Wish Lists

Expert shopping tips from Chicago style makers.

By Gillian Koenig

(page 1 of 2)

Expert shopping tips from Chicago style makers
by Gillian Koenig

Photograph: Anna Knott
Kara Mann, chicago fashion pro

Kara Mann

Kara Mann
The namesake interior design firm started nine months ago by this stylish 35-year-old has quickly become one of the hottest in town, with commissions ranging from Chicago's North Shore to Manhattan's Upper East Side. When it comes to clothes, Mann likes to mix it up, pairing rocker-chic cool with high-end glamour.

Signature Style
"I love mixing skulls and stilettos, leather motorcycle jackets and delicate lace tops. I like the rocker vibe and all the skinny pants and leggings that are happening right now."

Wardrobe Staples
"J Brand jeans, layered Chrome Hearts jewelry, Rick Owens leather jackets, and, last but definitely not least, my favorite snakeskin Prada pumps from about a million seasons ago."

Favorite Designers
"Chrome Hearts for its attitude; Alexander McQueen because he is an artist; Thomas Wylde because it feminizes rocker chic; and Balenciaga for its clean, sophisticated lines."

Fall Buys
"A black Costume National pea coat, anything in Alexander McQueen's fall 2006 collection, and I'm loving Nicolas Andreas Taralis. He used to work under Hedi Slimane, who designs Christian Dior's men's line."

Accessory Essentials
"I love layering necklaces and then putting a scarf over those. Thomas Wylde does some great scarves. I also like men's accessories, especially Gucci and Christian Dior scarves."

Style Secret
"I like using a lot of different designers in my clothing as well as in my interiors. For example, try mixing a white Gap T-shirt with a $200 pair of jeans."

Bulk Buys
"Victoria's Secret white tank tops, Hanky-Panky underwear, and Thomas Wylde thin jersey T-shirts."

Favorite Chicago Shops
"Barker and Meowsky for my dog, Chopper; George Greene for Chrome Hearts jewelry; Lille for gifts; Asrai Garden for flowers; Bom Bon in Pilsen for cakes; and Andrew Hollingsworth for Danish modern furniture."

Cannot Live Without
"Chopper and my Chrome Hearts pavé jeweled bangles from my boyfriend, Adam (another thing I can't live without!). Magazines of any kind-design, fashion, travel. Such a good way to find new sources."

Fashion Advice
"I think proportion is huge, whether in interiors or in clothes. There has to be a good sense of balance. Be who you are, but understand the basic principles of what works on you. For example, I have short legs, so I usually belt stuff."

Great Finds
"I tend to spend all of my money on a few designer pieces each season, then I wear the hell out of them because I think you should get use out of the expensive clothing that you have. Make it your own, not your closet's!"

(Kara Mann Design, 100 West Kinzie Street, 312-896-2460; www.karamann.com)