I remember calling my friends when I was younger – we’d plan our outfits and wear the same cheesy Gap sweater to the football game, complete with matching bows in our hair. Ah, those were simpler times. Now, answering the door to see your friend rocking the same dress equals disaster.
“Noooo! We cannot show up at a party wearing the same thing!!”
One of the reasons that I like traveling so much is because I love finding the out-of-the-way boutiques with totally unique clothing and accessories. An absolute favorite is Pandora’s Box in Martha’s Vineyard. I was elated, yet surprised to find great boutiques in Rochester, Richmond and New Orleans. I justify my purchases because not only will they will remind me of my trip, but also because I can feel confident wearing something as unique as I am.
Chicago is a magical city filled with endless options for fashion and beauty – trunk shows, fashion shows, beauty events and shopping. It is girly girl nirvana. Here is a list of my favorite Chicago boutiques. Enjoy!
RR1
RR1 is a hidden gem, housed in a narrow, wood-paneled pharmacy established in the thirties. What you should look for here: clever gifts, original jewelry and decorative items for the home.
814 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
P: (312) 421-9079
Beta Boutique
This Wicker Park boutique is tucked behind Damen Avenue on a cobblestone street – you will find contemporary women’s samples and overstock at seriously discounted prices: 40% - 90%.
2016 W Concord Place
Chicago, IL 60647
P: (773) 276-0905
Hubba Hubba
Looking for the perfect dress for a date Friday night? You’ll find it here. Hubba Hubba addicts keep coming back because of the reasonable prices and darling clothing (romantic to classic.) 3309 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
P: (773) 477-1412
Ciao Bella
Owner, Amy Lechelt-Basta offers an impressive range of versatile clothing for the well-travelled individual.
3829 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
P: (773) 388-2201
Mexican Shop
You will find some extraordinary jewelry in this Evanston shop. It is well-worth the trip to E-town.
801 Dempster St
Evanston, IL 60201
P: (847) 475-8665
Some non-clothing boutiques you should check out:
Flourish
www.icanflourish.com
Asrai Garden
www.asraigarden.com
A New Leaf
www.anewleafchicago.com
Paper Doll
paperdollchicago.com
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Summer Solstice Beauty Event - Get Your Tickets Before They're Gone!
High fashion meets beauty at this decadent affair hosted by Chicago Girly Girl and RED 7 Salon. Indulge your senses in Nutella crepes and truffled popcorn by Fig Catering, wine tastings by Mad Housewife and beauty treatments by RED 7.
Fashion Designers Kate Boggiano, Lara Miller and Serpico will unveil their summer lines and jewelry designers Sarah Radford (Chic Gems) and Julia Failey will showcase their latest adornments. Attendees can also shop from clothing, cosmetics and accessories by retailers like Votre Vu, Tallulah Cosmetics, Ciao Bella, Hubba Hubba, Maison de Couture, Bess and Loie, Kiss My Face, Lucky Day Boutique, Arbonne and The Honeymoon Bag.
Thursday June 11, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
RED 7 Salon
210 W. Kinzie, 2nd floor, Chicago
Tickets are $20 and include a goody bag.
There are a limited number of tickets. To ensure entry, buy your ticket HERE! You can also e-mail kristin@ChicagoGirlyGirl.com.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Ultimate Girls Night Out - Grab the Girls!!
Wine? Nutella crepes? Shopping? Beauty Treatments? check. check. check. check.
The goody bags are especially nice. We don't mess around!
CHICAGO GIRLY GIRL AND RED 7 SALON USHER IN SUMMER WITH THE ULTIMATE GIRL’S NIGHT OUT – SUMMER SOLSTICE BEAUTY EVENT
Beauty Enthusiasts Indulge in a Whimsical Evening of Girly Fun, Beauty and Shopping
CHICAGO – The boats are back in the harbor, the town is a flurry with fans dressed in red and blue making their way towards Wrigley Field and the countdown to the Old St. Pat’s Block Party has officially begun. It’s summer, ladies! Before you head to the beach, you’d better make sure those toes are in tip-top-shape!
