Look of the Week 3

Mission: To act as though you're Domestic Debbie by Planting your annual "in the air" herb garden but let's be honest, it's still too chilly outside- so nix the cute cut-offs, flanel and Hunter Boots gardner-look. Instead opt for a city-sleek fleece and just pray that your little patch of greenery lasts more than 3 months this year.

Details: Nau Profile Fleece, $185 (available in mens sizing)

Next: Busy Spring cleaning so that you can't stop by our Milwaukee Ave store? Give us a ring at 773.360.1520 and we'll bike messenger this "Look of the Week" to you at 25% OFF!

Mission: You're brother-in-law just moved back from the mountains and you still can't get him to dress "appropriate" f0r the city. We advise to stop fighting against his rugged-ways and instead give him a small upgrade by making him shave off his santa claus beard. I mean, who doesn't like eye candy that looks so carefree and confident against the urban landscape?

Details: Nau Binary Jacket, $345; Nau Slim Tapered Jean, $180; Icebreaker Apollo Crew, $69; Alternative Rocky Zip Hoodie, $50; Timberland Boot Co. Counterpane Lace, $249; Coal Hat, $32

Next: So he still hasn't found a job? No worries, we understand that the market is still like- that's why we are offering his look at 40% OFF this week. Call for availability: 773.360.1520

Look of the Week 1

Mission: It's that time of year. One day you're out walking the dog in your favorite T, the next you're unpack your winter wardrobe YET AGAIN. Simple solution: a "3-in-one" jacket. Dress appropriate and stay looking fresh in this week's look at Connect Chicago.

Details: Patagonia Tres Jacket, $345; Smartwook Tight, $45; Timberland Boot Co. Lucille Knee Boot, $199

Next: We know you want it so how about we give it to you for 40% OFF? Go to www.connect-chicago.com and during checkout enter promo code: WK1Look to receive discount on featured items. In stores, simply mention "Look of the Week 1".

CHEERS!

Out with the Old and In with the New

End of Season Closeout Sale with NAU

Details Coming Soon....

image via NAU

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Connect Chicago 2010 | Progressions

Here are a few accolades from 2010 to be noted. Thanks to everyone that made 2010 a great one.

- Permanently Opened a new retail location at 2130 N. Halsted – Lincoln Park

- Celebrated our 2-year anniversary in November. Matthew Santos played a live set on the lower-level event space.

- The Web Shop was redesigned and had the best year yet. (Connect-Chicago.com)

- Brought new brands into the portfolio; Patagonia, Aether Apparel, Snipe, Icebreaker, Timberland Boot Co., Alternative Apparel, and Nonetheless Garments to name a few.

- Introduced a (spin-off) clothing line to the world – Made in Chicago. (Nonetheless Garments)

- Held 20+ events throughout the year. (Book Club –showcasing various artists + many others)

- Miles Nielsen and Dan McMahon recorded a live show at Connect Wicker Park.

- We officially opened up the lower level (Wicker Park) as an event space. It has awesome acoustics for live shows. Musicians love it.

The Connect Crew

Bike Fancy showing off Connect via Alexis of TyK [Thought You Knew]

Bike Fancy is people looking good on bikes. Thanks for looking. All images © martha williams

More from Bike Fancy HERE

2 Years being Connect!

Come celebrate with the Connect Crew tonight - along the sides of Mark Galbraith (founder of NAU), LIVE performance by Matthew Santos and spirits from VEEV!

ATTN Chicagoans: They're BACK in town!

Don't miss out on the intimate performance - space is limited and it's filling up QUICK

A Date with Nonnie Threads

We're very excited to announce an evening with 2010 Designer In Residence of the Chicago Fashion Incubator, Jonnie Rettele of Nonnie Threads

Please join us for the launch of...

NONETHELESS | purpose driven garments | made in chicago
by Jonathan Shaun

When: Thursday, September 23

6PM-9PM

Where: Connect Wicker Park

1330 N Milwaukee Ave

(p) 773.360.1520

FEATURING
Entertainment by Mister Joshua of Dialogue Incorporated
Urban Adventures with Bobby's Bike Hike
Gaztro-Wagon |*twitter feed @wherezthewagon
The Academy for Global Citizenship

AND for the first 20 people to arrive...
Give-Away bags by:
Connect Chicago
Michelle Connor Floral Design
Eleanor Reily of eleanorsoaps.com
bear.illa

AND plenty more...

