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Septemebr 25th, 2009
Warning: we are about to get all Dr. Phil on ya. Running is therapy, for us. When things bother us, we run. When things are going great, we run. We run because it’s thrilling, freeing, and boosts our overall happiness. It’s an adventure. We secretly race other runners and try to catch up with the ones in the distance. We imagine an urban obstacle course. Weaving in and out of the parks, changing directions. Sometimes we're fast, other times we're slow, but we control the pace. Running is our agenda, our meeting. It’s meditation of the mind, and excitement over all the possibilities. It's what has gotten us through days of dealing with obnoxious middle management and any sort of drama. Drama makes our head hurt, running makes it laugh. It's what lightens up our senses when we find that life close-up can be tragic, but far away can be quite hilarious (to paraphrase Charlie Chaplin a bit). And with that, it's time for us to head out—catch us if you can! |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Lose Yourself in Great Deals Palms: sweaty. Knees: weak. Arms: heavy. We haven’t been shopping in days and need a new sweater already. Ignoring our lunch of last night’s spaghetti, we stealthily sneak out of the office for a quick shopping fix. On the surface we look calm and ready, but inside we’re freaking out! Where can we find decent shopping in the Loop? Thankfully, Elements of Style swoops in to the rescue. Though small in size, this South Loop hidden treasure hits the perfect beat with great quality, variety, personality, and terrifically friendly staff. We get lost in the music, the moment, and we want to own it all! Daringly short dresses, sexy transparent sweaters, and stylishly suede shoes line our dressing room, and when we finally check out we have enough in our pocketbooks to take a cab back to work. After all, no prima donna or baby mama carries her own bags! Satisfied and calmly back at work, we’re onto the next dilemma: where can we find a cute musician to buy us after-work drinks tonight? Elements of Style Boutique |
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| 2 | Couture’s Chicago Destiny We frequently look to Beyonce for advice on love, dating, and booty shakin’, and “Single Ladies” had us waving our hands around and mimicking that hip-roll-into-the-splits move all year long. Now we’re left with carpal tunnel and sore thighs, but no sparkly gem on our left hands. We look to Sasha for guidance, but, instead, we were delivered to our fashion destiny, to infinity, and beyond. The window display of an LBD variation with a modified down vest at Trevian was enough to make believers out of us all. Somehow, the extraordinary combination of street with high fashion hits the perfect note in that I-need-this-now place in our hearts. And then there’s The Shoe Wall, lined with mile-high stilettos, thigh-high boots, and my-oh-my prints. BJ and Trevian Kutti, the brilliant minds behind G’Bani, certainly know how to make their mark on Chicago couture. So, boys, forget about that ring. If you liked it you should put a five-inch stiletto leopard print pump on it. Then maybe we’ll try that hip-roll-into-the-splits thing again. Trevian |
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| 3 | Not So Plain Jane Let’s face it: you’ve been avoiding fall shopping as much as we have. Just like you’ve avoided that Visa bill from your last girls’ trip to Vegas or calls from that guy you met at Underground who looked much cuter before the lights came on. Eek. School is back, “Gossip Girl” is new, and our boyfriends have started wearing their Bears T-shirts, so it’s time to face the harsh reality. Luckily, Sara Jane is there to make the transition into fall utterly enjoyable. This delightful boutique in Old Town features everything a girl would need for her fall wardrobe: adorably tailored plaid shirts, sexy silk tops, well-fitted indigo jeans, and the most beautifully crafted black leather jacket we’ve ever seen. Recessionistas will rejoice in their price tags, and the atmosphere is so relaxed and inviting that we all feel even warmer under our fall sweaters. Sara Jane won’t stop the boys from taking over the TV every Sunday, but at least we’ll look good in her wares as we ignore them. Sara Jane |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Endless (Shoe) Love Our mother always told us that there are "many fish in the sea." And that there are endless opportunities to find a great "catch." We are either swimming upstream in a river of catfish, or hanging out at places that attract freaks and geeks (not in a chic way). But there are endless options for shoe opportunities. One of our fave spots is this website, which carries as many shoes necessary to cure any sort of love blues. Don't miss their selections from Giuseppe Zanotti and Maria Sharapova for Cole Haan too! |
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| 2 | We Heart Factory "In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes." Maybe so, Mr. Warhol. And if that should be true, we pray our fifteen wasn't our 5th-grade spelling bee champ photo in the local paper but will be wearing one of I Love Factory's fabulous pieces to a beautiful bash. Composed of ribbons and lace, and lots of use of black and white, this Brooklyn duo's collection hit the masses via GG and will be seen at exclusive retailers. Edie would approve. |
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| 3 | Fireside Luxuries Sure, we may be jumping the gun, but every time we wake up at 6 a.m. to slam our windows closed because it’s cold and—let’s face it—pitch black outside, we know that summer has come to an end. Sigh. We’re trying to ease the angst by planning for “cozy times” this winter. Thus our new obsession with luxurious blankets, and this cable-knit organic cotton throw from bambeco fits the bill perfectly. We can’t wait to cuddle up! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Couture & Cocktails What a perfect pairing. Enjoy a a Pamella Roland runway show, silent auction, music, drinks, and food at this event for the Joffrey Ballet, put on by The Women's Board. Music will be performed by Donna D'Cruz in a perfect Chicago venue—the stately and glamorous Palmer House. Support local ballet! What: Couture & Cocktails |
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| 2 | Underground Fashion As part of their opening-week celebration, Urban Style Emporium is celebrating with two trunk shows featuring SKIF and Ivan Grundahl. Think free-form sweater hand-loomed to perfection from SKIF and avant-garde sculptural fashion from Ivan Grundahl. All guests receive 20% off all clothing at this unique storefront, which is something of an art and fashion fusion. What: Urban Style Trunk Show |
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| 3 | Serenity Now Style & Spa of Peace is celebrating its new all-natural skincare line with a launch party at the East Bank Club. Enjoy free hors d'oeuvres, a smoothie bar, mini-spa treatments, music, and gift bags. Do not forget to make reservations! Tell your friends, meet at the club, and prepare to unwind! What: Style & Spa of Peace Launch Party |
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