Tag Archives: Ulta Beauty

September 19, 2012 · 9:44 am

CHICAGO’S RISING STARS HONORED BY FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL

…PLUS “A DAY IN THE COUNTRY” WITH THE HORSEY SET, BOTTLE & BOTTEGA’S WINNING COMBO, PAINTING THE TOWN PINK, EMERGE! AT NYFW, “COMPASSION, FASHION & COCKTAILS,” AKIRA’S SUBWAY FASHION SHOW, RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE’S FOODIE FUNDRAISER, STYLIST ERIC HIMEL IS ON A ROLL, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

The 8th Annual Rising Star Awards were presented by Fashion Group International of Chicago at the Hotel Sax on September 12th with our town’s most fashionables in attendance. It was a night of high spirits and high hopes as the nominees toasted each other with champagne and wished each other good luck. And in this case, it truly WAS an honor just to be nominated since we have so many accomplished and talented peeps in the Windy City. In the category of Accessories, nominees were Brynn Capella, Forme Millinery, Rachel Olesker and Toki Collection and Diego Rochas presented Forme Millinery with the beautiful, crystal Rising Star award. “Fashions have been a part of me since I was a little girl playing in my grandmother’s trunk. She was even a
milliner so it runs in my blood. It’s truly an honor to be recognized for my passion,” said owner Jenny Pfanenstiel. Ulta Beauty’s Carrie Lannon presented nominees in the Beauty category – Aaron’s Apothecary, Sonia Roselli The Makeup Studio, The Circle Salon (which was named by Elle magazine as one of the top 100 salons in the country), and Dirt, Erthe Beaute, LLC – and Aaron’s Apothecary won with owner Aaron Pietrykowski joking, “Who knew an apothecary could win a beauty award?” James Nyack (Baker Furniture) awarded Sean Michael Design with the award in the Interiors department (other nominees included INDO, inhabit and Meg Caswell) and winner Sean Michael had this to say: “The thing that makes me happiest and alive is to improve the lifestyle of my clients.” Nora Del Busto won in the Apparel category with stiff competition from Atelier Azza, C/FAN and Miriam Cecelia. (Presenter was Erica Strama.) Sarca’s Alexis Cozzini walked off with the crystal hardware (presented by Chicago magazine editor Beth Fenner) in the Retail category, where other nominees included 610 Home, Haberdash and Shop 857. I was thrilled to present the award for E-Commerce and loved everyone in the category that included Cheeky Chicago, Glossed & Found, Luxury Garage Sale and Trunk Club. All of these nominees took an idea from concept to reality with sheer determination and lots of innovation. Trunk Club, created by Brian Spaly, was created to solve a simple problem – guys hate to shop – and this online store provides a personalized, pain-free service to help guys look great with no hassles. The team has grown from four to 100 since 2009. Luxury Garage Sale was created by Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal, childhood friends with a shared passion for collecting. LGS is the premier place for buying and selling new, gently used or vintage high-end women’s clothing, shoes, bags and accessories. It’s risk-free consignment plus they have a popular blog called “Off the Cuff.” Cheeky Chicago, created by Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin, is an online magazine catering to the “in the know” woman in Chicago. It covers EVERYTHING that you need to know about living in Chicago and is the ultimate key to the city. To screams of wild excitement, I opened the envelope to find Glossed & Found the winner. This online video magazine’s team is stellar and includes Beauty on Call founder Stacey Roney, Fig Media owner James Gustin and Emily Hard and beloved creative and editorial director, Graham Kostic. Their motto: “It’s beauty. It’s fashion. It’s fun.” The evening’s premier sponsor was bebe and other proud event sponsors included Chicago magazine, Peroni, Tito’s, Moet & Chandon, Classic Color and FORD Models. Congrats to ALL of the winners and nominees! (Additional photos by Steve Starr…click here for more pics!)

I’m not a part of the horsey set but I could quickly become addicted if the events were as delightful, charitable and as awe-inspiring as last weekend’s 4th Annual International Hunter Jumper Derby in Antioch, Illinois. Hosted by Chicago Equestrians for a Cause and sponsored by Canadian National Railroad, this event benefitted three charities – The Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, University of Chicago’s Cancer Research Foundation and the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Foundation. It was a perfect day, with guests and organizers breathing a sigh of relief after the heavy rains the night before. I haven’t ridden since I was a little girl – my dad took home movies showing me riding ponies with my head bobbing so hard, it looked like I should’ve had a neck brace so I’m certainly no expert but I will say these horses were so beautiful that they took my breath away. The winner of the day, Jennifer Alfano, told me how she felt about her award-winning horse, Jersey Boy: “He loves to compete, he loves a challenge and I am so lucky to have him. He has a knack for these Derbies and just won the Derby Finals in Lexington, Kentucky.” Ten-year-old Jersey Boy – a big, athletic chestnut Hanoverian gelding – was recently named “High Performance Horse of the Year” and “Hunter Horse of the Year” and he and Jennifer both have won more awards than will fit into this space. Just to prove this point, Jennifer won first AND second place at this event also riding Helen Lenehan’s Dutch Warmblood mare Miss Lucy for a $50,000 purse! When I asked course designer Bobby Murphy if he had a favorite, he didn’t hesitate: Jersey Boy. There was so much to see, too! As you entered the beautiful, manicured grounds a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren gullwing was on view as well as a $250K motor home. A walk through the barn brought us face to face with more of these magnificent animals. Robert “Rush” Weeden, who owns Annali Farms (where the event was held on an old Steeplechase course) along with wife Caroline, said they have around 40 horses. I tried to envision growing up on a farm like this but even with my vivid imagination, I couldn’t conjure up a life this grand. It was truly something to see and, even if you didn’t understand the scoring or the judging, you could spot a winner when you saw one. Congrats to Jennifer and Jersey Boy – what a fabulous combination! And congrats to Chicago Equestrians for a Cause Founder Margaret Benjamin, who wears her passion for horses and her charities proudly on her sleeve! Hope you enjoy my Watch312.com video of this fabulous “Day in the Country” filmed by Alonzo Stallings and edited by Josh Orr with production assistants Matt Natale and Brieanna Cluchey.

