Shoe Fetish
 
After spending too much time trying to look cute in cheapie, foot-numbing shoes, all we want are some comfy kicks that are also stylish, timeless, and beautiful. Is that too much to ask?
 
Not now that we’ve discovered Traipse shoe boutique, located in the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square area. Everything from funky flats to colorful sandals to sophisticated heels by brands like Camper, Chie Mihara, Cordani, Cydwoq and Biviel can be found here. This is the place to find a well-made pair of shoes you can love for years, so while the prices aren’t cheap, neither are the shoes, and frankly they’re some of the most gorgeous we’ve ever seen. The owner, Margaret, is friendly and helpful, which is a huge bonus, since we definitely have trouble deciding between the many dreamy pairs. 
 
Not in the market for shoes? Stop into Traipse for the lovely selection of jewelry by local designer Joya, or the unique Cydwoq belts and purses. And seriously? A well-made pair of pretty shoes may be the best investment we make right now! 
 
Traipse
4341 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
773.935.5511
www.traipseshoes.com

Shopping for Humanity 
 
If shopping was a good deed, we’d do it all the time. 

Looks like it’s our lucky day thanks to Maya Essence, a fair-trade goods boutique and gallery. While it just looks like a funky shop from the outside, Maya Essence is actually a non-profit organization that works with small producers and co-ops in Guatemala and other areas. Originally they only sold coffee, but their unique collection of fair-trade merchandise has now expanded to everything from scarves, bags, and dolls to honey, chocolate, linens, soaps, and beautiful jewelry. Speaking of which, be sure to check out the pieces made from the Tagua nut—it’s sold to help stop the demand for ivory, since it is similar to it in texture and appearance. 
 
Wanna know where your lovely new purchase came from? Descriptions of the artist and their homes are located near most of the items. Or ask the friendly staff, who volunteer their time to work at the store. Stop into Maya Essence do something good for humanity—like buying yourself a little something special!

Maya Essence
4357 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
773.661.6947

Mangia, Mangia

Studying abroad in Italy was the best time of our life. Our adopted Italian mama cooked up risotto, pasta, caprese, and bread soup daily. Our nights were filled with vino, stuffed stomachs, loads of laughter and endearing cultural anecdotes.

Ever since, we've searched for a place that could capture the essence of our Italian experience. Last week, we found it! Enter Enoteca, a down-to-earth ristorante that embodies the food and flavor of Roma. The owner, hailing from Italy, created a menu filled with his favorite recipes including antipasti, formaggi, salumi, pizza rustica, pasta arrabiata, and polenta. The selection is perfect as dinner for one or “mangia, mangia” (parties of 6 or more). Enoteca also hosts a superb wine menu that includes northern, central, and southern Italian wines, as well as French and American samplings.

And best of all, Enoteca’s outdoor patio is like taking a trip to Tuscany! Friendly, fun, flavorful and reminiscent of our favorite place in the world, Enoteca is our slice of Italy with Chi-town style.

Enoteca
2146 W. Division
Chicago, Il 60622
773.342.1011
www.enotecaroma.com

That’s A Wrap
 
When it comes to gifts, to us it’s not just the thought that counts, but also what said thoughtfulness is wrapped up in, so we always hit Kate’s Paperie for stylish outers that are as lust-worthy as the giveables themselves.
 
This lovely paper haven is loaded with the hippest selection of gift wrap, with punchy prints sporting everything from flowers to pop-culture references. They also offer a bevy of cool gift tags, albums, and other paper-oriented goodies, making them paper perfection!
 
www.katespaperie.com

We’ll Take Two, Please!
 
As true Chicago Picks gals, we do love to be original and one-of-a-kind, but we confess, we also have our moments where we just want to carry that “It” bag that all the starlets and socialites have (we blame the influence of Us Weekly).
 
Our solution is to create our own “It” bag phenomenon, and the perfect candidate is the handcrafted Okinawa bag from Valhalla Brooklyn. Made in ultra-soft lambskin in colors like bright turquoise, we’re nominating it as our own personal “It” bag of the summer.
 
www.valhallabrooklyn.etsy.com

The Dark Side
 
We have a pair of J Brand denim skinnies that are so dark, it dyes our fingers just putting them on. In other words, they’re perfection. But we have lost too many perfectly dark-washed denim jeans to fading in our washing machine, so this time we aren’t taking any chances.
 
We’re investing in the French Lavender Dark Wash from Caldrea. It has a special enzyme that helps extend the color of your denim jeans. It’s our deepest darkest desire.
 
www.caldrea.com

Art Your Heart Out

The First Friday of each month, Wicker Park/Bucktown is alive with art. This First Friday is part of smARTshow starting June 5 and running through the weekend. Visit with more than 100 artists! Start at the Flat Iron Arts Building at Damen, Milwaukee, and North avenues. Enjoy a weekend of art in this unique neighborhood!  

What: Second Annual smARTshow
When: June 5, 6–10 pm; June 6, noon–10 pm;
June 7, noon–6 pm      
Where: The Flat Iron Arts building, 1579 North Milwaukee Ave.
Cost: $5 suggested donation at the door
Visit: www.wpbfirstfriday.com

Eskell Get-Down
 
Vintage Lovers, this one is for you!  Join Eskell for some vintage treasure-hunting, a few cocktails and surprise shenanigans, all day long. Of course, the amazing mix of new designer lines will be in full force. Arrivals include: Eskell Spring 2009, What Comes Around Goes Around, Iro, In God We Trust, Fremont, Mink Pink, and more!
 
What: “Not Your Granny’s Panties” Vintage Shopping Party
When: Saturday, June 6, 11 am–8 pm
Where: Eskell, 1509 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Call: 773.486.0830
Visit: www.eskell.com