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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
food, fun, and philanthropy
One of my favorite restaurant row establishments is having a spectacular anniversary celebration. Looks like a good time!
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Wednesday, October 8, 2008
denim bombshell!
I am so sad that I will not be around this year for this event...
Will be out of town at a wedding in Kansas. Yes, Kansas.
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Will be out of town at a wedding in Kansas. Yes, Kansas.
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Sunday, October 5, 2008
white truffle time!
My favorite restaurant:
Sweets & Savories Annual White Truffle Dinner Extravaganza!
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
$65.00 per Person
Opulent Seven Course Chef's Dinner White Truffles Everywhere Right Down to Sweets & Savories' Notorious White Truffle Ice Cream! Wine Pairing will also be Available. 2008 is being being refered to as a truely Vintage year for White Truffles, and Chef David can't wait to get his truffle shaver on these Jems!
Last year filled up Fast and we missed some of you, so please call early for a Reservation. We Hope Everyone has a Great Fall and Look Forward to Seeing You Soon!
Sweets & Savories is located at:
1534 W Fullerton Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 773.281.6778 Fax: 312.573.1077
For more information (dress code, parking, map, etc.) or to make reservations at Sweets & Savories: http://www.opentable.com/restaurant_profile.asp?ID=5615&restref=5615
Sweets & Savories Annual White Truffle Dinner Extravaganza!
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
$65.00 per Person
Opulent Seven Course Chef's Dinner White Truffles Everywhere Right Down to Sweets & Savories' Notorious White Truffle Ice Cream! Wine Pairing will also be Available. 2008 is being being refered to as a truely Vintage year for White Truffles, and Chef David can't wait to get his truffle shaver on these Jems!
Last year filled up Fast and we missed some of you, so please call early for a Reservation. We Hope Everyone has a Great Fall and Look Forward to Seeing You Soon!
Sweets & Savories is located at:
1534 W Fullerton Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 773.281.6778 Fax: 312.573.1077
For more information (dress code, parking, map, etc.) or to make reservations at Sweets & Savories: http://www.opentable.com/restaurant_profile.asp?ID=5615&restref=5615
Thursday, October 2, 2008
pivot curates museum of sustainable style
Thursday - Sunday, October 2 - 5, 2008 12:00 - 6:00 PM
Museum of Sustainable Style (MOSS), 1109 W. Fulton Market Pivot Boutique (1101 W. Fulton Market) is curating an exhibit October 2 - 5 for Chicago's Fashion Focus week and we hope you will join us!
15% off purchases at Pivot during MOSS!
MOSS features clothing, accessories and furniture from local designers using sustainable materials and processes.
SPECIAL EVENT - Saturday, October 4, 2008 (2:00 - 3:00 PM). Panel discussion on sustainable style featuring Sara Snow, Barry Bursak, Lara Miller and Iris Wang. Reception to follow (3:00 - 6:00 PM), with food and drink by VeeV and Cru Cacao. Please visit www.mosschicago.org for more information.
mussels, good writing and karaoke!
I met up with some friends for dinner at the Hopleaf before the Bookslut reading last night. I had forgotten how great the food is there! We shared two orders of the always delectable mussels and fries, the brisket sandwich and the CB + J (toasted cashew buttered bread, fig spread, and morbier cheese). The two sandwiches and two orders of mussels were more than enough! After stuffing our faces we headed upstairs for the reading which didn't end up starting until 7:45 because Rolf Potts had a delayed flight. He came rushing in straight from the airport but had time to breath while the other two writers read ahead of him.
Peter Ferry, a lifelong teacher decided to finally sit down and write a novel. At age 61, his (first) truth based novel (he called this "walking the fine line between fiction and non-fiction by jabbing the reader in the eye a few times") Travel Writing was published. He read an excerpt from his book and you can definitely hear the maturity and grace in his writing. His excerpt was based on his travels to Mexico and reminded me of John Updike's short stories. His stories were extremely personal and almost too nostalgic - but he used "boob" twice - I mean, it doesn't get better than that.
Next Dubravka Ugresic read from her latest book Nobody's Home. Ugresic is already a highly acclaimed writer and has over 8 books to her name. A native of Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia) Ugresic's writing reminded me of Orhan Palmuk's writing. They follow a long line of classic novelists like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Gogol, etc who have lived under oppressive heads of state and governmental systems. They both came from countries in constant turmoil whether it be religious, political, or philosophical wars. She bring a different kind of perspective to the table - she much more aware of her surroundings, of the little cultural quirks that cause misunderstanding between people of different ethnicities, and of her own insufficiencies. Her sentences are crisp; her words sharp; and her accent beautiful. All her books have been translated into English which makes me wish I could read it in Croatian because it must be 10 times more powerful.
Finally, Rolf Potts shared one of his more famous short stories - Tantric Sex for Dilettantes. He got a lot of light hearted laughs. After reading that piece he read us some endnotes from his latest book, Marco Polo Didn't go There. This book compiles his last 10 years of travel. He actually expands his already published pieces and added the endnotes as a sort of commentary to fill in any holes. He admitted that he had to omit many direct quotes and character sketches of people that he encountered because they were so odd that they seemed unbelievable. He finds as a travel writer, he actually has to tone down stories to make them more believable. I can believe that!
After the book reading I headed over to Angels and Kings to hit up live karaoke with Pete Wentz. Last night's event was hosted by AM Vodka/Energy drink which happens to be something a friend of mine is behind. Everyone invited by AM got a complimentary bottle of the drink (which you can get 2-3 glasses out of). I test tasted it back in March and thought it was great - the healthier, tastier version of Red Bull + vodka. This was my first time at Angels and Kings - the space reminded me of Elm Street Liquors but with a LA punk rock vibe. It's a long space with the bar smack dab in the middle. At the furthest end of the bar is the stage which is the most crowded area. There are tables and lush couches at the space near the main entrance and then there is an elevated walkabout parallel to the bar that is lined with benches and more tables. Honestly, it's an uncomfortable space but has an energetic crowd. The live band was excellent and the karaoke singers ranged from professional to...lets just say took a lot of liquid courage.
All in all a fun-filled night.
Peter Ferry, a lifelong teacher decided to finally sit down and write a novel. At age 61, his (first) truth based novel (he called this "walking the fine line between fiction and non-fiction by jabbing the reader in the eye a few times") Travel Writing was published. He read an excerpt from his book and you can definitely hear the maturity and grace in his writing. His excerpt was based on his travels to Mexico and reminded me of John Updike's short stories. His stories were extremely personal and almost too nostalgic - but he used "boob" twice - I mean, it doesn't get better than that.
Next Dubravka Ugresic read from her latest book Nobody's Home. Ugresic is already a highly acclaimed writer and has over 8 books to her name. A native of Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia) Ugresic's writing reminded me of Orhan Palmuk's writing. They follow a long line of classic novelists like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Gogol, etc who have lived under oppressive heads of state and governmental systems. They both came from countries in constant turmoil whether it be religious, political, or philosophical wars. She bring a different kind of perspective to the table - she much more aware of her surroundings, of the little cultural quirks that cause misunderstanding between people of different ethnicities, and of her own insufficiencies. Her sentences are crisp; her words sharp; and her accent beautiful. All her books have been translated into English which makes me wish I could read it in Croatian because it must be 10 times more powerful.
Finally, Rolf Potts shared one of his more famous short stories - Tantric Sex for Dilettantes. He got a lot of light hearted laughs. After reading that piece he read us some endnotes from his latest book, Marco Polo Didn't go There. This book compiles his last 10 years of travel. He actually expands his already published pieces and added the endnotes as a sort of commentary to fill in any holes. He admitted that he had to omit many direct quotes and character sketches of people that he encountered because they were so odd that they seemed unbelievable. He finds as a travel writer, he actually has to tone down stories to make them more believable. I can believe that!
After the book reading I headed over to Angels and Kings to hit up live karaoke with Pete Wentz. Last night's event was hosted by AM Vodka/Energy drink which happens to be something a friend of mine is behind. Everyone invited by AM got a complimentary bottle of the drink (which you can get 2-3 glasses out of). I test tasted it back in March and thought it was great - the healthier, tastier version of Red Bull + vodka. This was my first time at Angels and Kings - the space reminded me of Elm Street Liquors but with a LA punk rock vibe. It's a long space with the bar smack dab in the middle. At the furthest end of the bar is the stage which is the most crowded area. There are tables and lush couches at the space near the main entrance and then there is an elevated walkabout parallel to the bar that is lined with benches and more tables. Honestly, it's an uncomfortable space but has an energetic crowd. The live band was excellent and the karaoke singers ranged from professional to...lets just say took a lot of liquid courage.
All in all a fun-filled night.
Monday, September 29, 2008
a wednesday of r + r
Two of my favorite people are coming to Chicago on Wednesday which is great except for the fact that I have to choose between the two...
Rolf Potts will be reading from his latest book, Marco Polo Didn't Go There, at the Bookslut reading at an Andersonville favorite - Hopleaf. He'll be joined by Dubravka Ugresic and Peter Ferry. If you're a big fan of travel writing - this is where you need to be. The book readings are held in the upstairs special events room - usually fills out quickly so grab two pints, and snag your seat early.
Rachel Yamagata will be at the Lakeshore theater. She'll have two performances, one at 7 and one at 10. Tickets are $20. Her mellow Happenstance album would be the perfect soundtrack for today's gloomy weather. Don't get me wrong though, girlfriend gots soul. I think I'll be doing double duty on Wednesday, going to try to hit up both events!
Rolf Potts will be reading from his latest book, Marco Polo Didn't Go There, at the Bookslut reading at an Andersonville favorite - Hopleaf. He'll be joined by Dubravka Ugresic and Peter Ferry. If you're a big fan of travel writing - this is where you need to be. The book readings are held in the upstairs special events room - usually fills out quickly so grab two pints, and snag your seat early.
Rachel Yamagata will be at the Lakeshore theater. She'll have two performances, one at 7 and one at 10. Tickets are $20. Her mellow Happenstance album would be the perfect soundtrack for today's gloomy weather. Don't get me wrong though, girlfriend gots soul. I think I'll be doing double duty on Wednesday, going to try to hit up both events!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
booty call!
