Tag Archives: Michigan Avenue Magazine

July 25, 2012 · 10:28 am

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BALL’S BIG SURPRISE: THE VILLAGE PEOPLE!

…PLUS PAWS-ITIVELY BEACHY, FIELD MUSEUM IS WILD ABOUT HARRY, THE DARK KNIGHT'S CHICAGO PREMIERE, A ST. TROPEZ CHIC DESIGNER, WHITE HOUSE HONORS FOR PAUL, A GIANT NY BOOK LAUNCH, TOM STREHLE’S PERFECT PITCH, A SPECIAL 50TH AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Cynthia Ross Polayes (co-chair), Kevin Bell (Zoo Pres-CEO), Suzanne Meder (co-chair), Abby Zanarini (WB Pres.)The Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo hosted its 35th annual Zoo Ball in one of my favorite venues! As 1,000 black-tie clad guests entered the zoo grounds through the East Gate, they were Blog 2 - Joan Cusack, Sue Kutschke, Sheri Maffiagreeted by more than 30,000 feet of dramatic sweeping tents. Earlier in the day, one of the tents came down due to heavy rain but all was well by the time the event began. During the cocktail reception across from the Kovler Lion House, one could hear the big cats Blog 3 - Mike Harrington, Anne Pramaggiore, Jack Harringtonroaring their approval as guests raised funds to keep them supplied with kitty food. The Feed a Friend Program offered supporters the opportunity to donate for various zoo animals and receive a corresponding Blog 4 - John and Myra Reilly, Susan Regenstein and Barry Frankstuffed animal to show their support. Levels included $100 to feed a gibbon family for three months all the way up to $15,000 to feed a gorilla family for a year. It was a great way to get guests involved in the zoo as well as raise funds. And for Blog 5 - Bridget Campbell (Auction Chair) and Matthew Campbellthose who didn’t want to take the stuffed toys, they could be donated to Lurie Children’s Hospital which has a floor sponsored by the Zoo. Themed “The Great Catsby” and presented by Guggenheim (who underwrote the evening’s dinner in its entirety), the Blog 6 - Beth Levine, Marcus Lemonis, Julie Rochfordevent was co-chaired by Suzanne Meder and Cynthia Polayes with Honorary Chair Anne Pramaggiore. Women’s Board President Abby Zanarini welcomed the crowd and thanked Guggenheim and J.N. Pritzker/Tawani Foundation/Pritzker Military Library for their continued support. She also acknowledged Barbara Higgins (Allstate), Anne Pramaggiore (ComEd), John Alexander (Chairman of the Board) Blog 7 - Charlie and Rebecca Besser with Kevin Belland Kevin Bell (Zoo President and CEO). Event Creative’s Jeffrey Foster Blog 8 - Gale and Jay Gottliebhelped bring the chairs’ décor vision to life: An elegant Hampton’s vibe included masses of blue hydrangeas and twinkling chandeliers as well as a stage that resembled a white gate complete with hedge walls. Auction Chair Bridget Campbell arranged a vast array of silent auction items in the chic Leopard Lounge that Blog 9 - Dana Stone, Christopher Veski, Wendy Krimins and Cynthia Holbrookincluded Andrea Bocelli box seats (sold for $5K), Master’s golf package (two passes for all four days sold for $19K), a one week stay at the Four Seasons Costa Rica (sold for $6K), a signed Joakim Noah jersey, Ryder Blog 10 - Michael and Donna Rigert, Kimbra and Mark WalterCup tickets and so much more! Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from J & L Catering that included mini Black Forest ham, gruyere and Dijon panini fingers; Maryland crab cakes; vegetable spring rolls; maple-glazed dates; and Blog 11 - Reggie and Kathy Rushmini corn muffins with tomatillo-braised chicken. Following the reception, a recorded lion’s roar summoned guests into dinner. Against the musical backdrop of Rendezvous, guests enjoyed delicious tenderloin with caramelized shallots, fingerling Blog 12 - The Village Peoplepotatoes and succotash and a dessert of strawberry shortcake, key lime tart with Michigan berries and chocolate ganache. The highlight of the evening came when surprise performers The Village People were introduced. As guests jammed the dance floor, this popular 1970’s disco group performed their hits “Macho Man” and “In the Navy.” They Blog 13 - Our tablewhipped the crowd into a frenzy with their closing number “YMCA” amid a sea of camera flashes. It was so Blog 14 - Kevin and Ami Connollyexciting – how in the world they kept this a secret, I’ll never know! Seen on the scene were Barbara Higgins and Daniel Glynn, Tina Koegel, Wendy Krimins, William Holdeman, Paul Iacono, Sherren Leigh, Ken Norgan, Myra and John Reilly, Beth Levin and Marcus Lemonis, Vicki and Bill Hood, Kathy Brock and Doug Regan, Rebecca Blog 13and Charlie Besser, Janet and Rodger Owen, Leslie and Bob Zentner, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Wendy Chronister and Peter Rogers, John Alexander, Ann and Blake Benjamin, Bridget and Matthew Campbell, Kimbra and Mark Walter, Holly and Peter Francis Blog 15 - Steve and Wendy Beard, Tracey Benford, Charlie HuebnerGeraci, Jeff Shea, Veronica Zepeda and Bob Loquercio, Mary Ann Young, Ami and Kevin Connolly, Donna and Michael Rigert, Cynthia Holbrook, Debra and Martin Beck, Susan Regenstein, Wendy and Steve Beard, Blog 17 - Rodger and Janet OwenCharlie Huebner, Tracey Benford, Joan Cusack, Jennifer and John Caruso and Deborah and Bruce Crown. At the close of the event, attendees received gift bags that contained John Derian glass mementos provided by Guggenheim, along with cool treats from Pinkberry and late-night slices from the Connie’s Pizza and Catering truck. Chauffeured Blog 16 - Kim Theiss, Karen Peterson, Caroline Huebner, Susan Erlercourtesy cars – BMW 750i’s, to be precise – were stationed out front to whisk guests home…LOVED this! Proceeds from the ball ($1 million) will support the Women’s Board pledge to the Zoo’s Nature Boardwalk and will provide critical support to maintain this community landmark that is one of the last free zoos that's open every day in the nation! (Photos by Bob Carl, Violet Dominek, Julia Nash and Alain Miloti…click here for more!)

Blog 1 - Megan Lively, Ria Loukakis, Paula Fasseas, Dr. Jennifer Welle and Alexis FasseasThe night was PAWS-atively sensational at the 10th annual PAWS Chicago Beach party held at North Avenue Beach’s Castaways Boathouse on July 19th. With more than 400 guest and 100 dogs in attendance, Blog 2 - Co-chairs Renata and Robert Block with the “baby”this event raised $215,000 for the city’s largest no-kill humane society. Every partygoer received a colorful lei upon arrival at the summer’s largest pet-friendly social gathering co-chaired by Renata and Blog 3 - Emcee US99’s Lisa DentRobert Block and Virginia Stafman. Once on deck, supporters enjoyed a lavish beach buffet courtesy of Stefani Catering that included hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, veggie burgers, salads, pizza, Blog 4 - Too cute for words! There were LOTS of Chihuahuas there!pretzels, ice cream, cookies and more fun food. The doggie buffet offered Swirlz “pupcakes” and Licks’ all natural liquid vitamin drinks as well as other treats. The evening’s signature cocktail, “PAWS on the Beach,” kept guests fueled for fun as they Blog 5 - Bonnie Krueger Spurlock and Jim Spurlockdanced to the sounds of Spoken Four. The doggies and their owners were dressed in their best summer fashions with some sporting sunglasses, t-shirts, baseball caps and sundresses. And even though the night threatened rain, it didn’t dampen the Blog 6 - Ellie Keener Fisher and Jim Karasenthusiasm of this loyal group of PAWS supporters. US99’s Lisa Dent, emcee and guest of honor, introduced PAWS founder/chair Paula Fasseas. “It’s great to see our community come together to help save the lives of homeless pets,” said Fasseas, who founded the Blog 7 - Christine Mallul, Cheri Lawrence and Kim Gleeson with the “kids”organization in 1997. Volunteers were then introduced who presented rescue pups Hannah, Sponge, Mikey, Winslow and Clark to the crowd. The live auction packages included something for everyone including the highlight of Blog 8 - Dr. Tara Clack and her mom Susan Clackthe night, a VIP package from the Boss himself – Bruce Springsteen! This exciting auction prize included four VIP tickets to his September concert in Wrigley Field plus the opportunity to relax inside the VIP E Street Lounge before the show and his Blog 9 - Franklin, Annalise Haraburda, Elena Samokhinaentire discography! Susan Clack bought this one-of-a-kind opportunity and said she might give it to her pregnant daughter. Veterinarian Dr. Tara Clack – Susan’s other daughter – was over the top with happiness. (Her darling Blog 10 - Howard and Judy Tullmanboyfriend, Mark Bell, will most certainly approve!) Other auction items included the opportunity to have your pets featured as the official 2013 Beach Party logo. Last year’s winners, Judy and Howard Blog 11 - Dr. Steven Stryker and Andrea SchwartzTullman, had their two dogs and two cats featured this year. Next year, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock’s furry family will grace the cover of the invite and all promo materials. (They paid $8K for this honor!) Lunch with Alpana Singh sold to Jimmy Blog 12 - Bobbi Panter and Phillip EmighMeyer for $3,500, VIP Lollapalooza tickets sold to Cheri Lawrence for $5,000 and a luxury trip to Beverly Hills sold to Nancy Timmers for $5,500. All in all, the Beach Party raised more than $215,000 for PAWS Blog 13 - Just shut up!!! Adorable!Chicago. Their Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic will provide sterilizations for more than 18,000 pets of families in underserved communities. PAWS Chicago doesn’t receive any financial support from federal, state or local government agencies and is 100-percent reliant upon the community’s generosity. Charity Navigator, the country’s largest independent charity Blog 14 - Franklinevaluator, has consistently awarded PAWS Chicago with its highest rating of four stars and honored them with national recognition due to their conscientious use of donor funds. Since PAWS’ inception, the number of homeless pets euthanized in the city each year has dropped by more than 50 percent from 42,561 to less than 18,000 in 2011. For more info, please visit www.PAWSChicago.org. Chuck and I own a PAWS dog (Rooney) and he couldn’t be sweeter! I know there’s a darling canine or feline there waiting for you, too! Stay tuned for Watch312.com coverage coming from this fun event! (Fab fotos by Mila Samokhina.) 

