MUSINGS ON THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

…PLUS NEIMAN’S BEAUTY BASH (VIDEO); CHICAGO CHILDREN’S CHOIR’S “RED JACKET OPTIONAL”; WILLY WONKA’S GREEN TIE BALL (VIDEO); MICHIGAN AVENUE MAG CELEBRATE FIVE YEARS IN STYLE (VIDEO); DWYANE WADE’S STAR-STUDDED GALA; BEAR TIE BALL; CHICAGO INNOVATION AWARD NOMINATION; GLOBAL LATINO FEST; NIALA’S THIRD; ORYX MAG LOVES CAMP; SPACE519’S CHIC LAUNCH; HERITAGE AUCTIONS BRINGS VINTAGE TO BARNEY’S; SERVICE CLUB’S DAY AT THE RACES; CHICAGO FIRE’S SOCCER & STYLE AND SO MUCH MORE!
 

August is always a lazy month except for Macy’s Glamorama which seems to me to be the last gasp of summer fashion and fun. I know Kerry and Sarah Wood’s Woody’s Wiffleball
Classic added some star-studded excitement to the calendar as did Dance for Life and the Air and Water Show. And even
though the Thunderbirds didn’t perform, it didn’t cut down on the number of parties and the perfect weather still attracted crowds along the lakefront. We spent the day in the most beautiful penthouse in Chicago
with old friends. It was idyllic and a wonderful respite from our currently tumultuous life.
 
As some of you may or may not know, Chuck and I recently sold our home in Old Town. As much as we’ve loved this old house, it was time to move on. With multiple gardens and never ending maintenance, we decided our lives needed a breather. I never realized how much trouble, time and effort it required to move after 20 years in one
spot. I can’t believe the stuff I saved. Here’s my story: We had been talking about it for a year. Six
months ago, we put our house up for sale and it sold recently. For a while, I had mixed emotions since this house has held nothing but happy memories for Chuck
and me but as the years progressed and we became busier and busier, the fun of gardening in three gardens (deck, backyard and front yard) became harder and harder on both of us. In fear
of becoming something similar to Big Edie and Little Edie’s “Grey Gardens”, we did our best to keep up. But, as old houses get older, this presents a whole new set of problems we had no desire to deal with, gardening being the least of them. I’ve been packing for
months and it’s been bittersweet going through photos and memories – and goodness knows I have a few! – but what I’ve come to realize is how absolutely liberating it is to get rid of the old (except for your treasures) and begin anew. I
found out I’d saved so many things I didn’t really need, like one tiny yellow flipper that my mother had saved when I learned to swim. I also realized that no one will want my baby shoes (although Chuck is giving me a hard time about throwing them away.) Once
I started tossing, it was hard to stop. The first time Chuck met the woman who raised me and who was like a mother to me, Mary Johnson, she gave him a Mister Ed talking puppet. The joy on her face as she pulled the cord to make it talk was priceless but I figured it was just another tchotchke I could dump. When I was cleaning Chuck’s closet and saw
that he had squirreled it away in his sock drawer, it made me cry so it will definitely be moving to our new home. I once read an article about only children (of which I’m one) and had to laugh when it said they are savers and borderline hoarders. Sadly, this description fit me to a T but I’m determined to find and create a jewel box filled with only the
things we love and couldn’t live without. I also have some tips for first-time buyers: China cabinets are a definite no-no. (You never use the stuff you always think you will one day and most of it doesn’t go in the dishwasher anyway so who needs it?!) My days of formal
entertaining are long gone – friends are lucky to get chips and dip lately around my house so I have no qualms about giving away all of our crystal. And if you receive crystal as a wedding gift, which I know you will, run don’t walk to return it otherwise you’ll dust it for
20 years and then give it away. Another thing to remember when you buy your first home is to buy the best you can afford as far as home furnishings and decor. Everything else will wind up in the junk heap when you move so all of those Ikea purchases – although thrifty – wouldn’t be my first choice. I also suggest buying from auction houses:
These are great spots to find the unique and one-of-a-kind at great prices. It’s not so good for sellers but for buyers, it’s nirvana. There was a great article in the Tribune Magazine recently by Cindy Dampier titled “Lighten Your Load”. I was riveted reading it – her opening line read, “If you want to really see your stuff, move out of a place you’ve lived in for more than 10 years. Live in any one place north of a decade and the days in
which it’s easier to pretend you don’t see the 15 cheap floral shop vases on the closet shelf will start to outnumber you.” Today, I felt liberated to give things away to friends of ours who have always loved our style. These were pieces bought just to fill spaces. Don’t get
me wrong, they were the perfect objects for these particular spots but probably wouldn’t be right for a new place. The smiles and gratitude on our friends’ faces were worth way more than what we paid for these items. I’m happy to know that the people who bought our house are planning on raising a family here. This is definitely a home that will
be perfect for children. The backyard is completely enclosed with no alley so no fear of intruders and no worries for Mom and Dad when the kids want to play in the backyard. Another happy thought is the fact that I know they love this house as much as we loved it when we first bought it. Change is good (scary but good!) and Chuck and I are very much looking forward to our next chapter…albeit one with less maintenance!
 

