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FASHION COLUMBIA 2012: BIGGEST, GREENEST AND RECORD BREAKING!

…PLUS JOFFREY’S COSTUME LUNCHEON, RUSSIA DAY, SERVICE CLUB’S FASHION SHOW, VICTORIAN BALL, NICOLE’S BABY LUNCHEON, A WHITE PARTY FOR CHARITY, A NEW FASHION BLOG, "ELEVEN DIVAS" AT DUSABLE, MY FAVORITE WEDDING AND SO MUCH MORE!

Blog 1 - Linda Johnson Rice and Nena IvonFashion Columbia 2012 raised record funds, was the greenest fundraiser and was largest event at the college to date! Proceeds from the event, which brought out over 200 guests, will benefit the Eunice W. Johnson Blog 2 - Desiree Rogers and Columbia College President Warrick CarterScholarship in Fashion Studies. All of this good news must’ve made event chair Desiree Rogers very, very happy along with her glam Host Committee that consisted of Trish Rooney Alden, Madeleine Burrell, Gwendolyn Butler, Bonita Chapman, Nora Daley, Janice Barnes Davis, Susan Downing, Elissa Hamid Efroymson, Rich Gamble, Ikram Goldman, Mary Lou Haddad, Mellody Hobson, Susie Kiphart, Julie Latsko, Blog 3 - Nora Daley and Julie LatskoSylvia Neil, Diane Primo, MK Pritzker, Shawnelle Ritchie, Lynne Turner and Allison Grant Williams. The event at the Media Production Center at 16th and State Streets opened with a red carpet which led to models wearing a selection of vintage pieces from Blog 4 - Model Andi Parsons (R) and beautiful friendsfashion icon, Eunice Johnson’s Fashion Fair Collection. For the main event, 15 fashion studies students showcased 45 designs that included menswear, evening gowns and dresses. The models wore Fashion Fair cosmetics, of course, from the company founded by Eunice Johnson. Desiree had this to say: “Many of the designs intrigued me and I would have purchased them that evening. I could not help but think of Blog 5how happy Eunice Johnson would have been to see such talent. It was a magical evening.” During the program, Lana Jewelry founder Lana Bramlette was awarded the Alumni Achievement in Fashion Design Award by VP of Institutional Advancement, Eric Blog 6Winston. Lana is known as the “Queen of Hoops,” with her jewelry adorning celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie and Cameron Diaz, to name a few. A host committee dinner, rooftop reception, VIP lounge and after-party all completed this fabulous night of fashion that raised more than $70,000. Event sponsors included Macy’s and Mercedes-Benz. Live auction packages raised an additional $16K Blog 7 - Rich and Melissa Gamble (R) and friendsand included a fur donated by Fabbri Furs and a travel package to New York Fashion Week. As for the green aspect, the organizers recycled all post-event Blog 8 - Karen Herman, Katherine Chez Malkin and friendpaper and other products, even composting food scraps! To learn more about Columbia College and the Eunice Johnson Scholarship Fund, please visit www.colum.edu/. (Click here to see ALL of the pics by Caitlin Saville Collins!)

