Tag Archives: Michelle Tan

THE SERVICE CLUB’S 8TH ANNUAL FASHION SHOW IS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!

…PLUS CHEFS & THE CITY HIGHLIGHTS, COOPER TAKES CHARGE, A WHOLE BLU WORLD, IADT’S IMAGINE ’12 FASHION SHOW, OLYMPIC NEWS, STELLA’S LATEST HONORS, BIRTHDAYS GALORE, A VERY SPECIAL NECKLACE, CHICAGO TRIBUNE’S GIFT TO READERS, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Event chairs Hazel Barr, Tracey DiBuono, Saira Cooper and Jean AntoniouThis event has been a longtime labor of love for this year’s Chair Emeritus and event founder Hazel Barr, who, along with co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Saira Cooper and Tracey Blog 2 - Karen Peters, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, Tiffany Marshall, Monika Dixon and Mary Pat BurnsDiBuono (Tarantino), planned a fashion extravaganza July 30th that was a sell out with more than 260 guests. The perfect summer day started on the Peninsula terrace. Blog 3 - Wendy Krimins and Ann WallaceAnd with the Hancock building looming in the background, guests mingled and enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres while anxiously awaiting the start of the show. Since I was Blog 4 - Rich Varnes, show producer co-chair Tracey Tarantino and Greg Hydermodeling, I got there early for rehearsals which is always great fun with all of the ladies in high spirits and excited about spending the day with their friends. The Grand Ballroom was bathed Blog 4 - Tina Weller, Dr. Julius Few, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooksin a sea of pink and themed “C’est Magnifique.” Images of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe were projected on the walls with a pink runway waiting for models who included Blog 5 - Co-chair Jean Antoniou and the Peninsula GM Maria ZecService Club members along with other local celebrities. Tracey Tarantino, as always, expertly produced the show even adding original French street music and remixed French pop music. This year’s runway collections featured fall fashions from top Blog 6 - SC Prez Vonita Reescer with Abe and Angela Thompsonretailers that included Escada (Mary Pat Burns wore my favorite outfit of the day: a feathered coat dress over a strapless dress – exquisite!), Intermix, Starr Couture and Blog 7 - Bunky CushingNeopolitan. Laurie Davis’ Lulu’s at the Belle Kay provided vintage splendor for a show that had something for everyone. The men’s fashions were provided by Burdi and Tom James with an exciting finale inspired by the Olympics from Ralph Lauren Polo that featured Blog 8 - Larissa Kronfeld and friendsmodels waving American flags on their runway walks. Other highlights included an exciting evening gown and fur segment from the always popular, long-time supporter, Neiman Marcus, and Stuart Weitzman, whose shoe Blog 9 - Chilli Peppersegment had women clamoring for more! Baton Show Lounge performer Chilli Pepper was a crowd pleaser in her own black mini-dress topped with an eye-popping red cropped fur Blog 10 - Felicia Winiecki, Diana Palomar, Lynn McMahanjacket. (Neiman’s gowns are breathtaking and I was honored to wear one by designer Robin Singer.) Models included Dan Uslan, Skip Grisham, Rich Gamble, Bunky Cushing, Stanley Blog 11 - Monika Dixon and SC President Vonita ReescerPaul, DC Crenshaw, Dr. Julius Few, Greg Hyder, Rich Varnes, Elizabeth Brodsky, Mamie Walton, Karen Peters, Kelly Drury, Larissa Kronfeld, Matt Lee, John Carroll, Scott Bobek, Blog 11 - Nina Mariano and Jan FlanaganRino Burdi, Jean Antoniou, Kim Gleeson, Lynn McMahan, Toni Canada, Gale Gottlieb, Abe Thompson, Rich Gamble, Mary Lasky, Sheila O’Grady, Saira Cooper, Tina Weller, Blog 12 - Katie McLenaghan and Jennifer SuttonSherren Leigh, Susanna Negovan, Kip Lewis, Robin Robinson, Amy Wimer, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, Mary Ann Childers, and more. (Photography by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…please click here to view more pics!)