RSM_webpromo-201207 (2)My FAVORITE vintage market, Randolph Street Market, returns July 28th and 29th to 1340 W. Randolph St.!  I can’t wait to see its “Made in the Shade” summer theme which will include a Shade Shack Cabana filled with new independent artists and designers! And don’t forget to look up my favorite jewelry dealer, Ira Sheck: Many of my statement necklaces come from this eagle-eyed New Yorker! (Tell him Candace sent you!) Randolph Street Market is baaaackkkk!!! :) 
 
Blog 1 - Vicki Medera, Co-Chair Liz Sharp (Chicago), Speaker Reema Keswani, Stephanie Ortel, Beth TolvaThe Field Museum’s Women’s Board hosted an Outreach Luncheon that featured the remarkable designs of A.V. Shinde, the renowned Indian jewelry designer for the house of legendary jeweler, Harry Winston. Co-chaired by Liz Blog 2 - Joan Colmar, Karen Lichtenstein, Harry Winston VP Diana HallSharp and Susan Clark McBride, the program began with the viewing of a variety of rarely seen Indian artifacts from the Museum’s collections. Program speakers included Reema Keswani, an expert on Indian jewelry and the only authorized biographer of Blog 3 - Jacky Ferro, Beth White, Effie Stojka, Diane TangA.V. Shinde, and Anthony Ledru, the Global VP of Sales at Harry Winston, Inc. For 40 years, A.V. Shinde was the head designer for Harry Winston where he designed for the rich and Blog 4 - Sara Pfaff, Laurie Kracum, Carol Safoldfamous including the Queen of England, Imelda Marcos and Liz Taylor, to name a few. In his earlier years, he designed for the maharajahs and maharanis of India. He Blog 5 - Catherine Driscoll and co-chair Liz Sharpdied in 2003, at the age of 85. An Indian-themed luncheon followed the presentation in Stanley Field Hall where Field Museum researcher Charlene “Charlie” McCord was honored as this year’s Women in Science Fellow. For more info, please click here! (Photos by Steve Starr and Tonja Hall.)
 
Eloise lapidus-low-resEloise Lapidus, daughter of famed designer Ted Lapidus, is bringing a fresh style and Parisian charm to her new line of apparel for BoBo House. Her keen sense of fashion was inspired by her father’s designs, which were worn and coveted by icons such as Brigitte Bardot, Alain Delon, Francoise Hardy and BoBo House Best picJohn Lennon. Eloise was greatly influenced by ‘60s and ‘70s bourgeoisie bohemians, or “Bobos” of Paris and St. Tropez. Take a look at her ultra-soft, luxurious basics fit for a relaxing day at Club 55 or on your yacht in the Port and see for yourselves!
 
Peter Rosenburg, Wale, Victor Cruz and Josh GrobanHow about some party news from the East Coast? A blow-out bash at NYC’s No. 8 hotspot celebrated NY Giants star Victor Cruz’ new memoir, “Out of the Blue.” “It may seem like I Victor Cruz and girlfriend Elainacame out of the blue. But, my road was long, windy, full of hurdles, and even some dead ends. I lost family. I lost friends. I even lost my way. When I reached what felt like rock bottom, I realized I had a responsibility to everyone who believed in me and to kids, like me, who just needed a chance and something to believe in,” said Cruz in the epilogue of his new Victor Cruz and Hennessey girlsbook. Famous for his amazing plays as a wide receiver as well as his post-touchdown salsa moves, Cruz partied like a rock star to celebrate his book launch alongside an array of celebs and friends who included rap music artist Wale, singer/actor Josh Groban, Eric Benet, “Empire Girls”stars Julissa Bermudez and Adrienne Bailon, DJ Kiss, DJ Clark Kent, Peter Rosenberg, K. Foxx, Joell Ortiz, Jeannette Jenkins and DJ M.O.S. (Photos by Jerritt Clark.)
 
PAUL W. HAMANN -- HEAD SHOT ONEPaul Hamann, President and CEO of The Night Ministry, was honored as a Champion of Change by the White House on July 12th as one of 13 individuals who have made a difference in the way their communities combat homelessness among children and youth. The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s “Winning the Future” initiative and, each week, a different sector is highlighted. Founded in 1976, The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides housing, healthcare and human connection to members of the community who are struggling with poverty or homelessness. Congrats Paul on this prestigious honor and keep up the great work!

Blog 1 - Reverend Eugene Pappas, Alexander Payne and Chris TomarasThe PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation hosted its 10th annual gala to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of 40 outstanding Greek-American Blog 3 - Singer Petros Gaitanoscollege students. The 2012 recipients were inducted as members of the Foundation’s prestigious PanHellenic Honors Society, which now has 227 members. Chairman and Founder of the PHSF Chris Tomaras welcomed more than 450 guests to this event that Blog 2 - PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation honoreesfeatured Academy Award winning filmmaker Alexander Payne as the Paradigm Recipient. WGN-TV’s film critic Dean Richards served as Master of Ceremonies while renowned Greek singer/songwriter Petros Gaitanos provided star quality entertainment during the evening’s festivities at the Merle Reskin Theater and Hilton Chicago. For more info about this passionate organization, please visit the Foundation's website. Congrats and good luck to this year’s deserving honorees!

1Don’t miss this year’s Art in the Garden soiree on Saturday, August 11th, at La Paloma Gardens, located at 3622 Brookview Road in Rockford. (It’s worth the trip!) Hosted by longtime patron of the arts and passionate gardener Karen Harding along with Lon and Dick Behr and Sharyn and Joe Castrogiovanni, the Karen's garden party 2party will include en plein a
ir cocktails and hors d’ouevres beginning at 6 p.m., a seated dinner by Jewell Events Catering at 7:30 p.m. and music provided by Clutch Cargo. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Rockford Art Museum, the event’s beneficiary. (For more info, please click here.)
 
Jennifer Sutton, Margaret O'Connor, Katie McLenaghan (wearing Sequin jewels) and Hubby JasonThanks to Margaret O’Connor for our first look at the blockbuster film, "The Dark Knight Rises"! The premiere was hosted by WGN at Navy Pier’s IMAX Theater with guests who included Chicago Bears players Charles Tillman (with his wife, Jackie) and Israel Idonije, former Bears players Anthony Adams and Jerry Azuma, Mich Mag’s Dan Uslan and JP Anderson, David Martinez (one of seven final remaining finalists on FOX’s “Master Chef”), Kelli Zink, Charley Jordan, DC Crenshaw, Katie and Jason McLenaghan and Jennifer Sutton. I also saw expert film critic/friend Geoff Burton, whose Cinema Trek movie reviews are always spot-on! He loved this movie and so did I! Thanks for this wonderful opportunity, Margaret!

With Wisdom of Ages host Nick BokowyChuck and I were thrilled to participate in Kenmore LIVE’s recent taping of “Wisdom of the Ages.” This segment – which offered marriage advice from three couples ranging in age – is a prelude to their upcoming “Bridal Wave” series that will showcase all things wedding-related. Stay tuned for more info and congrats to Judy Faulkner Krause on another sure-to-be-a-hit internet show!

Blog 1 - Tom Strehle with Kerry WoodBeam’s VP of Human Resources Tom Strehle is a HUGE baseball fan! His collection of memorabilia would rival Cooperstown’s and, recently, he had the thrill of a lifetime throwing out the first pitch at the recent Cubs game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Blog 3 - Tom Strehle celebrates after the pitch!thanks to his good friend, Kerry Wood! He threw a perfect strike (or at least this is what he told me!) and I’m so happy for him. Not only is he a Cubs fan but his charitable contributions make him someone very, very special on top of it!  

Blog 1 - 50 years of bliss - Paul and Angela MurgesAnd finally, happy 50th anniversary to the loving and lovable couple, Angela and Paul Murges! Their darling only daughter, Giana Pisellini, along with Kathy O’Malley Piccone, planned a surprise party at Blog 2 - Preston and Giana PiselliniGibson’s that they’ll never forget! Even though Angela balked at going out on a Sunday, Giana finally convinced her by telling her they were just meeting Kathy for an anniversary drink. The hard work was getting Angela up the stairs, Blog 3 - Skip Pope, Irv Solganik, Jerry Ranalliwhich Kathy did brilliantly by asking her to look at the balcony being planned for the second floor (which is true, BTW).  Loving longtime friends included Blog 4 - Kathy O’Malley Piccone and friend Rich GregorinSkip Pope, Jerry Ranalli, Irv Solganik (the Judge), Leah and Jack Bowman, Barb and Gene Compari, Rich Gregorin, Giana’s cute husband Preston and us. Here’s to another 50, Ang and Paulie! Love you! (Check out more fun pics here!)

I’m really enjoying the dog days of summer and I hope you are, too! I also hope you’re checking out my Candid Candace column in Sunday’s Tribune Magazine! And remember to take a peek at the Tribune’s online column, too, since it contains a LOT more pics and an unedited version of my party coverage!

Chefs and city invite 221Love you, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Hope to see you at one or both of these great events on Friday night!

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March 30, 2012 · 6:43 am

REDMOON’S SPECTACLE LUNATIQUE IS A MOVEABLE FEAST

…COSTUME COUNCIL HOSTS HAL RUBENSTEIN, FACE THE FUTURE FOUNDATION GALA, THE BEST FRENCH TEACHER, HORACIO NIETO PRESENTS, WATCH312’S VIP CLUB PLUS ANOTHER NEW VIDEO AND MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Dr. Lauren Streicher (2nd from L), co-chair Sarah Beardsley and friendsI have been to quite a few galas and fundraisers in my day, but never have I seen such a visual feast like Redmoon Theater’s “Spectacle Lunatique” at the Hudson Club on March 17th. Everywhere you looked, there was something to delight your senses. Financier Byron Trott with Development Director Sean KaplanTheater members and volunteers were riding bicycles dressed in exotic garb serving cosmos from teakettles! Giant colorful balloons would surprise you around corners and you saw people sleeping in flying and twirling bathtubs, a guy scribbling in an ancient notebook high atop a burned-out Victorian room, Blog 3people dressed as huge birds on 20-foot-long flying bicycles…I tell ya, I thought I had seen just about everything until this gala night – it was surreal! One guest described it as “being right out of a Fellini movie” and I couldn’t agree more! From the very start, upon entering the venue (which Blog 4 - Saira Mohan and Christoper Cooper (R) with friendtruly used to be an old Hudson car dealership), the excitement began with at least 50 theater members forming a gauntlet for guests. As you walked through the gauntlet, wild applause began as if you were an actor receiving accolades. And they did this for EVERY SINGLE GUEST! Blog 5 - HGTV’s Kevin Grace and cute Table LadyAll through the night, I could hear the applause and it brought a smile to my face. I could imagine some needy guests going in and out multiple times just to hear the applause! It was so cool! The VIP reception, which started earlier than the actual event, began in Blog 6 - Dawn Mattozzi and friendthe front of the venue near its 2222 S. Michigan address. (Guests actually entered from the rear on Wabash since the food trucks were all accessed from there.) The reception, designed in part by the dynamic HGTV star Kevin Grace, was loaded with fantastic and fantastical food stations. The VIP Lounge chefs included David Posey Blog 7 - Pierre Desy and Michel Desjardins with cute friend(Blackbird), Efrain Cuevas (Clandestino Supper Club), Valerie Bolon (Culinary Speakeasy), Jeff Pikus (Maude’s Liquor Bar), Jason Vincent (Nightwood), Duncan Biddulph (Rootstock) and Joshua Kulp (Sunday Dinner Club). Food trucks were well represented with the Brown Blog 8Bag Lunch Truck, Chicago Schnitzel King, Tamale Spaceship, Wagyu Wagon, Curry Cruiser and Hummingbird Kitchen offering up delicious dishes. Delicious desserts were prepared and served by emerging pastry students from the French Pastry School. After the VIP reception, guests were directed into the next room, the aptly-named Spectacle Hall, for a unique fundraising “ask.” Blog 9 - Ted Tetzlaff, MJ and Rob Fasan and Sarah BeardsleyTheater members were gathered onstage and began singing for donations…an opera singer would sing out the amount and then the rest of the group would sing Blog 10a refrain. It was one of the most clever ways to ask for money that I’ve seen in a long time and it must’ve been effective since I saw people waving and raising their hands all over the room! After this unique display, there was a digital countdown to the main event which, in and of itself, made the room hum with expectant excitement. And then the machines were started up and the Blog 11 - Mary Ann Youngpageantry began in earnest. All sorts of wild displays of imagination began their turn around the venue and all the while, there were surprising games, smaller displays and a silent auction positioned all around the Blog 12edges of the room. I felt like I had fallen down the rabbit hole and I didn’t know where to look first! Guests must’ve drained their iPhone capacities capturing it all on their cameras!  From 10:30 p.m. until dawn, the space became a huge dance party with more food catered by friends of Redmoon including Manny’s Deli. Redmoon’s directors Jim Lasko and Frank Maugeri said that “this night’s gala was a first Jesse Garza and Pamela Sage with Tina and Byron Trottstep towards a new large-scale public spectacle that Redmoon is planning to build using the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice as a point of departure. We will be performing installments Blog 14 - Chicago Mag’s Carmen Rivera and friendof the piece in high-traffic public venues which will be guerrilla-style, pre-announced, promoted and curated affairs. Some will be brief parades exploring a single contraption. Others may be 15-minute-long performances focused on a narrative event.” Proceeds from this gala will directly fund Redmoon’s artistic Blog 15mission of community building through the company’s award-winning Neighborhood Arts Programming, public art events and a fraction of the costs associated with Blog 16 - Food Dude David Lissner (R) and friendrunning an internationally touring, Chicago-centric not-for-profit arts organization. I just can’t wait to see where they lead us next!!! (Fab photos by Mila Samokhina.)  

