Good Housekeeping
  
We have lived with a packrat. We have lived with a Particular Patty. We have lived with six girls in one house. Six gallons of milk in fridge. Absolutely insane. We have learned that keeping at least a little Zen at our pad is vital. 
  
But it’s not always easy to see the forest from the trees. Or the shoes from the bags. Even us so-called “artsy design” types have troubs keeping up with organization and de-cluttering of knick-knackery, art supplies, souvenirs, and such. Sound familiar? Seek help. Erin Kelly, of “Arranged by Erin” is a Professional Organizer who specializrs in making her clients feel comfortable and not exposed.  She got the “organizational eye” from her grandmother, and has left no pillow-top unturned since. She has the ability to calmly navigate through a home, diagnose the issues, and get to work!   
  
What we once thought was our perfectly functioning condo has now been reevaluated and realigned into a much more practical, clean, and classic space. Enter for your chance to win a free consultation (see intro) with the goddess of housekeeping, Erin Kelly!
  
Erin J. Kelly
773.871.2344
www.arrangedbyerin.com

Maxwell's for the Masses
  
We all know of the famed East Bank Club. The sexiest scene for summer pool parties.  Part gorgeous, sprawling gym in the heart of downtown—part upscale, exclusive, Who’s Who of Chicago. It’s no secret that Chicago’s other mayor (Oprah) is a loyal member.
  
But not until recently was it possible for non-members to dine at East Bank’s scrumptious family-friendly restaurant, Maxwell’s. It’s a prime locale for swinging through for a post-work meal and some wine. It’s warm and relaxed, with friendly servers trained to cater to each club (or non-club) member’s needs. Maxwell’s buys local and makes almost everything from scratch, daily. From old-fashioned chicken soup and vegan sushi to prime-beef meat loaf and seared Ahi tuna steaks, the selections and quality are geared to the highest standards of East Bank Club’s tradition. Plus, check the website for weekly schedules and enjoy some live music from dynamic local performers.  
  
P.S. For the meat-lover—try the Filet Mignon or Veal Rib Chop. Choose a Parmesan-garlic, Gorgonzola, or lump crab and Bearnaise sauce on the filet—it simply melts in your mouth!
  
Maxwell’s at East Bank Club
500 North Kingsbury St.
Chicago IL 60654
312.527.5800
www.eastbankclub.com

Addicted to our Mulberry
 
We get it, we get it—we’re in a recession, and salespeople are on commission. But lately, we can’t help but notice how pushy the reps are at some of our favorite haunts! 
 
We’re independent gals, dangit, and if we need help, we’ll ask for it! But one opinion and style know-how we do appreciate is that of Jana Zacek, owner of Division Street’s newest hot spot, Mulberry & Me. Jana lines the shelves with Polaroids of her customers, completely enhancing her store’s kitschy, neighborhood-y feel. Offering inside tidbits on brands like Young Fabulous and Broke, Lewis Cho, Thayer, Jamison and Thimble, you know exactly what you’re getting for your hard-earned dough. Like the Zoa t-shirts Zacek says are just as good as well-known brand Cain tees… for one third of the price! 
 
In the know on everything from eco-friendly brand Battalion to basic staples by Lauren Conrad, shopping here is like shopping with your BFF, but better—no fighting over the last small size in your favorite frock!  
 
Mulberry & Me
2019 W. Division
Chicago, IL 60622
773.952.7551
www.mulberryandme.com

Scent-sational
 
Having a signature scent that reminds people of you (and only you) when they smell it is one of those crucial style rules we follow religiously. But we don’t want our signature scent to be the same as someone else’s—the horror!
 
Enter top perfumer Le Labo—with ten exceptional fragrances, these exclusive scents are formulated by hand, on demand. You pick the perfume and name it (sweet) and they print the label with your scent and name, so it’s totally original. Mission accomplished.
 
www.lelabofragrances.com

Bird Is the Word 
 
Despite our fear of parrots, we’ve always admired the ultra-vibrant plumages of our fine-feathered friends. Unfortunately, feather boas are limited to a few “special” occasions (or playing dress-up with our niece).   
 
Thankfully, Pluma is upping the cool quotient on the feather and making it acceptable in daily wear with the stylish whimsy of their headbands. Exquisitely handcrafted from a variety of feathers, these hair accessories are surprisingly cool, and perfect for dressing up summer ensembles. 
 
www.plumashop.com

On Our Radar
 
We heart the handbag, but we’re tired of pulling the ol’ switch-a-roo for different occasions. One for diaper-duty, one for the office, one for cocktails—yawn. So when we spied the swoon-worthy satchels at Post we knew we had found the answer to our problems!
 
Handcrafted from luxurious, exotic leathers and available in a myriad of colors, these beautiful handbags are made to meet the needs of modern-day women without sacrificing fiercely fabulous style.

www.postdash.com

Fashion for a Cure

Design for a Cure, the signature event of the Junior Board of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, showcases the talents, passions, and resources of the Chicago Fashion Community as weapons in the fight against the HIV/AIDS. It’s a party to raise awareness among Chicagoans ages 21–35, a group disproportionately affected by the epidemic. 
  
What: Make a Statement: Design for a Cure
When: Thursday, May 7, 7–10 pm
Where: River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois
Cost: General Admission, $65; VIP with open bar, runway seating and after party at The Underground, $125
Visit: www.aidschicago.org

Stars Emerge
 
Don’t miss this lunch and fashion show hosted by Michelle Alegria and Susanna Negovan! Proceeds benefit the Nena Ivon Scholarship Fund for fashion design and fashion retail management. Watch as Columbia's most anticipated show is revealed, as student work is showcased and future (and current) fashion heavy hitters come out to shine!
 
What: Fashion Columbia 2009
When: Tuesday, May 12, 11:30 am–1:30 pm
Where: Winter Garden, Harold Washington Library,
400 S. State St.
Cost: GA, $175; VIP, $250
Visit: www.colum.edu