Blog 1 - Anniversary Costume Luncheon co-chairs Sophie, Liz, Jennifer and MaggieThe Joffrey Ballet’s 10th Anniversary Celebration of its Women’s Board continued with a Costume Luncheon held recently at the Ritz Carlton. Joffrey trainees modeled historic Blog 2 - Sugar Rautbord, Christopher Clinton Conway and Maureen Dwyer Smithballet costumes from its archives displaying the wonderful cross section, variety and depth of the collection. Besides the costumes, more than 200 guests also enjoyed Blog 3 - Neiman’s Tina Koegel, Wendy Krimins and Kathy O’Malley Picconebeautifully decorated tables by Drew Holitik with mounds of flowers spilling out of Joffrey hat boxes and a luncheon menu that featured spring pea soup, followed by grilled chicken Blog 4 - Margaret O’Connor, Amelia Silva, Yolanda Tyler and Jennifer Suttonsalad and ending with a chocolate Pot de Crème – elegant and yummy all at the same time! The 10th Anniversary Chair, Maureen Smith, introduced her long-time friend, Tina Sloan Blog 5 - Maureen Dwyer Smith and Tina Sloan(a well-known actress from her time on “Guiding Light” and the author of “Changing Shoes”), who delivered a hysterical presentation of her one-woman show based on her book and life experiences including her role in the Academy Award- Blog 6 - Costume Project Chair Lisa Leidenwinning film, “Black Swan.” Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway (who could definitely have his own stand-up comedy show) then introduced Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, who thanked everyone for coming. The chairwomen for the event were Sophie Bross, Liz Ryan, Jennifer Litowitz and Maggie Scheyer with Blog 7 - Shauna Montgomery, Shelley McArthur Farley and Rebecca BesserNena Ivon (Chicago History Museum president and former fashion director of Saks on Michigan Avenue) serving as honorary chair. More than $50K will go towards supporting the Joffrey’s programs and performances as well as Blog 8 - Shauna Montgomery, Sophie Bross, Jim Karas, Liz Ryan, her daughter and friendproviding funds for the Costume Project, whose capable and devoted chair is Lisa Leiden. Seen on the scene were Helen Melchior, Kathleen Klaeser, Dusty Stemer, Tina Weller, Sherren Leigh, Amelia Silva, Leslie Hindman, Suzette Bulley, Jamee Field, Liz Adams, Mary Jo Basler, Sandy Deromedi, Astra Gamsjaeger, Yolanda Tyler, Jim Karas, Shelley Farley, Shauna Montgomery and Marci Holzer among many others. (View more pics here!)

Blog 1 - Prince Piotr Galitzine, Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and AleksandraMore than 250 Russian nationals and Americans joined together to celebrate Russia Day at a black-tie gala at the Chicago Cultural Center on June 14th. Hosted Diala Joseph, Aleksandra Efimova and Larisa Kronfeldby the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, chaired by the dynamic Aleksandra Efimova and Prince Piotr Galitzine, the event honored Russia’s national holiday, which is celebrated on June 12th and Blog 3 - Campanella Children’s Choircommemorates the day in 1990 when the Russian Parliament formally declared sovereignty over Russia. This is only the second year that Russia Day has been celebrated in Chicago and Blog 4 - Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheitthe first year the event included a black-tie gala. The evening began with Sergey Kislyak, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the U.S., giving the keynote speech highlighting the importance of strengthening the relationships between the U.S. and Russia and Blog 5 - Sam O’Brien and Hailee Kaman dance for guestsfocusing on the similarities between Chicago and Moscow. Other speakers included Prince Galitzine, the chairman of TMK IPSCO (a Russian company with offices in Downers Grove); Alexander Tseitline, VP of technology and research of NLMK USA (the U.S. arm of a Russian-owned steel company); Blog 6 - EVRAZ CEO Mike Rehwinkeland Mike Rehwinkel, president and CEO of EVRAZ North America. In addition to the speeches, the evening included a dinner featuring authentic Russian food, as well as performances by the Campanella Children’s Choir, the Joffrey Ballet, the Lyric Opera of Blog 7 - Aleksandra reading Russian translated book to kidsChicago’s Ryan Opera Center and 75 members of the Chicago Master Singers, who will be traveling to St. Petersburg at the end of June. The Moscow Committee presented donations to the Children’s Choir as well as to several WWII vets from both the Russian and American sides. Blog 8 - First pair of ballet slippers, priceless!“I truly hope Russia Day encourages people of all countries to see the commonalities between each other and fosters collaboration among Blog 9 - Galina Komissarova entrances the childrenRussians and Americans to promote peace and economic growth,” Ms. Efimova said. Since its inception in 1960, Chicago Sister Cities International has built bridges between the people of Chicago and its international neighbors Blog 10 - Chicago Master Singersto achieve greater mutual understanding and to strengthen civic, economic and cultural ties. (Chicago has been a sister city with Moscow since 1997.) To conclude Russia Day 2012, Blog 11 - Aleksandra and ballerinas entertain the kiddiesAleksandra and the Russian Federal Agency for the Commonwealth hosted a children’s story time that featured Aleksandra’s Russian translated books and toys. Is there no end to this woman’s talents!!?? Congrats Aleksandra…can’t wait to see what you do next!! For more info, please visit www.cityofchicago.org. (Photos by Mila Samokhina unless otherwise noted.)