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Blog 1 - CC President Nena Ivon, Hal Rubenstein and co-host Dusty StemerFascinating stories of fashion from the man who knows, Hal Rubenstein, was the order of the day at the recent Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum event hosted by Susanna Negovan, editor of Blog 2 - Rachel Schwanz and floral sponsor, Debi Lilly(as if you didn’t know!) Michigan Avenue Magazine. Rubenstein, fashion director of InStyle magazine and author of “100 Unforgettable Dresses” delighted the Casino crowd with insightful stories of some of the most unforgettable dresses and the women who wore them. He shared stories of gowns worn by celebrity icons including Blog 3 - Lisa Kraus and Vonita Reescerthe “revenge dress” worn by Princess Diana the night Prince Charles announced his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles, Elizabeth Hurley’s Gianni Versace “safety-pin” gown worn at the world premiere of “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (which, not surprisingly, was also the night that launched her career), Audrey Hepburn’s long-standing devotion to designer Hubert de Givenchy, and the unforgettable gown worn by Marilyn Blog 4Monroe as she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. This event was the first in a series of events planned that will feature high-profile fashion personalities and included a sellout crowd of more than Blog 5 - Stanley Paul and Lynda Silverman140 fashion-savvy guests. Costume Council President Nena Ivon, along with luncheon co-hosts, Toni Canada and Dusty Stemer, outdid themselves! Guests also enjoyed lunch and a book signing. Luncheon sponsors included Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event (who Blog 6 - Bunky Cushing surrounded by admirersdonated the flowers) and Greg Hyder (The Peninsula provided guest accommodations). For more info on upcoming events, please visit www.chicagohistory.org. (To see ALL fab fotos by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here!)
 
Blog 1 - Dr. Mimis Cohen, Andrea Biel-Cohen (gala co-chair), Heinz Kern, Mary Ann Rose (gala co-chair)It was a “Night on the Orient Express” for the lucky 325 attendees to this year’s Face the Future Foundation Gala co-chaired by Andrea Cohen and Mary Ann Rose. At the top of the grand staircase of the Four Blog 2 - Gus Abello, FFF President and the three gala chairs of 2011_ (Melissa Kelz Ben-Joseph, Christine Cantalupo, and Alisa BloomSeasons Hotel, a train engine and railcar slowly made its way around a circular track. Every so often the car stopped and guests hopped on for photo ops. As the crowd sipp
ed cocktails and nibbled on hors d’oeuvres, they perused the extensive silent auction which Blog 3 - Dr. Claire Kenneally, Dr. David Donnersbergerincluded items ranging from luxury to sports packages. Dinner and a brief program followed presented by Dr. Mimis Cohen, director of the Craniofacial Center at Blog 4 - Dr Paula Allen Meares & Henery MearesUICM, and Gus Abello, president of the Foundation. Awards were given to Alisa Bloom, Christine Cantalupo and Melissa Kelz Ben-Yoseph for their work to further the efforts of the Foundation. This dynamic trio chaired last year’s gala while Christine and Blog 5 - Kira & Hunter Schenk, JoAnn Cantalupo, Jeff & Nicole CantalupoMelissa were expecting and Alisa was in the middle of a total home renovation. Now THAT’s dedication! The live auction followed, with the top prize raking in $155K for a trip to the Italian Villa located in the Chianti wine region just outside of Blog 6 - Christine, Cynthia & Alexandra VacinFlorence. The Face the Future Foundation was established to help children face the future by funding some of the costs associated with craniofacial treatment. The Foundation is largely supported by the doctors, nurses and other specialists at the Craniofacial Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. (For more info, please visit www.facethefuturefoundation.org and to see ALL event photos by Onasis Stoby, please click here!) 
 
Horacio's event inviteNow for some upcoming events around town:
 
Don’t miss designer Horacio Nieto’s “Falling for Paris” fashion show featuring his Fall/Winter 2012 collections on Thursday, April 12th at the Highland Park Community House located at 1991 Sheridan Road. Hosted by Shea Vaughn, this event will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature Diego Rocha (“Project Accessory”), jewelry from Anidem (by designer Jesse Torres) and music by DJ Famos! For more info, please call 872.232.5909.
 
Erwan school imageIf you want to learn French from a master who also makes learning fun, then do yourself a favor and enroll in Erwan Sorel’s L’Ecole Francaise, opening on April 9th. I took classes for years from Erwan at the Alliance – he was the only instructor whose classes were always booked full – and now he is opening his own school in Lakeview at 3349 N. Clark. For more info, please call 773.857.1322 or visit www.lef-learn-french.com. Grosses bises et merci!
 
ImagesI am so excited to announce Watch312.com’s new VIP Club! Please sign up to receive email updates on our shows, get exclusive promotions and have the first look into Chicago’s hottest events plus more fun stuff! You can thank me later! 🙂 Please click here for more info.
 
Thanks so much for checking in this week! I hope you liked what you’ve seen! Please tell your friends and if you would like to be put on my blog alert list, please just email me below. These emails are strictly confidential and will never be shared. Hav
e a great week!
 
Blog 1 - Ch. 7’s Hosea Sanders and Linda Yu with For Dog’s Sakes’ Marcia DeAndradeLove,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. My son, Rooney Jordan, was thrilled to appear on a Ch. 7 news segment recently For Dog’s Sake Boutique, located at 207 W. Superior! He is participating in their Cutest Dog in Chicago Contest and as we wait for the results, check him out on-camera with boutique owner Marcia DeAndrade who is also a doggie wellness expert! Visit her store to see all of these fun things shown here plus a whole lot more!!!

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March 11, 2012 · 5:23 pm

TICKLED PINK TO SUPPORT Y-ME!

…PLUS WINDY CITY WEST’S CELEB-FILLED PARTY, CENTER ON HALSTED’S NIGHT OF GLAMOUR, MY FAVORITE ROYAL (AFTER K-MIDD), STEVE STARR IN HOLLYWOOD, UPCOMING EVENTS, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND MORE!
 
Blog 1The River East Art Center was the perfect venue for this much loved event that grows by leaps and bounds year after year! This party with a purpose benefitted the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization and brought out more than 900 supporters for the seventh annual Tickled Pink charity Blog 2 - Founder Jodi Fyfe (R) and friendbash on February 24th. Hosted by the newly formed Y-Me Auxiliary Board, this event brought together the young and young-at-heart for a roof raising party that broke attendance records and raised more than $50,000. Guests sipped on delicious cocktails including the famous Tickled Pink-tini and dined on hors d’oeuvres from Paramount Events, Purple Pig, Heaven on Seven, Terzo Piano, IPO, Bon Appetit, Phoebe’s Desserts, Rivers Casino Blog 3 - Stephanie Krol (L) and friendand Homerun Inn Pizza along with sushi from Macku. Partygoers had the opportunity to schmooze with Chicago celebs and local media who served as guest bartenders and helped fundraise at the event by Blog 4 - The Hat Guysselling pink boas, beads and raffle tickets. The dance floor was the place to be, if you could find a spot! The Hat Guys encouraged guests to sing and dance along to their inspired New Orleans sounds while Fig Media’s DJ Sarumi kept the crowd dancing into the wee hours with his hot club mixes.  Local celebrity friends included: Dina Bair, Randi Belisomo, Erin McElroy, Blog 5 - Andrea Metcalf (R) and friendsFrank Holland, Jae Miller (WGN-TV); Susan Carlson, Dana Kozlov, Mike Puccinelli, Susanna Song and Derrick Young (WBBM-TV); Stefan Holt, Lauren Jiggetts (TCW Mag’s latest covergirl!), Natalie Martinez, Alex Perez, Anthony Ponce, Alicia Roman and Cheryl Scott Blog 6 - Savannah B. Van Cartier(NBC 5); Jessica Zweig, Joran Thompson and Emily Liftman (Cheeky Chicago); Marissa Conrad, Kevin Aeh, Lauren Capobianco, Mark Bieganski and Matt De La Peña (Time Out Chicago); Kori Chambers, Anna Davlantes, Tammie Souza and Mike Tobin (WFLD-TV, Fox News); Cindy Chiang Blog 7 - Tickled Pink supporters!and Ernie Halvorsen (Amazing Race winners); Gina Ferraro (US99.5, WGN); Trent Erikson (WBBM Radio Personality); Andrea Metcalf, Anthony Rinehart and Nicole Jorvix (NBC’s "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is"), Blog 8 - Brenda Arelano (center) with friendsJason Goff (670 The Score/CBS Radio); James Rhine and Orlando Saez (3 Guys in A Booth), John Garcia (ABC 7) and Savannah B. Van Cartier (Baton Club). Event founder Jodi Fyfe started Tickled Pink as a fun way to raise awareness and support for Blog 9Y-Me in memory of her cousin, Carrie Kenney. In 2004, Kenney lost her seven-year battle with breast cancer at the age of 35. One year later, Fyfe gathered a group of close friends and colleagues to Blog 10start Tickled Pink in honor of her beloved cousin, whose fun-loving spirit was shining through on this night. “We are thrilled to have the most successful event so far,” enthused Fyfe. Michigan Avenue Magazine’s Susanna Negovan hosted this event, which was also where she met her husband, Tom, years ago! It was definitely the place Blog 11to see and be seen for the younger set in search of new friends! Every year, the party and its organizers come together to ensure that no one has to face breast cancer alone. To date Tickled Pink has raised more than $800K for Y-Me, which is the only place in the world where someone touched by breast cancer can call 24/7 to speak to a breast cancer survivor and be understood in 150 different languages! For more info, please visit www.Y-Me.org or talk to a peer counselor at 1-800-221-2141. I can’t wait to see what next year brings for this party with a purpose! Look at all the fun below on Watch312.com’s  “Candid Candace Chicago” (Photos by Maggie Rife and Eric Rademacher…view more party pics here!)