Fortunately, you can get all dolled up and do some shopping at the Summer Solstice Beauty Event at RED 7 Salon (210 W. Kinzie St.), Thursday June 11 from 6-8:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy wine tasting from Mad Housewife, sinful, gourmet hors d’oeuvres from Fig Catering and beauty treatments from RED 7. Fashion Designers Kate Boggiano, Lara Miller and Serpico will unveil their summer lines and jewelry designers Sarah Radford (Chic Gems) and Julia Failey will showcase their latest adornments. Attendees can also shop from clothing, cosmetics and accessories by retailers like Votre Vu, Tallulah Cosmetics, Ciao Bella, Hubba Hubba, Kiss My Face, Lucky Day Boutique, Arbonne and The Honeymoon Bag.
Tickets are $20 and include a goody bag. Reserve your spot by purchasing your ticket, HERE!
The goody bags are especially nice. We don't mess around!
CHICAGO GIRLY GIRL AND RED 7 SALON USHER IN SUMMER WITH THE ULTIMATE GIRL’S NIGHT OUT – SUMMER SOLSTICE BEAUTY EVENT
Beauty Enthusiasts Indulge in a Whimsical Evening of Girly Fun, Beauty and Shopping
CHICAGO – The boats are back in the harbor, the town is a flurry with fans dressed in red and blue making their way towards Wrigley Field and the countdown to the Old St. Pat’s Block Party has officially begun. It’s summer, ladies! Before you head to the beach, you’d better make sure those toes are in tip-top-shape!
Fortunately, you can get all dolled up and do some shopping at the Summer Solstice Beauty Event at RED 7 Salon (210 W. Kinzie St.), Thursday June 11 from 6-8:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy wine tasting from Mad Housewife, sinful, gourmet hors d’oeuvres from Fig Catering and beauty treatments from RED 7. Fashion Designers Kate Boggiano, Lara Miller and Serpico will unveil their summer lines and jewelry designers Sarah Radford (Chic Gems) and Julia Failey will showcase their latest adornments. Attendees can also shop from clothing, cosmetics and accessories by retailers like Votre Vu, Tallulah Cosmetics, Ciao Bella, Hubba Hubba, Kiss My Face, Lucky Day Boutique, Arbonne and The Honeymoon Bag.
Tickets are $20 and include a goody bag. Reserve your spot by purchasing your ticket, HERE!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Mother's Day Gift Idea
Everyone says this, but my Mom is the best. Not only does she patiently answer every cooking question I have, but she is also the first person I call when I have strange ailments or have accidentally died my hands silver (and have to go to a wedding in an hour). Somehow the woman knows everything. More importantly, she appreciates my quirky sense of humor (who else calls their Mom and starts with "Hi Mom. How in the hell are you?")
If you are not sure what to get your Mum for Mother's Day, check out the sleek designs at Chic Gems. They have truly fabulous jewelry and you're bound to find something that Mom would like. For Chicago Girly Girl readers, Chic Gems will give you 30% off your purchase and will even throw in a pair of matching earrings, with purchase of a necklace! Simply put "MOTHER" in the special promo box. If you are sending something directly to Mom, indicate that shipping and billing are separate in the "notes" section.
If you are not sure what to get your Mum for Mother's Day, check out the sleek designs at Chic Gems. They have truly fabulous jewelry and you're bound to find something that Mom would like. For Chicago Girly Girl readers, Chic Gems will give you 30% off your purchase and will even throw in a pair of matching earrings, with purchase of a necklace! Simply put "MOTHER" in the special promo box. If you are sending something directly to Mom, indicate that shipping and billing are separate in the "notes" section.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Woman's Best Friend: Martinis and Manicures
7.3 million American women have difficulty conceiving. However, many of these cases could have been prevented through simple lifestyle changes. Education is imperative, and what better way to learn than over complimentary manicures and martinis?
The American Fertility Association’s Manicures & Martinis Infertility Prevention Program is a national series of events dedicated to young women in their 20’s and 30’s who aren’t quite ready to conceive, but might one day want to have a child. Fertility experts from Fertility Centers of Illinois will lead a conversation about how to prevent infertility whenever possible, the reality of the Biological Clock, the harmful effects of STD’s and environmental toxins, and the differences between gynecologists and reproductive endocrinologists. Attendees will also enjoy complimentary manicures and martinis, or a Fertilitini - an all organic alcohol-free cocktail.
Corey Whelan, The AFA’s Program Director and event series creator says that dealing with infertility robs women of control over their own lives. Education about our bodies and things we can do to preserve our fertility potential, gives that control back. “This program has proven to be an empowering and liberating experience for women, whether they choose motherhood or not,” she adds.