 

Finally, the PAWS Beach Party is ready for your viewing pleasure! Since we are upgrading our network, this has taken a little longer than usual. Hope you enjoy this darling segment about the pets and the people who love them!

Blog 1 - Bill Lasche, co-chair Amanda Puck (R) and glam friendChefs & the City is always a much-loved and highly-supported event at the Ritz-Carlton benefitting Vital Bridges Chronic Care Center and for its eighth annual event in the Grand Ballroom, more than 30 top chefs Blog 2 - Chef Chair Ryan Pitts and his RL Restaurant crewdonated their time and fabulous samplings for a delectable evening of food for a cause! Beginning with a VIP Reception, guests sipped Grey Goose cocktails and beverages provided by Magic Hat, enjoyed tunes from DJ Megan Taylor and snapped Blog 3 - Handsome Chris Sofka (2nd from R) with his mom, sis and cute friendphotos in the Magbooth provided by Magnolia Photo Booth Co. Savory fare was prepared by 24 top chefs who included Ryan Pitts Blog 4 - Helen Melchior, Chuck, Paul Iacono, and Ken Norgan(from RL who was also the Chef Chair), Heather Terhune (Sable), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Carl Shelton (BOKA), Giuseppe Tentori (GT Fish & Oyster), Patricio Sandoval (Mercadito), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Doug Psaltis (RPM Italian), Roger Blog 5 - Chefs & the City after-party fun!Herring (Socca), Greg Bastien (Tavernita), Michael Garbin (Union League Club), Chuck Kazmer (Deca), Shawn McClain (Green Zebra), Blog 7 - The cutest & nicest brother-sister duo in town, Sanjay and Natasha SharmaJerome Bacle (Courtright’s), Paul Virant (Perennial Virant/Vie), Andy Motto (Quince) and Jonathan Gorecki (Karyn’s on Green) among many others. Honorary chairs for the event were Rich Varnes, Amanda Puck and Jason Dohmann. The evening also featured an amazing raffle that included a weekend in Harbor Country, a week in Puerto Blog 6 - Todd Hatoff, Alan Harder and glam friendVallarta, tickets to Chicago Gourmet, a C.D. Peacock necklace and so much more! The tastings were out of this world: Some of my highlights were Chef Jerome Bacle’s tomato gazpacho, Chef Tony Priolo’s seafood salad,
John Walcher and friendChef Michael Garbin’s short rib sliders, Chef Stephen Henry’s heirloom tomato burrata with fresh basil and Chef Adam Grandt’s crispy pork bellies with tomato jam. Vital Bridges President/CEO Debbie Hinde, presented RL Restaurant and Gibsons Restaurant Group with the Robert S. Mayo Extra Helping Award which was accepted by RL GM Rich Varnes and Chef Pitts. The dance floor Blog 9 - America’s Dog was there for the after-party fun!filled for the after-party as DJ Taylor jammed with drummer Michael Riendeau. Guests in attendance included Todd Hatoff, Mark Smithe, Joli Burrell, Jessica Zweig and Brian Fisher, Leslie Hindman’s John Walcher Blog 10 - Alli Cortes and Terrence Chappell(who did the auctioneering), Alan Harder, Lorin Adolph, Sanjay and Natasha Sharma, Chuck Benya, Tina Weller and Dr. Jeff Weller, Bill Lasche, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Paul Iacono and Elizabeth Brodsky. For this portion of the evening, food choices included a hot dog cart from America’s Dog, Swirlz cupcakes, Vosges chocolates and Jake Melnick’s hamburgers. More than $100,000 was raised to Blog 11support Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care, which helps low-income people living with AIDS rebuild their health and lives Blog 12 - Peck’s Bad Boys!by providing food and nutrition services, housing and counseling. Revenue from Chefs & the City will underwrite food for more than 30,000 meals and 1,200 nights of housing. (To see more pics and my complete Chicago Tribune Sunday coverage, please click here!)