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?deepLinkEmbedCode=t2NTZ2NTr9FVUs_6NbgiaSGpMR072fVA&height=360&embedCode=t2NTZ2NTr9FVUs_6NbgiaSGpMR072fVA&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=640

Since its inception in March 2009, Bottle & Bottega has quickly become the city’s coolest, most popular alternative to a typical night out. Designed for those who think they can’t draw a stick figure, Bottle & Bottega walks you step by step through the creative process while you enjoy the ultimate catalyst to all creativity: WINE!!! I had never heard of Bottle & Bottega before even though they now have several locations across the city and have already expanded nationally, so clearly I’m in the minority here! This upstart franchise concept is thrilling Chicago as a BYOB wine and art party studio combined. “It’s a fun, unique alternative to a typical night out that’s great for friends, corporate groups and special events,” said founder Stephanie King-Myers. On this night, which was its grand opening party in the South Loop (“Have a H’Art”), Stephanie and co-owner Nancy Bigley celebrated their latest location at 1241 S. Michigan. Bottle & Bottega’s hands-on art sessions can focus on painting on canvas, creating a mosaic, wine glass painting, jewelry making, live models and more. This opening night also included a charity component with three celebrity artists painting for their favorite local charities. Stefanie Safran (Steph and the City) donated her talents for La Porte Hospital Foundation, Rochelle Vayo Adkinson ("Bring It Home") painted for the American Cancer Society and Karl Sponholtz (Design Star Season 6) donated his time to the Center on Halsted. Congrats Stephanie and Nancy! What a cool, new concept for a night out with friends! (Check out more pics here!)

It was the “Perfect Pink Night” for the cocktail reception and LaSalle Street Bridge lighting benefitting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation at Chicago Cut Steakhouse September 13th. In honor of the approaching Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as a kick-off for Komen’s Chicago’s 15th annual Race for the Cure, the LaSalle Street and Wells Street bridges were lighted pink on Thursday evening and will light up each night at sunset until September 22nd. The reception, held at ground level of Chicago Cut was hosted by Komen Chicago “Pink Tie Guy” Howard Bernick and co-chaired by Janet and Craig Duchossois and Jeffrey Aronin. Komen for the Cure Founder and CEO Nancy Brinker headed up an all-star committee that included Nancy and Steven Crown, Sabrina and Antonio Gracias, Aimee and Jim Grey, Leslie Hindman, Carol and Larry Levy, Martha and Rich Melman, Harriette and Ted Perlman, MK and JB Pritzker, Linda Johnson Rice, Cari and Michael Sacks, Marilyn and Rocky Wirtz and Heather and Beau Wrigley. Faces seen in the crowd included Leslie Hindman, Mary Lou Gorno, Crain’s Tracy Samantha Schmidt, Alex Sabbag, designer extraordinaire Derrick Taylor, Rodney and Andrea Herenton, Dr. Funmi Olopade, Jim Grey, Greg Jones, Andi and Jim Gordon, Catherine and Bill Perez, Ilan Shalit, Eric Brinker, Kiki Ryan and Linda and David Richter. Don't miss this weekend's Susan G. Komen Chicagoland Race for the Cure – for more info, please click here! (Photos by Richard Shay.)

One of the top emerging designer collective showcases during New York Fashion Week was founded AND produced by Chicago’s very own Dionne Williams. Now in its fourth season, “EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show” recently showcased the Spring 2013 collections of an elite group of emerging designers from around the world. This highly-anticipated fashion event’s planners reviewed hundreds of designer submissions and selected the six best to showcase. They included actress India de Beaufort, (Ballyhoo); Franklin Rowe (Franklin Rowe International); Taneasha Prunty (Gidi Designs); Berny Martin (Catou Designs); Natasha Lazarovic (Temna Fialka), and Arefeh Mansouri (Arefeh Fashion). Held at the historic Broad Street Ballroom, Emerge! hosted an invitation only event with more than 400 guests that included celebrities, fashion insiders, media, retail buyers and tastemakers who came to see the newest trends and this year’s winning designers. Congrats to all involved on another successful Emerge! fashion show: Paul Mitchell Schools, Lamik Cosmetics, Aaron Handy, Iran “Bang” Paylor (Models, Inc), Adam Leffel Production and Polpat Klonghayan. For more info on this cool event that introduces new fashion talent to the world, please contact Dionne@dwilliamspr.com.