Please click on image for larger view:
I'm going for the cupcakes...oh, and the 20% discount!
I'm going for the cupcakes...oh, and the 20% discount!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
attack of the posters!
Tony Adler (Art director at the Reader) fowarded this message to me this afternoon:
**
We need your help !
The 1st Chicago International Poster Biennial exhibition,
presented by SMART Papers, is scheduled to appear in Chicago's
Daley Bicentennial Plaza this Friday, September 26th. Between
today and Friday, this world class exhibition will be constructed
at a warehouse of our friends at RTC. It will take the efforts of
many members of the Chicago Design Community to make this
international design event a reality. If you can spend a few hours
on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday this week to create and install
the Biennial, please contact the CIPBA office by email at:
info@chicagobiennial.org.
All volunteers will receive a 304-page color exhibit catalogue as
soon as it comes off the press. The catalogue is courtesy of our
print sponsor, Graphic Arts Studio in Barrington and SMART Papers,
and it features color plates of all medalists and finalists, bios
and work of the jury, and articles by Victor Margolin, Steven
Heller, and Todd Lief.
Here is an overview of volunteer needs over the next 3 days:
Wednesday, September 24th:
8:30 AM
We will need volunteers present at the warehouse at 3101 South
Kedzie Avenue to unload poster kiosks from the delivery truck.
9:00AM - Noon
First shift of volunteers to paste posters to tubes. We will be
working on plastic sheets and/or drop cloths on the floor, using
water soluble paste and brushes to adhere the posters to the tubes.
Dress very casually.
3PM - 6PM
Second shift of volunteers to paste posters to tubes.
We need to have all 169 posters and captions mounted by 6PM.
Thursday, September 25th:
9AM - Noon
First shift to apply Polycrylic sealer to the tubes and posters.
3PM - 6PM
Second shift to apply Polycrylic sealer to the tubes and posters.
Dress very casually.
4PM - 6PM
Use epoxy to secure end caps to bottoms of tubes.
Friday, September 26th:
5AM
Pray for sunshine.
6AM - 9AM
Volunteers to warehouse to load tubes onto rental truck/trucks and
deliver to Monroe Drive entrance of Daley Bicentennial Plaza
(south end). Unload tubes and place into position.
9AM - Noon
Drive smaller, flatbed / pickup trucks into park (we have vehicle
permits) carrying sand bags. Drop 250 lbs worth of sandbags into
each tube. Place lid on top.
This is a very rare opportunity for the Chicago design community
to come together to demonstrate the power of graphic design on a
grand, public stage. You can play a crucial role, so we hope you
can join us. THANK YOU.
CIPBA Board of Directors
**
This is the inaugural year for the Chicago International Poster Biennial Annual
The finalists were named in June of this year and the gold medalist and honorable mentions are to be named sometime this month (I'm assuming at the private reception Friday the 26th). The exhibition at the Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Millennium Park opens Saturday the 27th and will run until October 30th.
CIPBA is co-directed by Lance Rutter and Yann Legendre. Yann Legendre is a relative newcomer to Chicago but already a respected visionary in the graphic design world. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the AIGA 2007 Fresh Talent event. His work can be brash and at times vulgar but so visually stimulating. Along with Legendre, the jury is filled with some graphic design legends including: John Massey (President of the Jury), Michel Bouvet, Shigeo Fukuda, Alfred Halasa, Yossi Lemel, Luba Lukova, German Montalvo, Jay Ryan, Lanny Sommese, and Martin Venezky.
The jurors' and finalists' works will be on display in its natural form - in public, for everyone to experience. This show should not be missed.
**
We need your help !
The 1st Chicago International Poster Biennial exhibition,
presented by SMART Papers, is scheduled to appear in Chicago's
Daley Bicentennial Plaza this Friday, September 26th. Between
today and Friday, this world class exhibition will be constructed
at a warehouse of our friends at RTC. It will take the efforts of
many members of the Chicago Design Community to make this
international design event a reality. If you can spend a few hours
on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday this week to create and install
the Biennial, please contact the CIPBA office by email at:
info@chicagobiennial.org.
All volunteers will receive a 304-page color exhibit catalogue as
soon as it comes off the press. The catalogue is courtesy of our
print sponsor, Graphic Arts Studio in Barrington and SMART Papers,
and it features color plates of all medalists and finalists, bios
and work of the jury, and articles by Victor Margolin, Steven
Heller, and Todd Lief.
Here is an overview of volunteer needs over the next 3 days:
Wednesday, September 24th:
8:30 AM
We will need volunteers present at the warehouse at 3101 South
Kedzie Avenue to unload poster kiosks from the delivery truck.
9:00AM - Noon
First shift of volunteers to paste posters to tubes. We will be
working on plastic sheets and/or drop cloths on the floor, using
water soluble paste and brushes to adhere the posters to the tubes.
Dress very casually.
3PM - 6PM
Second shift of volunteers to paste posters to tubes.
We need to have all 169 posters and captions mounted by 6PM.
Thursday, September 25th:
9AM - Noon
First shift to apply Polycrylic sealer to the tubes and posters.
3PM - 6PM
Second shift to apply Polycrylic sealer to the tubes and posters.
Dress very casually.
4PM - 6PM
Use epoxy to secure end caps to bottoms of tubes.
Friday, September 26th:
5AM
Pray for sunshine.
6AM - 9AM
Volunteers to warehouse to load tubes onto rental truck/trucks and
deliver to Monroe Drive entrance of Daley Bicentennial Plaza
(south end). Unload tubes and place into position.
9AM - Noon
Drive smaller, flatbed / pickup trucks into park (we have vehicle
permits) carrying sand bags. Drop 250 lbs worth of sandbags into
each tube. Place lid on top.
This is a very rare opportunity for the Chicago design community
to come together to demonstrate the power of graphic design on a
grand, public stage. You can play a crucial role, so we hope you
can join us. THANK YOU.
CIPBA Board of Directors
**
This is the inaugural year for the Chicago International Poster Biennial Annual
The finalists were named in June of this year and the gold medalist and honorable mentions are to be named sometime this month (I'm assuming at the private reception Friday the 26th). The exhibition at the Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Millennium Park opens Saturday the 27th and will run until October 30th.
CIPBA is co-directed by Lance Rutter and Yann Legendre. Yann Legendre is a relative newcomer to Chicago but already a respected visionary in the graphic design world. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the AIGA 2007 Fresh Talent event. His work can be brash and at times vulgar but so visually stimulating. Along with Legendre, the jury is filled with some graphic design legends including: John Massey (President of the Jury), Michel Bouvet, Shigeo Fukuda, Alfred Halasa, Yossi Lemel, Luba Lukova, German Montalvo, Jay Ryan, Lanny Sommese, and Martin Venezky.
The jurors' and finalists' works will be on display in its natural form - in public, for everyone to experience. This show should not be missed.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
chocolate makes chicago go round
On Saturday my friend and I popped into the Vosges on Michigan Avenue for some pick me ups after doing some shopping at Nordstrom. I love the warm purple packaging and designs on the store walls - so rich and luxurious just like their truffles! Our favorite Vosges guy that usually works at the Armitage store was there and asked us why we haven't been to an event in such a long time. True and sad. Sometime in 2007 Vosges launched a series of tasting events for their Chicago area patrons. My girlfriends and I attended the first ever tasting event which was a blast. The theme was chocolate and cheese which sounds like an odd pairing - but worked so well! The set up was amazing. For $35/person there were platters of truffles in every corner of the store. Passed hor' doeurves consisted of: while chocolate and mozzarella panini's, bacon wrapped dates stuffed with white chocolate, and ahi tuna on watermelon rind topped with while chocolate shavings. There was and endless flow of drinks at the coffee/ice cream bar at the back of the store - the highlight was the chocolate martini which was like a meal in itself! They also offered a beautiful red malbec which went great with the dark truffles. About half an hour into the evening after everyone had settled, Jen, the manager of the store had walked us through the proper way to eat a Vosges truffle. She had us close our eyes, smell the truffle, lick the top of it, then take a small bite...delicious! After having our fill of more than 5 or 6 truffles, two rounds of hor'doeurves, and three or four drinks we decided we were all chocolated out. On our way out of the store we were handed gift bags with a box of 4 of the featured truffles of the evening, some treats and coupons from local businesses, and recipes for the featured hor'doeurves. Well worth every penny!
After that event I also attended the Sushi and Chocolate event, Find your Dosha (partnered with TeaGschwendner) , Tapas and Chocolate to debut their Gaudi chocolate (partnered with Cafe Ba Ba Reeba), and the Belgium Beer and Chocolate (partnered with a representative from a national beer distributor). Since the beginning of this year, I haven't been able to so to an event, but Vosges guy made us regret the latest one we missed on Thursday - Sake and Chocolate! He said that they imported boxes of beautiful sakes and had an exceptional sake made of plums that is made in America and imported to Japan! He also said it was much more fun because it was an intimate group of about 25 guests - they had more than enough sake, sushi and truffles to go around! My friend and I wanted to slap ourselves in the face after hearing that. But we promised we'd go to the next one.
Here's what the Armitage store is planning for the next two months:
Oct 16 & Oct 23 – Zion Collection Launch Parties
Nov 13 – Single Malt Scotch + Exotic Caramel Tasting Soirée
Nov 20 – Cheese + Chocolate Collection Launch Party
Usually events cost from $35 - $50 (the scotch event is bound to be $50). The whole store is discounted 10% for all guests the evening of the event and you always leave with a gift bag of truffles and other goodies. You must attend at least one event - you won't know what you're missing out on if you don't!
After that event I also attended the Sushi and Chocolate event, Find your Dosha (partnered with TeaGschwendner) , Tapas and Chocolate to debut their Gaudi chocolate (partnered with Cafe Ba Ba Reeba), and the Belgium Beer and Chocolate (partnered with a representative from a national beer distributor). Since the beginning of this year, I haven't been able to so to an event, but Vosges guy made us regret the latest one we missed on Thursday - Sake and Chocolate! He said that they imported boxes of beautiful sakes and had an exceptional sake made of plums that is made in America and imported to Japan! He also said it was much more fun because it was an intimate group of about 25 guests - they had more than enough sake, sushi and truffles to go around! My friend and I wanted to slap ourselves in the face after hearing that. But we promised we'd go to the next one.
