A VICTORIA’S SECRET PINK PARTY WITH A SUPERMODEL (VIDEO!)

PLUS MY TOP NYE PARTY PICKS; JOFFREY'S NUTCRACKER FAMILY DINNER; "SHOCKING PINK & PEARL GREY"; WING'S "SWEET HOME CHICAGO"; ANGIE'S COOL BOOK PARTY; HENSON'S ROCK STARS; 3ARTS AWARDS; CONNECT.INSPIRE.GROW'S HOLIDAY BASH; A COMEDY CAMEO FOR BEAR NECESSITIES; AMY'S NEW GIG; A STORY OF FRIENDSHIP; CARY AND JOHN TIE THE KNOT; EYE PREFER PARIS; CAMP IN ORYX AND SO MUCH MORE!

Victoria's Secret Pink supermodel Elsa Hosk hosted a packed viewing party at the store at Water Tower Place recently to watch the hot VS Fashion Show on CBS.  Pink Nation fans lined up for hours to meet Elsa and watch the show while reclining on cushions with blankets and big smiley face balloons.  The glamorous and articulate spokesmodel, Hosk, was dressed adorably in fashions from the VS Pink line's lifestyle collection.  Watch all the fun here on "Candid Candace Chicago" on Watch312.com!

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The Joffrey Ballet's annual Nutcracker Family Dinner hosted by its Women's Board is one of my favorite events for many reasons, but the biggest one is seeing the smiles on so many kids' faces as they run from station to station either choosing sweets, decorating cookies and ballet pointe shoes or enjoying magic tricks from the fabulous performer, the Great Frankini (Frank Glab).  This year, the venue changed to the historic Standard Club, arguably one of the most elegant spots in the city.  With dark wood paneling, high ceilings and fireplaces burning in every room, how could you not feel like a character out of Downton Abbey?  And then add the sounds of squealing happy children, well, you get the picture.  And then I thought, how special would it be to hear about this event from those who it was created for, the kids?  So, for the first time EVER on Candid Candace, I'm featuring two very special guest bloggers who also happened to be co-chairs of the event along with their mothers.  May I introduce CJ Ricci (age 8) and Sarah Stone (age 15), and their thrilling accounts of this 16th annual event that had 575 guests in attendance:

CJ Ricci, who co-chaired with her mom Laura Kofoid, had this to say about the Family Dinner:  "I was so excited to host the Nutcracker Family Dinner with my mom.  She has been taking me to Joffery performances for a long time and it‘s a tradition that my family sees The Nutcracker every year.  When I got to the Standard Club, the first thing I did was look at all the activity stations. I decided to first get my nails done at the Rock Candy manicure station so that they would be dry when I ate cotton candy. I did red as my base color, then I got sparkles over it and got a tiny Christmas tree on both my ring fingers.  By the time my nails were dry, it was time for the Spin Spun Cotton Candy Station. They had two flavors: blue raspberry and peppermint. I decided to get the blue raspberry. I saw my friend Maya and ran over to her. She said she was looking forward to decorating a pointe shoe, so we went over to the Allegro booth.  I used blue and white snowflakes then added a sparkly blue ribbon on the edges.  I saw my cousins Cami, Claire, Lucy, Austin, and Kendall. When we got to the ballroom for dinner, I couldn’t believe how pretty it was.  There were Nutcracker cupcakes on each table with a sign that said, “In the Land of Sweets, it is proper etiquette to eat dessert first.”  So we did!  For dinner they served mini burgers, macaroni & cheese, and fries.  Then chocolate and peppermint milk shakes for dessert."

And Sarah Stone (age 15), who co-chaired with her mom Carol, gives a teen’s perspective:  "The Nutcracker Family Dinner was a beautiful event which truly epitomized the warm family connections we all love around this time of year. The performance was amazing, as always, and was the perfect segue to a fun and delicious night mimicking the wonders from the ballet.  Being among the older kids I imagined a night more aimed towards a younger audience might not be as entertaining, but this event was a blast for all ages and I may have had more fun than many of youngest guests. As the night continued, I shamelessly enjoyed each minute – singing and dancing with my friends as we belted out every lyric. The Nutcracker Family Dinner makes everyone, no matter the age, feel like a little kid again—which is what the holidays are all about."

