At Home With Chicago’s Finest: Jena Gambaccini
When I started SociaLifeChicago, I knew I wanted to give an “insider” look at some of the best events going on in the city. But then something else came out of that thought. After attending a few of these events, I met some amazing people; in talking to them and seeing them over time they become more than just a twitter or instagram handle, they had great style, with a down to earth attitude. So I decided that it would be cool to give you an insider look at these amazing people, and with that being said each month I will feature some of my favorite fashionable faces on the scene at home and in their closet.
Running (sometimes literally) from one gala to an opening or reception, I’ve met some fashionable ladies and dapper gents, as demonstrated in our weekly ‘Best Dressed on the Scene,‘ and Jena Gambaccini is one of them.
I can’t think of a better person to kick off this monthly feature. Most of you know Jena as the face behind ChiCityFashion. She’s more than just Proenza bags, and behind those Illesteva stunners is a sweet down to earth dog mom. We met way back when at a party, can’t really say which exact one and I initially thought she would be so intimidating but alas, not the case.
You trippin”
Jena invited us into her home. We chatted about some of her favorite fashion finds and pieces, raided her closet and asked her to pick items with a story behind them, her dogs (Laz and new addition to the family Lennox) and her pizza phone cover.
Meet Jena Gambaccini, SLC’s Chicago’s Finest on the Scene.
I was pretty obsessed with the Prada Spring 2011 collection, especially the sunglasses. I pretty much stalked every Prada store in the country, including Prada corporate, right after the collection debuted, trying to figure out if I’d be able to get those sunglasses. Some told me they may not be made into production, others told me to buy the “commercial” version HERE. I only wanted the runway ones because they were just so damn cool. Months later, once the collection actually hit stores, I finally got a hold of a pair at the Prada store in LA. I’ve worn these sunglasses once (maybe twice) because they fall off my face pretty easily. But they look quite good on my shelf
On her Charlotte Olympia bag
I love my boyfriend but he doesn’t know anything about fashion or designers. And for that reason, I gave him my Net-a-Porter login info a long time ago so he could access my wish list…just in case he needed a little assistance when it came to my birthday or Christmas ;). Because of Pinterest, though, I don’t really update that wish list and instead I just pin things I want to eventually buy. So every item in my wish list was of course sold out so he did his best to come up with a good birthday gift…and I think he did an AWESOME job. I absolutely love this bag!
I’ve been obsessing over the Ryan Storer ear cuffs for quite some time. I can’t remember how I discovered them. Probably while browsing the web (as it sort of is my job). I saw Net-a-Porter had a few in the winter but they kept selling out almost immediately They’re not carried anywhere else in the states, at least that I knew about. After I booked a trip to Australia for February and knowing Ryan Storer is an Australian designer, I made it my mission to get one of his ear cuffs while I was there. I walked into a boutique in Sydney, saw one, asked if it was Ryan Storer, they said yes and it was their very last one. Apparently only a few stores in the entire country carry Ryan’s designs (at least at the time) and they were one of them. There was only one left so of course I had to buy it. I think it was meant to be!
Through her involvement with PAWS, Jena adopted Laz last year and recently after fostering Lennox for a few weeks, decided to bring him into the family.
Look credits:
Look 1: Shirt: House of Holland at Another 20
Skirt: Dion Lee
Shoes: Jil Sander
Look 2: orange matching set
Shirt / Shorts: Addison x WeWoreWhat; Heels, Ted Baker; Ear Cuff: Ryan Storer
Look 3 (with dogs): Dress, Azeeza; Earrings, DANNIJO
Photo: James Foster/SociaLifeChicago
