Be a Virtuous Woman
 
We were talking with our Gram the other day about "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and that creepy old baby. She rented it because it had been an award-winner, but the premise didn't quite resonate with her. We agreed. That sort of curious case is the kind that makes us go, “Wtf?” But a curious collection of fine crafts? That's the stuff that we understand.  
 
Virtu is not only located in one of our fave areas of the city, but it features quality artisan wares and clever hostess gifts. For instance: hand-blown salt and pepper shakers, Judith Weber tea sets, letterpress stationery, and more! The whole idea is centered around creative, unique and handmade items. Of course, we're almost always immediately drawn to jewelry. (We especially loved the fabulous verre newyork stem droplet earrings, crafted from sterling silver and hand-blown glass.)  
 
When it comes down to it, there are so many interesting finds packed into Viriu that it’s difficult to walk away empty-handed! So grab a new scarf or a beautiful greeting card, and be a little more artful because of it.
 
Virtu
2034 N. Damen
Chicago IL 60647
773.235.3790
www.virtuchicago.com

Choice Goods 
 
We love yummy bath products, but why buy them from your Average Joe when you can make a difference with every lovely lather?
 
The Enterprising Kitchen sells fabulous bath and spa products, and is actually a nonprofit organization that provides life skills and job training to women working toward self-sufficiency. The all-natural “Choices” products include everything from soaps to soy candles to body oils in gorgeous colors and luscious scents. (What a perfect present—your friend will love receiving it and you’ll look really good giving it!) You can also get customized products in special shapes or with personalized wrapping for weddings, baby showers or other events.  

A visit to their Ravenswood office allows you to see the products and the training in action—you’ll tour the kitchen and warehouse where the stuff is made to make your selection. (Cool!) You can find Choices at various local boutiques and farmers markets during the summer months, or shop the products online. Shopping and helping out a good cause—is there a better combination?
 
The Enterprising Kitchen
4426 North Ravenswood
Chicago, IL 60640
773.506.3880 
www.theenterprisingkitchen.org

Burn, Baby, Burn
 
We didn’t rock the suburbs our entire childhood to then settle for a life of vanilla and beige. No offense, there’s safety in uniformity, but our creative quench for variety is satiated by city life. And boutique hotels. 
 
We recently completed the trifecta of stays at the oh-so-lovely Kimpton hotels within Chicago. This time, we had the luxury of checking out Hotel Burnham. Not only does Burnham have an ah-mazing location (right by State Street shopping, in walking distance of Millenium Park) it also has quirky, interesting Kimpton style. Plus, it has some fascinating Chicago history behind it. Mosaic floors, red marble walls, and filigreed elevator grills replicate the original building that was designed in 1895 by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. Our Executive King Suite had choice views, and brilliantly regal bedroom décor. 
 
Burnham offers a nightly wine hour, and has an incredibly friendly staff. (Ever get House of Blues ticket from a concierge? We did. Not too shabby!) Book your stay at this colorful hotel today—we mean it! It’s the perfect place to cuddle up with wine and girlfriends, or enjoy a “staycation” with your honey.
 
Hotel Burnham
1 West Washington
Chicago IL 60602
312.782.1111
www.burnhamhotel.com

Love Around the World
 
A little romance in daily life is a must. However, our lives seem to have been severely lacking in the romance department lately… siiigh. So until we find Prince Charming to sweep us off our feet, we’ll surround ourselves with romantic scenes to buoy our hopes.
 
The screen prints of lovers under red umbrellas in different world cities (New York, Portland, Venice and Chicago!) by Art Shark are ideal. They’re ridiculously cute—we're just hoping we'll stop kissing frogs soon!
 
www.artsharkdesigns.etsy.com

Mmm… Baguettes 
 
We’re all about our big ol’ bags that hold everything but the kitchen sink, but occasionally our ensembles call for something a little more, well, little.   
 
Not wanting to look like we’re toting a sparkly prom accessory, we shop AO3 Designs. We love their entire line, but lately our hearts belong to their Baguette Clutches. Available in chic vintage floral prints and embellished with smooth patent leather, these beauties perfectly mix feminine with tough. We dare you to just buy one. 
 
www.ao3designs.com

Object of Our Desire  
 
We remember with great clarity feeling totally left out in high school when all of our girlfriends started sporting class rings and going steady. What we failed to realize was that we didn’t need some dude to give us jewelry, and that class rings were, well, pretty freakin’ uggs.  
 
Nowadays we simply gift ourselves with stylish baubles like the ones we spied at Shy Siren. Their pieces epitomize a vintage-modern chic, and they’ll make you forget all about those gaudy high-school trinkets. 
 
www.shysiren.com

West Loop Winner
 
Hopefully we’ve all moved past those “Dude, where’s my car?” type of nights. If not, time to end the partying days and have a productive little weekend. Check out WestFest, a smattering of fine art, handmade crafts, live music and more! SoKo Fashion and Chicago Avenue Salon will be hosting the Dress Fest fashion show on Sunday at 2 pm.
 
What: West Town Chamber of Commerce’s WestFest
When: July 11 & 12, noon–10 pm
Where: Chicago Avenue between Damen & Wood
Call: 312.850.9390
Admission: $5
Visit: www.westfestchicago.com

That Pivotal Moment
 
We hear about Pivot in every major publication and on every station across Chicago.  Simply put, Pivot has set tongues wagging in the past year, and there is absolutely no reason to miss this huge sale on spring and summer clothing! Prices vary, so truly every eco-savvy girl about town can afford a frock from this fantastic store.
 
What: 40–70% off at Pivot
When: This week!
Where: 1101 W. Fulton Mkt.
Call: 312.243.4754
Visit: www.pivotboutique.com