This family-friendly dinner began with a thrilling matinee performance of Robert Joffrey’s holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. Audience members enjoyed this holiday tradition that featured brilliant costumes, larger than life scenery, entrancing storytelling and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Following the ballet, guests were whisked away on festive trolleys to the Club for cocktails, lively entertainment and dazzling “Activity Stations” , as Sarah and CJ mentioned in their fabulous accounts.  Guests were seated in the Grand Ballroom for a delicious holiday meal that began with dessert first—as is customary in the “Land of Sweets.”  Pierre Lockett, Joffrey's director of community engagement, welcomed the crowd while DJ Brad Blumenthal and Energy Productions kept everyone moving with music, dancing, games, and contests throughout the night.  The event raised more than $140,000 for the Joffrey's programming and community outreach programs.  (The Nutcracker runs through December 28 at the Auditorium Theatre).  For More Images See This Gallery!

The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum hosted a group of members and their guests at the Museum recently where they enjoyed a presentation by fashion historian Dimitri Papalexis followed by a luncheon and champagne reception in the Chicago Room.  Mr. Papalexis’ lecture, Shocking Pink and Pearl Grey, took the audience through the life and careers of two very different, and now iconic designers, Elsa Schiaparelli and Christian Dior. Schiaparelli was often scandalized in the press for her unconventional designs, which incorporated surrealist imagery inspired by artists of the time, including Salvatore Dali and Jean Cocteau. On the other hand, Christian Dior began his career as a rich gallery owner before turning to design. He is known for creating the “New Look,” worn by legendary women such as Rita Hayworth and Margot Fonteyn. Both designers, however, shared common ground through their great success in the United States, where their designs were sold and admired significantly.  Pieces by both Dior and Schiaparelli are represented in the Chicago History Museum Collection, and guests were treated to a special viewing of garments by the designers at the event. The Chicago History Museum serves as a unique national resource for the preservation and understanding of history through the collection, examination and documentation of costume. Many artifacts in the Museum's collection were made by Chicago's dressmakers, milliners, and manufacturers and include a number of items worn by prominent Chicagoans and Americans.  Some unique pieces include personal items belonging to Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, Michael Jordan's basketball uniform, and Mahalia Jackson's choir robe.  The earliest pieces include suits worn by George Washington and John Adams.  The Museum's extensive couture holdings, ranging from Charles Worth gowns to the innovative designs of Yohji Yamamoto, have earned an international reputation. (www.ChicagoHistory.org) (Photos by Robert Kusel).

Led by Honorary co-chairs Jackie and Glenn Tilton and event co-chairs Anna Bilton and Meghan Norton, volunteers for WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger) raised a record $800,000 at the organization’s tenth annual Sweet Home Chicago fundraiser recently at The Four Seasons Hotel. Since it started in 2004, Sweet Home Chicago has become one of Chicago’s most successful brunch fundraisers with this year’s benefit bringing the total raised to more than $5 million to help support WINGS’ Safe House. More than 480 people, about 1/2 children, decorated gingerbread houses, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, stopped for a family portrait by photographer Curtis Newborn and danced to music performed by Ralph’s World.  Proceeds support WINGS’ domestic violence shelters, programs and services for women and children in the Chicago area. WINGS’ operating budget is funded by corporations, foundations and individuals, as well as revenues from WINGS three northwest suburban resale shops with less than 20 percent coming from government sources. In 2014 construction begins for WINGS Metro, Chicago’s first new domestic violence shelter in 10 years, which will be located on the southwest side of Chicago. (For more info, visit www.wingsprogram.com)(Photos by Waldemar Reichert)

I can't wait to celebrate New Year' Eve!  It's one of the most festive party times of the year.  I have two favorites starting with one at The Langham Chicago.  The famous Black and White ball of 1966 (hosted by Truman Capote) set the standard for mid-century chic-ness with guests dressed in black and white and donning exotic masks.  In a playful nod to an era captivated by fun and frivolity, Travelle at The Langham, Chicago will welcome in the New Year with a festive party that celebrates in black and white with a nod to Capote's former extravaganza that captured the imagination of the world wide press with its celeb-filled roster.  Everything will be in keeping with the theme, including the delicious, multi-course NYE dinner prepared by Executive Chef Tim Graham and Pastry Chef Scott Green which will include courses ranging from black and white bow tie pasta to black and white croquembouche (cream puff) balls.  (There will be two seatings).  At 5:00 p.m., a three-course menu will be featured that will be followed by a five-course black and white gala dinner starting at 7:30 p.m. and continuing into the New Year.   Guests joining the second seating are encouraged, but certainly not required, to wear their favorite mask along with black and white attire.  The recipient whose mask is deemed the most festive will win a magnum of Veuve Clicquot champagne for their table! (Price is $175 per person plus tax).  For more info,  visit www.travellechicago.com or call 312-923-9988.  Happy New Year!!!

