Pretty Bras That’ll Give Even The Most Petite-Sized Gals A Push

We all know about the plight of the buxom when it comes to finding a bra that fits correctly, but what about our smaller-chested sisters? Turns…Read More

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Parties
May 22, 2012 12:00 PM
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Jealousy Alert: Party Pics From L.K.Bennett's Spring Splash Event

Okay, before you click through, don't say we didn't warn you. Recently, British retailer L.K.Bennett and local feast-of-fabulous Glossed & Found teamed up with Pür Minerals to throw a spring beauty event full of fun, fashion, and to-die-for freebies. Chicago gals turned out in droves to get the skinny on warm-weather beauty and style. The photographic evidence of a good time was too cute to keep to ourselves, so feel free to click through and see what you missed (if you can handle it).


Photo: Courtesy of SKOOG Productions
Parties
May 17, 2012 12:00 PM
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This Brunch Menu Includes A Fashion Show. And Mimosas, Of Course

buzz new main Kick off your Memorial Day good times early. This Saturday, Benchmark is hosting Buzzed on Fashion, a champagne brunch with a fashionable twist, perfect for scouting the cutest summer styles. While guests sip mimosas, Factor models will strut their stuff in the latest looks from Old Town boutiques Handle With Care, Cityblue, and Sara Jane. Be sure to have a great view with a table reservation, which includes a bottle of Prosecco and an array of juices (yum!) — available for $25 at 312-649-9640, or by email at Kevin@fourcornerstaverns.com. Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the fashion show begins at 1 p.m., and comes with complimentary discount cards for use at all three boutiques!

Benchmark, 1510 North Wells Street (Between West North Avenue and West Schiller Street); 312-649-9640.

Photo: Courtesy of Cityblue

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Parties
May 15, 2012 11:00 AM
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This Summer Camp-Themed Benefit Promises Fun & Philanthropy For All

If you're like, over being a grown up, we've got an event for you. Take a timeout on Saturday, May 19 to focus on what really matters: enjoying life and helping others. The Children’s Oncology Services, Inc.’s 5th Annual Campfire Ball is raising funds to provide camp programs to children and teens with cancer. Bringing out the who’s who of Chicago, the event spotlights the organization’s belief that a diagnosis of cancer should not prevent a child from experiencing the simple joys of being a kid. So check your worries at the door, this night is to reminisce about your favorite summer camp memories. Come indulge in grown up versions of your favorite camp treats like s’mores, grilled cheese, and much more. Plus, you’ll be served cocktails prepared by Chicago media celebrities including Jerry Azumah (former Chicago Bears great, sports personality) Kori Chambers (FOX), Nina Chantele (103.5 KissFM, Windy City Live, WGCI-FM), Lauren Jiggetts (NBC 5), Andrea Metcalf (fitness personality, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is-NBC host), Candace Jordan (312 host, Candid Candace), Ed Swiderski (The Bachelorette Season 5 winner). Tickets are $85 and include open-bar, delicious bites from Chicago’s hottest spots (Hub 51, Theory, and Bridgehouse Tavern), and after-party admission to RPM Italian (the new restaurant from Giuliana and Bill Rancic). Raise money and remember the good 'ol days, when a campfire and a s'more or two meant the time of your life.

When: Saturday, May 19, 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: Venue One, 1044 West Randolph Street (between Aberdeen and Carpenter streets); 312.235.6836.

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Photo: Via Campfire Ball

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Parties
May 14, 2012 12:00 PM
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There Will Be So Many Nerds At This Dating Event–That's A Good Thing…

nerd main Board games and trivia are for nerds, and we mean that in the best possible way. At this upcoming dating event, these activities and more are reserved just for your inner nerd looking for love. Join Nerds at Heart at its monthly dating party at O'Shaughnessy's Public House Sunday, May 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. Prepare to meet other nerdy singles while participating in various games like sidewalk chalk Hangman, enjoying seasonal drink specials, and vying to win tons of giveaways, including geeky Chia Pets (yes, really) and umbrella rain hats (again, for real). RSVP and prepare to meet your soulnerd. Better still, recruit a few single pals and make a group hangout of it. You never know what like-minded, board game-loving people you'll meet.

