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	February 6th, 2009 We think it’s time to kick off Fembruary. As in: fembots. As in: power to us sexy female felines and our health. It’s time for some good old fashioned rip-roarious GNO’s, coffee talks, sushi dins, and smugglin’ champagne into a romcom with your best girlfriends (been there, done that, recommend it, will do it again). Why? Two reasons. One: it’s American Heart Month, meaning we need to nurture our four chambers. And two, we were notified recently of the glory of ‘Manuary.’ This was told to us by a friend—after he and his buddies skied an entire run shirtless to celebrate the last day of the month of man. Nope, not kidding. Did you just laugh out loud and also cringe? Us, too. In fact, it was a LMAO sitch. We say: let’s top ’em, but keep our tops on. Hoping for a message in a bottle kind of romance this February? How about a gorgeous reusable glass Love Bottle, for starters? Forward this issue to 5 friends or more and CC picks@chicagopicks.com for a shot at winning a Love Bottle from Jessa Brinkmeyer (see Chick Pick #1 below)! Want more love? Forward this issue to 10 friends and CC picks@chicagopicks.com, and you could win a one-night stay at the fabulous Hotel Allegro on Valentine's Day--Saturday, Feb. 14!

	Chicago Picks:
	1	Major Style Okay, so we haven’t been in a store with “Army” in the name since authentic peacoats were trendy and Tom Cruise had some credibility. But the recently revamped “Belmont Army” is nothing like your average Army-Navy store. When we entered this mega-boutique, we wondered how a store this big even fits on the street! And why aren’t we here all the time? The first floor features trendy his and hers gear from Volcom, Ben Sherman and Free People, to name a few. The second floor (our favorite) has just about the best selection of shoes we’ve ever seen. Everything from flirty kitten heels to rockin’ cowboy boots by brands like Miss Sixty, Seychelles, Camper, Tsubo, Two Lips… need we go on? (Added bonus—they’re always having huge shoe sales. Seriously.) The third floor justifies the store’s name and has, well, army gear and other work-gear/manly things. Finally, the fourth floor is half skate shop, half vintage shop, with some of the most amazing fedoras we’ve ever seen. We know it’s a lot of fabulous to take in—so hup-two! Belmont Army 855 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL 60657 773.549.1038

	2	Hay Baby Sometimes old sayings are true. We always heed “don’t walk under a ladder” and we’re fond of “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” (whatever that means), but our new favorite saying has to do with finding a needle… Never was a store more aptly named than “Haystack.” Stumbling upon this diamond in the rough was like finding treasure (or that needle in a haystack). Haystack is a goldmine of vintage fare, from glamorous brooches to sultry heels to an old-fashioned typewriter (to bring out your inner Mary Tyler Moore.) The antique gems come from a range of sources, and everything has a story. In addition to the resale goods, Haystack also features jewels, frocks, and other knick-knacks by local designers. Be sure to check out the adorable “Under the Roof” clothing line by Jennifer M Brown—quirky pieces made of recycled and sustainable fabrics, including some of the funkiest slip-dresses we’ve ever seen. Oh, and did we mention that everything is reasonably priced? You can bet you’ll find us rolling in the hay here! Haystack 2934 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60657 773.549.1225 www.haystackvintage.com

	3	Tango for Two Last week we we’re feeling pretty glum… the festivities are over, our calendar is empty of social events, and things just seem so quiet. Then, in a spark of genius, we remembered there is still one holiday to come...V-Day! (All hail the tradition of courtly love!) When that fabulous day of lavishing love arrives, we plan on celebrating it with our boy-toy at the most romantic and delicious place in town, Tango Sur. Amidst exposed brick walls, candlelit rooms, and exotic Latin music, we dare you not to rip the clothes off your McSteamy while waiting for your table! Specializing in Argentinean cuisine, Tango plays with exotic flavors and hearty meat dishes. We adore their fried beef and chicken empanadas drizzled in garlic, parsley and oil, and our man loves their tasty selection of el filet, beef vesuvio, and steak para dos. (Hey, what’s more romantic that sharing a delicately cooked slab of meat?) The best part? It’s BYOB, making the evening all the more intoxicating. Now that’s what we call true love! Tango Sur 3763 N. Southport Ave. Chicago, IL 60613 773.477.5466

	Chick Picks:
	1	If Ya Don't Know, Now Ya Know Eco-chic Chicagoans are a step ahead of er’body else. And if you haven’t heard of Pivot Boutique and Jessa Brinkmeyre, get out from under the rock (you cave-lady)! This February Jessa has put together a lovely Anytime Valentine care package consisting of a Danny Volk reclaimed fabric bag, 8 oz. soy candle, Love Bottle reusable glass bottle, Art School Girl card, and Abbey Brown shea balm. Oh-so-lovely and oh-so-naturale! (P.S. Enter our contest to win a Love Bottle)! www.pivotboutique.com

	2	Animal Friendly Treat We’ve developed a new attitude—a “no rules are the new rules” kinda thing. It’s all thanks to a locally made, seasonal ice cream called Nice Cream! You can feel nice about putting it in your belly, but still feel like a total mother freezin’ bad arse ‘cuz you’re eating Whiskey Ice Cream with Bread Pudding. Or try Coffee Ice Cream with Donuts (helloooo—channeling a totally brill concept—love it!). Head to Green Grocer Chicago or Swim Café to check it out! Nice Cream

	3	JC Is Our Homeboy We’re kinda jealous of short girls. They can rock the 6-inch heel like nobody’s business. Every once in a while, our tall-girl syndrome definitely rears its ugly head. But, we are seeking higher ground. We are literally standing up a little taller and reaching higher heights. Simply put, once our bestie came home with a hot pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes, we decided we needed a tall strappy pair ourselves. Check ‘em out at area boutiques Akira, Pump, City Soles, and more! Jeffrey Campbell

	Hip Happenings:
	1	Serenity Now Lollapalooza during Girl talk in '08. Saturdays on Michigan Ave. The gym in January at 6 pm. All examples of the insanity associated with the giant terror-inducing phenomena of a clusterf$k. Our advice? So go hang out in a clusterf$k sure to ease your anxieties and lighten your spirit. Catch a group show at the beautiful Zg Gallery! What: Clusterf$k Group Show When:* Feb. 13–March 28 Where: Zg Gallery, 300 W. Superior St. Call: 312.654.9900 Visit: www.zggallery.com

	2	Indie Punk Princess Couture Do. Not. Miss. This. Event. Catch the hottest fashions from the hottest indie boutique couture collections around. The sexy, unexpected part? Designs from Bonnie & Clyde’s, Una Mae’s, Guise Chic, and Process & Content will all be modeled by local musicians, DJs and nightlife personalities. Come by at 9:30 for a hosted Stoli bar, and don’t forget to RSVP! What: Rock Steady Fashion Show When: Thursday, Feb. 12, 9:30 pm–2 am Where: Moonshine, 1824 West Division St. Call: 773.654.1860 Visit: www.urchicago.com/rocksteady

	3	A Very, Very, Very Fine House Remember building a house out of summer screens in your neighbor’s basement? No? How ‘bout a good ‘ole sloppy gingerbread house? Surely you've done that. It’s magical and delightful and fun until mean old mom makes ya tear it down. Check out the work of over 70 artists and their architectural model of a fantasy city made entirely of cardboard! What: The Exquisite City: City in Cardboard When: Through March 15, 10 am–6 pm Where: Chicago Tourism Center, 72 E. Randolph St. Call: 312.744.6630

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