Tag Archives: Chicago Beach Polo

August 23, 2012 · 11:24 am

GLAMORAMA’S FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA BENEFITS RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE!

…PLUS HOTEL LINCOLN’S GRAND OPENING, LINCOLN PARK ZOO’S GARDEN PARTY, WATCH312.COM’S GLAMORAMA VIDEO COVERAGE, CHICAGO AIR & WATER SHOW PARTIES, “OUT IN THE PARK” AT SIX FLAGS, TUESDAY WANTS YOU AT PAWS CHICAGO, MOVE OVER REVLON – CAMP IS COMING AND SO MUCH MORE!

It was a cornucopia of exciting visuals, fabulous fashions, glamazon models, great people watching and the best after-party around: Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama wowed the crowds again this year at the Harris Theater on August 10th. This new venue provided a different feel to the show with a smaller stage, which (thankfully!) didn’t affect the quality or excitement level in the least and the Rooftop at Millennium Park proved to be one of the BEST after-party venues thus far! The show (expertly produced by Myron Johnson), and themed “The British Invasion: The Music Then. The Fashion Now,” opened with Macy’s I Heart Radio contest winners, Meg & Liz. These two 19-year-old fraternal twins from Nashville became YouTube sensations when their cover songs and original pop anthems racked up 160 million views. Their latest hit, “Are You Happy Now?” an anti-bullying song, features Meg’s soulful acoustic guitar alongside her sister Liz’s soaring vocals. The chart topping duo Karmin also performed – they too shot to fame through their collection of YouTube cover songs, only theirs featured the rapid fire rapping of Amy Heidemann alongside her musician/singer/fiancé, Nick Noonan. They ignited the web when they posted a cover of Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now” on YouTube; the clip went viral, Ellen Degeneres called and the rest is history! (They even had the honor of introducing this year’s Ronald McDonald Host Family, Janae McVey, and her mom, LaTressa.) Headliner Robin Thicke taught himself to play piano at the age of 12 and by 21, had written and produced songs on over 20 gold and platinum albums for Michael Jackson, Marc Anthony, Pink, Christina Aguilera and others. Macy’s fall fashions featured collections from Tommy Hilfiger, Jean Paul Gaultier, Material Girl, Sean John, Bar III, Rachel Roy and Donna Karan; always a crowd pleaser, the Diesel underwear segment did NOT disappoint this year with hunky male models sporting Beefeater hats, police helmets and billy clubs, House of Lords wigs and, of course, underwe
ar! The segment opened with the guys lined up atop a London bus, tearing off their shirts and marching down stairs towards the appreciative audience. The young British Invasion dancers included some favorites from last year like Bailey Munoz (aka BailRok), who Cee-Lo Green famously lifted over his head in last year’s finale. The after-party on the Rooftop of Millennium Park was over-the-top spectacular with British touches everywhere you looked. The “Windsor Terrace’s” champagne lounge featured the “Queen’s jewels” in a Lucite case while the “Piccadilly Circus” section offered Lancome makeup touchups and a photo booth with props. Delicious food was everywhere you looked with specialty drinks offered at all 18 Patron bars! Attendees included Andrea Schwartz with Dr. Steven Stryker, Martine Reardon, Robin Reibel, Jeff Ganette, Doug Porter, Christina