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October 2nd, 2009
Can you feel it? Can you smell it? Put down your Pumpkin Spice. Oh? Put down your green tea, then. Suffering from flu season? Yeah, us too. But there is a feeling in the air—we like to think it's the force of Olympics and fashion fever combined. As we all know, fall is the January for fashion (okay, okay—we picked that up from one of Anna's staffers in "The September Issue.") And as we all know, this is the day Chicago has been waiting for. Excitement and tension has been building for months (or years, for some). And this is also the time of year for us fashion freaknistas to get giddy with delight. It's Fashion Focus season! This year, fashion powerhouse Nolcha is initiating an Independent Retail Week. Some of our fave locally-owned independent shops will be featuring discounted products and a calendar of exclusive events! Look for more details to come, in future issues of Chicago Picks. But for now, sweet darlings, enjoy boot weather like you mean it (over-the-knee paired with shorts and sweaters, for us) and rest up so you can party down in this season's finest. |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Diggin' on You Clothes have always spoken to us. Mostly they say things like: “Hello, I need you, you sexy thing" or, “Come closer, admire my fabric—I will Gisele-ify you in one sweet minute if you try me on.” But once in a while, they cry out for help. Remember that almost amazing blouse that just needed a few minor, ahem, adjustments? It was really just saying, “Please get these hideous ruffles off, and I promise, I'll be stunning!” Alas, we never were good with the sewing machine or shopping selections when hung over. Our new friend Emily Dlugolecka has read our minds. Owner of new "It" shop, Mr. and Mrs. Digz in Andersonville, she's silencing some of the screamers in her large vintage-couture collection. Pretty silk patterns with hideously long sleeves? Off they come! Hemlines that would annoy a nun? Up they go! Dubbing her newfound hobby “Tune Up Clothing,” she's taking the old and making way for the new, adding elastic and belt buckles along the way. Plus, it's such an eco-friendly way to get more use out of your closet, and pocketbook. Don't buy everything new—just revamp the old! We can almost hear some of our more unfortunate, unworn dresses breathing sighs of relief—and happy clothes make for happy Chicago Pickers! Mr. and Mrs. Digz |
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| 2 | Let Them Upgrade Ya We know, we know, you’re busy. We’re all busy. But the fact is, our nails are a hot mess. We’ve got brows that would give Ernie (and possibly Bert) a run for his money. And ya wanna know what else? We’re running out of ways to make a ponytail look Cameron Diaz-cute. We decided it was time for an edgy upgrade, citing Rhianna and Posh as our inspiration. So we hit the latest West Loop hot spot, Asili Chi Salon and Spa. From hair, nails and makeup to facials, waxing and body treatments, this Aveda concept spa does it all. The salon is top-notch with seasoned stylists ready to “upgraaade you.” Even better, they understand your time is precious, so don’t worry about spending the day (unless you want to) gettin’ beautiful. With seven fabulous facial options and more than 10 body treatments and massages, there’s surely something you need (or is that want?). Even more? The salon offers express services for quick fixes, including the mini-mani or pedi, mini facial, hair and makeup refreshers and the 30-minute Stress Less massage, all at totally do-able prices. Asili Chi Salon and Spa |
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| 3 | Hip and Happening
So B. Waldorf might have made the "headband" happen. Perhaps Miz Zoe made "I die" happen. We think we might have found a Chicago designer that has the chops to make some seriously creative headpieces happen. We love a good accessory just as much as the next girl, but there’s a serious difference between a headband and a headpiece. Chicagoan Agnes B. Miles, an accessories designer and creator of Love, LuluMae is hot off the presses. This artist with the mostess is making her mark on head accessories! Love, LuluMae, a line of hair accessories entirely handcrafted from vintage buttons, paper, antique jewels and exotic feathers, is not for the faint of heart. The local designer just recently debuted her new old-Hollywood-inspired collection called L’amour Couture. It's sassy couture at its finest—each piece is handcrafted with Swarovski crystals, hand-dyed ostrich feathers, and vintage fabrics. The 50-piece collection includes feathered fascinators, headbands, combs/clips, gloves, and hats. Prices range from $50 to $1,000 and are sure to add a sweet pop of chic to any outfit. Visit www.lovelulumae.com to check out her designs. It’s time to turn some heads. Lulu Mae |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | The Big O
If asked what we wear to bed, we would answer in our sultriest Marilyn half-whisper: "Why, organic-cotton pajamas and Save Your World Rainforest lotion, of course." We came across SYW products first in a Whole Foods market, and then luck be a beauty writer—from the company themselves. We tried the variety of yummy wholesome earthy sexy smells, and were hooked. Plus, this product actually saves 1 acre of rainforest for 1 year! The very best part. |
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| 2 | Move Over, Nancy Sinatra Summer is definitely our favorite season, but fall is a close second—simply for the clothes. Chunky sweaters, cozy coats, and the boots… oh, the boots! This year, thanks to the “R” word, there are no new boots in our closet, but we have found a way to make the old “new” again. The 2 Bandits dress up your boots with bands that slide over them—from embellished, metallic and Ikat print bands to Native American-inspired designs, chains and jewels. Kickin. |
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| 3 | Pretty is as Pretty Does Coco Chanel said, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” So true! And one of our favorite ways to show how unique we can be is with accessories. So of course we absolutely swooned over these colorful felt brooches from Digs. They’re handmade in Lima with reclaimed felt from an Andean hat factory, yet look right at home on stylish Chicagoans, from hipster students to soccer moms. Love! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Art & Coffee Remember that great Blur song "Coffee & TV?" That’s what a lot of Saturday mornings look like. Why not spend Saturday morning sipping coffee and discussing art? Wear your geeky smart glasses and listen to Chicago artist Michelle Grabner discussing conceptual and pictoral impulses in painting. View works at the MCA and don't feel intimidated—no previous artsy knowledge necessary. What: Art & Coffee at the MCA |
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| 2 | Cupcakes & Fast Cars
For the month of October, Sugarbliss Cake Boutique and Zipcar are pairing up, using this link: www.zipcar.com/sugarbliss (Promo Code: sugarbliss), and your Zipcar application fee will be waived and the promo code will give you $50 in driving credit. Also, stop in at Sugarbliss for their October specials: Apple Taffy, Candy Corn, Candy Bar cupcake, and more! What: Zipcar & Sugarbliss promotion |
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| 3 | Fashion VIP? Yes, Please Enjoy red-carpet treatment with Sofitel's VIP access package in preparation for Fashion Focus Chicago. In anticipation of this four-day showcase of the season's hottest looks, runway show, and shopping events, Sofitel's package includes two tickets to a Fashion Focus Chicago fashion show, two VIP fashion show passes, a $500 Maria Pinto gift certificate, a personal consultation with a Maria Pinto Sales Specialist, dinner for two in Cafe des Architectes, concierge service, and of course, luxurious guestroom accomodations at Sofitel Chicago Water Tower. What: Sofitel Chicago Water Tower VIP Fashion Focus Package |
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Dear readers, we hope you are busy booking your tickets for the Fashion Focus shows! The Gen Art shows are always amazing, and Macy's is in a league of its own. Don't forget to enjoy all the happenings around town, and to find out where all the HotSpots are! Visit www.chicagofashionresource.com for more, and keep reading Chicago Picks for insider details. |
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