A Total Eco Betty
 
Our most vapid of prayers have been answered. A little pop-culture vulture friend of ours recently told us there was a “Clueless” sequel in the works! We couldn’t be more stoked.  In honor of Cher, we figured there was never a better time to do something good for the environment—while we shop, of course! 
 
Enter A Cooler Planet. It’s on the short list of eco-stores in our city, and it has everything you could ever possibly want to go green, from chlorine-free tampons to bio-friendly cat litter. In addition to everyday essentials like deodorant and lip gloss, A Cooler Planet also stocks fun finds like earrings made from skateboards and bracelets from surplus washer rubber. Our fave? The bedding. We had to refrain from curling up with the simple and pretty cotton and wool-filled comforters and fleece blankets (heavenly). 

Super serious about being Mother Nature’s best bud? Give the store’s compost kits by Urban Worm Girl a go. And for every customer that brings their own shopping bag, the store plants a tree with Trees for Future. Very cool.
 
A Cooler Planet
2211 W. Roscoe St.
Chicago, IL 60618
773.248.1110
www.itsacoolerplanet.com 

A Personal Flavor
 
We’ll admit it—we’re really rather unsightly pale right about now  It’s not quite yet beach season, and we try to avoid the wrinkle-inducing effects of the tanning booths. We rely more on our “colorful inner beauty,” and playing up our eclectic fashion finds!
 
So we totally appreciate the interesting urban flair of Casa de Soul. With a hip, funky vibe, this Wicker Park “concept boutique” features everything from felt fedoras to sassy silk minis. The pieces here are awesomely unique—we’d be willing to bet no one else has the androgynistic black and gray cotton jumpers from Kitchen, or distinctive dresses from Religion and IKKS that Casa carries in abundance. Throw in denim from LBT, triangular wooden earrings, plenty of simple leather bags and chunky gold jewelry from brands like Sibilia, and you’ve got everything you need to stand out in a crowd of unoriginal lookalikes. 

And while the weather makes up its mind (is it summer or is it spring?) grab a jacket for the chillier nights. Casa has them on sale for up to 70% off! 
  
Casa de Soul
1919 W. Division
Chicago, IL 60622
773.252.2510
www.casadesoul.net

Ketchup to These Trends!
 
Sometimes (well, maybe like 99% of the time) a girl just wants to have a little fun. We’re talking Spring Break fun—beaches, Pina Coladas, sunburns and half-naked men. Is there any better way to forget the Winter Blues?
 
When we need a fun-in-the-sun fix, we hit Fashion Tomato, a cheap and chic local haunt. It’s no beach resort, but the happy pop music they play is enough to get us in the groove. Sure, there isn’t a half-naked man to be seen, but the sparkly bling and funky dresses by Aryn K. provide fabulous eye candy. It’s the kinda place that makes you wanna doll yourself up, call the girls and make it a memorable Saturday night in our magnificent city. Check out cute tanks by Honey Punch and fab scarves and bags by Sol, and get ready to get the party started!
 
Perhaps the best thing about this colorful Lakeview store? The prices. The only thing they will break is a smile!
 
Fashion Tomato 
1631 Sherman Ave. 
Evanston IL 60201
847.328.1681

Playing Peek-a-Boo
 
Our go-to LBD is getting a little boring—okay, a lot—but we know the way to survive hard economic times is to rework old outfits to make new ones. Having run out of new accessory options, we were delighted to find Your Slip is Showing.
 
They carry embellished slips in different lengths that are meant to be seen beneath your dress or skirt for a whole new look. From pleated organza to chiffon rosettes and beaded silk, our LBD is fun and flirty once again.
 
www.yourslipisshowing.com

Pretty in Pink
 
Even as grown ladies, we sometimes find ourselves being drawn to frilly, pink, ultra-girly things, from clothing to home décor.
 
So what if our five-year-old niece shares our taste sometimes? We own our girly-ness! Our latest girly find is this necklace from dejarnette, with three layers of pleated pink tulle ruffles on a chunky antique silver chain. Oh-so-delicious. We’re picturing it with a distressed leather biker jacket—you know, just to maintain our street cred.
 
www.dejarnettenola.com

Big Apple Beauty
 
The last time we dug into our makeup stash we nearly fell asleep from sheer boredom. Nothing but a sea of safe neutrals as far as the eye could see—yawn! So when we managed to snag some shadow in a luxe shade of green from Dex, we were stoked.
 
Their ultra-bold mineral shadows are loaded with anti-aging technology, are 100% paraben-free, and just what we need to add a little spring-zing to our faces.
 
www.dexnewyork.com

Pitchfork is for Lovers
  
When we hear live music, we fall in love. With the singer. The drummer. The beat. Luckily for us this will surely be The Summer of Love—at Pitchfork Music Fest 2009! It’s a weekend full of the best and the most in terms of indie bands. Don’t miss The National, Yo La Tengo, Built to Spill, Frightened Rabbit, DOOM, and more! (Read the intro for a chance to win free tix!)
  
What: Pitchfork Music Festival 2009
When: July 17–July 19
Where: Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St.
Cost: $75 for a three-day pass
Visit: www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com

Gilda’s Legacy

Enjoy a plethora of art, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar—all for a fantastic cause! It’s the Second Annual Art Auction benefiting Gilda’s Club, a premier network that offers emotional and social support to those affected by cancer. See over 75 artists and have a fabulous spring evening. It’s a feel-good win-win.

What: Second Annual Art Auction, Gilda’s Club Chicago
When: Saturday, May 16, 5–9 pm
Where: The Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Cost: $10 donation at the door
Visit: www.gildasclubchicago.org or www.flatironartists.org