Thomas, Paul Heubener, Kamal Bosamia, Fabrice Calmels, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Sheila Musolino, David Sanchez, Rachel Schwanz, Corinne Melchior, Gretchen Klotz, Billy Dec, Ken Norgan, Jose Conforme, Marcus Riley, Nicole Townsend, Marco Foster, Laura Schwartz, Justin Jacobson, Dori Wilson, Sherren Leigh, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Toni Canada, Gale Gottlieb, Carol Gibson, Camille Britton, Lynn McMahan, Rebecca Besser, Joan Colmar, Kathleen Henson, Michelle Durpetti, Stephanie Kroll, Heather Ingram, Kathy O’Malley, Katie Cahnmann, Quenten Schumacher, Katie McLenaghan, John Bourgeois, Donna Pecci, Marcellas Reynolds, Samantha Lurie, Stephanie Teymourian, Sara Jahn, Ami York, Joanne Lee Paul, Tee Lam Dubois, Marketa Kazdova and Sadhna and Narmda Kumar. All of the dancers, models and performers travel to all four cities – Minneapolis, Chicago, L.A. and San Francisco. For the fourth year, Glamorama benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. To date, this event has raised more than $750K for this charity to support the building of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House which officially opened on June 26th! During the past 13 years, this event has raised more than $2 million for Chicagoland charities. See below for an incredible Watch312.com video documenting this historic event! (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr.)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=9tdTJwNTqrT3sRVib6ovXa5x86KyMdQ5&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Chicago's newest boutique hotel, Hotel Lincoln, hosted its official Grand Opening Party at 1816 N. Clark on Thursday, August 16th. Hundreds of locals and hotel guests partied on three floors including the J. Parker Rooftop, which has one of the best views in the city. Looking out over Lincoln Park, the zoo and lagoons with the lake beyond is a sight not to be missed! Even Mary Todd and Abe Lincoln were on hand to greet guests as they entered. Neon wristbands allowed party-goers all-access into this charming hotel located at the crossroads of Lincoln, Clark and Wells. Conveniently located near the Lincoln Park Zoo, Green City Market, Second City and Steppenwolf Theatre Company, this 12-story hotel has 184 rooms that begin reasonably at $179 a night. Dining specials can even be ordered up from restaurant hotspot, Perennial Virant, whose beloved food and beverage director Jason Dohmann was on hand on this special night greeting guests with a smile and a hug. Congrats to BOKA Group restaurant owners Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz and Joie de Vivre Hotel Group for this terrific addition to the neighborhood. Guests seen on the scene included Marlaine Selip, Cindy Patrasso, Emerald-Jane Hunter and Ji Suk Yi from “Windy City Live,” Andrea Schwartz, Scott Bobek, Julianne Glatz, the Landon twins, Laura Schwartz, Charley Jordan, Jennifer Sutton, Deborah Chapman, Lesley Prizant Goodman, Alli Turner, Luis Gomez, Patrick Parkey and Mitchell Obstfeld. I'm so happy to see that horrible "Days Inn" sign disappear! For more info on Hotel Lincoln, please click here!! (P.S. The Hotel Lincoln is pet-friendly AND charitable, with a $1 donation per room being donated to PAWS Chicago – more than $4,800 has been donated to date, thanks to Deborah Chapman!) Check out more fun party pics here!