When: Sunday, May 20 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: O'Shaughnessy's Public House, 4557 North Ravenswood Avenue (between Montrose Avenue and Lawrence Avenue), 773-944-9896.


Photo: Via Nerds at Heart

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Parties
May 14, 2012 11:00 AM
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Haute Benefit: Support Locks Of Love This Thursday

hair-flip-main We're going gaga for this hair-mazing (that's a word, right?) event at the Hard Rock Hotel this Thursday. Created to raise money (and awareness) for the Locks of Love charity, the Hard Rock Hair Flip comes with all the trimmings — we're talking fashion, dancing, outrageous hairstyles, and, of course, booze. Guests will be treated to a dance performance from FEME and a debut of the fall '12 collection from eco-friendly swimwear line Rosina Mae. The night will also feature fashion-forward 'dos created by Restoration Salon in Andersonville. To top it off, the bash's way-too-adorable hosts (bloggers Stephen Young and Lo Luthringhausen) will be on board to serve as "fashion correspondents," doling out advice on attaining that je ne sais quoi. Grab your tix here, and start practicing your bouffants now — because this event calls for more than just your average pony.

When: Thursday, May 17, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Hard Rock Hotel, 230 North Michigan Avenue (at Wacker Drive); 312-345-1000.

Photo: Courtesy of Fully Loaded

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Designers
May 8, 2012 9:00 AM
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Chicago's Newest Fashion Line Wants You At Its Launch Party

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Here at R29, we love to represent Chitown (and its local designers!) as often as possible. Which is why we're clearing our calendars this Thursday for the launch party for City of Win, an uber-hip new streetwear brand straight from stylish local dudes. The designers will be at Beauty Bar fête-ing the debut of their line, as well as the release of their album, W1N Volume I. The disc features tons of local hip-hop talent, including YP, Scheme, and Chandler London. The party promises to be the place to be, and they'll (naturally) have the city's best DJs spinning for revelers. Doors open at 9 p.m. (no cover, #thankyouverymuch), and if you arrive early you'll get to take home a copy of the new EP. Winning, indeed.

When: Thursday, May 10, 9 p.m.
Where: Beauty Bar, 1444 West Chicago Avenue (at North Bishop Street); 312-226-8828.

Photo: Courtesy City of Win

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Parties
May 1, 2012 1:00 PM
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Scope Out Spring Style & Beauty From L.K. Bennett & Pur Minerals

glossed and found In celebration of a its first stunning, color-drenched spring fashion editorial, local beauty and fashion site Glossed & Found is throwing a stylish soiree, and you're invited. This Thursday, from 6 to 9 p.m., join Glossed & Found, L.K. Bennett, and Pür Minerals for a spring preview event where you'll be able to check out ( and try on), all things spring. Make sure you RSVP, and tell your friends to do the same. Maybe a little optimism like this is just what our weather needs to actually produce a warm day or two, no?

When: Thursday, May 3 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: L.K. Bennett, 900 North Michigan Avenue (at Walton Street); 312-374-0958
RSVP: courtney@skoogproductions.com


Photo: Courtesy of Glossed & Found

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Parties
Apr 24, 2012 9:00 AM
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The Only Way To Make Brunch Better? Add A Fashion Show, Of Course

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It's no secret that brunch is one of our favorite activities at R29—we love whiling away an afternoon munching on decadent food, sipping cocktails, and gossiping with our closest friends. So, we were psyched to hear that the geniuses behind the Chicago House Spring Brunch and Fashion Show have managed to make the between-breakfast-and-lunch experience even better. They'll be hosting a fashion show (with threads from Mark Shale, natch) for you to feast your eyes on while you brunch your little heart out.

Tickets run a pricey $200 for garden seating and $250 for runway seating, but this is one so-worth-it event; proceeds go straight to Chicago House, a local charity that provides housing and supportive services for Chicagoans affected by HIV and AIDS. This year's theme is "Spring Awakening: 25 Years of Brunch & Fashion in Bloom," so expect to leave with some serious inspiration, both sartorial and otherwise.

When: Sunday, May 6, from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Harold Washington Library Center, 400 South State Street (between Van Buren Street and Congress Parkway); 773-248-5200.