 
Blog 1 - Co-chairs Janet Barnes and Ashley WeinzweigIt was a whole BLU world of fundraising when co-chairs Janet Barnes and Ashley Weinzweig welcomed a record 1,200 guests to a sold-out lakeside soiree at the Shedd Aquarium for the sixth annual Auxiliary Board fundraiser, Blog 2 - Gorgeous view in the Windy City from the SheddBLU! Raising more than $266,000 to support Shedd’s conservation and education initiatives, Shedd’s sultry summer evening benefit was filled with the sounds of tinkling cocktail glasses and local performers who included Detour JazFunk, Diver, Ami Moss & The Unfortunate and DJ Zebo. Blog 3 - Leadership Committee Jack Hammond, Susie Gura, GP Searle, Ashley Weinzweig, Claudine Tambuatco, Janet Barnes, Katelyn Danielski, John Hennegan, David TraceAgainst a backdrop of the Chicago skyline with fireworks popping over Lake Michigan, this event is always a sellout and a very Blog 4 - Glam guests in the Diet-Coke Pop-up Loungepopular summer social event! “The combining of exotic food and wine tastings with the glittering Chicago skyline made for an unforgettable night to come together in support of the Shedd,” said Barnes. Attendees enjoyed an array of mouthwatering dishes throughout the evening such as Big Fish Farms’ sustainable Blog 5 - SmileAmerican paddlefish caviar (a staple at any Shedd event), summer garden rolls from Sunda, walleye tacos with tomato jalapeno chutney from Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop and peeky toe crab Blog 6 - Detour JazFunkcannoli from The Florentine. The planet-friendly event also featured a delectable dish from Sweetspring Salmon – the only sustainably-farmed salmon in the world, signs that were made from recycled materials or will be reused for other Shedd events and compostable plates and silverware. “This is the most successful BLU in the event’s history,” said Weinzweig. “From dollars raised to people in attendance – even down to how much fun everyone had!” To cap off an already enjoyable evening, trolleys shuttled guests between Shedd and Underground for the after-party. (For more pics, please click here!)
 
127434-250One of the city’s hottest fashion showcases is set to take place at the UIC Forum Stage on Friday, September 21st at 8 p.m. when students from The International Academy of Design & Technology host 127450-250Imagine ’12. Emceed by Jane Monzures of Loop FM’s morning show and host of "Living Healthy" on WGN, this student-produced exhibition will showcase an impressive array of 127449-250garments by 44 student designers and the production talents of IADT’s students, in addition to highlighting unique programs at the school. Join designer Borris Powell, Michelle Tan, Suzanne Kopulos, Mallory Ulaszek, Rebecca Taras, Horacio Nieto, Tonya Pierce, Fraley Le, LaTonya Williams and Katie Schuppler, among many others, for a night of fashion and inspiration! For tickets ($15 for students and $25 for general admission) and more info, please call 312.980.9295 or email imagine@iadtchicago.com.
 
Vicky BaftiriW.I.N.E. (Women in Entertainment) TV profiles a journalist and producer who is doing it ALL – Vicky Baftiri. As an Emmy-winning journalist and National Association of Black Journalist “Salute to Excellence” Sheila Henley Pres. Founder WINE TVnominee, Vicky’s producing credits include the NBC nationally syndicated “Open House” and special news reports for WGN-TV. W.I.N.E. TV creator Sheila Henley says, “I’m so excit
ed for her to share her experiences and I hope it inspires young women everywhere to write, edit and produce!” Congrats, Vicky and Sheila!

