White Hot Chicago

Today's post is from my friend, Xochil. She's got a killer fashion sense and is deeply committed to American clothing manufacturing, especially in her hometown of Chicago. She has some great insight as an insider in the fashion industry and will likely be contributing every now and then. 

Chicago finally saw a couple of beautiful sunny days this spring, after enduring one of the longest, roughest winters in history. It felt like a great day to walk around the city, and enjoy the sites of Millenium Park before all the tourists start to over take it for the summer. 

This beautiful dress is the Zamrie Grace Garden dress in Ivory. It is designed and manufactured right here in Chicago. The fabric is great, a soft, sheer jersey burnout, layered over an equally soft lining. And the fit is just amazing. I love the angled darts and soft cap sleeves. I’ve met the designer, Ashley Zygmunt, a few times, at events and even right on the factory floor. She’s a very thoughtful designer; it shows in the cut of her clothes and attention to details.

I styled the dress with more ivory and gold to keep a polished, neutral look. The necklace is by another local designer, Marcy Rinaldi (purchased through The Image Studios). My earrings are by L.A. designer Sara Goldfine of SBG Designs. Both items I’ve had for years and wear often.

This dress made me feel amazing, like an American Kate Middleton. It nabbed some immediate compliments too – the very moment I stepped out the door onto the street with my photographer friend to begin this shoot, a woman walking by said, “great dress!” It was too perfect.

Bracelets, belt, and shoes not made in USA.
 

Xochil Herrera Scheer works as the Product Development Manager at The Apparel Agency in Chicago. She is very interested in all aspects of the development and manufacturing process, and is passionate about companies and products Made in USA. Xochil is an active member of the local fashion community, and serves on the board of Fashion Group International of Chicago. In her spare time she enjoys reading, sewing, shopping and Instagram-ing.

@xochilurbanswan (Twitter) / @fashionx (Instagram) / +XochilScheer (Google+) / www.pinterest.com/xochilh/

(Photo credit: Nicholas P. Monterotti)