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September 11th, 2009
We were over by the lake the other day, running and walking in typical lazy yet motivated fashion, when we came across a park with dozens of birds. Ducks, geese, pigeons, sparrows, maybe even a few pet-store escapees. It was complete chaos. They were making noise, meandering about, without any reason whatsoever (they may argue this). Anyway, they were all in this field together, barely moving out of the way as we walked through. And we thought, “Ya know what? We're all just a bunch of birds.” Roaming around, bumping into one another. Some have fancy feathers and some have high-pitched squawks. Some are dirty and gritty and city, and they’re probably the ones wearing those house-arrest tracking ankle bracelets. There are beautiful swans dripping with grace and poise and kindness like Glinda the Good Witch. And balding, stocky pigeons who would dominate the corporate ladder. And as we analyzed the types, the mannerisms, and the likelihood of a bird fight breaking out, it all started to make sense. We realized what it all meant. There were a lot of birds in the park that day. |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | The Short & Sleek Editor's note: We realize our movie references age us. Be kind. Rewind (your VHS). “Troop Beverly Hills.” The “camping” scene. Shelley Long and the girls, huddled around their Beverly Hills hotel room fireplace after a disaster with nature—aka a rainstorm. Her choice scary story? The day she got permed. It's every woman's nightmare. And we've all been there once… or twice. And since most mornings we resemble a lion anyway, it has taken many years and many stylists to help us figure out the key to sexy hair. At Johnathan Breitung, we were in good hands. Literally. Breitung is a master of his craft, and the utmost professional. We quickly relaxed in the posh, luxurious surroundings and let ourselves unwind over celebrity gossip. No crazy loud pop blaring over the speakers. No pretentiousness either, just peaceful professionalism at its finest. Breitung gave us the blonde our Swedish heritage somehow could not naturally concoct, and a cut that can be blown out or aired naturally. Johnathan Breitung Salon & Luxury Spa |
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| 2 | A Modern Haberdashery Thank Cupid and his sneaky bow and arrows that our taste in men has evolved. If not, we'd be on a perma-search for a machisimo AC Slater or a Tiger Beat teen idol like JTT or Devon Sawa. (Seriously, how many times can one teenage girl watch "Casper"?) We now prefer the thinking man. Of course it wouldn't hurt if he looked like an Ethan Embry/Ryan Reynolds mix. But more importantly, we like some substance and some depth. A man of this caliber might be found shopping at Haberdash in Old Town. Haberdash was founded by former lawyer Adam Beltzman, who chose to forgo his law career to pursue his passion for fashion. Specifically, that of yesteryear. Think tailored looks, with sexy upscale shoe lines and brands like Theory, Trovata and John Varvatos. And check out the grooming supplies from Billy Jealousy—a great gift idea for the sophisticated gentleman in your life. Haberdash is our upgrade from skater/slacker boy to George Clooney. It's classic style with an old-school twist, with a stamp of approval from the clothes-horse himself. Haberdash |
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| 3 | So Delicious Delicious: Red apples. Falling in love. Cupcakes. Hot dog stands. Pumpkin pie. Butterfly kisses. Tall, dark and handsome. Pretty vintage dresses on a perfect fall day. Even more delicious: pretty, carefully handpicked vintage dresses to make an even prettier and perfect fall day. Let's face it, fashion sets the scene. If you feel pretty, you look pretty and act accordingly. It's the psychology of fashion, and here to help set us up in unique clothing that fits splendidly is Deliciously Vintage. They carry an enviable selection of updated and edited vintage treasures, scored from estate sales and old shops and modernized to fit glamorously. The Deliciously Vintage staff has that keen eye necessary to universally flatter women's figures, and to suggest the correct pieces to do so. Plus, vintage is earth-friendly, and is a great way to pursue shopping as a fave hobby without feeling guilty about it. Let the gals at Deliciously Vintage turn you into a modern Betty Draper! It's a transformative process that will surely make you feel oh-so-ladylike and eco-chic at the same time. Deliciously Vintage |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Heya, Pork Chop Is it weird to be jealy of a product for children? 'Cause these baby thigh-highs are positively adorable. And get this—they're made for kids from six months to eight years old. No more lost socks, and much easier diaper changing! The Pork Chop is warm on their toesies, and makes each and every baby runway ready. Plus, Chicago Picks readers receive a 10% back-to-school discount for a limited time only—use code "BTS10" at checkout! |
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| 2 | An Organic Experience Chicago moms are all about the “O.” As in “organic,” silly. And we’ve found a new way to satiate your desires with a little French twist—Petite Miette, a darling purveyor of baby blankets, toys and wraps. While the bright pinks, blues and yellows are super saturated, they come from low-impact dyes that skip the heavy metals and toxins. To keep it simple, Petite Miette’s natural fabrics are good for baby, good for planet, and definitely good for you. |
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| 3 | Get Your Drink On Every once in a while we stumble upon something that we totally want but don’t necessarily need—and no, shoes, jeans, and cocktails don’t count. Such is the case with the cool parrot corkscrews at Abitare that make us want to say need-shmeed! Available in two punchy colors, these little cuties are modern, sleek, and infused with a healthy dose of funky style, making them the perfect addition to any hip chick’s bar set. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Hot Ticket Guess what? The smARTshow (The Wicker Park Bucktown Fall Art Festival) is this freakin' weekend! Come and enjoy! The smARTshow is the heart of Wicker Park’s Annual Fall Art Festival, a twenty-year tradition. Start at the historic Flat Iron Arts Building, showcasing more than 150 artists. Art, entertainment and fun for all. What: Second Annual smARTshow |
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| 2 | Yoga & Starfruit Good Health, good vibes, good desserts! Join the Lincoln Park Young Professionals and Starfruit for a healthy night out. Partake in free yoga by Lululemon Athletica and Get Healthy Chicago and enjoy a delectable treat made healthfully by the fine folks at Starfruit. Insider tip: you can't beat the berries and chocolate mix! What: Lincoln Park Young Professionals Yoga and Starfruit Night |
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| 3 | My Dog is a Fame Whore Think your mutt has what it takes? Bring Trixie or Puff Daddy down to the 1.5-mile looped dog/owner walk through Roscoe Village. It will be followed up by a block party with a BBQ, live music, vendor booths and adoption opportunities. Give your dog the gifts that keep on giving—socialization practice and free butt sniffs. What: Sixth Annual Mutt Strut |
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| Don’t let your friends and family miss a stylish beat: Sign them up at www.ChicagoPicks.com! | |||
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