Tag Archives: Francie Comer

REESE WITHERSPOON & DIRECTOR ALEXANDER PAYNE CHARM CROWD AT GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER BENEFIT

…PLUS THERE’S A BIG NEW RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IN TOWN, PARIS OPERA BALLET’S ELEGANT DEBUT AT THE HARRIS, GLAMOURCON RETURNS TO CHICAGO WITH PLAYMATES, PIN-UPS &  MODELS, DESIGNER AZEEZA KHAN’S NOMINATION, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE! 
 
Blog 1 - Will, Kate and Callie Siskel and mom Marlene Iglitzen with ReeseAs many of you know, I write a weekly column in the Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine section and this Sunday’s Candid Candace featured the Gene Siskel Film Center benefit honoring Reese Witherspoon. Since I have limited space there (around 400 words), I’m going to tell Blog 2 - Reese is presented with award by Ellen Sandor and Walter Masseyyou the WHOLE story right here! The night began with the largest bank of media I’ve ever seen at events of this type surrounding (though swarming would be a better word) the red carpet. I saw Bill Zwecker, Janet Davies, Jeff Conway, Dean Richards, the cute guy from “Extra” and more photographers than I knew even existed in our town! Blog 3 - Reese and Melissa Sage FadimEveryone was in high anticipation to see this darling actress with such an amazing body of work and she didn’t disappoint. Her small frame hid her baby bump even though she joked about “feeling round.” When I asked her what her biggest challenge was filming “Walk the Line” – the film for which she won a Best Actress Oscar – she said it was “learning how to sing” Blog 4 - Jean de St. Aubin, Eda Davidman, Reese, Roopa Weber and Michelle Cucchairoand went on to talk about her seven months of lessons and sessions she had at T. Bone Burnett’s house. She was so unsure of her singing abilities that she called her lawyer at the start of filming to see if she could get out of the film. The answer, happily, was no! She went on to Blog 5 - Elliot and Rosie Levin (Robert Downey’s in-laws), Alexander Payne, Ellen and Richard Sandortalk about the things she DID love about filmmaking saying, “I’ve had such a great career getting to learn new skills. I learned to ride an elephant in “Water for Elephants” and I got to play softball for another film (“How Do You Know”).” Reese was at the Film Center to accept the Blog 6 - Kristina and Mike McGrathRenaissance Award, following in the footsteps of past honorees Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey, Jr., Nicole Kidman and George Lucas. Two-time Oscar-winning screenwriter and director Alexander Payne (who directed Reese in Blog 7 - Jim and Gayle AnthonyElection”) conducted the Q & A with this petite actress but before the questions and retrospective of her films, a hilarious video was shown featuring past Renaissance Award winner, Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow. The video opened with Downey deadpanning into the Blog 8 - Cynthia King and Rich Varnes with Reesecamera, “I say the name and feel a burning in my loins but it’s not just because you’re the sexiest woman alive, it’s because of your talent, your gift. I’ve often thought about leaving my wife, Susan Downey, for you.” All the while he’s talking, Paltrow is trying to distract him. Downey turns Blog 9 - Lynn and John McMahanto her and says, “Insecure newsflash! If you don’t heap compliments on them [actresses], they end up marrying rock stars.” It had the sell-out crowd roaring! (Downey and Paltrow clearly are friends and fans and Robert even donated a set visit to “Iron Man 3,” now filming in North Carolina, to Blog 10 - Eda Davidman and cute hubby Barry Missnerthe event’s auction.) During the Q & A with Payne, Reese talked about landing the lead in the “The Man in the Moon” when she was 14. She was living in Nashville and doing some community theatre. Her father saw an ad in the paper and they auditioned, thinking she might have ended up as an extra but, of Blog 11 - Averill and Buddy Levitoncourse, she landed the lead. She went on to say, “I’ve never done interviews reviewing my career. Being pregnant, I hope I don’t get too emotional taking a walk down memory lane.” Film clips were shown from “Pleasantville,” “Election,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Water for Elephants,” Blog 12 - Tommy Walton and Roger PriceLegally Blonde” and “Walk the Line,” among others. Reese talked about attending Stanford for a year and said, “In retrospect, I’d wished I’d finished.” When asked how she chooses a role, she said, “I find out about the character and whether or not I could see myself in that role. Secondly, it’s Blog 13 - Jeff Conway and Paul Iaconoabout the director, not so much for comedies, but for dramas, I need a leader. It’s difficult for a woman to be able to do both comedy and drama – it’s a privilege to be able to do both.” When asked about staying in character for a role (a la Meryl Streep), she said, “It really doesn’t work staying in character if you have Blog 14kids. You can’t go home and tell them to call you June.” Her favorite films "ever" are “Splendor in the Grass” and “Raising Arizona” and her favorite co-star was Rosie the elephant in “Water for Elephants.” (“She remained in character throughout the whole movie!” joked Reese.) Marlene Iglitzen, Gene Siskel’s widow, attended the event with her three beautiful children Kate, Callie and Will. Looking Blog 15 - Lynn McMahan, Gayle Anthony, Andrea Schwartz and Kristina McGrathstunning in a full-length black Jean Paul Gaultier dress and Lanvin necklace, she said, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. He would be so proud to see these people here tonight.” Marlene went on to say that her husband often described his movie critic job as “covering the American dream beat.” The black-tie crowd feasted on a delicious dinner with each course inspired by one of Reese’s Blog 16 - Rosie and Elliot Levin (Susan’s parents and Robert Downey, Jr.’s in-laws)films. There was the “Vanity” salad, the “June and Johnny Duo” (fish and beef) and “Sweet Homes of the South: Alabama, Mississippi and Pleasantville” (a whoopie pie, mud cake and roasted strawberries). Seen in the crowd were Marc Klutznick and Anita Liskey (co-chairs), Michelle Cucchiaro (Advisory Board and committee member), Eda Davidman and Barry Missner, Melissa Sage Fadim (Advisory Board member), Bill Marcus, Ellen Sandor (Chairman of the Board) and husband Richard, Rosie Levin (Advisory Board member) and husband Elliot, Roopa Weber (Advisory Board and Joel Mangers and friendcommittee member), Jamey Fadim, Jean de St. Aubin (Film Center Executive Director), Cynthia and Rich Varnes, Jim Mayhercy, Shirley and Dr. Walter Massey (President of SAIC), Daniel Bryant and Joe Trpik, Jeffrey Sprecher, Averill and Buddy Leviton, Kelly Loeffler, Camille Cook (Film Center founder), Tony Jones (past SAIC president), Kristina and Mike McGrath, Lynn and John McMahan, Paul Iacono, Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steve Stryker, Diana Palomar and many others. The evening raised more than $340,000 to support programming at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Check out the website for more cool upcoming events! Check out my Watch312.com video below to see what Reese and Alexander had to say. Congrats again to the Gene Siskel Film Center on all of their wonderful programming and exciting events like this one! (Fabulous photos by Mila Samokhina.)