Here's what the Armitage store is planning for the next two months:
Oct 16 & Oct 23 – Zion Collection Launch Parties
Nov 13 – Single Malt Scotch + Exotic Caramel Tasting Soirée
Nov 20 – Cheese + Chocolate Collection Launch Party
Usually events cost from $35 - $50 (the scotch event is bound to be $50). The whole store is discounted 10% for all guests the evening of the event and you always leave with a gift bag of truffles and other goodies. You must attend at least one event - you won't know what you're missing out on if you don't!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
it's wine and craft time!
Two of my favorite annual events are coming up this weekend:
-and-
Date: Saturday, September 13th, 2008
Time: 11am - 10pm (wine tastings from 2pm - 7pm)
Location: N. Wells between North Ave and Evergreen
***
Both events feature live performances, food, and an all around good time. Come out come out! Rain or shine.
-and-
Date: Saturday, September 13th, 2008
Time: 11am - 10pm (wine tastings from 2pm - 7pm)
Location: N. Wells between North Ave and Evergreen
***
Both events feature live performances, food, and an all around good time. Come out come out! Rain or shine.
Monday, September 8, 2008
shoes and bag don't match your dress? no problem...
2 Sisters Boutique on Madison has come up with a fabulous idea:
Buy the Dress Borrow the Rest! Buy ANY dress from our collection and we will happily loan you everything you need to complete the look! Choose from our selection of shoes, handbags and jewelry! Stop in or contact us for details!
***
I've stopped in on many occasions to find a last minute top or dress to go out in on a Friday night. The owners are great and the prices are hard to beat! Cute tops start at $10 and fun dresses start at $49. Loaning accessories is such a great idea! The stars do it all the time, so why can't we?
Buy the Dress Borrow the Rest! Buy ANY dress from our collection and we will happily loan you everything you need to complete the look! Choose from our selection of shoes, handbags and jewelry! Stop in or contact us for details!
***
I've stopped in on many occasions to find a last minute top or dress to go out in on a Friday night. The owners are great and the prices are hard to beat! Cute tops start at $10 and fun dresses start at $49. Loaning accessories is such a great idea! The stars do it all the time, so why can't we?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
summer seoul lovin'
I haven't done much with this blog but for the two or three of you others that read this, I'll be writing on this blog from July 17th - Sept 1st.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
rushdie the enchantress
This afternoon I had the pleasure of sitting in on a Salman Rushdie reading at the Harold Washington Library. I have to admit, his novels are always so long, daunting and intense that I have to put it down for weeks at a time to process what I've just read. Seeing him in person and listening to him read a few pages from his latest novel The Enchantress of Florence, I was a little surprised...has he gone off the deep end? Evidently he did a great deal of historical research for this novel that takes place between two very different worlds - the Mughal Empire and Florence, Italy. He seemed to be in this constant state of glibness. A bit full of himself and highly amused with his own writing. Although historically based, his writings were filled with elements of fantasy and exotic perversion. I guess once you establish yourself as a critically acclaimed novelist, there's nothing else to prove so write as you will...
Monday, June 16, 2008
oops...
I had some time to kill before a friend's surprise engagement dinner...
I thanked him heartily and we made small talk about the worsening economy and what he's been doing to stay afloat. He told me to come back often - I'd only come when the sales were happening =)
Maybe I was feeling a little melancholy...another friend bites the dust.
So I decided to hit up GuiseIChic to see if their selection of women's wear had improved much since the opening event hosted by Lucky Magazine and Skirt PR. It was quiet in the boutique and I took my time browsing the very organized racks. They've definitely improved on the buying and were having some pretty good deals. I fell in love with this:
The Rag and Bone Mac A-Line jacket. The owner walked over and told me how nice it looked on me.(But of course - working his charm) He told me all jackets were 30% off. I twitched. At $475, that still ain't cheap. I lingered...I cried inside...I tried on again and again then sighed and put it back on the rack...
Having been brought up by a frugal Korean mother who never had any qualms about haggling, the inner-Korean haggler came out in me. I schemed while taking a walk on the mens side pretending to look for something for my pretend boyfriend, I walked back over to the jacket and gently touched it as if I were petting an endearing friend. I could sense the owner was watching me so I hammed it up a little me. I smiled, walked to the register with jacket in hand and he asked me what I thought.
"I can't lie, I really love it" I said in a cautiously enthusiastic tone. "But I'd like it more if it were a little cheaper, say...__% off?"
He laughed out loud. "It does look good on you...I'll do it. You can't tell anyone!"
I thanked him heartily and we made small talk about the worsening economy and what he's been doing to stay afloat. He told me to come back often - I'd only come when the sales were happening =)
I am officially ready for Fall.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
everything looks better in sepia
I FINALLY got a group of friends together to try out Sepia which had opened to amazing reviews last year. I failed to make the reservation enough in advance so we ended up with a 9:30 reservation. The hostess suggested that if we came in an hour early, they'd try to seat us as soon as another table turned around. So at 8:30 on the dot I met my friend Jamie at the bar and we asked the mixologist for recommendations. I wanted something strong, dry and not too sweet. I ended up with the Sepia Mule and Jamie with the French 75. Both were handled with care and came out a beautiful color. Every sip of our luscious cocktails made us feel as if we were drinking our way through a portal taking us back in time to another era. The bar furnishing are really lavish and make you feel like you're sitting by the fire with family. We struck up a conversation with the couple next to us who were celebrating their 1st year anniversary at their new favorite spot and I decided that this too was my favorite.
By 8:50 the other two in our party had arrived and we didn't even have to tell the hostess that the whole party arrived - she met us at the bar and was ready to seat us. What a good eye!
By 8:50 the other two in our party had arrived and we didn't even have to tell the hostess that the whole party arrived - she met us at the bar and was ready to seat us. What a good eye!
The ambiance in the main dining room right behind the walls of the hostess stand is in one word: lush. The chairs - large and comfy. The lighting - dim and mysterious. The servers - on their feet and at our service. Our server explained the menu from top to bottom and started us off with a great French burgandy and two orders of flatbreads - the smoked apple bacon and jonah crab. The flatbreads were excellent and left us thinking we could survive the whole meal on just those. But the night went on and so did our stomachs. Megan and I had the bank cod with saffron noodles. The cod filet was cooked to perfection and the slightly sweet and spicy saffron noodles offered a nice contrast to the salty marinade on the fish. Katie had the amish chicken - the best she's ever had. She said the chicken was so moist and soft that she could just cut through it with her fork. Jamie had the skate wing - another winner. We were perfectly satisfied but not overly stuffed so we ordered three desserts (We had the apple turnover, a chocolate dessert and the peach cobbler) and another french red.
Come 12:15, the restaurant was empty and we were just finishing up! We hadn't even noticed that we were the last ones there. The server never rushed us and the other wait staff just finished their business quietly as they allowed us to top off our night out at our own glacial pace. What a night! Three courses, a cheese platter, two bottles of wine, a cocktail each, tax and tip set us over $80 a person. Well worth EVERY penny.
Come 12:15, the restaurant was empty and we were just finishing up! We hadn't even noticed that we were the last ones there. The server never rushed us and the other wait staff just finished their business quietly as they allowed us to top off our night out at our own glacial pace. What a night! Three courses, a cheese platter, two bottles of wine, a cocktail each, tax and tip set us over $80 a person. Well worth EVERY penny.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
party on the cheap
We did it again. FABULOUS party at my place co-hosted with my friend Katie.
Boxed Wine and Processed Cheese.
Comment most heard through the night: "Oh my god, did you try the hamburger helper? It is SO good."
Pictures to come...
Thursday, April 17, 2008
a reading and talk by pico iyer
I was first introduced to Pico Iyer in a travel writing course that I took my sophomore year at W. Since then, I've followed his career writings and recently was more than overjoyed to find out that he'd be at the Harold Washington library on State Street. He was in town to read from and talk about his latest book, The Open Road: The Global Journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. With the current state of affairs between China and Tibet, his timing couldn't have been more perfect. The auditorium was filled with scholars, writers, Tibetan and Chinese students.
When he walked onto stage I was surprised to see how tall and lanky he was. He's got a special sort of intellectual charisma and charm. Iyer started out with a few anecdotes about Chicago and his love for pizza. He's quite funny. Despite being a world traveler, he has a penchant for pizza. He's married to a Japanese woman and together they live in Japan, but he says you can find him at a convenient store eating a slice of pizza instead of at a fancy restaurant dining on sashimi platters. He's a confident and animated speaker and reader which made every minute in the auditorium a pure pleasure.
His book stems from 30 years of personal observation and interaction with the Dalai Lama. Iyer's father is a philosopher and close friend of the D.L. - how many people can say that? Iyer's father took him to meet the D.L.for the first time when he was 17. Since then, he's made many trips to visit the D.L. in Tibet or other locations when he was exiled. The interesting thing about Iyer is that he hasn't written off pop culture and actually uses today's pop cultural references to make various points about the D.L. in his book. The one thing I took away from this lecture was the idea that this is the age of the exile - there are 33 million exiled or displaced people living around the world today. This idea of a homeland or country is becoming more of a dreamland than a reality.
At the end of his reading and lecture he opened up the floor for questions. Everyone had specific questions about what the Dalai Lama thought about the war, China vs. Tibet, globalization, etc...When he finally called on me to ask my question, I apologized to everyone for not having a more specific question on the subject at hand. Instead I asked him for the one key advice you'd give to any aspiring writer. His answer:
"Using your own background, training and interests find something that you have that can unlock a new view of a subject that is unique to every other viewpoint. Write something engaging or in the moment, not passive. Write about what you know."
When he walked onto stage I was surprised to see how tall and lanky he was. He's got a special sort of intellectual charisma and charm. Iyer started out with a few anecdotes about Chicago and his love for pizza. He's quite funny. Despite being a world traveler, he has a penchant for pizza. He's married to a Japanese woman and together they live in Japan, but he says you can find him at a convenient store eating a slice of pizza instead of at a fancy restaurant dining on sashimi platters. He's a confident and animated speaker and reader which made every minute in the auditorium a pure pleasure.
