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CHICAGO PICKS™ |
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life + style
in the Windy City
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December 12th, 2008
In the true spirit of the holiday season, we have warmth and holiday lights in our heart. We love the effervescent joy that seems to bubble out of champagne flutes and swirl around fireplaces while the voices of Nat King Cole or Bing Crosby fill the air. We like enjoying a swig of spiked eggnog or the gumdrop of a gingerbread house in a room full of loved ones.
This year, however, will seem a bit different with the loss of our family dog. Fifteen years old and never worse for the wear until recently, Pippen’s presence was a present. She was unconditional love dressed in a furry mass of black Lab. She was a source of bonding, a source of adventure, a confidant, and a very dear friend. We are better because of her, and in the spirit of the holidays, we shall celebrate our great fortune!
Speaking of fortune, one lucky reader will be fortunate enough to snag a gorgeous “Gracia” Luma handbag by Lucia Madueño (see the Chick Picks below)! The reader who forwards this issue to the most friends (and CCs Picks@ChicagoPicks.com) wins! |
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Chicago Picks: |
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Sweet Tarts
Winter is like bittersweet chocolate to us. It sounds like an
okay idea, but when we get ready to enjoy it, it turns out
to be a little misleading. Yet with the snowflakes come the
sexy boots with the fur. And while we are frenemies with the freezing temperatures, we love stacked-heel boots in a totally uncondish way.
Thank goodness for Seventy Five, a brand new shoe and accessories store with just the pair—or two or three or four! With brands like Chinese Laundry, Moda, Anne Michelle and Bamboo, the store caters to nearly every price range. But they feature plenty of suede and intricate cutouts, so the selection is far more fashionable than functional. While we wouldn't recommend shoveling the driveway in those, they'll definitely snazz up your December duds. Stocked with accessories to boot, (yeah, sorry) Seventy Five carries bags by Kerri Mack and Luxfusion, as well as unique jewelry pieces by local Chicago designers.
Seventy Five has everything we need to beat the winter blues. How sweet it is!
Seventy Five
2506 ½ N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
773.549.7663
www.75shoes.com |
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Sweeter than Honey
Walking down Damen Avenue always brings a warm and happy feeling to our hearts. We just love grabbing a libation or two at one of the local bars, and slinkin’ around our beloved Bucktown with a shopping buddy. It’s girl-time done right.
As luck would have it, we recently stumbled into HunnySheShe Boutiques. Fun, funky, and fresh, HunnySheShe opened this past summer and truly is a one-stop shop for the local girl-on-the-go. The Hunny side is chock full of amazing jewelry by designers such as Lana, Sofia, and Lulu Frost. The SheShe side offers pieces from the likes of Vince, J Brand, and Testament, including gorgeous one-of-a-kind dresses and funktastic belts to keep our winter wardrobe sexy. One of the owners even let us in on the “Buy One, Get One Free” sale they’re currently holding (on anything in the store). Meaning one saucy holiday sweater for us, one for our bestie, and everybody wins!
Who knew holiday shopping could be so productive and
yet, so gratifying?
HunnySheShe Boutiques
2027 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773.292.1120
www.SheSheBoutique.com |
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A Calculated Risk
Every once in a while it feels good to spend that bonus check. Okay, well at least a third of it feels good (due to hefty bills and pricey city life). And every once in a while (‘tis the season), it feels pretty darn good to splurge on a loved one and really treat them right.
Enter Entendré Couture in Lincoln Park. Filled with soft, pretty Vince sweaters and premium denim by 1921, this store’s selection would totes be Tim Gunn-approved. It’s also where you’ll find Lauren Conrad Collection. (The It-Girl from “The Hills” is turning out simple, easy, breezy pieces of great quality.) Shopping for the dudeski? Entendré has plenty of masculine-luxe fashion for him, too. We’re big fans of the reverse tees from Modern Amusement (uh, don’t know about you, but our guy has a food-stainage prob). Thrifty shoppers will enjoy the fab sales racks, and definitely don’t miss the denim sales!
Exclusive, classy, and undoubtedly fashion-forward… Entendré is an easy way to invest in a luxurious manner.
