Jet-Set Fashion
 
We came across a fabulous woman recently. She wore skinny black pants and funky Euro-chic shoes with a smart black coat and an artfully wrapped scarf. The kickers? A lavender fedora and chunky silver earrings. 
 
To us, the European fashion mentality is so casually eclectic, and at times, absurdly upscale. And we heart it. We heart it so much. We want to collect special pieces all the days of our fashion-worshipping lives. Luckily, Milan has come to the Gold Coast recently in the form of Piazza Sempione. The brand can be seen in high-end shops all over town, but is now in its own rockstar brick-and-mortar. We are lusting after their famous “Audrey” capri pant (since Piazza Sempione is known for their fabulous, quality pants that create beautifully flattering lines on all kinds of feminine figures). The shop also carries an array of pretty tops and dresses, in colors and patterns that pop and flatter. 
 
What kind of woman do we want to be? Pretty and kind, with a European air and fashion-forward flair. Find us at Piazza Sempione.
 
Piazza Sempione
34 E. Oak St.
Chicago IL 60611
312.280.1129
www.piazzasempione.com

The Fashion Effect
 
Surely we’re all familiar with the “Michelle Effect” by now, right? J. Crew has certainly reaped the benefits. Pretty sure Maria Pinto has too. It makes us feel that much more hip knowing the First Lady digs one of our fave shoe shops. That glam gal has major style, and we love that she is ever-so-slyly promoting Chicago shops and designers with her everyday attire.

Michelle’s favorite shoe boutique? Lori’s Shoes. (Which happens to be one of ours as well.) Lori’s is one of those spots where you can walk in needing one pair of perfect shoes, and walk out carrying five pairs. Lori’s handpicked designs are spot-on when it comes to the best of-the-moment looks. They’re also incredibly well-crafted and reasonably priced. Can’t afford YSL? Try Pelle Moda. Wanna be a sexy futuristic weirdo (a la MK Olsen)? Try Gastone Lucioli. Crave a colorful Latin look? Go for Biviel. And of course, Jeffrey Campbell never disappoints. 
 
Trust us, after visiting Lori’s you’ll be bitten by the shoe bug of love. Good luck getting over that!
 
Lori’s Shoes
824 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773.281.5655
www.lorisshoes.com

Bow-Wow-Wow
 
We were late bloomers. Training bras in high school. Acne in college. First real boyfriend… wait, has that happened yet? So naturally as soon as our friends started getting baby fever, we got dog fever. 
 
Dogs are always happy. Dogs don’t need diapers. They are reliably simple. We would adopt all the breeds known to PAWS if it made any logical or financial sense. Alas, we lust after dogs belonging to friends, family, and total strangers. But as we see it, the best part of having a dog—besides the cute guys at the dog parks (potential first boyfriend, is that you?)—has to be the doggie clothes and cute trinkets from Dog-A-Holics. This shop has a fab assortment of leashes and toys, a groomer on hand to spruce up Fifi’s ’do, and a dog-treat bakery. It’s an animal-friendly shop, and we even found some great stationery—perfect for writing notes to our future pet-loving boyfriend.

With a knowledgeable staff and cute specialty boutique items, we can see how Dog-A-Holics can quickly become a girl’s best friend!
 
Dog-A-Holics
904 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
877.787.5887
www.dog-a-holics.com

Packaged Perfection
 
It’s time to do something special for Dear Old Dad. We are totally smitten with the idea of pampering the man who has done so much for us. And the Spa @ Equinox agrees.
 
Get him an “About Face” facial or a “Custom Fit” sports massage, or both (the “Tailor Made” package). Go all out with the “Daddy Be Good” package of five massages and facials! The club is open to anyone using the spa, so Dad can get his workout in and then recharge in the spa!
 
www.equinoxfitness.com

Combat Fatigue
 
By now, we all know the importance of a daily SPF. Even Dad, after days outside working on weekend “projects.”  Without it, he is doomed to look like Robert Redford. It's either that or get a dozen facelifts like Michael Douglas, whose face, at this point, looks like dried iguana pelt stretched over a rock.
 
"What about the damage that he's already done," you ask? Our pick is the Anti-Wrinkle Cream by Kiehl's. Formulated especially for men, this stuff actually works (and feels great too).
 
www.kiehls.com

Ramped Up Retro
 
Dad taught us about music. And vinyl. The Beatles, Talking Heads, and The Stones. The CD is just something we can’t give up on yet, but we’re tired of our old compact-disc player that is anything but compact. 
 
Something we just found to make us love CDs again: the wall-mounted CD player from Muji. Basic controls are on the top, but the fun is turning it on. The pull-cord turns your music both on and off, making for a quirky conversation piece, and a cool gift for a cool Dad.
 
Pull Cord CD Player

Rejoice on Randolph
 
Uh, Dr. Dog is reason enough to get the party started on Randolph Street. Never heard of him? Hop, skip, or jump over to one of the best fests in the city. Check out local and national music acts and catch some major artistry. Plus, enjoy food from fave neighborhood haunts like Market Bar, de cero and Veerasway.  
 
What: 12th Annual Taste of Randolph Street
When: June 19, 5–11 pm; June 21, 2–11 pm; June 22, 2–10 pm
Where: Randolph Street corridor, between Peoria Street and Racine Avenue
Call: 312.458.9401
Cost: $10 suggested donation
Visit: www.jamfests.com

Sweet Spendthrift Summer
 
Just when we start thinking about doing a little summer saving, a sweet deal such as this pops up and we know we simply cannot miss it! Receive a 10% discount at Sweet Petal with proof of purchase from Florodora. And vice versa. What a lovely combination! And a lovely new savings plan.
 
What: Discounts at Sweet Petal & Florodora
When: Through June 20
Where: Sweet Petal, 537 S. Dearborn St. & Florodora,
330 S. Dearborn St.
Call: 312.212.8860
Visit: www.florodora.com