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Blog 1 - Michael Mann, Richard Kind, Dennis Farina and Jeff GarlinM Street Kitchen and Stella Rossa Pizza Bar in Santa Monica were the places to be for the 25th anniversary of Windy City West! This popular culinary event attracted more than 500 talented Chicagoans from Blog 2 - Rich Melman, Tom Ricketts and Joe Mantegnafilm, television and music for a celebration of food, fun and friendship. This party began as a way to bring a taste of Chicago and camaraderie to many of our town's brightest actors and actresses living in LA who Blog 3 - Marth Melman, Kathleen Henson, Anna Trieberwere homesick for Chicago. Produced by Brenda Sexton and sponsored by The Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Harry Caray's, Cinespace Chicago and IPA, this event attracted loads of Chicago-loving celebs and notable VIPs! Seen on the scene were Jim Belushi, Chris Blog 4 - Billy ZaneO'Donnell, Jeff Garlin, Marilu Henner, James Denton, Billy Zane, Kevin Farley, Dennis Farina, Joe Mantegna, Chuck Hittinger, Ali Corbin, Sonal Shah, Joel Murray, Richard Kind, Patt Finn, Adrian Zmed, Neil Flynn, Amy Landecker, Playboy Playmates Kimberly Phillips, Ashley Hobbs, Hiromi Oshima, Deanna Brooks and Sarah Blog 5 - Emcee Tom DreesenErdelyan, Virginia Madsen, Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks, former Chicago Bear Willie Gault, 2010 Olympic figure skater champion Evan Lysacek, Chaz Ebert, Bill Zwecker, Andrew Blog 6 - Chef Jeff Mahin and Chris O’DonnellAlexander, producer Michael Mann and emcee Tom Dreesen. In honor of the party's anniversary, many of the original Windy City West founders honored one very special Chicagoan – Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. He was presented with the 2012 Windy City West "Man of the Year" Award in recognition of his many contributions to Chicago sports and commerce. And the tradition continued from Blog 7 - Harry Caray is alive and well!the culinary front with celebs like Billy Zane serving up Windy City favorites such as Lou Malnati's pizza, Vienna Beef hot dogs, Portillo's Italian beef, Harry Caray's Chicken Vesuvio, Garrett's popcorn, Eli's cheesecake and signature fare from HUB 51 and Paris Club in Chicago. (To view ALL event photos by Mitchell Canoff, Vivien Killilea and Tiffany Rose, please click here!)

Blog 1I hated to miss the Center on Halsted’s annual Oscar party this year but I know it was another runaway success! A sell-out crowd of more than 400 guests brought glitz and glamour to the Park West for this Blog 2year’s show which was broadcast on three giant movie screens. The night also included a full buffet courtesy of The Entertaining Company, cocktails and champagne. Adding to the festive atmosphere, attendees were interviewed on the red carpet by Precious Jewel, which was aired live via closed-circuit TV courtesy of Mini Blog 3 - Bill Pritchard (L) and friendsof Chicago. The Nielsen Company served as presenting sponsor for the second year in a row. All told, Center on Halsted raised a record $70K for their programs and services through ticket sales, a silent auction, a raffle and corporate sponsorships. Blog 4“Our tremendous success shows the support the people, companies and institutions of Chicago have for our Center,” said CEO Modesto Tico Valle. “The money raised will go directly back to building and strengthening the LGBT community through the diverse programs offered daily at Center on Halsted.” (Photos by Anthony Meade…to view more pics, please click here!)

Blog 1I thought her grandmother, Princess Grace of Monaco, was one of the most beautiful women in the world and I think her Blog 3mother, Princess Caroline, has the same lovely features but no one has the looks of global IT girl, Princess Charlotte Casiraghi. Charlotte is the new face of Gucci and, boy, what a smart move this was! Gucci’s latest campaign, shot by Peter Lindbergh, shows Charlotte in one of her favorite spots: with her horse in its stable Blog 2against a backdrop of hay. She is a natural beauty that this Italian fashion house was wise to snare. Besides the commercial presence, she will also star in their Forever Now campaign Blog 4 - Princess Grace with Stephanie and Caroline, 1960series conceived by creative director Frida Giannini in collaboration with Charlotte herself. Over the next two years, the young royal will be photographed by four of the world’s top photographers in photos celebrating the brand’s icons. The video is breathtaking like the lady herself…

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Blog 1 - Steve Starr in HollywoodPhotographer Steve Starr’s trip to the Oscar’s proved to be a veritable treasure trove of photo ops! He seemed to be everywhere at once! I loved the shot of him near the massive Oscar sign. As one Facebook friend observed, Blog 2 - Crowd scene“Steve could’ve been the inspiration for the golden statue.” To see some of his pics from the “Night of 100 Stars” at the Beverly Hilton, please click here! Keep up the great work, Steve!

There are so many great parties coming up! Check out my favorites and I hope to see you at one or more of them!

HalRubenstein13.jpgWednesday, March 14th: DON’T FORGET! The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum will host Hal Rubenstein, fashion director of InStyle magazine. The luncheon will be moderated by Susanna Negovan, hosted by Toni Canada, Nena Ivon and Dusty Stemer. Tickets $75; RSVP to Wendy Schiller at 312.799.2113.

Mcdonalds_0001Tuesday, March 27th: McDonald’s All American 35th Anniversary Player Awards Banquet will be held at United Club of Soldier Field beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will include a cocktail reception, silent auction, player ring ceremony, dinner, player and coaches awards plus the presentation of “The 35 Greatest All Americans.” Tickets begin at $250. For more info, please visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.org.

FleuroticiaFriday, March 23rd: Fleurotica benefitting the Garfield Park Conservatory will take place at Venue One, located at 1044 W. Randolph beginning at 6:30 p.m. (For more info, please visit www.Fleurotica.org.)

Borris Powell March 18 InviteSunday, March 18th: Borris Powell’s Fall / Winter 2012 Collection can be viewed at the River East Art Center, located at 435 E. Illinois, beginning with a VIP party at 5:30 p.m. I am thrilled to be co-hosting with NBC’s Marcus Riley! (For tickets and more info, please click here!) I will also be covering this event for “Candid Candace Chicago” on Watch312.com so please arrive camera ready!

Thanks so much for checking in this week! As I plan segments around town for “Candid Candace Chicago” on Watch312.com, I am interested in knowing what YOU would like to see! Please email me and let me know your thoughts! After all, this show is for YOU! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Never underestimate the power of a good herding dog!

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February 23, 2012 · 9:28 pm

RPM ITALIAN OPENING BRINGS OUT CHICAGO’S WHO’S WHO!

…PLUS CHICAGO DESIGNERS AT NY’S EMERGE! SHOW, ZOOLA IS OOH-LA-LA, AUTO SHOW HIGHLIGHTS, WINDY CITY WEST’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY, TAVERNITA OPENS BIG, NEW WATCH312 VIDEOS AND MORE!
 
Blog 1 - RPM partners Bill Rancic, RJ, Molly, and Jerrod Melman and Giuliana RancicWhen the Melmans speak, everyone listens…especially when it comes to new restaurants! They are the experts, as the opening of their latest venture, RPM Italian Restaurant, with reality stars Bill and Giuliana Rancic (E! Blog 2 - Bill and Giuliana RancicChannel’s “Fashion Police” and Style Network’s “Giuliana & Bill”) proved on Saturday night, February 18th. After months of planning, this new restaurant, in partnership with acclaimed Chef Doug Psaltis, Lettuce Entertain Blog 3 - Bears players Charles Tillman and Matt ToeainaYou Enterprises, the Rancics and restaurateurs RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman, will be the new “IT” spot for the Windy City. The star studded crowd of 500 made your head swivel at every sighting. Seen on the scene Blog 4 - Justin Jacobson and Lindsay Avnerwere Coach Lovie Smith and his beautiful wife MaryAnne, Bears cornerback Charles Tillman and his wife Jackie, Windy City Live's Val Warner, Ryan Chiaverini, Nina Chantelle and Eric Himel, the Sun-Times’ and Fox Chicago’s Bill Zwecker, Ronald McDonald Charities’ Doug Porter, Blog 5 - MaryAnne and Coach Lovie SmithSun-Times columnist Richard Roeper and Sarah Cooley, ABC’s Sylvia Perez, former Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias with Tara Flocco, fitness expert Shea Vaughn, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, The Mix’s Kathy Hart, Bears Blog 6 - Interviewing Bill and Giuliana and her cute parentsdefensive tackle Matt Toeaina, Michigan Avenue Magazine’s Susanna Negovan, Sonya Jackson, Tim and Mary Smithe, the Landon twins, NBC 5’s Marion Brooks, Stefan Holt and Alicia Roman, Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano, Watch312.com’s Blog 7 - Jessica Zweig, Lisa Frame and Kelli ZinkBob and Kim Mills and Lindsay, Erica and Stevie Hoey, Paul Iacono, Cindy Burns, Catie Keogh and Jeff Conway of “24/7,” designer Azeeza Khan, Lisa Frame, NBC's Marcus Riley, artist Jesus Salgueiro, Justin Jacobson, Vincent Blog 8 - Thanking the crowdAnzalone, Karen and Marvin Herman, BOKA
Group's Kevin Boehm, Andrea and Laura Schwartz, Amalie Drury and JC Steinbrunner among so many others. Susanna Negovan commented that if a bomb had dropped on this place this night, Chicago Blog 9 - Designer Azeeza Desai Khan and Jesus Salguierowould have to start over! The sexy 8,000-foot space at 52 W. Illinois (in the old Ben Pao spot) was designed by NYC based Monolayer. Its chic, modern and sophisticated décor is set in tones of black, white and grey and is ideal for dinner or late night. And I can Blog 10 - WCL’s Valerie Warner and Ji Suk Yiguarantee you, the bar scene will be something to behold. Acclaimed bartender Paul McGee (director of cocktail development for Lettuce Entertain You) has designed signature cocktails as well Blog 11 - Brenda Arelano and Nina Chantelleas created an expansive list of wines that include more than 100 American and Italian vintners. The restaurant will also include a six-seat Amaro bar and offer a menu of digestives – true to an authentic Italian dining experience. The Blog 12 - The Melman Familymenu presents modern Italian cuisine with a nod to the classics and will include more than a dozen freshly prepared in-house pastas. A highlight will be Mama DePandi’s Bucatini Pomadoro – a much-loved recipe from Giuliana’s mother! – duck angolotti Blog 13 - Stevie, Erica, and Lindsay Hoey with mom Kim Millswith black mission figs, short rib pappardelle, taleggio and black truffle tortellini, whole wood-grilled Branzino, lobster caprese, wood grilled octopus, gnocchi gorgonzola al forno as well as a selection of prime Blog 14 - Lovebirds Susanna and Tom Negovansteaks, chops and slow-roasted meats. Chef Doug Psaltis brings a wealth of experience to this project having earned three stars from the New York Times and a Michelin star while running the kitchen of NY’s Country restaurant. Psaltis has also worked in Blog 15 - A beautiful crowd!some of the world’s most esteemed restaurants including Alain Duscasse at the Essex House in NY, Ducasse’s three Michelin star restaurant in Monaco, Le Louis XV, Mix in NY, and Thomas Keller’s French Blog 16 - Maurice Wills and Sonya JacksonLaundry in Napa Valley. Psaltis said, “Our focus throughout the restaurant is on offering great product and handcrafted items. The process is traditional, the spirit is Italian and the feel of the space and the food is Blog 17 - Catie Keogh and Marcus Rileymodern.” Giuliana said, “Bill and I knew we wanted to work with the best so we’re excited to have teamed up with the Melmans and partner with one of the country’s most accomplished chefs. Doug has really done an amazing Blog 18 - Rich Melman greets Mama DePandijob creating our menu. Everything he cooks is delish so it was hard to narrow down our final choices!” Fans and foodies alike can get a behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant’s planning process and Blog 19 - Chicago Unplugged’s DC Crenshaw and wife Alaynaopening as the details unfold in Season 5 of the Rancics’ hit Style Network show, “Bill and Giuliana,” premiering Monday, April 2nd at 8 p.m. In the meantime, check out the opening night action below on “Candid Candace Chicago” on Watch312.com – buon appetito! And to vote for your favorite “Candid Candace Chicago” celebrity interview, please click here!


