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July 3rd, 2009
Our friend Lizzy recently told us that getting Chicago Picks is like winning the Lotto. We were dazzled, and then pondered why she would make such a fantastic exclamation. We think it might be because we’re not flashy. We’re simple and reliable, like a white dress shirt. Or your Chuck Taylors. Or perhaps it’s because we’re the type of friend that drinks ‘ritas with you until dawn, and then sticks by your side when you get the guilties over the late night bucket of fries from The Friendship House. We’ll ride a mechanical bull with you, and let you take shotgun on car trips. We’ll shotgun a beer with you, and not judge when you wake up next to a beautiful stranger. We know that you thought he looked just like Joe Jonas, and also that you can’t eat cheese. We’ll eat cheese curds with you anyway, and sing our lungs out together to the radio. We can’t sing Kelly Clarkson songs either, but we’ll crank it up a little louder. And when you need to crank it up on a hot summer outfit, we know just where to send you. We’re American, like you, in every way. Like apple pie and Chevrolet. And obvs, like Motley Crue, too. Happy Fourth. |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Being a Kid Rocks We seriously miss getting summer off, endless ice cream outings, sleepovers, loads of toys, and dressing as cute or as goofy as we wish. This is exactly why we adore Bullfrogs & Butterflies, a children’s lifestyle store where parents and kids can explore and purchase everything creative and fun under the sun. Located on Division, B&B is like entering a fairytale playground. From vintage bloomer undies and Room 7 bonnets to Agatha Ruiz de la Prada dresses (so cute you’ll wanna scream) and footwear like Pediped and Robeez shoes, B&B knows how to make dress-up fun. They even help moms out with tummy honey creams, books on “What a Mother Should Know,” and genius Bella Bands (the kind that hold up your pants and avoid uber-embarrassing moments when you’re prego.) We were also tickled by the life-sized stuffed animals, huge color-a-mats, plush monster bowling sets, and teeny, tiny, oh-so-adorable sunglasses. There is not doubt that if we could relive our childhood, we’d beg our parents to take us to Bullfrogs & Butterflies. They deliver the ultimate goodies, and remind us of the magic of youth. Bullfrogs & Butterflies |
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| 2 | Heaven is a Place on Earth The long winter has left us itching for sunshine at all times. We’ve vowed to spend every waking moment outdoors—and that includes eating, drinking, reading and catching up with our BFFs. Thankfully, we’ve discovered Letizia’s bakery (the coolest bakery we’ve ever been to). This little shop makes our activity list a possibility—all while sitting in the comfort of an awesome outdoor patio. Hailing from Roma, the owner has brought a piece of Italy to the menu. From paninis made with homemade olive-oil focaccia (try the pomodoro blues or the Fabio), homemade soup and salad (try the pasta romano and caprese) and specialty pizzas (named after Piero, who taught the owner how to cook), you can’t help but feel stuffed and happy. And the desserts (cookies, muffins, triple-chocolate cloud cake and torta mimosa) will rock your world. Plus, Letizia’s was voted Top 10 Cups of Coffee (check out their espresso bar), all products are made with natural ingredients, you can order gift baskets and cakes to go, and they have wireless internet and serve wine. Simply put, this place is heaven on earth. |
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| 3 | Mrs. Jones and Me If there is such a thing as “Bag Heaven,” we’re pretty sure we found it. And as “Bag Junkies” we know a good handbag when we see it. So where do we find these beauties? At Zola Jones. You’ll be charmed by the lovely pieces displayed throughout, and by the sewing machine set up in the back, where Jason can often be seen creating the lovely all-vegan bags. We can’t get enough of his creations—everything from hobos to clutches to satchels made with recycled-seatbelt straps. Not in the market for a bag? Handcrafted accessories including beautiful jewelry, quirky kitchen gloves, and cozy knit cupholders are on offer. And be sure to check out the Foxglove jewelry line, which is all made with cancelled stamps. We also love the Fisticuffs line, which uses recycled belts and straps to create rockin’ cuffs (that also happen to be the only accessories we can get our boyfriend to actually wear). And in case you were wondering, “Zola Jones” is the name of Jason’s cat, which, much like his bags, is just adorable. Zola Jones |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Bon Voyage We love the old-fashioned idea of taking a summer holiday abroad, traveling across Europe by train, wearing elegant little traveling suits and writing in our leather-bound journal as the train speeds toward Venice. Of course, in our fantasy we also have chic matching luggage—that part of the fantasy we can afford. We’re in love with Steamline Luggage’s Editor Series with the matching vanity case, carry-on and stowaway and neon pink piping—even if we’re only going to the family cabin this summer. |
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| 2 | Girl’s Best Friend We’ve been good little recessionistas lately—we’ve even been perfecting our own pedicure skills and considering at-home highlights. (Luckily for our locks, it stopped at considering.) We think all this good behavior deserves a sparkly little treat, and as much as we would like a big shiny sapphire from Tiffany, we haven’t been that good. Then we found the Diamond Dust necklace from Individual Icons, with three carats of industrial diamonds turned into what looks like fairy dust. Whimsical and sparkly, it’s our new best friend. |
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| 3 | Beachy Beautiful Every summer when the heat and humidity roll around, our naturally wavy hair starts to rebel and we start to daydream about ways to style our hair in a cute way that doesn’t involve a blow dryer. How does Gisele get those perfect beachy waves? She probably has a gazillion-dollar stylist, but we discovered something just as good—Pacifica Salt Water Spray from sidlab. It gave us perfect, sexy, full bodied, just-spent-a-day-at-the-beach waves—the ideal summer hairstyle. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Nice Gams |
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| 2 | That Jen Aniston Glow What: Music Yoga Flow |
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| 3 | Summer of Sale Love |
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