chicago Picks


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	November 21st, 2008 *The cutest* little bird let us in on a term** that we're trying to circulate in our everyday lexicon. It’s called cupcaking. It means to flirt or be flirtatious by means of paying more attention to the object de affection (i.e. via texting or calls). It’s PDA for the 21st century, baby, and we dig it. We just love the sweet connotation—and right at a time when we blink and another sticky-sweet concoction of a boutique bakery lands around the corner. We half expect to see a dashing Fred Astaire-type every time we head up to the candy-colored counters around town. Can’t you just picture it? And even though we’ve heard doughnuts may be the new cupcake very soon, we’re clinging to the sweet flirty cake. After all, it has ruled the year and the common forms of telecommunications!

	Chicago Picks:
	1	G-Spot Sometimes we feel like men get the better end of the deal (shocking, isn’t it!). They don’t worry if their butt looks big in their jeans, strip clubs are an excuse to support their terminally-betrothed friends, and… they have Viagra. Well, ladies, we think it’s time for a change. Enter G boutique, where all things sexy are designed with women in mind. The libertine might swoon over the sexy lingerie, corsets, the, um, shall we say, “shmildos,” vibrating panties, bondage toys, and the liberator furniture (for, um, strategic positioning). For those a bit more conservative, the practical intimates (lace tanks, luxurious robes, patterned PJs) might hit the spot. And for those in between, the exotic games, massage oils and lubricants, body-frosting, and naughty films may add just the right amount of spice. There’s even a section just for the well-endowed (and we mean boobs) and maternity mamas. Check out their sizzling events (“How to give a great BJ”), private parties, and burlesque shows. Hugh Hefner better watch out—we’re taking over the mansion! G Boutique 2131 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60647 773.235.1234 www.boutiqueg.com

	2	A Piece of Heaven There are some days we when we can’t remember why we live in Chicago. Our car is always draped in parking tickets, our alley is brimming with well-fed rats, and pigeon poop decorates our peeling porch and window sills. Lovely, it’s not. But it does make us all the more keen on transforming our abode into a clean, fresh and romantic refuge that we can’t wait to get back into. The place that delivers our home sweet home: The Painted Lady. This charming, shabby-chic home décor boutique is the picture of comfortable luxury with an ever-changing inventory of hand-painted antique furniture. Specialties include armoires, dressers, bed frames and coffee tables, as well as avant-garde accessories like floral lamps and sparkling crystal chandeliers. And since our bed is the shrine of our cozy sanctuary, The Painted Lady provides plenty of bedding options (Pine Cone Hill, Bella note and Ink House) that make us feel like we’re floating on a celestial cloud (and not hiding from the carbon emissions). The Painted Lady even offers customized artisan-work. Receive 10% off when you mention Chicago Picks! The Painted Lady 2128 N. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60647 773.489.9145 www.thepaintedladychicago.com

	3	Love Bites The one thing we know for sure about love is that it's tricky. It's all-consuming. And yet, utterly and magically wonderful! And yes, we are old-school romantic fanatics. We believe in "The One" and all that other fairytale garbage. And well, we think we may have just fallen. We have fallen hard, deep, and fast for the loveliness of Aritzia. There it was—everything we could’ve ever hoped for in a boutique. We couldn’t help it, really. The colors. The trends. The styles! The brands, like like Wilfred, Kensie Girl, See by Chloe and Community Organic Cotton... we were hard pressed to find something we didn’t like here. In fact, if we had our way, we would’ve loaded up the entire lot of lightweight sweaters, long jackets and t-shirt dresses and never looked back. Alas, Aritzia isn’t a one-woman kind of store. We begrudgingly acknowledge that ours will be an open relationship. We’re not usually so swinger-cool, but in this case we’ll take what we can get! Aritzia Water Tower Plaza 835 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 312.867.9230 www.aritzia.com