Blog 1 - Max Herrick cuts the ribbon!Well, it finally happened! After so much planning, hoping, wishing and fundraising, the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House is OPEN! I was honored to be there for this special celebration on a parking garage rooftop which was directly across Blog 2 - Coach Lovie and MaryAnne Smithfrom the House. It was so cool! Throughout the impressive program, more than 600 attendees could plainly see the purpose for this party. Wrapped in a giant bow, the House loomed large at 16 stories and 86 rooms. I remember when Ken Norgan first got me involved with RMHCCNI at the press party at Morton’s and I was Blog 3 - The Soul Children of Chicagojust as thrilled then as I was this day! Emcee Mark Giangreco opened the ribbon cutting ceremony on June 26th – there were so many people there…thank goodness the real Chicago heat came later in the week! But on this day, nothing could dampen anyone’s spirits as 13-year-old Kate Wild sang the National Anthem (she will also be singing the anthem on opening day in Soldier Field.) Mary Agnes Laguatan (VP of Operations for Blog 5 - Paul Huebener, Chairman of the Board of DirectorsRMHCCNI) gave a moving invocation and then Governor Quinn spoke before he had to rush off to meet with the First Lady. Blog 6 - Bill Rancic with Kathleen SmithHe declared this day “Ronald McDonald House Charities Day” in Chicago. “Long may it live!” he said. Next, Senator John Cullerton presented a proclamation from the Mayor, who ALSO named June 26th as RMHC Day in Chicago. Giangreco then jokingly introduced Jim Skinner (McDonald’s CEO) as the “Grand Imperial Quarter Blog 7 - Alli Turner, Lesley Prizant Goodman and Carol BeitlerPounder with Cheese.” Skinner thanked the crowd on "behalf of the 1.7 million people in the McDonald’s family." The Soul Children of Chicago, directed by Walt Whitman, gave a moving performance of “The Future’s Up to Me and You” (written by Nancy Blog 8 - Colleen Kelly (right) and friendSlattery and Ira Antelis) that brought the crowd to tears. MaryAnne Smith (president of the Auxiliary Board for the House) spoke next, along with her adoring husband, Coach Lovie Smith. “As we drove down Grand, I could see the House. I said to Lovie, ‘It’s a palace, it’s a home, it feels like a home and now it’s working like a home.’ It’s what we tried to build.” Doug Porter (CEO of RMHCCNI) Blog 9 - Doug Porter, CEO of RMHCCNIsaid, “Today’s ceremony is for you to recommit.” He called out people who were instrumental in the House’s success including Jim Murray (Founder of Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia & Former Eagles' General Manager) and Joe Antunovich (House Blog 11 - The first family in the House (daughter Chloe is accomplished pianist)architect) among many others. Macy’s has been a HUGE supporter of the new House and has dedicated their Glamorama funds, raising more than $645K not including this year’s event, from the last three years to its building! (Speaking of Glamorama, I hope you can put Chicago’s biggest and best Blog 10 - Chloe enjoys the House’s features!fashion show on your calendars! Friday, August 10th at the Harris Theater! A huge shout out and thank you to Macy’s!!! Where would we be without YOU???!!!! Following the rooftop ceremony, guests were whisked via trolley to the River East Art Center for a delicious reception! (For Glamorama tickets, click here and to view more pics, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Co-chairs Alexandra Nichols and Caryn HarrisI must confess, I am a total loyalist to our Joffrey Ballet but I have to say the recent Paris Opera Ballet debut at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance brought tears to my eyes it was so hauntingly beautiful. The Theater hosted a gala celebration for the world’s Abby O’Neil (R) and friendoldest national ballet company on June 26th. Every notable, VIP, civic leader and arts lover in town