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March 21st, 2008 So many good things have been going on lately. First, Christian won on “Project Runway” (we love his edgy Alexander McQueen/Vivienne Westwood sensibility). Plus, “The Bachelor” started up again (and he's British, double yum!) Then we stumbled upon a new fave neighborhood piano bar (where Jerry O'Connell and John Corbett were said to be hangin' out all week). And then we heard from author Jennifer Weiner's people, wanting to set up an exclusive offer just for Chicago Picks! If you don't already know: Jennifer wrote “In Her Shoes” (yep—it was produced into a Cam Diaz flick) and “Good In Bed!”, plus several other witty and hilarious stories. We are huge fans, and proud of it. So here’s the deal: The three readers to forward Chicago Picks to the most friends and CC picks@chicagopicks.com will win a free copy of “Good In Bed”! And now is the time to read it 'cause the continuation story, “Certain Girls,” is coming out in April. Peruse the divine Mrs. Weiner’s website for more: www.jenniferweiner.com. |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | A Sexy DisGuise Men and women shop differently. Guys have a kamikaze approach—they know what they need (new black sweater) and go in and get it. Women shop for "the experience." So no surprise, the last time we tried to take him shopping, it wasn't pretty. First there was the mumbling. Then there were the frequent yawns. And finally, when we emerged from the dressing room, he was nowhere in sight. But can we really blame him for sneaking out to check the score of his beloved Badgers? Now we can stop making his life miserable by letting him be "one of the Guise" … or at least shop at new Lincoln Park boutique Guise/Chic. Once a men's-only boutique and barbershop, the new co-ed concept gives both sexes an equal share of rack space (plus salon services). While you scope the stock of jeans, dresses and accessories by the likes of J-Brand, Charlotte Ronson and Gryson, he can consider offerings from designers including James Perse, Theory and Helmut Lang. He might even enjoy himself! Guise/Chic |
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| 2 | HeelZ Yeah! Lean in close and listen, because we’re about to let you in on a secret: Not only is the South Loop a deliciously hip arts neighborhood, but it boasts some of the hottest shops in town. As working gals, we love that the South Loop is walking distance from the city’s center, and that the burgeoning nabe is still edgy enough to host artists, little Italian delis and our favorite new find, HeelZ. HeelZ showcases the new, the different and the unexpected—and its stock is as dramatic as it is sexy. The python peep-toe from Sacco? Giuseppe Zanotti’s aggressively buckled Vera-Nera? The extra-wide, extra-bold Evania belt by Brave? They’ll turn heads even in a city as fashion-forward as ours. And because HeelZ specializes in only the very best Italian designers (with a nod to Brazil’s Costa Blanca), you’ll never see your shoes coming and going. The pieces you choose will stand up to an urban chickie’s rigid requirements: dodging street grates, fighting for a spot on the El, and keeping of-the-moment. HeelZ Chicago |
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| 3 | Little Kitchen Buddha When we were little we were happy as clams to help our dear mother in the kitchen. We would chop, measure, spoon, and lick all the food we were allowed to, and we loved every minute of it. Fast-forward a decade or two and we wish we had us for a kitchen helper—or anyone, for that matter. And now our prayers to the kitchen fairies have been answered. Last week we cozied into My Gourmet Kitchen, a true modern-day kitchen helper. You reserve a kitchen station, “order” meals from My Gourmet’s menu, and show up with all the ingredients neatly lined up for you. All you do is chop, measure and spoon everything together. Then stick them in your fridge or freezer at home and cook when you please! The staff will also assemble everything for you, so dinner parties are suddenly wayyy more appealing. Book clubs also frequent the place to kick back, relax and prepare foods featured in their books. “Eat, Pray, Love” party at My Gourmet Kitchen, anyone? |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Miss Sugar Bliss Imagine our delight when last week we arrived home to discover a package delivery at the front desk. Sugar Bliss Cupcakes! We opened the box, split them with Ruby at the front desk and proceeded to try them all. By the next day, all we could think about was having another! We literally rushed home post-workout and devoured the last one in the box (Banana Banana). Hey, that's what workouts are for. Luckily, Sugar Bliss will be setting up shop in the Loop this summer! |
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| 2 | Do You Believe In Magic? |
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| 3 | Green and Gorgeous You know we're always on the lookout for good green gifts. But we still want drama, romance and something clever in the bag. So while shopping online for an eco-friendly gift for a gal-pal, we came across these rick-diculously pretty napkin rings from GreenwithGlamour.com. They're fairly traded from Indonesia, and the high-gloss finish contrasts so well with their natural coloring. We say, perfect for any décor! And at $33 for a set of four, you can afford to snap them up for yourself! |
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| Event of the Week! | |||
Our New Year's rez was the whole “work out more” and “eat healthier” thing. But guess what? Chicago practically rains beer and snows pizza. So instead of cutting out all trans fat and brewskis, we think it's a heckuva lot more realistic to just work out a little harder. First things first: cute, motivating gear to work out in. And seriously, can you go wrong with Columbia clothes at discount prices? Not to mention a free Columbia tote bag with your purchase (while supplies last) It's easy to find, too, just right off I-94 and HWY 165. What: Columbia Sportswear store Grand Re-Opening |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Sexy Spring Serene Spring cleaning has always been something of a mystery to us. Fact is, we're not too keen on mops, brooms, rakes, leaves, and such. But when "spring cleaning" means cleaning up at a beauty shop, then we’re all for it. Receive deep exfoliating glycolic therapy plus a de-puffing and rejuvenating eye treatment for only $55 at Salon & Spa Blue! What: Spring Cleaning at Salon & Spa Blue |
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| 2 | Digital Love The name "Coppola" literally gives us butterflies. That brainy, arty, filmmakin' family is just amazing at translating their visions to the silver screen. Don't miss Francis Ford's nephew Christopher Coppola and his weeklong digital film competition. View the portraits, flicks and videos, and come see some avant-garde, absolutely groundbreaking media. What: PAH-FEST: Chicago 2008 |
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| 3 | Uno Dos Tres to Little Beta Place Everyone knows we love a really good sale. Our honey. Our mama. Heck, even our banker. He's seen our account ebb and flow. So we won't miss Beta Boutique's third birthday sale, where we’ll be sippin' champagne and chowin' cupcakes. Beta is Chicago's first and only permanent sample sale, with prices so sweet and divine! What: Beta Boutique Birthday Party |
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