His book stems from 30 years of personal observation and interaction with the Dalai Lama. Iyer's father is a philosopher and close friend of the D.L. - how many people can say that? Iyer's father took him to meet the D.L.for the first time when he was 17. Since then, he's made many trips to visit the D.L. in Tibet or other locations when he was exiled. The interesting thing about Iyer is that he hasn't written off pop culture and actually uses today's pop cultural references to make various points about the D.L. in his book. The one thing I took away from this lecture was the idea that this is the age of the exile - there are 33 million exiled or displaced people living around the world today. This idea of a homeland or country is becoming more of a dreamland than a reality.
At the end of his reading and lecture he opened up the floor for questions. Everyone had specific questions about what the Dalai Lama thought about the war, China vs. Tibet, globalization, etc...When he finally called on me to ask my question, I apologized to everyone for not having a more specific question on the subject at hand. Instead I asked him for the one key advice you'd give to any aspiring writer. His answer:
"Using your own background, training and interests find something that you have that can unlock a new view of a subject that is unique to every other viewpoint. Write something engaging or in the moment, not passive. Write about what you know."
Sunday, April 13, 2008
chicago style birthday bash
Last night we celebrated a friend's birthday in true Chicago style. Deep dish pizza at Pizzeria Due and Karaoke at the Blue Frog after. I've actually never been to Pizzeria Due before and I have to say, it wasn't so bad! It's not Lou Malnati's but it's bearable. There were 8 of us and we ordered 3 pies. HUGE mistake. We had a whole pie left over so we took it to the Blue Frog and gave it to the bartenders to eat.
The Blue Frog was packed like sardines as usual, but it was a fabulous time! There were several other parties there that night which made it more festive. The highlight of the evening, when my friend and her boyfriend sang "Me So Horny." Oh yes.
The Blue Frog was packed like sardines as usual, but it was a fabulous time! There were several other parties there that night which made it more festive. The highlight of the evening, when my friend and her boyfriend sang "Me So Horny." Oh yes.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
starfruit sneak peak
I went to check out the Startfruit sneak peak this evening with a friend who is a loyal Pinkberry fan. After checking in with the Skirt PR ladies, we walked into the sleek white space and was confronted by the first first stop of the counter. I don't know how I feel about the layout, I wish the counter was pushed back a little more to give the customer a chance to take everything in before being asked what they'd like to have. It was jarring having a smiling girl behind the counter asking me what I wanted. I can see how this might be a ploy to force the line of people to start outside instead of having a crowd waiting inside the small shop with limited seating. I like the long curved bar that stretches to the back of the store which allows for 4 bar stool seats. The store's interior has a galactic feel which is the theme they seem to be going for on their website also.
Starfruit is housed under the same Lifeway umbrella that is the leading producer of kefir (kee-fir) products. So unlike other frozen yogurt shops like Red Mango, Pinkberry and Berry Chill, Starfruit frozen yogurts, parfaits and smoothies boast 10 live and active pro-biotic cultures that boost the immune system, fights fatique, and helps the digestive system (I can vouch for the digestive part because I drink a cup of kefir everyday). My friend and I started off with the parfaits. Basically, all this was was a half cup of flavored kefir (straight from the bottle) with all the toppings you want. I chose the pomegranate kefir with yogurt chips, rice crispy's and blueberries. Mixed together, it was tasty. But honestly, did I have to come all the way out to the Ukranian Village to have this? I could've bought a bottle of kefir at Dominick's and a few toppings and made 5 of these parfaits at home. My friend wasn't so impressed either.
So I went back for some frozen yogurt. I got the original flavor which is slightly sweetened according to one of the Lifeway reps. She said their taste testers didn't like the sour taste of the actual original kefir so they sweetened it, whatever that means. Honestly, the sweeteners are the last of their problems. I got strawberry, kiwi and corn flakes as toppings and my friend took one bite and set his spoon down. He then went off on how he wanted to fly to L.A. at that very moment and order 20 Pinkberries with various toppings, place them in an ice box and back to this store. The yogurt was so bland! There was no taste whatsoever. With all other competitors you get this sweet/sour/tart taste. With Starfruit, all you taste is frozen water and toppings. Another problem, the consistency of the yogurt was not smooth and soft like competitors. Sure the color of the product was white, but the consistancy was more like that of a melting snow cone.
The highlight I suppose is the slice of starfruit at the bottom of the cup - but those who have tried the fruit know that there's nothing especially tasty about those either. It's a shame, they have a great patio in the back with tons of seating. Location is key though, and they did pick a great spot. Weekend shoppers will probably pop in for an afternoon treat, but will they come because they actually like it or to just take part in all the fro-yo hype? Hmm...
Prices:
Frozen kefir: S $3, M $4, L $5
Parfaits and Smoothies: S $4, M $5, L $7
First topping $1
Each additional topping $.50
Check it out for the actual opening on Tuesday April 15th. It'll be free all day.
Starfruit is housed under the same Lifeway umbrella that is the leading producer of kefir (kee-fir) products. So unlike other frozen yogurt shops like Red Mango, Pinkberry and Berry Chill, Starfruit frozen yogurts, parfaits and smoothies boast 10 live and active pro-biotic cultures that boost the immune system, fights fatique, and helps the digestive system (I can vouch for the digestive part because I drink a cup of kefir everyday). My friend and I started off with the parfaits. Basically, all this was was a half cup of flavored kefir (straight from the bottle) with all the toppings you want. I chose the pomegranate kefir with yogurt chips, rice crispy's and blueberries. Mixed together, it was tasty. But honestly, did I have to come all the way out to the Ukranian Village to have this? I could've bought a bottle of kefir at Dominick's and a few toppings and made 5 of these parfaits at home. My friend wasn't so impressed either.
So I went back for some frozen yogurt. I got the original flavor which is slightly sweetened according to one of the Lifeway reps. She said their taste testers didn't like the sour taste of the actual original kefir so they sweetened it, whatever that means. Honestly, the sweeteners are the last of their problems. I got strawberry, kiwi and corn flakes as toppings and my friend took one bite and set his spoon down. He then went off on how he wanted to fly to L.A. at that very moment and order 20 Pinkberries with various toppings, place them in an ice box and back to this store. The yogurt was so bland! There was no taste whatsoever. With all other competitors you get this sweet/sour/tart taste. With Starfruit, all you taste is frozen water and toppings. Another problem, the consistency of the yogurt was not smooth and soft like competitors. Sure the color of the product was white, but the consistancy was more like that of a melting snow cone.
The highlight I suppose is the slice of starfruit at the bottom of the cup - but those who have tried the fruit know that there's nothing especially tasty about those either. It's a shame, they have a great patio in the back with tons of seating. Location is key though, and they did pick a great spot. Weekend shoppers will probably pop in for an afternoon treat, but will they come because they actually like it or to just take part in all the fro-yo hype? Hmm...
Prices:
Frozen kefir: S $3, M $4, L $5
Parfaits and Smoothies: S $4, M $5, L $7
First topping $1
Each additional topping $.50
Check it out for the actual opening on Tuesday April 15th. It'll be free all day.
Monday, April 7, 2008
art gallery round-up
Friday night was a great night to learn about and experience works by the latest up and coming artists (and to score free wine/cocktails). I started out at Kasia Kay for the opening reception for Kim Curtis's Disruption in the main gallery. I really enjoyed her pieces. You can tell how the natural environment around her influences the work on her panels. One of my favorites was Long Fall III which quite literally is long because the triptych runs 11.5' x 9". It's like a view of a very empty and expansive landscape with a few bursts of colors, very representative of the season. Her pieces emulate natural landscape almost in the abstract - but still with order and sense. She had about 14 works on view, and I took my precious time trying to figure each one out while taking sips of my white wine. In the project room, Andrea Loefke's installation Folding an Orange Fish out of Newspaper was on view. I have to admit, I didn't really understand it. What I took for the center focal piece was a bright orange umbrella with colorful pillows on the ground underneath it. There were bowls of candy (that I was very tempted to just grab and eat) placed around the floor and on the wall were post its with notes written on them. I felt like I was in a scene from a Dr.Seuss book.
A few doors down, I hit up Function + Art. Artist Jill Henry's Surroundings is on view. Her works are the complete opposite of Curtis's but I liked the change. Every inch of Henry's canvases are covered in color. Each work is the artist's "virtual, imagined surrounding" that like natural spaces, "evoke sublime virtual experiences." The variation of color scheme on each canvas really seems to capture the emotion of that scene. For example in Lagoon, Henry uses the deepest of blues to the lightest with the smallest specks of algae green. My favorite was Twilight. For some reason, it reminded me of Van gogh's The Starry Night. As if she captured the image of one star, blew it up, and this is what she came up with. Very nice. Next door at sister gallery Prism, beautiful glass works were on display for Singular Forms: Trans-minimalist Sculpture. In the middle of the gallery sat a large arched piece by Brian Usher. My favorite was Alex Fekete's Smoke. It's amazing how these artists can form such beautiful sculptures with glass.
Carson Fox's Inflorescence was on view at the Linda Warren Gallery. The gallery was packed with a younger crowd compared to the other Fulton Street galleries. The wine and special punch was flowing and they even had a table with interesting snacks. In the main gallery, Fox's works covered large sections of the white walls. Individual colorful flowers constructed by cast resin stuck into the walls with pins were the objects he used to form a much larger abstract piece. I like Rothko For Mother which mimicks the block color scheme of one of Rothko's paintings. In a way, she's challenging the way that art on canvas can come to life by the use of flowers, or any other object for that matter. In the project room, Janet Bloch's Power Play was on view. Her painted canvases are very whimsical yet dark -- Murakami with a mix of Dali. A modern fantastical take on industrialisation juxtaposed against nature. Very thought provoking works. Ironically, I couldn't stay in the room long enough because I could smell the cigarette smoke creeping into the room through the back door that was propped open.
Next door I went to Morlen Sinoway, Atelier. I downed my latest glass of The shop had some beautiful furniture, housewares, jewelry, and other accessories by mostly European artists. It was a warm and inviting space with subdued lighting. I overheard a guy telling his friend that "this is like a very expensive Ikea." I couldn't help but laugh. Indeed, there's some similarity, but Sinoway's pieces are much more luxurious and are thoughtfully handcrafted. Think Design Within Reach meets personality and warmth.
