B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Loves Chicago

From the Rooftop--

Summertime Chi is fast approaching, and with these nice temperatures, it is time to have food and drinks on some of the best rooftop spots in the City.  Get ready for the weekend!



There are plenty of great top spots across Chicago.  Here are just a few...


Epic
Epic is one of the best Hubbard Street spots.  Their food is good, and the drinks are refreshing.  What wouldn't be on this rooftop in River North?!  Drink the Sex Panther, and nibble on some dessert.  You can't go wrong.  

J. Parker
A Lincoln Park gem in the Hotel Lincoln, this spot has quickly become a fan favorite.  With views of Lake Michigan, the intimate setting is perfect for a date, girl talk, or guys night out. 

Plymouth Restaurant
This is a regular spot for John Marshall and DePaul University Law School students.  It's right next to JMLS, and gives hardworking students the perfect escape between studying.  Plymouth is great for any patron, though. 

Zed 451 
Their brunch is beyond amazing.  Beyond.  The rooftop is, too.  This place is a go-to for so many reasons and a summer afternoon or evening is just another.  The roof is comfortable, and just right for unwinding.  

Roof at The Wit
State and Lake is one of Chicago's most popular intersections.  Roof is great for warm or cold days, as they have indoor and outdoor rooftop space.  The central location is perfect, just steps from the river and the lake.  The DJs are on point for a good time, too.

This is obviously just a sample of the many rooftop spots worth stopping by as the weather heats up.  Here's more B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Loves Chicago...brunch, spots by neighborhood, and more!

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Tops

Top 4 Tips for Capitol Fashion--

As you may know, I am a legislative lawyer by day.  I love this job, and appreciate the opportunity to participate in the legislative process.  While taking part in making sure our laws are fitting, I also make it a priority to have fun dressing for my days at work.

Some of you may work in similar settings.  Hopefully these tips are helpful to you.

1.  Stay proper
On the legislative scene, there's meetings, receptions, and around all the time--cameras!  The business of government is public, so news reporters are there every minute.  You never know when you'll get caught on tape, and even without the tape, it is important to dress properly.  You're meeting with people you may not know and if you do know them, you want to be sure you're giving the right message.  You don't have to necessarily wear a suit every day, but be sure your attire is professional and work appropriate.

2.  Switch it up
Yes, we just told you to keep it professional, but it doesn't mean you have to be boring in what you wear.  Ladies, don't be afraid to add accessories to your business attire.  Adding color can always be the right touch.  Gents, we know white shirts are easy go-to's, but wearing a colored or patterned shirt is ok, too.  Pick ties with interesting designs, and put just a few extra minutes into your look.  Try a pocket square or genuine handkerchief. It's ok to go against the grain.

3.  Be comfortable
This is not only a tip for sensible shoes ("sensible" is subject to interpretation--I happen to think high heels are quite sensible :).  This tip also means being comfortable in what you're wearing.  If you don't feel comfortable in what you're wearing--whether it's because the clothes don't fit properly, or just aren't your style, you won't be be able to do the work of the people the way you should.  Pick items fitting to your body type and personality.  Be you in your professional clothing, not someone else. Having your own "fashionmark" is ok.


4.  Get casual with caution
After committees and a long day of floor action, you'll often find events like receptions or fundraisers.  Of course professional-wear from the workday is appropriate for the evening.  But, if you plan to wind down, be careful.  Your suit is always appropriate, but getting casual on your state or local legislative scene can be risky.  If you wouldn't want your boss to see you in it, don't wear it.  If it's too short, tight,  something you can wear to the beach or cut grass--don't wear it.  Just because the setting seems casual, events with coworkers and colleagues are never completely relaxed.  Keep your clothes appropriate at all times.  

These tips might be a bit vague, but stay tuned next week.  We'll have pictures of our favorite Capitol Fashions.  Can't wait!!

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Law

International Production: Fashion's Trip Around the World--

Over the last few weeks, there have been numerous reports about the conditions of textile factories.  These establishments have had subpar working conditions and are havens for unruly demands upon the workforce.  The impact on the labor force is major.  Workers in Zara's Argentinean factory were working 16 hours with no break, in dimly lit spaces.  Children worked there, too.  Moving production is definitely now a consideration.  A Bangladesh factory, riddled with code violations and poor working conditions collapsed in late April.  A worker was found in the wreckage a few weeks later.

The impact on the fashion industry is major, too.  Factories are shifting production to other countries because of rising wages and labor shortages in China.  China has long been an international capital of clothing production, but a shift appears to be afoot.  Lever Style, founded in Hong Kong, produces attire for a number of American apparel companies.  Their employee count has dropped by 1/3 in the last 2 years.  Like other garment manufacturers and designer brands, other locations for production are catching their eye. 