attended this black tie gala that began with the performance and a cocktail Blog 3 - POB’s principal dancers Isabelle Ciaravola and Mathieu Ganioreception at the Harris. More than 800 guests enjoyed the POB’s American debut of the iconic story ballet “Giselle.” “Giselle” was created in 1841 specifically for the POB and was written by poet Theophile Gautier, composed by Adolphe Adam and choreographed by Jean Blog 4 - Ken Norgan and Helen MelchiorCoralli and Jules Perrot. The Paris Opera Ballet is considered the birthplace of classical ballet with origins that trace back to 1661, during the reign of King Louis XIV of France. The 154-member ballet company is considered the epitome of perfection, purity, artistry and technical acumen and, from the performance on opening night, I can Blog 5 - With Sonya Jackson and Joan Harriscertainly see why: This company hasn’t been to the U.S in 15 years and the full corps has NEVER performed in Chicago before so I was so proud to hear that the company chose Chicago as a debut destination with stops to follow at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and then Lincoln Center in New York. Second City? I Blog 6 - Judd and Katherine Malkinthink NOT! Michael Tiknis, president and CEO of the Harris, welcomed the sold out crowd, “It’s my pleasure to introduce the first performance ever of the Paris Opera Ballet in Chicago!” The Grant Park Symphony Orchestra accompanied the performance with Graff as the presenting sponsor. The Mayor commented, “It’s only fitting that the POB chose the city of Chicago as the first appearance of its North Blog 7 - Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietraAmerican tour. In my view, they’re picking the most American of American cities. I am committed to making Chicago a worldwide destination for arts and creativity.” Abby McCormick O’Neil, chairman of the Harris Theater’s Board of Trustees, said, “The opening night gala and Pam Weston Phillips, Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, Shelley Farley and Brian Johnsonperformance support the ongoing mission of the Harris. Proceeds from this event will benefit its programs.” (One of their programs, Access Tickets, donated 200 free tickets to students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend.) Before the performance, Mayor Blog 9 - Dori Wilson and Sherren Leigh with friend (top)Emanuel – a former dancer himself – greeted students from the Chicago High School for the Arts along with POB dancers and Artistic Director Brigitte Lefevre. Caryn and King Harris and Alexandra and John Nichols were presenting sponsors and chairs. Vice chairs included Blog 10 - Karen and Marvin HermanFrancie Comer, Stephanie and John Harris, Mellody Hobson and George Lucas, Lindy and Michael Keiser, Anne and J. Christopher Reyes, Linda Johnson Rice and Shirley and Patrick Ryan. Sponsors for this event included Abby McCormick O’Neil and D. Carroll Joynes, Chauncey and Marion McCormick (Foundation), Hyatt Regency Blog 12 - Desiree Rogers and Mellody HobsonChicago, Northern Trust and United Airlines. The post performance dinner was held in an elegant tent adjacent to the theater in Millennium Park. Two million was raised on this night to support Harris programming. Guests seen in the crowd included Joan Harris, Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra (Chairman of Millennium Park, Inc.), Sheila O’Grady and Jean-Luc Decaux, Blog 11 - John and Myra ReillyFrancie Comer, Amelia and Alejandro Silva, Ken Shanoff, Chris Long, Marilyn Vitale, Pam Crutchfield, Phil Lumpkin, Ken Shanoff and Steve Young, Desiree Rogers, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sonya Jackson, Jacqueline and Leon Kinloch, Julie Latsko, Martha Melman, Sonya Jackson, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Sherren Leigh, Dori Wilson and Mary and Tim Smithe among many others. (Fab fotos by Mila Samokhina and Bob Carl…click here for more pics!)
 