Entendré Couture
1022 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL 60614
773.248.1022
www.entendrecouture.com |
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Chick Picks: |
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'Tis the Season
After we've bought stocking stuffers and wrapped every last tiddlywink in sparkly, festive paper, there are always a few forgotten gifts. It's gotta be Murphy's Law. But as luck would have it, this year we've found a great idea for last-minute shopping: the Emergency Food Kit from Mercy Corps.
This purchase helps send food to those facing extreme hardship, just in time for the holidays. What a way to show someone you love that you care… about the world!
www.mercycorps.org/chipicks2 |
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Japanese Gadgets, Please
We’re turning Japanese, we’re turning Japanese, we really
think so. Not just because we’ve gotten into tea and swords lately, but also because of a brand new website launching just in time for the holidays.
Gizmine.com, is the world’s largest Japanese gadgets
and lifestyle shop, with the weirdest, kookiest, best gifts
we’ve seen in a while. For example, the Tea Cup Poodle. Delightful. Check out their robots, toys, and even the adorable tiny portable turntable!
www.gizmine.com |
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Luminations
We’re first learned about passion and perseverance on our 7th-grade basketball team. “B” team. We bench-warmed. Needless to say our passion didn’t ignite until English class, and then again for a boy named Mike.
But sometimes you can spot passion and love for work. In Luma handbags, designer Lucia Madueño fuses her cosmopolitan style with refined leathers from South America. They’re gorgeous, well-crafted, and way more satisfying than Seven Minutes in Heaven with Mike!
www.lumanyc.com |
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Event of the Week! |
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Minx Parlor Grand Opening Gala
Please join Chicago Picks and Indigo Studio as we pair up with Minx Parlor for another dazzling night of celebration in River North! Guests will receive free cocktails, appetizers, passes to Yoga Booty Ballet classes at Indigo Studio, and the chance to win gift certificates for a free massage, cut and style, and mani/pedi from Hair Loft. Furthermore, Minx Parlor is slashing fall and winter boot prices to just $200 (no tax). Celebrate Minx Parlor's new atelier services with great discounts and swanky tunes from the DJ. Enjoy a new holiday art showcase from local artist Mark Sheneman, and mix and mingle with us!
What: Chicago Picks and Indigo Studio celebrate
Minx Parlor's Grand Opening Gala!
When: Tonight, Dec. 12, 6–10 pm
Where: Minx Parlor, 750 N. Franklin St.
Cost: Free
Visit: www.minxparlor.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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Pageant Queens
From watching Tom Cruise leap onto Oprah's couch to snapping at Matt Lauer for being glib, we've eaten up his breakdown with a giant spoon. For dessert, we're having a big bowl of "A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant." No clue how they're getting away with it, but this dark comedy pokes fun at Hollywood's famous Hubbard-lovers.
What: “A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's
Scientology Pageant”
When: Nov. 17–Dec. 28, call for times
Where: A Red Orchid Theatre
Call: 312.943.8722
Visit: www.aredorchidtheatre.org |
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Holiday Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses
The more you spend, the more you save at this holiday sale. Ooh! We like those odds. Especially when we’re talking about She boutique and its plethora of dazzling designer holiday dresses. Score 10%–25% off purchases during the sale, plus, bring in your signif to fill out a holiday wish list, and sneak a kiss under the mistletoe!
What: Holiday Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses Sale
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: She, 1024 W. Armitage Ave.
Call: 773.880.8061
Visit: www.shopsheboutique.com |
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Karaoke Pedicures?
Uh, yeah this listing sounds sorta schizo to us too—but c’mon, it’s a combo of some of our very favorite things! Sing karaoke before, after or during your treatment at the nail salon. Browse the salon’s jewelry and accessory collection while you wait for your turn on the mic. Also, get a $38 mani-pedi deal through Dec. 31!
What: Mani-Pedi Karaoke Night
When: Thursdays, 12–9 pm
Where: Nail Fetish, 525 N. Ashland Ave.
Call: 312.738.3101
Visit: www.mynailfetish.com |
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Want to give everyone you know a gift—without spending a penny? Sign them up for www.ChicagoPicks.com! It's free, and you'll always have a buddy for openings, parties, sales and… yes… karaoke at the nail salon. |
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Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
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