Expert shopping tips from Chicago style makers
by Gillian Koenig

Photograph: Anna Knott

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)

Prada	Barker and Meowsky	Thomas Wylde
Victoria’s Secret	Thomas Wylde	J Brand
Costume National	Balenciaga	Chrome Hearts

Photograph: Anna Knott Maria Pinto Maria Pinto This 49-year-old global traveler and Chicago-based fashion designer is nationally recognized for her luxurious fabrics and elaborate detailing. She loves to mix pieces from her signature collection with vintage finds from around the world and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Signature Style “Feminine with some punch. My signature look for day is always a crazy combination of a great lace skirt or a laser-cut leather skirt, a Diesel T-shirt, and always an inspiring piece of jewelry. This combination lifts my spirits, has comfort and fantasy, and gets me through my day.” Wardrobe Staples “My wardrobe is a total experiment. A lot of great skirts and my cashmere pieces as tops. I love chunky boots that are low but that also look very chic and sleek with skirts.” Favorite Designers “I have always loved Azzedine Alaia. His work is like sculpture, and so feminine. His details are amazing. He really does shape to the body like no one else. And the 1930s designer Madeleine Vionnet because she invented the bias cut.” Fall Buys “Two vintage bags I bought on Portobello Road in London. One is python from the seventies, and the other is black crocodile from the twenties. Also, Tania Spinelli boots. If I were to design shoes, I would design like her because of the detail. Other shoes: Alexandra Neal’s Satin Forever pumps with lace detail-ing and Rick Owens’s gold boots.” Favorite Chicago Shops “Enchanté for lingerie, Diesel for T-shirts, Ikram, Blake, Barneys, and Saks.” Fall Must-Haves “Jordan Schlanger bracelets. I have been collecting his stuff for 14 years. He also does the most amazing platinum and white gold and diamond necklaces.” Style Secret “The way I design is the way I dress-it’s all in the details. The lines in a garment, the cut, and the fit.” Accessory Advice “I consider accessories the frosting. It’s the fun part where you can be crazy. You have to find your comfort level and, as Coco Chanel once said, ‘When you leave home, leave one accessory behind.’ Make a statement, whether it is small or big.” Bulk Buys “Petit Bateau T-shirts.” Fashion Advice “Always plan ahead so you have great pieces when you need them. Build from season to season, but also edit things that do not work, no matter who gave it to you or how much it cost. It’s important to take calculated risks and experiment.” (Maria Pinto, 2211 North Elston Avenue, Suite 306, 312-602-2630; www.mariapinto.com) Alexandra Neal cintage L’Artisan vintage Tania Spinelli Jordan Schlanger Tania Spinelli Azzedine Alaia Azzedine Alaia   Maria Pinto Maria Pinto