Manicures and Martinis offers education to young women in a fun and enjoyable setting. Dr. John Rapisarda, Reproductive Endocrinologist with the Fertility Centers of Illinois agrees that knowledge is power. “Creating early awareness of factors leading to infertility is the first step towards reducing the number of women impacted later in life,” he adds.
The AFA’s Executive Director, Ken Mosesian further explains that through post-event surveys, young women have expressed how much they’ve learned about the basics of reproduction, their biological clocks, the importance of preventing STD’s as well as birth control. One participant said, ‘Finally, some answers.”
As an added perk, those who attend Manicures & Martinis Chicago may choose to be treated to a complimentary Yoga and acupuncture session, courtesy of Pulling Down the Moon. The national series has been greeted with overwhelming success in New York City and other large metropolitan areas. Young women in their early 20s and 30’s are invited to attend and learn all they can about safeguarding themselves from becoming part of the 7.3 million statistic.
Manicures & Martinis
Tuesday, May 12 from 6:00-7:30
Allyu -- 600 W. Chicago Ave.
Riverwalk Speakers: Angelina Beltsos, MD and John Rapisard, MD of Fertility Centers of Illinois Registration Contact Info: vivian@theafa.org or 646.861.3226
The American Fertility Association’s Manicures & Martinis Infertility Prevention Program is a national series of events dedicated to young women in their 20’s and 30’s who aren’t quite ready to conceive, but might one day want to have a child. Fertility experts from Fertility Centers of Illinois will lead a conversation about how to prevent infertility whenever possible, the reality of the Biological Clock, the harmful effects of STD’s and environmental toxins, and the differences between gynecologists and reproductive endocrinologists. Attendees will also enjoy complimentary manicures and martinis, or a Fertilitini - an all organic alcohol-free cocktail.
Corey Whelan, The AFA’s Program Director and event series creator says that dealing with infertility robs women of control over their own lives. Education about our bodies and things we can do to preserve our fertility potential, gives that control back. “This program has proven to be an empowering and liberating experience for women, whether they choose motherhood or not,” she adds.
Manicures and Martinis offers education to young women in a fun and enjoyable setting. Dr. John Rapisarda, Reproductive Endocrinologist with the Fertility Centers of Illinois agrees that knowledge is power. “Creating early awareness of factors leading to infertility is the first step towards reducing the number of women impacted later in life,” he adds.
The AFA’s Executive Director, Ken Mosesian further explains that through post-event surveys, young women have expressed how much they’ve learned about the basics of reproduction, their biological clocks, the importance of preventing STD’s as well as birth control. One participant said, ‘Finally, some answers.”
As an added perk, those who attend Manicures & Martinis Chicago may choose to be treated to a complimentary Yoga and acupuncture session, courtesy of Pulling Down the Moon. The national series has been greeted with overwhelming success in New York City and other large metropolitan areas. Young women in their early 20s and 30’s are invited to attend and learn all they can about safeguarding themselves from becoming part of the 7.3 million statistic.
Manicures & Martinis
Tuesday, May 12 from 6:00-7:30
Allyu -- 600 W. Chicago Ave.
Riverwalk Speakers: Angelina Beltsos, MD and John Rapisard, MD of Fertility Centers of Illinois Registration Contact Info: vivian@theafa.org or 646.861.3226
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
ChicagoGirlyGirl’s Green Beauty Must Haves
It is Earth Day, which is a great time to think how your actions, even your beauty regimen, affect the planet. A survey suggests that women are generating about twice as much waste as men, due to the fact that they have double the number of personal products in their medicine cabinet. As a society, we may more sophisticated than ever, but most of us are completely unaware of the harmful toxins and chemicals that exist in the majority of our beauty products. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice beauty for health and with a little knowledge and savvy, you won’t need to.
SKIN CARE LINE
Arcona Basic 5 Arcona skin care products are made of natural enzymes, herbs, vitamins and a scientific cutting edge delivery system to repair and restore the skin on a deep cellular level; the Basic Five strengthens, enhances and speeds up the skin’s own renewal cycle from 30 to 7 days, which helps to combat premature aging. Those who use the line report that their skin has never looked better. I call it the Arcona glow.
Travel kit $87.00
MAKE UP
Bare Escentuals is made from 100% bareMinerals and is free of preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and other harmful chemicals. Mineral make up gives your skin a soft and luminous texture with little effort. An absolute must have for any girl!