Coach is shifting production to other countries, reducing reliance on China. Nordstrom is moving to India. They have 450 factories on 40 countries.  China is the world's largest recipient of foreign direct investment, although growth is starting to decrease.  U.S. retailers profit margins average 1-2% according to National Retail Federation.  

Production location is less important to retailers, while quality is paramount.  Uniqlo is the largest apparel chain in Asia. It makes 70% of it's clothing in China.

So why not have more production here? American citizens simply live in a different world with different expectations. The conditions laborers accept overseas would hardly fly here.  Many countries just don't have the employment law standards and practices so common here.  Is this any reason to keep production out of the States?  Is this system just part of the globalization scene, letting each nation do what they do best?

What do you think?  Should we have more clothing production here, or keep things as they are?

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Cares

Imerman Angels 3rd Annual Golf Outing!

Imerman Angels is one of our favorite charities and their mission is so necessary in the tough task of fighting cancer.  This event will not only be a blast, but helpful to continuing the mision of the organization.  

What does Imerman Angels do?

Imerman Angels carefully matches and individually pairs a person touched by cancer (a cancer fighter or survivor) with someone who has fought and survived the same type of cancer (a Mentor Angel).  Cancer caregivers (spouses, parents, children and other family and friends of fighters) also receive 1-on-1 connections with other caregivers and survivors. These 1-on-1 relationships inspire hope and offer the chance to ask personal questions and receive support from someone who is uniquely familiar with the experience.

The service is absolutely free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world.  Imerman Angels is a federally registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Visit www.ImermanAngels.org for information on how to support or join the network of cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.


For more info and to get tickets, click here!

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Tops

Top 5 Tips for Using Social Media--

These should actually go without saying, but for whatever reason, it seems they do not.  As social media continues to be a staple in our lives, we must remember to keep it in its proper place.

Here are some tips:

1.  Make the most of your use, but don't use too much.
Social media is a great tool.  It allows us to connect with people we might not if we didn't have it, but it also allows us to meet new people.  This can be great for business, professional development, and also personal growth.  The downfall of social media is when it becomes a replacement for human interaction.  Sure, some people are shy and this is helpful for the introverted.  But, we must be certain to keep the live interaction present in our world.  Let the network connect us, yet push us to personally engage with one another.  It's ok to put your phone down some times.  

2.  Only post when you're calm.
Drunk texting, Twitter ranting, and other electronic forms of venting are so common these days.  Your emotions can often take over, but be careful when having your smartphone in your hand or your computer near.  Even though many platforms now allow for deleting, things can never really be completely gone.  The minute you post, someone sees it and can make record of it forever.  Don't create a transcript of regret.  

3.  Post with purpose.
Some say social media is a means for making people care about things they generally wouldn't.  You're Facebook friends and follow them on Instagram--but no one wants to be flooded with too much from 1 source.  It compromises the content.  If you share on social media for business or pleasure, make your posts worth it.  Less is more.  

4.  Don't be afraid to disconnect.
If for whatever reason you're not getting what you want from another social media user, or maybe getting too much--unfollow, unfriend.  Having a high number of followers is great, but if you're not receiving the benefits of your network, change it up.  There's no harm in social media shopping.  You should get the most out of your experience.

5.  Be positive.
Unfortunately, there's more than enough bullying in real life.  We don't need it on the web, too.  Offer content and posts to help people or be neutral.  Don't take anger or aggression out on the internet, and don't put others down on the worldwide web.  The effects are far too harmful sometimes to retract.  Post with positivity.  

We're certain these are obvious to you, but a reminder never hurts.  

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Tops

Top 5 Things My Mother Taught Me~

Happy Mother's Day!  I wrote this post last year for Mother's Day, and it is still as relevant as it will always be.  I adore my Mommy, and am excited to share just a few of the many things she's taught me.

I hope you guys enjoy these as much as I do.

------
No, it's not Tuesday, but we figured this was an important enough reason to bring our Tuesday Tops into Sunday--for Mommy, of course.  Mothers are golden.  They carry and nurture us, bring us into the world, and continue carrying and nurturing us even when they are not around.  I love my mommy dearly, and can't help but share some of the many, many things she's taught me.

Surely you have some to share as well.  This list is obviously just a sample.  The learnings are endless.

1. Be nice.
This is a simple lesson, but it goes a long way.  Being nice to people not only gives them a good feeling about you, but also puts out good Karma to come back to you.  My mommy still reminds me today the importance of being nice, especially when it is easy not to.   I see traces of her whenever I feel the need to bake for friends and coworkers, have guests over, style for people, advise on legal matters, or whatever comes to mind to allow me to lend a hand to someone else. I carry this with me all the time.

2. Beauty is simple.
Mommy has made it clear to me, loads of make-up does not make you pretty, and there's a way to look your best without a mess!  Going back to being nice on the inside, it is easy to look nice on the outside, too.  Too much of anything is usually just that--too much and it will catch the wrong eyes most times.  As I put together my looks for each day, I definitely think..."what would Mommy say?"

