Last week on Twitter, I talked about how I represented Haiti superhard in college. I’m not Haitian, but I was an aspiring French minor and wanted all of my classmates to know about the tiny country of freed slaves who had a beautiful culture and spoke French. I had a flag in my bedroom, and even tried to teach myself Kreyol. I never learned, but when I graduated, I had a greater sense of appreciation [...]
Tag Archives: akira chicago
Over the weekend, I was talking to a friend of mine about how tired I’ve been lately and he asked me what I’d done all week. Usually, I answer with the usual “Work, Red Pump stuff, work, blog.” But, this time, I attended some actual events, a couple with a charitable focus! So, of course, that made me smile. Here’s a quick recap of the two fun things that I did last week! I attended [...]
Want a pair of TOMS but have your own design that you would like to rock? Well, then head on down to AKIRA (1849 W. North) this Thursday, June 25th from 4-9p for “Style Your Sole.” At this painting party, you can have your TOMS customized by SARO, a local artist, or you can do it yourself! With a purchase of TOMS, you’ll get a free gift bag courtesy of LUSH Cosmetics. The store will [...]
Hey, folks! How was your weekend??? I had a BLAST here in Chicago. The weather is finally heating up, and there are so many events to attend On Saturday, The Red Pump Project hosted a meetup/fundraiser at the lovely Three Peas Art Lounge. The event was designed to raise funds for the Chicago Women’s AIDS Project AND welcome the beautiful Afrobella to Chicago. Let me just tell you all that we had a ball mixing [...]
Chicago is full of dynasties and legendary families. Da Bears, the Daleys, the Pritzkers, the Obamas are just some of the few. You can definitely add local superstar and fashion favorite, Akira, into that roster. Over the past 7 years, Akira has grown from one store to 7 stores by focusing on superior style and service. Founded by college friends and U of I alum, Erikka Wang, Eric Hsueh, and Jon Cotay, their reign runs [...]
I love TOMS’ commitment to donating one pair of shoes to children for every pair sold, BUT I’ve been struggling with some of the style options. For the most part, the ultra-casual slip on has not managed to impress me. And, when I gathered opinions from my Twitter peeps, the majority of the responses centered around “great cause, not-so-great style.” Nooo What’s a girl to do? Well, enter my friend, DG. I hung out with [...]
My partner in Red Pump crime, Luvvie of AwesomelyLuvvie.com, attended the AFC annual charity fashion show, and provided a great recap! Thanks for sharing with TFG, Luvvie!!! -kb On Thursday, May 7, I went to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago‘s annual Make A Statement: Design for the Cure Fashion Show. The show is put on by the AFC’s Junior Board, and this year’s was in recognition of Jack Mackenroth’s “Living Positive by Design“. Jack [...]
Our favorite Chicago boutique (okay…mine) is at it again! On Sunday, 11/30, AKIRA Women (1814 W. North Avenue) will host its Black Sunday event from 7-9p. Shoppers will be treated to a hosted bar, a live DJ, AND 10% off merchandise! Partial proceeds from Sunday’s event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago. Whoo hoo! Head on over and get some good party dresses for the holiday season! My friend, Shana, and I [...]
On Sunday September 28th, Imerman Angels and AKIRA present Paradeisos, the 5th Annual Garden of Eden Fashion Show. Since Imerman Angels was founded in 2003, they have partnered with Akira for this event which attracts some of our town’s finest folks! Imerman Angels is one of Chicago’s most recognized charities. It was founded by Johnny Imerman and connects individuals fighting cancer with those who have survived it. The event is being held at Galleria Marchetti [...]