Blog 1Mark your calendars now for Glamourcon 53, a lively celebration and marketplace of the glamour arts that features dozens of Playboy Playmates from FIVE decades as well Blog 2 - Beth Williams, Miss August 2012as many other past and present glamour and pin-up models. Vendors sell trading cards, autographs, catalogs, magazines, books, photos, original pin up art, videos and so much more. This year, attendees will get a rare opportunity to meet two “legends” of Playboy: former photo directors Gary Cole Blog 3 - Jeff Cohenand Jeff Cohen. For all of you budding glamour photogs, this is a great opportunity to have your photos and portfolios critiqued by the experts! Blog 4 - Shelby Chesnes—Miss July 2012They will also be orchestrating a first time EVER Playmate Photo Special! A photography session will be offered with Playmates Beth Williams (Miss August 2012) and Shelby Chesnes (Miss July 2012), who are both appearing in Playboy’s July/August double issue which will be on newsstands this month. Sign up to attend a Saturday night VIP party at the Joynt (located at 650 N. Dearborn) with Playmates, Special Blog 5 - Gary ColeEdition Models and other Playboy models! Glamourcon presents a great opportunity to meet your favorite vintage and contemporary pin-up stars and get their autographs. I love this event and especially love seeing my fellow Playmates at this special Glamourcon Reunion…hope to see you at Crowne Plaza O'Hare on August 4th and 5th! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)