 
Blog 1 - Ruth RileyOlympian Ruth Riley, who won gold as a member of the undefeated 2004 USA women’s basketball team in Athens, hosted an Opening Ceremony viewing party at Rockit Bar & Grill. Prior to her party, she spent the afternoon as the Blog 2 - Kerry and Sally Shorrguest of the British Consulate in Chicago watching a live feed of the Opening Ceremonies. The viewing was held at the residence of Her Majesty’s Consul General, Robert Chatterson Dickson with citizens of Great Britain, members of the Mayor’s office and other guests in attendance. Ruth is currently a member of the WNBA basketball team, the Chicago Sky. Selected by ESPN as one of only three Blog 3 - Leeann Trotter with Consul General, Robert Chatterson Dickson, Ruth Rileyformer Olympians to be given a Flip cam, she recorded interviews from both viewing parties with Blog 4 - Chicago Sky Head Coach Pokey Chatman with fans Sloane, Ally, Harperportions from each to be used as vignettes during telecasts. Meet Ruth and her teammates in person when they appear at a fundraiser for Nothing But Nets sponsored by Amazing Blog 5 - Sylvia Fowels and Swin Cash in Olympic VillageCosmetics on August 12th in Libertyville from noon to 4 p.m. Nothing But Nets' malaria campaign is a global initiative to eliminate one of the leading killers of children in Africa. For more info, please click here. (Pics by Slawek Chrzaszcz and Steve Starr…check out more pics here!)

 
Printers row 71581092Six months ago, the Chicago Tribune proudly launched Printers Row, a membership program for those who love books, authors and conversations about the ideas they generate. This weekend, they offered readers a special eight page sample tucked inside the Sunday section (where Candid Candace’s column also appears!). And beginning this week, they are Trib pageoffering even MORE perks with the membership program ($99 per year) which will include four free tickets to Printers Row Live! Events in addition to Book-of-the-Month discounts, private author receptions and conversations at Tribune Tower. You can now also buy it as a digital-only subscription for $29 or just the journal/fiction, no events or programs, for $49, which includes the Printers Row Journal and Fiction home-delivered every week in print and digital editions. To join, call 866.977.8742, offer code X156, or click here! Happy reading from your friends at the Chicago Tribune!!! This is a real literary treat!
 
Blog 1 - Bunky and his fans-friends on his birthday at AlliumLots of friends’ birthdays this month! I loved celebrating the Squire, Bunky Cushing’s, birthday at the Four Seasons’ Allium Restaurant with his special ladies who included Hazel Blog 2 - The Squire makes a wish!Barr, Zarada Gowenlock, Linda Heister, Mamie Walton, Robin Segesta, Myra Reilly and Megan McKinney. Chef Kevin Hickey’s menu is out of this world delicious and I was so thrilled to be included! Friends also celebrated the perpetually glam Toni Canada’s birthday (or as Blog 3 - Too sweet for words!Dusty Stemer called it “her birthday tour”) at Piccolo Sogno. The evening couldn’t have been more perfect and Toni matched the occasion Blog 4 - Celebrating at Piccolo Sognoin one of the most beautiful dresses I’ve seen in a long time, a form-fitting floral sheath with purple feathers by Prabal Gurung. Friends on the patio included Corri McFadden (who regaled us with tales of her fairytale engagement on Capri), Jan Flanagan (sporting the coolest Louis Vuitton cuff on the Blog 5 - Corri McFadden and Heather Farleyplanet), Lynn McMahan, Nina Mariano, Dusty, Susanna Negovan, Heather Farley Ingram Blog 7 - Celebrating at Chicago Cutand Jennifer Hamood. And a special thanks to all of my sweet friends who came out for my late birthday celebration at Chicago Cut! I loved seeing Leslie Hindman, Sheila O’Grady, Helen Melchior, Toni Canada, Nina Mariano, Jan Flanagan, Sheryl Dyer, Blog 8 - Sonya Jackson, Sheryl Dyer and Mary Pat Bur
ns at Chicago CutChris Long, Kristina McGrath, Sonya Jackson, Hazel Barr, Lynn McMahan, Blog 9 - Chris Long and Sheila O’GradyMary Pat Burns, Mamie Walton, Jean Antoniou and Tracy Tarantino. (Sharyl Mackey couldn’t attend since she and Mike were vacationing in Michigan.) Bon anniversaire a mes amis! 🙂 (For more pics from these fun parties, please click here!)
 
