearly every day.