I hope you can join me at Public Chicago for a New Year's Eve party with Genuine Entertainment's Vincent Anzalone and Lonnie Rodriguez along with hosts Jerry Azumah, Natalie Bomke, Corri McFadden, Felipe Ospina, Kevin Conroy Smith and Ed Swiderski.  There will be guest DJs all night long as well as great dinner packages plus a Recovery Brunch the following day!  Check out the details here!  

Celebrity publicist Angie Banicki celebrated the launch of her first book, “30 Before 30: Traveling Under the Influence,” with an elite bash at Studio Paris that included movie producer Hilary Shor and actor Chris McDonald. The Hollywood connector with small town roots in Illinois, conceived the idea for the travel memoir after burning out from her high-profile job. The memoir, curated by clients-turned-friends that include Eva Longoria, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, Forest Whitaker, David Arquette and more, chronicles the adventures she embarked on at their bequest. Guests sipped on Thatcher’s Organic Liqueur cocktails while enjoying Paris Club’s passed hors d’oeuvres and Sprinkles cupcakes and were encouraged to chase after their own dreams with a ‘What’s On Your Bucket List?’ board.   (The book can be purchased online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Or locally at Maash Boutique, 3828 N. Lincoln Avenue 60613).

Congrats to Kathleen Henson and her team at Henson Consulting Inc. for being named a finalist for the prestigious PRWeek 2014 Boutique Agency of the Year Award. The River North-based firm is the only agency in Chicago nominated for the honor. HC represents some of the best brands in the country, including Kraft Foods, Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Walter E. Smithe, Coldwell Banker and The Pampered Chef. The agency has grown to a staff of 20 since the firm’s humble beginnings in Kathleen’s basement in January 2001.  HC will celebrate its 13th birthday in January 2014!  #WINNING

Almost 150 guests attended the grand opening of LOFT at Roosevelt Collection (150 W. Roosevelt Road in Chicago) with glam hosts Catherine DeOrio, Liz Schneider, Revae Schneider and Samantha Saifer-Berngard recently.  The holiday date night included complimentary trolley rides to and from LOFT with pick-ups near the Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue.  Attendees enjoyed spiked apple cider and a wintery menu of pumpkin spiced donuts, butternut squash crepes and mini Shepherd pies all created by Truffleberry Market.  Ladies also had the opportunity to get glam with The Stylisted who provided beauty touch-ups and five minute makeovers.  DJ Lani Love kept the music flowing while guests mixed, mingled and shopped at this trendy, affordable boutique that has 500 stores across the US.  (www.Loft.com)

Was so thrilled to be reunited with my Dream Team for photo shoots, FAB photographer Paul Sherman and makeup artist extraordinaire, Marcus Geeter!  The last time we shot together was for my first TCW Magazine cover and I've always adored them and their amazing talents.  I highly recommend them for any and all of your photo and makeup needs!  Paul shoots delightful photos of pets, too!!  (www.shermanphoto.pro and www.marcusgeetermakeupartist.com )

3Arts announced the ten recipients of its 6th annual 3Arts Awards, presented to women artists, artists of color and artists with disabilities working in the performing, teaching and visual arts. The awards were presented by the 3Arts Board of Directors and Awards Host Committee in a celebratory gathering at the Museum of Contemporary Art.  3Arts has awarded over $1 million in total grants to more than 100 Chicago artists in the past six years.  The honorees each received an unrestricted $15,000 award to put to use according to their individual needs and priorities. The 2013 recipients are dancer Michel Rodriguez and choreographer Vershawn Sanders Ward; instrumentalists Lisa Kaplan and Ronnie Kuller; teaching artists Marta Garcia and Robert Schleifer; actors Mierka Girten and Kelli Simpkins; and visual artists Irena Knezevic and Cauleen Smith.  “In the past six years, 3Arts has distributed over $1,000,000 to artists across Chicago, a testament to our dedication to supporting a diversity of artistic voices in our community. The 3Arts Award is the first step and the foundation for our ongoing support of each awardee. They are now eligible for a network of offerings designed to help them build momentum in their practice over time including project support, residency fellowships, promotion, and informal and formal professional development programs," said 3Arts Executive Director Esther Grimm. Driven by the belief that the vitality and creative spirit of Chicago is reliant upon a diverse spectrum of artistic voices, 3Arts advocates for women artists, artists of color and artists with disabilities working in the performing (dance, music and theater), teaching and visual arts. (For more information on 3Arts, visit www.3arts.org ).