Lincoln Park Zoo’s second annual Wine & Wildflowers Garden Party was a casually elegant affair in the zoo’s gardens with almost 350 people enjoying this August 1st event that included a wine tasting, mingling and leisurely strolls through the pristine grounds of this urban oasis. Strains of bluegrass music from the Bubbly Creek Bluegrass Band, which could be heard over the Hope B. McCormick swan pond, delighted attendees who feasted on Southern favorites including an upscale selection of brisket and pork barbecue bites from Tigerlily Events, deviled eggs topped with smoky bacon and chicken salad tartlettes. Wine stations included selections from sponsors Apothic Wines, Martin Codax, William Hill Estate Winery and Wirtz Beverage Illinois. Tours throughout the night highlighted striking garden displays of purple fall anemone, tardiva hydrangeas and dinner plate hibiscus. Senior VP of Facilities Troy Baresel and Director of Horticulture Brian Houck gave guests an exclusive sneak peek at what lies ahead for the Gardens at Lincoln Park Zoo. Their aim is to create a garden for all seasons that preserves the historic character of the Zoo’s grounds. Founded in 1868, our zoo is one of the country’s only free, privately-managed zoos. (Click here to view more pics!)

The Chicago Air & Water Show is one of my favorite events every summer – Chuck and I always love seeing the rehearsals the day before when the planes fly right over our deck and terrify the Chihuahuas! And although much is written about the show itself, I love the viewing parties thrown across the city to celebrate! I know the newly opened Hotel Lincoln hosted an event as did friends Michael Wilkie and Kristina and Mike McGrath. Wilkie's penthouse home – high atop 1500 N. Lake Shore – is, in my opinion, the best perch from which to view these amazing feats of daring since the planes are right at eye level from the 24th floor. His beautiful home was formerly owned by an heir of Morton Salt so you can imagine the grandeur. Kristina and Mike McGrath's home holds a special sense of place for me since they live at the Palmolive Building, formerly Playboy headquarters. Their h
ome on the 22nd floor was formerly the editorial department where I spent a lot of my time in earlier years so I felt right at home in their luxurious space with two grand outdoor patios…one with a putting green! Partygoers included Sonya Jackson, Korinna Isselhardt (Kristina's darling twin sis), Hazel and Warren Barr, Lynn and John McMahan, Michaela and Dick Parrillo, Susanna Negovan, Sherrill and John Bodine, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Uslan, Gayle and Jim Anthony, Sherren Leigh, Sugar Rautbord, Rebecca Besser, Toni and Rick Canada and Julee White. A gorgeous lakefront, world-class aerial displays and great friends to see it all with – Chicago is MY kind of town! (To see all party pics, please click here!)

I’ve been fortunate to have attended quite a few unique events in my time but this is one clever idea for a party! An all new private LGBT event benefitting TPAN will feature rides, live music and a party-like atmosphere: “Out in the Park” will be at Six Flags Great America on Saturday, September 8th from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. The park will be closed to the general public for this event, where more than 3,000 guests are expected to attend. Attendees will enjoy DJs Matthew Harvat and Phil DaBeatz, who will be spinning simultaneously as a team. A limited number of bus tickets will be available departing from Uptown on Montrose Avenue, one block west of Broadway. Buses will depart at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., all returning at 1 a.m. Tickets in advance are $35, which includes admission to the park all day long, free parking and admission to this private event. (For tickets, visit sixflags.com using promo code OUT2012 and for bus ticket info, please visit gaysixflagschicago.com or call 773.878.5323.)

Congrats to the students of the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, who donated their time and efforts for Congressman Danny Davis’ recent Back to School Parade & Picnic. Twelve students happily assisted seniors by serving meals, helping them on and off of buses and with games. The kids gave back to the community in the spirit that won ICB the 2012 ACCSC Award (Accrediting Commission Career Schools & Colleges) that OICB Prez Bob Mills will be receiving in San Diego this September. They beat out more than 1,400 schools and 250,000 college kids in garnering this award so congrats to the students and to ICB on this major honor!

Friends for the Cure is a dynamic group of associates who have been working together since 2003 to help raise money for research to cure diabetes. The founder, Margery Teller (one of Crain’s “100 Most Influential Women”), will bring together more than 700 celebrants on Saturday, September 15th from 7 p.m. until midnight at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 220 E. Chicago Ave. The night will include strolling musicians, performing artists, DJs and an extensive silent auction that will include a pair of weekend stays at the Langham Hotels in Boston and Pasadena, among many other exciting items. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100. (To purchase tickets, please visit www.diabetes.org/friends.)

I’m sad to report that Chicago Beach Polo won’t be returning to North Avenue Beach this year but the good news for polo buffs is that it is alive and well in Oak Brook! Last Sunday was the first of four polo events this year. Remaining dates are August 26th, September 2nd and September 9th and games are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For more info, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com.

Social Gravity, a network connecting people and businesses that share common causes and goals with the nonprofits they support, will be hosting a networking and fundraising happy hour on Friday, August 24th, at the Redhead Piano Bar, located at 16 W. Ontario St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Social Gravity founder Randy Shipley explains, “This event will raise money for MyPlea.org, an innovative new online charitable organization dedicated to helping those in need on an individual case by case basis.” (Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more info, please contact Sarah Vargo via phone at 224.622.1759 or email at sarah@maven-chicago.com.)

My favorite market, Randolph Street Market, returns to 1340 W. Washington on August 25th and 26th! America’s largest and liveliest urban antiques market offers more than eight acres of indoor and outdoor shopping plus some of the best food vendors in Chicago! It also offers free downtown furniture deliveries, a trolley from Water Tower Place and is very pet-friendly! Hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Remember, early Saturday shopping will benefit Chicago House! (For more info, please click here.)

