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September 4th, 2009
Question: Is everyone really truly as optimistic as their facebook status updates seem to be? 'Cuz, sorry, but we are not yet so crazy excited about the onset of fall. Like, um yeah, we like pumpkin lattes. And, um, football season is pretty cool. Duh, the September Issue of Vogue made us want to call in sick to work. And yes we are dying for some hawt over-the-knee fall boots (specifically by Chloé. Please, Fashion Goddesses, hear our prayer). But can't we mourn the passing of our dear sweet friend, the summer? She brought us sunny rays and beach days. Careless cocktailing and endless man-shopping. Here's to hoping we can channel our tacky little case of SAD into emo-edgy for fall. Hard times create the best artistry, no? Paging Damien Rice. |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Can You Keep a Secret? It’s no secret that we don’t have the cash to splurge on style right now. But the bane of a recessionista’s existence is the changing of the seasons… so what’s a girl to do? Luckily, A Secret Closet in Lincoln Square offers second-hand frocks and unique accessories with price tags we can handle—everything from gently used clothing and shoes to bright new bags and lovely jewelry. We found dresses from Betsey Johnson, Nicole Miller, and Laundry for thirty to forty bucks, not to mention the sassy selection of skirts, pants and tops. And we love the vintage footwear: swingin’ heels, hip sandals, and fabulous flats, among other kicks. Colorful, flowy scarves and big, funky bags with stripes and zippers galore caught our attention, while adorable sunglasses at sixteen dollars a pop made us swoon. But we really love the jewelry: delicate pendants, filigree earrings, bold rings, and so much more, all for around twenty bucks. So for fabulous finds on the cheap, the secret is out, and it’s A Secret Closet. Shhh! A Secret Closet |
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| 2 | Lovely Lulu’s When we have an event where we have to look stunning, stylish, and glamorous, it can be tough to find what we need in our closet. The hope is there—maybe we missed that showstopper piece between the maxi-dress and the tunic top. We just overlooked it, right? Like a Fairy Godmother of Fancy, Lulu’s at the Belle Kay always has what we want. In fact, we can’t say enough about this magnificent vintage boutique. For the best experience, allow the owner, Laurie, to take you through the racks. If she recommends something, give it a try—trust us, this lady knows her stuff. And if the gorgeous dresses aren’t enough to make you feel like a princess, the insanely gorgeous Brian Atwood pumps—offered at Lulu’s at a fraction of the standard retail price—definitely are. Need some bling to complete the look? Choose from their lavish selection of costume jewelry. So next time we need to get all dressed up, we’re not even looking in that one corner of our closet. We’ll hail a pumpkin coach and be off to Lulu’s. Lulu’s At the Belle Kay |
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| 3 | Does a Woman Good Summer is our hair’s worst enemy. Between our Jessica Alba-inspired highlights, UV overdose, and the occasional dash of pool chlorine, our locks are in definite need of some TLC come this time of year. Lucky for us, the Salon at Ulta on State Street is around to deliver. With a futuristic feel that had us channeling Judy Jetson, we basked in the silver reclining chairs while the Ulta team gave us the post-summer “detoxifying treatment”—a deep wash with Italian brand Dávines’s finest, followed by a stint in the Micro-Mist (a steam conditioning treatment akin to a facial for your hair!). Taking the advice of salon creative director David Barnett, who says fall ’09 is all about au naturale, we also let colorist and Redken artist Stephen Cline take us back to our brunette roots with a glaze—a gloss that adds not only color, but shine. We left feeling like an extra in an Herbal Essences commercial, suppressing the urge to shake our mane and scream yes, yes, YES! We may not be quite ready for fall, but you can bet our hair sure is! The Salon at Ulta |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | What the Kids Are Wearing We’re ready to channel Stevie Nicks this fall, with all the boho looks we’re seeing. But we need that rocker edge so we don’t look like groupies at a Joan Baez show. What’s a fashionable girl to do? Check out these amazing earrings by Lydia Yost. Made with real feathers, and starting at just $25, they’ll send you back to school in style—or rock a board meeting like nobody’s biz! |
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| 2 | Captain Night-Night What’s the best way to ensure success in school? With a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast. We can’t help you with the latter, but when Superman is your sleepover buddy you’re bound to have happy dreams. kittencamaro’s Vintage Superman Print Pillow has got to be one of the cutest things we’ve ever seen. Whether he’s pumping you up for a spelling test, getting you psyched for a mid-term or energizing your TPS reports, there’s no man we’d rather have tucking us in. |
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| 3 | Armed and Ready Another brisk Chicago autumn is right around the corner—okay, not really—but we’re the type of gals who like to plan ahead. So when we saw these stylin’ arm warmers we just had to have them! These cozy cuties are sure to keep your hands from falling off when temps dip down into the single digits, and their bright hue will add a nice punch of color to your cold-weather wardrobe. Keep the winter blahs at bay! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | smARTy Pants Save the date. Wicker Park Bucktown celebrates art with the smARTshow, a 20-year-old tradition of art in Wicker Park. More than 150 painters, photographers, sculptors and musicians will be participating. Start at the historic Flat Iron Arts Building, at Damen, Milwaukee and North Avenues and go from there! |
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| 2 | Au Revoir! Boo Hiss. Another area boutique bites the dust. Browse Plein Aire's clothing at discounted prices, including 40% off jeans until the store closes on October 1. Select fixtures will also be for sale. But don't cry too much, you sappy sailor—they plan on keeping an online shop for all of us out of control (and often tipsy) shoppers! What: Plein Aire Closing Sale |
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| 3 | Wonka Meets Fashion And we thought James Franco was the ultimate dream. You Just Shop and Chicago Chocolate Tours are teaming up and hosting this ultimate girl's night out. Stop in at Sarah's Pastries and Candies, Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland, and More Cupcakes, plus Luca Luca, Arika, and Aritzia. Expect VIP treatment and discounts, plus a chic goody bag loaded with sweet treats! What: Ultimate Girl's Night Out |
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