Here in Chicago we have been experiencing a heat wave of epic proportions. I suggest you pour yourself an icy cocktail - I pulled together some bright essentials for staying cool when the temps are on the rise!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Summer Solstice
The longest day of the year, which marks the official start of summer, came and went last week. Now, with the Fourth of July looming, I know it's definitely time to be conscious of the calendar and make the most of the rest of my favorite season! In the same vein as new year's resolutions, I love to make summer to-do lists...So I need to jump on it and:
- Get my patio herb garden underway
- Make room for more shows - live music is the best outdoors
- Take a great road trip or two
- Soak up the sunshine as much as possible!
- Make it to plenty of Chicago's great festivals
- Go for plenty of bike rides
- Check out some great new spots for brunch (my favorite meal)
...what's on your summer bucket list?
Monday, June 18, 2012
New York Hospitality
Last week, the always fabulous NeoCon took over the Merchandise Mart here in Chicago. My personal favorite part of this great event is the opportunity to see keynote speeches by industry heavy hitters. Last year, my favorite was Margaret Russell speaking on her ingenious Architectural Digest revamp.
This year, I was lucky enough to get a glimpse into the life of the man who started the boutique hotel movement, Ian Schrager. For us Chicagoans, Schrager has been on our radar recently for his overhaul of The Pump Room and his new concept, Public Hotel.
Before changing the hotel game, Ian's first major business venture was opening this place. NBD.
I am totally crazy over the variety of amazing aesthetics he puts to use in his boldface lineup of projects. 40 Bond, a residential building in NYC is architecturally totally phenom:
Having your own 'graffiti' installation as part of the facade? Killer.
My fave is the Gramercy Park Hotel, in which Schrager said he wanted people to be able to live with fine art in a way that was previously only accessible by the very wealthy.
The roof deck that puts others to shame.
You're also probably familiar with his South Beach stunners, The Delano and The Mondrian. Swoooon.
In his presentation, Mr. Schrager emphasized that "Good design is good business." and, "Classic, good taste never goes out of style." Wise words, and I couldn't agree more.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
You Got It, Dude.
Monday evening, the red carpet was rolled out for the annual CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) awards ceremony. Obviously always a noteworthy event, this year those of us firmly rooted in the Full House generation were either shocked or very pleased (raises hand). Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen took home the coveted womenswear designer of the year prize for their line, The Row.
Right?!
For those of us who are fans of the Olsens in general, this should come as no surprise. These ladies are definitely a fashion powerhouse to take note of - The Row is on the high end spectrum of their lines, also including Elizabeth and James and Olsenboye, which is sold through JC Penney as a more accessible option. Both of these little ladies have amazing personal style, and I love that they have transferred that into such a successful empire.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
All the Single Ladies...
I spent a lovely weekend celebrating the last single days of one of my longtime best friends, E. We escaped the city for Grand Geneva Resort - spent Saturday afternoon soaking up the sun on the lake, a delicious dinner, and had a little (too much) fun that evening - which is totally necessary for such an occasion! After a relaxing Memorial Day weekend, this was just what I needed to feel like Summer has officially arrived.
Ladies out on the lake
Miss Bachelorette at dinner
Friday, June 1, 2012
June Jams
Though it certainly does not feel like Summer today in Chicago, June is finally here. I still have the slight sting from my Memorial Day weekend sunburn to vouch for it. (slaps wrist) So, by popular demand, I have compiled a fresh playlist for the month - enjoy, and please let me know if you have any recommendations to please my ears ...
Gossip - Move in the Right Direction
Azealia Banks - 1991
Passion Pit - Take a Walk
Rick Ross - Stay Schemin'
Beach House - Myth
Wiz Khalifa f/ The Weeknd - Make Me Remember You
M83 - Reunion
Rihanna - Birthday Cake (Remix)
Avicii - Silhouettes
Jessie Ware - What You Won't Do For Love
Ab-Soul - Illuminate
Karmin - I Told You So
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Man On Fire
Wiz Khalifa - Work Hard Play Hard
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Vanity Fair
Since cohabiting with B, my closet space has taken a serious hit. The tall ceilings are no help when you do not quite graze five foot three. Even after a year in my apartment, there are still certain corners that do not feel 'finished'. I will be making an attempt to use unfinished space to help solve some of my organizational issues. My jewelry collection, while not huge, definitely needs some attention in that department - the tangled necklaces trying to share hooks with someone's work slacks just ain't cuttin' it. My current aspiration is to create a combined area for my cosmetics and jewelry...how to do so without the whole kit and caboodle turning into one hot mess? Still working on that...these images have been serving as inspiration for what direction I need to take. Do you have any ingenious strategies to lend in helping create a snazzy dressing table?
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