Tag Archives: Factor models

DESIGNER BORRIS POWELL WOWS THE CHICAGO FASHION CROWD!

…PLUS BEAR NECESSITIES GALA, CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION’S “STREET STYLE,” TCW MAG’S SINGLES SOIREE, UPCOMING EVENTS, PALMER HOUSE COUP, THREE NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND MORE!

Blog 1 - The one and only Borris PowellThe Without a Shadow of a Doubt Fashion Show presented by local designer Borris Powell set a very high standard for Chicago fashion shows recently at the River East Art Center. Opening with chic fashions from Blog 2 - PR Queen Daphne Ortiz (R) and cute friendsLincoln Park's newest boutique, STRUT, owner Niala Conte sent models down the runway in wearable and accessible outfits that made you want to rush to her store at 2549 N. Clark St. And indeed, guests could shop in her pop-up store after the show with a 20-percent discount thrown in for good measure. Being the ultimate showman, you never know Blog 3 - The Bears' Rashied Daviswhat to expect from Mr. Borris Powell but when the red Ferrari powerfully hummed into the middle of the event Blog 4 - Joking with co-host Marcus Rileydriven by two gorgeous models, both wearing red, the crowd just lost it! It sat there front and center throughout Borris' faultless fashion show. For the first time, Borris presented his menswear line to wild applause. Special guest Rashied Davis of the Chicago Bears was wearing the very first men's suit that Borris had created as he told the crowd about his wonderful foundation that he and his wife Dianna founded, The Rashied Davis Charities, which teaches Blog 5 - Shea Vaughn and beautiful friendstudents how to overcome obstacles. And then the show! I was thrilled and honored to co-host with NBC's Marcus Riley, who made quite a fashion statement himself: He was wearing all local designers and his girlfriend, Nicole Townsend, was beaming with Sally and Kerry Shorr with Monika Dixonpride. Factor models glided down the runway in fashions that made me swoon. Borris' latest handbag, which was premiered on this night, can be used by both sexes and is the perfect shade of chocolate that will match every outfit for fall. His use of pops of color with more classic looks was the perfect mix for now. I loved the full length leather gown and his extra-wide belts, which were shown with lots of the ensembles. This new wide shape was modern and new and I want one in every Blog 7 - Hot STRUT lookcolor! The makeup (by Brenda Blog 8 - STRUT’s Niala Conte with her finale dressArelano, among others) was simple and clean with a bright red mouth. Hair by Nevena Zee from the Custom Hair Lounge & Spa also echoed the makeup with classic shapes and men's looks inspired by Italian Vogue – slicked back and sleek. The menswear collection had something for every type of
male from the buttoned-up businessman to the guy channeling his inner Marc Jacobs. Quenten Schumacher already has his eye on the copper colored statement suit…so heads-up Blog 9 - Great menswear look by Borrishere, Borris! And when the man himself came out for his final bows with that winning smile that we all love, the crowd was sitting in the palm of his hand. As he danced along behind the Blog 10 - Charron (wearing Borris) with cute friendsFerrari as it hummed out of the ballroom, we knew we had all just witnessed fashion magic! Long may you reign, Borris!!! (To see ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville Collins and Mitchell Canoff, please click here and check out my Watch312.com coverage below!)