If you’re in the market for a 10-month-old Pointer pup, read no further and get over to PAWS Chicago NOW! Tuesday is an affectionate girl who loves to fetch and is anxious to bring so much life and energy to her new family! She is good on leash and walks and would probably make a great running partner, too! She sits on command and will need lots of exercise, structure, love and training. If you think you qualify for this bundle of love, contact Sarah Ahlberg at sahlberg@PawsChicago.org.

It came out of the blue: I didn’t even know the guy and had never heard of Camp Cosmetics but when owner Michael Perich contacted me about creating my own lipstick, I had dreams of Elizabeth Taylor and her Diamonds fragrance! Well, a dream for sure but what fun to have my own special coral color named “Candid Candace” and, best of all, getting to donate a portion of the proceeds to PAWS Chicago! He is a dedicated makeup artist with a salon filled with like-minded professionals who believe in their slogan “Women are beautiful…we make them pretty.” My signature color sells for $19.50 and can be ordered by phoning Camp Cosmetics at 630.545.0240 or visiting the store at 480A N. Main St. in Glen Ellyn. I am sooooo excited! 🙂 (Photo courtesy of Amie Hana.)

Thanks for being here and I hope to see you next week – same time, same place! I hope you’re enjoying this glorious weather that makes Chicago the most delightful city in the world!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

STELLA FOSTER HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM CHICAGO JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION

…PLUS JOFFREY DANCERS' PARTY FROM EMBARC, CHICAGO GOURMET'S GRAND AFFAIR, HECTOR MONARREZ FASHION SHOW, WATCH312.COM'S LAUNCH PARTY PLANS, ANTI-CRUELTY'S FUN FUNDRAISER, MARIANO'S FRESH MARKET ROCKS AND SO MUCH MORE!

The room was packed with more than 400 adoring fans and friends as the Chicago Journalists Association hosted its largest awards dinner yet for its 72nd annual event. No wonder!!! The Lifetime Achievement Award winner was none other than Sun-Times columnist Stella Foster! Even Governor Quinn had a hard time reaching the recipient to congratulate her since the crowd was packed wall to wall outside the Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza. He said, “She has a lifetime ethic of service and when people want to get the word out, they know where to go! She’s got a BIG heart!” The CJA annually recognizes journalistic excellence and this year they honored many more deserving recipients. The evening began with Jimmy Damon singing the National Anthem followed by the invocation from Monsignor Kenneth Velo. He thanked “all of the journalists because they capture life in a day.” Emcees Karen Jordan and Christian Farr kept the night moving along as the award winners were announced. The CJA Dale Messick/Brenda Starr Award went to Tribune columnist Mary Schmich who shared the honor with artist June Brigman. The Chicago Journalist of the Year Award was presented to the Tribune’s arts and jazz critic, Howard Reich, who attended with his wife, Pam Becker, an editor at the Tribune. The award for Best Online Journalism went to Roger Ebert, with adoring wife Chaz accepting, for his popular blog. Sister 2 Sister Magazine founder Jamie Foster Brown – and Stella’s real life sister! – introduced the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Estella Mae Foster. She spoke of Stella’s 34-year relationship with the legendary columnist, Irv Kupcinet, as his secretar
y and confidant. She said, “She’s irreverent and sassy and oh boy, is she opinionated. I love how people love my sister. From this sister to my sister, this is YOUR night!” After this, the crowd exploded, leaping to their feet to honor this beloved Chicago treasure. She said, “This has been such an outpouring of love…I love my family at the Sun-Times.” She started to name friends in the audience but realized the task would be too great. So she continued, “Kup, that was quite a person. What I loved about Kup, he loved writing. We were doing six columns a week except for Saturday and I loved every moment of it with him.” (Stella’s popular column – “Stella’s Column” – can be found every Tuesday and Thursday in the Sun-Times.) Stella’s award was followed by the Daniel Pearl Award which was given to CBS News’ chief foreign affairs correspondent, Lara Logan. Logan and her CBS crew were arrested and detained for a night by the Egyptian Army on Feb. 3, while covering the revolution there. She said the crew was blindfolded and handcuffed at gunpoint, and their driver beaten. They were advised to leave the country, but were later released. Since 2002, she had spent the next four years reporting from war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq for CBS News. Other Sarah Brown Boyden Award winners included Sun-Times’ John J. Kim (Photography), Sun-Times’ Francine Knowles, Kim Janssen and Sandra Guy (Business), WBEZ-FM’s Robert Wildeboer (Features), Tribune’s Dan Pompei (Sports), Sun-Times’ Frank Main, Mark Konkol, John J. Kim (Public Service), Tribune’s Joel Hood, Annie Sweeney and Stacy St. Clair (Spot News), Tribune’s Patricia Callahan and Trine Tsouderos (Science), Tribune’s Sam Roe and Jared Hopkins (Health), Sun-Times’ editorial page staff (Editorial Coverage), Tribune’s Michael Hawthorne (Investigative), AP’s Sharon Cohen (Best Series) and Best of the Best honors went to Sun-Times’ Frank Main, Mark Konkol and John J. Kim for their public service entry, “The No-Snitch Code.” It was an evening filled with familiar faces including Jimmy Rittenberg, Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Alan Kaye, Dori Wilson, Joy Germont, Israel Idonije, Juanita Jordan, Grant DePorter with daughter Margot, Hermene Hartman, Linda Yu, Joe Ahern, Linda Johnson Rice, Larry Wert, Otis Wilson, Hosea Sanders, John Colletti, Rich Varnes, Leah Hope, Celeste and Bill Van Dahm, Lisa Lenoir, Cheryl Burton, Mary Ann Childers and Jay Levine, Robert Jordan, Allison Payne, Christina and Lou Vasta, Tony Preckwinkle, Tim Evans, Chaz Ebert, Marion Brooks, LeeAnn Trotter, Father Ken Velo, Karen Jordan, Christian Farr, Rob Johnson, Merri Dee, Robin Robinson, Dutchie Caray, George Daniels, Kathleen Henson, Diana Palomar Scott, Morene Dunn, Barry Axler, Courtney Nzeribe, Jamey and Melissa Sage Fadim, Tony Abruscato, Johnny Snickers, Margot DePorter, Cherie and Ernest Baker, Chris Ruys, Pam Becker, Tai Duncan, Devin Blackburn and Shell Reyes among many, many others. Congrats to all of the deserving honorees! What a great night for Chicago!

