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	August 8th, 2008 We’re not always this fabulously confident. Sometimes there is awkwardness. Nervousness. Pure and simple uncertainty. The fear of being judged. Of failure. A misstep. For some, that’s magnified every day. For others, it’s bottled up or easily shrugged off. We’re not among those people. For instance, how palpable is nervousness at weddings? All the pressures, expectations, hopes and desires. We’re going to be delivering The Maid of Honor speech soon, and we’re already clammy. (Readers, send us your pointers, we beg you!) And what about first dates? Like, really good first dates? The ones where you know. You just know. You’re all hook-line-and-sinker bug-eyed-and-twinkle-toed sittin’ on top of the moon swinging your feet. But then… what if you screw it up? Well, we’ve decided to embrace our awkward moments. After all, they’re vital and quintessential, unfiltered and unrehearsed. Clean, dirty, ugly, and beautiful—we’ll take ’em all. But that doesn’t mean we won’t get butterflies. Or that our butterflies won’t get butterflies. But as a cab driver recently reminded us: life is beautiful, seize it!

	Chicago Picks:
	1	A Nuit en Paris So if you don’t live in a central-air conditioned condo (we’re right there with you) you’re feeling the sweltering wrath of summer. We’ve got window fans, ceiling fans, and any other fan you can think of running just to keep our body temperature from boiling. Luckily for us (or is it unlucky?) the lovely fall season is fast approaching and that means refuge from this heat in new boots, trench coats, and cozy cashmere. But if you’re not quite ready to go there just yet, you can still find great warm weather digs at Wicker Park boutique Noir, which brings Chicago fashionistas a euro-chic twist on fun apparel and accessories. We found Kenzie, Covet, and Miss Sixty at affordable prices. When we ventured further back we found half-off sales racks that rotate regularly with funky and trendy pieces. Have a look at the case of unique costume jewelry and cool footwear all while keeping beat to club tracks coming from the DJ space in the back corner. After scoring at Noir, you’ll feel ready to take on whatever the Chicago summer throws at you! Noir 1726 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622 773.572.6084 www.noirclothing.com

	2	InterConti-Awesome! A little bird told us that Kanye was staying at the InterCon when we checked in. Obviously getting a room at the InterCon means experiencing a highly regarded first-class hotel, and we were so psyched. So psyched that promptly upon checkout (in smart shoes and business attire) we hailed a cab back to work and forgot our phone charger. At least it’s somewhat reassuring to know we don’t change, no matter the environment. We’ll always be a messy Sally-Loses-and-Breaks-Everthing-McGee. But those fine InterCon folks immediately packed up the charger and sent it that very day. And we very much appreciated their incredibly friendly and helpful staff just for that. Want more? The downtown and lake views can’t be beat. (Watching Saturday night fireworks on the pier from the comfort of a crisp, clean room was completely magical.) Plus, they have the lovely Eno—an upscale, approachable and lively lounge that offers an easily paired selection of wine, cheese and chocolate! Everyone should have a taste of The Good Life. After all, Kanye knows best! The InterContinental 505 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 312.944.4100 www.icchicagohotel.com

	3	Bejeweled Pink carnations, chocolates kisses, and cheesy mix CDs, all fine if it’s junior-high romance, but nowadays when it comes to gifts from our man, what we really want (er, expect)… is jewels! And if it’s not gonna be the rock, then some fine blingaling will have to do. Gem Boutique, located in the center of Bucktown, specializes in handmade local and international designer necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Each line reveals a visually striking design and uber-sophisticated craftsmanship compared to the uninspired (it’s the thought that counts) jewelry chains. We’re talking white gold, blue topaz, black diamonds, jade, moonstone, Tahitian pearls … the selection would make royalty blush. We adored the Arik Kastan custom-made 14K rose gold and smoky topaz ring (a seductive stand-in!) and we pined after the Laura Kitsos vintage brass locket with a pink sapphire stone (both sweet and swank). With playground romance gone, it’s time to send the beau to Gem! We’re confident you’ll be dazzled and in return he’ll be getting a lot more than an A for effort. Gem Boutique 1710 N. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60647 773.384.7700 www.gemjewelryboutique.com

