Strike a Pose
 
When it comes to hair color, commitment isn't our strong suit. When it comes to Top Model, we're practically married. From Tyra schooling Tiffany to Bre's missing breakfast bars, we've been through it all—never missing a botched Cover Girl take.  

Although we're about eight inches short of runway-model-walking-requirements, we know a little about swagger. Since discovering Strut, the new sway in our step would make even Miss J proud. Sister act Margaret and Aga Jankuc opened the boutique with the goal of bringing out the model in all of us everyday gals. The space is stocked with clothing, shoes, and bags that range from uber edgy to ultra girly. Fave goods include a treasure trove of attire from the always popular Miss Sixty, rocker-chic tees from House of the Gods, and funky Jack Rabbit belts and handbags.  

Being the strolling models we are, Strut plays to our VIP status. On the first Friday of the month, they offer a happy hour complete with musica, drinky drinks, and a 10% discount—so stop teetering and start strutting!  

Strut
1744 W Division St 
Chicago, IL 60686 
773.227.2728

Can’t Get No Satisfaction?
 
There are certain moments when we feel downright sexy. After working out (for some odd reason); when we've lost track of time in the midst of doing something we love (writing); and also at other, ahem, unmentionable times. It has to do with feeling good about ourselves, and letting go of day-to-day tension and stress.

A day at the Spa at Equinox can give you all of those things. The Spa offers a variety of specials, and you can even design your own day of pampering with the Custom Fit package. We sampled the Signature Blend—a 50-minute Swedish massage followed by a 50-minute facial. Our massage therapist, Carrie, reduced us to a blissed-out puddle of relaxed limbs. All the tension that comes with the demands of urban living (and staying pretty at the same time) dissolved under her talented touch.

After receiving simple recommendations and remedies to keep our skin clear and youthful, we left in a haze of sexy contentment, and with a feeling of luxurious exfoliation. Reward yourself, girls! 

The Spa at Equinox
900 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312.254.2500
www.equinoxfitness.com/spa

Crazy Sexy Cool 

We have a confession to make: we’re prudes. Yes, we may like high, high heels and low-cut American Apparel tees. But at heart, we like to cover up more than take off. 

Until Sheila Kelley’s S Factor, that is. It’s a women-only dance studio specializing in pole dancing and stripper moves, but the adorable waiting room put us immediately at ease. Soft couches, cool colors and adorably girly staff did the trick, too. “This is such a girls-only space,” one staffer said. “The food delivery guy isn’t even allowed past the entryway.” Sweet. The workout spaces are just as calming—uber low lighting, no mirrors and sexy red lamps and candles set the atmosphere. Five minutes into the class we were all sex appeal, and never loved our bodies more.

But don’t think you’re getting off easy by skipping your treadmill time for a pole dancing class. S Factor classes work muscles in your body you haven’t even heard of before. It’s like yoga, cardio and strength training all rolled into one insanely fun (sexy) hour.

Sheila Kelley’s S Factor
1400 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60622
312.492.7596
www.sfactor.com

Twist Me Up
 
We wish we had the talent of Ken Paves or Vidal Sassoon—but we can barely master a good blowout, never mind a stunning up-do on a night out. So naturally, we were stoked when we came across the Twistii. Within seconds, this styling tool creates dozens of effortless-looking up-dos—much more chic than a plain old ponytail. We are now red-carpet ready.

Get your free Twistii, compliments of Chicago Picks.com! Let the styling begin!
 
www.twistii.tv

Joe Lies When He Cries
 
“Diane Court is a show pony. You need a stallion, my friend. Walk with us and you walk tall.” ~ Say Anything
 
If Lloyd Dobler was your junior-high boy-crush then you can understand why we were literally prancing in our cubicles when we stumbled across this gem. Luckily there were no Roger Rabbit dance moves involved—just an hour of IM-ing Say Anything quotes to our favorite cubie mate.
 
Miss Bluebird and Oscar

Ba-Ba-Black Sheep
 
On our fat days, we rock the black ensemble and eclectic jewelry. It’s a system that works for us and probably explains our penchant for gaudy baubles and why our closet is filled with shades of gray.
 
The neck jewel in current rotation is a Black Sheep and Prodigal Sons necklace made from an ivory piano key, with the scrimshaw handiwork of vintage whalers. It captures our favorite daydream of making romance with a burly sailor and then losing him to the sea.

www.blacksheepandprodigalsons.com

Hooray for May!
 
It's festival season! Which is just as good as wedding season, as day-drinking and flirting with strangers are two of our favorite pastimes. Get ready for season kickoff at Chicago Mayfest, where there will be food, live music, and artists and merchants.  It's totally pet-friendly, and there will even be a pet parade. Plus a cute stranger or two!
 
What: Chicago Mayfest
When: May 16, 5 pm–10 pm, May 17 & 18, 12 pm–10 pm
Where: Ashland and Barry Avenues, 3100 N. Ashland Ave.
Call: 773.665.4682
Cost: $5

They Appreciate You

Enrich your life inside and out, and head to Women's Appreciation Day at Cafe Avanti.  Enjoy a day of indulgence with a group of girlfriends by getting a free mini-massage and a color analysis. Plus, you can visit with fitness and health professionals, shop the Objet d'Envy jewelry line, and enjoy sweet little cupcakes! 

What: Women's Appreciation Day
When: Saturday May 17, 1 pm–4 pm
Where: Cafe Avanti, 3714 N Southport Ave.
Call: 773.880.5959
RSVP Required: olivia@objetsdenvy.com