Nearly 500 affluent professionals, entrepreneurs, media, sports and entertainment personalities came together to celebrate “Compassion, Fashion and Cocktails.” This evening honored the arts and raised money for non-profits that included The Musical Arts Institute, Bin Donated (as seen on ABC’s “Secret Millionaire”) and St. Vincent’s de Paul Center & Marillac Social Center. This evening was co-chaired by Lema Khorshid, Sarah Noonan, Fei Wang and Sam Yanover. Hosts included Michael Brown, Tom Carroll, Diana Chen, Katie Freeman, David Friedman, Kim Runner, Diane Testa, Jessica Young and Doug O’Donahue. Focusing on a theme of pioneers in fashion, food and film, Frontier (located at 1072 N. Milwaukee) was transformed into a cutting edge fashion runway scene as guests took part in raffles and door prizes that included a Mexican vacation, signed sports memorabilia and lots more. During this celebration of food and fashion, musician and founder of The Musical Arts Institute Michael Manson provided a jazz performance with three of his talented students. A runway show featured designer Eva Franco’s fall collection while a film montage of classic black and white films played throughout the evening. Congrats to all participants including Aga Kaskiewicz, Mercedes Urquiza-Parrilli, Stephanie Bottigliero and Chef Vanessa Moses. (To view more photos, please click here!)

Who will be joining me for Ronald McDonald House Charities’ “Eat Global, Give Local” celebration at Carnivale Restaurant (located at 702 W. Fulton Market) on Wednesday, October 10th from 5:30 until 9 p.m.??!!! This party with a purpose will feature top chefs Brian Jupiter (Frontier Chicago), David Dworshak (Carnivale), Gregg Biggers (Café des Architectes), Dan Marquis (Quay), Justin White (SmallBar) and Jonathon Beatty (Davanti Enoteca). The evening will also include live music, a tequila tasting bar, wine stations, a mojito station and popular ActionBooth photos plus a raffle featuring items from each chef’s restaurant. For tickets, $125, please visit www.carnivalechicago.com/events. Hope to see YOU there!

In honor of its big 1-0, local fashion retailer AKIRA is upping the scope and scale of its annual style extravaganza with its 10th
Annual Fall Fashion Show themed Métropolitain. The event will benefit five local charities and is set for Sunday, September 23 at Grossinger City Autoplex, located at 1500 N. Dayton St. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the runway show will begin at 7 p.m.; the after-party at Japonais (located at 600 W. Chicago Ave.) kicks off at 9 p.m. See your daily commute reimagined in a runway presentation at AKIRA's garage-turned-subway station. The show will be hosted by Olivia Culpo (Miss USA 2012) and emceed by Kelli Zink (Celeb-TV). Later, shop the looks you loved at their one-night-only pop-up store – proceeds from this event will benefit Imerman Angels, Project Ladybug, Clara's House, the Human Rights Campaign and AKIRA's Fashion Scholarship Fund. Tickets, beginning at $25, are available in all AKIRA stores and online via Fanfueled here.

The Green Tie Ball, themed “Alice in Wonderland,” was held Saturday night at A. Finkl & Sons. Stay tuned for coverage coming Sunday in my Chicago Tribune column, on Watch312.com and coming soon to this website! More than 2,500 partygoers fell happily down the rabbit hole at this exciting event benefitting Chicago Gateway Green!

Congrats to celebrity stylist Eric Himel! His latest styling gig for Giuliana and Bill Rancic and new son Edward Duke was featured on the cover of Life & Style magazine! AND, speaking of the Green Tie Ball, Eric also styled rock artist and event deejay Pete Wentz in a cool bowtie and suit from SuitSupply. Congrats Eric!

Congrats are also in order for darling and very stylish Lynne Bredfeldt, the Park Hyatt’s PR director, for being selected as one of six executives from across the country to be a part of the 2012 fall fashion campaign for bebe and Marie Claire magazine’s “Styled for Success” feature! She was styled by Marie Claire fashion editor Zanna Roberts Rassi in LA for this fabulous photo! Love you, Lynne!

Thanks to Watch312.com producer Lydia Perez for including me in a segment of the upcoming reality show, Hard Core Pawn, shot at the Royal Pawn Shop on South Clark Street! I just love this name and everyone involved was so sweet! The concept was really cute, too! Look for this show coming in December – hope you like it!

Have a great week and I hope to see you here the next time! And please, don’t forget to email me with any event news or column suggestions. My mission is to keep you happy and informed on all things Windy City and beyond!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Happy, happy birthday to my darling husband! He was cute then and he's even cuter now. Love you, Chuck!

KING OF COMEDY STEVE HARVEY SETS SIGHTS ON CHICAGO!

…PLUS SERVICE CLUB GOES TO THE RACES, A “PERFECT” EMAG, LINDA CLIFFORD’S “ONE NIGHT STAND,” WHERE YOU SHOULD BE FOR FNO, FRANCES HAS A NEW “JEWEL,” ZACUTO FOUNDER TURNS 50, JANE SEYMOUR’S OPEN HEART, TOM TAKES ST. TROPEZ, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO, CHICAGO TRIBUNE WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION AND SO MUCH MORE!