	Chick Picks:
	1	Iron and Whine One of the hardest parts about being a Vegan is finding shoes that are animal friendly and don't look like grandma's orthopedic clogs. Sure, if we had a million dollars we'd rock Stella McCartney heels every day. Unfortunately that just isn't the case. Luckily, Iron Fist launched a line of Vegan shoes that deliver just what we're looking for—stylish, affordable shoes for those days when we're craving a veggie dog and needing to flaunt our inner gothabilly. (And check out their fab tees for your lettuce-eating counterpart!) www.ironfist.tv

	2	Crocodile Tears In NYC, we used to work in the same building as Vogue, and the women would come in wearing designer duds and ugly white sneaks. Thing is: they were smart. We, however, wore our heels all 16 city blocks, and pretty much cried daily. If only we’d had a chic croc-printed carry-all like this one by Canadian designer Virginia Johnson. With its quality canvas and precious watercolor, we could have toted our peep-toes in style, saving the tootsies—and face. www.thisisauto.com

	3	Oh, the Memories... Our memory has failed us so many times that we’re convinced we have early-onset of “something bad.” But it wasn’t always this way. As a kid, we were the undefeated champion of “Memory,” the matching game. So we actually yelped when we found this version by Binth. Instead of apples and bananas, kids match pairs of crowns, castles, owls and poodles, all screen-printed on petite wooden squares. An old classic revamped in modern-day style—just how we like it! www.binth.com

	Hip Happenings:
	1	Just Like the Drive-In Seeing Tranformers is like coming full-circle. It's action, adventure, hotness, and the actualization of childhood heroes come to life! See Shia in all his glory before the second one comes out at the Movies in the Park series. It's free, it's fun, and it's totally BYOB. Check out the Chicago Park District website for all the Movies in the Park dates. What: Movies in the Park: Transformers When: Friday, Aug. 8, 8:30 pm Where: Bessemer Park, 8930 S. Muskegon Ave. Call: 312.742.7529 Cost: Free Visit: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

	2	Bread; Butter; Clothes We find fall faves to add to our closet at end of the summer sidewalk sales! We work hard all year for bread, butter, and clothing ... so no better time to save and look hot than a sale at the always-chic Perchance boutique. Save on all Cole Haan pre-fall—and all-season styles will be 20% to 50% off! What: Sidewalk Blowout Sale When: Saturday, Aug. 9, 10 am–6 pm Where: Perchance Boutique, 3512 N. Southport Ave. Call: 773.244.1300 Visit: www.perchanceboutique.com

	3	North-Shore Style Yet another reason to think outside the box when it comes to lookin' good in the city. Trek it to the north shore for a change. Drop into Frances Heffernan shop, featuring the entire MINT and Jodi Arnold fall collections! Knowledgeable sales professionals will cater to all of your style needs. Free gift with purchase! What: MINT Jodi Arnold Trunk Show When: Through Aug. 9, 10 am–5 pm Where: Frances Heffernan, 810 Elm St., Winnetka Call: 847.446.2112 Visit: www.francesheffernan.com

	Spotted at Lolla: Hipsters in ironic moustaches (the irony is fading). Fake glasses everywhere (everyone still looking pseudo-brainy). Neon leggings. Wayfarers on everyone. Tanks with tube bras. Mohawks. Fauxhawks. A Jesus kung-fu fighting Elvis tattoo (seriously)! Mom jeanshorts. DJ Mom Jeans (love him)! High-waisted denim. High pinned-up hair. Hipster seems to be the new mainstream. What's next on tap? Where do you think the trends are heading? Fill us in on your predications, readeristas!


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