Blog 1 - SC’s Day on the Terrace finale 2011The Service Club of Chicago is hosting its annual Day on the Terrace Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Peninsula on Monday, July 30th. This year’s luncheon will have a Blog 2 - Firemen, Ellen Wesley, Chili Pepper and Peggy JesterParisian theme – “C’est Magnifique in Couture & Contemporary Fashion” - and feature the fall collections from Escada, Intermix, Ralph Lauren, Starr Couture, Neapolitan, Blog 3 - SC Day on the Terrace 2011Lulu’s at the Belle-Kay, Burdi, Thomas James, Stuart Weitzman and a presentation of evening wear and furs by Neiman Marcus. Fashion show co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Tracey DiBuono and Saira Cooper along with Chair Emeritus Hazel Barr Blog 4 - Day on the Terrace 2011guarantee a show-stopping fashion extravaganza with some surprises planned, as always! The Cocktail Reception will begin on the Terrace at 11 a.m. and will be followed by the Fashion Show at 11:45 a.m. and a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $175 with all proceeds benefitting the Club’s supplemental grant program. (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins.)

Blog 1 - Elegantly costumed guestsFashion, art, music and dance came together on June 15th at the Stan Mansion for the Victorian Ball in the 21st Century. Founder Laura Elvis created one of the most intriguing Blog 2 - Joffrey’s Abigail Simon and Mauro Villanueva enchant the crowdevents of the summer with proceeds, this year, benefitting Chicago Lost and Found and their efforts to raise funds for art education. This year’s star performers included the Joffrey Ballet’s Abigail Simon and Mauro Blog 4 - Miss Chicago Marisa BuccheitVillanueva and Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheit. The event was emceed by WGN’s Jane Monzures with a red carpet hosted by HGTV’s design star (and all around cute guy) Kevin Grace. Blog 3 - Benjamin Cottrell with Ball contributorsThe Ball was produced by the handsome and talented Benjamin Cottrell with photos by Kirsten Miccoli and custom designed looks by Anna G. Costumes. It takes a village to have a successful event and Laura Elvis – along with event contributors Shari Duffy, Cera Stan, Ramsey Prince and April Padilla – pulled it off! Congrats to all!

Blog 1 - Nicole Brown and Rebecca BesserA beautiful baby shower was hosted at the Casino Club recently by glam soon-to-be-grandma, Lynn McMahan for her only daughter, Nicole Brown. Thirty lucky ladies mixed and mingled amidst the elegance of a room dressed Blog 2 - Lynn McMahan and friendin shades of blue for Baby Boy Brown, who is due in September. Designer Tom Kehoe and Lynn planned beautiful table décor that included oversized floral arrangements of blue (naturally!) hydrangeas, New Zealand tea tree blossoms, white stock, purple hyacinths and baby roses with children’s alphabet blocks scattered across the pale blue tablecloths. In a word: BREATHTAKING! Lynn gave a heartfelt and Blog 3 - Hazel Barr, Michaela Parrillo, Kristina McGrath, Jan Flanaganloving tribute to Nicole and after both of their eyes cleared from tears, Lynn asked Rebecca Besser to say a few words. Rebecca emphasized being consistent, not ever be Blog 4 - Lovely Ladies who Lunchafraid to tell your children that you love them and to savor every moment. Hazel Barr spoke next, commenting that she has raised “three children, five grandchildren and half the Blog 5 - M’lady is servedneighborhood!” She went on to say, “You will feel a degree of love that you never thought you would have and like most things in life, you learn on the job.” (She also joked that “having children makes you no more of a Blog 6 - Averill Leviton, Lynda Silverman and Susan Gohlparent than having a piano makes you a pianist.”) It was a true love fest for Lynn and Nicole and I couldn’t be happier for them or prouder to have been included!  Seen in the elegant room were Michaela Parrillo, Toni Canada, Kristina McGrath, Jan Flanagan, Hedwig Golant, Dede Lubeznik, Gail Leahy, Sherrill Bodine, Lynda Silverman, Susan Gohl and Averill Leviton among others. Can’t wait to meet the little guy in September! Congrats, Nicole! Beautiful job, Lynn! (For more pics, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Alison and Josh’s first danceAnd speaking of love, dear friends Alison Howlett and Josh Walters tied the knot in a loving ceremony at Holy Name Cathedral on June 9th. The reception and dinner followed at Gibson’s, where Steve Lombardo and John Colletti outdid Blog 2 - Alison dances with proud dad Ed Howlettthemselves to ensure that Alison and Josh were happy as clams! Popular crooner Tony Ocean sang for the wedding party that included Zack Edwards (best man) and Kanika Rankin (maid of honor). The Shannon Rovers even led the couple into the room – how’s THAT Blog 3 - The Walters and wedding party at Navy Pierfor cool?! Guests included proud papa Ed Howlett, Mr. and Mrs. Vinnie Mehta, Senator Howard Carroll and wife Eda, Judge William Bauer and wife Patty, Alison’s mom Lynn Cialdella and grandma Helen Blog 4 - And they lived happily ever after!Howlett, Judge Mike Howlett and wife Kathy, Helen Cashman and family, Senator Jim Deleo, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Allison, Mr. and Mrs. Al Childress (Alison’s aunt), Roxanne Holloway (Josh’s mom) and John Walters (Josh’s dad) among many others. The couple flew off for their honeymoon shortly after at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba. Congrats with love, Mr. and Mrs. Walters! (Fab, creative fotos by Kristyna Archer.)