In a stroke of genius, NBC Universal has nabbed popular entertainer Steve Harvey for his own show, “The Steve Harvey Show,” premiering today, September 4th. The Launch Party at the Hard Rock Café on August 22nd was by-invite-only and featured a live performance by Jeffrey Osbourne. Everyone was in high spirits and excited to meet this one man media empire. From his comedy throne, he has parlayed his genius into best-selling books (“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man”), movies (“The Original Kings of Comedy”), television roles, game show host (“Family Feud”), clothing lines, a dating website, a charitable foundation (The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation), a production company, a social media branding company, online hair and wig stores and now, his very own talk show based right here in Chicago! He will be relocating his family – gorgeous wife Marjorie and two kids (ages 15 and 16) – here shortly. Since his kids are home-schooled, he joked that, “They would be shipping a lot of people here.” He joked to NBC’s President and General Manager Larry Wert, “There’s gonna be a charge back!” The Hard Rock was packed with friends and fans and he worked the room with a huge smile on his face and seemed especially glad to see his old friend, Abe Thompson, with whom he’d worked with starting out at WGCI. In his comments, he gave Abe a shout-out from the stage and joked that Larry Wert went down on one knee to beg his wife to come to Chicago. “I’m blessed to be here and happy to see a lot of my friends from WGCI like Abe Thompson. There’s this thing called fate. I really should be installing spark plugs! I don’t know how all this business works, I just know what my cut is…I just appreciate it all…I’ve developed over the years. I’ve become a real husband, a real father. I’m really just a general market guy,” said Harvey. When it was recently suggested that his audience was mostly African American, he replied, “You can’t sell three million books
to just black people. Everybody is already in the tent.” And then he introduced R & B singer/musician/songwriter, Jeffrey Osbourne. “His voice hasn’t changed one bit since I first heard him,” said Harvey. Osbourne enchanted the crowd, and when he sang his highest charting solo hit, “You Should Be Mine (the Woo Woo Song)”, the crowd went wild. He brought people up on stage to sing with him and then said, “Folks, I need a white person to sing the woo woo!” Saran Dunmore pushed Margaret O’Connor onto the stage while partygoers chanted, “Go Margaret, Go!” It was a joyous celebration for, what will most certainly, be a big hit for NBC Universal! In a fantastic feature article this month in Ebony Magazine, Harvey shared his “8 Secrets to Make Millions” – 1) Be the best, 2) Have an unbeatable work ethic, 3) Take care of your temple, 4) Bounce back from failure, 5) Build on your brand, 6) Surround yourself with the right people, 7) Be a rule breaker, and 8) Give back. It’s clear to see he has the right recipe for success! Guests seen in the crowd included Deborah O. Brown, Dionne Williams, Hermene Hartman, Saran Dunmore, Margaret O’Connor, Jodi Balfour, Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, Angela and Abe Thompson, Richard Dent, Laura Baron (who will appear on his first show), Stefan Holt, “Big Cat” Williams, Brenda Arelano, Daniella Guzman, LaRue Martin, Carol Adams, Otis Wilson, Alicia Roman, Marion Brooks, Rob Stafford, Art Norman, Jacinta Fisher, Priscilla Stratten, Stella Foster and so many more! Long may you reign Steve and NBC! (“The Steve Harvey Show” will air on NBC 5 weekdays at 2 p.m. beginning September 4th) I’ll be WATCHING! (To see ALL fab party pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

The 4th annual Service Club Day at the Races was held at Arlington Park Race Track on Sunday, August 18th. More than 130 guests sported their best fedoras, fascinators and hats to attend this event that raised more than $17,000 for the SC’s grant program. The event was held in the Governor’s Room and chaired by Diane Freeman. The room looked gorgeous with tables topped with bottles of Prosecco donated by John Cressman of Worldwide Wines. The centerpieces were overflowing with red roses surrounding silver horses by Tom Kehoe Design. The day also included an exciting Kentucky Derby raffle with the winner receiving two Clubhouse tickets to the Derby and a $1,500 travel voucher. The Service Club of Chicago has continually served the welfare, civic, educational and cultural needs of Chicago and surrounding communities since 1890. Every single dollar raised goes directly to charity. (Pretty pics by Steve Starr.) And speaking of the Service Club of Chicago, check out my Watch312.com video from their fabulous Day on the Terrace fashion show and luncheon! Lots of fab fashions worn by fab ladies AND gentlemen – congrats!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?height=360&embedCode=F1eXhxNTrsQud8tvvAUUzVf2YIytdfuh&deepLinkEmbedCode=F1eXhxNTrsQud8tvvAUUzVf2YIytdfuh&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=640

Leave it to Debi Lilly (brainchild of A Perfect Event) to come up with the idea for a purrrrfect eMag! She designed the first issue while wandering the streets of Paris…nice place for inspiration! This seasonal quarterly e-magazine (that debuted September 1st) is designed to share the latest trends, tips, themes and styles in and around Chicago plus feature the fabulous world of celebrations, holidays, parties and more! For the style savvy, educated bunch looking for serious visual content, this eMag will provide readers with inspiring solutions to their entertaining needs with constant word of mouth and social media content through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, blogs and more. With insight from industry insiders who include Graham Kostic (Insta.GRAHAM), Amanda Puck (The Foodarazzi and Watch312.com host), Ryan Beshel (Runway Report from 900 N), Ben Newby (Mixologist of the Moment), Melissa Skoog (On Her Plate), Matt Woodburn (Light Up the Night), DJ Megan Taylor (Spinning Now), and moi (Behind the Scenes of Causes We Love)! Even some of Debi’s ultra-chic Parisian friends will be sharing their international views. And with input from Chicago’s celebrations guru Rachel Schwanz, this eMag is bound to explode! So watch your inboxes and check your social media for this cool eMag! 🙂 (Holiday issue coming November 1st!) To see the exquisite debut issue, please click here!

Mark your calendars for “Garden of Eve,” coming Friday, September 14th to the River East Art Center (located at 435 E. Illinois) beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be co-chaired by Austin Baidas, Amy Crawford, Emily Fry, Vernita Gray, Pat Ewert, Alma Izquierdo and Liza Martinez. Benefitting the Howard Brown Health Center and its Lesbian Community Care Project (LCCP), the 4th annual signature fundraiser will support women’s health and wellness services and programs for uninsured women. The event’s VIP reception will be hosted by Ted Allen, host of Food Network’s “Chopped.” Entertainment will be provided by 10-time Grammy nominee Meshell Ndegeocello whose music includes a variety of influences including funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, R & B, rock and jazz. (For tickets and more info, please click here or call 773.572.5117.)

