Good Heart 
 
There’s nothing we love more than shopping for a cause. Okay, sometimes that “cause” is “easing the post-breakup blues” or “seeing if those new Pilates classes have really tightened our caboose.” But the cause of eco-conscious fair trade? Even better in our book. 
 
Greenheart, tucked perfectly in a greystone walk-up between River North and Old Town on LaSalle, is a haven for those of us who want more—more social and environmental bang, that is—for our money. We adore the locally crafted handbags and exquisite gifty items like soap and cocktail glasses; we may have salivated a bit over the organically grown chocolates and coffee (like those from the Women’s Bean Project). All of Greenheart’s products emphasize environmentally friendly manufacturers and artisans, so once we step through the front door we’re already ahead of the game. Greenheart has done the legwork for us, noting that fair trade business returns 25–30% of their profits back to the producers in developing countries, and that 60–70% of these producers are women. 
 
As if you needed any other reason to help a sister out! 
 
Greenheart
746 N. LaSalle Drive
Chicago, IL 60610
312.264.1625
www.greenheartshop.org

Grecian Goodies
 
Our Greek roommate makes the most scrumptious spanakopita. We beg and plead for her leftovers (even offering to clean the entire apartment in exchange). When that’s consumed, we feel like our tummies will never be satisfied again.
 
Then we found Athena, a culinary gem with ambience that makes us feel like we’ve traveled to Athens! We loved the dark wood floors, cozy fireplaces, and white walls sprinkled with traditional trinkets. We swooned at the outdoor patio, complete with a view of the Chicago skyline and decorated with “ancient” pillars, a flowing fountain and colorful flowers. For starters we tried a glass of Ouzo and a tasty spread of feta cheese, kalamata olives, gyros, and, yes, spanakopita! Still hungry, we couldn’t resist a sample of the chicken lemonati, shrimp kebab (drizzled in lemon and almonds), and Loukaniko (sausage with rice and potatoes). For dessert, the Baklava (honey and walnuts in a filo dough) topped the charts. Even our Greek friends were impressed!

The best part: Athena can host private parties of up to 100 people. Opa! 
 
Athena Greek Restaurant
212 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60661
312.655.000
www.athenarestaurantchicago.com

Old-Fashioned Shopping
 
When we were wee-ones, Back to the Future was the coolest. Michael J. Fox was as cute as a button and time travel rocked (minus Biff and weird parents). Alas, our dreams of warping through the centuries haven’t materialized, but not to worry, we’ve found a substitute.
 
Enter RR #1. Located at Chicago and Ashland, this historic store is housed in a 1930s pharmacy complete with antique tiled ceilings, old-school light fixtures, and vintage counters and shelves. Labeled as an apothecary and gift store, we were delighted to find B & B lines including Olivina lavender lotion, Caldrea grapefruit hand balm, cucumber facial masks, and Gianna Rose Atelier soaps (shaped liked owls). Other pampering finds include candles, aromatherapy, packaged teas, hot chocolate, and lip-balms. The perfect gift-giving haunt, RR #1, also hosts a funky selection of books (e.g.: The Joys of Smoking), stationery, cards, wallets, purses, jewelry, watches, knick-knacks, and baby wear (we loved the leggings).
 
Even our #1 boy toy found a purchase: A moving alarm clock. Now that really is time travel! 

RR #1
814 N. Ashland
Chicago, IL 60622
312.421.9079
www.rr1chicago.com

Sole Protection

They don’t call it the Windy City for nothing, but sometimes it’s the rainy city and/or the snowy city, and that keeps us from wearing our beloved heels around town. Or does it? Who ever expected anyone to come up with galoshes for high heels?

Check out the new City Slippers by SWIMS—the soles are made to grab slick streets, and have a map of either New York City, Paris or Tokyo (cute!), but more important—they slip right over your pumps!

www.swims.com

Personalize It!
 
Need a great gift for a cool kid in your life?  We have the perfect solution. Local artist Jill Dryer’s What If? book is a story about wild imagination and hope. It was created  to inspire kids’ belief that anything is truly possible!  

It’s a photo-personalized book (meaning the child’s photo and name are featured throughout the book and on the cover) and is perfect for the holiday season, party favors, or as an extra-special birthday gift. Snap them up before they’re gone!

Second-Hand Glam

We’ve heard of rehabilitated homes, rehabilitated people, and even rehabilitated dogs, but rehabilitated dishware not so much. However, one look at the infinitely cool designer dishes by Sarah Cihat had us jumping on the rehab bandwagon.

Made from re-fired and re-glazed overstocks and second-hand finds, these oh-so-stylish plates and platters come in a myriad of cool designs. From fierce skulls and pin-up girls to wildlife motifs and flowers, we swear these quirky silhouettes will leave you completely smitten!

Bellisimo!

Two-for-one deals always make us smile. So pair a fall clothing sale at a boutique with men's and women's clothing and we’re as happy as Michael Phelps in Beijing. Grab your guy and check out the latest styles from Bugatchi, Gant, Generra and Victorinox Swiss Army plus the new line from the forward-thinking activewear, Anatomie, at Ciao Bella! 
 
What: Anatomie Trunk Show
When: Saturday, Oct. 11, 11–6 pm
Where: Ciao Bella, 3829 N. Southport
Call: 773.388.2201
Visit: www.ciaobellachicago.com

The Panache Dish

Score a different deal and refreshments on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October in honor of Panache’s 25th anniversary! Discounts include $25 off all jeans, accessories, and your purchase when you bring a friend, plus a free gift with a $250 purchase. Each discount will occur on different weekends throughout the month—call the store for deets!

What: 25th Anniversary Sale at Panache 
When: Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 26 
Where: 2252 N. Clark St.
Call: 773.477.4537 
Visit: www.panachechicago.com

Pretty in Pink 

Sometimes, getting pretty seems a little… pointless (i.e. Did I shave my legs for this?)  Luckily, in October you can get pretty for a very good reason. Local spas are honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month with $31 massages, manicures, facials, waxes and other beauty treatments. Indulge yourself and your friends for this fantastic fundraiser! Check the website for details.

What: Pretty in Pink Fundraiser
When: Daily (ends Oct. 31)
Where: Various locations (check the website)
Call: 312.435.9391
Visit: www.prettycity.com