HAIR
Aveda, a global leader in corporate environmental sustainability, not only has phenomenal, plant-based products, but they are also committed to preserving the planet. Aveda was the first beauty company to manufacture on 100 percent wind-powered energy and they use the highest possible post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in packaging.
NAILS
Did you know that the majority of nail polishes in stores contain toxic chemicals that have been linked to Leukemia and birth defects? When you go to the nail salon, be sure there is proper ventilation and if you’re pregnant, wear a mask. Most importantly, take your own polish with you (polish should be free of phthalates, toluene, and formaldehyde).
$10
BODY
Kiehls Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser 100% Biodegradable formula and fragrance, formulated without parabens, SLS and Dyes. The bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic.
6.8 fl. oz. Pump
$16.50
Yes to Carrots Body Lotion Yes To products are paraben free and contain all the yummy goodness of organic fruits, vegetables, and Dead Sea minerals. This organic carrot and pumpkin lotion is potent, touting anti-oxidants that purify and revitalize the skin.
8.45 fl.oz
$7.99
LIPS
Lipstick and lip gloss comes off as you consume beverages and food throughout the day. In fact, research has found that women will ingest nearly nine pounds of lipstick over the co
urse of their lives!
PlantLove Natural Lipsticks Made with botanical ingredients not mineral oils, nor petroleum. The company believes in using only eco-friendly packaging, in fact, even the lipstick tube is biodegradable. My favorite part is that the box can actually be planted after use, because it’s made with biodegradable paper containing flowers and seeds!
ORGANIC CLOTHING
It’s important to realize that for every action, there is a reaction. To farm the amount of cotton that it takes to make just one t-shirt, a traditional farmer uses approximately 3.5 pounds of fertilizer and over 300 gallons of water. For one shirt!!
3 Clothing Company is an ethical and socially conscious company that believes that every person can make a difference in this world. 3 is taking the lead by using 100% certified organic/clean cotton and eco-friendly water-based inks in the creation of fashionable and artistic clothing.
$34
ACCESSORIES MADE FROM RE-USED MATERIALS
FIVE Accessories – eco friendly bags made from recycled materials like potato chip bags and bamboo; made in places like Honduras, Bali, Cambodia, Guatemala and India. For every
bag sold owner Christine Hutchison, gives five dollars back to the community where it was made.
SKIN CARE LINE
Arcona Basic 5 Arcona skin care products are made of natural enzymes, herbs, vitamins and a scientific cutting edge delivery system to repair and restore the skin on a deep cellular level; the Basic Five strengthens, enhances and speeds up the skin’s own renewal cycle from 30 to 7 days, which helps to combat premature aging. Those who use the line report that their skin has never looked better. I call it the Arcona glow.
Travel kit $87.00
MAKE UP
Bare Escentuals is made from 100% bareMinerals and is free of preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and other harmful chemicals. Mineral make up gives your skin a soft and luminous texture with little effort. An absolute must have for any girl!
HAIR
Aveda, a global leader in corporate environmental sustainability, not only has phenomenal, plant-based products, but they are also committed to preserving the planet. Aveda was the first beauty company to manufacture on 100 percent wind-powered energy and they use the highest possible post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in packaging.
NAILS
Did you know that the majority of nail polishes in stores contain toxic chemicals that have been linked to Leukemia and birth defects? When you go to the nail salon, be sure there is proper ventilation and if you’re pregnant, wear a mask. Most importantly, take your own polish with you (polish should be free of phthalates, toluene, and formaldehyde).
$10
BODY
Kiehls Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser 100% Biodegradable formula and fragrance, formulated without parabens, SLS and Dyes. The bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic.
6.8 fl. oz. Pump
$16.50
Yes to Carrots Body Lotion Yes To products are paraben free and contain all the yummy goodness of organic fruits, vegetables, and Dead Sea minerals. This organic carrot and pumpkin lotion is potent, touting anti-oxidants that purify and revitalize the skin.
8.45 fl.oz
$7.99
LIPS
Lipstick and lip gloss comes off as you consume beverages and food throughout the day. In fact, research has found that women will ingest nearly nine pounds of lipstick over the co
urse of their lives!PlantLove Natural Lipsticks Made with botanical ingredients not mineral oils, nor petroleum. The company believes in using only eco-friendly packaging, in fact, even the lipstick tube is biodegradable. My favorite part is that the box can actually be planted after use, because it’s made with biodegradable paper containing flowers and seeds!
