Heart and Sole
 
We're no scientists, but we're convinced that women are afflicted with the "but I might still wear them" gene. It's that pesky chromosome that keeps our closets stocked with footwear that hasn't seen the light of day in years. What other explanation is there for the Candies purchased when Jenny McCarthy was their spokesgal? Back when Singled Out was da bomb? Yeah, we still have 'em. Just in case 1995 gets cool again.
 
So, in a fit of spring cleaning fury we decided to exorcise some of the ghosts of fashion past. Afterward, we realized our shoe collection was lookin' a little … sparse. So we headed to House of Sole. Owner Tiffany Bullock takes meticulous care to stock only the most unique styles that you won't see on the feet of 5 million other girls. You'll find the best flats, sandals and pumps from the likes of Cydwoq, Chie Mahara, Corso Como, and Repetto.       
 
Giving beloved shoes the ol’ heave-ho is never easy … but girlfriend, it's time for some intervention and reinvention!
 
House of Sole
1237 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
312.834.0909
www.houseofsole.net

Bust a Move!
 
When it comes to the 80s, there are certain trends to which we happily exclaim Good Riddance! Can you say shoulder pads? See ya, suckers! 
 
Yet there are others we just can't shake: The crush on Michael J. Fox, an obsession with all things John Hughes and an inexplicable fascination with break dancing. Alas, a love affair with Alex P. Keaton just wasn't meant to be, but BreakDance Chicago has kept the breakin' aspirations alive. "B. Rock" Eckerman and "Styches" St. John have been on the scene for years and are now spreading the love with their proprietary BreakFit program—cardio-intensive instructional break dancing classes. Just like Johnny was a strong enough partner to lead the immobile Baby, these b-boys are strong enough to channel the inner b-girl in all of us. You'll be down-rocking, back-spinning, and sporting killer abs before you know it. 
 
B and S's motto: "Stay in shape, learn fly moves, meet cool cats." We couldn't have said it better ourselves. New terms start every six weeks and the first class is on the house—go get it, fly girl!
 
BreakDance Chicago
1439 W. Wellington Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
773.512.7384
www.breakdancechicago.com

Beat the Crowd 
 
We love when we’re “in the know” about something. Not so much for the cool factor, but more so for the lack of lines and crowds we have to deal with. We thank our twinkly stars for the Picks each week, and we love when we have a juicy tidbit to contribute. 

Like Mado, the new slow-cooking-style Italian spot in Bucktown. The husband-and-wife team who brought us the culinary delights of del Toro, 312 Chicago and La Tache just introduced Mado to the mix. The spot features stellar pastas and antipasti, plus rotisserie-style meat on its minimal menu. And you can order with the confidence that anything you choose will be delish and fresh as a daisy. The spot supports local buying (like we do!) and lists the farmers it uses on the menu board.  

Besides the delish, locally and responsibly grown Mediterranean fare, another plus is Mado’s eco-friendly space, with bamboo tabletops and they even do their own composting. Get there while it’s still BYO (liquor license pending) and the lines are still short. 
 
Mado
1647 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773.342.2340

Peace, Love, and Green
 
Until recently, the only thing we knew about "going green" was that Leo was like way into it, and Natalie Portman is too, with her organic wear and stuff. 
 
Not anymore. Now, we have daily bite-sized tips for light green living from idealbite.com. Now we are giving Ed Begley, Jr. a run for his recycling bin. It even comes in a personalized Chicago format. The writing is candid, realistic, and so fresh and so clean. It's helpful and easy too, so sign up!  
 
www.idealbite.com

The Best Give
 
You know those finds that you're so proud of that you wanna shout it from the rooftops? Well, this is not one of them. We're having a hard time sharing because we love it so much. 
 
We want to selfishly horde it for ourselves. Like the last cookie in the cookie jar. Or our favorite band we are kinda hoping won't explode over the airwaves. But, dear readers, we shall let you in on this fabulous link, with these ridiculously cool monogram charm necklaces! Enjoy.
 
www.givesimple.com

Mary-Kate & Ashley, Oh My! 
 
We are no longer closeted Olsen fans. We love those kooky twins. We admire their crazy layering and c'est la vie getups, and we can so see them rockin' these Mary Kyri's.
 
These knockouts from the ultra up-and-coming designer are in the same rank as Stella McCartney, Versace and Chloe. Our tootsies will look nouveau riche in Mary’s shoes, which are worn by celebs like Kylie Minogue and Cate Blanchett. Be the first on the block to rock a pair!
 
www.mary-kyri.com

Hollywood Fix
 
We knew Kate and Owen split again the second it happened. We know all the cute tots in Hollywood by name, plus their potential for a new little bro or sis. Why? Because it's fun, and it's sort of like a sport. And we now get the chance to hear it from an actual insider—Billy Masters!
 
What: Going Out On a Limb: Confessions of a Hollywood Insider
When: May 2, 8 pm; May 23, 8 pm; May 25, 7 pm
Where: Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.
Call: 773.883.1090
Cost: $20
Visit: www.bailiwick.org

Pink Floyd Laser Concert
 
You know you want to see this. Pink Floyd Laser Concert. A little futuristic, and a lot cool old-school classic rock. It's set to the atmospheric sounds and landscapes that Pink Floyd created throughout their career. Fans can hear their favorite songs orchestrated by a science fiction style light show. Psychedelic! 
 
What: Pink Floyd Laser Concert
When: Friday & Saturday, May 23 & 24, 9 pm
Where: Cernan Earth and Space Center,
2000 Fifth Ave. River Grove
Cost: $10
Call: 708.456.0300
Visit: www.triton.edu/cernan