There is so much going on for Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September 6th and these are two of my favorites! First up, the Shops at North Bridge (located at 520 N. Michigan Ave.) will feature the ultimate fall fashion challenge beginning at 6 p.m. Judges will decide which local fashionista or blogger will win the prize for best fall looks. Competing stylists include Amy Olson, Maggie Morgan, Amy Creyer, Jessi Sheehan, Emma Arnold, Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin, Suzanne Kopulos, Amanda Wolfson and Dee Brodlo. Judges include Windy City Live’s Jessie Kalin, ULTA Beauty’s Carrie Lannon, NS Mag’s Elaine Doremus, CS Mag’s Katie Schroeder and Lisa Shames, Fashion Group International’s Lisa Ackerman and moi! The after-party will be at Roof at The WIT from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. See you there! My other favorite FNO will be “Fame, Fashion and Flavor” at 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. The shops will be transformed into a multi-level event space featuring a flash fashion show styled by Eric Himel, a glam beauty bazaar by Bloomingdale’s and Mario Tricoci, a Gastronomony by Groupon tasting with bites from top Chicago restaurants, DJs, Glossed & Found photo opps, in-store parties and so much more! There will also be a VIP Lounge hosted by the stunning Ali Larter. Besides the 900 Shops, this cool event is hosted by Michigan Avenue Magazine, McGrath Lexus and Acura of Downtown Chicago!! Can’t wait to parteeeee!!! (To see a more complete list of events, please click here!)

Chicago House is excited to premiere an all new event fundraiser to support the organization’s ongoing efforts to assist families and individuals affected by HIV and AIDS. “ONE NIGHT STAND will be an explosive, multi-sensory dance party wrapped around a live concert,” explained Jeremy Hilborn, Chicago House’s Manager of Special Events. “It’s a full buffet of sights and sounds, built around an experiential concert,” Hilborn continued. For its inaugural year, the new event – inspired by a popular dance recording artist and icon Linda Clifford – will feature her in a custom designed, immersive nightclub environment. From grinding go-go boys to a diva star with a full band to DJ Mathew Harvat offering up the beats, ONE NIGHT STAND will rock a VERY transformed Park West on Saturday, September 15th beginning at 8:00 p.m. Chicago House brought some major players to the table in developing the event in its first year. Keith Elliott (Dance for Life Chicago/Chicago Takes Off) and Tony Savino (Dance for Life Palm Springs) bring more than 20 years of experience in performance based fundraising to create this exciting new addition to the Chicago House event calendar. Tickets to ONE NIGHT STAND start at $35 for balcony seating, and range up to $200. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here or call 773-248-5200 x303.

Steve Weiss, co-founder of Zacuto – one of the world’s largest film making accessories, sales and rental companies – celebrated his big 5-0 recently with a weekend long celebration in Old Town. Friends and family flew in from as far away as Australia to honor Steve and his 9-year-old daughter, Isabel, on the occasion of their double birthdays: Steve’s 50th and Isabel’s 9th. The party began at their
historic house in Old Town (known as the “Yellow House”) with a cocktail reception. A trolley squeezed its way down our narrow streets to pick up all of the partygoers. After a stop for more friends at the Sutton Place Hotel, we winded our way down Lake Shore Drive to our final destination, the “Gypsy Spirit” docked in Burnham Harbor. There was more food than anyone could imagine with more drinks than we should’ve been served but the night couldn’t have been a more perfect celebration for this accomplished man who started his company with partner/friend Jens Bogehegn in 2000. Their company has garnered so many awards, including numerous Emmys, Silver Telly Awards and Chicago Film Festival honors as well as recently ranking 8th in the top 100 for Video Production and Filmmakers Who Know Social Media and Viral Marketing. Others on this prestigious list included YouTube, Vimeo, Weinstein & Co., HBO Documentaries and James Cameron. Yikes – pretty great company, Steve! Anyway, it was a perfect summer evening, the kind you dream about all winter long…and as the boat floated over the smooth-as-glass lake, I counted my blessings looking at our magnificent skyline. The trip through the locks was so exciting but, sadly, made me realize how many people should NOT be driving their own boats. And the fireworks, of course, never disappoint. Steve’s glamorous wife, Lucyna, along with her equally glam sister Christina, presented a whimsical “cake” with Steve’s face on hundreds of cupcakes…her speech was so loving and touching as well. Darling Isabel was dressed like she’d just stepped off the pages of Vogue with her stacked bracelets, scarf worn French-style, a jaunty cap and oversized sunglasses. Her beautiful cake was a surprise (and believe me, there’s not much that escapes/surprises Isabel!) but on this night, she was so excited! It was a fabulous family affair filled with love, frivolity, dancing and great friends. We were thrilled and honored to be included. Happy, happy birthday wishes to a special family in Old Town and someone you should know… 🙂

The Italian Village and the Ferrari Club team up for the 15th annual “Ferrari�
�s in the Loop” – an event that kicks off Italian Village’s 85 years of serving Chicago. All of the proceeds for this event go directly to the Inspiration Corporation and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Sixty high-performance vehicles, including vintage and newer model Ferraris, will be featured at the only Chicago stop the Club will make this year. The Loop will be closed down on Monroe from Dearborn to Clark Street. During the event, the Italian Village will offer an all-you-can-eat and drink Italian feast for a $30 donation (including beer and wine). To learn more, please visit www.italianvillage-chicago.com.