19126513_BG1I’m lovin’ all of this great press for and about Stella Foster! People are coming out of the woodwork to celebrate, honor, fete and host events to celebrate her long career! Her "Windy City Live" interview on Monday was priceless and now comes word she will be the FIRST African American women to be named Honorary Grand Marshall for the Columbus Day Parade on October 8th!!!! Later that same night, she also appeared on Jim Williams’ Show and Chicago Tonight with Phil Ponce! I have a feeling her “retirement” won’t be quite what she thinks it will be! LOL! Oh, and did I tell you the Mayor proclaimed Monday to be Stella Foster Day in Chicago!?! I was honored to be included in her last column along with so many other friends like Shell Reyes, Tony Weisman, Ken Bedford, Bonnie Krueger Spurlock, Anna Davlantes, Les Coney, John Roger and Mark Suppelsa! Stay tuned for more “Stellabration” updates! The Foster Love Train is just startin’ to roll!

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Cooper HefnerCheck out this pic of Cooper Hefner that his dad tweeted Monday night along with the phrase, “And the legend continues!” He is the Hef and Crystal Harris at Midsummer Night's Dream party 2012spitting image of Hef! I also hear he was a fabulous host at Saturday night’s Midsummer Night’s Dream party, even donning PJs! Too cute for words! And yes, Crystal Harris (aka the runaway bride) was there, too! (Check out a few more pics here!)
 
Blog 1 - Designer-race car driver Mary Kaczor with Ashley Judd “buying” the necklaceAnd if you’re in the market for unique jewelry and fast cars, then you might want to check out the Concurs d’ Elegance in Pebble Beach next week, August 15th through 19th. This is one of the top Blog 2 - Winning Ways II on finish linecar shows in the world with rare autos showcased against a stunning backdrop. A special highlight of the grand event will be a one-of-a-kind necklace created by former race car driver, Mary Kaczor. This piece is so special (for this 100th anniversary) that it even has its own name, Winning Ways II! It was created from pieces of famous cars in the Blog 3 - Mario Andretti with Mary and WWII necklacepast including the frame nut from the Marmon Wasp, the very first car to win the Indy 500. The necklace is sculpted out of 18K white gold with black and white princess cut diamonds on its sides Blog 4 - Lord and Lady March at Goodwood House before Ballsymbolizing two checkered flags. The centerpiece is a 10.43 carat diamond graded E VVS1. Bids will begin at $1.6 million…yeah, you heard me! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum as well as the Wheldon Family Trust. (Driver Dan Wheldon was killed in the Las Vegas race last year and is survived by his widow and two young sons.) (For more info, visit www.pebblebeachconcours.net or email mary@racerxdesigns.com.)
 
Strut event on Clark Street 2One of my favorite boutiques, STRUT, will be hosting a special shopping night, “High Fashion Without the High Price,” on Thursday, August 9th from 6 to 9 p.m. at 2549 N. Clark. Darling designer Borris Powell will feature his latest ready-to-wear collection and be on hand to answer all of your fashion questions. Beautiful boutique owner Niala Conte will be offering wine and appetizers to her lucky customers! Hope to see you there!
 
CS Social Glam Launch Party pageA special thanks to CS Magazine for featuring our Glamorama Launch Party in such fun style
in this month’s magazine! I love the comments and thought this was so clever! Hope to see you all Friday night, too! 🙂

 
That’s all folks! Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition and I hope you’re having a fun-filled summer!
 
First pic from MarsLove, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. Breaking news from my friend Tissy Eggleston who submitted this pic of the FIRST image transmitted from the Curiosity Rover on Mars!

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THE ART OF HOME: A CREATIVE COLLABORATION BENEFITTING LAKESIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

…PLUS COSTUME BALL GLAMOUR, NEXT FASHION SHOW, FASHION FOCUS WEEK, HANDBAGS & HALOS, WEDDING CONGRATS AND SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW!