Finally, my last stop was eco-friendly shop Pivot. Very hip, fashion conscious crowd (including men with narrow hips and murses). For some reason, when I hear about eco-friendly clothing I think hemp, rough fabric, and bland colors; but owner Jessa Brinkmeyer did a great job of selecting a broad range of eco-friendly clothing of all colors and materials. My favorite pieces were the black knit sweaters by Lara Miller. They're made of bamboo and feel very soft. The sweaters that come in two different styles start at $198. Another clothing line to watch is Frei Designs. The line is made of organic cotton and surplus materials. The designs, very delicate and sophisticated. Vera Wang's flow-y material meets Cynthia Steffe's cropped jackets and short lines. For premium denim fans like myself, Pivot carries organic, fair-trade denim by Sling + Stones that were marked down from $290 to $125 and adorable shoes by Beyond Skin. For the men out there, there's a rack of menswear that carries the basics. Organic cotton tees, button ups, khakis and jeans. Not as design forward as the women's wear, but still eco-friendly! Even the clothing racks are environmentally conscious. Each rack is a little different and were designed by Joshua Height of Brickermade. They're made with reclaimed steel and wood. The steel was recycled from pallets in a machinery gear factory in Aurora. Jessa has found away to make green very chic.
Walking back to my condo, there was a couple in front of me traveling the same direction. They were still drinking their wine from plastic cups and I couldn't help to smile. At the Lake Street intersection while waiting for some cars to pass, we looked at each other, said our hellos and made small talk about the galleries. This is what the West Loop is all about. Art, wine and community.
A few doors down, I hit up Function + Art. Artist Jill Henry's Surroundings is on view. Her works are the complete opposite of Curtis's but I liked the change. Every inch of Henry's canvases are covered in color. Each work is the artist's "virtual, imagined surrounding" that like natural spaces, "evoke sublime virtual experiences." The variation of color scheme on each canvas really seems to capture the emotion of that scene. For example in Lagoon, Henry uses the deepest of blues to the lightest with the smallest specks of algae green. My favorite was Twilight. For some reason, it reminded me of Van gogh's The Starry Night. As if she captured the image of one star, blew it up, and this is what she came up with. Very nice. Next door at sister gallery Prism, beautiful glass works were on display for Singular Forms: Trans-minimalist Sculpture. In the middle of the gallery sat a large arched piece by Brian Usher. My favorite was Alex Fekete's Smoke. It's amazing how these artists can form such beautiful sculptures with glass.
Carson Fox's Inflorescence was on view at the Linda Warren Gallery. The gallery was packed with a younger crowd compared to the other Fulton Street galleries. The wine and special punch was flowing and they even had a table with interesting snacks. In the main gallery, Fox's works covered large sections of the white walls. Individual colorful flowers constructed by cast resin stuck into the walls with pins were the objects he used to form a much larger abstract piece. I like Rothko For Mother which mimicks the block color scheme of one of Rothko's paintings. In a way, she's challenging the way that art on canvas can come to life by the use of flowers, or any other object for that matter. In the project room, Janet Bloch's Power Play was on view. Her painted canvases are very whimsical yet dark -- Murakami with a mix of Dali. A modern fantastical take on industrialisation juxtaposed against nature. Very thought provoking works. Ironically, I couldn't stay in the room long enough because I could smell the cigarette smoke creeping into the room through the back door that was propped open.
Next door I went to Morlen Sinoway, Atelier. I downed my latest glass of The shop had some beautiful furniture, housewares, jewelry, and other accessories by mostly European artists. It was a warm and inviting space with subdued lighting. I overheard a guy telling his friend that "this is like a very expensive Ikea." I couldn't help but laugh. Indeed, there's some similarity, but Sinoway's pieces are much more luxurious and are thoughtfully handcrafted. Think Design Within Reach meets personality and warmth.
Finally, my last stop was eco-friendly shop Pivot. Very hip, fashion conscious crowd (including men with narrow hips and murses). For some reason, when I hear about eco-friendly clothing I think hemp, rough fabric, and bland colors; but owner Jessa Brinkmeyer did a great job of selecting a broad range of eco-friendly clothing of all colors and materials. My favorite pieces were the black knit sweaters by Lara Miller. They're made of bamboo and feel very soft. The sweaters that come in two different styles start at $198. Another clothing line to watch is Frei Designs. The line is made of organic cotton and surplus materials. The designs, very delicate and sophisticated. Vera Wang's flow-y material meets Cynthia Steffe's cropped jackets and short lines. For premium denim fans like myself, Pivot carries organic, fair-trade denim by Sling + Stones that were marked down from $290 to $125 and adorable shoes by Beyond Skin. For the men out there, there's a rack of menswear that carries the basics. Organic cotton tees, button ups, khakis and jeans. Not as design forward as the women's wear, but still eco-friendly! Even the clothing racks are environmentally conscious. Each rack is a little different and were designed by Joshua Height of Brickermade. They're made with reclaimed steel and wood. The steel was recycled from pallets in a machinery gear factory in Aurora. Jessa has found away to make green very chic.
Walking back to my condo, there was a couple in front of me traveling the same direction. They were still drinking their wine from plastic cups and I couldn't help to smile. At the Lake Street intersection while waiting for some cars to pass, we looked at each other, said our hellos and made small talk about the galleries. This is what the West Loop is all about. Art, wine and community.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
nothing in life is free
Last night my friends and I decided to check out Lumen to catch DJ Steve Aoki and Jeffrey Sebelia (winner of Project Runway 3) for a fashion show sponsored by Bonnie&Clyde's boutique. The e-flier I received about this event mentioned free entry with RSVP and open bar hosted by SnowQueen vodka until 10:30pm. We got to Lumen around 9:30 and waited in line for a quick ten minutes. When we got to the doorman, he said we weren't on the list, but that's okay, no cover until 10:30pm right? Wrong. Some guy came out and announced that they were filled to capacity so they would start charging $10 to everyone coming in, but it was only 9:40! We figured, the bar is open until 10:30 so we were okay with paying the cover. Much to our chagrin, the place was hardly packed at all! I felt like we were walking into an awkward homecoming dance with groups of people hovered in corners and near the punch bowl but definitely NOT filled to capacity. Annoyed.
We got our drinks, walked around to check out the scene, and went back up to the bar around 10:10 for our secound round. I asked the bartender for another vodka tonic and he shook his finger at me and said, "sorry honey, no more free shit tonight." First of all don't call me honey, and second of all, we still have another 20 minutes until the open bar is closed! He already made the drink and I didn't have any cash so I ordered a round for the friends and opened up a tab. I figured the night can't get any worse. Well, it did. Come 10:30 when the fashion show was to begin, someone announced that DJ Aoki was NOT in Chicago. In fact, he was stuck on a plane in Florida unable to fly out of the everglades....I'm sorry, but I've done my share of truth-stretching in life and that story couldn't be closer to lame. But not to fear, we have a great team of djs that I've never heard of before to play the background music to the fashion show. Shoot me now.
The fashion show was okay. Here's a peak:
The highlight of the evening:
How awesome is he? Red long johns and a Ronald McDonald scarf stylishly draped around the neck. PRICELESS. After the fashion show, the crowds dispersed and my annoyance turned into amusement. We went back for more drinks and decided to let loose and danced on the tables. At the end of the night when I went to close out my tab, the bartender that called me honey redeemed himself, he comped my first round. Rightly so! Lumen, get your act together! You can't change what you advertised on a whim. I don't plan on going back to Lumen any time soon.
We got our drinks, walked around to check out the scene, and went back up to the bar around 10:10 for our secound round. I asked the bartender for another vodka tonic and he shook his finger at me and said, "sorry honey, no more free shit tonight." First of all don't call me honey, and second of all, we still have another 20 minutes until the open bar is closed! He already made the drink and I didn't have any cash so I ordered a round for the friends and opened up a tab. I figured the night can't get any worse. Well, it did. Come 10:30 when the fashion show was to begin, someone announced that DJ Aoki was NOT in Chicago. In fact, he was stuck on a plane in Florida unable to fly out of the everglades....I'm sorry, but I've done my share of truth-stretching in life and that story couldn't be closer to lame. But not to fear, we have a great team of djs that I've never heard of before to play the background music to the fashion show. Shoot me now.
The fashion show was okay. Here's a peak:
The highlight of the evening:
How awesome is he? Red long johns and a Ronald McDonald scarf stylishly draped around the neck. PRICELESS. After the fashion show, the crowds dispersed and my annoyance turned into amusement. We went back for more drinks and decided to let loose and danced on the tables. At the end of the night when I went to close out my tab, the bartender that called me honey redeemed himself, he comped my first round. Rightly so! Lumen, get your act together! You can't change what you advertised on a whim. I don't plan on going back to Lumen any time soon.Wednesday, March 26, 2008
BIG day for shopping
Two of my favorite department stores are offering HUGE deals today, Wednesday the 26 - Friday the 28th:
Neiman Marcus
buy 2 designer/couture items take $400 off
buy 2 handbags take $400 off
buy 2 pairs of shoes take $150 off
buy 2 Contemp. Casual/Sportswear/Dresses take $100 off
same deals go for men. I'm especially excited for the ties (buy two take $50 off, time stock up on gifts for dad!)
Bloomingdales
Take an additional 15-30% off of already discounted items.
Plus get $15 back for every $100 you spend.
Those with Bloomies cards should have received the private sale booklet in the mail with 4 coupons allowing you to take $25 off of any single purchase of $100 or more.
NICE!
Neiman Marcus
buy 2 designer/couture items take $400 off
buy 2 handbags take $400 off
buy 2 pairs of shoes take $150 off
buy 2 Contemp. Casual/Sportswear/Dresses take $100 off
same deals go for men. I'm especially excited for the ties (buy two take $50 off, time stock up on gifts for dad!)
Bloomingdales
Take an additional 15-30% off of already discounted items.
Plus get $15 back for every $100 you spend.