ORGANIC CLOTHING
It’s important to realize that for every action, there is a reaction. To farm the amount of cotton that it takes to make just one t-shirt, a traditional farmer uses approximately 3.5 pounds of fertilizer and over 300 gallons of water. For one shirt!!
3 Clothing Company is an ethical and socially conscious company that believes that every person can make a difference in this world. 3 is taking the lead by using 100% certified organic/clean cotton and eco-friendly water-based inks in the creation of fashionable and artistic clothing.
$34
ACCESSORIES MADE FROM RE-USED MATERIALS
FIVE Accessories – eco friendly bags made from recycled materials like potato chip bags and bamboo; made in places like Honduras, Bali, Cambodia, Guatemala and India. For every
bag sold owner Christine Hutchison, gives five dollars back to the community where it was made.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Maybe, Baby!
A few years ago, I found myself in a flurry of wedding party madness. I was throwing bridal showers and bachelorette parties like it was my job. Now, all of these girls are having babies and instead of vodka-filled weekends in Miami, we’re playing baby bingo and marveling at onesies. Times are a changin’!
We opted for high tea at Mint Julep in the suburbs (Palatine). The private room was beautiful with lots of natural light. We had several different kinds of tea sandwiches, scones, pastries and teas.
I thought I’d share some of the highlights with you.
Décor
The baby will be a boy so I tried to stick to a color scheme of lavender, periwinkle and eggshell. I bought 15 or so helium balloons and scattered them throughout the room. On the gift table, I had a gorgeous bouquet of blue and white hydrangeas.
Parting Gifts
I purchased tiny clay pots and potted pansies in them. Finally, I added a blue or purple ribbon to the pots. One was given to every guest and the end of the shower. Mom had decided on a jungle nursery theme, so I ordered these darling jungle animal cookie cutters online. I made several batches of monkeys, lions, hippos, giraffes and elephants and then frosted them. They were placed in small plastic bags and tied with a bow. Every guest got to take a cookie also. The pansies and the cookies brightened the table considerably and gave the room more character.
Activities
We did three activities and I gave prizes to the winner of each. Note: it is advisable to bring one or two extras in the event of a tie. For gifts, I tried to keep it around $5-$10 for each bag. I found lots of cute girly gifts in China Town (small compact mirror and jewelry case) and I also checked out Cost Plus World Market for little earrings, chocolate, etc.
We opted for high tea at Mint Julep in the suburbs (Palatine). The private room was beautiful with lots of natural light. We had several different kinds of tea sandwiches, scones, pastries and teas.
I thought I’d share some of the highlights with you.
Décor
The baby will be a boy so I tried to stick to a color scheme of lavender, periwinkle and eggshell. I bought 15 or so helium balloons and scattered them throughout the room. On the gift table, I had a gorgeous bouquet of blue and white hydrangeas.
Parting Gifts
I purchased tiny clay pots and potted pansies in them. Finally, I added a blue or purple ribbon to the pots. One was given to every guest and the end of the shower. Mom had decided on a jungle nursery theme, so I ordered these darling jungle animal cookie cutters online. I made several batches of monkeys, lions, hippos, giraffes and elephants and then frosted them. They were placed in small plastic bags and tied with a bow. Every guest got to take a cookie also. The pansies and the cookies brightened the table considerably and gave the room more character.
Activities
We did three activities and I gave prizes to the winner of each. Note: it is advisable to bring one or two extras in the event of a tie. For gifts, I tried to keep it around $5-$10 for each bag. I found lots of cute girly gifts in China Town (small compact mirror and jewelry case) and I also checked out Cost Plus World Market for little earrings, chocolate, etc.
- Baby food sniff test - Take 6-10 cans of baby food and discard the label. Then number each can and have the guests smell to determine the flavor of the baby food.
- Celebrity baby name - I listed celebrity names on the left and their cute/outlandish baby names on the right (out of order). Guests then match up which baby belongs to the celebrity.
- Nursery rhyme game. Take an old classic like “Rub a dub dub, three men in a tub…” then leave a space for the guests to fill in the missing words. I printed the activities on colorful paper, keeping in line with the color scheme (that makes a big difference!)
- Lilly Bit Diaper Clutch – absolutely darling diaper clutch that is compact and stylish. Who knew?
- Sheep/sound machine – looks like a stuffed animal and lulls the little one to sleep.
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