Blog 1 - Melinda Jakovich, Lucien LaGrange, Karen Stephenson and Fred GebbiaThe Gala Art Benefit "Art of Home", supporting Lakeside Community Development, was held recently at the Zhou B Gallery and even though it was a miserable, rainy night, the crowd was Blog 2happy to be there to support this worthy cause. "Art of Home" celebrated the unique perspectives of more than 50 Chicago area artists who donated their work including Keiko Nemeth, Brigitte Wolf Salchow, Lynn Basa, Rine Boyer, Doug Frohman, Janet Krehbiel Blog 3 - Emcees Whitney Allen and Wayne JohnsonPierqacci, Eric Lee, Jorjet Harper, Carlos Deleon, Rosemary Fanti, Fred Gebbia, Herbert Migdoll, Tracey Posner and Kimberly Atwood to name a few. Executive Director Brian White said, “Lakeside operates from the belief that communities characterized by racial, Blog 4 - Models in Elda de la Rosa, Sabrina, Justyna, Janet and Lakeside’s Susan DeBeaubieneconomic, and cultural diversity are the ideal. We work in collaboration with a wide variety of community, civic, business and government groups to achieve our mission. A home is more than four walls and a roof. It’s where memories are created, Blog 5 - Mr. and Mrs. Tom Koczurdreams are formed and opportunities are achieved. Lakeside Community Development helps ensure all people have access to safe, decent and affordable housing. We would like to thank Mitch Obtsfeld of i4Design and Zhou B Art Center, Phillip Bernal of Bernal Design, and the
committee volunteers who made tonight’s event possible. For your support of Art of Home, we thank you!” It was a lively evening with entertainment by Jose “Papo” Santiago and the always vivacious, NBC-5's Whitney Allen (Weekends With Whitney), as co-Blog 7 - Lakeside’s Harman Gill and Saiema Syedemcee with Wayne Johnson (Wayne’s Weekend). There were delicious hors d’oeuvres from Food for Thought as well as sinful Molly’s cupcakes. The colorful, mixed media artwork filled every wall and included oil Blog 8 - Model Janet and David Strzepekon canvas, painted glass, ironwork, you name it. Master iron worker Fred Gebbia designed a unique table made from repurposed 19th century grillwork and the Joffrey Ballet’s official photographer, Herbert Migdoll, submitted a huge, 36” by 60” copper metallic and oil enamel silkscreen Blog 9 - Marco Foster and glam friendentitled “Copper Faun.” Lakeside is located in Rogers Park on Chicago’s Far North Side, from which the agency serves eight Chicago community areas and the near north suburbs. And not only do they provide housing opportunities for those in need, they also provide education, advocacy and condo board training. Congrats to all Blog 10 - Lakeside Executive Director Brian Whiteinvolved with this worthy organization! A special thanks to Phillip Bernal for getting me involved! And, by the way, if you haven’t had the honor of having Fred Gebbia do restoration or repair work for you, then you are Blog 11 - Melinda Jakovich and Lucien LaGrangemissing a BIG boat! Fred, the president of The Fence Doctor, is a genius at what he does and his celebrity and A-list clientele around town are proof positive that he is the go-to guy! (Additional photos by John Cotter…to view more event pics, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Bunky, Jamee Gregory and Bunky’s LadiesBunky Cushing did it again, as always: He seems to pull a rabbit out of his hat every single time in finding a fabulous guest speaker for his annual Handbags & Halos luncheon and this year was no exception! I’ve always admired this year’s featured speaker, Jamee Gregory. Over the years, I’ve read her Blog 2 - Nina Mariano, Robin Berger and Lynn McMahanname and seen her photos in almost every social magazine. She is a NY author, philanthropist and contributing editor of Architectural Digest. Bunky invited 150 friends this year Blog 3 - Gregg Zgonena and Michaela Parillowho turned out in force with gently used handbags to donate to Howard Brown Health Center for the 10th year. Every table was filled with familiar faces who listened in rapt attention as Jamee showed slides from Blog 4 - David Brandt, Jamee Gregory and Hazel Barrher most recent book, “New York Parties: Private Views.” The photos of social events and get-togethers on opulent grounds in the Hamptons or atop a NY building in some fabulous penthouse were breathtaking. She showed the party planning from beginning to end via her beautiful Blog 5 - Linda Heister and Betty Brownimages and they were so glamorous. Before her presentation, HBHC President and CEO Jamal Edward greeted the guests and explained the Center’s mission which is to eliminate Blog 6 - Ann Wallace and Sally Jo Morristhe disparities in health care experiences for members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities through research, education and provision of services that promote health and wellness. Bunky spoke passionately about how grateful he was for the support he’s received over the past 10 years and said, “If I could show you my heart, you would see that is overflowing with Blog 7 - Rochelle Trotter and Cheryl Bollingerappreciation for the love and support you’ve shown me.” Palmer House’s Executive Chef Stephen Henry, along with Pastry Chef Fabrice Bouet, created a sumptuous lunch that began Blog 8 - Designer John Ansehl and Dana Hokinwith butternut squash soup with grilled cinnamon apples followed by a pan seared chicken breast, apple bread pudding, tri-colored beets and grilled acorn squash. The dessert was a fall sampler of pumpkin pie, cranberry tarts and blackberry tarts. Bunky also thanked the "King of the Kingdom of Catering" David Brandt, Palmer House’s Director of Catering. Congrats to Bunky, his ladies and the Palmer House for another magical day of fun fundraising!