Those with Bloomies cards should have received the private sale booklet in the mail with 4 coupons allowing you to take $25 off of any single purchase of $100 or more.
NICE!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
easter sunday
Two things I love about Easter Sunday:
Guys dressed in suits
- and -
Easter brunch
yum and yum
Guys dressed in suits
- and -
Easter brunch
yum and yum
Thursday, March 6, 2008
guiseIchic
Went to the guiseIchic opening at their new larger location at 2128 N Halsted. It was a great event to promote their full-service concept. Everything from clothing consultations to hair styling. If you had the time and the means, you could probably spend a whole day in here creating a new look for yourself.
The event itself was of course well crafted by Skirt PR. It was a bit crowded and I was nervous for all the clothes as guests carelessly handled their wine and martini glasses, but it didn't seem like there were any major slip ups. There was a charcuterie platter at the front of the very long space. At the very back where the salon is, they set up a bar featuring Amstel Light, Pom Martinis, and your standard red wine (can't remember the brand, sorry!)
The selection of women's clothing is decent, but lacking in variety. They offer many of the same styles in different colors. The men's is much more extensive since they started out as a men's boutique. I'm sure the women's section will improve with time. Brands include: Theory, Band of Outsiders, Moschino, Acne, Rag and Bone, and Nicole Farhi.
Unfortunately, It's probably not a place that I'd go for fashion inspiration. I generally don't shop in Lincoln Park. But it seems like a good place for the no hassle type of guy who needs a one stop shop to cover all his style bases.
The event itself was of course well crafted by Skirt PR. It was a bit crowded and I was nervous for all the clothes as guests carelessly handled their wine and martini glasses, but it didn't seem like there were any major slip ups. There was a charcuterie platter at the front of the very long space. At the very back where the salon is, they set up a bar featuring Amstel Light, Pom Martinis, and your standard red wine (can't remember the brand, sorry!)
The selection of women's clothing is decent, but lacking in variety. They offer many of the same styles in different colors. The men's is much more extensive since they started out as a men's boutique. I'm sure the women's section will improve with time. Brands include: Theory, Band of Outsiders, Moschino, Acne, Rag and Bone, and Nicole Farhi.
Unfortunately, It's probably not a place that I'd go for fashion inspiration. I generally don't shop in Lincoln Park. But it seems like a good place for the no hassle type of guy who needs a one stop shop to cover all his style bases.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
restaurant week review
So I ended up going to three restaurants instead of four this past week. Two dinners ended up costing me a lot more than I had bargained for, but that's okay, great experiences!
Sushi Samba Rio, Saturday 2/23:
My girlfriends and I made reservations for 8:30pm. The restaurant was extremely crowded. Guests were hovering around the bar and hostess counter waiting to be called and seated. By around 9:00, we had already asked the hostess two times when our table would be ready, she looked flustered. Finally we sat down around 9:15. Starving. The server didn't come to our table right away, but the bus boy filled our glasses of water and the host came back with the regular menus, not the restaurant week pre-fixe menu. Finally our server came by, he handed us the menu and was very honest. He told us that most people walked away still feeling hungry and that the pre-fixe was more of a tasting menu. For some reason, we tried to give the chef the benefit of the doubt and figured the other people must have larger stomachs than us. So the three of us decided to still go for the pre-fixe while one of our friends went for regular menu items. She was the smart one. Anyway, on to the menu:
1st Course: Lobster with rice and some wasabi sauce. The chunk of lobster was pretty good in size, but the meat was flimsy and hard to eat with chopsticks. It was pretty undercooked. But no major complaints.
2nd Course: I got the sea bass which came on a HUGE platter, but the joke was on me when I noticed a small indenture in the middle of the platter filled with some soupy stuff and two very VERY small filets of sea bass, some edamame and get this, ONE piece of bok choy. Three bites, and I was finished. My friends got the pork chop dish. The meat was so tough that the whole table shook while they tried to run their knives through it. They also finished theirs in three bites.
3rd Course: I got a chocolate cake with rum ice cream which was very good, but I finished in one bite.
Total with our bottle of wine, tax and tip: $55/person.
We all went home and ate frozen pizzas.
Overcrowded + over-rushed +leaving hungry = biggest waste of money ever.
Sweets and Savories, Monday 2/25:
This restaurant is my absolute favorite spot in Chicago. Unpretentious environment, fabulous food and always excellent service. After my Sushi Samba Rio debacle, I was a little nervous about what to expect here, but once we got seated and the server laid out our menus in front of us we knew we were in for a treat -- 4 full courses!
1st course: White corn risotto w/ grilled shrimp and pomegranate bbq sauce. AMAZING. The texture of the crunchy corn contrasted so nicely with the risotto and the grilled shrimp was so large and perfectly matched with the sauce.
2nd course: Sea bass with wildmushrooms, asparagus and mashed potatoes. I never thought of sea bass and mashed potatoes as a pairing, but since sea bass is one of the heavier, thicker fishes of the sea, it worked! And we loved it.
3rd course: Rack of lamb with some ragout of eggplant and chickpeas. The lamb was cooked medium rare, so tender and tasty. The ragout was a bit tart but worked well with the lamb.
4th course: Fallen chocolate souffle with fresh berries. One word - ORGASMIC.
We were all so incredibly satisfied. It was kind of creepy how we all just had smiles glazed over our faces. And the Louis Jadot Gamay that I bought was a hit! I went back to buy a case of it the next day. It's my favorite wine. Perfect with meal or just as is.
Total cost including tax and tip: $44
Onesixtyblue, Wednesday 2/27:
The last time I went to Onesixtyblue my boyfriend at the time and I ended up spending $175. It was definitely worth every penny, so I was excited to see what they had in store for us here. I met up with two old co-workers and we started out at the bar to have a glass of wine. We were seated and the waiter went through the restaurant week menu and offered us the baked goat cheese appetizer while we looked through the menu to make our decisions. We went ahead and ordered it and spent some time catching up instead of looking at the menu! Our server was more than gracious and came back a third time to take our order.
1st course: Two of us ordered the parmesen gnocchi. A good sized portion, absolutely delish! The other had the leek soup which was thick and smelled really good because of the truffle oil in it.
2nd course: I had the pork tenderloin with sweet potato, red cabbage confit, and some berry sauce. The pork belly looked daunting at first but was so amazing with the red cabbage. My friend who's a vegeterian had the fettecine. It didn't look that great, but she said it was good and it definitely was a large platter! She took most of it home.
3rd course: For dessert I had the coconut crunch - an wonderfully light dessert and perfect ending to a perfect eveing.
Total w/ one glass of wine, goat cheese app, tax + tip: $66
Sushi Samba Rio, Saturday 2/23:
My girlfriends and I made reservations for 8:30pm. The restaurant was extremely crowded. Guests were hovering around the bar and hostess counter waiting to be called and seated. By around 9:00, we had already asked the hostess two times when our table would be ready, she looked flustered. Finally we sat down around 9:15. Starving. The server didn't come to our table right away, but the bus boy filled our glasses of water and the host came back with the regular menus, not the restaurant week pre-fixe menu. Finally our server came by, he handed us the menu and was very honest. He told us that most people walked away still feeling hungry and that the pre-fixe was more of a tasting menu. For some reason, we tried to give the chef the benefit of the doubt and figured the other people must have larger stomachs than us. So the three of us decided to still go for the pre-fixe while one of our friends went for regular menu items. She was the smart one. Anyway, on to the menu:
1st Course: Lobster with rice and some wasabi sauce. The chunk of lobster was pretty good in size, but the meat was flimsy and hard to eat with chopsticks. It was pretty undercooked. But no major complaints.
2nd Course: I got the sea bass which came on a HUGE platter, but the joke was on me when I noticed a small indenture in the middle of the platter filled with some soupy stuff and two very VERY small filets of sea bass, some edamame and get this, ONE piece of bok choy. Three bites, and I was finished. My friends got the pork chop dish. The meat was so tough that the whole table shook while they tried to run their knives through it. They also finished theirs in three bites.
3rd Course: I got a chocolate cake with rum ice cream which was very good, but I finished in one bite.
Total with our bottle of wine, tax and tip: $55/person.
We all went home and ate frozen pizzas.
Overcrowded + over-rushed +leaving hungry = biggest waste of money ever.
Sweets and Savories, Monday 2/25:
This restaurant is my absolute favorite spot in Chicago. Unpretentious environment, fabulous food and always excellent service. After my Sushi Samba Rio debacle, I was a little nervous about what to expect here, but once we got seated and the server laid out our menus in front of us we knew we were in for a treat -- 4 full courses!
1st course: White corn risotto w/ grilled shrimp and pomegranate bbq sauce. AMAZING. The texture of the crunchy corn contrasted so nicely with the risotto and the grilled shrimp was so large and perfectly matched with the sauce.
2nd course: Sea bass with wildmushrooms, asparagus and mashed potatoes. I never thought of sea bass and mashed potatoes as a pairing, but since sea bass is one of the heavier, thicker fishes of the sea, it worked! And we loved it.
3rd course: Rack of lamb with some ragout of eggplant and chickpeas. The lamb was cooked medium rare, so tender and tasty. The ragout was a bit tart but worked well with the lamb.
4th course: Fallen chocolate souffle with fresh berries. One word - ORGASMIC.
We were all so incredibly satisfied. It was kind of creepy how we all just had smiles glazed over our faces. And the Louis Jadot Gamay that I bought was a hit! I went back to buy a case of it the next day. It's my favorite wine. Perfect with meal or just as is.
Total cost including tax and tip: $44
Onesixtyblue, Wednesday 2/27:
The last time I went to Onesixtyblue my boyfriend at the time and I ended up spending $175. It was definitely worth every penny, so I was excited to see what they had in store for us here. I met up with two old co-workers and we started out at the bar to have a glass of wine. We were seated and the waiter went through the restaurant week menu and offered us the baked goat cheese appetizer while we looked through the menu to make our decisions. We went ahead and ordered it and spent some time catching up instead of looking at the menu! Our server was more than gracious and came back a third time to take our order.
1st course: Two of us ordered the parmesen gnocchi. A good sized portion, absolutely delish! The other had the leek soup which was thick and smelled really good because of the truffle oil in it.