Azeeza Khan (pic by Maria Ponce Berre)A special shout out and congrats to beautiful fashion designer, Azeeza Kahn! She has just been nominated for the Rising Star Award by the Fashion Group International! Fingers crossed, Azeeza! Ikram, are you watching??!!!
 
Fabrice Calmels by Mario InkI hope you all had a wonderful holiday that included good food, friends and fun! I will be taking the next week off and will see you again on July 16th! 

 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. If you missed the Summer Lovin’ party at the MCA co-hosted by Chicago magazine and the Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, check out all the fun here from Watch312.com!!!

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THE ART INSTITUTE’S “LET IT SNOW” IS AN INSTANT FAMILY FAVORITE

PLUS SERVICE CLUB’S HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, HEART OF MERCY BALL, CHEF ART SMITH AND LADY GAGA, PHOTOGRAPHER’S TOCCO PARTY, DECEMBER MICHIGAN AVENUE MAGAZINE, ZACUTO AND MADONNA, VIVA LA VIDA MASQUERADE PARTY LIVE, ICB DONATES TO TROOPS, CHARLES GIVES BACK AND MORE!

 

Blog 1 -Event Chair Laura Werner and daughter Stephanie

The Art Institute’s “Let it Snow” was a debut holiday party that enchanted young and old and from the looks of joy on the children’s faces is sure to become a seasonal favorite. The Women’s Board of the Art Institute, led Blog 2 - Marilyn Vitale and daughter Miaby president Francie Comer and event chair Laura Werner, were delighted with the turnout of more than 350 guests for this inaugural event. As you entered Griffin Court of the Modern Wing, it felt as if you had crawled inside a giant snow globe. The twinkling snowflakes projected by Frost Lighting all around the room completed this effect as guests looked on in wonder. Balloonists Blog 3 - Décor by Heffnan Morgan Ronsleyand performance artists greeted everyone at the entrance. Children were dressed in their finest holiday wardrobes and delighted at the balloons fashioned into gingerbread men, reindeer, candy canes Blog 4 - True Voices of Christ performsand more. Partygoers sampled delicious and creative hors d’oeuvres by Bon Appetit that included treats such as caviar on toast points, beef tenderloin crostinis and butternut squash soup shooters with maple popcorn. To the delight of the kiddies, macaroni and cheese, PB&J Blog 5 - Future CEOs at Let it Snow!sandwiches, ham and cheese lollipops and pigs in a blanket were served. An extensive and colorful dessert display completed the bountiful buffet with s’mores and mixed berry shortcakes, cheesecake Blog 6lollipops, cookies and cupcakes. As guests sampled the buffet tables, the local gospel choir True Voices of Christ performed on the grand staircase, beginning appropriately with “Let it Snow.” The gingerbread Blog 7 - Sharing holiday happiness!house contest was something to see as competing museum departments vied for the win. Entries included a gingerbread school, fire station, train station, theater and more, all representing scenes of Chicago. Everyone was already on sensory overload when the Midnight Circus Blog 8 - Biz Bash's Jenny Berg and BF Dustin Bertastepped into the spotlight. Founded by Julie and Jeff Jenkins, the performance included jugglers, clowns, musicians, dancers, acrobats, aerialists and magicians as well as the “Chicago Boyz” who wowed the crowd. I can’t wait to attend this fun event next year and I know that it will become a perennial favorite. Seen on the scene were Anne and Will Hokin, Blog 9 - A rapt audience!Naomi Reese, Margot and Mark Bowen, Karen Gray, Max and Jim Farrell, Susan and Michael Canmann, Cathy and Michael Busch, Stephanie and Bill Sick, Jan and Bill Jentes, Melissa and Ward McNally, Elizabeth Blog 10 - Insanely clever food by Bon AppetitO’Connor Cole, Connie and David Coolidge, Ikram and Josh Goldman, Kay Krehbiel, Ellen and Jim O’Connor, Penny Pritzker, Gigi Pritzker Pucker, Shirley Ryan, Brenda
Shapiro and Betsy Rosenfield among many others. To learn more about the Art Institute of Chicago, please click here!)

 

