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January 11th, 2008
So last weekend, after Chicago Picks’ big first edish, we were feeling pretty good. (You like us! You really like us!) More people started subscribing, and we received glowing emails of thanks and congratulatory wishes. And we were so pleased, as our aim is to thrill. And to seek out the grooviest fashy and hot spots in the universe. That is only a slight exaggeration. So like we were saying, last weekend we were feeling pretty slap-your-knee and swing-your partner happy. And so we swung our guy in do-si-do, and promenaded, with him in tow. He got weirded out. Then asked if we wanted to order a pizza. We did. So there we were, digging into the most perfect pepperoni pineapple pie and thinking, “You know what? It's time to jump on the New Year's Resolution bandwagon.” We are truly ready for change. Ready to attempt some health food nuttery. Try out feng shui. Cut some bangin' new bangs. Or purchase some jewels that boost our natural sparkle and irresistibility. With that, we present Chicago Picks. And in the spirit of last week's caucus and primaries, it's obvious we're all ready for a little change. Jump on the wagon and strike up the band … let's shake things up! |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Rock On This time, our New Year's Resolutions were to get our tush to the gym, stop checking the ex's MySpace, channel our inner rock star, and seriously, gym. Go! Back to Bucktown, this spot is new, but owner Remey Rozin has been on the scene for years. She's been supplying boutiques across the country and even dressing celebs like Angelina and Avril. And we’re ready to rock out with Remey. With just one stop, we found some rock-steady resolution relief by the name of some rad-lookin' gear. Broken Cherry |
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| 2 | Over the River and Through the Woods When we were just a wee one, we would sit on a silk chaise lounge chair as our grandmother combed our gnarly hair. Actually she would pull on our hair, and we'd cry and raise hell. To quiet us, she'd serve cookies and milk. Thus, activating the connection between emotions and food for years to come. But then one day, we realized something. Grandma was a smart broad. She knew the power of comfort foods. That beauty is pain. How to live nicely. And to enjoy a whiskey sour now and then. Which is precisely why we like Allyson Holleb and her shop, bess & loie. This darling boutique is named after her two glam nanas. It’s stocked full of handbags and accessories from Hayden-Hartnett, Antoinette Lee, Jacqueline Jarrot, BocUe, and Kale—and they’re all draped over vintage armoires, dressers and funky mirrors. It is that sort of inherent chic and charming sensibility that can only be passed from one classy lady to another. |
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| 3 | Sweet Little Homemaker Everyone has a skeleton or two in their closet, right? And ours may just be that we were … at one point … very devout ... “Buffy” fans. Yep, we love, err, loved the sci-fi mashup of vampires, demons, ghost, forces of evil, and of course—our beloved vampire slayer. Which is why we found sweet reverie in the Damen Avenue store Willow. You know, like Willow? Buffy's super-wiccan BF? We were instantly struck by heart-shaped egg fryers. We felt the urge to whip up breakfast for our own life-saving super friends. Willow balances the smart and the eco-friendly with the silly, which totally cast a spell on us. From iPod accessories to ashtrays, Willow gives off an aura of quirkiness and charm that we adore. (And can't you almost see the linearity between the character and the store? Like which witch is which?) And don't miss the lovely locally made soaps from Beloved and Co. They’re supernaturally sensational. We may not be the best omelette-makers or sunny side up know-how-to-doers in the kitchen. But at least we can serve up some superhuman-smelling soaps to guests in the powder room. And maybe even let them watch our “Buffy” boxed set. Willow |
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| 1 | Bold is the New Black Being risky is kinda sexy. You've made it to the Mile High Club. Or at least you've tried. Maybe you hopped a flight to Mexico once with a guy you barely knew. Came back early with a case of Montezuma's and swore off guys for a week! To paraphrase Eleanor Roosevelt, we think it's cool to do something every day that scares you. So go buy yourself this book and get ballsy. Out with the old, in with the bold. |
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| 2 | Champagne Wishes We love champagne. Love it. Which has a little to do with Sofia's "Marie" flick. We just love lapdogs, girly dresses, French pastries and regal jewelry. So it was no wonder we fell for Kirsten Goede's champagne bracelet and Objets d'Envy line. These have been worn by fashion-forward chicks like Stacy London and Stacy Keibler. In these gems, we feel like a modern-day Marie. With our heads held high, and uh, on securely. |
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| 3 | The Littlest Bird Sings the Prettiest Song We literally found ourselves feeling songbird-esque, ruffling our feathers, and chirping with excitement over Flutter's new online store. Think Anthropologie with a much more kitschy, vintage, one-of-a-kind vibe. From furniture to decorations, everything is ethereal, and a touch whimsical. Flutter’s goods are totally unique and slightly trippy—kind of like if Alice stepped through the looking glass and opened a shop. But it’s also totally upscale—this is the stuff that dreams are made of. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Midnight Cult Classics Our fave all-time films are, in order: “Clueless,” “You've Got Mail,” and “Elf.” Yep. We're lowbrow commercialist consumers. So maybe it's time to walk on the wild side? Perhaps take our dude to one of the midnight shows, and revel in the fact that this independent art-house gem (built in 1929) is an experience in itself. What: Midnight Movies at Music Box Theatre |
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| 2 | Skater Grrrrl Skateboarding is a fascinating subculture, and it's high time we checked out a live performance from The Cool Kids, not to mention Eyedea & Abilities, Shock Stars, and Cold Water Mystic. Catch appearances by pro skaters, plus demos and trick contests, and get VIP entry when you give blood to the American Red Cross. Gnarly. What: Midwest Skatefest |
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| 3 | Hot Post-Holiday Fever Sale Art Effect is boss for artsy finds and creative gifting. It’s the creme de la creme for just-right meets off-kilter home decor. For delicate necklaces and punchy electropoppy cocktail rings. And we love their selection of hippie-sexy-easy Free People duds and always chic Orla Kiely dresses. Get into Art Effect for their Sidewalk Sale and big savings (70%)! What: Indoor Sidewalk Sale at Art Effect |
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| 4 | Dizzy Lizzy We don't need to be persuaded when it comes to Amy and David Sedaris. These two hilarious wackbrains have been tickling our fancies for years. We never even knew we loved extremely raunch/brainy comedy until we were exposed to these sibs. Giving us every reason to check their new play, "Book of Liz," where cheeseballs, alcohol, and sweating are major elements of the story line. What: "Book of Liz" by Amy and David Sedaris |
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So there you have it, folks. We're clinging to our resolutions and vowing to be better, faster, stronger. Which totally applies to Chicago Picks and to you—our new readers and friends. Keep reading, and drop us a line at picks@chicagopicks.com. Tell us what you're up to and what your name is. What you’re into and what your game is. And pssst … pass us along to your friends! |
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