It was a true beauty bonanza at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue for its launch party, co-hosted with Cheeky Chicago, to celebrate its newly renovated cosmetics department on August 22th. Almost 200 guests turned
out for this beauty bash that also included nail art from Astrowifey, music by DJ Mister Wolf, blowouts from Blowtique and special guest Tim Quinn, national director of artistry from Giorgio Armani. Dapper Quinn shared stories about celebrity makeovers and worked with guests to select special scents from Armani Prive
fragrance: He told me the fragrances were inspired by Armani’s travels and life experiences. Armani had even created a scent similar to the inside of the church he frequented with his mother when he was a child. I loved it! The line
for nail art from expert Astrowifey was three deep as she applied her unique skills to adorn each guest’s nails. The photo booth was a crowd
favorite, too, with everyone sharing their flipbook photos while they sipped Effen cucumber and black cherry cocktails. Even the appetizers were artistic with food displayed over various cosmetic products encased
within plastic trays! Special guests seen on the scene included Cheeky Chicago’s Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin, Fabrice Calmels, Corri McFadden, Marcus Riley, Bianca Camarena, Angi Taylor, Jessica Rosas, Claudia Sulkowski, Natasha Jovic, Kat Miletic, Molly Ellingsen, Stephanie Guerrieri, Jessica Schultz, Jelena Saric, Kathryn Sharples and Ven Effect founder Cecil Booth. The entire store is undergoing an amazing transformation. If
you haven’t visited in a while, you will love the changes for this “Jewel on the Mile”. Next up, the shoe department will have a
similar celebration bash with model/actress Joanna Krupa on September 12th! Hope to see you there! (For more info on Neiman’s special events, click here!)

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The Chicago Children’s Choir, under the direction of president/artistic director Josephine Lee, will host its annual Red Jacket Optional fundraising gala, celebrating the Choir’s 57th anniversary on October 18th at 6 p.m. at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The Choir hopes to raise $1 million to continue to offer music education to nearly 3,500 Chicago
children, of which 72 percent come from low-income families. This event will bring together hundreds of philanthropic Chicagoans for a night of performances by 300 children in addition to the top-level Voice of Chicago. The gala will also debut the organization’s
new after-school program, the Englewood Neighborhood Choir, with their first-ever performance. “Violence in Chicago has reached epidemic proportions,” said Lee. “We as a community must help our city’s children find an alternative to the streets, and music holds that power to change lives.” For tickets ($500) and table sponsorships, please contact Emily Hallock at ehallock@cchoir.org.

One of Chicago’s most celebrated charity events, the Green Tie Ball, returns this year with a whimsical “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” theme. Hosted by Chicago Gateway Green, which is dedicated to greening and beautifying
the region’s expressways, gateways and communities, the Green Tie Ball (presented by A. Finkl & Sons) will be held on September 7th on Finkl’s factory grounds at 2011 N. Southport. Founded in 1992 by Chicago Gateway Green’s late founder Donald
DePorter, the Green Tie Ball is one of the city’s largest celebrations with officer-at-large Grant DePorter continuing the traditions of his father. This year’s event will feature DJ sets by SNDCLSH consisting of Lupe Fiasco and DJ Sky Gellatly. (Fiasco, a Chicago native, is a Grammy-nominated artist.)
Co-chair Lee Golub and his band Dr. Bombay will also take the stage, as well as other guest deejays throughout the evening. Partygoers will enjoy tastings from more than 55 of Chicago’s top restaurants, like Siena Tavern, Lockwood, Mercadito, Jellyfish, Tavernita and Public House, as well as multiple open bars with premium
offerings. ABC7’s “Windy City Live!” hosts Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini, will return to emcee once again. The fundraiser is co-chaired by Lee Golub of Golub & Company and his
wife, Sandy. Vice co-chairs are Grigory Pekarsky of Vesta Preferred Realty and Molly Bromiley of Northern Trust. There will be a VIP reception from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. where guests arriving on the green carpet, adorned in their most
marvelous green-tie attire, will be greeted with a champagne toast as they make their way to the cocktail reception. In addition, a silent auction and Rivers Casino charitable gaming area – the ball’s exclusive gaming sponsor – will feature roulette, blackjack and craps. Winnings from the
casino game will go toward tickets for the raffle. VIP tickets ($250 in advance or $275 at the door, both options which includes admittance to the VIP cocktail reception and gala.) This popular gala, returning each year with a new and engaging theme, raises
funds for Gateway Green’s Expressway Partnership Program. It was first held in 1992 as a 500-person street party and is now one of the best-known charity events in Chicago, attended last year by nearly 3,000 people and raising more than $450,000. The gala attracts Chicago’s most prominent public, political and media figures, environmental
supporters as well as young professionals and local celebrities. General admission ($150 pre-purchased, $175 at the door) can be purchased here. For more info about Chicago Gateway Green, click here. (Photos by Mila Samokhina…and to see my Watch312.com video from last year’s “Alice in Wonderland”-themed event, see below!)

