 |
 |
|
| |
CHICAGO PICKS™ |
| |
life + style
in the Windy City
|
|
|
July 4th, 2008
What can we say? Times they are a-changin.' (There, Dylan said it for us.) Gas prices are getting higher. Oil prices are affecting everything. (Apparently, even the price of stamps. Is there a supply and demand thing we don't know about? Seriously.) The Dow saw its worst June since the Great Depression. And everyone seems to have the "R" word on the tip of their tongues. All of this results in less air travel, naturally, but a charge for checking in a bag?!? Come on!
We feel like we could use a break. We need not to be pooped on by a pigeon (like last week, first time in our lives, omg) and we’re seriously looking forward to a little red, white and blue action to cheer us up this year! We are excited for the Bulls’ first-round draft pick. Excited for picnics and beer. And ready as ever to kick off July in great style!
Happy Fourth of July, Chicagoans! |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Chicago Picks: |
|
| |
1 |
Love Struck
Ringing bells, champagne toasts and awkward best-man speeches, and all-night dance parties to classics like “Baby Got Back” … oh yes, we’re full-throttle into wedding season. We have a case of what-should-I-wear-that-everyone-hasn’t-seen-yet hysteria!
Thankfully we found le Dress, a trendy and thoughtfully organized (think day-casual to evening-elegant) dress haven. Amidst funky chandeliers and hot-pink walls are racks of designer duds waiting with bated breath to be our true love (hey, at least something is!). We adored the floral patterns by Trina Turk, the sexy strapless dresses by Shoshanna (more evidence that it pays to date a celeb), and casual sundresses by The Hills star LC. We shamelessly coveted the belted cocktail dresses by A.B.S. as well as the sophisticated satin gowns by Issue. Le Dress even offers its own label, making affordability a non-issue.
And because every ensemble needs a wrap, a clutch, and of course, a bit of Hollywood Tape, le Dress hosts a small selection for our pleasure. Keep on match-making, Cupid—we’ve found our paramour!
le Dress
1741 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60622
773.697.9899
www.ledresschicago.com |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
2 |
Our Native Tongue
We admit it. We might be hopelessly attached to our Louboutins and our intensely stylish, professional wardrobe of pencil skirts, but we've always had a secret fantasy.
We dream of rockin’ out on stage in perfectly tailored leather pants, a Joan Jett-esque shirt and chunky, spiky jewelry. It won't die—no matter how many office hours we log. So to indulge that secret rocker alter-ego and grab a work-perfect Rebecca Minkoff bag that we might really need? Natalie Barber, a former corporate executive turned boutique mastermind, has the perfect mix at Language. Among cutting-edge brands like Super Suite 77, Barber stocks plenty of downtown-appropriate (but totally unique) skirts and dresses from the likes of sophisticate Malene Birger, handmade leather belts from Ama, and a jewelry selection we covet.
So while we might not ever make it past karaoke night, we'll be well dressed for the part! Plus, it’s even easier now to just point-and-click at your desk and peruse Language’s shop online. But stop into the store, and tell them Chicago Picks sent you!
Language
1537 N Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
312.640.5914
www.shoplanguage.com |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
3 |
Everything’s Coming Up Violets
We. Do. Not. Know. Where. To. Start. Nope, we are not just being over-dramatic, we are just truly, madly, deeply this passionate about The Violet Hour.
Picture this: the day was muggy and sweltering. We had a case of the “is-this-work-week-ever-going-to-end” Thursdays, along with the long-running case of broken-heartedness we’ve been nursing (for too long). So we made plans with some fab gal pals to meet at this highly heralded speakeasy. Sure, we’ve been to NYC. We know how this concept works. Yet we wandered all over until we realized we were to enter an unmarked, rough-around-the-edges-building. We burrowed our way through heavy blue-velvet curtains and entered a very posh place. (Think: Alice in Wonderland meets Marie Antoinette meets the sexiest date spot ever.) We drank the Hemingway Daiquiri and immediately fell under its spell, and the Golden Age was a masterpiece of silky rum. The deep-fried brioche delightfully soaked up the alcohol we imbibed, but The Violet Hour shows its strength in its imaginative cocktails.