Blog 1 - Marcus and meWow, what a week of fashion we’ve had in Chicago beginning with the Kick-Off Party at PUBLIC Chicago for Fashion Focus, followed by the NEXT Fashion Chicago show at Blog 2 - Tracey Tarantino, Kiran Advani and Marsha BrennerGermania Place! I wish I could’ve attended every event last week but then I would be a mere shadow of myself by now. But I loved seeing photos from the various events like the four Blog 3 - Macy’s Andrea Schwartz (R) and designer Lara MillerMillennium Park tent shows, coordinated and directed by Kiran Advani, the fashion programming director for the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture in partnership with the Chicago Dept. of Cultural Blog 4 - NEXT finaleAffairs and Special Events. She and her staff made sure that all ticket holders got seats this year as well as orchestrating a consistent $35 general admission price to make the events Blog 5 - Jim and Lakesha Rosemore accessible for everyone. I was thrilled to emcee NEXT Fashion Chicago, produced by Rose Mandel of Mandel Productions, along with NBC’s Marcus Riley. The event included designs from Elda de la Rosa, Fraley Le, Gary Gonzalez, Sahar Dada, Cleons, Hector-Javier MonArrez, Sujata Blog 6 - Mario Tricoci with model winnersGazder and Mira Couture along with boutiques Sofia, Cache, Furla and Bottega Contessa. A brilliant electric violin performance by Katarina Visnevska accompanied one of the runway walks. (To view the event on Watch312.com, please click on the video below!) That same Blog 7 - Wedding gown by Mira Coutureevening, designer Anna Fong presented her Fall/Winter collections at the Blackstone Hotel and on Tuesday night, Macy’s Fashion Incubator designers presented their collections in the tent in Millennium Park. Wednesday, “Dress Code” debuted at the Chicago History Blog 8 - Ryan Beshel, Katie and Jason McLenaghanMuseum showcasing the designs of fashion students from Columbia College and Mario Tricoci’s “Make Me a Model” showed the designs of Michelle Tan in the tent. The runway competition Blog 9 - Macy’s design by Miriam Cecilia Carlsonwas so intense that Mario chose two aspiring models as the winners – Mercedes Johnson of Chicago and Juni Park o
f Skokie. (Finalists included Lynn Tatge, Alexandra Cangelosi and Zachary Ross.) On Thursday, Conscious Living TV presented the VERT Couture Eco-Fashion Show & Blog 10Benefit which featured Spring/Summer 2012 eco-collections of the following lines: Richard Dayhoff, Brenda Abdullah, Heart, Dollparts, Rosina Mae eco-swimwear, Victoria Larkin, Lauren Lein, Silk Utopia and Mohop Shoes. Friday night brought “The Art of Fashion 2011,” presented by StyleChicago.com. This show Blog 11 - Macy’s finalefeatured Spring 2012 collections of accomplished Chicago designers and fashion lines that included Nade Baer, Nora del Busto, Lara Miller, Borris Powell, Blog 12 - Design by Sahar DadaEva Pazola, RUCH and Squasht by Les among others. ZZZAZZ Productions’ Tracey Tarantino produced this lavish show. Besides the tent events, there Blog 13 - With co-emcee Marcus Rileywere more than 30 other trunk shows, seminars, shopping events and parties throughout the week. Chicago – a second city? I think NOT! Congrats to all involved who make this such an eventful week in fashion for the Windy City! (Photos by Cindy Barrymore and Steve Starr.)