I'm so excited that CAMP Cosmetic's Candid Candace (coral) lipstick is featured on the Wish List in Oryx Magazine, Qatar Airways in-flight magazine!!!  There were only 8 items listed and this lipstick was right at the TOP!  OMGoodness!  (To buy YOURS, click here!)

I was so honored to be a guest speaker for Connect.Inspire.Grow at the Wyndham.  Thanks so much to founder Monika Rydzewski and her glam team for putting together a wonderful holiday networking event that also featured Common Ground Agency founder and inspirational speaker Sherman Wright.  Jillian Conley was also scheduled but came down with a cold the night of the event so her My Deal TV show co-host, Jeff Conway, filled in with great enthusiasm and a wonderful story, too!  The event also benefitted "A Safe Haven", a non-profit that empowers families and individuals experiencing homelessness or crisis to achieve sustainable self-sufficiency. (www.ASafeHaven.org)

The next evening, I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone to do a stand-up comedy cameo in the hit show, Old Jews Telling Jokes at the Royal George Theatre.  Thanks to legendary comedian Tom Dreesen, Khaled Taha and my brother-in-law Dr. Osmar Steinwald for their advice, help and material!  I have no idea how anyone in the world does stand-up!  It was the hardest thing I've ever done!  Catch this funny show that's been extended through March 30 starring SNL alum Tim Kazurinsky, Dara Cameron, Alex Goodrich, Renee Matthews and Gene Weygandt!  Other cameo appearances will include Illinois Senate President John Cullerton and State Rep Sara Feigenholtz (Jan. 8) and best-selling author Sara Paretsky (Feb. 5).  Author Scott Turow made his stand-up debut on December 17.  (A portion of each of these performance's proceeds will benefit a charity.  Mine benefitted Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation).  (Click here for tickets and more info).

I'm so excited for style expert/author/TV fashion maven, Amy Tara Koch!  She is now offering her fashion savvy knowledge as a personal stylist!  Her unerring eye will help you edit your wardrobe and she'll shop with you to nail your perfect style!  You've seen her share her knowledge on all of the morning shows and now she's available to help us one-on-one!  I can't wait!  Congrats Amy!!  (www.amytarakoch.com)  Follow her as she takes over Travel & Leisure's Twitter feed for a family trip to Miami here!

Congrats to longtime partners Cary Frank and John Cannon!  After 33 years together, they tied the knot on December 20 in Davenport, Iowa where they were legally married by Chief Justice Greve!  Long may you love…..:-)

Chicago is beautiful all lit up for Christmas but I also love seeing the scenes from Paris that blogger Richard Nahem shares on his website, "Eye Prefer Paris".  Ex-New Yorker Nahem shares an insider's guide to the City of Light on his popular blog with fabulous photos that's written from his 18th century apartment in the fashionable Marais district!  If you love Paris like I do, then add this website to your list!

I love this supportive story of friendship….. Chad Silver and his buddy Brian Levitas have been friends since grade school.  In October, Brian told Chad he felt rundown and asked him to take a look at a lump on his neck.  Chad thought it might be mono but, two days later, Brian was diagnosed with lymphoma.  Chad and his other friend Logan, along with an army of supporters, decided to raise money in Brian's honor for One Step Camp, an organization that provides support for kids with cancer.  Brian's being treated at Lurie's and sees little kids suffering everyday so he's thrilled with this choice and so grateful for everyone's help.  So far, 122% of their goal of $50,000 has been met with current funds raised at $61,142.  To join Team Brian, click here!  #SupportiveFriends 

Hope you can tune into WCIU's "You & Me This Morning" on Friday, December 27 when I will return as co-host with the always fabulous Jeanne Sparrow!  I can't wait and I hope you'll be watching!

Stay tuned for my interview with the View's Jenny McCarthy and her hunky boyfriend Donnie Wahlberg coming soon on Watch312.com!  I predict a wedding…you'll know why after you see the video!  :-) 

Our holiday plans are in full gear and our new place is brimming with Christmas cheer!   Here's wishing you the joy of family, the gift of friends, and the best of everything in 2014.  Thanks for reading my labor of love, Candid Candace!

 

 

 

With Love & Wintry Wishes,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

 

P.S. Just for fun……