On The Run With Crystal B. Designs

Being able to go with the flow, having the ability to be a problem solver and a team player is what qualifies any girl to become a PR Girl for Crystal B. Designs. Come along with me as I give you a behind the scenes of what happens when you're on the run with Crystal B. Designs! 

Before we headed off to NBC Towers, we had to prep and pack our clothing to present to Le' Fashion Magazine for an editorial photo-shoot. Although we were pressed on time, Crystal was still determined to sew some last minute skirts. Taking a taxi, we were able to weaved through traffic and surprisingly we made in on time for our meeting. As I was watching Crystal speak about her brand and values, it made me realize that you must be confident in every situation.

"If you can persuade someone that this is fashion then that's what makes them a great designer." -Crystal B. Simms

I swear every time I come into to work, it's filled with excitement and plenty of first timers. As we got ready to shoot our  fall lookbook Asylum, I had the honors in cutting the model's wig. I was a nervous wreck but I realized that sometimes you just gotta go with the flow and let your creative take over you. Fashion is non constricting and open to anything. What amazes me is how quickly Crystal and Paige think on their feet. If the dress doesn't fit, no problem on set alterations are okay and perception is reality. What the audience don't know won't kill em'. Can you take a guess as to what Paige is hiding?? (Hint it's thick, curly and red). Since I'm feeling a bit generous, here's a tiny tease of what Asylum means to us.

ON THE RUN WITH: 1| Creativity 2| Decisions 3| Just a Tease 4| Dedication

Fabulous Rooftops for Nights Out on the Town: Our Favorite Picks

Ask any Chicago native, and they’ll tell you that that there are two seasons in this city: winter season and rooftop season. With fall being just around the corner, you might want to bust out that gorgeous cocktail dress you keep hidden in your closet, and enjoy a warm summer night out on the town before temperatures get chilly. Don’t be shy, let fabulous rooftops be your runway. Here are our favorites.

The I | O UrbanRoofscape

127 W. Huron Street 

312.374.1830

We know, we know, we’re biased. But our participation in the Project Ethos fashion show aside, the I | O Urban Roofscape of the newly opened Godfrey Hotel is nothing short of a work of art. With 10,000 square feet of lounge and event space, a two-level fire pit, and panoramic views of Chicago’s southern skyline, this rooftop bar is every stylish girl’s dream.

Roof on the Wit

 201 N State Street

312.239.9501

If you’re more of a clubber, the Roof on the Wit is your party scene. This 27th-floor lounge offers unparalleled city views and a large selection of craft cocktails. Step into the Patio, the Living Room, the Hangover, or the Loft to rave to the hippest tunes. And don’t forget to bring your swag.

J Parker

1816 N Clark St.

312.254.4747

As one of Chicago’s best rooftop restaurants, the J. Parker offers a 13th-floor vista of Lake Michigan, as well as a scrumptious menu by award winning chef, Paul Virant. With its modern minimalistic décor and great atmosphere, it constitutes the ‘IT’ destination of foodies and fashionistas everywhere. Still not convinced?  Did we mention that it opens at 10 AM this weekend just to give you an exclusive view of the Air and Water Show?

Now that we’ve convinced you to enjoy these last few weeks of warm summer nights, all you need is that fabulous dress. So how about a Crystal B. design?

Be well and stay chic!

The Crystal B. Designs Team

Transform Yourself From Day to Night

Shoot! You gotta make sure you're able to catch the last bus but you woke up late, slept through your alarm and only have 10 minutes to get ready. You've got two options A: go bare-face and look like a hot mess or B: whip out the "no makeup" makeup look and slip into your trusty Jackie Dress. 

Of course you're gonna choose option B! Since you're running late, use a light weight foundation that will blend effortless into your skin. Skip the eyeliner, eyeshadow and even blush BUT NEVER the brows! A lady never leaves the house without a strong brow game. (Hint: Think of your brows as sisters not twins). Finalize your look with an ombre lip. At the center of your lips dab a rosey pink color and your ready to head out the doors. Take our design intern Sihan's advice and bring an umbrella! Chicago's weather been kinda bi-polar lately, seriously you wont regret it! 

1 Foundation / 2 Brows / 3 Lips

Yesss! You clocked out at three, worked hard on your current project and happy hour starts in two hours. You've got a little more time to create a sexy cat eye and slip into a sophisticated LBD.  Shhhh! You're secret is safe with me, I wont tell anyone that your LBD is actually a two piece top and skirt from Crystal B. Designs. 

And don't you dare think about skipping highlite, ladies haven't you heard the higher the cheekbones, the closer to heaven? Okay that wasn't the saying BUT it's dark in those bars and who knows a cutie might spot you and I swear by this highlighter it's the perfect amount of shimmer. Lastly, go matte on the lips, a beauty tip from our design intern Stephanie loves to put a thin piece of tissue over the lips and brush on some powder to help set the lipstick. 

1 Eyes / 2 Highlite / 3 Lips 

How will you transform your look with the help of Crystal B. Designs? Tweet us your thoughts @crystalbdesign with #CBDTransforms

Inside Scoop: Backstage at Project Ethos

On Tuesday, July 29^th, Project Ethos premiered their first Chicago event and it was nothing short of success! The lavish, one-night event featuring a fashion show, a live DJ, and art, was hosted at the I | O Urban Roofscape of the newly opened, Godfrey Hotel located at 127 W. Huron Street.  A stylish crowd enjoyed sparkling champagne, while mingling over the backdrop of the Windy City’s skyline in anticipation for the fashion show to begin. 

For us, it was a special night as we had the pleasure to premiere our new Autumn/Winter 2014 collection alongside designers such as Modahnik, Anastasia Chatzka, Bray-Zen and SACHIKA. It was a night filled with joy and the utmost pride in our design team who put their hearts and souls into each and every design! Here’s a glimpse of the backstage happenings before the show:

We would like to thank Project Ethos for inviting us to be a part of such a wonderful event, and The Godfrey Hotel for knowing how to host and throw a seriously great party! We hope to continue collaborating in the future, and most importantly, we would like to thank you, our lovely followers for being there to support us. Stay tuned for our full 2014 collection. 

As always, be well and stay chic,

The Crystal B. Designs Team