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

Blog 1 - Co-chair Robin Berger (r) having fun with friendsAnd the fashion didn’t stop here! The 2011 Costume Ball celebrated the opening exhibit of Charles James: Genius Deconstructed, with its first black tie ball in over ten years!  Launched in the ‘70s, the Costume Blog 2 - Designer Ralph Rucci with his Award of ExcellenceCouncil hosted the Donor’s Ball to help acquire new garments for the Museum’s costume collection. This year’s black tie affair, expertly co-chaired by Robin Loewenberg Berger, Catherine Eberle and Lawrie Weed, included a sit-down dinner, auction and exhibition preview at the Chicago History Museum. The evening’s Honorary Chair was Helen Harvey Mills, whose mother was a muse of Charles James. The Blog 3 - Emcee Bill Zwecker with Nena Ivon, Pres. of Costume Councilevent also honored designer Ralph Rucci (Chado Ralph Rucci) with its Award for Design Excellence. Bill Zwecker and Kathy Brock emceed the event and Nena Ivon, president of the Blog 4 - Alexis and Linda Johnson Rice with Desiree RogersCostume Council, also spoke. Auction co-chairs Melinda Turitz and Alicia Waters did a great job of assembling a potpourri of fashionable items donated by Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo, Alexis Bittar and Kimberly McDonald among other offerings. Raffle items included fine jewelry from Pomellato Blog 5and a Hermes Birkin bag! Funds raised from this event enable the Chicago History Museum to continue to enhance the public’s understanding of Charles James and provide thoughtful insight into the Museum’s costume collection. Congrats to Curator Tim Long on an outstanding job! (To view ALL of the event pics by Cindy Barrymore, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Diana OzimekDiana Ozimek is someone you should know. She is a weekly volunteer for PAWS (Pets are Worth Saving), taking their more active dogs on runs as well as fostering puppies and kittens over Blog 2the past year…and adopting a few along the way! She owns and runs several women’s fitness camps called Windy City Boot Camp. Diana has been involved in the fitness industry for 17 years, building on exercise as Blog 3 - Working on abs at Montrose Beacha hobby and turning it into a lifestyle and career. Diana earned her B.S. in sports medicine for athletic training at the University of Akron and a masters of arts in education from the Blog 4 - Lovable pets from PAWSUniversity of Phoenix. She is AFAA-certified in group exercise, trained in Yoga Fit as well as a NESTA-certified Adventure Boot Camp instructor. Diana says, “Windy City Adventure Boot Camp is perfect for EVERY woman. If you are a busy mother or busy at the office, you can still keep your fitness a priority everyday with this early morning camp!” Now, Blog 5 - Squats at Wrightwood camp, ouch!here’s the good part: Diana has offered to donate $500 to PAWS for every camp Blog 6 - Beach chariots, yikes!that has 40 women register. Her first Fit 2 Fund camp starts October 31st so, if you’re interested in fitness and have plans to start a program, please consider this one! It will not only be beneficial to YOU but will help our furry friends, too!!!

Newlyweds Bob and Kim MillsFinally, a huge congrats to the Illinois Center for Broadcasting’s president Robert Mills and the beautiful Kim Venezia on their recent wedding in Florida! A big New Year’s celebration is planned and hopefully, Candid Candace will be there to toast them! Have a great week in our great city and I hope to “see” you here same time next week!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Mich Mag shoot P1000729P.S. What a thrill it was to be in a Michigan Avenue Magazine fashion shoot! The models were gorgeous (of course), the clothing selections were to die for and the accessories and jewelry made me swoon! Congrats to Susanna Negovan and Mich Mag for what I’m sure will be a knockout holiday feature. Thanks for including me! 🙂

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