2nd course: I had the pork tenderloin with sweet potato, red cabbage confit, and some berry sauce. The pork belly looked daunting at first but was so amazing with the red cabbage. My friend who's a vegeterian had the fettecine. It didn't look that great, but she said it was good and it definitely was a large platter! She took most of it home.
3rd course: For dessert I had the coconut crunch - an wonderfully light dessert and perfect ending to a perfect eveing.
Total w/ one glass of wine, goat cheese app, tax + tip: $66
Monday, February 25, 2008
got grapes?
My favorite wine shop, Just Grapes, is having a huge winter clearance sale starting today until Thursday. They have bottles going for up to %60 off! My wine rack's been looking pretty sad and empty lately, so I went straight after work today. Pretty much all bins were marked 20 - 60% off.
What I got:
2 bottles of 2004 Louis Jadot Gamay at 12.99 each (usually $25/bottle)
1 bottle of 2004 Le Cinciole Chianti for $16 (originally $32)
1 bottle of 2006 Calina Carmenere for $6.50 (originally $11)
1 bottle of 2005 El Quintinal Tempranillo for $11 ( originally $22)
1 bottle of 2003 Aric Carignan Blend for $11.50 (originally $23)
This will keep me going for a while. I plan on taking a bottle of the Loius Jadot to dinner at Sweets and Savories. Monday nights are BYOB, no corkage fee. Talk about eating on the cheap! Will report later this week.
What I got:
2 bottles of 2004 Louis Jadot Gamay at 12.99 each (usually $25/bottle)
1 bottle of 2004 Le Cinciole Chianti for $16 (originally $32)
1 bottle of 2006 Calina Carmenere for $6.50 (originally $11)
1 bottle of 2005 El Quintinal Tempranillo for $11 ( originally $22)
1 bottle of 2003 Aric Carignan Blend for $11.50 (originally $23)
This will keep me going for a while. I plan on taking a bottle of the Loius Jadot to dinner at Sweets and Savories. Monday nights are BYOB, no corkage fee. Talk about eating on the cheap! Will report later this week.
Friday, February 22, 2008
reving up for restaurant week!
Very exciting time for Chicago restaurateurs and foodies...first ever Restaurant Week!
In preparation for the big event, I got a massage from Amber Spa. Did I really need a massage? Not really, but It only cost me $47.50 on Goldstar plus a $15 tip (the swedish massage usually costs $80 for the full hour, so you ought to tip for the full amount, not the discounted). Anyway, this tiny woman came in and really kneaded through my kinks and sore spots. HEAVEN. I'm ready for my week of gluttony.
My line up:
Sushi Samba on Saturday
Aigre Doux on Sunday
Sweets and Savories on Monday
One Sixty Blue on Wednesday
All restaurants that I've already been to but because they're my favorite spots and I can't eat there regularly on my meager income, this is the best time to play catch up!
In preparation for the big event, I got a massage from Amber Spa. Did I really need a massage? Not really, but It only cost me $47.50 on Goldstar plus a $15 tip (the swedish massage usually costs $80 for the full hour, so you ought to tip for the full amount, not the discounted). Anyway, this tiny woman came in and really kneaded through my kinks and sore spots. HEAVEN. I'm ready for my week of gluttony.
My line up:
Sushi Samba on Saturday
Aigre Doux on Sunday
Sweets and Savories on Monday
One Sixty Blue on Wednesday
All restaurants that I've already been to but because they're my favorite spots and I can't eat there regularly on my meager income, this is the best time to play catch up!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
oh kids...
Last Thursday I had to sub for a bi-lingual 1&2 grade class. Today, I had to work with a 7&8 grade class so I haven't seen my 5&6 graders for over 5 days now. After class, one of the 5th graders in that class came up to me and tugged on my sleeve...
"Teacher, where you been at?"
Although I love my students...it's all about tough love in these neighborhoods.
I gave her a sharp look.
"Are you Lil' Kim?"
She smiled, "no..."
"Am I here to educate a rapper?"
She giggled, "no..."
"Then what is it you're supposed to say?"
She hugs me then says coyly, "Teacher, where have you been?"
Ah....breakthrough!
"Teacher, where you been at?"
Although I love my students...it's all about tough love in these neighborhoods.
I gave her a sharp look.
"Are you Lil' Kim?"
She smiled, "no..."
"Am I here to educate a rapper?"
She giggled, "no..."
"Then what is it you're supposed to say?"
She hugs me then says coyly, "Teacher, where have you been?"
Ah....breakthrough!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
a night of blunders...
After finishing off a bottle of wine, the girls and I headed over to Lumen to check out the Saturday night west loop scene. I haven't been to Lumen since last fall so I was happy to see that business has picked up quite a bit. I was unhappy that we had to wait in line to get in when there was sleet pelting our faces and my max mara jacket. After 20 minutes, the line had not budged so I walked over to one of the front door guys sporting an ear piece and asked if we really had to wait. He asked me if we had any guys with us...nope! He told me to get my girlfriends and come right on in. We bypassed the 20 people or so ahead of us and they welcomed us in. I was surprised to see that the lounge was not packed at all! It was more to keep up with that Miami chic concept of exclusivity. Lots of table service and generally people having a good time inside.
After getting some really strong drinks, we hung out in the middle of the lounge to check out the scene and was approached by a group of guys celebrating a birthday. I was thoroughly unimpressed when the birthday boy kept a grip on my arm and kept releasing spit on my face as he spoke. Gross. After that rain shower we headed over to the bar where a skinny trendy sort of guy came up to me and professed his love for asian women. Great...he then goes on to tell me why he loves asian women including they're super thin, can cook, great style and good in bed. Are you kidding me? He gave me his business card and begged me to call him. Right...
Around three, we called it a night and walked back to my place. While laughing out the evening's blunders, this car full of ghetto-fabulous gangstas drove up to us and one of the guys asked if we could hook them up with weed. Now I thought I'd heard it all, but this? Hilarious.
After getting some really strong drinks, we hung out in the middle of the lounge to check out the scene and was approached by a group of guys celebrating a birthday. I was thoroughly unimpressed when the birthday boy kept a grip on my arm and kept releasing spit on my face as he spoke. Gross. After that rain shower we headed over to the bar where a skinny trendy sort of guy came up to me and professed his love for asian women. Great...he then goes on to tell me why he loves asian women including they're super thin, can cook, great style and good in bed. Are you kidding me? He gave me his business card and begged me to call him. Right...
Around three, we called it a night and walked back to my place. While laughing out the evening's blunders, this car full of ghetto-fabulous gangstas drove up to us and one of the guys asked if we could hook them up with weed. Now I thought I'd heard it all, but this? Hilarious.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
v-day = singles awareness day?
My friend in Boston sent out a mass text out this morning wishing all her friends a happy "singles awareness day." For a short second, I was a little sad that I'm single this year. No classy dinner plans or a special blue box with pearl earrings...but then I realize in a city like Chicago, why can't everyday singles awareness day? I mean, this is not Provo, Utah for goodness sakes. This time last year, I have to admit, I was looking forward to what my boyfriend had planned but deep down inside I wished that I was single. There are so many eligible mates in this city that it seems better to be single and just make your rounds, doesnt it? I'm a new people person. I like meeting new people and making new connections. That's what the 20s are all about. You have your whole life to be in a committed relationship, why not have fun now?
That being said, I look forward to the rest of today, this so-called Valentine's Day. I laugh at all you couples and your cheesy flowers, wine and jewelry. Today, I embrace singledom...and perhaps that bar of Vosges in my fridge...
That being said, I look forward to the rest of today, this so-called Valentine's Day. I laugh at all you couples and your cheesy flowers, wine and jewelry. Today, I embrace singledom...and perhaps that bar of Vosges in my fridge...
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
original penguin
A girlfriend and I went to the original penguin event at SushiSamba tonight. The event was decent. Passed appetizers circulated infrequently but the cocktails were endless. All I got a taste of was the not so memorable mini-burger. The Swirlz mini-cupcakes were very tasty though. This was my first time upstairs at the roof-top deck which is covered and heated for the winter. The ambiance was nice. Very South Beach-esque. I'll definitely have to come back with a group of friends in the summer, it's probably a fun place to be.
On our way out, we collected swag bags filled with an original penquin women's polo, an original penquin luggage tag, a full-sized Bliss self-tanner, and the latest issue of Factio magazine. Anyone ready for a trip to somewhere sunny?
On our way out, we collected swag bags filled with an original penquin women's polo, an original penquin luggage tag, a full-sized Bliss self-tanner, and the latest issue of Factio magazine. Anyone ready for a trip to somewhere sunny?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
reality check
Today I was assigned to tutor a 1&2 grade class at DePreist Elementary school in the far west side...
I mean, this was the far, far, west side. I got onto 290 and exited at Central Ave. Already a remarkable difference from my own west loop neighborhood. Dilapidated businesses, empty lots with filled with trash and debri, the parks filled with older kids doing questionable things. I was so nervous driving my SUV down Central Ave as local residents stared me down as they crossed the street or just hanging out on the sidewalks and medians...
When I got to the school, I was impressed with how beautiful their facilities were, but walking through a metal detector to teach at an elementary school? That's jarring...I picked up my students in the cafeteria where they all recieve a free afterschool lunch/dinner. It was so loud and the students were just out of control. My 1st and 2nd graders were intrigued with me and my long black hair and I could tell all they wanted was some love an attention. The girls sat close to me and all wanted to talk to me and tell me about what happened to them at school today. The boys were a little rough with each other but just a little touch and soft word calmed them down. For these kids, they don't get the special love and attention they need at home. No one wants to listen to them...rather, no one is at home to listen to them.
In class, I helped them finish their homework and we worked on reading and story telling skills. The kids worked hard but the hard work ends at school. When I told one student to take her project home and show it to her parents, she told me that she didn't have a dad and she lives with her grandma. Her mom only comes home once in a while. After class, her older brother who is a 5th grader came by to pick her up. He had bags under his eyes and took his sister's heavy bookbag even while he was carrying his own. I could tell that he does most of the taking care of his little sister. Too much of a weight for a 11 year old, no?