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Blog 1 - Co-chairs Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto with husbands Bob and RussBear hugs were in abundance at the Bear Necessities 19th annual Bear Tie Ball’s Rhythms for a Reason event on Saturday, March 10th. Every Blog 2 - Kathleen Casey and Bear Hug Ambassador Lawson Frankyear, this event gets bigger and bigger and this year, it had to be moved to the grand UIC Forum to accommodate the 750 guests in attendance. Co-chaired by Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto, this party was filled with love for Bear Blog 3 - Monika and Dr. Geoffrey DixonNecessities and its inspiration, Barrett “Bear” Krupa. Bear lost his battle with cancer in 1993 but his spirit lives on through this amazing organization that Blog 4 - Courtney Krupa, Tony Esposito and founder Kathleen Caseybears his name. This year’s Bear Hug Ambassador, Lawson Frank, spoke to a rapt audience of his journey with cancer. In 2009, he was diagnosed with a rare form which was highly Blog 5 - Vonita Reescer and friendsaggressive and malignant in his left eye. Lawson finished his last cancer treatment in 2011 and is in remission. Bear Necessities came through with a celebratory Bear Hug, sending Lawson Blog 6 - Greg Kosinski and Kathleen Caseyand his family to the Chicago Blackhawks’ Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Lawson did the ceremonial puck drop that evening and even got to shoot on net! Today, he is Blog 7 - Cheri Lawrence and Diana Palomaran honor roll student and soccer player who hopes to one day become a surgeon. This special night was hosted by WLS radio host Roe Conn and Valerie Warner of “Windy City Blog 8 - Bob Clifford and emcee Valerie Warner Live.” They each donated a special live auction package for the event…with Valerie teasing Roe that her package sold for more money! They were very cute onstage together and made a perfect hosting team. Blog 9 - Dr. Jeff Weller with Tina and Scott GordonFounder Kathleen Casey gave a moving speech and said, “If Bear were here today, I would smile at the man he became and thank him for the inspiration.” She noted that the organization Blog 1
0 - Co-chairs Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto welcome the crowdis the largest pediatric cancer foundation of its kind in the Midwest and also shared that less than 4 percent of federal money has gone towards childhood cancer. The William J. Casey Hope Award, which was created in honor of Blog 11 - Bear Hug recipientsKathleen’s dad and Bear’s devoted grandpa, was awarded to the Urso family and the Chicago Blackhawks. Legendary goalie Tony Esposito accepted the award on their behalf saying, “They’re a giving organization led Blog 12 - UIC Forum decorated for a party!by GIVING people.” Val Warner remarked that she could see Tony’s huge Stanley Cup ring from the stage. (He is a charming man who was dressed impeccably right down to his cufflinks, which were created in the shape of his goalie mask.) Father Paul White, who gave the invocation, remarked, “Tony has made more saves Blog 13 - Peter and Christopher Morinthan I ever will.” His humor was priceless and made me want to travel to Harvard, Illinois to hear his inspiring sermons! The sit-down gala dinner included grilled Blog 14 - Disa DiBuono, John Simpson, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Joseph DiBuonoshrimp, goat cheese salad, green beans, roasted garlic potatoes. Dessert and dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra followed. A private after-party was held at Potter’s Lounge at the Palmer House. The event raised more than $700K for Bear Necessities. For more info about this amazing organization, please visit www.bearnecessities.org. (Event photos by Mila Samokhina…view more here!)

Blog 1 - Grand Prize winner Elena BobyshevaThe Chicago Fashion Foundation’s 5th annual Future of Chicago Fashion scholarship award benefit was themed “Street Style: Chicago Fashion through Chicago Communities” and was held at the Chicago Cultural Blog 2 - 2nd place winner Michele CastellanoCenter on March 7th. Ten student designers competed for scholarships in the amount of $5,000, $1,000 and $500. This chic affair included a cocktail reception in Preston Bradley Hall, an extensive silent auction and more than 350 chicly-clad guests. Judging began backstage before the show with Macy's Andrea Schwartz, Project Runway's Peach Carr (who presented her delightful spring collection), Akira's Jon Cotay, 24/7 Chicago's Catie Keogh and moi doing our best to Blog 3 - 3rd place winner Raven Normandecide who the top scholarship winners should be. The students were instructed to find their inspiration from the street style of Chicago's neighborhoods that included Ukrainian Village, Rogers Park, Chinatown, Beverly, Maxwell Street, Hyde Park and Logan Square. VH1 reality star Corri McFadden was the emcee for the event and Elena Blog 4 - Designer LaTonya Williams with new CFF Prez Amanda DomalecznyBobysheva, a student at Columbia College, walked away with the first place prize of a $5,000 scholarship. Her winning ensemble featured a black stretch crepe jacket with an open back and a blue-violet pegged skirt, which were inspired by the architecture and cathedrals of Ukrainian Village. Second place winner Michele Castellano from the School of the Art Institute won a $1,000 scholarship with a romantic look inspired by the Columbian Exposition and the rich history of Hyde Park. The design Blog 5 - Emcee Corri McFaddenfeatured a laser-cut top and a skirt lined with photographs of the dome Blog 6 - Agnes Lulu Mae with judges Peach Carr, moi, Jon Cotay, Andrea Schwartz and Catie Keoghfrom the Fine Arts Building of the Exposition which required 200 hours to create. Raven Norman from the Illinois Institute of Art won third place and a $500 scholarship with a green silk dress and tinted orange jacket inspired by the Beverly neighborhood. To Raven, the outfit evoked the sophistication, class and old world style of the community. Other participating Blog 7 - Tosha Sherman designstudent/designers included Elizabeth Leukuma, Kara Fenoglietto, Elaine Hoang, Tosha Sherman, Kendel Kennedy, Stacie Randall and Crystale Crubaugh. To see video coverage of this fabulous event on Watch312.com's Blog 8 - Winners with outgoing CFF VP Sandra Enimil and Prez Kristen Amato"Candid Candace Chicago," please see below. Congrats to one and all – Chicago's fashion future is in very good hands indeed! (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)


