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CHICAGO PICKS™ |
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life + style
in the Windy City
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July 11th, 2008
Omg. So, once upon a time it was Agassi. The hair. The recklessness. The attitude. He literally dripped with sweat and sexiness in a blur of neon-colored bike shorts and multicolored sweatbands. Image was everything. Now we can’t decide if we are crushing harder on the Williams sisters or Rafael Nadal. Venus and Serena are so strong, so talented. Oh, but Nadal... those brooding good looks and that raw intensity. Yum. Wimbledon is fierce. So is this summer heat. So are the summer sales, fashion-forward days and sizzling summer nights.
But get this—the fine ladies of Tula Boutique have agreed to combine forces with Chicago Picks and throw a shopping party (for a special event or just to treat you and your friends to a night of fashion, champagne, and the chicest wardrobe essentials). Here's how it works: Call Tula to book your party, the cost to you is $50 (with 10% off all merchandise for your partygoers).
And because we love you—and Tula—so much, we are also partnering with them to bring just one lucky reader this exclusive party for free… plus a $50 gift certificate! So either win it or book one, ladies! Forward Chicago Picks to all your friends and CC picks@chicagopicks.com for or a chance to win! |
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Chicago Picks: |
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Fran is the Man
There's something to be said for threes. Like 3 Musketeers bars—delish! And Three Men and a Baby—guilty pleasure! (But hey, who doesn’t love Tom Selleck and his ’stache?)
And, well, you know by now that the third time is a charm! Meaning Francesca's Collections’ third Chicago location just can’t be wrong. We'd tried to pace ourselves with the addictive Lincoln Park and Lakeview locales, but now that they're coming at us in Bucktown, what's a shopaholic to do? Frankly, it's not our fault that we've relapsed when they're pushing loads of costume jewelry, uniquely patterned clutches, bags, and breezy summer dresses. And then there are the sunglasses, the hair accessories, the tanks and tees and, well, the list goes on. Yeah, yeah, excuses, excuses… but at ridiculously reasonable prices, seriously, how much willpower can a girl have?
Three cheers to Francesca's and uh, send our regards to our Francesca's Anonymous sponsor... we tried, man, but we buckled under the power of three.
Francesca's Collections
1920 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
773.486.0293
www.francescascollections.com |
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We Aim to Tease
Around swimsuit season, we start feeling the effects of a season of heavy Chicago eatin’ (aka winter—the black hole of pizza and carbs). Reminding ourselves that dress size doesn't matter really only works until we put on that itty bitty yellow you-know-what. But ya know what? We always have a goddess within.
Michelle "The Ass That Goes Pow" L'Amour, the reigning queen of Chicago burlesque, knows a little something about body confidence. And lucky for us, she's sharing her secrets in the form of weekly burlesque classes at every level, including the “striptease virgin.” There's even a class for men wanting to indulge their inner "boylesque." Studio L'Amour has a cozy reception area with pin-up girl reading material and the three-flight walk-up is a great warm-up! Our class of girls of all sizes and ages giggled its way through shimmies, hip rolls, and pin-up poses.
After dancing our butts off for an hour and laughing as much as working out, this is a fitness plan we’ll happily strip down for!
Studio L’Amour
939 W. Randolph St., Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60607
312.243.6690
www.lavendercabaret.com |
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Gray's Anatomy
Admittedly, we're not always the girly-girl group of gals. We spend many a' Saturday lounging in XXL sweats. We drink cheap beer. We've been known to indulge in the occasional bucket of fried chicken. Yes, fried chicken. (Harold's = TDF and a longtime fave of Bill Clinton.)
But we can do a pretty good job of disguising our dirty, err, greasy little secret. And we couldn't do it without the help of Gray Boutique. The Old Town retailer is known for offering ultra-feminine pieces sure to gussy up even the roughest of edges. We get giddy over Gray’s striking skirts and blouses from the likes of Trina Turk, Anna Sui, and Susana Monaco. Gray also does their part in supporting local designers and they’re currently featuring chic loungewear from Lexy Charms in addition to bangles, rings and necklaces by Jules, and intricately detailed dresses from Serpico.
