Chicago Hotbed
 
One thing we like about living in a city such as ours is that it’s known for a plethora of cool and unique things. Wind. Um, well, politicians. One hundred years without a Cubs World Series Title. Meat. Specifically, hot dogs. We’re the City of Big Shoulders. But one thing we are not always recognized for? Our fashion.
  
But we are slowly and surely gaining ground. Putting ourselves on the map, thanks to local fashion talent rooting themselves back into local culture and producing fierce hotness. Like local Loyola/Art Institute of Chicago gal Melissa Serpico Kamhout. With formal graphic design and fashion design training, Serpico opened up her own fab storefront this fall in Wicker Park. She combines pure, elegant fabrics (think raw silk, taffeta, and organza) to create classic pieces complete with hand-stitched seams and ruching in unexpected places. Her pieces are ladylike and drapey, but always—always—high fashion. She creates bold, statement garments in muted everyday tones. 
  
If you’re like us—Chicagoan ladies with a love for fashion—check out Serpico. It’s an avant-garde adventure for likeminded females! 
  
Serpico
1514 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago IL 60622
773.252.5940 
www.serpico-collection.com

No Bull
 
Throw the ball. Catch the ball. Score. Cheer. Injury. Applause. Turnover. Interception. Applause (and/or shock and/or disbelief). Pass. Score. Cheer. Repeat, etc. etc. Yes, sports are lost on us.
 
Enter a sports bar that gives us a little more to believe in. As in, they serve Veuve Cliquot. It’s the Bull & Bear, and they also carry a wide array of fun, flirty cocktail choices and nice wines. The yummy menu was created by the foodster behind Quartino’s (David Blonsky) and the guys behind Stone Lotus put this soon-to-be-packed place together. Plus, they have an ultra-exclusive feature in the pay-by-the-ounce beer taps, built right into the table! Righteous. Lots of boozing, little moving. And even though we don’t quite understand the thrill that sports can bring some folks, we do like the local pride in terms of the name of the bar—a nod to our sports teams as well as the nearby financial district.
 
This place is for sure one of the newest hot spots, and without a doubt a pleasant place to watch the latest team play ball (incentives included)!
 
Bull & Bear
431 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60610
312.527.5973
www.bullbearbar.com

Vella Bellissimo!
 
Yes, folks. The cold winter months are still here. We deserve winter comfort food! Preferably the stuff that is secretly healthy, and will not go straight to our hips.
 
We didn’t even think such a magical thing existed, until we discovered the secret hideaway under the western stop of the Blue line in West Bucktown—Vella Cafe. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick weekday lunch, relax for a lazy post-night out Sunday brunch with the girlfriends, or to chat up your sweetie with a bottle of wine (there’s a wine shop just down the street, no worries!) and lounge for a relaxing Friday night dinner. Owners Melissa and Sara will make sure you feel more then welcome, and make sure your stay is exactly what you were looking for, plus the food is delicious and reasonably priced. The Baconegger—homemade pizza crust topped with tomato sauce, cheese, fried eggs and bacon—is to die for, and will ensure that you come back to visit again soon! 
 
As in, maybe for some of their famous crepes for breakfast the next morning…
 
Vella Café
1912 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773.489.7777
www.vellacafe.com

Jarc Macobs
 
Cavalli. Comme des Garcons. Lanvin. Anna Sui. What do these names mean to us? Not much, because we can’t afford them.
 
But one day we’ll have more cash money dough than cookie dough. Until then, we’ll continue to rock the knockoffs. And thank gawd for the fine folks at Avant Gaudy and their virtual (and cheap!) closet of cool clothing. They offer one-of-a-kind and authentic vintage clothing that reflects the designers who dominate the high-fashion runways. 
 
www.avantgaudy.com

Kiss Kiss
 
From the moment you locked eyes, your heart kept time with his. The freckles in your eyes were mirror images (thanks, Postal Serv). 
 
Erm, or it was happy hour and you were three drinks deep. Whatevs! Love knows no limits or boundaries. And why not celebrate love and all that cutesy stuff with a cool print from this rando cool blog called Ninja vs Penguin? And don’t miss their short films and productions, too.

www.ninjavspenguin.com

Stevie Wonder
 
Hey, you. Hello, you delightfully rumpled yet fragilely feminine network of cotton fibers. Yes, you. It’s always been you—the perfect plaid button-down that we love so much.
 
And love springs eternal, with the launch of Steven Alan’s spring line. Bring us Alan’s finely designed reverse seam plaids, in every different pattern, and we shall practice our come hither lines to um, our clothing. It’s casual/cool, and we just can’t get enough!

www.stevenalan.com

Get Into The Groove
 
Stella did, you can too. And even though she and her islander plaything ended up in Splitsville, we’re pretty certain she got her rocks off in the end anyway. Attend the Groove Sessions at Divine Sole Boutique and experience something new in this neo-folk soul experience. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and Sangria!
 
What: Groove Sessions at Divine Sole Boutique
When: Saturday, Jan. 31, 7 pm
Where: 3708 S. Indiana
Call: 773.548.SOLE
Visit: www.divinesoleboutique.com

So Scandalous
 
Vintage. Gifts. Accessories. Accents. Florodora is a gem of a find, and its Scandal Sale is very, very racy. Think 50% off of all full-priced clothing and already discounted fall and winter collections. They’ll have a $10 rack as well as extra savings on a changing daily special. Sounds like the kind of scandal we want to be a part of!
 
What: Florodora Scandal Sale
When: Through Feb. 6
Where: Florodora, 330 S. Dearborn St.
Call: 312. 212.8860
Visit: www.florodora.com