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TCW Singles Party sceneToday’s Chicago Woman magazine presented its annual top singles party recently at Enclave. This fun-filled event, emceed by WGN’s “Healthy Living” host Jane Monzures, honored 40 of the city’s leading bachelors and bachelorettes. Top Chicago restaurants served a Page_1_thumb_largesampling of singles-themed food and included Wow Bao’s Asian cuisine, N9NE Steakhouse’s contemporary fare and Frontier’s farm-to-table American concepts. Late night snacks and desserts were provided by Foiled Cupcakes, Garrett’s Popcorn and Eduardo’s Enoteca. DJ Corey Sanford kept the crowd dancing all to benefit the TCW Foundation, which supports under-funded organizations designed to provide essential programs and services for women and girls. Congrats to Sherren Leigh, Cassandra Gaddo and Rebecca Michuda on another great party! To see all of the fun, check out this video from Watch312.com’s “Candid Candace Chicago!”


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And now for some event updates!

Hats at the Races--CorsetiHats at the Races Spring 2012: Hosted by Loreta Corsetti and guest milliner Laura Whitlock, this event at Loreta Corsetti’s Millinery Atelier (200 E. Delaware Place – Lower Level) will feature an array of the latest hats designed especially for racing events, seasonal luncheons and everyday chic! Saturday and Sunday, March 24 & 25th from noon to 5 p.m. (Please RSVP via loreta@loretacorsetti.com or by calling 312.640.6004.)

LunaNegra_Picasso+TitleLuna Negra’s “CARMEN maquia”: Artistic Director Gustavo Ramirez Sansano’s Picasso-inspired contemporary take on Bizet’s beloved “Carmen.” This world premiere on March 24th begins at 8 p.m. at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph). Tickets are $25-$65; for more information, visit www.lunanegra.org or call 312.334.777.

Art for AllArt for All Gala: Mayor Rahm Emanuel is honorary chair of this year’s Art for All Gala on Friday, March 30th beginning at 7 p.m. at Venue One (1044 W. Randolph). Tickets begin at $250 and include an art-filled evening of cocktails and dinner plus live entertainment and incredible auction prizes! For tickets and more info, please visit www.urbangateways.org or call 312.445.2749.

426929_3230384630925_1005898073_32991713_709356844_nCocktails 4 Causes at the Drake Hotel: This April 4th event will benefit the Chicago Red Dress Party from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Palm Court. Attendees will experience a Neiman Marcus fashion showcase, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and entertainment by the Lisa Rene Band – all for only $5 admission! For reservations (they're required), please click here.

Red or white ballSteppenwolf’s Red or White Ball: Steppenwolf’s Auxiliary Council hosts Chicago’s philanthropic young professionals at the 2012 Red or White Ball on Friday, April 13th at Architectural Artifacts (4325 N. Ravenswood) beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $135; for more info, please visit www.steppenwolf.org.

Mad hatterThe Service Club of Chicago’s Mad Hatter Luncheon: Chair Sherry Lea Holson will host a luncheon and cocktail reception to view the milliner Raymond Hudd Collection at The Chicago Club (81 E. Van Buren) on Thursday, May 10th. For tickets and more info, please email tina@wellerdental.com.

Charley Jordan as Squire WesternNow please allow me a moment of pride for my stepson’s recent play, “Tom Jones,” adapted by David Hammond and directed by Maggie Speer. Charley Jordan will be appearing as Squire Western in this play Tom Jones photobased on Henry Fielding’s 18th century novel. Gala premiere night will be on Friday, March 23rd with the play beginning at 8 p.m. followed by food, open bar and celebration. Running from March 20th to April 29th, "Tom Jones" will be performed at the Josephinum Academy, located at 1500 N. Bell St. in Wicker Park. For tickets and more info, please click here.

Palmer House’s David Brandt with the President at last year’s eventAnd last but not least, big congratulations to the Palmer House Hilton on their amazing coup hosting President Obama’s recent press luncheon. The event included a panel discussion about working in the White House with Mayor Emanuel, Bill Daley and David Axelrod. Darling Director of Catering David Brandt said “It was very interesting and fun to listen to them speak and joke with one another.”

Well, that’s the lowdown on this week’s highlights! I hope you’re enjoying our beautiful weather and I hope to see you next week!

