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February 20th, 2009
Be it right or wrong, we have always learned lessons the hard way. Our mom recently reminded us of this. She told us years ago that if we were unsure about a relationship after one year that we should boogie on out of there. But—lo and behold—we have weathered the storms of several relationships for far, far too long, despite her sage advice. We now carry a mental checklist of “will-not-settle-for’s” in case a new cowboy enters the room. Another hard-learned lesson? Lost our cell phone in a park recently, the very same park where we had lost another cell phone a year before. Luckily, thanks to help from a stranger and some friends, we got it back. And we finally learned our lesson: we’re going to stop going to that park. Ahh, at least we'll always have our logic! |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Hipster Rockstar Good Rock ’n’ Roll is hard to come by. Some say it doesn’t exist any more. Luckily, we are easy to please. We’re happy with everything from The Stones to Franz Ferdinand and every hippie indie rock band collaboration in between. We also know a great spot to find fashionable Rock ’n’ Roll garb. As in, Futurgarb. Their motto is “clothing for a new planet.” The shop consists of the newest and funkiest handbags, dresses, sunglasses, shirts, hats and jewelry. The loft-like boutique has a huge selection from more than 150 designers, like Loungefly, Lucky 13, Sinful, and Affliction, and they are just as into art, music and culture. You can even buy a selection of the fun and funky art right off the wall, painted by the owner and his lovely girlfriend. And with the friendly staff helping to pair up The Perfect Outfit, we knew that we were being transformed into a total band-aid head-turner! And ladies: this Wicker Park boutique offers guys’ clothes as well, so drag the boyfriend along. He will find it just as cool! Futurgarb |
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| 2 | Pamper Yourself We pride ourselves on being city-chic. But there’s certainly something country bumpkin about us. We didn’t grow up playing in the corn and bean fields for nothin’ (keep that on the D.L.). A weekend getaway was in need, and with the opening of the brand new, luxurious Hotel Arista, we had our plan of action! Greeted with smiling faces, cheese platters, a Wii Sport that kept us busy for hours (you can opt for a Wii hand-delivered and set up to the giant flat-screen in your room!), and the softest bed we have ever slept in, we were happy, rested, and at ease. Plus, there was still more to be discovered. We headed down to the lobby and discovered a fabulous feast at the SugarToad restaurant. Everything was prepared fresh and locally, and we had a mighty fine time trying everything on the menu—and of course pairing each course with a new tasty wine! We ended the night in our comfy bed, enveloped in the kind of beautiful solitude that the only the “country” seems to bring! Hotel Arista |
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| 3 | Love Is In The Air Valentine's Day has come and gone, but we've found just the place to keep you (and your sweetie!) feeling romantic all year long! Say hello to Romantika Boutique. Celebrating their grand opening at their launch party on February 13, the Wheeling-based shop sells all things sexy, from lingerie to Kama Sutra lit. Make no mistake—this is no uber huge lingerie chain—they have French-embroidered lace and silk pieces that are simply divine. Romantika is owned by two former Ukranian models (one of whom modeled lingerie), so these ladies know their undies! While online sizing is limited (B and C cups will have no problem, but As and Ds are harder to come by), personal in-store fittings can help resolve the issue. Featuring brands like Lise Charmel and Christian Lacroix, some of the goods are also a little pricey (a lace "bikini" will set you back $88 to $165), but the extra oomph these duds will put in your step make it totally worth it! Not up for the splurge? Check out the Blush collection—totally affordable and just as cute! |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Cha-Cha-Chic |
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| 2 | With This Ring Our guy is rugged and a little bit of a bad boy, and generally doesn’t want anything to do with man-jewelry, but when we spied a cool ring by designer Amy Tavern we threw caution to the wind and bought it anyway. |
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| 3 | archilochus colubris This morning while eating cereal with the roomie, we pondered and discussed some heavy thoughts and world issues. Like: if you could be any animal, what would you be? She said a yellow fish; and we said a bird (but not a rooster, duck or a chicken). As you know, we have a soft spot for outlandish jewelry, and when we came across Erica Weiner’s collection of hummingbird skull necklaces, we wanted to invite Erica to our breakfast roundtable. What kind of tree would she be? |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Meat & Potatoes Yeah, we’re not even going to attempt to get creative on this one. We all know green living is healthy and will make us feel good and look great! Bottom line, we’re on the wagon. This market will feature about 20 venders and tasting events with local chefs. Shop for artisanal cheeses, meats, microgreens, apples, dried fruit, root veggies, baked goods, pasta, and more! What: Green City Market |
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| 2 | Ed's So-Called Life Influence, anxiety, myth. Hmm… sounds vaguely like our college years. As in, we took Greek Mythology. As in, we were “influenced” on several occasions. As in, major guy anxiety. We think we might have something in common with Mr. Munch and his so-called angsty confusion. Check out 150 paintings and works on paper by this Norwegian artist and his contemporaries. What: “Becoming Edvard Munch: Influence, Anxiety, and Myth” |
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| 3 | Whatever Lola Wants Some say you get back what you put out into the universe. Well, how about putting a sultry burlesque karmic buzz out there? Surely that would bring in more than one interesting fella or situation. We’re just sayin’! Join local performer and show producer J.T. Newman and learn some exotic dance techniques to set tongues wagging! What: Ms. Bea Haven’s Art of Burlesque |
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