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Chicago’s Best Places to Experience the Holidays

December 23, 2009 by Lindsey | Comments (0)

During the holidays, money is always a little bit tight, but just because you’re a bit short on cash doesn’t mean you can’t partake in all the holiday fun that Chicago has to offer. Here are some of the CRAVE ladies’ favorite ways to get in the holiday spirit, without breaking the bank.

Christkindlemarket Festival From delicious German food to handmade Christmas ornaments, Chicago’s Christkindlmarket Festival brings the charm of Germany to this midwestern metropolis. The market is directly in front of the Daley Plaza, making it the perfect pit stop during your holiday festivities. Enjoy the live music while you mingle with vendors and find some special gifts for the people you love.

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Make sure to swing by the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights before it disappears on January 3rd. The air is filled with Christmas tunes, the smell of popcorn and the zoo is completely illuminated with brightly colored lights. Watch ice sculptors create masterpieces, take a photo with Santa Claus or just check out the animals. Everything is both fun and free.

Millennium Park Round-up a group of gal pals or your significant other and head on down to the Loop. Throw on a pair of skates and take a few laps around Millennium Park’s outdoor ice rink. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the city’s skyscrapers and Michigan Avenue’s splendor. The best part is it’s free if you have your own skates! Make sure to bring your camera so you can capture the moment.

Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest Sometimes it’s fun to be a tourist, especially during the holiday season. With over 750,000 lights, 25,000 ornaments and over 1oo fully decorated trees, Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest is the ideal spot to savor the last few days of December. Take a stroll down the pier or indulge in the restaurants and shopping.

Pret a Poser: Interview with April

December 18, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

April Wilson of Prêt a Poser Photography knows a good look when she sees one. April has a natural eye for a great shot, and knows how to create it! From the moment she first picked up a camera to assist husband Mark at a wedding until today, when she runs Prêt a Poser Photography’s staff of fabulous talent, April creates smiles across every photo shoot. The passion she has for her art and the beauty around her emanates into every photograph. We’d love to introduce you to April…

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Stylish, Artistic, Friendly

What are your most popular products or services?
Our new photo engagement signature book is our most popular new product.  We offer La-Vie and Graphi albums – the best in the industry.

People may be surprised to know…
That we are more affordable than they would think given our Gold Coast Location.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My role model is Joni Mitchell … a totally inspired, creative and self-assured woman.  My mentors have been all of many wonderful personal friends and dedicated listeners.

April and Prêt a Poser Photography hosted this month’s CRAVEchat; thanks, April! It was wonderful!

‘Tis the season for holiday parties…Best of Chicago’s Places to Find Holiday Attire

December 16, 2009 by Lindsey | Comments (0)

It’s that time of year when our calendars are filled with events, parties and charity functions… which leaves us with the burning question: What should I wear? We scoured the city and suburbs for the ultimate women-owned boutiques with most CRAVE worthy clothing, and here the ones sure to make you look ulta-stylish at your next soiree!

Gavin Reside on the Northside? Check out Gavin, Evanston’s famous fashion-foward boutique. To look instantly stylish pair one of Nicole Miller’s feminine cocktail dresses with black ankle boots and a boyfriend blazer. If you’re more of a pants girl, try layering this season’s coveted Torn sequin vest with a turtleneck and trousers for a comfortably glam evening ensemble.

Le Dress If you’re in the market for the perfect dress, look no further than Wicker Park’s Le Dress, Chicago’s premier dress-only boutique. Big on top? Try a fire engine red cap-sleeve dress by Shoshanna. Looking for something you can wear during the day, and spruce up at night? Try a classic black dress with ruffles paired with a blazer for daytime. At night, throw on some funky tights, bright colored shoes and some lipstick and you’re ready to party!

Totem Head on out to the ‘burbs and visit Totem, a hip boutique that carries everything from established designers like Susana Monaco to up-and-coming local labels like SERPICO. Want to make a statement at your next party? Slip into an electric pink Amora ruffled shift dress by Diane Von Furstenburg. For a modern take on menswear, throw on Rag and Bone’s sexy tuxedo wrap dress, add the perfect pair of heels and good to go.

Tribeca If you’re obsessed over hip clothes and love to layer, then look no further than the West Loop’s Tribeca. Stand out in a sea of black with a Blue Tassel silk charmeuse tunic top paired with some funky jewelry or a sassy purple belted dress by Liquid. Add even more pizazz to your look by throwing on one of their faux leather bomber jackets paired with an exotic printed infinity scarf! So city chic!