A special congrats to new mom Frances Renk on the birth of her first child – darling daughter Sienna, who weighed in at 9 pounds. (I’m not so sure her svelte mom weighs much more than this!) I can already envision Sienna bejeweled in fabulous designs from Sequin. Love you FR and huge congrats to you and your sweet husband!

PR maven Kathleen Henson has the coolest friends! When she casually invited me to lunch at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab Restaurant, I had no idea I would be dining with her longtime friend, the glam, uber-talented actress Jane Seymour (along with dynamic friends NBC’s Daniella Guzman, Jennifer Baum Boroff, Anna Treiber, Jane’s darling sister Annie and her longtime art representative, Susan Nagy Luks). Jane’s life is full to bursting with art projects/installations, an “Open Heart” jewelry line, a bed linen line, a clothing line and many upcoming film and television roles. Kathleen and Jane have been friends since the mid-90’s when she, Kathleen, helped her host her very first art exhibit in Malibu. Henson Consulting still works closely with Jane and her husband James Keach for their Open Hearts Foundation that recognizes individuals who have overcome adversity to do good and help others. 🙂

Tom Strehle, VP of Human Resources at Beam Global Spirits & Wine, is enjoying the wonders of the French Riviera and making me so envious! This is one of my favorite spots in the world and Tom is having a great time staying at boutique hotel Le Mouillage in St. Tropez, taking a helicopter to Nice and Monaco, drinking lots of Domaine Ott, visiting the hot new Coco Beach Club and enjoying the local specialty, Tropezienne tarts at the Byblos Hotel (one of the best in the world). He is a hard working guy who also gives (a lot) back to local charities…thanks for all you do, Tom, and congrats on your much deserved, jet-setting vaca! (Tom is shown in pic with Byblos Head Concierge Giuseppe Pochintesta…to see more of the St. Tropez experience, click here!)

Congrats are in order for Elana Schulman who is making waves (and cheesecakes!) for HSN! The famous Eli’s Cheesecake is now available on this popular network! Congrats Schulmans – you’re all so "sweet"!

Thanks for checking in this week and I hope your Labor Day weekend was filled with BBQ, friends, love and laughter!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Don’t miss the Chicago Tribune’s “Chicago Forward: Conversations About the Future” discussion about the presidential election with heavy hitters who include Bill Daley (former White House Chief of Staff), U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (from Peoria), Jim Edgar (former Illinois governor), Christie Hefner (director of the Center for American Progress), Leonard Pitts, Jr. (nationally syndicated columnist) and Jonah Goldberg (nationally syndicated columnist). Bruce Dold will conduct this panel discussion about the Windy City White House 2012! Don’t miss it on September 10th at 6 p.m. at the Field Museum. Tickets are only $15…click here for more info!

1 Comment

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Tagged as 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops, A Perfect Eveny, Aaron Schock, Abe Thompson, Act Like a Lady Think Like a Man, Ali Larter, Alicia Roman, Alma Izquierdo, Amanda Puck, Amanda Wolfson, Amy Crawford, Amy Creyer, Amy Olson, Angela Thompson, Anna Treiber, Arlington Park Race Track, Art Norman, Austin Baidas, “Big Cat” Williams, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Behind the Scenes of Causes We Love, Ben Newby, Bill Daley, Bloomingdale’s, Brenda Arelano, Bruce Dold, Byblos Hotel, Carol Adams, Carrie Lannon, Chicago Film Festival, Chicago Forward: Conversations About the Future, Chicago House, Chicago Takes Off, Chicago Tribune, Chopped, Christie Hefner, Christina Wojtas, Coco Beach Club, CS Magazine, Dance for Life Chicago, Dance for Life Palm Springs, Daniella Guzman, Day on the Terrace Fashion Show, Debi Lilly, Deborah O. Brown, Dee Brodlo, Desiree Rogers, Diane Freeman, Dionne Williams, DJ Mathew Harvat, DJ Megan Taylor, Ebony Magazine, Elaine Doremus, Elana Schulman, Eli's Cheesecake, Emily Fry, Emma Arnold, Emmy, Eric Himel, Erica Bethe Levin, Fame Fashion and Flavor, Family Feud, Fashion Group International, Fashion’s Night Out, Ferrari Club, Ferrari’s in the Loop, Field Museum, Food Network, Frances Renk, Garden of Eve, Giuseppe Pochintesta, Glossed & Found, Graham Kostic, Groupon, Gypsy Spirit, Hard Rock Café, HBO Documentaries, Henson Consulting, Hermene Hartman, Howard Brown Health Center, Inspiration Corporation, Insta.GRAHAM, Isabel Weiss, Jacinta Fisher, James Cameron, James Keach, Jane Seymour, Jeffrey Osbourne, Jennifer Baum Boroff, Jens Bogehegn, Jeremy Hilborn, Jessi Sheehan, Jessica Zweig, Jessie Kalin, Jim Edgar, Jodi Balfour, Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab, John Cressman, Kathleen Henson, Katie Schroeder, Keith Elliot, LaRue Martin, Laura Baron, Le Mouillage, Leonard Pitts Jr., Lesbian Community Care Project (LCCP), Light Up the Night, Linda Clifford, Linda Johnson Rice, Lisa Ackerman, Lisa Shames, Liza Martinez, Lucyna Wojtas, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Maggie Morgan, Margaret O’Connor, Mario Tricoci, Marion Brooks, Matt Woodburn, McGrath Lexus and Acura of Downtown Chicago, Melissa Skoog, Meshell Ndegeocello, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Mila Samokhina, Mixologist of the Moment, NBC Universal, North Shore Magazine, Old Town, On Her Plate, ONE NIGHT STAND, Open Heart, Open Hearts Foundation, Original Kings of Comedy, Otis Wilson, Pat Ewert, Priscilla Stratten, QVC, Rachel Schwanz, Richard Dent, River East Art Center, Rob Stafford, Roof at The Wit, Runway Report from 900N, Ryan Beshel, Saran Dunmore, Sequin, Service Club Day at the Races, Service Club of Chicago, Shops at North Bridge, Sienna Renk, Silver Telly, Spinning Now, Stefan Holt, Stella Foster, Steve Harvey, Steve Harvey Show, Steve Starr, Steve Weiss, Susan Nagy Luks, Sutton Place Hotel, Suzanne Kopulos, Ted Allen, The Foodarazzi, The Italian Village, The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, Tom Kehoe Design, Tom Strehle, Tony Savino, Ulta Beauty, Vernita Gray, Video Production and Filmmakers Who Know Social Media and Viral Marketing, Vimeo, Watch312.com, Weinstein & Co., Windy City Live, Windy City White House, Worldwide Wines, Yellow House, You Should Be Mine (the Woo Woo Song), YouTube, Zacuto