	Chick Picks:
	1	Wannabe Like Sophie When we first saw philoSophie’s greeting cards, we almost peed our pants. It was like seeing our cartoon-self drawn cutely (with no imperfections) and with all the moxie we could hope to showcase on a daily basis! Checkout philoSophie’s witty, compassionate collection at area boutiques (such as Anjenu on Division) or order some custom holiday cards from the artist herself. Add your own personal je ne sais quoi this holiday season! www.sophiesphilosophies.com

	2	Anthropomorphism Art “Her tiny universe certainly seemed to yield a delicate strangeness, each object around her gave off an air of elusive emotion.” Sounds like a very Alice in Wonderland existence, no? So reads the introduction to ibride, a fantastical world created by a team of innovative French artists. They create pieces of the story. Mysteries of art, literature, and life. Their collection is composed of structurally interesting woodwork and intricately designed serving trays, murals, and tableware. Talk about art imitating life! www.ibride.fr

	3	Scandinavian Outlaw We’ve loved the Eurotrash look for years. We’re half Swedish. Plus, we dig the whole cheap-chic thing. Like gobs of gold gaudy jewelry or rockin’ blonde hair with black underneath (we’ve done both quite shamelessly). Plus 46 is a progressive and carefully picked Scandinavian site, dedicated to showcasing raw talent in an international way. Personally, we think it may be time to grow up and hop on the classy European upswing! www.store.plus46fashion.se

	Hip Happenings:
	1	Thanksgiving +1 Bonanza We can now breathe a sigh of relief. It's the beginning of the end of holiday shopping. Thanks to the fabulous happenings in the West Loop (i.e. Madness on Madison), we've made the list, checked it twice, and given Santa the old heave-ho! Check out hip handbags from Tribeca, unique jewelry at Fig Tree Boutique, distinctive gifts at Smitten Boutique, and chic finds (without high prices) at 2 Sisters! What: Madness on Madison, Day After Thanksgiving Sale When: Friday, Nov. 28 Where: Tribeca, 1035 W. Madison; Fig Tree, 1037 W. Madison; Smitten, 1041 W. Madison; 2 Sisters, 1167 W. Madison Call: 312.492.9373 Visit: www.shopattribeca.com

	2	She’s Crafty Feeling crafty, artsy, funky, or junky? Get proactive with that artsy-fartsy fever and attend the sixth annual DIY Trunk Show. It’s the largest show in the city to focus solely on crafters, artists, and creators who are from the Chicago area. Look for funky unique jewelry, stationery, housewares, body products, and more! What: DIY Trunk Show When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 am–5 pm Where: Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk Call: 773.655.6511 Cost: Free Visit: www.diytrunkshow.com

	3	Mod Vintage Squad ’Tis the season to gift! We’re stockin’ up for our artsy aunt, our eclectic best friend, and the rest of our interesting bunch at the second annual shopping event from the people behind the Chicago Antique Market and the Indie Designer Market. Browse indie designs from Lara Miller, Wounded Line, Simply Cashmere, and more. Plus, enjoy complimentary gift wrapping! What: Modern Vintage Holiday Market When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, Nov. 23, noon–5 pm Where: 2301 N. Clark St. Call: 312.666.1200 Entry Fee: $10 Visit: www.modernvintagechicago.com

	4	The Beat Generation It can be semi-hokey to say someone or something “changed our life.” But we’ll do the Hokey Pokey ’til the cows come home on account of how Kerouac’s On The Road changed ours. It broke barriers and introduced an enigma of a persona in the writer himself. Check out the original manuscript scroll on which Kerouac wrote the famous novel! What: Jack Kerouac: On The Road Exhibit Where: Columbia College Center for Book & Paper Arts, 1104 S. Wabash Ave. When: M-F, noon–7 pm through Nov. 26; Saturdays & Sundays noon–5 pm Call: 312.344.6630 Cost: Free Visit: www.colum.edu

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