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August 14th, 2009
Our birthday approaches, and we’ve learned lots in our latest trip around the sun. Like, if the shoe fits, buy two pairs. And that distance makes our heart grow blonder. We're nearing platinum with each day we don't meet Robert Pattinson. We've learned that some days, we feel like the Octomom: overwhelmed and seeking attention. We've also come to terms with our technophobia (Zack Morris phone nerd alert, oh well), and gotten a grip on our severely dated movie knowledge (we made a "Clueless" reference recently—our bff said it had been approximately eight years since she’d heard a reference like that). We've also learned to believe in a serendipitous route toward adventure, and that it can sometimes lead to backstage access at concerts. We've learned that love has its own grand plan, and that logic doesn't stand a chance. We've learned that if you really want something, you have to make it happen, and that the pursuit of butterflies in the stomach is how we want to live. Perhaps watching "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" early in the morning made us think this way. But nothing like a good chick flick to make us want to jump out of bed and chase down the sun another year, to see what we see! |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Wild, Wild West As our fashionable friend Liz would say, "We ain't no country bumpkins!" So we were slightly skeptical about a store dedicated to country style. Sure, we found the typical southern swag you might expect at Out of the West: straw cowboy hats, big studded belts, and suede Justin boots galore. But we also found something a little more urban cowgirl. Like the pretty paisley tops from Angie and the beautiful Navajo-inspired sundresses. Throw in seriously sassy scarves and standby denim from brands like Seven for All Mankind and Joe's Jeans, and we suddenly found ourselves more than willing to branch out from our city-girl comfort zone. We wouldn’t mind roping in some of the store’s gritty Andy Warhol Project T-shirts (did anyone else think “Factory Girl” was amazing?) or “rassling” a fellow fashionista for some of the simple Michael Stars knits. And what better place to score one of those super now gingham or plaid “westerns” than this concept store dedicated to the genre? Maybe those cowgirl types have more style than we give them credit for. Our final assessment? Out with the rest, in with the West! Out of the West |
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| 2 | Never You Mind Chock full of ubertrendy and super reasonably priced finds, Never Mind has everything you need to take full advantage of these fleeting months of warmth. Just steps away from the Belmont El, the store is a working girl’s best friend. Surrounded by pretty purple walls and silver furnishings, we found the perfect striped cotton button-down by store staple Mustard Seed, and more adorable sundresses than we knew what to do with! Solid cotton styles from Synergy caught our eye, as did the copious feminine flower prints adorning the mannequins. And then there are the shoes. With great Dolce Vita-esque sandals from Bonnibel and drool-worthy pumps by Wild Diva, Never Mind has all the raw materials you could possibly need to rock everything from cocktails with the ladies to date night with the beau. Headed to the beach? The sheer “Live Free” Angel tanks make the perfect bikini toppers. Ready for best part? Almost everything here is $50 or less.Two words: Loves. It!!! Never Mind |
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| 3 | Fit for a Queen Don't you just love the smell of frozen meat in the morning? Normally a girl wouldn't be caught in the Fulton Street meat-packing district during the day unless she is safely seated in the Batmobile, but under the Lake Street El tracks lays Koros, which has the power to make this street smell like Chanel No. 5. Featuring a thoughtful mix of designs from both local and international artists, the range from razor-sharp tops to girly dresses creates a portal into a world where fashion is art and art is a joy. Actually, it's hard to determine what's for sale and what's for decoration here, but maybe that's why we like it. After all, what girl doesn't want to feel like a $500,000 piece of art? And with the flutes of champagne, style consultations, and concierge services, the staff goes that extra step to make us feel just like the princesses we are. |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | One of a Kind Is it a scarf? A necklace? A cowl? It’s all of the above! This all-in-one design with multiple seamless loops and dozens of prints and color options makes for endless possibilities. It’s simple, modern and fashion-forward—we can’t wait to show ours off. |
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| 2 | Yes, We Have No Bananas We love giving journals as gifts, but sometimes we get to thinking… how many virgin trees were cut down to make that adorable little notepad? Gulp! Suddenly our altruism feels a tad sinister. But then we found banana paper. Made from totally sustainable banana leaves, a banana journal not only sounds cute, but is good for the planet. Next time you’re in the mood to journal (or give a gift), check out the banana paper options at Eco Paper.com. Good for you! |
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| 3 | Note Worthy We’re not great at remembering every birthday, baby, and bat mitzvah that life throws at us, but since stumbling upon Jack Cards we’ve been spreading happy thoughts and get-well wishes to everyone and their dog. This cool site makes selecting and sending cards super simple by offering up a seriously behemoth selection of vibrant cards for every possible occasion in every possible style. You can even personalize them with a message and have them addressed, stamped and delivered to you for mailing. Brilliant! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | We'll Miss You! SoKo Fashion is closing its doors for good at the end of this month. Which means everything must go! Get 40% off of everything in the store—plus hugely discounted pricing on furniture and fixtures. Check out the stock and say farewell. It's a sad goodbye, but perhaps one that may lead to other fruitful endeavors instead! What: SoKo's Closing Sale |
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| 2 | So Bananas! Lincoln Park Young Professionals is teaming up with Banana Republic for an event like no other. View BR's fall fashions as well as Chic Gems jewelry. Enjoy fabulous wines by Rosso di Spicca and Berganorio, plus cocktails, not to mention caviar, gourmet pizza, seafood, and desserts and chocolates from local faves! What: Fall Fashion Event with Lincoln Park Young Professionals |
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| 3 | Some Enchanted Evening It's a Chicago tradish. Akira, a sexy Chicago boutique staple, and Imerman Angels, a not-for-profit cancer support organization, have teamed up to present a Garden of Eden style fashion show, “The Tudor Rose,” inspired by Globe Theater performances and including a ballet interlude performed by dancer Fabrice Calmels from the Joffrey Ballet. What: 6th Annual Garden of Eden Fashion Show by Akira and Imerman Angels |
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| Want to know about our latest purchases (neon lace-up knockoff Chloe booties)? 'Cuz we'd sure like to hear about your hot finds. Drop us a line at Contribute@ChicagoPicks.com. Who knows, you may be the new contributor we've been looking for all along! | |||
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