We're not quite ready to abandon our two-buck Chuck and chicken-chomping ways, but thanks to Gray, at least we’ll always look like ladies.
Gray Boutique
1361 N. Wells Ave.
Chicago, IL 60610
312.573.0750
www.grayboutique.com |
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Chick Picks: |
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Heavy Metal
Our favorite types of people are quirky and odd (David Bowie). Or rad and new wave (Blondie). We like those who are unapologetically wacky (Betsey Johnson). Animal Collective. Daft Punk. David Sedaris. And those who list their interests as: minimalism, formal elements, Japanese pop art, Scandinavian design, astronomy, and all things small (that would be one Miss Amy Tavern).
Amy’s jewelry collection is philosophically crafted, and is every bit as interesting as she is. (Refer to Amy Lee’s 2004 Grammy jewelry at right!)
www.amytavern.com |
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Lovely Day
Women are complex creatures. We preen and primp. Shop and dine. Entertain and give, give, give. We balance work, love, friends, family, and everything else.
But we couldn't do it without the women in our supportive female network (i.e. mom, aunts, grandmas, and gal pals). So why not treat our BFF who sends pick-me-up greeting cards? Or Ma, who sends hugs and kisses with every phone call? Check out www.threelovelies.com—you’ll find everything you need to treat these VIP women right!
www.threelovelies.com |
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Hannah and Her Sisters
These skirts from Made with Love by Hannah leave us in a splendiferous stupor. Who doesn’t love cheeky scherenschnitte skirts with pretzels and bunnies on them? And let's not forget Russian nesting dolls and beloved fairy tales like Snow White. We immediately snatched up three and would have bought more if it wasn't for that damn credit card limit.
Perfect for prancing around the office and humming a Thumbelina tune, or when midday errands beckon and you want to look cute but not overdone, we plan to wear these custom-made darlings as often as possible.
www.etsy.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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How Bazaar
We love Tula like Ross Geller loves dinos. They’re so cool and sassy that they call their sales “bazaars.” Very posh, no? Hang in the outdoor courtyard, sip summer drinks and eat yummy treats while you peruse this season’s accessories from Becky Kelso, Lisa Spagnolo, A. Mano, Kendra Scott, Love Quotes, and more. p.s. Free swag bag!
What: Summer Accessories Bazaar at Tula Boutique
When: July 12-13; 10 am–6pm, 12 pm–5 pm
Where: 3738 N. Southport Ave.
RSVP: 773.549.2876
Visit: www.tulaboutique.com |
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Mamma Mia Time!
Enaz = Energy. Nature. Attitude. And Zest for Life. And they have just as much energy and attitude and zest for the upcoming release of Mamma Mia! (the movie) as we do. Head to Enaz for authentic Greek appetizers, drinks, shopping dancing, and browsing their fabulous section of urban and earthy pieces!
What: Enaz Boutique's Mamma Mia! Celebration
When: July 18, 4 pm–9 pm
Where: 444 Central Ave., Highland Park
Call: 847.433.6466 |
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The Jean Pool
Hey ladies... All our ladies... save 80% on high-end denim at this super summer sale. You'll find William Rast, True Religion, and 7 for all Mankind. Plus buy five items and get the sixth for free! There will be thousands of pairs of jeans ranging from sizes 23-32, as well as 0-10. Credit card, debit, and cash accepted. Sale starts today!
What: The Warehouse Sale at McCormick Place
When: July 11, 2 pm–4 pm; July 12, 10 am–4 pm
Where: 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Call: 312.791.7500
Cost: $5, free with RSVP at www.thewarehousesale.com |
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Hope your summer is as sweet as strawberry waffles. You deserve it, darlings! Now go put on something fabulous and find the best sales that Chicago has to offer! |
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