The Violet Hour’s name alludes to the phrase used by T.S. Eliot in The Wasteland: “The evening hour that strives homeward.” Poetic and uncannily true!
The Violet Hour
1520 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
773.252.1500 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Chick Picks: |
|
| |
1 |
Joining the Sisterhood
We fancy wearing poison rings and jewels created with the bold women in mind that we read about in history class. That’s why Wendy Brandes jewelry haunts us in our sleep. It causes us to contemplate forgoing food—just so we can possess the Matilda necklace and the Queen Min ring.
Ultimately, every woman should possess a Wendy B. jewel. Not only will you feel like you were born an Onassis, but it's also a chance to flaunt that $150,000 masters degree in English!
www.wendybrandes.com |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2 |
Memory Makers
We are huge documenters. We take pictures non-stop and we keep every postcard ever received. The result? Boxes of photos and memorabilia stashed under our bed, just waiting until we find the place for it all.
Mission accomplished! Good Stock Press and Bindery will turn our memories into a stunning and meaningful coffee table-quality book. Family histories, memoirs and love stories—using our own ideas or one of their templates—they make it easy and fun. It’s the best idea we never had!
www.good-stock.com |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
3 |
Oh, Baby!
Lately our friends have been popping out babies like a bunch of pregnant Pez dispensers, and frankly we’re tired of running out to snag new baby gifts. Our solution? Find one really cute gift that works for all of our gal-pals, and stock up!
We love the super cute (and practical) Burp Me, Change Me set by Minneapolis handmaiden Kelly Cowan. Ultra-absorbent with a modern flair, this is one gift that’s sure to inspire ooohs and aahs!
www.kjcowan.etsy.com |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Hip Happenings: |
|
| |
1 |
Celebrate the 4th at Navy Pier
If you haven't ridden the Ferris wheel by now, you must. If you haven't rented a canopy bike and eaten chicken fingers at Bubba Gump's, you must. And on the fourth of July, you simply cannot miss the wham-bam knockout display of fireworks overhead at the Pier. Surrounded by sailboats and beautiful Lake Michigan, you'll have a classic Chicago night!
What: 4th of July Fireworks at Navy Pier
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
When: Friday, July 4, 9:30 pm
Call: 312.595.7437 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2 |
Krazy for Kooza
A coupla years ago we saw a Cirque show for the first time. The music was enchanting. The acrobatics and strength involved were mind-boggling. The old-school theatrics, colorful stage, and overall experience was quite... well… trippy. Swirly colors, slapstick comedy, and lithe-bodied dancers and actors create one show you must see to believe! See Kooza—it’s one breathtaking experience!
What: Cirque du Soleil Kooza
Where: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.
When: Through Aug. 10, 7 pm
Call: 1.800.678.5440
Cost: $55-215
Visit: www.cirquedusoleil.com |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
3 |
Little Ravinia on the Prairie
A Prairie Home Companion is in its 32nd year of production, and is taking its show to Ravinia for an early Saturday night event. Featuring comedy sketches, popular classical music, and Garrison Keillor's signature monologue, "The News from Lake Wobegon." Be a part of a live taping, and experience classic entertainment in one of its purest and oldest forms!
What: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor
Where: Ravinia Festival, 200-231 Ravinia Park Road
When: Saturday, July 5, 4:45 pm
Call: 847.266.5100
Cost: $10-$60
Visit: www.ravinia.org |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Have a fantastic holiday, everyone! We hope you enjoy your extra day off of work (turn off that Blackberry!!!) and revel in American glory. Which of course means a little shopping, eating, drinking, and soaking up some summer goodness in our favorite city in the entire U. S. of A. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Be sure to visit www.chicagopicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.chicagopicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address.
If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@chicagopicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Chicago Picks!
Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
| |
|
|