Photo: Courtesy of Bettie Bomb PR

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Parties
Apr 21, 2012 7:00 AM
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Fun Photos And An Exclusive Chat From Cynthia Rowley's Cocktail Party

On Wednesday, Cynthia Rowley visited Chicago for a fabulous cocktail party at her Bucktown store. In town celebrating her prestigious SAIC Legend Of Fashion Award , the designer opened up her boutique to the stylish set, including one guest we just had to chat with. Namely Diane Brown RxArt's founder, who has collaborated with Cynthia Rowley and her husband, Bill Powers on a variety of projects. Indeed, the party was also a benefit for RxArt, an amazing charity that places fine artwork in healthcare facilities. We chatted up both lovely ladies to find out about their trip to Chicago, and what they were most looking forward to about our fair city. Read on to find out what we gabbed about, and check out party pics while you're at it.


Photographed by Emily C. Hard
Parties
Apr 18, 2012 11:00 AM
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Watch Chicago's Best Salons Go Head To Head On This Wild Runway

hair-wars-main Not all hair salons are created equal, and this Sunday's Hair Wars competition is determined to weed out the best from the rest. Ten top-notch Chicagoland salons will attempt to prove their prowess in a runway show for our entertainment the title of Supreme Salon, and a trip to the Hair Wars finals in Las Vegas. If you're as much of a Bravo junkie as we are, you'll be psyched to hear that Shear Genius finalist Ben Mollin will play host for the evening, alongside judge Eli Mancha, who was named 2011 Stylist of the Year by the North American Hairstylist Awards.

Each competing salon will create its own theme for the catwalk, and if last year's show was any indication, the hairstyles will be anything but tame — think towering beehives, dangerous spikes, and all kinds of props. Fashion photog Alex Goykhman will be on hand to shoot the looks, and lucky members of the audience will get their own chance to pose for the camera. RSVP to 312-265-3990, and start plotting your manic mane now — you'll want to go crazier than your everyday ballet bun for this one.

When: Sunday, April 22, doors open at 9 p.m., runway show at 11 p.m.
Where: MID Nightclub, 306 North Halsted (at West Fulton Street); 312-265-3990.

Photo: Courtesy of Hair Wars

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Parties
Apr 17, 2012 11:00 AM
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Shopping And Reality TV: Two Of Our Favorite Indulgences In One Event

furla-main The fashionable ladies of eDrop-Off are teaming up with luxe line Furla to host one crazy stylish viewing party. This Wednesday they'll be screening the newest episode of VH1's House of Consignment (starring the local style mavens themselves), while Furla hosts a super sweet sale—like, 30% off all new merchandise sweet. In our humble opinion, HOC is a seriously rad show, and it's awesome to see the fashionable set of Chicago finally get some cred on national TV. There will be snacks and drinks of course, and, as we know from experience, the eDrop-Off team is always good for some serious style inspiration.

When: Wednesday, April 18 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Furla, 106 East Oak Street (between North Rush Street and Lakeshore Drive); 312-640-9501.
RSVP: rsvp@shopedropoff.com

Photo: Courtesy of Furla

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Parties
Apr 16, 2012 12:00 PM
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Shop Topshop's Spring Stock Tomorrow And Get Your Party On, Too

topshop-party-main We still haven't gotten over the joy of Brit invador Topshop finally setting up shop in Chicago — we could literally get lost in that place for hours. It seems the gang over at CS Magazine have a bit of Anglo-fever as well, because they're throwing a Spring Style Party at the flagship store tomorrow to celebrate. Street style photogs and stylish gals about town, like Amy Creyer of Chicago Street Style and Emma Arnold of Tres Awesome, will be the hosts for the evening. Partygoers can browse the store's to-die-for maxi dresses and printed pants, and take advantage of the free apps and cocktails, while DJ Dani Deahl takes care of the tunes.

RSVP to rsvpchicago@modernluxury.com, and start perfecting that British accent, guvnah'.

When: Wednesday, April 18, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Topshop, 830 North Michigan Avenue (between East Pearson and East Chestnut streets); 312-280-6834.

Photo: Courtesy CS Magazine

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