As Tatyana Ali put it: "My mother is my beauty role model.  She's gorgeous, giving, and gracious - a true G!"

3. Be strong.
I haven't come across a strength like the strength my mother has, and am not sure I will.  Her lessons in being strong go far beyond helping my dad out in the yard against my will.  They extend to knowing things won't always go my way, and when they don't, I cannot give up.  I will encounter some challenges, and as cliche as it sounds I hear her telling me "this, too shall pass".  I may not want to hear it, but I always want to believe it...and in due time, I see it to be true.  I know my mother got her strength from my grandmother, and great-grandmother, so I work hard to be sure I can pass it on someday as well.  Because of my Mommy, I feel there is nothing I cannot do.  

4.  Be....patient!
Ugh!  I am still working on this one, and actually, so is Mommy.  She's been trying to teach me patience all my life, and I think I just may be starting to get it--a little.  I remember as a little girl hearing her tell me "beee..." and waiting for me to say "patient". I'm not sure I always understood the value of patience as a youngster, but I have gotten a much better understanding in my adult life.  I can't count the number of times I hear her in my head reminding me...and sometimes it is her actual voice.  I have found patience to be so critical, especially as I get older, and can say I have received and encountered some wonderful things from being patient.  I keep this lesson with me.  But, she and I both know, I'm not done learning it.

5. Always do your best.
I often look at my mom and think she has so many things on her plate...and wonder how she balances them all.  Then I realize I am, in my own way, doing the same thing.  I have learned over the years, she not only has a lot on her plate, but only enough for her to handle, and handle well.  It appears to be a lot to the onlooker, and I know it is to her as well.  But, the way she handles family, work, and social activities is always with ease and grace.  Mommy has taught me about not taking on too much, but being there to step up and step in if necessary.  Sure, you may have a lot going on, but giving each your very best is all that's acceptable.  I keep this lesson close.

I could go on and on about the lessons my mother has taught me, but the space here is limited.  I am endlessly thankful for such a loving and giving mother, and wouldn't trade her for the world.  Thank you, Mommy for everything.

Mommy and I the day I was sworn in as an attorney.

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing Mommys out there.

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Law

The Battle of Counterfeits in Big Cities, Part 2--

Last week we talked about the fight big cities are having against counterfeits.  Places like Chicago, New York, and Atlanta--largely because of their transportation centers--are consistently working to keep the counterfeit market in check within their borders.  Today, we're going to talk about how the counterfeit chain begins.

How do counterfeits come to the market in the first place?
Counterfeits are considered products purporting to be part of a popular designer brand, but sold in what we'll call a shady way.  Designer items are sold directly from their source, or through licensing agreements permitting items to be sold in other outlets.  An example of such licensing would be Christian Louboutin shoes being sold at Bloomingdale's.  Bloomingdale's has an agreement with Louboutin allowing them to sell their shoes in the store.

What happens in the counterfeit market is contrary to direct sales or licensing agreements.  Items which look a lot like the real deal show up in places the designer has not authorized, and the price is always far less than the true value or market price of the item.  Often, counterfeits circulate through the market innocently, when consumers buy them from sources they trust, like friends having "purse parties" or donations to charitable organizations.  However, the source to these innocent consumers is far from innocent.  They may start at a place like Canal St. in NYC or boutiques claiming to have deals on designer items.  The items come in in droves.  Here's how the chain starts.

Gray Market Production
We know the black market is where items are sold illegally.  Well, the gray market is somewhat similar.  The gray market is created when factories licensed to produce designer goods under certain terms and conditions step outside those boundaries and create their own, infringing items.  

As an example, a factory is licensed to produce Chanel bags under the protocol provided by Chanel.  Bags are to be made from 9am local time to 5pm, using specific materials and methods.  At 5:30, the production continues, but the items are 1) unauthorized by Chanel, and 2) produced in such a way to make consumers believe the goods are Chanel, but protect the infringing bag-maker from a quick infringement, contracting, and licensing lawsuit.  The goods get shipped, and in the best cases, they're stopped at customs to protect designers and consumers from infringing products.  No worries, the lawsuit does come later.

This gray market method is one of the largest sources of counterfeit goods and is the baseline of a billion-dollar market.  To curb the negative effects of this market, a myriad of things must be done: legislation, brand vigilance, accurate contracting, policing, and more.

Share with us how you feel about counterfeits, fakes, and knockoffs.  Let's keep the conversation going.

Stay tuned for more on international production and fashion labor.


*Designer goods is a fairly loose term when used in this article.  It does not describe high priced goods only, it includes items at any price point, but specifically those protected by a trademark or brand recognition in some way.  Price is not a factor.