The 4th annual Chicago Gourmet was, yet again, a smashing success! Presented by title sponsor Bon Appétit in conjunction with the Illinois Restaurant Association and presenting sponsor Southern Wine & Spirits, this year’s event took place from September 23rd through 25th in Millennium Park and brought out a crowd of more than 10,000 attendees. The Kick-Off party, the popular Hamburger Hop, was held atop the Harris Theatre Rooftop and was the ultimate burger showdown with more than 17 determined competitors preparing their top burger dishes. Two chefs emerged victorious: Bandera Executive Chef Colleen McHugh received the judge-selected Allen Brothers Award presented by Todd Hatoff, president of sponsor Allen Brothers Steaks, and Executive Chef Steven Lawhorn of Palmer Place took home the People’s Choice Award for his “Benchmark Burger.” Other exciting activities surrounding Chicago Gourmet included cooking demos, book signings, food and wine seminars, Grand Cru Tastings, numerous gourmet tasting pavilions, and much more. Hundreds of renowned chefs participated including Rick Bayless, Stephanie Izard, Tony Mantuano, Mary Sue Milliken, Jonathan Waxman and Ted Allen. Winemakers, premium spirit producers and brewmasters from around the world were also on hand to interact with the attendees. The event raised big money for the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF), whose mission is to build the Illinois hospitality workforce through career exploration, workforce development and scholarships. Congrats to IRA’s Sheila O’Grady and her dedicated staff and supporters for another great year of Chicago Gourment!!! (Photos courtesy of David Ditzler and Jeff Schear.)

The Joffrey Ballet dancers are not only incredible artists but they are also dedicated fundraisers for worthy causes! EMBARC is a non-profit organization that provides unique cultural experiences and interactions to high school students from Chicago’s most socially and economically isolated neighborhoods. And in support of this worthy cause, the Joffrey Dancers have created a special event called “A New Movement.” This intimate evening will feature the dancers in their home, The Joffrey Tower (located at Randolph and State), where they will share their art for the cause, presenting six world premieres that the dancers have choreographed on their own time. The evening will also include cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of J & L Catering, plus a silent auction with décor donated by Kehoe Designs. I hope you can join me and see these groundbreaking new pieces being performed in support of EMBARC. For tickets and more info, please click here. (One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to EMBARC’s programming!)