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Michigan Avenue Magazine celebrated its fifth anniversary in style with cover girl and Grammy-winner Michelle Williams. Held at Chicago’s newest
luxury hotel, the Langham Chicago, the evening included a red carpet reception, a video tribute (filmed by our Watch312.com team) and a surprise Eli’s Cheesecake birthday presentation. Almost 300 fans and friends turned out to congratulate
president and publisher Dan Uslan and editor-in-chief JP Anderson. Take a look at the fun on my Watch312.com “Candid Candace Chicago” show below!

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Basketball great Dwyane Wade and Wade’s World Foundation (WWF) will celebrate dual 10th anniversaries with a benefit gala on September 6th at the Peninsula Chicago. Dwyane will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of his foundation and his 10th year in the NBA with the Miami Heat. The evening will also honor comedian/talk show host Steve Harvey and wife Marjorie along with Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts with Excellence in Philanthropy Awards. Starting at 6:30 p.m. with a reception on the Shanghai Terrace, the event will also include a red carpet reception, dinner, cocktails and live performances. Former CNN reporter TJ Holmes will serve as the emcee.
Surprise guest performances will highlight a tribute to Wade. Wade’s World Foundation provides support to community-based organizations that promote education, health and social skills for children in at-risk situations. As part of the 10th anniversary celebration, D-Wade and WWF will host a series of events to support our youth and the work of his foundation. For info on the foundation, click here and for tickets ($350), contact D. Williams Public Relations Group at 312.243.9060.

Mark your calendars now for the 21st anniversary of the Bear Tie Ball on March 8th at the UIC Forum from 6 p.m. to midnight. Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation was founded
in 1992 by Kathleen Casey. This national foundation is named in memory of her eight-year-old son, Barrett “Bear” Krupa, who died after a courageous 5 1/2 year battle with Wilms Tumor, a pediatric cancer. Over the course of
two decades, the Bear Tie Ball has been the organization’s largest, most important fundraiser. Last year’s co-chairs Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto raised more than $750,000. I’m honored to be the chair of this year’s big event and know I have very large shoes to fill! Hope you can all join me! (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

The Ninth Annual Global Latino Fest will commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month with a showcase of culture, cuisine, arts and entertainment from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and Mexico with a marquee event on October 11th at Germania Place, located at 108 W. Germania Place. All proceeds from the event will support The Resurrection Project’s (TRP) “La Casa”, an initiative that combines affordable housing with support services to help students graduate from college. Prominent guests who will be in attendance include Alderman George Cardenas, Tsi-tsi-ki Felix, Andrew Hayes, Sherren Leigh, Cheryl Pearson McNeil and Toni Preckwinkle. For tickets and more info, call 312.346.0211. 

Congrats to Niala Conte, owner of the new fashion outpost NIALA CONTE (formerly Strut Boutique) that opened recently at The Shops
at North Bridge, located at 520 N. Michigan. “With the success our stores are receiving in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, and at our Geneva, Ill. location, we felt expanding into a third boutique was the natural progression for the company,” said Conte. Shoppers
will find an exciting selection of women’s clothing, handbags, clutches and jewelry. Niala also carries selections from designers Borris Powell and Sheetah Patel. I love this store and Niala’s taste is impeccable. I even found my Joffrey Gala cocktail dress here and it’s one of my favs! Good luck Niala! (For more info, call 312.832.3200 or follow Niala on Facebook and Twitter @nialaconte).

I’m so excited for my CAMP Cosmetics’ Candid Candace lipstick! Oryx Magazine, the official magazine of award-winning Qatar Airlines, has chosen it as a “Wish List” item! It will featured, along with other “highly covetable” products, in its October issue! Oryx reaches a high volume audience of 1.4 million passengers per issue!! It truly is the BEST coral shade you can buy if I say so myself! For more info on Candid Candace lipstick, click here! (Thank YOU sooooo much, Oryx and Qatar Airlines!!!!!!)