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Blog 1The Chicago Auto Show closed this Sunday and was another crowd pleaser with more than 8,000 people attending on opening night alone! The 21st First Look for Charity gave the black-tie-mandatory crowd a Blog 2 - Bonnie and Jim Spurlock (R) and friendschance to view more than 1,000 vehicles before the 10-day show opened to the public. Eighteen local non-profits benefited from this night that raised over $1.2 million for charities and included the 100 Club of Chicago, Boys & Girls Blog 3 - With Don Butler, US VP Marketing CadillacClubs, Catholic Charities, The Cradle Foundation and Misericordia. With auto show covering over 1.2 million square feet of space at McCormick Place, this show is NOT high heel friendly but the people at Blog 4 - Emcee Alison RosatiCadillac provided pink slippers and foot massages at their gorgeous booth that also highlighted the Ciel, their dramatic new concept car. Blues Traveler performed while guests meandered through the space and enjoyed many interactive exhibits including a Jeep Wrangler obstacle Blog 5course (one for kiddies, too), a Chevy Volt electric car ride, a playing card table at Scion and a Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 engine experience among others. You could even renew your driver's license at the Secretary of State's booth! Twenty restaurants participated including Fogo de Chao, 676 Restaurant & Bar at the Omni, Blog 6Andy's Frozen Custard, Devon Seafood, Roy's Restaurant, Real Urban BBQ and David Burke's Primehouse. Cadillac donated two outstanding and much coveted raffle Blog 7 - Cadillac Escalade winner Jill Nelsonprizes: The first prize was won by Jill Nelson of Wheeling who will be driving a 2012 Escalade soon and the second prize, donated by Chicagoland Cadillac Dealers, was a Cadillac SRX, won by Homer Glen's Richard Onik. And to make these prizes even more exciting, a year of free gas was included! Blog 8 - A BIG check for Chicagoland charitiesNotables onstage for this giveaway included emcee Alison Rosati, Larry Wert, Steve Foley, Jr. (auto show chairman), Dave Sloan Blog 9 - Elena Samokhina makes a car look good!(general manager) and Paul Brian (director of communications). Since First Look for Charity's inception in 1992, this event has raised more than $34 million for Chicago area non-profits. To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here and to view “Candid Candace Chicago” video coverage on Watch312.com, please see below!!!)


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Blog 1 - Diane Von Furstenberg , Dionne Williams, Andre Leon TalleyDionne Williams has done it again! Her third Emerge! Fashion Runway Show provided a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work during New York Fashion Week and has grown quicker than anyone Blog 2 - Jay Alexander (America's Next Top Model) and Ashanticould’ve imagined! Fashion legend Andre Leon Talley was honored at the show held on February 14th at the Broad Street Ballroom. He was presented with his award by legendary designer and president of the CFDA, Diane Von Furstenberg. The spectacular program was hosted by actress Tracee Ellis Ross with co-host model Chavis Aaron. More than 500 guests attended and included retail buyers, media, celebrities and fashion influencers. This Blog 3 - Andre Leon Talley and Diane Von Furstenbergseason’s elite group of designers included Elie Kuame (Elie Kuame Couture), Michael Alan Stein (The Michael Alan Stein Collection), Gordana Rasic and Omar Villalobos (GOCA Designs), Terri Stevens (Funkinbeautiful Design), Jahi Fitzgerald (Evoli Faccion) and Barbara Bates (Barbara Bates Designs). For more information on this exciting, must-attend event, please visit www.EmergeFashionNYC.com and to view ALL event pics, please click here!

Blog 1 - Abby Zanarini, Elizabeth Foster, Michael Walsh, Kim Theiss, Mary MacGregor, Susan FlynnThe Women’s Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo held its 10th annual ZooLa fundraiser in the stunning residence of Elizabeth Foster and Michael Walsh on Wednesday, February 8th Blog 2 - Crowd shot of live auction– an event that earned over $180,000 to ensure that Lincoln Park Zoo remains free and open to everyone year round. During the cocktail hour, Chicago artist Francine Turk created an Blog 3 - Francine Turkoil-on-canvas original to be auctioned later, while guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres by J & L Catering. The event was co-chaired by Susan Flynn, Mary MacGregor and Kim Theiss. Also in attendance were WB president Abby Blog 4 - Katie Gledhill, Gale GottliebZanarini, Lincoln Park Zoo president Kevin Bell and a host of friends of the zoo. John Walcher of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers led the live auction that included lively bidding for a Chanel package. This unique offering included Chanel Fine Jewelry Planete earrings in white gold, diamonds and South Sea pearls plus a private tour of Coco Chanel’s private apartment in Paris. Other packages included a chance to join "Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano at his show during NY Fashion Week as well as a Masters Golf package courtesy of Intersport. (To view ALL event pics, please click here.)

Blog 1 - Brenda Sexton, Chicago Link Productions founderDon’t miss Windy City West celebrating 25 years of Chicagoans in entertainment in LA! This event, produced by Brenda Sexton’s Chicago Link Productions, will feature comedian Tom Dreesen as the emcee at RJ and Jerrod Blog 2 - Tom Ricketts will be honored as “Man of the Year”Melman’s popular LA-based restaurants, M Street Kitchen and Stella Rossa Pizza Bar. On Monday, March 5th, many of the original founders of Windy City West will host a private event for 350 VIP guests where they plan to honor Cubs’ chairman Tom Ricketts. Ricketts will receive the 2012 Blog 3 - Tom Dreesen and Rich MelmanWindy City West “Man of the Year” award recognizing his many contributions to Chicago sports and commerce. The event was founded by Chicago writer/producer Ginny Weissman, Tom Dreesen and Rich Melman 25 years ago as a “culinary camaraderie,” a simple annual get-together for fellow Chicagoans yearning for a “taste of home, and now attracts some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Watch this space for further coverage of this annually exciting event!

Blog 1 - Chef Poli at TavernitaCongrats to darling Chef Ryan Poli on the opening of his new restaurant, Tavernita, at 151 W. Erie! Owned and operated by Mercadito Hospitality, this Blog 2 - Chef Ryan Poli on the NBC Today Showrestaurant features the world-class cuisine of chef/partner Poli and embodies the flavors of Spain and Latin America! Opening night attracted more than 500 fans to this hotspot! Can’t wait to try it – congrats Chef Poli!

HP eSmile Flyer - FinalWow, Chicago is exploding with hot new restaurants and lots of excitement, as you can see! Thanks for letting me bring you to the party! Hope you enjoyed the ride and will be back next week for more Windy City fun!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

 

P.S. Please check out this eSmiles program benefitting the new Ronald McDonald House! It’s an easy way for them to make $10,000! Just email a note, card or photo everyday from your emails and your message will be posted in the family room for all of the families to enjoy!  For details, please visit www.hpesmiles.com or send your message to RMHChicagoCNI@eprintesmiles.com .

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January 10, 2012 · 11:05 pm

WHAT THE VICS (VERY IMPORTANT CHICAGOANS) DID FOR NYE!

…PLUS HARRIS THEATER’S PARIS OPERA BALLET/GRAFF LAUNCH PARTY, JOFFREY’S POINTE OF DEPARTURE, TOP CHEEKY CHICKS 2012, GIBSON’S CHARITABLE NYE CONTRIBUTION, “THE DINNER PARTY” AND MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Erica Hoey, Josh Shrecker, Lindsay Hoey, Stevie Hoey and Clayton LougeeMy, my, my…it’s 2012 already and I feel like I barely scratched the surface of 2011! We were so lucky to spend our New Year’s Eve this year with old and new Blog 2 - Bob and Kim Venezia Millsfriends in Florida. Newlyweds ICB’s Bob Mills and Kim Venezia Mills combined their wedding celebration with a New Year’s Eve party and the results were outstanding! An evening boat ride through the waterways of the Intracoastal eating, drinking and Blog 3 - The Girls!dancing while viewing the most magnificent display of holiday lights I’ve seen outside of the Griswold home! Every mansion was draining electricity like an alcoholic downs whiskey. And Blog 4 - Renee Mills, her daughter, Ashley and Dave Mills plus the peeker!yes, we were enjoying adult beverages as well along with every other food group you can think of. Kim missed her calling as a social director but I’m sure glad she was ours! Kim, along with Bob and their respective families, made a group of around 60 guests feel so very Blog 5 - Myki Romano and Bill Natalewelcome in every way. Every day, there was a BBQ, dinner or a pool get-together and I loved meeting their wonderful friends who had flown in from all across the country to celebrate with the new Blog 6 - The Boys!lovebirds. Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Mills and watch for their upcoming launch of Chicago’s Online Network, Watch312.com, now with eight shows in production! (To view many more fun Florida pics, please click here!)

I’m always so interested in everyone’s New Year’s Eve plans so I quizzed some VICs (Very Important Chicagoans) to see just what they were up to on the eve of 2012:
 
Blog 1 - With Nate and Helen at 2nd Couture & CocktailsI have always loved Nate Berkus…he was the first person to host The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails at the Illuminating Blog 2 - Padma Lakshmi and Natalie Cole (Jason Binn pic)Company on February 8, 2007, at the request of my co-founder and friend, Helen Melchior, and he will always be a VIC in my heart. Blog 3 - Haley Binn and Colin Cowie (Jason Binn pic)His exciting NYE was spent at Playacar Palace in Cancun celebrating event planner extraordinaire Colin Cowie’s 50th birthday. Other VIP guests included Padma Lakshmi, Niche Media’s Jason and Haley Binn, Clear Channel’s Bob Pittman, Chef Todd English and NBC’s Ted Harbert. Natalie Cole even sang “Unforgettable.” Niceeeee…

Blog 1 - Natasha charming Prince “Charming” CharlesAnd even though this event happened LAST NYE, I certainly thought it was worthy of inclusion: I mean how many people have intimate dinners with HRH Prince Charles in his own home!!?!?! I’ll tell you who, the dynamic Natasha Isaacs and her handsome husband, Michael. Natasha was Blog 2 - Natasha and Michael Isaacs and friendsallowed to invite whomever she wanted and, of course, she invited her dearest friends (who are equally gorgeous) Eva and Cezar Jakubowski along with Bozena and Arie Zwieg. The occasion was to thank them for their fundraising efforts for the Shakespeare Theater that’s being built in Gdansk, a project they’re both passionate about. And who could ever say no to Natasha anyway? 🙂

Susanna and Tom NegovanMichigan Avenue Magazine’s Susanna Negovan and her handsome husband Tom had quite a night, too. They dined at Charlie Trotter’s and during the course of the evening, Charlie dropped the bombshell announcement that he is leaving the industry to pursue philosophy! Susanna said it made the evening even more special knowing this would be the last NYE celebration at Charlie’s historic restaurant.
 