White Party inviteMark your calendars now for The White Party set for Friday, July 27th, from 9 to 11 p.m. at Underground Chicago, located at 56 W. Illinois. Last year, beloved man-about-town Marco Foster planned this benefit for One Hope United around his birthday so it was a dual celebration. This charity helps abused children as well as foster kids and their parents and since Marco was a foster child himself, this event is very Marco Fosternear and dear to his heart. Marco said, “I know what it’s like to get passed around from home to home and it’s not fun. It just so happens my last name is Foster by my adopted mother.” This two-hour cocktail reception will have very low ticket prices as Marco wants everyone to be able to come and support this wonderful cause! For tickets and more information, please click here!

Maggie Rei StepfCongrats to personal stylist Maggie Rei Stepf, formerly manager of J.Mendel on Michigan Avenue: This enterprising and talented lady has launched a new website, ChicXCity.com, which exclusively highlights local designers and boutiques as well as featuring insider scoops on deals of must-have items for the season. Maggie also offers wedding styling advice! I’m so happy for her and wish her all the best! Click here and find out the latest fashion news! :)
 
Blog 1 - Eleven Divas (Pic by Jerome Simmons)A thrilling concert featuring eleven of our town’s top female vocalists will return to the DuSable Museum, located at 740 E. 56th Place, on Sunday, July 8th. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Timeless Gifts, which is a summer mentoring program that gives young performers the opportunity to participate in Blog 2 - My favorite diva, Lynne Jordan!performances where they will be mentored by world-class performers and technicians. The concert, dubbed “Eleven Divas,” was founded by Joan Collaso and will feature Lynne Jordan (love you…and your Shivers!), Frieda Lee, Sue Conway, Julia Huff, Maggie Brown, Bobbi Wilsyn, Tecora Rogers, Margaret Murphy, Theresa Davis, Yvonne Gage and Joan herself. There will be two shows – 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. – and for ticket info, please call 312.808.0005.

Ben-fold-fiveWho will I see at Old St. Pat’s Block Party next weekend, June 29th and 30th!? I hope YOU! I’ll be guest bartending with some very well-known peeps so I hope you’ll come out and see us! (Please don’t order Lifehouseanything difficult as my skills behind the bar leave something to be desired! Have a great week and I hope to see you here the next time! If you enjoy my weekly “blogazine,” please sign up (above right) and receive updates. :)

Johnathan CookLove, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. As I’m always happy to promote new models/designers, I would like to introduce you to 19-year-old Johnathan Cook, who is trying to make a fashion statement from Rockford, Illinois! Besides being a designer, Johnathan describes himself as “son, brother to Liberty Cook, gospel singer, musician and model.” From the looks of this photo, I think he’s got a great start! Good luck, Johnathan, and follow your dreams!

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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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