Nicole and Dempsey photoLove,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Dempsey Sullivan Delehanty photoP.S. Anyone who knows Nicole Jacob Delahanty, the fantastic makeup artist and brow expert at the Paul Rehder Salon at 939 N. Rush St., will be thrilled to see this pic of her new baby, Dempsey Sullivan Delahanty! Welcome to the world, Dempsey!!! Love you, Nicole!

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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!

Blog 1 - Stella and the GuvThe 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 Blog 2 - Honoree Howard Reich, Pam Becker, Jamey Fadim and Melissa Sage Fadimwinner 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 Blog 4 - Regina Daniels, Catrice Armstrong and Juanita Jordanand when people want to get the word out, they know where to Blog 3 - Stella and her sister, Jamie Foster Browngo! 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 Blog 5 - Ernest Baker, Linda Johnson Rice and Cherie BakerKenneth Velo. He thanked “all of the journalists because they capture life in a day.” Emcees Karen Jordan and Christian Farr Blog 6 - Diana Scott, George Daniels, Hosea Sanders, Leah Hope and Marion Brookskept 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 Blog 7 - Tony Preckwinkle, Tony Abruscato, Grant and Margot DePorter and Dutchie CarayTribune’s arts and jazz critic, Howard Reich, who attended with his wife, Pam Becker, an editor at the Blog 8 - N’Digo’s Hermene HartmanTribune. 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 Blog 9 - Ed McElroy and Larry Wertof 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 Blog 10 - Merri Dee, Robert Jordan and Robin Robinsonpeople 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 Blog 11 - Israel Idonije and Regina Danielsstarted 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 Blog 12 - Courteney Nzeribe and Lisa LenoirTuesday 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 Blog 13 - Cute newlyweds Christina Raddi and Lou Vastarevolution 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. Blog 14 - Jimmy Rittenberg and “Dutchie” CarayKim (Photography), Sun-TimesFrancine Knowles, Kim Janssen and Sandra Guy (Business), WBEZ-FM’s Robert Wildeboer (Features), Tribune’s Dan Pompei (Sports), Sun-TimesFrank Main, Mark Konkol, John J. Kim (Public Service), Tribune’s Joel Hood, Annie Sweeney and Stacy Blog 15 - Chris Ruys and Otis WilsonSt. 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-TimesFrank Main, Mark Konkol and John J. Blog 16 - Kathleen Henson and Marion BrooksKim 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, Blog 17 - Dori Wilson and Joy GermontLinda 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, Blog - Asta Ramanauskaite and Jen KnoedlLeeAnn 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, Blog - Bill Von Dahm and wife CelesteJamey 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!

Blog 1 - Rick_Bayless, Dot_Coyle,Sheila_O'GradyThe 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 Blog 2 - Food_Buddha, LeeAnn_Trotter23rd 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: Blog 3 - Adam_Rapaport, Colleen_McHugh, Todd_HatoffBandera 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 Blog 4 - Andrew_Knowlton, Bridget_Alberthis “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 Blog 5 - Jonathan_Waxman, Steve_DolinksyBayless, 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 Blog 6 - Hamburger Hopmission 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.)

A New Movement AdThe Joffrey Ballet dancers are not only incredible artists but they are also dedicated fundraisers for worthy causes! EMBARC is a non-profit Joffrey Ballet dancersorganization 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 Joffrey-Ballet-Chicago3Randolph and State), where they will share their art for the cause, presenting six world premieres that the dancers have Joffrey Don Quixote Opening Nightchoreographed 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!) 

Newbuilding_picThe 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 Oden2_597165second 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.

Blog 1 - Designer MonArrez surrounded by loveWell, 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 Blog 2 - Wulf Kaal and show producer Kimberly Palmisanothe 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 Blog 3 - The one and only Rosemary Fanti and friendfeatured glamorous Factor Models styled by Joseph Michael’s Salon. The show was hosted by NBC’s Zoraida Sambolin with music provided by DJ Blog 4Konsept. 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!)

Blog 1 - Bob Mariano greets Chef Rae Ellen Gutrich and Small ThreadMariano’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 Blog 2 - The dedicated Mariano's staffsee 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 Blog 3 - Bob Mariano presenting check to Common Threads ED Linda O’KeefeMariano (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 Blog 4 - Common Threads cooking demo at Mariano’s Fresh Marketare 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 Blog 5that 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!

Watch312.comMark your calendars and save the date for Watch312.com’s Launch Party set for Wednesday, DC CrenshawNovember 30th at the Joffrey Tower! See for yourselves the new shows being debuted and meet DC Crenshaw from “Chicago Dr. Sandy Goldberg and Scott MackayUnplugged” 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

PhotoP.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!

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