Vive La Femme For full-figured fashion, make sure to visit Bucktown’s own Vive La Femme. Flaunt your curves in a foxy fitted Maggie London dress or a black silk IGIGI short sleeve cocktail shift. If you’re more of separates person, try a pair of black slacks with an elegant Kionna knit top with jewelry detailing or a Redskew corduroy skirt paired with a crisp white button-down shirt. Spice up all the looks with some of their fabulous costume jewelry.

PUMP Shoes and Accessories: Interview with Maureen

December 11, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

Looking for a special shoe that is not on the foot of every other Chicago fashionista? PUMP Shoes and Accessories in Wicker Park is your best bet for a successful shopping trip! Owner and buyer Maureen Longua Bueltmann ensures her boutique is always packed with unique footwear and trendsetting handbags, keeping Pump a stomping ground for urban sophisticates. Maureen showcased her favorite pieces at our recent Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty, and her booth was a hit! Every lady was enamored by everything from sparkly headbands to gorgeous pumps! Let’s learn what makes Maureen so fabulous and unique…

People may be surprised to know…
I quit my job in Marketing to sell shoes at Marshall Field’s so I could learn as much as I could before I opened my shop

What or who inspired you to start your business?
At the time I opened, Wicker Park was void of a fun and feminine shoe store where a girl could take her shoes off and play.  So, 6 years later they are still coming to play.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Playing it too safe.  Our gals count on Pump for fun and fabulous – there’s no room for boring feet here!

What is your indulgence?
I put every display shoe out in my size!

First Look at the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty!

December 10, 2009 by Michele | Comments (2)

Thanks to Nancy Loo for contributing these first looks at last night’s Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty! Stay tuned for a heck of a lot more photography from our fabulous event. Kudos to all who came out, despite the real winter wonderland that was coming down upon us!

Novelty Nouveau: Best of Chicago Area Novelty Shops

December 9, 2009 by Lindsey | Comments (1)

As the holiday season approaches, gift giving adds a bit of extra stress to all of our lives. What’s a good gift for ____? How much money should I spend? Is a gift-card too impersonal? You get the idea. Instead of just grabbing any old thing from a department store, why not try shopping at some of Chicago’s coolest novelty shops? The variety of items offered at these local gems, will not only make shopping easier, but guarantees a uniquely fabulous gift! Here are some of CRAVE’s favorites.

Bramble Know any outdoor enthusiasts or nature-motif lovers? If so, stop by Oak Park’s Bramble for an eclectic mix of nature-inspired gifts and home goods. This treasure trove features everything from French table linens and Japanese ceramic tiles to wearable accessories like scarves and jewelry. It’s the perfect place to buy someone (or yourself) something to bring the garden indoors.

Fly Bird For all things quirky and kitsch, head on out to Fly Bird, Oak Park’s most modern gift shop. From the humorous Ugly Dolls to soy Skeem Candles (the gorgeous holder can be re-used as a drinking glass after the candle has burned out), everything in the this gift shop is meant to peak your curiosities and leave you smiling.

Olive Owl Organics Need something for your eco-friendly friend? Olive Owl in Oak Park offers special natural and organic items that are unique to their store! These products are handmade personally for you and include body care, face scrubs, soaps, lip balms and more! Plan for an extended visit as you’ll also find plenty of home decor, pet goodies, baby items and totes to droll over as well!

Randoons Wearables and Whatnots Get your city style in the burbs! Located in Winnetka, Randoons is a couture cafe inspired by all things both sweet & funky. A walk throughout the cafe will find you admiring everything from fab jeans to luscious soaps, a true treat! There truly is a special gift around every corner…

Last chance to get tickets to tomorrow’s Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty

December 8, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

You Just Shop: Interview with Nancy

December 4, 2009 by Michele | Comments (1)

For women that love to shop – yes, you! This is the perfect adventure! You Just Shop is Chicago’s premier limo-driven, custom shopping excursion company, designed to deliver you and your friends to the doorsteps of the City’s best boutiques. Started by Nancy Harris, a customer service extraordinaire, You Just Shop is the ideal way to enjoy a fabulous day of shopping with girlfriends whether it be to complete your holiday gift list in a stress-free environment, a bachelorette party excursion, a visit to the Windy City with friends or to celebrate your grandmother’s birthday; You Just Shop offers a specialized shopping excursion {complete with limo service and bubby!} to fit your needs. If that isn’t enough, just having Nancy at your side will inspire you and allow for unique finds to be made throughout Chicago!

Nancy understands that each woman has a desire to be unique and that we all dream about the ‘ideal & perfect’ purchase. She can help you find it! Nancy knows everyone who is anyone in this great City of shopping opportunities and can tailor your shopping excursion to match your every dream ‘find’! Let’s learn more about Nancy…

People may be surprised to know…
that once you venture off Michigan Ave, Chicago has some of the best neighborhood shopping.