Blog 1 - Elizabeth Bertucci, Elf and Connie SavilleThe Service Club’s annual Holiday Luncheon was a beautiful affair held in one of the most magnificent rooms in all of Chicago, the Cathedral Room at the University Club. Event Chair Blog 2 - Jean Antoniou, Mary Pat Burns, Hazel Barr, Sharyl Mackey, Sheryl Dyer, Tracy Tarantino, ElfSheree Valukas, along with her formidable committee, welcomed 150 women who came dressed in their most festive outfits to celebrate and raise funds for one of Blog 3 - Chicago Gay Men’s Chorusthe oldest philanthropic organizations in the city. A holiday bazaar made Christmas shopping easy this year and vendors included LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Bountiful Homes, Elsa Johnson, Elda Blog 4 - Belvon Walker (R) and friendsde la Rosa, Fabbri Furs, Hinsdale Furriers, Jennifer Kole Designs, Joelle Nadine, Leslie Hodes, Mary Mary, Pam Bernstein, Shrine and Tails in the City. There was new Blog 5 - Quenten Schumacher and Ellen Wesleyas well as vintage jewelry collections, magnificent furs, designer clothing, men’s gifts and even something for Fido to put under the tree at this extensive, something-for-everyone shopping extravaganza. The Chicago Blog 6 - Lisa Kraus and friendGay Men’s Chorus’ beautiful voices filled the elegant room with sounds of the season as jolly little bell-clad elves roamed among the tables much to the ladies’ delight. A delicious, seasonal luncheon included roasted butternut squash soup, parmesan crusted Amish chicken and chocolate raspberry crème tarts. As always, there was a philanthropic component to the day as the SC ladies all brought children’s gifts to benefit Clara’s House Shelter. The luncheon raised more than $8000 to benefit the grant program for the Service Club. (To see ALL fab event photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Reverend Monsignor Michael Boland, Sister Rosemary Connelly (ED), Lois Gates (Asst. ED), and Father Jack ClairThe Women’s Board of Misericordia presented their annual Heart of Mercy Ball this year at the Fairmont Hotel. More than 650 people attended this black tie ball which raised Blog 2 - Honorees Brian and Sue Shannon Familymore than $600K. Honorees this year included the Reverend Monsignor Michael Boland who received the Sister Rosemary Connelly Service Medallion and the Brian and Sue Shannon family Blog 3 - Honorable Justice Anne Burke, Fr. Jack Clair and Michael Sneedwho received the Heart of Mercy Award. The evening also included a silent and live auction (what event nowadays doesn’t?) and the music of the Ken Arlen Orchestra. All of the money Blog 4 - Mary Frances Bragiel and Tom Truccoraised supports Misericordia Home, Heart of Mercy, in Chicago which serves more than 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities from diverse racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds on its 31-Blog 5 - Event Chair Michelle Laughlin, WB Prez Carol Whitingacre campus. By serving society’s most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them, yet cannot provide it at home. (You might recognize Sister Rosemary as the feisty nun who jokingly stood up to Mayor Emanuel recently over beginning to charge charities for water.) For more info on this charity and upcoming events, please click here! (For more event photos by Robert Kusel, please click here.)

Gaga_and_ArtDid everyone see Chicago’s own Chef Art Smith in the fabulous Thanksgiving special hosted by Lady Gaga??!! Well, I know for sure that 5.4 million of you watched: It was the highest-rated show in this time slot! Huge congrats to Chef Art and Lady Gaga! Chef Art also attended a party at Barney’s in NY with his better half, partner Jesus Salguiero, to celebrate the windows that Gaga has designed for the store for the holidays…what a dynamic duo! I can’t wait to see what they “cook up” next!

Blog 1 - Tocco’s Bruno AbateThe Chicago Photographer’s Party was held recently at one of my favorite restaurants, Tocco (located at 1266 N. Milwaukee) in honor of our wonderful local photographers! If it wasn’t for them, how in the world Blog 2 - Laurie Davis and event host Steve Starrwould we keep track of all of the social comings and goings? So, it was a fitting night of celebration that attracted around 200 party loving guests. There was a fantastic fashion display that featured gowns by Anna Fong, Borris Powell, Elda de la Rosa and Karol Blog 3 - Event hostess Sandy Smith-Doghmi and ChakibBarrero. Models Nicole Townsend, Bebe Georgieva, Cassandra and Freida Medina dressed up the room while the wonderful sounds of the Blog 4 - Pascal Pour Elle’s Pascal Ibgui and friendSteve Biossat Trio filled the air. Handsome Tocco owner Bruno Abate was hard at work making sure everyone got a chance to sample his delicious Italian cuisine. (The pizzas are my favorite!) The event was planned by the Red Carpet Concierge of Chicago committee that included Steve Starr, Sandra Smith-Doghmi and Javier Enriquez. The party was so glam and so much fun that no one wanted to leave! (Additional photos by Helena Rafeyan and Steve Starr…to view ALL of the event pics, please click here!

