Be Gorgeously Green

Being Eco-friendly is not only for hippies. La Guru’s new favorite accessory is a luxurious vegan handbag made by Matt & Nat. Each Matt & Nat bag is made from up to 55 recycled plastic bottles, and are geared towards both men and women. The styles range from clutches, shoulder bags and laptop bags to messenger bags. Bags available through www.mattandnat.com .

Olsenhaus presents Fall 09 with a creative, bold women’s collection of vegan footwear
The line has received raving reviews by retailers, with major on-line and print press.Designer Elizabeth Olsen knows being eco-conscience doesn’t mean giving up on style. Her footwear line can be seen on celebrities such as Emily Deschanel, Finola Hughes, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Persia White and Lisa Edelstein. My favorite style would be the Balance Shoe in yellow and can be found at www.mooshoes.com .


Lara Miller has been called “ecological sensitive” by some, I just say her work genius pieces speak for themselves. Her hand-loomed bamboo, buttery soft jersey, and distinct woven pieces can be twisted, wrapped, and most even flipped upside down to create a whole new look. To find pieces of this Chicagoen’s collection please visit www.laramiller.net .

Go ahead Chicago, be fashionable, be green, and be seen!

COMING UP!!!!

Sorry if La Guru has been missing in action lately but I am back and in full effect. Coming up next Monday La Guru decided to go green. Starting with the best in organic skincare and make up, down to the tip of your toes with Vegan shoes! Yes, La Guru is GOING GREEN!!!! See you next week!!!

Local Latino Student Wins Prestigious Driehaus Award for Fashion Excellence

Hector MonArrez took the top fashion award this past weekend at the annual Richard H. Driehaus Awards for Fashion Excellence event on Friday, May 15, 2009. The annual Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Fashion Excellence gives students from four Chicago area design schools an opportunity to showcase their latest creations and receive monetary awards.

Hector-Javier MonArrez, born in Durango, Mexico, has had a passion for fashion design since he was young. Inspired by the likes of Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, Oscar De La Renta, and Chanel, Hector’s biggest inspiration was his instructor and mentor Mrs. Pilar Saiki.

Another role model for him was his aunt. MonArrez says, “My mother passed away when I was just five years old and my aunt, who raised me, was a seamstress. She sewed wedding and evening gowns. Her work brought out the goddess that exists in every woman: Elegance, Femininity and Style.” He also says, “I always admired her work.”

MonArrez current collection is a combination of natural and synthetic fabrics with tones of apricot, gold and green. The collection consisted of four outfits, each which offer women a complete variety to choose from. “Winning this prestigious award is a dream come true. It validates who I am and where I am going.”

Moving forward MonArrez will now concentrate in creating his new clothing line and premier it at this year's Latino Fashion Week, which will take place from November 2nd – 8th, in Chicago. When asked what three words best describe him, he said “Unique, Elegant, and Sophisticated.”

Hector MonArrez is currently a senior at the International Academy of Design and Technology and will be graduating in June, 2009.

Memorial Day!

Today is not a day about Fashion. Therefore, I refuse to write about it. In fact, today is not about BBQs and being upset that you have to work while your friends take off to the beach or to the pool. Today is a day about remembering those that we lost, especially now in the midst of a war. Just because we do not hear about it day in and day out on the news, our brothers and sisters are still bleeding on the front lines. I want you all to take a moment to think of them today, they will never be forgotten or thanked enough. La Guru wishes you all well and keeps you all in her prayers! See ya next week.

Bold Statements in Small Packages

I love the look of Spring/Summer. The flared skirts, the crisp shirt dress, the Tory Burch flats, all very sleek and very Jackie O. One thing that does not seem to fit this look is the over sized handbag! La Guru has found some amazing pieces from our favorite fabulous store, COACH. Yes, I am an addict and yes, La Guru rocks everything from an umbrella to the gym shoes.

Starting with the amazing "Amanda" mini python bag. It is not just another animal print, this one is very iridescent. Within the same Amanda collection, we have the "Amanda" Satin Clutch. I for one prefer a bold color but this soft blue has just enough for La Guru to stand out. Speaking of bold, the "Parker" clutch in pink has a gold chain link strap that seems to have a bit of a 'eau de Chanel' influence. Of course, finally La Guru's favorite and yes, latest addition to her own collection, The Leather Olive. A bigger version of the classic coin purse in a fun and very bold two toned color. This one comes in a few other colors but the blue and greens just pulled at my heart strings. I wish I could just have them all but those are my additions for spring.

With the suggestions I have made there is no excuse for wearing an over sized bag on a night out or even a stroll around town. Don't get me wrong, I love the big bags but in this case, size does matter! So unless you are on your way to the office, leave the big bags at home and note that you can make just a big of a statement with these little treasures!

Daisy Does your Do!!!!

One of television’s most iconic Latin hosts who already has a very successful brand name at Kohl's, Daisy Fuentes has launched an all-natural hair care line, called Daisy Fuentes Style Pro. So of course everyone wants to be a fashion designer or the next big hairstylist but Daisy, in her younger years, was actually an aspiring hairstylist and even was enrolled in cosmetology school!

The Daisy Fuentes Style Pro hair care collection has already hit some shelves. The line, which is sulfate- and paraben-free, consists of nine products. The line includes Smooth & Straight Conditioner and Shampoo; Curls & Waves Shampoo, Conditioner and Mousse; Ultra Deep Conditioner; All Day Hair Spray; Straightening Blow Dry Flat Iron Finishing Spray, and High Shine Finishing Spray, which from what I hear is one of their top sellers!

Beautology, which licenses Daisy’s line, explains the line's target market by saying, "It's really a multicultural consumer looking for a true beauty brand. Every brand that has come out says they're going to be multicultural, but they have no roots in that area and they assume that everyone is alike. I don't know how many brands I've seen that only have [products] for curly, thick, wavy hair. They think that everyone that is considered multicultural has one type of hair, and that is so far from the truth." Very well said, even though this Guru does have thick curly hair but mi’ja to my left might just have straight hair. It’s nice that someone recognizes that Latinas come in a variety and who better than a Latina herself to pin point it!

Prices for products from the line are priced at $7.99 and $9.99. Available to the masses at Walgreens and Rite Aid!

Calling All Latino Designers....

Chicago Latino Fashion Week has enjoyed quite the success these past two years. Now, they are looking for something new. CLFW is searching for the newest, freshest, and absolutely 'wowing' Latino designers. Seeking designers specializing in accessories, womenswear, menswear, or even 'green' designers, the sky is the limit. To be a part of Chicago's newest and hottest Fashion Scene contact:


Cesar Rolon, Executive Producer, CLFW
crolon@imagenconsultants.com