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August 28th, 2009
Hanging out with kids from time to time does something for our soul. We now know that you can't ask to be a G. I. Joe, but rather they "ask you." Dennis Quaid never looked so fierce in camo (kidding, but who is this Channing Tatum character? Yum). We have learned through osmosis that it's not technically cool to admit liking Miley. We have learned that Troy and Gabriella's love story is one for the books. The chemistry between those two makes us feel that we too, must have had some crazy high-school love connection… not just a series of awkward lunchroom encounters. Alas, the power of song, dance and incredibly developed personality types. We learned that in the eyes of one little girl, love will mean rainbows and stars and butterflies dizzily dancing around her head. And over a cheeseburger dinner, we hoped some sweet childlike wisdom and bits of joie de vivre rubbed off us, more than just the French-fry grease. (Who wears silk to G.I. Joe?.) |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Local Goodness There’s nothing we love more than all things tried and true Chicago. That includes hot dogs, deep-dish pizza, the Cubs, our boyfriend (born and bred) and our latest obsession, local fashion designers. Enter Anastasia Chatzka, a fashion queen, who now calls Chi-town her home sweet home. We take pride in exploring our city and supporting its entrepreneurs, so we made a point to bumble over to her latest endeavor, a fab little shop on Division! New to the shop scene (only open three months), we admired her funky, retro style that had us thinking AC was our kinda girl. We love her wrap dresses (1950’s inspired), mini plaid vests, floral granny dresses, full-bottom skirts, and bloomer shorts. Her goods are an explosion of loud, rich fabrics, polka dots, and pastel and fluorescent colors. Her accessories are equally eye-popping with headbands made of real bird feathers and butterfly bobby pins. So if you’re a creative dresser (like us) with a lust for color and fun, then get thee to Anastasia Chatzka, you won’t be disappointed. Yet another reason to love Chi-town! P.S. Check out Anastasia's upcoming fashion show. See our Hip Happenings section below! Anastasia Chatzka |
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| 2 | Honors in Hair Care If you’re like us, by the end of summer, it’s not that your hair is completely and devastatingly unkempt, it’s just that those side-swept bangs (so six months ago) are growing into an irresponsibly layered mess! What is more, your detangling time is so great that you’ve memorized the CTA map off your shower curtain. Worse, you’re starting to refer ironically to your Jennifer Aniston-influenced layers as “poetic license.” For truth that really equals beauty, consider Hairology, a sun-filled, super-friendly salon located in the Gold Coast. Seriously, you know you’ve gone to the right place when your stylist can figure out from just few glances at your uneven hairline which side you sleep on (Rx: A satin pillowcase! Your hair will slip.) “Most people over-moisturize their hair,” Max Friday, partner at the salon, let us in on a simple hair mistake. Genius! The staff here swears by Joico products, a line infused with strengthening proteins and pH-balancing aloe instead of oils. Hair protein? Sounds like a fad diet. But after Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor, a creamy concoction with hints of banana and effects so luxurious and lasting, we knew we’d never use those knockoff cheap-o products again. Hairology Salon |
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| 3 | Outside the Box Sometimes we just want to experience something unusual and unique. Instead of pepperoni on our pizza, we try anchovies. We switch our standard white wine for a vodka gimlet. We ditch H&M discounts for boutiques with designer flair. Our latest go-to for stand-out gear: Robin Richman, a shop and designer with creative flair that quenches our need for different. Located on the north end of Bucktown on Damen Avenue, Robin Richman inhabits a minimalist space accented with French antique fixtures and metal accent pieces. Designer pieces include Yoshi Kondo knits, Blur leather jackets, Gary Graham dresses (a “little rock n’roll and a little fairytale”), as well as skirts by RR herself. We dug the eclectic assortment of accessories, the raw elements of Johnny Farah cowhide belts and bags, Antipast Japanese handmade socks in whimsical patterns, and the Calleen Cordero footwear made in Italy (our fave place). Though the prices are steep, the designer couture is like no other you’ll find walking the streets. So step outside that box and explore some of the best Chi-town can offer! Robin Richman |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Shark Week We spy with our little eye something cute and evil. Dangerous by design, sneaky by nature. One of the world's most fearsome creatures. The token bad boy that stole your heart? No. Tell him and his crotch rocket to ride off on a permanent vacay. We're talking sharks. Like this bejeweled gold number from Cheeky Monkey Jewelry, complete with a fair-trade ruby, sapphire or recycled diamond for an eye. Keep your own bejeweled eye on this prize—perhaps it will fend off any incoming bottom-feeders. |
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| 2 | Science is Sacrifice We've been hearing for some time that science-inspired fashions are so hawt right now. Good news for all of us brainy Periodic Table-lovin' types. Someone passed along this site before we could say Bunsen Burner. This clutch is crafted from 700 post-consumer pop tops. It has a zip closure, and comes in a futuristic metallic silver. Stop in the Museum of Contemporary Art for a look at these products, or check out the website for other retailers. Get your art on. |
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| 3 | The New “It” Bag Reusable green bags are, literally, everywhere you look these days—a fact we couldn’t be happier about. But honestly, sometimes we wish they were just a tad more fashionable, to satisfy both sides of our personalities—eco-conscious and stylish. Seems our wishes have come true with the totes from Bag Ladies. With sayings like “Louis Who?” and “My other bags are Prada,” they are fabulous and fabulously funny. We’ll never forget ours in the car again! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Art, Love & Sun Help celebrate this 24th annual fest featuring paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and photography from artists around the country. Enjoy theater, dance and spoken-word performances as well as a plethora of food and beer vendors. Enjoy films and live music, and get out in the sweet sunshine while you still can! What: Bucktown Arts Fest |
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| 2 | Lumen Fash Love Affair Anastasia Chatzka at Lumen. Did your heart just skip a beat? Ours did, too. Check out this rad fall/winter 2010 collection at one of the coolest venues in town. It's free, so you have no excuse not to. Fight the rain, fight the CTA crowds, and boogie on over to a fabulous kickoff to a Friday night. What: Anastasia Chatzka fall/winter 2010 fashion show |
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| 3 | Ciao, Ciao Bella! Looks like another area favorite is experiencing some growing pains. Ciao Bella is holding a going out of business sale with at least 40% off everything in the store until the merch is gone! Good news though: the owner, Amy Lechelt-Basta, will continue to offer her styling services through a new company called "The Style Muse." Inquire at the sale! What: Ciao Bella sale |
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