Blog 1 - Kathy O’Malley PicconeGibson’s Restaurant’s Kathy O’Malley Piccone and John Colletti, along with 75 volunteers (mostly staff) served more than 300 people for Catholic Charities at the restaurant New Year’s Day…after they had served almost 1,000 customers for dinner the night Blog 2 - Gibson’s darling staff with John Collettibefore! Special guests arrived at noon and enjoyed steaks, shrimp cocktails, garbage salads and chicken with all of the trimmings. They were also given goody bags that included warm hats, gloves, scarves and tooth paste and toothbrushes. I LOVE THIS PLACE and their staff – especially Kathy – all of whom are just too wonderful for words!

Blog 1 - Gayle Anthony and sis Julie WeindlingBeautiful Gayle Anthony’s equally gorgeous sister, Julie Weindling and her beau Phil Geier, spent NYE at Round Hill Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Blog 2 - Sir Paul and family at Round Hill in 2011where they hobnobbed with Sir Paul McCartney and his new wife Nancy, daughter Stella and their kids including Beatrice, his daughter from Heather Mills. Also seen at this posh resort were Ewan McGregor, Ralph and Ricky Lauren and Lauren Bush. WHEW! What a hotspot!

Bill Zwecker and Tom Gorman (New York Social Diary Photo)Celebrity scribe and TV personality Bill Zwecker and his partner, real estate broker extraordinaire Tom Gorman spent an exciting NYE at Linda Desiree Rogers, Linda Johnson Rice and Julie Latsko at Ikram PartyJohnson Rice’s spectacular mountaintop home in Palm Springs. Seen on the scene were Desiree Rogers, Neal Zucker, Julie Latsko, James Bell (Boeing CFO) and wife Mary, Sue Leonis and others. Awwww…what a life!

Amalie Drury and her cute friends on NYE!Darling freelance writer and Chicago magazine nightlife reporter Amalie Drury always has fun wherever she goes and this night was no exception! Her friends Megan and Alex Menocal hosted a dinner party at their Albany Park apartment where they all enjoyed a “beautiful” grilled rib roast, smoked salmon and butternut squash Wellington. They drank countless bottles of champagne, played board games and danced in the living room and, at midnight, Alex played “Auld Lang Syne” on his guitar while they all sang along. Sounds like a perfect night with friends! Love you, AD!

Blog 1 - Paul Iacono and friendsMan-about-town-but-with-a-serious-job Paul Iacono spent NYE with a “triple header” beginning with a dinner at Piccolo Sogno with Elizabeth Brodsky and her family and friends at 7 p.m. sharp. At 10 p.m., he was off to ring in the New Year with bottle service at the Pump Room at Public Chicago, where he and his buddy Brian Blog 2 - Paul Iacono taking a callThompson occupied Booth One, of course, which was reserved for eight and included Brian’s girlfriend Kristin Atchison, Cindy Burns and Spiro Megremis, Kevin Wright, Emily Greenaway and Rhea Lyn. Restaurant Director Jay Schuster was “spot on” and the evening included a midnight champagne toast..but Paul’s night wasn’t over yet! He concluded his NYE at the home of Shabbir Helaly with glam girls Monika Dixon, Saira Cooper and their cute hubbies…life is good in the World of Iacono! Maybe this could be a ride at Universal?

Blog 1 - Lisa Frame and Jessica ZweigCheekyChicago.com founders Erica Bethe Levin and Jessica Zweig know how to party, too, of course! Erica (along with handsome Terry) dined at NAHA for their annual Blog 2 - Erica Bethe Levintradition, enjoying Chef Carrie Nahabedian’s magical dinners that included lobster risotto this year. Jessica hosted a party with 15 of her best friends at her home. Her “date” for the night was Lisa Frame, founder of MugShotMonday.com. After, a stretch limo (courtesy of Uber) took them to Whistler, a mixology-focused hipster bar in Logan Square, where they danced their cheeky cheeks off!
 
Jenny Berg and Dustin BertaBiz Bash’s Jenny Berg and her BF Dustin Berta spent NYE at Playboy’s party at the Hilton Chicago where they rang in midnight with a confetti
Marcus Riley and Nicole Townsendexplosion, a kiss and a Bunny at the turntable. NBC’s handsome Marcus Riley also attended the Playboy party but not before making dinner for his glam model girlfriend, Nicole Townsend, accompanied by a couple of bottles of champagne. After, they attended friend Justin Jacobson’s Hard Rock Chicago event before the final stop at the Hilton to party with the Bunnies. 

Corri, Spiro and friend!Reality star and Edrop-Off’s Corri McFadden rang in the New Year with her love Spiro Tsaparas and friends for a simple, low-key dinner at Le Colonial. Although NOTHING is low-key in Corri’s world including her Louboutins that she’s rockin’ in this pic!

Mary Lou Gorno and Leslie HindmanAuctioneer extraordinaire Leslie Hindman spent the New Year in style in Paris with long-time friends Mary Lou Gorno and Ann Tomlinson with her charming college-aged kids at Le Grand Colbert. (BTW, Leslie is opening more auction houses around the country so more good things to come for Leslie Hindman Auctioneers!)

Jason and Samantha BerngardCS Magazine’s Samantha Saifer Berngard, along with her hubby and friends, dined at Tony Mantuano’s new restaurant Bar Toma. Afterwards, they headed over to the Hard Rock Hotel where they listened to their wedding band, The Gold Coast All Stars, perform with a few special guests including Hey Champ, American Idol’s Lee DeWyze and O.A.R.’s Chris Culos. CS sponsored the event and they all danced the night away!
 
Amanda and Jerome at Big StarFoodarazzi blogger/XA’s Amanda Puck kicked off the night with BF Jerome Weitzel and friends at Big Star for some tacos and Amanda's French onion soupbourbon. Then they returned home for their second annual French Onion Soup Fete where they prepared a soup recipe from the October issue of Bon Appetit. (Watch for Amanda’s new internet show, “Dish It,” coming soon on Watch312.com!)
 
Pamella Roland (DeVos) and family in CaboFabulous in every way designer Pamella Roland (DeVos) has just become a VIC having recently bought a beautiful new home here! For NYE she and her glam family, along with their friends, sailed the seas near Cabo on her luxury yacht.

(For space reasons, I wasn’t able to include all of the exciting NYE happenings so to see what ALL of the VIC’s did for NYE, please check out my jam-packed Chicago Now column here!)

Blog 1 - Co-chairs John and Alexandra Nichols and Caryn & King HarrisMore than 100 of Chicago’s arts and civic leaders joined presenting sponsors/co-chairs Caryn and King Harris and Alexandra and Blog 3 - Dori Wilson, Paul Boulis and Joy GermontJohn Nichols along with Gala Presenting Sponsor, GRAFF, in celebrating the announcement of the Chicago debut engagement by the Paris Opera Ballet coming in June. This event has been described as “one of the most significant projects for Blog 2 - Graff’s Henri Barguirdjian, Eve Rogers, Anne & Christopher ReyesChicago’s arts community in decades.” The launch party was held at Graff on Oak Street and included VIP guests Anne and J. Christopher Reyes, Suzette Bulley, Consul General of France Graham Paul, Margaret Unetich, Paul and Kelly Kaiser, David and Blog 4 - Phil Lumpkin, Sandy Guthman and Ken NorganLuann Blowers, Sandy and Jack Guthman, Lori Gray Faversham, Ken Norgan, Maya Polsky and Nicolas Bridon, Maria Zec, Dori Wilson and Elton Blog 5 - David and Luann BlowersDixon among others. The Gala, on June 26th, will debut the Paris Opera Ballet’s “Giselle” and mark the company’s first return to America in more than a decade. Mayor Rahm Emanuel will be Honorary Chair. For tickets and more info please visit www.harristheaterchicago.org. (Photos by Bob Carl.) 

Ashley Zisook (Pic courtesy of Luxe File)I mentioned the CheekyChicago.com founders’ NYE plans a bit earlier and now I am thrilled to announce the Top 10 Cheeky Chicks of 2012! They Kiran-advaniinclude *drumroll please* Kiran Advani (Programming Director, Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture), Bridget Albert (Mixologist, Southern Wine & Spirits), Maryilene Blondell (Development Director, The ALS Assn.), Leah Chavie (Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique), Jackie Chen (Exec. Chef Chicago Cut Steakhouse), Allison Cooke (Marketing Mngr. CS Mag), Charity Gonzalez (Founder UrbanFitClubs.com), Melissa Muoio (personal stylist) and Ashley Zisook (owner Sofia Boutique). What a great list of CHEEKY CHICKS – congrats to ALL!

Pointe of DepartureThe Auxiliary Board of The Joffrey Ballet presents their second annual Pointe of Departure event on Thursday, January 26th from 6 – 9 p.m., at a NEW venue this year, Venue Six/10 at the Spertus Institute, located at 610 S. Michigan Ave. Joffrey Illusion by Mila Samokhinadancers including Temur Suluashvili and Matthew Adamczyk will again be contributing amazing artwork as well as man
y other artists. Fab fotog/artist/jeweler Mila Samokhina will also be donating an exquisite piece entitled “Illusion.” The after-party will be at TZAR (215 W. Ontario), another new venue for this unique and much-loved event. Besides the original artwork, the evening will also include DJ Sadie Woods, cocktails and Wolfgang Puck’s tasty hors d’oeuvres plus a silent auction! Tickets can be purchased here or by calling 312.386.8979. Congrats in advance to co-chairs Diane Crary and Andrew Caravella and their dynamic committee! See you all soon!

Blog 1Congrats to Fear No Art’s Elysabeth Alfano, one of the hardest working women in show business, on the birth of her latest Blog 2 - Elysabethproduction, “The Dinner Party.” This live artist talk show takes place at the Mayne Stage Theatre and will launch on January 30th. “The Dinner Party” happens onstage over wine and Blog 3 - Chef Homaro Cantuappetizers created by celebrity chefs in front of a live audience and will stream live on the internet at www.FearNoART.tv. MOTO Chef Homaro Cantu will be featured in the first production along with guest artists Tony Fitzpatrick, Jon Langford and Rachel Rockwell. Get your tix here!  

Follow the Leaders--CS Mag Best of the City 2012 001So 2012 is off to a roaring start! I hope all of your wishes come true this year and that you keep enjoying Candid Candace!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Thanks to CS Magazine for including this blog in their "Best of the City 2012" book (the "Follow the Leaders" article). I am honored and thrilled!

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December 20, 2011 · 5:03 pm

KANDY KANE BALL COLLECTS TONS OF TOYS FOR GIRLS AND BOYS!

…PLUS THE JOFFREY BALLET’S NUTCRACKER, ANOTHER ART INSTITUTE COUP, GOLDEN GLOBE NEWS, CHEF CHARLIE TROTTER’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY, THE APARECIO FOUNDATION EVENT AND MORE!