Mich_Mag_Dec__2011Speaking of parties, I must say the latest issue (December) of Michigan Avenue Magazine has to be my very favorite! I wonder why!? I loved the party scene and those fabulous clothes and I am so grateful to Susanna Negovan for including me!! Photographer to the stars Steve Starr looked dapper as well in his two-page Steve_Starr_Mich_Magspread. I thought this was their best fashion feature to date. The jewelry, accessories and wardrobe were all so well planned and the models were just so darn cute/handsome!  This magazine just keeps getting better and better and I couldn’t be happier for them! Congrats Mich Mag and thanks so very much for including me! 🙂

Madonna in Bazaar feature using the Zacuto EVF!When I first met my neighbor down the street, Steve Weiss, I had no idea what he did for a living. And quite frankly, I still don’t know for sure other than the fact that he is an owner of Zacuto, which is one of the largest high-quality, originally-designed President Obama and Zacuto’s Andrew Dryermotion picture camera accessory manufacturing companies around. And Zacuto Films produces its own original web series with six Emmy nods and two wins. As I question him more, I find out that everyone – and I do mean EVERYONE – uses a piece of his equipment…who knew?!

Vivalavida_flyerPlease mark Wednesday, December 14th on your calendar for the VIVA LA VIDA MASQUERADE PARTY when two cites – Chicago and New York – come together for one night to broadcast the latest fashion trends and happenings LIVE! New York hosts will be the editor and publisher of Gotham magazine, Eric_Himel_bg_7Samantha Yanks and Debra Halpert, while I will be a Chicago host along with "Windy City Live" style guru Eric Himel! This evening, sponsored by the Aparecio Foundation, will also launch Hasana’s e-commerce site at The Mid Nightclub located at 306 N. Halsted beginning at 6 p.m. Live entertainment provided by Sadie Woods and Megan Taylor! Guest bloggers Nicki Brashear and Katie Shuppler will be on hand, too, to keep fans updated. Please come to the party and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the-minute #HVLV updates! Be there! 🙂

ICB_Military_inviteHuge congrats to Illinois Center for Broadcasting for their unique way to give thanks to the military this holiday season! On 12/8 and 12/15, at all of their campuses around the country, they will be offering a free Digital Care Package for families, friends and supporters of military personnel that can be shared with loved ones through email and online social networks, no matter where they are. For more details, please click here!

Blog 1 - Art in Gaga;s Barney's windowIs there a more beautiful city in the country than Chicago during the holidays? Granted, New York has a lot to offer – I love those Bergdorf Goodman windows and the Barney’s windows, Blog 2 - Zoolights!this year decorated by Lady Gaga and who could resist that huge snowflake hanging in the center of Fifth Avenue? – but we have that and more (kinda)! I’ve never seen a prettier display than our own Lincoln Park Zoo’s “ZooLights” display. I can Blog 3 - Christkkindlmarket—Daley Plazajust imagine the animals having holiday parties after all of the humans have gone. And who can resist the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza? This delightful Blog 4 - a Macy’s window from Christmas pastspot is one of my favorites with its variety of crafts, gifts, entertainment, German food, drinks and more! Macy’s windows are always a must-see attraction and the Joffrey Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition. And finally, I don’t believe there is a prettier spot than right here in my own Blog 5 - Old Town fisherman cottagebackyard – the Old Town Triangle. Across the street from us is the most popular house on any Chicago tour, a darling fisherman’s cottage owned by Steppenwolf’s lucky David Blog 6 - Hef’s old home in the Gold CoastHawkanson. I love this city that just keeps getting better and better and better…can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! Have a happy holiday! (To enjoy more photos from Christmas’ past in Chicago, please click here!)

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Toy_DriveP.S. I love my hairdresser Charles Ifergan and not just because he’s super cute, skilled and fun to be around but because he’s also good at giving back! The Charles Ifergan Salon at 106 E. Oak St., along with Furla, is co-hosting a children’s toy drive at the salon and store: Each client who donates will receive 20-percent off any hair care products and 20-percent off merchandise at Furla! LOVE this!

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