September 12, 2011 · 7:55 pm

CHIC CHAPEAUX AT PARKWAYS LUNCHEON BENEFITS KIDS’ CAMP

This much I know for sure: Hats and high winds just don’t mix! But this fact didn’t keep 500+ ladies from donning their best chapeaux for Parkways' Ninth Annual Garden Party in the beautiful Tiffany & Co. Foundation Celebration Garden on Thursday, Sept. 8th. This year’s event, co-chaired by Carol Prins and April Shink, raised more than $275,000 which will be used to support the Send a Kid to Camp Fund along with nature and environmental science programming designed to get kids outdoors, active and connected to nature. Proceeds from the Garden Party will enable 3,500 kids to attend camp and will engage 10,000 more children and their families throughout the city to experience the wonder of nature in more than 550 parks. This year, one of the founding members of Parkways, Donna LaPietra along with Bill Kurtis, emceed a paddle raise that brought in an extra $21,000 giving guests the opportunity to further support the Camp Fund. Blue Cross Blue/Shield of Illinois was the recipient of the Jens Jensen Award and Jo Ann Nathan was honored with the Council Ring Outstanding Volunteer Award. I know Jo Ann and this award couldn’t have been given to a more worthy volunteer. She has been involved with Parkways since its inception and served as director of the Jens Jensen Legacy Project. She also co- authored “Inspired by Nature: The Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago’s West Side” as well as serving on many other related committees and boards. Congrats Jo Ann! Since 1994, Parkways Foundation has raised more than $30 million for Chicago’s parks to enrich communities through historic preservation, environmental initiatives, capital projects and youth/family programs. We have one of the most extensive systems in the country with more than 550 parks, 250 field houses, 33 beaches, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, 10 wildlife gardens and more than 9,000 annual programs, including summer camp for 30,000 kids each year. WHEW! That’s a lot of fundraising efforts since tax dollars alone can’t do it all. And despite the high winds on this day, the weather was perfect…sunny and bright with mild temps. Just the kind of setting to show off the last of your summer outfits with some great (and not-so-great) hats! The ladies mixed and mingled amidst the last flowers of the season while the gorgeous skyline added the perfect backdrop to the many photographers’ pics. After cocktails, the ladies moved inside the massive tent for the luncheon where whimsical hat designs were the centerpieces at every table. Created by the kids from the Teen Leadership Club at Jesse Owens Park, these charming little hats brought the message home to all attendees just why they were there. If you would like to learn more about this worthwhile organization or donate, please visit www.parkways.org. (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins)

TOPSHOP/TOPMAN had one of the biggest store openings I’ve seen in a long, long time. It started earlier this year with a very private dinner at Henri as a sort of meet-and-greet and continued this week in a very big way. There was a private shopping day, a runway show featuring their Brit-inspired looks for Fall/Winter 2011 (hosted by Brittney Payton) and a ribbon cutting ceremony with founder Sir Philip Green, his beautiful daughter Chloe AND surprise guest Miley Cyrus! There was also a by-invite-only dinner at Paris Club on Wednesday, Sept. 7th. One hundred eighty guests showed up for an elegant sit-down dinner. The entire restaurant had been reserved for this party that was planned entirely by TOPSHOP. They left nothing to chance even planning the exquisite white floral arrangements spread throughout the room. It was elegance all the way including the French-inspired menu choices that included chicken paillard, halibut with mushroom veloute, French green beans, Provencal vegetable plate and a truffled chicken terrine among other delicious offerings. The tables were peppered with TOPSHOP honchos giving all of the guests a chance to talk shop with the pros. Their future plans include expanding stores into New York, California and Las Vegas. Pretty soon, every TOP city in the world will have a TOPSHOP! I also hear their personal shopping department is incredible! I love the choices for reasonably priced wardrobe options in our city now. The days are over for most people as far as spending thousands of dollars on clothing. At least I know mine are! Congrats to TOPSHOP for bringing their fun-loving clothing line to town. And, as I told CEO Ian Grabiner, not only do I enjoy the store but I am doubly glad to know it’s run by a lot of very, very nice people! (To view ALL event photos, please click HERE!)

