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July 17th, 2009
Have you ever sat down at your desk, and had absolutely nothing to write about? Have you ever suddenly forgotten how to make cupcakes after working on the line at the cupcake mill for 20 years? Did you ever pull up to your banking job, only to realize you apparently are a powerful repellant to number crunching? You are the buzzing light, the numbers are the bugs. No longer the Class-A Mathlete you were five years ago? Okay, ten years. We know, fifteen. Keep up the eye cream. But really. We feel like Goldie in "Overboard" lately. Our daily tasks are the same and our mind is like "Whaaaaat?" So amnesiac-soap-opera-chic. Is it the seasonal curse of beach bum-worthy hours in the sun and a Summer Shandy to nightcap? Apparently. Sorry if we seem a bit sloppy. It's the hops! And the summer fun. |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Material Girl What's old is new again. Things get better with age. We realize these sayings are trying to tell us something. Old can be great. We know—we like our men that way. But we also like stores that we stumble across... and realize they've been there for years and years. Say, 30 years. Material Possessions has been around for ages. But walking into their doors was like discovering a whole other realm in our search for fabulous Chicago boutiques. Their pieces are though-provoking and imaginative. Humorous and quirky. Hand-picked from all over the world and designed to speak to each customer. Per usual, we went straight for the jewelry. Gorgeous pieces, dipped in gold. Necklaces crafted out of coral with crystals and freshwater pearls. Of course we need to constantly shop for our recently engaged friend, or newly born baby, and this is a shop that allows us to treat everyone. (Check out their tabletop and bar finds, bed and bath, and home decor sections.) Rest assured, once you walk in, you'll truly be tempted to treat someone. Like yourself! Material Possessions |
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| 2 | And On the Seventh Day… But what if you could create that man, err—that bag—yourself? Make it strong, sexy, and stunning. Enter Lill Studio. At Lill, you can choose from more than 30 bag styles and 180 fabrics to create your purse. (Including makeup bags, wallets, and pillows!) Your creation can be exactly what you want (and need) it to be. And custom purses are available for pick-up three weeks after their purchase date. (Reliable and trustworthy—just how we like 'em.) Plus, Lill offers ready-made bags for those of us short on time and perhaps less than artistically gifted. Or try a “purse party” at the studio or at your home or office. Choose your style, choose your fabric, and see if Lill can change your life. Or at least make your feel breathless and dreamy at the sight of your beautiful new creation. 1154 Lill Studio |
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| 3 | Sail Away Located in Lakeview on Lincoln Avenue, the ARK shop offers some of the best resale deals in the city. Incredible prices and fabulous fashion finds are sometimes buried, and quite possibly covered up by a stellar vintage bag. We found cool flats and perfectly-worn floral dresses and skirts that compare with the expensive "vintage" looks found at popular chain stores. Find faded denim and make sexy, cool summer cutoffs. Or a vintage tee that can easily tuck into your favorite casual high-waisted skirt. Chunky funky vintage jewelry? Done and done. Get creative, crafty, and thrifty, and create an unforgettable and irreplaceable look that is truly one of a kind. If only every time we went shopping we were giving back to the community! Happy travels! The ARK Thrift Shop |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Off the Cuff Are you kidding us? A cuff named for our favorite meal? (Brunch, obvs.) Finally a designer who gets the food slash fashion fix. The Millie Brunch Cuff by Rachel Leigh is chunky, colorful, and best of all—gold. Our favorite color, and metal. Check out this collection of eye-catching and evocative bracelets (an Oprah favorite) and channel a cuff worn by Coco Chanel. Best thing yet? The price is recession-worthy and the quality is fabulous—it’s wearable art. |
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| 2 | Paying for it Dearly The indiscretions of our youth are coming back to haunt us. Those all-nighters have transformed into permanent black rings around our eyes, sunbathing without sunscreen equals heinous sunspots, and smoky nights with our buddy Jack D. have been marked with some serious face wrinkles. We've learned that if anything is going to save us from the wrath of our party girl days, it's Laboratorie Remedie skincare. The products are made with botanical goodness—we're seeing the benefits already! |
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| 3 | Doggone Cute Sometimes we wonder if our pets are humiliated by the sweaters and vests we dress them up in for winter. Does Pork Chop care that he’s wearing fleece when he’s more of a satin dandy? Eh—he’s just a dog. So when we spied these pet charms by Cristina Ashley Design, we fell in doggie lurv. Made of .925 sterling silver and personalized for your pet, we guarantee that neither you nor Fido will feel anything but proud to sport them. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | The Power of Pink To benefit Bright Pink, the 900 Shops are holding a fantastic event with discounts galore. Win raffle prizes and receive sweet treats with this incredible deal for a great cause. This event includes options such as an hour-long yoga class at Lululemon Athletica, chocolate tasting at Teuscher Chocolates, and an education seminar on breast and ovarian health. Shop around! What: 900 Shops Shopping Event |
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| 2 | Gems are Foreva No woman can have enough sparkle. Did we mention diamonds? Check out Gem’s unique assortment of eclectic jewelry. We are way into their agate & pyrite necklace, but don't miss the black diamond necklace. We feel more peaceful just looking at it. Their chunky turquoise pieces and cool initial necklaces will keep you coming back, even after the sale ends! What: Gem Semi-annual Sale |
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| 3 | P4K You just never know when you'll find the band that will turn your day around. Your year around. Life around (trust us, it happens—and then the iPod stays on repeat until your roommate fights back). This is a jam-packed fest with some ridiculous up-and-coming names, but a quiet assortment of others who will likely rock your world. What: Pitchfork Music Festival |
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