Ice Breaker says ... like it is...

"Synthetic fleece isn't fleece at all," complains Jeremy Moon, the cultural anthropologist turned sustainable designer behind the wool-focused adventure-apparel maker Icebreaker. "It's all plastic." Moon, 40, has spent the past 15 years refining merino wool from New Zealand's Southern Alps into breathable, anti-stink base layers, but this fall marks his first foray into fleece. "We've been working on the technology for three years," he says. "It's taken us that long to perfect it."

Icebreaker's Realfleece ($200 with hood, $175 without) repels outside moisture while absorbing perspiration, making it perfect for a fall hike. During a trip to Yellowstone National Park, it proved indispensable every time the sun hid behind the clouds and in the evenings. The flattering trim fit also makes it a sporty light jacket back in the city.

But the Wellington, New Zealand-based company doesn't only want you to stay warm -- it also wants you to feel good. Its unique Baacode program -- yes, baa -- lets you trace your fleece back to the farmers and sheep who helped make it, just in case you want to send them a thank-you note.

For more Icebreaker Go Here

via* Fast Co.

Prophetik: Wearable Philosophy

Over the summer we had the privilege to 'cut loose' with designer Jeff Garner of the all-sustainable fashion lifestyle brand, Prophetik in his hometown of Franklin, Tennessee. Eco-passion and dedication aside, boy does he have an eye for style!

Of the many projects and shows he has brewing at the moment (did I mention he will be opening London Fashion Week for the second time at Vauxhall Fashion Scout on September 17th?!!), he also just wrapped up shooting a short documentary about his label and what exactly goes on behind the scenes.....here's an insightful preview from the upcoming documentary.

Prophetik from Joshua Stutzman on Vimeo.

Stay tuned for a 'Prophetik x Connect' production coming to Chicago this Fall...

The 4-in-1 Dress by Thieves

First of the Top Ten List for the AW'10 Season:

Jersey, yes please! Long- even better.

Call Connect @ 773.360.1520 for availability

Coming Soon to Connect....

KARVT - How to Apply Our Skins from KARVT on Vimeo.

Coming Soon.....

Clear here for details

Unveiling.....

An exhibition of wild life as seen through the eyes of a collaborative effort from talented artists against the devastation caused by oil companies such as BP!

Connect
1330 North Milwaukee Avenue (Wicker Park)
Saturday, August 7th 2010
4pm-11:30pm

Starring
American Contemporary Artist
Ennis Alexander Martin III

Also Featuring Art and Installations by:
Scott Helbach
Erik Stenberg
Misha Esterkin
Mike Turner
Ian Bennett
Dense83

Guest DJ Top Key
Musical performances by Neak

Giveaways and Gift bags provided by bear.illa and Connect

TACOS and drinks will be served as well!

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Thoughts of the high seas...

Feeling a bit nostalgic today. My mini 'modern' homage to where you can find the other side of my heart.

Let 'Book Club' begin.....September 2, 2010

via simpletype

Book Club is a monthly, one night event/art show/networking get-together (call it what you will). The events will go all summer and fall (at Connect Wicker Park). These events will be called "Book Club", as in an artists book/portfolio. Each event will feature only one artists work at a time during a reception from 6-9p, as well as that same artist choosing the music/mood for their event via an ipod playlist.

These events are curated and promoted by (good friend) Sean Fermoyle and his design studio (Simpletype) as a way to get industry professionals together and offer networking and dialogue opportunities for friends, colleagues, past and hopefully future clients, as well as an opportunity (if the exhibiting artist should choose), to sell some of their works, however sales of art are not required. Additional marketing and promotional materials such as a physical portfolio, postcards, bus cards, t-shirts, etc are also encouraged to bring and share/sell to/with the public. These events as we envision will primarily focus on photography, design, illustration, and painting (but we are open to other disciplines).

All details for artists interested in participating are included in a document kit, which is available by contacting: info@simpletypestudio.com (please include website link to your work). Included in kit are:
• a stuffed folder showing pics of the space
• contract with details/requirements, as well as what is offered and expected
• a mock-up of the flyer and "branding" look as we are implementing

Outlaw Royalty ::. Inspiration from a Designer

I have started a new space to communicate my design inspirations pertaining to Nonetheless and Connect. We can't forget my little brand communications studio 3.ZERO.

* Don't open this link if you are in a cubicle or corporate office.

Outlaw Royalty

My best,

Jonathan Shaun