Chicago’s stylish set was dancing with joy up and down Michigan Avenue for the last two weeks during “In Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival” which included our city’s first version of “Fashion Night Out” for its finale on Thursday, Sept. 8th. FNO began in New York in 2009 as a global initiative to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and boost the industry’s economy. It was a runaway success with more than 100 cites across the U.S. participating this year. During the course of Chicago’s evening finale, stores planned a night of fun-filled activities that brought out the stars. The 900 Shops hosted “Fame, Fashion and Flavor” featuring Bravo’s Brad Goreski in its Tzar VIP Lounge as well as a flash fashion show, beauty bazaars, photo booth, in-store celebrations and giveaways. The Shops at North Bridge included styling tips from Chicago magazine’s fashion director Stacey Jones and style editor Heiji Choy Black while Water Tower Place hosted a fashion party and a cookbook signing by “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Guidice. Flashing strobe lights lit up Neiman Marcus’ entryway while inside its plans included a fall trends runway show, Chicago Bulls’ Kyle Korver, tastings from local restaurants, a Factor Model search, a DJ and live fashion illustrations. Saks Fifth Avenue spotlighted handsome and uber talented shoe designer Brian Atwood for the official unveiling of its new shoe salon, 10022-SHOE. He graciously signed his signature stilettos and posed for pics while the 500+ crowd of admirers sipped champagne and swayed to the sounds of DJ Madrid. He also shared a little scoop with me: He is newly engaged to long-time love and handsome hunk himself, Dr. Jake Deutsch! Jake proposed to Brian on his birthday in a chapel in the Greek Islands after a 2 ½ year courtship. My only question to Jake was, “What took so long?!” They are the perfect couple and are blissfully happy! Chair of In-Fashion and Director of PR for ULTA Beauty, Carrie Lannon, along with her 50-strong committee, created an event to remember and are already planning next year’s celebrations. Congrats to Chi-Town on our first Fashion Night Out, Chair Extraordinaire Carrie Lannon, all of the participating stores, Amanda Puck, Julie Selakovich, Wendy Krimins, Tina Koegel and Brian and Jake!!! Can’t wait to see what magical fashion fun next year brings!!! (To see ALL fab fotos by Mila Samokhina, please click HERE!)

Thanks to “Windy City Live” for having me on again recently! I appeared in a segment with Time Out Chicago’s features editor, Laura Baginski, as she discussed their latest issue about Playboy (on newsstands now). I brought my Playboy Bunny ears and made Val and Laura wear them while I gave a little show-and-tell about my long history with Playboy. My friends teased me about being such a saver concerning the memorabilia I had brought but I SAVE everything! Good news and bad news! But I am very happy to have my Bunny costume. Complete sets have sold on eBay for over $10,000! Gerard Butler and Kerry Wood were guests on the show this day, too; check it out below. (I hope you like it!)

http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=&station=&section=wcl&mediaId=8344637&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://windycitylive.com&configPath=/shared/util/&site=

Common Threads ‘Associate Board is hosting its first annual Cook-Off on Thursday, September 15th at Fulton’s on the River, located at 315 N. LaSalle, from 6:30-9 PM. With this new theme, 27 chefs will create and serve their favorite dish either in a glass, on a bun, in a shell or on a stick. Guests will then vote for their favorite in each category and may the BEST chef win! VIP tickets are $150, general admission is $75. For more info, please call Erica Stimac at 312.329.2501, ext. 208, or email Erica@commonthreads.org.

And now for something completely different! For the second year, Studio L’Amour, presents “Superstars of Burlesque” at the Park West at 322 W. Armitage on Friday, September 16th. This show is described as “the most ambitious and spectacular burlesque show ever to hit Chicago.” Every performer in this one-night-only event holds a title from the Burlesque Hall of Fame (the industry’s highest honor). Performers scheduled include Michelle L’Amour (2005), Indigo Blue (the Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2011), Dirty Martini (2004) and Roxi D’Lite (2010) among others. World’s Best Group 2011, The Stage Door Johnnies, is also scheduled to perform along with Trixie Little and Evil Hate Monkey. These names alone make me want to go! I can’t wait to see what Studio L’Amour has in store (a little rhyme, get it?). It also doesn’t hurt that one of my favorite emcees, Murray Hill, will be doing the hosting duties! There will be two shows on Friday, at 8 PM and 10 PM. Tickets are only $25 and can be purchased at the door, online or at Taboo, Tabou, located at 845 W. Belmont. See you there!

And, finally a huge congrats to Dr. Stacie McClane and JAM Productions' Jerry Mickelson on their recent engagement! I attended a party in their honor at the Peninsula recently and the love in the room was palpable. Stacie’s darling daughter and mom were in attendance along with friends. The event was hosted by Yvette Cusack, Kate Covington, Dusty Stemer, Jean Antoniou and Sherry Lea Holson. Congrats, Stacie and Jerry!

That’s the lowdown on this week’s MANY highlights! I hope to “see” you next week, same time, same place. Thanks also to all who voted for my blog in the CBS contest. I will let you know the results, good or bad as soon as I know! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I also hope you can join me on Thursday, Sept. 15th, for AUTHOR TALKS presented by the Chicago Tribune. Authors Jacquelyn Mitchard (“Second Nature, A Love Story”) and Elizabeth Berg (“Once Upon a Time, There Was You”) will be discussing their upcoming books at a reception hosted by Literary Editor Elizabeth Taylor. The event will begin at 6:30 PM at the Tribune Tower, located at 435 N. Michigan, and tickets are only $20.

2 Comments

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Television, Web/Tech, Weblogs