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CHICAGO PICKS™ |
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life + style
in the Windy City
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October 3rd, 2008
Carrie Bradshaw always seemed to wrap up her thoughts so perfectly. A dash of confusion, a pause of dreamy wonderment, reflection on why it all makes sense, then closing with a clever little wordplay. We adore Carrie's writerly musings via Candace Bushnell, and we're thinking, why shouldn't we live the fabulous life? Why not strive for it? In a time of economic crisis, is it too much to insist on glamour? Carrie fulfilled her insatiable shoe fetish on a shoestring budget. Skimping on bills, skimping on food, and living a life that was, perhaps, a bit too big for her Louis Vuitton pocketbook.
We are not fictional characters, and we certainly don't suggest swapping electric bills for electric-blue pumps, but let's face it, we're entering a shoestring time. Actually, we're smack dab in the middle of an outlet-mall-shoe-clearance-time. But Blue Light Specials be damned, we're staying faithful to our local boutiques. As one of our friends says, things are rough 20% of the time, more or less. Why not fill up the the other 80% with all the glitter, glam, shoes, fun, sales, shopping, friends, and laughs you can muster? March on to the beat of Carrie's dream (in Manolos, if you can).
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Chicago Picks: |
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So Cool!
We like to think we’ve got a bit of flair for fashion—we work skinny jeans tucked into ankle boots like nobody’s business. Though for the purposes of this article, we’ll choose to ignore our brief, disastrous teenage flirtation with flannel. In conclusion: we love dressing up, and we’re not half-bad at it, either.
Long story short, we can’t get enough of SoKo in the lovely hipster ‘hood of Ukrainian Village. Or the “Illage” as one of our friends calls it. Here, individual attention and deliciously uncommon pieces meet, mingle and mate. Owner Sheri Roney brings a personal touch and super-competitive pricing to every purchase. Items like the shimmery, ruffled red party dress and tunic with vintage-style buttons—which can easily transition from work drudgery to late-night drinks—quickly lured us in.
SoKo recognizes that true fashion is about making women look wonderful, while leaving a little extra in their back pocket for martinis. Want proof? Mention that you read about SoKo in Chicago Picks and get 10% off your first purchase!
SoKo Fashion
1925 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
773.592.1089
www.sokofashion.com |
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Bling for your Brownstone
Not too fond of your stucco walls and parquet floors? Well, the weather is on the outs, and is lookin’ quite grizzly, so you’ll be spending more time indoors. Perhaps it’s time to indulge and make your winter cell a little more glamorous.
And when we say glamo, we mean it. We’re heading toward stir-crazy season, so we might as well make it home-style-crazy season, too. First stop is the cozy Brownstone Antiques in Andersonville, brimming with all things shiny and gold. Barflies will find neon signage to set their lushy hearts aglow, and designer-toting divas will relish the vintage hand mirrors (from glittering gold to a sultry black lacquer with hand-painted yellow blossoms). If you have a little bit of both in ya, (atta girl!) don’t miss the pretty decanters in green and amber hues to accent your in-home cocktail lounge, or the funky mismatched teacups and saucers. (Very “haute Alice in Wonderland” couture.)
Feast your eyes on this precious cove of treasures, and take your penthouse from dull to deliriously dapper. And tell them Chicago Picks sent you!
Brownstone Antiques and Collectibles, Inc.
5234 N. Clark
Chicago, IL 60640
773.878.9800 |
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Happy Teeth
We’ve never liked going to the dentist. Our last appointment involved hours of being pried, prodded, and probed until we left with the use of half our face and a headache like no other. We swore to brush and floss three times a day and never return. Alas, our strict regimen didn’t deliver the movie-star pearly whites we so covet.
Enter Mitchell Dental Spa, a luxury, full-service cosmetic dental office that treats you like a pampered best friend, and not a torture victim. A visit to this Water Tower office (with fantastic views of the lake) includes: complimentary champagne, protein shakes and spa snacks, and patient rooms with full-body massage chairs and flat screen TVs. Hygienic and homey, any stubborn dental-demons were zapped after a gratis scalp massage, seaweed facial, stone acupressure, or lip rejuvenation treatment (your choice!).
We left with gorgeous teeth, transformed into the perfect size, shape, and color for our personal appearance. Our new friends even called us a limo for the ride home. Now there’s a reason to smile!
Mitchell Dental Spa
Water Tower Place
845 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 922E
Chicago, IL 60611
312.642.1014
www.mitchelldentalspa.com |
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Chick Picks: |
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Slick Celly
Maybe it’s cliché, but our cell phone has become our lifeline. We check our email, listen to Rihanna, and show off pics of that adorable guy we met the other weekend.
Given the amount of time we spend with our little buddies, we’ve found the need to decorate them in a manner befitting their importance in our life. Thank goodness for Chicago’s own CellKeeper! To get us ready for fall they’ve introduced a new line by local designer Sara Simmons. Ring, ring!
www.cellkeeper.com |
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Winter Kitten
We know the weather is gonna get sloshy. We also know the Chicago winters are a good time to get toasted… err, toasty.
In September, prepare for December. ’Cause by October it’s gonna start feelin’ like November. And by January, it’s as icy as February. And by the end of February, it’s still snowing. And well, you catch our snowy drift. So get your mittens ready! Check out Kate Spade’s adorable “Taxi” mittens, available from her Spring 2009 collection coming soon. (Photo by http://www.hamishrobertson.com)
www.katespade.com |
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Bear Necessity
Football season. Love it or hate it, it’s time to laugh with friends, drink some brews, cheer with vigor, and (hopefully) not lose! We often find ourselves forgetting to cheer after too many beers, but hey, that’s our Achilles heel.
And since the Bears are already off to a great start, you can feel good about snapping up a sexy vintage tee, and cozying up in your favorite local pub or locale. No matter the score, wearing this tee will ensure a win-win situation!
www.kaboodle.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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Think Pink at lucy!
Want to make a difference in someone’s life and score some supercute workout wear? Join lucy as they host a one-day shopping event that will raise funds for the Breast Cancer Network of Strength. lucy activewear will donate a full 10% of the day’s sales. Be there—you’ll feel good in so many ways!
What: lucy benefit for Network of Strength
When: Saturday, Oct. 4
Where: 835 N. Michigan Ave.
Call: 312.255.0257
Visit: www.lucy.com |
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Old School Glamour
Check out a glittering costume exhibition at the Chicago History Museum. Imagine yourself as an old-time socialite with baubles and parties swirling about your everyday life. These fashions were designed for the residents who helped put the “chic” in Chicago. All pieces are culled from the museum's permanent collection, and range from 1861 to 2004.
What: Chic Chicago: Couture Treasure from the
Chicago History Museum
When: Sept. 27, 2008–July 26, 2009
Where: Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St.
Call: 312.642.4600
Visit: www.chicagohistory.org |
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Grand Opening Shoe Sale!
Two is better than one. We’ve known that since kindergarten. Like, discovering pink & purple—our favorite colors to this day. So hit up The Dressing Room Shoes’ new shop (same owners of the Lincoln Square clothing boutique under the same name), and snap up some grand opening special discounts! They'll have snacks, drinks, and giveaways Friday night until 8 pm!
What: The Dressing Room Shoes Grand Opening Weekend
When: Oct. 3–5; 10 am–8 pm, 10 am–6 pm, 11 am–5 pm
Where: 4657 N. Lincoln Ave.
Call: 773.878.7400
Visit: www.thedressingroomshoes.com |
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Do your part by giving back to our local economy. Shop local! For more on where to shop and the hottest boutiques and shops around town, dive into our archives! |
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