Handbags: Friend or Foe?
 
The handbag. Buttery soft leather. Nubby, rough, studded and oversized. Brilliant pop of color, or cleverly understated. They usually put a dent in our pocketbook. But could they be putting a strain on our body as well?
 
Answer? Yes. We love our luxe boho-chic bang-up black bag, but after visiting Nourhy Chiriboga at NOW Studio, we are thinking our bod may need monthly tune-ups to be able to handle our beloved bag. Nourhy, a Reflexologist with an amazing and uplifting gift of massage and holistic practice (should you opt to learn about the healing nature of her practice), saw the strain on our right side that our (extra heavy) handbag was causing. Since she also believes the feet are “the gateway to the soul,” she revealed several very true-to-life personality characteristics (she hit the nail right on the, um, toe) and some nutritional info as well. Like that our skin wasn’t too dry, meaning we get enough healthy fats (thank you, avocados). 
 
We may just become as hopelessly devoted to Nourhy as we are to handbags. We’d like to grant one lucky reader an Aromatherapy massage as well. See the intro for more info!
 
NOW Studio
2141 W. Webster
Chicago, IL 60647
773.276.5278
www.nourhy.com

Around the World 
 
We’ve always had fancy notions of taking an “Eat, Pray, Love” expedition. Tour the world, find our inner purpose (through yoga or wine), be romanced by a foreigner and collect cultural trinkets to commemorate our adventures. Though an exotic getaway may not be in the cards, it doesn’t mean we can’t pretend we’ve trekked foreign lands. 

Enter Wow & Zen, a Bucktown shop that does the exotic traveling for us and delivers Asian-inspired home accents. A trip to W&Z is an adventure into a world of imported treasures from Thailand, China, Burma, Mongolia, and Tibet. Cultural artifacts range from decorative wall art and silk screens to mythological Buddhist bird statues, Buddha icons and prayer bells. More substantial pieces include beautifully carved and refurnished dressers, tables, and stools. Wow & Zen even has a small selection of tabletop china and fine jewelry for those with bold and striking taste.   
 
Global sophistication and harmonious feng shui without ever leaving the city? We love it. And if that’s not enough, Wow & Zen is offering 10% off your purchase when you mention Chicago Picks! 
  
Wow and Zen 
1912 N. Damen Ave. 
Chicago, IL 60647 
773.269.2600 
www.wowandzen.com

Graced with Presence
 
Remember the first time you saw Him? The guy that knocked the wind out of you. Had total presence in the room. Or the first female mentor in the workplace that wowed you with her grace and poise? She had presence, pizzazz, ownership.
 
Well, we have found a favorite stop to scoop up instant presence, without breaking the bank. From candy-colored Wayfarers to every style of spring dress you can imagine, Presence in Andersonville is as pitch-perfectly trendy as it is affordable. We literally walked in a meek, tired-looking lamb and came out a fully coordinated lioness. Their wall of accessories is stocked with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, belts, purses, and hats so cute and reasonable that there is no reason not to stock up. Snatch adorable tanks and skirts for impending spring and summer weather, and grab a hot going-out ensemble—all the while not burning through a paycheck! 
 
It pays to save, and it always pays to have a little pep in your step… in an outfit that lets a fabulous girl shine.
 
Presence
5216 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640 
773.989.4420

Dickensonian Delight
 
Minus that it sounds a bit like an, erm, possible exotic dancer moniker, LuLu CoCo has quite the assortment for the modern, sophisticated lady. 
 
It’s the kind of thing one might wear to attend a dance or bash, to waltz romantically or sip martinis suggestively. By the light of the moon, of course. Wedding season, perhaps. A touch Victorian. Highly dramatic, highly romantic. We are now that much closer to totes being kin with the Bronte sisterhood.
 
LuLu CoCo

Being Magellan
 
Our friend recently received a gift; a book about exploration. In this book, the author suggests designers are prone to collect. Not quite hoarders, more like enthusiastic gatherers!
  
’Tis true about the lovely designer Madeleine Boulesteix. She turned her collecting habits into charming, whimsical chandeliers constructed from teacups, spoons, and sparkling trinkets. Just add candles or light bulbs, and your room instantly turns a bit more Francophilic-fancy!
  
www.madeleineboulesteix.co.uk

Well, Yes
 
We’ve had it up to our eyeballs with our poor little dollar barely buying us cheap pantyhose, so we were beyond thrilled to find an uber-affordable home-interior haven in the Well Dressed Home.

Filled with a quirky mix of spot-on knick-knackery, this sweet site has a little something for everyone, including mod clocks, cool coasters, and our personal fave, the Horn Bar Set—perfect for pleasing our guy’s sense of macho and our sense of edgy style.
 
www.welldressedhome.com

Uptown Indie
 
We eat baked goods with our friends like they’re the Holy Grail, and um, it's edible. There’s nothing quite like a handmade yummy. Check out more than 30 vendors from Chicago and their selection of (non-edible) handmade clothing, jewelry, accessories, toys, paper goods, soy candles, and more! Coffee and baked goods will be available too (see you there).
 
What: Indie in the Windy City Handcrafted Market
When: Saturday, April 4, 10 am–4 pm
Where: The Chelsea House; 920 W. Wilson Ave.
Call: 773.561.2450
Visit: www.indieinthewindycity.blogspot.com

Exhilaration at Exhale
 
We truly haven’t seen much nicer, more beautiful spas that Exhale. It is so very pretty, and so exclusive—it is a treat to enjoy this upscale gym with each visit. Practice vinyasa poses to the sounds of rock, reggae, hip-hop, blues and world beat. All levels are welcome, come see for yourself!
 
What: Music Yoga Flow
When: Thursdays, 8 am; Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 am
Where: Exhale Spa, 945 N. State St.
Call: 312.753.6500
Cost: $20
Visit: www.exhalespa.com