Luvah Girl

In our humble opinion, the greatest thing about Chicago isn’t the Bean, the lakeshore or our favorite hot dog stand (although that might come in a close second). It’s our ethnic flair, mixed with the one-of-a-kind Windy City style. 
 
Any true urban gal knows that despite our Midwestern roots, we’re one of the most cosmopolitan and cutting-edge cities in the world. Which is why we attract boutiques like Havilah. Bringing a modern Eastern influence to women’s clothing and accessories, Havilah switches up sexy daywear and nighttime pieces to reflect an international inspiration. Lines like Twenty8Twelve, Velvet, Tibi, Black Halo and Elizabeth & James are sprinkled throughout the airy, comfortable space and interspersed with jewelry, shoes and handbags (and just so you know, those gunmetal-grey Lovely People platform heels are ours, got it)? Owners Nak and Rachel Kim, ensconced in their River North store for a year and a half, celebrate the opening of Havilah’s second branch in Winnetka. 
 
So in October, new customers get 20% off merchandise! With that in mind, we look forward to having plenty of Havilah in our future! 
 
Havilah
869 N. Larrabee
Chicago, IL 60610
312.202.0012
www.shophavilah.com

Oui, Oui, Mon Cherie
 
One thing we have always been is monogamously in love. For better or worse, it's part of that whole (you + me = meant to be) fairytale thing. But we also have a hussy come-hither side to us. (Shhh! It’s a secret.)
  
Luckily for us (and all other women both classy and saucy), we have Minx Parlor, a boutique that debuted over the summer. Tucked into a row of galleries in River North, their mix of all art and accessories makes us feel like the femmes fatales we really are. From the avant-garde, European shoe selection (by trendsetters like Baldinini, Pura Lopez and Gigi Favella) to the handbags and jewelry (pieces by Jenny Bird, R. Raven and Nikki Vain share the same posh-meets-promiscuous aesthetic), to the Summerscent perfume (smells like endless summer), every piece you choose is ready to spark a flirtatious conversation.
  
Stop in and add some luxe spice to your life! Tell them Chicago Picks sent you and receive 10% off your purchase.
  
Minx Parlor
750 N. Franklin St.
Chicago IL 60610
312.643.5333
www.minxparlor.com

Spot-on
 
Our pets are like our kiddies. We feed, bathe, dress, kiss and cuddle them, let them sleep in our beds (did we admit that?), and coo at all they do. Carrie Bradshaw was right when she decided the world shouldn’t just applaud couples with children… what about pet parents?
 
Now there is finally a shop that sees our furry friends just as we do: A reflection of ourselves! Enter Spotland Yard, a pet boutique loaded with all the canine necessities (leashes, collars, bowls, food, shampoo) and superfluous goodies including furry-friend tees, sports jerseys (Go Bears!), and Halloween costumes in personas like Batman and Yoda. We practically drooled at the seasonal organic edibles, including the banana nut and butter cream cookies. And with our love of all things alcoholic, we dug the bottled assortment of Sauvignon Bark, O’Drools, and Bowers Beer… it’s hello to happy hour with our most treasured companion!
 
Spotland Yard even has strollers for our cuddly pups! Shop now and receive 10% off when you mention Chicago Picks! 
 
Spotland Yard
907 N. Damen
Chicago, IL 60622
773.698.6087
www.spotlandyard.com

Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
 
We're feeling rather surly today. Our office is undergoing a huge stressful merger-slash-acquisition and we're being forced into a career change. 
 
We’ve been wearing our thickest eyeliner, our darkest eye shadow and our blackest shirts, but even in our time of worry we still need to accessorize appropriately. In our opinion, nothing says "spooky times" like a pair of bird feet earrings. Oh macabre taxidermy, you soothe our souls.
 
LovedToDeath on Etsy.com

Feeling Ghoulish
 
We're counting the minutes before we pop open Friday night's bottle of wine.
 
In an effort to stop ourselves from sinking into complete zombie mode, seeing and feeling nothing, our only drive being the need for human flesh (or, y'know, a gallon of Cabernet Sauvignon), is resting our dizzy head on this darling little pillow. Because even zombies need some lovin', too.
 
Cipolla on Etsy.com

Wicked Good
 
Wet and muddy feet beware. This doormat is totally wicked! (C'mon, get all Massachusetts with us.)
 
Put it out for those 'lil muskrat trick-o-treaters or keep it out all year long (like we do in our dinky shabby chic kitchenette, creating a very nice juxtaposition if we do say so ourselves). It hides dirt and gives your pad a kicky unexpected punch, all the while hiding debris and other devilish dust!  
 
welldressedhome.com

She's Glossy
 
We’ve all stained our clothes with a Cosmo or two. Or we cling on to that pair of shoes with the loose heel. Get rid of that stuff! Update your armoire at the High Gloss sample sale featuring men’s and women’s collections from 50–80% off. Check out clothing lines from NYC, LA, Paris and Chicago. 
 
What: High Gloss Sample Sale
When: Oct. 24, 4–9 pm, Oct. 25, 10 am–7 pm, &
Oct. 26, 11 am–5 pm
Where: 1520 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Call: 312.972.1291
Cost: Free
Website: www.shophighgloss.com

Crunch for a Cause
 
Hit the gym to work on your fitness at Crunch in River North (for a good cause)!  To support breast cancer awareness, Crunch is doling out fitness classes to raise funds. Grab some girlfriends and enjoy punch, cookies, snacks, and pink Everlast giveaways, plus a DJ spinning motivational tunes!
 
What: Crunch Boxing for Breast Cancer
When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 12–4 pm
Where: 38 E. Grand Ave.
Call: 312.828.9777
Cost: $10 suggested donation
Visit: www.crunch.com