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August 29th , 2008
So, the Olympics came in like a lamb and went out like a Michael Phelps H-bomb. That little lip-synching gaffe kicked things off on bizarre and sour note, but seriously how adorable was teensy Shawn Johnson? And how elegant and artful was Nastia Liukin? We admit—we were transfixed. And we love that it brought a camaraderie and “community” feeling to so many demographics, because we geek out over stuff that warms our heart, and unifies our nation. Yeah, gross. We know. But this year it seemed that the Olympics came at a very crucial time. Tough economic times. A historical policitical race. The breakup of Jen and John. The long stretch between season finales and new fall pilots. So when one of our friends complained about repeatedly being mistaken for a gymnast, another commented that if she was so concerned, then perhaps she should remove the pommel horse from her bedroom. We laughed and immediately began pining for the possibility of the Chicago bid. Yep, 2016 can't come soon enough! |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Pulp Fiction Even as wee Chicago chickies, we knew quality. While our friends spent their allowances on Tiger Beat and Goosebumps novels, we were saving up for creamy, hand-milled note cards and flowing fountain pens. After all, thoughts as lofty as ours had to be preserved in the stationery equivalent of amber. It’s true: we still have mash notes written on delicate ivory card stock. (We’ll just ignore the fact that the notes were written to Sebastian Bach. Don’t judge.) At Pulp & Ink, the wrapping really is as gorgeous as the gift. That’s a philosophy we'd like to live by. Pulp & Ink |
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| 2 | Floral Finery Beneath our crisp business attire, our slinky cocktail dresses and—occasionally—our fuzzy flannel pajamas with the three-year-old Haagen-Dazs stains—we crave something: high-quality, super-sexy fabrics against our most secret skin. After all, it's an investment that hasn't failed to pay off yet. And when it's time to shop for decadent delicates, we head right to Wildflowers, nestled in the Gaslight Courtyard in the heart of Old Town. Wildflowers is so welcoming that we'd feel more than comfortable returning with our Significant Other, or even a soon-to-be-Significant Other for a shared shopping trip. After all, aren't such decadent delicates best enjoyed a deux? |
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| 3 | It’s a Family Affair We always wanted an older sister—someone who could teach us the right way to wear blue eye shadow and do French braids. We’d have the same size feet, and therefore always share shoes. We’d have connecting closets, and fight over who got to wear what when. She’d give us advice about boys, and we’d go shopping together on the weekends. Alas, there’s no sister in sight, but happily, Kiwi’s Boutique is just like shopping in a sister’s closet. They carry the latest trends at pocket-buster prices, like their Rack Attack Sales, which feature items in the $10–20 region. The cozy environment encourages you to leisurely peruse the huge array of tops, jackets and bottoms—check out kimonos and tunics, and pants made for every body type—plus accessories and handbags. Want more goodness? Every last Friday of the month, it’s Girls’ Night Out at Kiwi’s, complete with kiwi martinis, manicures, facials, makeup and style tips! |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Living in a Mineral World We’ve been drugstore devotees since seventh grade, barely managing to upgrade from clear mascara and watermelon Lip Smackers. It’s time to grow up. |
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| 2 | Young at Heart We have this thing where we like to look young and feel young. But there is a fine line between looking young and trying to look young. So we stopped shopping the Juniors department… it was a first step, but a big one. Then we discovered Tanya Lochridge’s jewelry—inspired by the sea and sand—and we fell in love with her style. She artfully mixes youthful character (gold-plated charms) and sophistication (Czech and Japanese glass beads), for an effortlessly chic look. www.tanyalochridge.com |
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| 3 | Fido Favorites Our dogs are super picky about treats. In fact it’s almost embarrassing the way they turn up their noses at proffered snacks. Seriously—we can’t take them anywhere. So we always bring our own stash of Stam grain-free dog treats. They’re wheat and corn-free (did you know those are allergens for dogs?!?) and contain easily digestible protein, in dog-friendly flavors like Peanut Butter and Blueberry, Sardine and Carrot, and Spirulina and Chia Seed. (We don’t even eat this good, ferreals!) www.stamtreats.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Shebang at Meringue |
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| 2 | Classic… Like Pearls Kiehl's is one of our favorites. Their wholesome, quality products create forever-chic good looks. To get ready for fall, Kiehl's is helping customers find their healthiest, most stylish hair. Make an appointment to work with a Kiehl's expert and experience their newest products (insider info: the Ulitmate Thickening Shampoo and Strong-Hold Styling Gel perfected our usual stringy strands). |
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| 3 | Shopping Addict At times we've craved the limelight. Male attention. Hint of Lime Tostitos and mint chocolate chip ice cream. (Who doesn’t?) Our biggest cravings, though? A good party… and great shopping! Don't miss one of Chicago's best shopping events of the year—the Crave Summer Party. It will feature goods from more than 30 local designers and boutiques! What: Crave Summer PartyWhen: Sunday, Sept. 7, 4–7 pm Where: Flirty Girl Fitness, 1325 West Randolph St. Call: 866.931.3988 Cost: $20 online, $40 at the door Visit: www.craveparty.com |
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We saw leaves on the ground last week. And heard on the news of incoming cold fronts. We're holding on to the last sweet moments of summer. And gearing up for fall with new apparel. We'll just keep praying to Oprah that this year's winter won't be total wackness, and the promise of the Bears will carry us through! |
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