Don’t miss the chic launch of karl lagerfeld + melissa, a shop-in-shop set to open at space519 on September 12th from 6 to 8 p.m. Annie Barlow, Kimberly Burt, Toni Canada, Eva Daiberl and Amanda Puck are co-hosting this event that will include Moet champagne and macarons plus Melissa shoes, couture dolls and accessories from Mua Mua. RSVP to whitney@space519.com and I’ll see you there!

Have you visited the Heritage Auctions’ vintage luxury collection at Barney’s yet? OMGoodness! What a great idea to add a section like this to a major store! The collection includes vintage luxury accessories from Hermes, Chanel and Christian Dior. Highlights include an Hermes 23 cm black Caiman croc Constance bag from the 1980’s, an Hermes 35
cm Rouge H Ostrich Birkin bag from the 2000’s and a Chanel cream lambskin leather Double Flap bag from the 1990’s! Vintage couture is here to stay and now has a nice home at Barney’s! Thanks to Heritage Auctions Chicago director Barbara Conn for this cool info! (For more info, visit www.ha.com.)

The Bark Breakfast Benefit will be held on September 7th at the Omni Hotel beginning at 10 a.m. This event will benefit K-9s for Warriors and will include the NBC cast of “Chicago Fire” along with the Mayor. The K9s for Warriors program/rescue pulls dogs from shelters and trains them to be service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury resulting from their service to our country. Ninety-four percent of every dollar raised goes directly to veteran and service dogs. (To make a donation and for more info, click here.)

The Service Club of Chicago’s “Day at the Races” will be held on September 21st at Arlington International Racecourse (the Governor’s Room) beginning at 12:30 p.m. Co-hosted by Heather Jane Johnston and Sally Jo Morris, the event will feature a cocktail reception, luncheon buffet and a limo bus from Gibsons. (For tickets and more info, email info@serviceclubofchicago.org.)

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a good street fest and this one sounds fabulous: Lincoln Square will celebrate its 26th annual Apple Fest, “Apples, Cider and Hay Bales…Oh My” on September 21st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Giddings Plaza, located at 4700 N. Lincoln Ave. This free event will include more than 40 vendors and will showcase all things fall. You will have the chance to enjoy amazing apple inspired dishes including apple cider,
apple pies, apple pizza, apple caramel bread pudding, apple smoked pulled pork sandwiches…well, you get the idea! There will also be live music, a kids’ zone, a bounce maze, storytelling, face painting and more! Hope to see you there! 

Soccer and Style, a fashion show featuring the hunky Chicago Fire players, will be held on The Wit’s ROOF, located at 201 N. State St. on September 19th beginning at 6:30 p.m. (The show starts at 7:30 p.m.) Come see your favorite players walk the runway in this season’s hottest looks from Penguin, Diesel and
Chicago Fire apparel while supporting a great cause. All proceeds will benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for youth and communities throughout Chicagoland by promoting health and wellness, education and the environment. The Foundation also supports organizations that share this vision. (For tickets – $50 regular and $75 VIP – click here.)
 

The American Cancer Society’s 5th Annual Skyline Soiree will be held on September 20th at City Winery, located at 1200 W. Randolph. The event will feature wine-themed activities and include live
music by Final Say: A Maggie Speaks Band, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a raffle. Celeb guests will include Kate Pankike (“Project Runway” designer Seasons 11 & 12), Ed Swiderski (winner of Season 5 “The Bachelorette”), Showbiz Shelly (B96 radio) and ESPN’s Sarah Spain. (For tickets – $105 online and $120 at the door – click here.) 

The Chicago Fringe Festival 2013 presents “Love, Guts, High School”, a wickedly funny one-woman play by Jeannette Bonner. This breakout hit about young love, self-acceptance and taking life advice from a Magic 8 Ball will premiere at The Gift
Theatre, located at 4802 N. Milwaukee in Jefferson Park on September 5th. (It will run through the 8th.) Bonner plays herself offering an engaging and often self-deprecating recount of relationships she grapples with during her secondary school years. It’s a must-see! For tickets and more info, click here!

And last but not least, I’m so thrilled that my Watch312.com internet show, “Candid Candace Chicago”, is nominated for a Chicago Innovation Award! The gala event will be held at the Harris Theater on October 30th…my fingers are crossed!!! (For tickets and more info, click here!)
 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of Candid Candace! As always, please email me any news and events that you think are special and I’ll try to add them here. I shared a story recently on my Chicago Now blog that has received a lot of interest. It’s a human interest story about my upbringing that you might like. The title is “What Mary and Jim Johnson Taught me About Racial (In)Equality”. Wish they were here now…
 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats to the Drake Hotel’s Shaun Rajah! After nine years as special events manager at the Palm Court, he is moving on to a new position as senior catering sales manager! Welcome him as a new U.S. citizen, too – so happy for you, Shaun!