J.LO Opens First US Boutique in Chicago

With record deals, movies and a fashion empire under her belt, Jennifer Lopez is more than a platinum selling powerhouse; she’s a triple threat superstar, a sexy fashion icon and an empowing businesswoman. Her presence in the entertainment industry single handedly caused a style revolution on the red carpet. The pop diva has gone from the Bronx block to the Hills, and now, the auction block. To celebrate the opening of her first U.S. boutique at Marshall Field's on State Street in Chicago, Ms. Lopez allowed fans to bid on a pair of VIP tickets and a host of other sweet items.

"This is such an exciting experience to me because I am unveiling the first ever World of J.LO shop here in the United States. How fitting that the World of J.LO shop is launching at such an exciting retail destination (Marshall Field's on State Street) in the best city in the world - Chicago," said Jennifer Lopez.

A 7-day auction preceding the dazzling event and the proceeds from the $100-a-ticket price for the private reception and high-energy fashion show in Chicago helped raise $40,000 to benefit the Children's Memorial Hospital. Bidders either battled it out in a personal auction on Overstock.com or bought tickets for a chance to win an intimate meeting with Lopez and samples from her Fall 2005 Sweetface collection. The samples included very sexy, very hot designs, such as an olive green fur-trimmed poncho, brown knit short-shorts, an off-the-shoulder pom pom sweater and four-inch, studded suede heels.

The Sweetface line allows fans and style followers to obtain sexy, eye-catching, diverse looks that make her a red carpet queen. With radiant glamour and a sense of style that not only esteems accolades from those who adore her, but makes a statement worthy of international front-page headlines, it's no wonder why Lopez is one of the most celebrated fashion icons in pop culture. "Jennifer Lopez is one of the most recognizable celebrities on the planet," said Holly MacDonald-Korth, senior vice president at Overstock.com. MacDonald boasted that the event would be an ultimate experience for fans and fashion lovers.

Lopez closed-out Olympus Fashion Week in February with the fall debut of her Sweetface collection, proving that she could up the ante after her previous line, J.LO, and produce a true high-fashion collection. This line is an eclectic combination of uptown chic and Hollywood glamour rather than the trendy bedazzled look her J.LO line exudes. One can easily see her more refined approach to fashion reflected in this collection, along with the many different style statements the fabulous fashionista has made throughout her career. You can see her more mature sense of style and exaggerated femininity in each piece, making it a must-have for women who love making bold statements with their dress.

So don’t be surprised to see the hottest celebrities and street-chic urban trendsetters around the world adorned in the delightful diva's designs this fall; for Sweetface is officially certified platinum.
-Shawn D. Florence