Body By Budokon
 
We like to consider ourselves extremely flexible ladies, both literally and figuratively.  We throw ourselves into taking care of guy, our family, our friends. We try to solve their problems while not losing our minds. But once in a while, we need to get back to basics—body basics. And we've found a workout that will stretch our body and open our mind!
 
Recently, we were lucky enough to sample the brand-new Budokon class at Equinox Fitness. A mix of martial arts and yoga, it packs a one-two punch. And now, so do we! Our instructor took us through dance moves, breathing exercises, kicks and jabs. Budokan’s ardent fans—besides us—include Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston. The class also features Joseph Ensign, the only red belt-certified Budokon instructor teaching in Chicago—another draw for those of us who like to have an exercise edge. 
 
And for one week following this article, Equinox is offering a free Budokon class to its first five Chicago Picks readers to mention it! (Catch it at the Loop, Lincoln Park and 900 North Michigan locations.)
 
Equinox Fitness
1750 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
312.254.4000
www.equinoxfitness.com

The Lexicon of Love
 
We admit it. We might be hopelessly attached to our Louboutins and our intensely stylish, professional wardrobe of pencil skirts, but we've always had this secret fantasy where we rock out on stage in front of a packed house, wearing perfectly tailored leather pants, a Joan Jett off-the-shoulder striped shirt and chunky, silver, spiky jewelry. It won't die—no matter how many office hours we log. We'd even do a cover of "I Love Rock and Roll."
 
So where to indulge that secret rocker alter-ego and grab a work-perfect Rebecca Minkoff bag that we might really need? Natalie Barber, a former corporate executive turned boutique mastermind, has the perfect mix at Language, at Damen and Milwaukee in the heart of Wicker Park. Among cutting edge brands like Super Suite 77, Barber stocks plenty of downtown appropriate (but totally unique) skirts and dresses from the likes of sophisticate Malene Birger, handmade leather belts from Ama, and a jewelry selection we covet.

It’s time to make those rocker-chick dreams come true… or at least just pretend at the local karaoke bar.
 
Language
1537 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
312.640.5914
www.language-chicago.com

Italian for Style
 
We know it can be hard to shop as an adult, normally proportioned woman when all we seem to see is hopelessly trendy clothing made for model bodies. But no one wants to be relegated to the old-lady section. So what's a discerning woman to wear?
 
Check out Dismero, an Italian brand with an emphasis on upscale sportswear. Their Gold Coast shop is the first this side of the Atlantic. Trust us—they get it. Even Dismero's fall launch party-slash-photo shoot had models talking about the clothing while smiling and laughing—have you ever heard of something so shocking? And most were over 35—how refreshing! Adult women's clothing on adult women! Dismero's pieces, all made in and imported from Italy, are mostly conservative basics with embellished details, but they understand fit, which is why all their pieces are pre-washed—no dry cleaning required!
 
So next time we're on the hunt for a style that's timeless, we'll be sure to stop in Dismero's shop… we’ll see what Italy has to offer!
 
Dismero
50 E. Oak St.
Chicago, IL 60611
312.380.6590
www.dismero.com

Candy-Colored Chandeliers
 
He has the schoolgirl one. The corporate businesslady one. And we have one that is a little sweeter, namely involving chocolate and/or strawberries.
 
Yup, fantasies. Can't deny we have 'em. We're red-blooded felines, of course we have 'em! And so does Lorraine Peltz. This Chicago-trained artist creates a colorful array of fantastical images exploring women's desires (quite shamelessly, we might add), using images of chandeliers, pears, plums, and cupcakes. Mmm, tasty!    
 
www.lorrainepeltz.com

Fashion Archiving
 
We like to think of ourselves as curators. We preserve beauty within the museum of our jewelry box and closet. Why not think of yourself as a living, moving piece of art?
 
Or perhaps just have a little fun with it all. Like this unique sculptural "Dallas" necklace by Alexis Bittar. Bittar is an internationally known designer, with notable contributions at Burberry, Harrods, Saks, and Estee Lauder. Hmm, sounds like a few artists we'd like to add to our gallery!
 
www.alexisbittar.com

Frosty Flapper Girl
 
We're not really vintage movie experts, but we would fancy ourselves a bit Greta Garbo in this quirky cold weather hat. It's simultaneously modern and fun, with just the right amount of vixen foxiness.   
 
Plus, this collection of crocheted hats can be custom ordered. Choose some colors from your favorite fall or winter ensemble and contact this talented independent artist! What a fun way to add some edge and vintage mystery to your usual garb. 

bigwoowear

A Gold Coast Legend
 
Remember Sandy Bullock standing in the way of a building about to be bulldozed in Miss Congeniality? Whelp, same principle, different venue. As in Underground Wonder Bar.Unfortunately, it's on borrowed time. Celebrate what could be its last anniversary with 12 hours of live music! Performances by Lonie Walker and her Big Bad Ass Company Band, Joe Thomas, and more. 
 
What: Underground Wonder Bar's 19th Anniversary to
Benefit People's Music School
When: Sunday, Nov. 9, 4 pm-–4 am
Where: 10 East Walton
Call: 312.664.7990
Cost: $12
Visit: www.undergroundwonderbar.com

Purse Passion
 
You can never be too rich or have too many handbags. Or at least that's what we tell ourselves because we've stuffed our top dresser drawer with clutches. And our coat rack holds handbags only. So we're pumped for saving up to 75% off of designer handbags this weekend at The Brown Elephant!
 
What: The Brown Elephant Handbag Sale
When: Nov. 8–9, 11 am–6 pm
Where: 3651 N. Halsted St.
Call: 773.549.5943
Visit: www.howardbrown.org