The Anti-Cruelty Society will be hosting its 11th annual It’s Raining Cats and Dogs Benefit on Friday, October 21st, from 7 – 11 PM at the Palmer House Hilton. This event, their second largest annual fundraiser, is sponsored by Chopper Trading, Hill’s Science Diet, RCN Cable and CS Magazine and will be emceed by NBC 5’s Andy Avalos. There will be more than 15 chef tastings, complimentary bars, live entertainment from The Ron Harris Music Group, a Panache Boutique fashion show, live and silent auctions, a wine pull, $5000 cash raffle, and of course, adorable adoptable cats and dogs serving as the host committee! Individual tickets are $175 in advance or $200 at the door. For more info and tickets, please call 312-645-8006 or visit www.itsrainingcatsanddogs.org.

Well, I guess there could be a cuter designer than Hector-Javier MonArrez but I don’t know who it would be! His beautiful Front Row 2012 Runway Show was held recently in the legendary Union League Club’s Crystal Room in front of a packed, appreciative audience. The evening began with a VIP champagne reception and then moved into the Crystal Room for the main event. Expertly produced by soon-to-be-wed Kimberly Palmisano (her soon-to-be-proud-hubby is hunky Wulf Kaal), the show featured glamorous Factor Models styled by Joseph Michael’s Salon. The show was hosted by NBC’s Zoraida Sambolin with music provided by DJ Konsept. And it wouldn’t be a party without seeing the Queen of Illustrations, Rosemary Fanti, who was there making everyone look much better than they really are! I loved Hector’s sassy designs and especially his copper colored leather- and fur-trimmed suit. His attention to detail is flawless and this collection highlighted his masterful skills. Congrats Hector! (Additional photos by Steve Starr…view ALL pics HERE!)

Mariano’s Fresh Market is hands-down my favorite grocery store in town! And not only because it generously donated $10,000 to Common Threads recently, but this event did give me the opportunity to see this brand new store for myself for the first time. I will tell you I’ve never seen so much beautiful food so lovingly arranged. While we were there accepting the check from owner, Bob Mariano (darling hubby of Nina DiFrisco), the staff burst spontaneously into song spelling out Mariano’s! I’ve never seen anything like it! The store brochure reads “We provide world-class neighborhood shopping at compelling prices. We are a full-service, complete destination grocery store that caters to family shoppers and foodies alike.” I am totally hooked. Congrats to Bob Mariano on this wonderful new concept that makes grocery shopping such an exciting experience! And thanks also to Bob and Roundy’s Supermarkets for their wonderful policy of always giving back to the communities they’re involved with. Check out Mariano’s for yourselves at 333 E. Benton Place. Welcome to Lakeshore East and thanks for the support on behalf of the kiddies of Common Threads!

Mark your calendars and save the date for Watch312.com’s Launch Party set for Wednesday, November 30th at the Joffrey Tower! See for yourselves the new shows being debuted and meet DC Crenshaw from “Chicago Unplugged” and Dr. Sandy Goldberg and co-host Scott Mackay from “LIVE! With Dr. Sandy.” Lots of surprises in store, too! In the meantime, check out my latest videos from the Green Tie Ball and the Chicago Beach Polo Matches…more fun than the law allows! 🙂

I still haven’t made it to that pumpkin patch, sadly. I am still hopeful the weather will hold so until I get there, here’s a video to remind us all that “The Time is Now!”

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Check out this great pic of Chef Art Smith’s latest restaurant, Southern Art & Bourbon Bar, at 3315 Peachtree Road in Atlanta! Rhonda Sanderson reports it was some of the best fried chicken she’s ever had…so now we know!

THE JOFFREY BALLET’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS: SIX YEARS LATER AND STILL GOING STRONG!