Blog 1 - Handsome event hostsThe Kandy Kane Ball is the largest party with a kid-friendly purpose in town hosting more than 1,000 guests at Joe’s Bar recently and including one of the city’s biggest toy drives! I had never been to this event Blog 2before and it’s not surprising, since it sells out almost before it is even publicized! My handsome friends and hosts Mark Bell, Chris Draska and Matt Unertl invited me this year and I was thrilled! This event consisted of young Blog 3professionals with a charitable bent and everywhere you looked there were beautiful people. Joe’s 12,000-square-foot space was transformed into a winter wonderland by Derrick Taylor of Taylor & Co. There was a spinning Blog 4 - Hosts give a champagne toastVictorian kissing ball and fresh mistletoe straight from Texas. An eight-foot flocked Wisconsin Frasier fir hung upside down over the red room changing colors as it rotated. The “Northern Lights” theme dictated the Blog 5frosty décor with ice sculptures while LED lights throughout the five party rooms changed color every five minutes. Five projectors scattered throughout the venue made the walls look as if they were, in fact, Blog 6snowing and on 120 plasma TVs, classic Christmas movies were being played. It was a sight to behold! There were opportunities to chat with Santa and have your photo taken as well as passed hors d’oeuvres including steak sandwich sliders, pulled pork Blog 7 - With Mark Bell, Matt Unertl and Chris Draskatostadas, parmesan stuffed artichoke hearts and buffalo chicken Rangoon among other tasty treats. The upstairs VIP Lounge was by-wristband-only and included comfy lounge seating, a full bar and Blog 8 - Joe’s Bar was a Winter Wonderlandfestive holiday décor and allowed you to view the crowd from an aerie perch. Cocktail attire was required as well as a toy donation. During the course of the evening, more than 5,000 toys filled a 53-foot semi trailer truck for delivery to Holy Family Church on Blog 9 - DJ Sye YoungDecember 17th. The toy distribution was overseen by Father Jeremiah Boland. Holy Family Church has been involved with the Kandy Kane Ball since the inception of the event in Blog 10 - Les Coney (M), Brian Thompson and friend2002 which began in a basement with a group of close friends who had gathered to throw a surprise party for a friend diagnosed with cancer. Courtney Dempsey’s only wish was to provide enough toys on Christmas to the children of Chicago who were less Blog 11 - Part of the Arlingtones Choirfortunate than her. Her wish was fulfilled that night and the Kandy Kane Ball, now in its ninth year, continues to raise money and provide toys to thousands of Chicagoland children while Blog 12providing an enjoyable and fun-filled night for those who were lucky enough to attend. The night included an open bar, a champagne toast by the hosts and songs of the season by The Arlingtones. World class DJ entertainment by one of my Blog 13 - Chris Draska (M) with fellow hostsfavorites, DJ Sye Young (along with DJ Jem), kept the crowd fueled for fun along with Drummer Miro and DJ Ryan Pullano. In addition to the toys donated, the host committee (along with Target) donate hundreds of mountain bikes for Blog 14 - DJ Jem, Mark Bell, Chris Draskakids of all ages. Congrats to the committee members (aka elves) of the Kandy Kane Ball – Matt Joki, Paul Manning, David Sacher, Steve Angelo, Jason Vargovchik, Larry Loethen, Jared Schlicht, Ed Warm, Gabby Lobascio, Mark Bell, Matt Unertl, Chris Draska, Christian Habitz and Donnie Kruse. What a wonderful party for a heartwarming cause! To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here…and to see the latest “Candid Candace Chicago” video on Watch312.com, please see below!

watch312 on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

 
Blog 1 - WB Prez Melissa Babcock, Co-chairs Cindy Burns and Sonya JacksonThe Joffrey Ballet’s “Nutcracker” came to life at the Palmer House Hilton for its annual Nutcracker Family Dinner. Held in multiple ballrooms and attracting more than 450 guests, this Blog 2 - Nora Daley Conroy with Jack and Joffrey ED Christopher Clinton Conwaylively, holiday favorite was chaired by WB members Sonya Jackson and Cindy Burns. Children delighted in creating snow-flakes, taking photos with Nutcrackers, decorating ballet shoes, making their own cupcakes and having their faces painted. A sit-down family style dinner included traditional favorites: turkey, roasted chicken, stuffing and cranberries. Before and after dinner, trolleys shuttled guests between the hotel and Blog 3 - Joffrey Community Engagement Director Pierre Lockett and Tiara Humphriesthe Auditorium Theatre for matinee and evening performances of this classic ballet deemed “America’s #1 Nutcracker.” Rich Daniels and the City Lights Orchestra provided Blog 4 - Joffrey Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and friendsentertainment along with carolers while Hubert the Lion, from sponsor Harris Bank, posed for photos. Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway, along with the co-chairs, welcomed the crowd. The Nutcracker is one of The Joffrey Ballet’s largest touring shows, traveling with 80 people and requiring five 48-foot long semi trailer Blog 5 - Sheila, Fin and Cassie Duffy with Mary Claire and Elena Mossina and Allie McClanetrucks. This company has been hailed as “America’s Company of Firsts.” The list includes being the first dance company to perform at the White House (at Jacqueline Kennedy’s invitation), first to appear Blog 6 - Emily, Kathleen and Haley Henson with mom Shirley Kenehanon TV, first American company to visit Russia, first classical dance company to go multi-media, first to commission a rock n’ roll ballet, the first and only dance company to appear on the cover of Time magazine and the first to have a major motion picture based on it, Robert Altman’s “The Company.” Premiering in 1987, “The Nutcracker” now features 42 company dancers and 70 children set against a magical, 19th century Christmas backdrop and runs through December 27th. (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Collins Saville, please click here!)

 

 
 
ArtThe Evening Associates of the Art Institute hosted a party to celebrate the projection of Andy Warhol’s film “Empire” onto the Aon Center recently. This monumental outdoor screening onto 12 upper stories (150 feet tall) was the first outdoor projection of the film in the United States. The film began at 6 p.m. and ran in its entirety until 2:05 a.m. More than 125 guests showed up in the Nichols Trustees Suite at the Modern Wing and enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a DJ. Did YOU see the projection? 
 
Blog 2 - Sofia Vergara, Gerard Butler, Rashida Jones and Moet VP Ludovic du PlessisMoet & Chandon will return as the official champagne for the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards in L.A. Sofia Vergara, Gerard Butler and Rashida Jones were on hand to present the nominations Blog 1 - Sofia Vergara and Gerard Butler toast with Moetand celebrate a nomination for Sofia herself in the “Best Supporting Actress – TV movie or Miniseries” category. More than 1,000 Imperial minis and 500 Grand Vintage 2002 magnums will be served on both the Red Carpet and inside the ballroom totaling more than 9,000 glasses being served during one of Hollywood’s biggest nights! Prepare for some exciting stage moments! (The Globes will air on Sunday, January 15th from the Beverly Hilton.)
 
Chef Charlie Trotter and wife RochelleThrough December 30th, star chef Charlie Trotter will be celebrating his silver anniversary. And for this 25th anniversary occasion, American Express card members are invited to dine on a quarter century of inspired dishes on Friday, December 30th where they will be welcomed into the private Studio Kitchen with a champagne reception, Chef Charlie Trotter's 816 W. Armitageenjoy a four course menu and depart with an exclusive Charlie Trotter anniversary gift! Happy anniversary, Charlie!!! For more info, please call 800.445.7374.
 
Candace Jordan Michigan Ave. Mag. 12-11I’ve had so many exciting media moments lately beginning with the inclusion in Michigan Avenue Magazine as one of their “High Society Style Setters.” This was one of their biggest fashion Living an Uncommon Lifefeatures yet and I feel so privileged to have been included! Thanks to editor-in-chief Susanna Negovan and publisher Dan Uslan for this exciting opportunity! Also a big shout and thank you to CBS Ch. 2’s Pam Jones who interviewed me about Playboy’s plans to relocate. (To see the interview, please click here! I also had the thrill With CBS 2's Pam Jonesto return on WGN radio in an interview with top talent and author, John St. Augustine. His latest book, "Living an Uncommon Life," is an inspiration. (To hear Chicago 3 Media's Janelle Price and Bill Maxwellthis interview, please click here. And last but not least, I had the best time talking to Janelle Price from Chicago 3 Media, along with Bill Maxwell. (Remember Janelle’s name – she is definitely going places!) Chicago 3 Media covers Chicago with lively interviews and terrific videos of events, people and places. (Check out our talk here!) Good luck and thanks to all!
 
Blog 1 - Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Carrie Wenzel and Katie CahnmannThe Aparecio Foundation hosted a “Viva la Vida Masquerade Party” at the W Hotel recently. And even though it said “masquerade party,” no one wore a mask except for NowYouKnow.com’s Katie Blog 2 - Models wearing designs by Miriam Cecilia CarlsonCahnmann, who seemed to be the only person who paid attention to the invite bringing a gorgeous gold feathered one that looked like it came straight from Carnival in Venice. There was a fashion show by designers Miriam Cecilia Noe Quinones, Alifia Dholkawala and Ben CottrellCarlson and Horatio Nieto (expertly styled by Benjamin Cottrell) as well as DJ performances by Sadie Woods and Megan Taylor. The event also celebrated the launch of Hasana’s eCommerce site. (Hasana is Blog 4 - Interviewing Eric Himelthe fundraising arm of the Aparecio Foundation which promotes diversity, accessibility and fellowship opportunities to advance academic achievement for low-income, high-potential women in Chicago Public Schools). I was honored to be a co-host with Eric Himel of "Windy City Live." (Click here to see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina!)

Dogs in mangerWell, that’s this week’s lowdown on some of our city’s highlights! And as Christmas approaches, be alert for diversity in the manger scene, particularly with the Baby Jesus. He just might turn out to be a Chihuahua!
 
 

 

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And in keeping with the “adorable pet” theme, check out this darling video to make you smile… 🙂

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December 14, 2011 · 9:31 pm

MICHIGAN AVENUE MAGAZINE SCORES ROSIE COUP!

…PLUS WORLD OF CHOCOLATE, A CLEVER WEDDING IDEA, VITAL BRIDGES’ HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, MACY’S MAKES-A-WISH, WATCH312.COM VIDEOS, BEAUTY AND GIFT IDEAS AND MORE!

