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April 10th, 2009
We received some sad news recently. Our cousins’ family dog passed away. He was lovable, affable, and a staple in their joyous, active household. This rambunctious, occasionally naughty chocolate lab was always always a constant. And that’s part of the appeal of harboring a wagging tail and the sometimes dirty paws of a four-legged friend. Even when everything seems uncertain—when others fail you, when the bottom falls out at the workplace, when your heart breaks or your health deteriorates and everything you touch falls apart, you can look over at a pair of adoring eyes or go for a mind-clearing walk or think back to the time that he managed to lock himself into the bathroom, lodging a broomstick against the door and trapping himself until one of the kids in the family on the smallish youngish side of things was lifted through a window to move the broom, unlock the door, and free a chocolate lab puppy from the dinky winky tinkle-ridden bathroom back into the jungle known as home. The laughs and love break up the stress, ameliorate the worry, and all is good in those little moments. Thank goodness for lovely furballs! |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | House of Hope While our fiancé spends his days watching b-ball, we’ve dedicated our time to spring cleaning and redecorating. Just when we thought we couldn’t stand one more second of buzzer sounds and male chest-bumping (and were beginning to reconsider a lifetime commitment), our BFF invited us to a shop that specializes in home and life design. Enter Crosell and Co., a Bucktown boutique nestled in one of the cutest storefronts on Damen Ave. Entering Crosell was a journey into a world of magic, sparkle and glimmer. Tables of fine china, candles, picture frames and home-entertaining must-haves were therapy to our soul. We admired the fine details of the Juliska dinnerware, cooed over the Michael Aram silver-leaf platters and coveted the Mary Rose Young colored bowls that embody fun and youth. We imagined elegant dinner parties (minus the TV) with gold embroidered goblets by Arte Italica. (We’ll serve Bella Cucina Artichoke and Lemon pesto with Vietri silverware.) Crosell also offers a wedding gift registry, so we left feeling certain that our home will be the sophisticated palace of our dreams. (Husband or not!) |
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| 2 | A Fashion Apex As 20-somethings with looming rent and student loans to pay, we’re not exactly in the position to jet-set off to the Hamptons for a weekend with the girls. But we have figured out how to sort of “Hamptonize” our wardrobes… Hello, Cusp! Hey, a girl can dream (and stock up on threads for when we’re part of the glitterati). Owned by Neiman Marcus, Cusp houses flirty frocks and sassy little jumpers that make us long for a clam dig or lunch with some ladies. Nanette Lepore, Diane Von Furstenberg, Ella Moss and Rebecca Taylor? All here, and all fabulous. We found a classic little gray and pink number by Splendid for a fabulously reasonable price. The shoes aren’t too bad, either—you can score a pair of seriously scandalous gladiator thongs by Sam Edelman or Dolce Vita for about the same price as a monthly cell phone bill. Sure, we wouldn’t mind daily tennis sessions, and a five o’clock Tom Collins. Until then, we’ll happily daydream away in sexy Elizabeth and James separates. Thank you, Cusp. Cusp |
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| 3 | Which Crazy B@tch Are You? We like tattoos. Don’t mind piercings. And we’re open to trying out new trends, new food, and new guys. We have a bit of a wild side, which is why we like Lincoln Park’s bad arse (and sister shop to an L.A.-based boutique) Metropark. With tons of edgy, in-your-face graphic tees and plenty of rockin’ big gaudy jewelry, this store screams attitude. They have rock n’ roll brands like Sinfuland, Rock and Republic, and plenty of Betsyville’s fun, funky bags. The store’s own Metropark label offers a sweet alternative to the spice—the simple designs are spruced up with plenty of detailed stitching and bright spring colors. Essentially they stock everything you’ll need to date a rock star (or simply look like you do), from the black Volcom daisy dukes to the black-and-white belted plaid WYL button-ups, Metropark is not for the timid. We’re not interested in becoming Courtney Love. But we think the rocker-chic attitude suits us just fine! Metropark |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Sweeter than Honey |
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| 2 | May Your Cups Runneth Over |
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| 3 | Black Cat Strut |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Cheaper by the Dozen Not all sales are created equal. No ma’am. And this one is the Whopper in a world of sliders. Save up to 80% off on brands like 7 For All Mankind, Rock & Republic, Frankie B., Chip & pepper, William Rast & more. There will be more than 20,000 items for both men & women! |
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| 2 | Shop Local at the Metropolitan Club Don’t miss Cece & Melinda’s exclusive boutique shopping event, conveniently scheduled just before Mother’s Day. Meet talented Chicago designers at their booths, and shop for unique accessories, jewelry, and clothing. Check out Chicago Picks favorites like Chic Gems, K. Amato, Beijo Bags, and more! Complimentary beverages and apps will be served. See you there! |
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| 3 | E'rbody in the Studio Gettin' Tipsy Sip while you sculpt during 45-minute group sessions that cycle throughout the night, led by a teaching artist. Materials are provided, and so are tunes by a DJ, guest performers, and a look at the Hyde Park Art Center’s exhibit. Bring cash for the bar, and an artsy can-do attitude! |
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Spring love is in the air! Sign your friends, family and potential bed partners up with a free subscription to Chicago Picks at www.ChicagoPicks.com. |
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