I have a soft spot for The Joffrey Ballet’s “Couture & Cocktails”…I admit it. Six years ago when Helen Melchior and I planned this event, I could never have anticipated how successful it would become nor how it would bring me a lifelong friend in Helen. I know this year’s co-chairs, Rebecca Besser and Kristina McGrath, also bonded over this event. It usually happens this way when two like-minded people unite for a common purpose, especially one that is so much fun to plan and for such a wonderful organization. The Joffrey Ballet has come a long way too since its inception. Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956 in NY, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway. I have loved watching it grow since I’ve been a Women’s Board member and, this year, the Women’s Board has a birthday, too: Our 10th anniversary is being planned as I type and I can’t wait to share those details with you when they’ve been formed by Event Chair Maureen Smith. Every year, Couture & Cocktails has presented a top name designer and, in years past, they have included Maria Pinto (for the inaugural event at The Illuminating Co.), Temperley London and Escada (for the party at the Bentley Dealership where the street was closed and tented!), Pamella Roland (for the first fashion show ever to be presented in the Grand Lobby of the Palmer House), Carmen Marc Valvo (another killer show at the W) and this year’s designer, David Meister. This year’s event was also a first, being the first institution to host a major event at The Hudson at 2222 South Michigan. The previous party held there was the much publicized Ikram anniversary party! Another signature for Couture & Cocktails is always the food! For the original event, we had re
al White Castle sliders in boxes served on silver trays – the first, fun food idea! This year, The Entertaining Company carried on in fine form with sliders, yes, but beef tenderloin sliders, along with many other tasty and creative choices. The dancers were an inspiration and the reason the event was created. We wanted to showcase them in a friendly, fun atmosphere…away from the stage where guests could get to know them as people. They are not only incredible dancers, as we all know, but the most amazing human beings with multiple talents. Why, dancer Amber Neumann even designed cocktail dresses for a number of her cohorts for this night and they were GORGEOUS! Many others are artists and designers. And they are all charming! The live auction was something to behold this year. Great auction packages included a trip for four plus airfare to the British Virgin Island’s Bitter End Yacht Club with airfare courtesy of United Airlines that sold for $14,500. For this package, Executive Director Christopher Conway even donned a sailor suit! He looked adorable! Another package was an “Instant Cellar: Wine & Champagne Collection” with over 50 bottles that sold for $6,500. A PGA Masters Tournament and the Double Eagle Club for four (courtesy of Charlie and Rebecca Besser) plus business class airfare on United Airlines sold for $13,500. Mike and Kristina McGrath donated their 108-foot yacht, the Kristina, for a group of eight for four days and three nights that sold for $21,000. And for the final package, for the first time in the ballet company’s history, a dance-on role was offered during the season opener of its upcoming world premiere of Don Quixote (which begins on October 12th and runs through the 23rd). This sold for $5,000. The party continued in the Intersport VIP Lounge as hot DJ Ashok lured the guests onto the dance floor. Seen on the scene were Chicago Bears Charles Tillman, Anthony Adams, J’Marcus Webb and Robbie Gould as well as the sensational, international choreographer for Don Quixote, Yuri Possokhov. May it never end! Congrats to Kristina and Rebecca along with the supportive Joffrey staff and Women’s Board committee members. (C & C 2011 raised over $250K). For tickets and more info for the Joffrey Ballet and Don Quixote, please visit www.Joffrey.org/DonQuixote or call 800.982.2787. (To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, with additional pics by Steve Starr, please visit here!)

Huge congrats to Emerge!, the premier runway showcase for new designers hosted during New York Fashion Week on its recent blockbuster success! More than 400 people attended this event that opened with designer Tracy Reese presenting the 2011 Fashion Innovator Award to Constance C. White, Editor-in-Chief of ESSENCE Magazine. The audience applauded as White took the runway and expressed her gratitude to the fashion industry and confidence in the Emerge! production (hosted by PR whiz Dionne Williams). Hosted in the magnificent landmark Broad Street Ballroom, located in the financial district, this fantastic production included collections from Adriana Osorio Lugo (Adriana Osorio Lugo Designs), Kirk Johnson (b.-Vain Couture), Berny Martin (Catou) and Borris Powell (Borris Powell Designs). The audience included fashion icon Freddie Leiba, Tamron Hall (MSNBC), Rebecca Crews, fashion execs, buyers, bloggers, socialites, family and friends. Check out this cool video and I hope to see you in the front row next year! To view more pics, please click here!