What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
My love of shopping and fashion were the inspiration behind my business.  I wanted to integrate fashion, fun and friends.

How do you spend your free time?
Listening to music, doing yoga, shopping, travel, spending time with family and friends.

What is your indulgence?
Indulging in a massage, pedicure and lounging with a good book at the Peninsula Spa.

Follow Nancy on Twitter and Fan You Just Shop on Facebook

Winter Skin Woes: Best of Winter Skincare Tips

December 3, 2009 by Lindsey | Comments (2)

Winter is traumatic for skin, and here in Chicago it’s even worse! The harsh winds not only set chills down your spine but crack, peel and irritate your skin. We at CRAVE are firm believers in the importance of skin-care and we’ve asked some top women-owned spa’s how to combat the cold and make your skin look fierce! Here’s what they had to say…

Chocolate for Your Body Spa – Head on over to Pilsen’s Chocolate For Your Body Spa to replenish your skin with a little chocolate. Their tip: Add a few drops of rose, avocado or lavender oil to your moisturizer; they help fight aging, help even your skin tone and nourish the outer layer of skin. For more intense skin-care, indulge yourself in their Purifying Rose Body Wrap, Relaxing Rose Body Massage or Rose Facial.

Colette Salon and Spa – Take a break from your Magnificent Mile holiday shopping spree and stop by Gold Coast’s Colette Salon and Spa. Their tip: Be sure to switch-up your skin-care routine, instead of lotion use a cream-based moisturizer. They recommend using Guinot’s Moisturizing Care Package. If you want to take moisture one-step further, treat yourself to one of their relaxing specialty hydrating facials.

Kaya Day Spa – Wander on over to the West Loop’s Kaya Day Spa for the ultimate skin rejuvenation. Their tip: Exfoliate your skin and keep hydrated. Sloughing off the dead skin will give your skin a healthy, radiant glow. To let your skin breath try the O2 Experience, which nourishes your skin with oxygen while 87 different vitamins penetrate your skin. If you want moisturize your entire body, try their Hot Oil Infusion Treatment.

Each of the spa owners were pretty unanimous on a few things. In order to protect your skin, you must…

1. Slather on sunscreen, apply a broad-spectrum to your face and hands.
2. Get some sleep! If you don’t, oxygen will leave your body which causes it to dry out.
3. And most importantly, drink more water!

CRAVE Chicago Winter Wonderland Shopping Party

December 2, 2009 by Michele | Comments (4)

Indulge Your “Holiday Cravings” This Season With
CRAVE Chicagoʼs Winter Wonderland Shopping Party

CRAVE Chicago Announces the “Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty”: A Shopping Event Supporting Local Female-owned Businesses and Offering Irresistible Goods and Exciting Entertainment.

CRAVE Chicago announces the “Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty” – a holiday shopping party made up of local female-owned boutiques, designers, and businesses in Chicago, taking place on December 9th (7-10pm) at the fabulous, historic Stan Mansion (2408 North Kedzie). A CRAVEparty is an exclusive, festive, glam-gal gathering for fun, entertainment, personal pampering, sippinʼ and noshinʼ on great food.

Hosted by Nancy Loo and Felicia Joy, amplified by fresh tunes via Toast & Jam DJs and enhanced with amazing raffles throughout the night, the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty will offer Chicagolandʼs ladies and gents (those who dare) the perfect opportunity to enjoy themselves before the hectic holiday season and complete their holiday shopping list in one evening & location.  “Winter Wonderland” will offer stylish vendor booths brimming with Chicagoʼs very own in the latest and greatest clothing, jewelry, handbags, girly gifts, delicious treats, fun items for you pets, home decor and so much more – not to mention a fashion show, mini-manicures by Aniko Salon & Spa and enchanting dance performances!

“2009 has been an incredible and exhilarating year for CRAVE Chicago: marking the debut of the CRAVE Chicago guide and my influence on the company. Iʼm thrilled to be working with some of the top local female- owned businesses of Chicago, while creating an unforgettable experience for consumers. The Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty is certainly the big-bang event of the season and marks the end of a marvelous year for CRAVE Chicago. That said, stay tuned to learn about our exciting line-up of events for 2010,” says Michele Kravetz, CRAVE Chicago Coordinator.

Tickets are available for $35 at thecravecompany.com/chicago and will not be sold at the door. First 300 tickets purchased will receive two X-Rated Fusion Liqueur cocktail tickets and a complimentary goody bag brimming with fabulousness! All ticket holders are invited to join us for an after-party at JBar, where we will be treated to a complimentary cocktail and music by KeysnKrates!

Stay tuned to our website for more information and a complete list of participants.