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August 21st, 2009
Hmmm, the tipping point. The point when you think to yourself, “I need change, or I might just go Britney on y'all.” Sometimes it's as simple as a headache. Who knew there was such thing as a “stress headache” when they were a kid? We knew the ice cream headache. We knew the every-flavor-combined-into-gray-and-brown-slush snow-cone headache. We knew downing Pixy Stix was the formula to proper late-night sleepover energy bingeing. And that frozen undies in the morning meant you were a lame-o snoozer. We learned that the girls who got the boobs first got the boys first, too. But what we didn't fully understand then is that it’s totally okay to ask someone to throw you a lifesaver (of the sugar-free, buoyant variety). Like when you ran as fast as you could to your best friend's house, to cry over one of the many, many loves of your life. (Thank you, Lauren, thank you!) You had written your name with his over and over on your PeeChee, at least a half a dozen times. Daily. Didn't you. (And what was his name again?) So as we take a little trip down memory lane, we'd like to celebrate with some of our pals from the past. Start at any of these first three Chicago Picks-favorite shops, and stick around with your old, trusty friends! They hold the golden key to your heart, or perhaps are the proprietors to your next pair of golden shoes. |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Sweet Fares at Sarah’s If you’re like us, you gravitate toward any store you could theoretically buy without changing the name (that’s Sarah with an h, thanks!), especially if your namesake sells some of the best handmade chocolates and gelato this side of the Dan Ryan. Sarah’s Pastries and Candy, nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast, crystallizes (in the form of candied orange peel) just about the best idea since the Aztecs invented chocolate. The store itself, a sleek rectangle filled with the sexy whir of espresso machines, has cozy tables that allow you to snuggle up to your latté as you savor bite by luxurious bite one of Sarah’s signatures, a “Royaltine”: dark chocolate mixed with crispy Feuilletine wafer pieces and caramelized almonds. Or sit at the patio, gelato in hand—the perfect treat for a beautiful summer day. Success never tasted so delicious. Just like their handmade chocolates that come in a chest dressed up with a satin bow, Sarah’s is now nestled in triptych across the city. Perfect for your beau—provided he or she spells your name right. Sarah’s Pastries and Candies |
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| 2 | One, Two, Forty-Five… They say counting to ten helps you relax. We say counting to forty-five can do you one better. p.45, a Bucktown staple, is stocked with a variety of amazing pieces from a carefully edited selection of designers. Warm and welcoming, it’s a neighborhood go-to. p.45’s unique blend of earthy-yet-still-urban décor provides the perfect backdrop for local Chicago designers and internationally recognized collections to really shine. Eco-friendly grass wallpaper, large wooden beams and an extra-long, uber-sleek counter—so bright white, it might as well be glowing—highlights silk and jersey dresses, crisp modern denim and feminine, pretty tops for any occasion. And the boutique, going on its twelfth year, has been a launching pad for several well-known designers that started out in the Second City. (So cool!) All of the store associates are great, but ask for p.45 stylist and friend Andrea Z. She’s got a gift for making you look good. And get ready to be impressed as you find that perfect piece! And oh yeah, don’t forget to breathe. One, two, p.45... p.45 |
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| 3 | Bag to Differ One bag, two bag, three bag, four, we'll pass on the Posen shoes and take one more! We’re all trying to cut back; this whole recession thing is such a downer. But desperate times call for devilish bags. Cue Bess & Loie boutique. This spot-on store offers bags from big-name designers like Hayden Harnett, BoCue, and Tulah Ray alongside our very own Chicago up-and-comers like Heloni Timea, Vera Salen and Maria Pinto. For the true bag-lover, walking up the steps is akin to entering paradise. Store owner Jessica Benson makes patrons feel at home with hot cocoa and tea offerings for all who enter, and her keen eye for bags makes finding a great catchall easier than you can imagine. From clutches and totes to travel bags and wallets, this shop is sure to get you out of any fashion—or is that financial?—rut, with prices starting at just $25 (and going way up!). Justification? Every girl needs a great travel/makeup/first-date bag, right? Go ahead, be a little bit bad… get that bag! Bess & Loie |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Pretty, Oh So Pretty Why is jewelry so appealing? Is it the primal instinct to react to shiny things? The appreciation of artistry in such a delicate form? Or is it the need to find something to match that pink blouse? Eh, who cares when the choices are this good! Kevia’s drop-dead gorge collection mixes precious and semi-precious stones in 18k gold, 22k gold vermeil and sterling silver. With prices starting at just $20, there’s something for everyone. Shiny, shiny! Can you stand it?!? |
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| 2 | Rise and Shine On any given day we have to give a great big old thank-you to our friend Coffee, for without this heavenly elixir we wouldn’t be able to haul our butts out of bed much less interact with co-workers and family without biting their heads off. So it wasn’t a stretch for us to embrace coffee-n-cream soap tarts. Scented with rich coffee and buttery vanilla-bean undertones, this deliciously decadent little soap is our new favorite way to start our day. |
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| 3 | Fool Them All Remember when fake bakes made you look like you’d been soaking in henna? (See: Tara Reid, circa 2002. We adore you, you crazy girl, but OMG.) Happily, times and technology have changed. You can even get organic tans—you read that right! We are loving Lavera’s organic self-T. With vegetable-derived DHA, organic soy extracts and jojoba oil, plus calendula, aloe vera and rose water for ultimate moisturizing, it’s guilt-free, streak-free and totally natural-looking. Take that, UV rays! And take that, henna! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Glamorama! Check out collections from Jean Paul Gaultier, Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti, and Marc Jacobs at Macy’s Glamorama. Plus, enjoy performances by Ne-Yo and Jadyn Maria. Proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The after-party will follow on the 7th floor of Macy's, with fabulous DJ's, food, and fashion galore. (p.s. It's a great place for celeb-spotting!) What: Macy's Glamorama |
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| 2 | Ragin' Rockaholic Live music. Runway fashion show. Outdoor shopping experience featuring exclusive booths from some of Chicago's most fabulous local talents. Sip on drinks offered by Moonshine, Nuvo, Don Julio, Ciroc and more as you groove to hot DJ's and a variety of hip hop and rock performers at the Rockaholic Fashion Fest. Rock on! What: Rockaholic Fashion Fest |
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| 3 | Where Sexy Meets Saucy It's almost fall, and you know what that means. The onset of a whole new year of trends, colors, and looks! Celebrating a new showroom, Ssaucy Inc. is hosting a fashion event showcasing clothing, shoes, and jewelry from local designers all day this Saturday. Don't miss the fashion show at 1 pm! What: Ssaucy Fashion Show |
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