Chicago Gateway Green

hosted its 20th Green Tie Ball at A. Finkl & Sons over the weekend as you know from, hopefully, reading my Tribune column on Sunday! The theme, “A Return to the Emerald City,” made it easy for some guests to plan their wardrobe! Ruby slippers? Check. Toto? Check. Tin hat and oil can? Check! This year’s co-chairs, Tim Smithe (Walter E. Smith Furniture & Design) and Stephanie Castagnier (The Apprentice 2010) planned an event that included tastings from more than 60 restaurants, a silent auction, charitable gaming, live entertainment by Dr. Bombay, Too White Crew, DJ Rock City plus Platinum Event DJs. Music was everywhere! The Supreme Lobster Chef Challenge featured its final round of the Chicago Summer Chef Challenge Series, too, judged by the Food Dude David Lissner. Emcees Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini kicked off the party in grand style as Grant DePorter was honored with a Leadership Award for his longtime support. His dad, Don DePorter, created Chicago Gateway Green in 1986. This event hosted more than 2,500 guests who came out to support this organization dedicated to the greening and beautifying of Chicago’s expressways, gateways and neighborhoods. For more info, please visit www.GatewayGreen.org or call (312) 540.9930. (For ALL event photos by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

The 47th Chicago International Film Festival will host its opening night benefit on Thursday, October 6th at the Harris Theater located 205 E. Randolph St. beginning with a Red Carpet at 6 PM. The opening night presentation will premiere “The Last Rites of Joe May.” This film is the latest creation from two giant Chicago institutions, actor Dennis Farina and the Steppenwolf Theater Company. Farina gives “the finest performance of his career as an aging hustler whose way of life is at a crossroads” in this film shot in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood and featuring members of the Steppenwolf ensemble. Expect to see Dennis walking the Red Carpet along with the show’s cast and writer/director Joe Maggio. Event emcee will be award-winning journalist Bill Kurtis. The VIP Reception will follow at the Chicago Cultural Center at 77 E. Randolph from 9:30 –11:30 PM. Opening Night tickets can be purchased by visiting the Festival Box Offices (322 E. Illinois or 30 E. Adams) or by calling the Festival Hotline at 312.332.3456. Hopefully, I will see you all there! (I am proud to be a co-chair for this event along with dynamo, RL’s Rich Varnes 🙂 )

I love the name of this event! The 8th Annual “Mutt Strut” invites Chicago to “strut” their stuff for charity on Saturday, October 8th, in Lakeview along Newport Avenue (between Southport and Lakewood) from noon until 2 PM. The party kicks off with a 1.5-mile walk “with your mutt” followed by an old-fashioned block party. This event is open to all ages and will include lunch, children’s activities, contests, raffles, music and a chance to visit with adoptable Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation doggies. Tickets are $25 but kids and dogs get in free! Proceeds will benefit CCR, which was founded in 2001 to help find loving homes for dogs and cats, especially for the most vulnerable in Chicago who are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities or have simply been overlooked for too long by potential adopters and other shelters. CCR is moving to a larger space and the proceeds from this event will help a lot! I hope to see you all there with your four-legged and two-legged friends!

My handsome friends and uber wardrobe stylists to the stars, Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo, have designed their own line of clothing for QVC called VT Luxe. They always have great fashion styling tips and have advised many an A-list celeb, too! Check out their latest video here and you’ll see what I mean! Congrats to Jesse and Joe on their much-deserved success!

And, as long as you’re in a video state of mind, please check out my “Social Circles” video from the Parkways Foundation Hat Luncheon…there is a story around every Chicago corner and I will find it and share it with you! So, keep checking my website at www.Watch312.com for continuous updates of “Behind the Velvet Ropes” coverage of all of Chicago’s TOP events! Some expected, some surprising, but ALWAYS fun!!!!!

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

Well, that’s the lowdown on this week’s Chicago highlights! Hope to see you all for this weekend’s first Chicago Beach Polo Event! May the chukkers be spirited and the horses light-footed! (Who would’ve ever thought these words would come out of my computer!?) I’ll just meet you at the bar… :) (For tickets and more info, please visit www.ChicagoBeachPolo.com!)