Girls Just Wanna  
 
We love adorable little boutiques, but we hate not-so-little price tags. We are city babes on a budget. Yes, we skimp on food (bring on the Easy Mac) at times. Yes, we skimp on fancy exotic restaurants (but we will go on a date with you, should you ask).
 
Luckily, Southport’s “She One” is our new fave place to shop for beautiful and unique clothing, jewelry and bags. New owner Rebecca Girsch has made this local favorite with a kind attitude and a moderately priced selection. You’ll find funky dresses, charming jackets (and some of the cutest spring skirts around!), in a range of silhouettes—from paper-bag-waisted to tulip-shaped. We adore the lovely jewelry from local designers Stella Blue, Ella, and Jess LC. And we were absolutely floored by the amazing selection of bags! They have our favorite bag designers, including Shiraleah Melie Bianco, and Big Buddha. You can snag a huge satchel for under a benji!    
 
Now run, run, run to She One. It’s tops for city girls who just want to have fun. 
 
She One 
3402 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657 
773.549.9698

Spoiled Rotten
 
Who doesn’t like to fantasize about the lavish life? To be spoiled by a beloved boyfriend, particularly in the, ahem, jewelry sector. We tend to get a bit gaga in this category, but our guy just can’t seem to master the art of mind reading! Which is why we have decided it is time to spoil ourselves. We are independent women. And we know how to rock our hotness. 
 
Spoil Me, the jewelry and handbag accessory boutique in Wicker Park, has the best sparkles, spangles, bangles, and tons of simply fabulous trinkets to compliment every outfit a girl could have in her closet. Not to mention their sterling silver jewelry (reminiscent of a certain robin’s egg blue iconic shopping bag found on the Mag Mile), and designer-inspired handbags and belts that come in fabulous colors for spring. And if you move quickly, almost everything in Spoil Me is currently 25% off to make way for the new spring arrivals.   
 
So go ahead…spoil yourself.  It’s been a long hard winter—you deserve it!  
 
Spoil Me 
1533 N. Milwaukee Ave. 
Chicago, IL 60622 
773.772.6868 
www.spoilmeonline.com

No-Chip Perfection
 
Sorry, Hollywood It crowd. We can’t get down with the chomped on, nibbled up, chipped nail look. We’ll prefer to keep our fashion and attitude edgy instead. ‘Cause when it comes to nails, we need to um, well… look polished.   
 
When in doubt, we’d rather channel Audrey Hepburn rather than a hot mess who doesn’t seem to mind a good ‘ol mug shot here and there. Precisely why the lovely No Chip Manicures have become de rigueur for pretty, classy Chicagoan chicas everywhere. The No Chip is a far cry from the oft-tacky, thick, click click clack of sythentic nails of yore. At CiCi Nails in Lakeview,  you can get a gorgeous manicure that actually promotes nail health and absolutely will not lift, peel, chip, go rubbery, or damage your own nail with harsh acrylics. Best part? It stays on for a good 2–3 weeks and is completely scratch-resistant, waterproof, and is chip-free from the moment the technician finishes up. CiCi also uses a non-acetone nail varnish remover, making it the best and healthiest alternative in nail care. 
 
We love CiCi’s and they love us! Chicago Picks readers: Receive 25% off the No Chip Manicure on your first visit to this luxe salon. P.S. They also use the fab vegan (and safe for preggo mommas) Zoya nail care line for regular manis and pedis!
 
Cici Nails 
3323 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago IL 60657
773.880.0989
www.cicinailslakeview.com

In the Know 
 
We have champagne taste and a beer budget, so we’re always hunting for discounts on the lines we love. But after being sucker-punched by some overly-caffeinated deal-hound at a recent mega-sale, we decided to check out Billion Dollar Babes. 
 
Besides being less painful, this online retailer promises nothing but the best, offering up a slew of sweet sales by spot-on lines like Ella Moss, Splendid, and Hugo Boss. It’s accessible by members only, but guess what? Membership is free! 
 
www.billiondollarbabes.com

Saving the World, One Dress at a Time 
 
We do whatever we can to live a more “green” lifestyle, but we draw the line when it comes to our closets. No polar fleece and recycled pop bottle sandals for us, thank you very much. But that all changed when we found Elroy.
 
This company takes eco-dressing to a whole new level with elegant, sexy and stylish pieces we are drooling over. We already picked out the Delphine dress for a wedding this summer. No granola here, folks! Enter the code 'Spring09' for 15% off the new spring collection until March 31! 
 
www.shopelroy.com

Strike Anywhere
 
Have you ever suffered a major wardrobe malfunction? We have. And we went straight to the resale boutique post-work, barefoot, shoes in hand. No joke. It was that or sneakers, and those didn't go with our outfit.
 
Well, Matchsticks are just the kind of life-saving (er, wardrobe-saving) token we need on hand. Cute and compact, these booklets hold a stash of double-sided tape strips perfect for securing bra straps, repairing hems and hiding the infamous peek-a-boo blouse gap.
 
www.herlook.com

Craft Mobsters
 
Our folks taught us that if we wanted something done, we had better do it ourselves! So nowadays, we change our own oil (mostly) and cook and clean like a monster (coffee-binge fueled). The folks at the “Do It Yor Own D*mn Self” show are prob like that too, we’re guessing. Catch a show of 40 DIY enthusiasts and their supplies on the cheap!
 
What: “Do It Your Own D*mn Self” show
When: Saturday, March 28, 12–4 pm
Where: Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk St.
Call: 312.742.7559
Visit: www.chicagocraftmafia.com

Chocolatey Dare
 
Sick of the bar scene? Tired of skeezy weirdos and lurking geekoids? Meet other singles (women ages 25–37 and men ages 25–39) for fast dates in a quaint and lovely atmosphere. The evening includes champagne and chocolate fondue (win-win sitch).  When in Rome! Eat chocolate, sip champ, score a hottie or nottie.
 
What: Singles Speed Dating Party
When: Saturday, March 28, 6:30 pm
Where: Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge
Call: 800.957.3274
Cost: $40, registration required
Visit: www.dateanddash.com