Blog 1 - Susanna Negovan, Dan Uslan and Rosie O'DonnellMichigan Avenue Magazine scored another coup for the publication by featuring Rosie O’Donnell on the December cover along with a feature article cleverly entitled “Rosie the Blog 2 - Amanda Puck and NAMERiveting.” They held a by-invite-only party in the Seven Stars Lounge at Horseshoe Casino. This high roller’s heaven is an elegant room filled with crystal chandeliers, a humidor, extensive bar and friendly Blog 3 - Larry Wert (R) and handsome friendservers. Dubbed “In the Red, Holiday Celebration,” this event attracted A-listers who were transported via private motor coach to this gambler’s oasis in Hammond, Indiana. The Blog 4 - Designers Horacio Nieto and Eldade la Rosamedia info that was provided informed us that a VIP area would be provided for Rosie and her crew and that once she entered this area, no one was to speak with her or film her. Well, I Blog 5was prepared for the worst. You sensed the minute Rosie entered the room since everyone’s iPhones were waving in the air and the lights from the photogs cameras were flashing Blog 6 - Tanya Miller and Cindi Berger (Rosie’spublicist)nonstop. She stopped repeatedly on her way to the Red Carpet to talk to guests and take pictures. When she got to the Carpet, the cameras’ lights were blinding. And not only did she NOT go to her designated area, but she Blog 7 - Designer Anna Fong (center) and friendsworked the Red Carpet longer than any celeb I’ve ever seen. She never left…she talked to each and every person who wanted to speak to her and she even allowed a Blog 8 - Rosie shows Tim Smithe her photo!cameraman to check the label on her sweater after someone complimented her on it. In a word, she was a delight! I love her refreshing candor and in her comments about Chicago, she has stated that she Blog 9 - Julianne Glatz and Paul Iaconoloves Table 52 (Chef Art’s fried chicken is a hit!), Paris Club (where she celebrated her show’s launch), Naha (which she said is the “best meal she’s ever had”) and Gibson’s (where she said to “ask for Mo, he’s the best waiter Blog 10 - With the cute men from Watch312.com!
I’ve ever had.”) The night also included a charity component with guests encouraged to bring a toy to donate to LYDIA Home Association. Mich Mag’s Publisher Dan Uslan and Editor-in-Chief Susanna Blog 11 - Cece Gonzalez and Marcus RileyNegovan welcomed guests and thanked everyone for coming. The Illinois Center for Broadcasting streamed the evening live and I was honored to be the host. Congrats Mich Mag and welcome to Chicago, Rosie!!! (Photos by Mila Samokhina, Cindy Barrymore and Steve Starr…click HERE to see more!) Watch the Michigan Avenue Mag/Rosie party below on Watch312.com! 🙂

watch312 on livestream.com. Broadcast LiveFree

Blog 1 - Entrance to WOCI always love the World of Chocolate event. It is such a celebration of life and love and it benefits the Aids Foundation of Chicago. Everyone from vendors to restaurants to Blog 2 - Jim Smith and Brooke Skinnerhotels compete for bragging rights in multiple categories. This year, 28 of our city’s finest participated in this annual fundraiser that attracted more than 1,500 guests. Judges included ABC 7’s Kathy Brock, Fox Chicago’s Jan Jeffcoat, Chicago Pride’s Bill Blog 3 - Mitch Pennelland Bill PritchardPritchard, Mrs. Illinois International Nicole Khayat, RL’s Rich Varnes, beloved entertainer Miss Lucy Foozie, designer Richard Dayhoff, WGCI’s Loni Swain, entertainer Cyon Flare, NoMI pastry chef Meg Galus and Lookingglass Theatre’s Anthony Fleming, among others. They had a Blog 4 - Greg Hyder, Tom Kehoe (who donated décor)& Wayne Harthtough decision choosing between entries that included Das Food’s salted caramel, Wow Bao’s steamed bao filled with dark chocolate and coconut, Kendall College’s chocolate- and cranberry-infused macaroons and chocolate Christmas trees, Blog 5 - Judge Miss Lucy FoozieTaberna Restaurant’s chocolate filled dates with bacon, the Peninsula’ stropical chocolate paradise complete with safari girls, Illinois Nut and Candy’s “Wizard of Oz”-themed booth and the Palmer House Hilton’s Blog 6 - Cute Guys!chocolate-flavored wine that Chef Stephen Henry was generously pouring. I thought they should ALL win but, sadly, this wasn’t to be. After all of the votes were tallied, the winners were Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts for overall tastiest treat (Hot Chocolate Award), Talbott Teas for the Blog 8 - Judge Cyon Flaremost creative use of chocolate (Loco Cocoa Award), Terry’s Toffee (who debuted this year’s delicious limited edition “Holly Berry Toffee”) for best overall presentation (Sweet Booth Blog 7 - More cute guys!Award) and the Peninsula for most visually enticing dish (Chocoholic’s Dream Award). The People’s Choice Award went to Just Like U Like It Catering. Their mini chocolate grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato and basil soup shooters was a crowd pleaser along with their chocolate mashed potatoes. This year’s honorary chair Mayor Rahm Emanuel came for a short while Blog 9and greeted guests. Event chairs Glen Pietrandoni, Ben Stringfellow and Jim Blog 11Perry also included a Memorial Wall where guests could honor lost loved ones. Held at the Hilton Chicago, this one-of-a-kind event commemorated World AIDS Day and raised more than $300,000 to support AFC and the fight against HIV/AIDS. President/CEO of the AFC David Ernesto Munar Blog 10 - Designer John Ansehl (2nd from R)and friendshad this to say: “We’re so grateful for the supporters and vendors who commemorated World AIDS Day by helping us raise these much-needed funds. As guests walked into the ballroom, they were Blog 12greeted by a gigantic display of the word ‘HOPE,’ which captures exactly how we feel. And as Charles Dickens once said, ‘There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate!” (View extra pics by Steve Starr HERE and to watch my “Candid Candace Chicago” video on Watch312.com, please see below!)

Watch live streaming video fromwatch312 atlivestream.com

James AmblerI get so many emails and information from people with ideas they want to promote and, every once in a while, it’s a really unique concept like the one I recently heard about. “Pap the Question” is the Blog 2brainchild of ex-paparazzo James Ambler, who is secretly conspiring with nervous grooms-to-be and photographing the magic moment when couples get engaged. Ambler says he got the idea for “Pap the Question” shortly after he Blog 3himself got down on one knee. “Following my own proposal, friends asked if we had any pictures from this special day. We didn’t, but that definitely planted the seed.” Having witnessed so many different proposals, Ambler has many tips Blog 5on the subject, including a very common (and easily prevented) mistake most guys make when popping the question: fumbling for the ring. He says have it in an easily accessible place “so you look as smooth as Blog 6Cary Grant for the reveal.” And for the ladies, one thing future fiancées should NEVER do when their prince proposes is to focus all of their attention on the ring! Ambler says he’s seen this happen so often and it’s not pretty. “While Romeo is longing to stare passionately into her eyes, she’s Blog 7only concerned with the hardware. Cold!” Originally from Oxford, England, James has been a professional photographer for 10 years. One of his amusing celeb stories included Angelina Jolie, who once took pity on him after James was racing after her on his bike and crashed. She rolled down her window, told him to put his bike in the trunk and gave him a lift in her limo. I think James is onto something with this unique idea for creating even more exciting wedding memories! And instead of celebs, James will now be chasing down young lovers in the Windy City! (www.PaptheQuestion.com)

Candace_001Vital Bridges’ annual “Celebrate the Spirit” holiday brunch was held recently at the Four Seasons. More than 400 guests attended this fundraiser which netted $158,000 to support nutrition and housing services for low Candace_002income people living with HIV/AIDS. Guests enjoyed a delectable meal, an exciting live and silent auction and a $10K cash raffle. My longtime friend Paul Iacono, who is an ardent supporter of this organization, reports, “Incredibly, since its founding in 1988, Vital Bridges has provided more than 10 million meals, 600,000 nights of shelter and 250,000 hours of counseling to Candace_004over 10,000 clients. This year former board chair Ron Anunziato was honored for his longtime dedication and Candace_005commitment to this all too important cause. Additionally, brunch attendee Emily Angel was the lucky recipient of the $10K cash prize in the annual raffle. Emily is the niece of Bill Holt, one of Vital Bridges’ original founders, who Candace_007succumbed to AIDS in the mid 1990’s. In the true spirit of the organization and its mission, Emily generously donated her entire cash prize back to Vital Bridges.” Live auction packages Candace_011included a Lake Michigan yacht cruise with food and beverages provided by Sepia Restaurant, a trip for eight to Puerto Vallarta, and a trip for two to Hawaii. “The annual brunch is an afternoon of delicious food, delightful entertainment and the company of good friends,” said Vital Bridges’ chief healthcare strategist Deborah Hinde. And thanks so much Paul for this info!!! (Thanks to Cindy Barrymore, for these fab fotos!)

Book51fWw7kfJqL._SL500_AA300_As the holidays fast approach, some of us are thinking about what to buy for that sports nut in our families. And if you’re a Cubs fan, then there could be no greater gift (besides the Cubs winning the World Series) than Jimmy Greenfield’s "100 Things Cubs Fans Should Know and Do Jimmy GreenfieldBefore They Die." Written by this Chicago Now guru, the 300-page book is packed with crucial info such as important dates, player nicknames, memorable moments and outstanding achievements by individual players. There is also a to-do list of Cubs activities which include taking in Wrigley Field, traveling to Arizona for spring training and sipping beers at the best Cubs bars around the country. The publication date is March 1, 2012…but I think you should order now while they're still available! Congrats Jimmy!

Blog 1 - Nina Mariano, Toni Canada, Jan Flanagan and Gayle AnthonyHoliday dinners abound now with friends getting together to celebrate their happy times, reflect on the year behind and think about the year ahead. It’s also a great time to share those Blog 2 - Chantecaille’s Anti-Glycation Primerall-important beauty secrets which is one of the things I did recently with a group of glam friends at the retooled Pump Room. As we encircled a big round table, enjoying champagne and sharing gifts we all spoke of what we Blog 3 - With Kristina McGrath and Lynn McMahanwere grateful for and what our goals were for 2012. This was all very interesting stuff but everyone’s ears seemed to perk up at the discussion of individual beauty secrets so I will share them with you now. Toni Canada’s favorite product is Blog 4Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream (tube) which she says “helps heal chapped, cracked dry skin and has anti-inflammatory benefits – great protection against the harsh Chicago winters.” Gayle Anthony’s must-have product is Chantecaille’s Blog 5 - Makeup artist Claudio RiazAnti-Glycation Primer with SPF50+. “I use it with or without makeup, as it gives great protection!” she said. Kristina McGrath swears by GLO Minerals under eye cream. “It tingles when you put it on and is supposed to WAKE up your eyes!” she raved. (Boy, could I use this!) Lynn McMahan loves the Claudio Riaz makeup palette at Barney’s as well as an iPhone app called Suzanne Somers’ Nap 26 because Blog 6 - GLO Minerals undereye cream“listening to this particular group of sound frequencies for 26 minutes is equal to three hours of sound sleep according to the NASA researchers who invented it.” Jan Flanagan swears by heated eyelash curlers and coconut oil used as a hair conditioner and makeup remover. As for me, I Blog 7 - Che Sguardo’s Kathy Schmalenlove going to Che Sguardo (owned by former model Kathy Schmalen) at 161 W. Illinois because she finds truly unique makeup from around the globe and imports it to Chicago. Models and on-air people love this place! I also PAWS dog Emma Ahlberglove the MAC Mellow Mood shimmer highlighter. It’s great for emphasizing cheekbones and looks terrific in photos. And my choice for the VERY best facial moisturizer (goodbye, La Mer), is my new favorite: L’Oreal’s Golden Balm. The best part is you can find it at Walgreen’s…for cheap! So now ya know! 🙂

Hope you’re taking the time to stop and smell the pinecones! I know I am!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Macy's letter campaingP.S. If you have little ones who still believe in Santa (lucky them!), then don’t forget to take their stamped letters to Santa at Macy’s! Address it to “Santa at the North Pole” and drop it into their special Santa letterbox. For each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-a-Wish-Foundation up to $1,000,000!!! To learn more, please click HERE! 🙂

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December 7, 2011 · 7:38 pm

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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October 25, 2011 · 7:21 pm

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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