Totem - Blog

Thanks Crave for the Shout-Out!

2009-12-17T14:39:26-06:00

Thanks to CraveChicago for featuring us on their website. Check it out!

1 Dress 3 Ways

2009-12-09T16:34:45-06:00

The Diane von Furstenberg Jilly Sweater Dress is a stylish and versatile piece essential
for your wardrobe!

Outfit for a casual dinner
Wear the Jilly dress with a pair of high boots; add jewelry to personalize your look.

Outfit for the chilly December days
Pair the Jilly dress with leggings and boots to keep warm while still looking stylish.

Outfit for the office
Wear a white Oxford shirt underneath the Jilly Dress for a sophisticated look.

Totem's Gift Guide for Women

2009-12-07T14:46:18-06:00

The countdown is on; T-18 days until Christmas! Have you started your Xmas shopping yet? If you’re one of those people who aren’t super excited to be a part of the season’s hustle and bustle, I’ve created a little cheat-sheet that will easily help you find something for the women on your list.

Here’s our Women’s Gift Guide for 2009

The Classy Lady:
Ben Sherman Leicester Coat
Diane von Furstenberg Parah Top
Shoshanna Boatneck Sheath Dress

The Sporty Woman:
Rag & Bone Crop Kimono Cardigan
Qi Cashmere Newsboy Cap
Chan Luu Wrap Bracelet

The Trend Setter:
Shoshanna One Shoulder Jumpsuit
Rag&Bone Tuxedo Dress
Ella Moss Mabeline ¾ Sleeve Top w/chain

The The Girly Girl
Rag & Bone Aura Dress
Sabina Large Hobo
Susana Monaco Crinkle Chiffon Shimmy Shift

The Business Beauty:
Diane von Furstenberg Laudeb Wrap Dress
Diane von Furstenberg Jilly Sweater Dress
Diane von Furstenberg Ziva Top

Shoshanna Sale

2009-12-07T13:58:34-06:00

We just received a new shipment of Shoshanna clothing and absolutely love every item in the holiday collection. All of her pieces are classy, whimsical, and always beautifully crafted with ornate detailing. Shop our Shoshanna sale online or stop by the store to check out our newer items… it won’t be going on for very long!

What Do You Crave?

2009-12-01T12:04:02-06:00

Celebrating women entrepreneurs across the country, Melody Bringer began publishing books that “showcase some of the most creative, interesting, and gutsy proprietors” in a variety of cities nationwide and titling it Crave. With the help of partner Michele Kravetz, Chicago’s first edition of Crave hit stores last week. These books highlight self-starting women in various industries from public relations, to architecture, to restaurants, to boutiques, and much more. Each company is described in three words and followed by a brief description of the business. Plus all features include an insightful Q&A portion with the owner. I am more than honored to be a part of this book and surrounded by so many talented, ambitious, and fabulous women. Crave is a fantastic idea to help enlighten locals about the different businesses in their community that can satisfy their cravings. Call our store or stop by to pick up a copy of the book- they make wonderful holiday gifts!

‘Tis The Season For Holiday Parties

2009-11-22T12:55:10-06:00

The holidays are just around the corner which means, beautiful decorations, delicious food, and rocking parties every week. We recently received a shipment of new Rag & Bone dresses and let me tell you they are hott and absolutely perfect for all your upcoming events! The first one is called the Tuxedo Dress and is exactly that. A sexy, low cut, wrap halter-dress that resembles a tux. Pair with black, patterned nylons and black pumps for an ultra chic look. You’ll definitely be the eye of the party in this dress! The second dress that has been adored by fashionistas is the Aurora Dress; a sleek, black one shoulder dress with ruching throughout its body. It is the perfect little black dress that can be worn year round. These dresses are gorgeous and wonderful for the holidays and New Year’s Eve.

Introducing The Original Penguin and 7 Diamonds

2009-11-07T16:06:58-06:00

It’s been almost a year since we started carrying men’s clothing and the collection is getting very popular and rapidly growing- especially with our online shoppers. So to satisfy the cravings, we have expanded our men’s collection even more and added two new lines- The Original Penguin and 7Diamonds.

The Original Penguin has become a true American Classic line that has been worn by icons such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Arnold Palmer, and Clint Eastwood. Known for their casual, golfer shirts and clean cut apparel, Penguin has a wonderful array of shirts, sweaters, and jackets. 7Diamonds, on the other hand, is a newer line established in 2000. We are carrying their sleek, detailed, button-down shirts which are ideal for both, office and everyday wear. Both, Penguin and 7D are excellent lines that every man should check out!

Thanks for making our Chicago Designer Showcase a success!

2009-10-08T21:26:13-05:00

I want to give a special thanks to all of our designers that displayed their amazing pieces, Zac’s Place and Vie for the delicious good and our Totem clients who came out this past weekend to support our first Chicago Designers Showcase. It was an absolutely amazing event and a great success! We have some outstanding designers from the Chicago-land area and every time I get introduced to a new line or see a new look book, I’m blown away. Their pieces are fresh, new, and truly unique – not one collection is like another! If you missed the event, don’t worry, we will definitely be hosting another Designer Showcase in the future, and we will continue to bring you new, fresh and beautiful designs from talent right here in Chicago!

Another rising star in Chicago Fashion - Sophia Reyes

2009-09-30T23:31:28-05:00

Illinois native and alum of both Parsons Design School in New York and Chicago’s own Loyola University, Sophia Reyes has been featured in Lucky Magazine and the New York Daily News. She was named one of Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion — and with good reason: her designs are comprised of artful, imaginative forms. The result is an elegant vision for contemporary styles. Without an ounce of pretension, Sophia creates sophisticated designs that are fashion foward yet completely wearable. Her designs are sewn and manufactured by U.S. seamstresses and are found exclusively in select boutiques,like Totem. Check out her Fall collection at our Chicago Designer Showcase this weekend.

Haven't heard of SERPCIO? You will!

2009-09-29T15:41:53-05:00

Totem has carried Chicago-based SERPICO since its debut collection in Fall 2007. From the very beginning we fell in love with designer, Melissa Serpico Kamhout’s, pure, luxurious fabrics, modern cuts and impeccable craftsmanship. She has a truly fresh perspective and her beautiful garments are unlike anything else we’ve seen in the sea of labels from coast to coast. We’re not the only ones that have taken notice. SERPICO has been featured in WWD, Glamour, The Washington Post, Lucky and Chicago Magaizine, just to name a few. Her clothes can be found in select specialty stores across the globe, but you saw it first right here at Totem! We’re so excited to showcase the complete SERPCIO Fall Collection at our Chicago Designer Showcase this weekend.