After the 5 o'clock afterschool program bell rang, the rest of my students ran out to find their older sibling or parent. There were 3 plain clothed police officers out front making sure the children were set on their way home. It was already getting dark and one officer stopped me as I headed out the door. He didn't want me to walk to my car on my own so he escorted me and told me not to take the local roads back to the West Loop, lock my doors and go directly to the highway...yikes.
I mean, this was the far, far, west side. I got onto 290 and exited at Central Ave. Already a remarkable difference from my own west loop neighborhood. Dilapidated businesses, empty lots with filled with trash and debri, the parks filled with older kids doing questionable things. I was so nervous driving my SUV down Central Ave as local residents stared me down as they crossed the street or just hanging out on the sidewalks and medians...
When I got to the school, I was impressed with how beautiful their facilities were, but walking through a metal detector to teach at an elementary school? That's jarring...I picked up my students in the cafeteria where they all recieve a free afterschool lunch/dinner. It was so loud and the students were just out of control. My 1st and 2nd graders were intrigued with me and my long black hair and I could tell all they wanted was some love an attention. The girls sat close to me and all wanted to talk to me and tell me about what happened to them at school today. The boys were a little rough with each other but just a little touch and soft word calmed them down. For these kids, they don't get the special love and attention they need at home. No one wants to listen to them...rather, no one is at home to listen to them.
In class, I helped them finish their homework and we worked on reading and story telling skills. The kids worked hard but the hard work ends at school. When I told one student to take her project home and show it to her parents, she told me that she didn't have a dad and she lives with her grandma. Her mom only comes home once in a while. After class, her older brother who is a 5th grader came by to pick her up. He had bags under his eyes and took his sister's heavy bookbag even while he was carrying his own. I could tell that he does most of the taking care of his little sister. Too much of a weight for a 11 year old, no?
After the 5 o'clock afterschool program bell rang, the rest of my students ran out to find their older sibling or parent. There were 3 plain clothed police officers out front making sure the children were set on their way home. It was already getting dark and one officer stopped me as I headed out the door. He didn't want me to walk to my car on my own so he escorted me and told me not to take the local roads back to the West Loop, lock my doors and go directly to the highway...yikes.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
last call!
Today after brunch at my favorite spot in the west loop, Le Peep, I to head down to Michigan Ave to check out the last call sale at Neiman Marcus. Now, some ask me why I shop at "Needless Mark-ups", but let me tell you folks, when they have sales, they have good ones.
Having worked at a small boutique on Southport I learned how ridiculous the mark-ups are. Rock and Republics bought at wholesale for $49-79 are marked up 210-230%! And those $30 oversized bangles that are all the rage with the boho-chic look? Wholesale price - 99 cents - if even that. So imagine my shock and glee when I found a pair of slimming high-waisted J Brands on sale for $65! I'm usually a 27 but I fit into the one 26 they had left and decided to run with it. Other great deals included a gold colored short sleeved Karta mini dress for $84 and some Vera Wang purple label dresses and shirts priced at $98-150.
General rule of thumb ladies...wait for the sales. Never, never buy at full retail price. And do your research. Sometimes in-season designer items can be found at Nordstrom Rack or Filene's basement. They just slip through the cracks. For example, last September I found an adorable 3.1 Philip Lim half tuxedo jacket at Nordstrom Rack for $110. Recently at P.45, they had the same jacket, now out of season, on sale for $150. I also got a great strapless Nanette Lapore pencil dress at the Nordstrom Rack in Oakbrook for $72. When I went to the downtown Nordstrom, they had the same dress for $149, and at Neiman Marcus for $178.
This is not to say you shouldn't buy at boutiques. I say, stick to buying bigger name brands at department stores and outlets and buy harder to find independent brands at boutiques. Either way, with sales you can still get quality clothing...and with the money you save, you can stock up on other necessities like undergarments and tights!
Having worked at a small boutique on Southport I learned how ridiculous the mark-ups are. Rock and Republics bought at wholesale for $49-79 are marked up 210-230%! And those $30 oversized bangles that are all the rage with the boho-chic look? Wholesale price - 99 cents - if even that. So imagine my shock and glee when I found a pair of slimming high-waisted J Brands on sale for $65! I'm usually a 27 but I fit into the one 26 they had left and decided to run with it. Other great deals included a gold colored short sleeved Karta mini dress for $84 and some Vera Wang purple label dresses and shirts priced at $98-150.
General rule of thumb ladies...wait for the sales. Never, never buy at full retail price. And do your research. Sometimes in-season designer items can be found at Nordstrom Rack or Filene's basement. They just slip through the cracks. For example, last September I found an adorable 3.1 Philip Lim half tuxedo jacket at Nordstrom Rack for $110. Recently at P.45, they had the same jacket, now out of season, on sale for $150. I also got a great strapless Nanette Lapore pencil dress at the Nordstrom Rack in Oakbrook for $72. When I went to the downtown Nordstrom, they had the same dress for $149, and at Neiman Marcus for $178.
This is not to say you shouldn't buy at boutiques. I say, stick to buying bigger name brands at department stores and outlets and buy harder to find independent brands at boutiques. Either way, with sales you can still get quality clothing...and with the money you save, you can stock up on other necessities like undergarments and tights!
Monday, January 21, 2008
nothing works!
The one thing I miss about my office job is all the office supplies...endless amount of paper, multiple printers that shoot out documents, the fax machine...
For the new job, I needed to fax in some documents to HR department in NY so last Friday I went to the Fedex that's in the same building as my gym, they only had one fax machine and it was broken. I went to the one in my neighborhood, they had two, both broken. I went to the one out on Southport where I had to pick up some dry cleaning, both...BROKEN! What the honk!?! Does nothing work in this city?
So I had to SOS a friend with a fax machine at home...geez.
For the new job, I needed to fax in some documents to HR department in NY so last Friday I went to the Fedex that's in the same building as my gym, they only had one fax machine and it was broken. I went to the one in my neighborhood, they had two, both broken. I went to the one out on Southport where I had to pick up some dry cleaning, both...BROKEN! What the honk!?! Does nothing work in this city?
So I had to SOS a friend with a fax machine at home...geez.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
drawn into the drawing room
My girlfriends and I braved the arctic cold temperatures and tried out the The Drawing Room at Le Passage which had been getting a lot of press for its recent opening. The basement restaurant is warmly lit with cushy seats, glossy tables and of course the Gold Coast requisite of a good looking staff. We started off with a look at their short but creative cocktail list. The bartender...ahem, I mean mixologist offered some great recommendations. I didn't want anything sweet, so she suggested the Gloom Lifter (Jameson Irish, Hennessy VS, fresh lemon-sour, and fresh raspberries). It took her a good 7 or 8 minutes just to prepare the ingredients which included fresh lemons and raspberries that she crushed and painstakingly strained into the shaker. The outcome? One very thick and fragrant martini that was warm and refreshing all at the same time.
When we were seated, our waiter walked us through the short menu of small plates. We decided on the 'fish and chips', burger, crispy fried rice and ahi tuna bruschetta. The bruschetta was very delicious and easy to share. The crispy fried rice was simple yet filling and the burger was just delectable. I thought the execution and presentation of the dishes were thoughtful and original except for the fish and chips. The battered fish bites reminded me of the cod nuggets that used to come out once a month at my dormitory dining hall in college - fish fry can only be done one way I suppose...don't even bother trying to spruce a classic item like that up.
The portions were slightly larger than typical small plates and easy to share. We topped off our meal with the brownie and ice cream dessert. The brownie was very decadent and was a nice finish to our dinner.
Our server offered to set up a table for us at Le Passage next door, but none of us had the desire let alone the possession of a disposal income to spend the $500 minimum on table service, so we opted to just hang out at the large bar, have some drinks and people watch. Overall, I spent a total of $35 bucks for dinner and about $15 for two drinks at Le Passage after.
A pretty good deal for 4 hours of fun with the girls.
When we were seated, our waiter walked us through the short menu of small plates. We decided on the 'fish and chips', burger, crispy fried rice and ahi tuna bruschetta. The bruschetta was very delicious and easy to share. The crispy fried rice was simple yet filling and the burger was just delectable. I thought the execution and presentation of the dishes were thoughtful and original except for the fish and chips. The battered fish bites reminded me of the cod nuggets that used to come out once a month at my dormitory dining hall in college - fish fry can only be done one way I suppose...don't even bother trying to spruce a classic item like that up.
The portions were slightly larger than typical small plates and easy to share. We topped off our meal with the brownie and ice cream dessert. The brownie was very decadent and was a nice finish to our dinner.
Our server offered to set up a table for us at Le Passage next door, but none of us had the desire let alone the possession of a disposal income to spend the $500 minimum on table service, so we opted to just hang out at the large bar, have some drinks and people watch. Overall, I spent a total of $35 bucks for dinner and about $15 for two drinks at Le Passage after.
A pretty good deal for 4 hours of fun with the girls.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
P.45 = dangerous
I had some time to kill before my lit-j class in evanston so I decided to stop by one of my favorite bucktown boutiques, P.45. Weeks before I recieved mailings about their winter clearance and moving sales but kept myself far, far away...but today, I had an itch.
My findings?
A fabulous white leather/chalk suede belt by 3.1 Phillip Lim - $42.50
Classic cream turtle neck with by Omorika $42.50
Cream dotted biloxi top by Sally Tseng (Fall 2007 collection) $85
I'm ready for my close up!
My findings?
A fabulous white leather/chalk suede belt by 3.1 Phillip Lim - $42.50
Classic cream turtle neck with by Omorika $42.50
Cream dotted biloxi top by Sally Tseng (Fall 2007 collection) $85
I'm ready for my close up!
Monday, January 7, 2008
new year, new beginnings
So I'm finally jumping onto the blog-wagon, so to speak. For a long time now my friends have 'ooh'ed and 'ahh'ed over how I find all the bargain finds this city has to offer. As a grad student who works part-time and freelances, I've got some down-time on my hands. I spend the first hour of my day on the internet scanning on-line magazines, newspapers, Chicago centered blogs, and any other information sharing mediums then I pass the good stuff on to my friends. Call me an opportunist who likes to spread the wealth. Here I'll post promising events and share fun experiences that I think everyone ought to give a try.
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