Taste of the Tropics 
 
Spring break (yes we still celebrate it, even though it’s a 9 to 5er’s fantasy) is right around the corner, and we all know what that means. Beach-worthy totes and sundresses, faster than you can say Jimmy Buffett.  
 
With bright colors and espadrilles galore, Scoop NYC is the perfect place to pick up resort (or pretend resort) wear. Featuring all our fave big name designers, the chain has us covered from head to toe. Score a pair of funky pink sunglasses to block out the rays or some metallic gladiator sandals from Belle (so hot right now). Never ones to be shy, we adored the itsy bitsy Tibi bikinis—fashionable and functional. The breezy off-the-shoulder tops from Poupette made us want to hang a hammock in our living room (we really might), and we were practically drooling over all the beach reads we could fit in the oversized Marc by Marc Jacobs totes—Candace Bushnell, here we come!  Throw in some comfy Havaianas and some saucy Propr tees (Ben Harper’s new line) and it’s official—we’ve arrived in Paradise.   
 
With all these fabulous finds, there’s just one problem—we’re definitely gonna’ need a bigger suitcase and a little more margarita money. Bon voyage!   
 
Scoop NYC
1702 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773.227.9930
www.scoopnyc.com

Pin Curls & Bobby Socks
 
We’re not gonna’ lie, we can be fairly stubborn. We’re a bullheaded Betty when it comes to our opinions and beliefs. Also when it comes to shopping. We like what we like and we think what we think. Empowered, check. Woman, roar. 
 
So we tend to stick to what we like, and what we like is classic simplicity. We also like our clothes to be easy to find, in exactly our size (not exactly the M.O. of a vintage enterprise). So we were surprised by Dovetail on Chicago Avenue. We found things we thoroughly enjoyed, in what looked to be a posh and neat aggregation of vintage duds. While perusing the racks, we immediately fell in love with a one-piece black silk Joseph Magnin jumper. It screamed “old Hollywood”—so Jane Russell circa “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” And the classic button-up wool miniskirts we found? Instant wardrobe staples. With brooches and pendants to spruce up any outfit, we couldn’t help but dub our foray into vintage a success—Dovetail’s wares are truly “oldies but goodies.” 
 
What can we say? We like it!        
 
Dovetail Chicago
1452 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
312.243.3100
www.dovetailchicago.com

Midwestern Flavor
 
Last week our BFF came for a Chi-town visit (we know, why not come in the summer?!), but despite the wintery mix we were determined to show her the shine and shimmer of our Windy city. A tour of Bucktown, a glimpse of the frozen lake, a peek at the LP zoo, and cruise up and down the Mag Mile shops left us with serious hunger pains.

Enter Bandera, a Michigan Avenue gem that shouldn’t just be frequented by the corporate suits or sneaker-clad tourists. This downtown hot-spot has floor to ceiling windows overlooking our fave department store (Nordies!), live jazz music, and a tasty culinary offering of Southwestern American comida. To satisfy our ravenous tummies we gobbled queso dip with tortillas, followed by a spicy steak and enchilada platter, and a plate of delicious barbecued salmon. And as testament to our Midwestern love of food, we couldn’t resist a slice of banana cream pie (complete with caramel and crushed chocolate).
 
Guests in town or just need a new scene? We guarantee Bandera spotlights the best food that our beautiful city can offer.
 
Bandera
535 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312.644.3524
www.hillstone.com

Bollywood Babe
 
Now that Freida Pinto is a household name, we’re thinking we’ll see her splendor of beauty and style trickle down into our jewelry collections.
 
Why? Whelp, “Slumdog Millionaire” not only won it big this year for it’s clever, insightful storytelling and evocative premise—it will surely help launch a Bollywood-craze fever. Have fun with the elaborate trends, colors, and details involved in the unique aspects of ethnic design, and wear your sari like you mean it.
 
www.ethnicrocks.com

Pin-Up Panache
 
There was a point when we were all into the frilly, girly underthings. Now we’re sensible. We hate to call them granny panties, but let’s be realistic here. They aren’t saucy, that’s for sure.
 
Turning pieces from luscious silks and bamboo, designer Gabrielle Adamidis brings lingerie to adoring new heights—without being at all tacky. Her pretty-in-pink meets sex-kitten Willow Camisole is original and daring, yet tasteful and refined—and adds needed flair to our boring third-drawer basics.
 
www.hopeless.etsy.com

Kitschy Cool
 
Our high-school bestie was effortlessly cool. Not only did she rock an eclectic sensibility that was enviable, but she had a knack for gifting with the outrageously original. We, however, thought the Chambray shirt was the height of style and often gave socks as gifts. Luckily we found Fred Flare to up our cool quotient.
 
From flirty sundresses that scream summer lovin’ to funky clocks, peek-a-boo pumps, and Holga cameras, this hip site puts the cool in kitsch.
 
www.fredflare.com

Fifteen Minutes of Fame

Andy Warhol said, “If you want to know all about him, to look at the surface of his paintings and films, and there he is.” View this curious, perhaps superficial (or mockingly so) artists’ silent film of the 1960s New York art scene featuring Edie Sedgwick, Lou Reed, and others—set to music by Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips.

What: Dean & Britta: 13 Most Beautiful… Songs from Andy Warhol’s “Screen Tests” 
When: March 7, 7:30 pm 
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 
Call: 312.280.2660 
Cost: $25 
Visit: www.mcachicago.org

Daytrip to Strawberry Fields

It’s been a hard day’s night, so quit working like a dog. Take a trip—not across the universe, but to the South Loop—for a multimedia tribute that follows the Fab Four from their beginning through the psychedelic late ’60s (love their “drug years” sound). There’s a live quartet, historical footage, and funny ’60s TV commercials.

What: Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles 
When: March 3–8, check website for times
Where: Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy 
Call: 312.902.1500 
Cost: $35–$75 
Visit: www.broadwayinchicago.com

Ready to Upgrade Your Closet?

Check out Kerrigan’s upgraded boutique, and receive an additional 20% off discounted fall and winter selections. Find orange and purple patent leather, round-toe pumps, black-leather ballet flats and more! You’ll also find fashionable clothing, like pencil skirts and animal-print handbags. Enter to win a $150 gift card!  p.s. Look out for a second boutique on the Mag Mile this summer.
 
What: Shoe Boutique Relocation Sale
When: Through March 15
Where: Kathryn Kerrigan, 741 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Libertyville
Call: 847.557.5067
Visit: www.kathrynkerrigan.com