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Top Tips from CRAVEchat: The Challenge of Authenticity

January 30, 2010 by Lindsey | Comments (1)

We kicked off this year’s first CRAVE Chat asking women to reflect inwards and find their true authentic self, both personally and professionally. Twenty women entrepreneurs were treated to two hours with Fredda at Ruby Room on January 20th. In case you missed the chat or want a refresher to jump start your journey towards building a more fabulous you, the following tips should put you on the right path.

The Four Challenges Entrepreneurs Face

Re-Evaluate Your Body and Energy Life needs balance. When your life is in alignment, your business is too. You cannot be powerful in both your life and in work unless you’re strong physically and emotionally. Making a few small changes in one aspect can drastically affect the other. There’s no difference between working and not working, you should always be working! Whether your dealing with a new client, taking guitar lessons or doing laundry, you’re always working at something. If you work out and eat healthy your body has more energy to devote to everything, which can only lead to success.

You Can’t Be Everything To Everybody Focus. Get clear. Both you and your brand have to be clear! Most of us are guilty of taking on more than we can chew. Spreading yourself too thin only gets in the way of your business reaching its full potential. Ask yourself, “What do you want your business to be?” “Is there something about my job I hate that I can outsource to free up some of my day?” Mapping out steps to meet your goals will leave you more time to manage your personal life.

The Difference Between Business and Emotion One of the biggest challenges we women face is accepting that business isn’t personal. The definition of business is ‘commerce for money’, not how you feel at the moment. You don’t have to give discounts to every family friend/cousin just because times are tough and you feel bad. You’re not responsible for other people’s lives. Maybe you’re carrying extra staff members on the payroll that you should let-go, but don’t because they’re a nice person. Stop cheating yourself out of money! You can like someone all you want, but if they’re hurting your business they need to go. When you learn to separate business and emotion every decision becomes easier.

Your Personal Style Relates To Your Business You’re a walking billboard for your business. The way you dress and the type of business you own should be aesthetically similar. If you’re not comfortable in your job uniform, then you’re not in the right job. There should be some semblance of a dress code in your business, and everyone should look good to properly represent your business. Dressing sloppy reflects poorly on both you and your business, so be cautious. Make sure your outer appearance makes sense for your line of work.

Our next CRAVEchat: Making Financial Decisions is scheduled for Wednesday, February 10th. RSVP here to join us and receive valuable financial advice {just in time for Tax Time!} while networking with other savvy business women.

Love, Lulu Mae – Interview with Agnes

January 29, 2010 by Michele | Comments (0)

When you’re one of seven sisters, you learn how to be unique and create a style all your own. Love, Lulu Mae designer Agnes B. Miles understood this from the get-go and, as an adult, created Love, Lulu Mae in order to assist savvy ladies accomplish the goal of always feeling special & having a unique look! From stylish clips to more elaborate headbands and bridal creations, Love, Lulu Mae joins fine femininity and fierce fashion for the modern woman. Agnes is inspired by the elegant styles of the women of the 1930’s/1940’s, of whom Agnes models every piece she creates and most pieces are one-of-a-kind.

Love, Lulu Mae is gaining recognition worldwide as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Paris Hilton, Gwen Stefani and Drew Barrymore have become fans! Love, Lulu Mae was invited to participate in the 2009 “Emmy Awards”, “Latin Grammy Awards” and “Christmas In Hollywood” and these delectable head-pieces can be viewed in the 2009 December issue of Latin American VOGUE as well as the 2009 “Lily of France” advertisements seen in Vanity Fair, People and InStyle Magazines! Let’s congratulate and learn more about Love, Lulu Mae founder Agnes…

What are your most popular products or services?
Most popular product includes “The Viva La Frida” headband, composed of various textured flowers in assorted colors.

People may be surprised to know…
People would be surprised to know that I majored in Musical Theatre Performance.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Friends and family inspired me to start my own business. Most notably, my grandmother Gigi.

How do you spend your free time?
In my free time I take my two Boston Terriers on a walk with my husband. As well as taking mini-getaways with them too!

What is your indulgence?
I absolutely love Vosges Chocolates. They are my favorite indulgence!

Meet Agnes at Love, Lulu Mae’s next appearance during Indie Wed on January 30th!

Follow Love, Lulu Mae on Twitter

Chicago’s Best of Resort Wear

January 26, 2010 by Suzanne | Comments (1)

Gray slush may still coat Chicago sidewalks, but inside Chicago’s boutiques, hot-hued resort wear is in full bloom and rousing memories of sunshine and flowers. To inspire Spring spirit, CRAVE has compiled a complete list of cruise wear destinations that are certain to leave you CRAVE-ing additions to your warm weather wardrobe.

Le Dress For frocks galore – from flame-hued and flouncy to bold and belted – shop Le Dress.  Sisters-in-law and owners, Eva and Robin Anderson, were inspired by their extensive fashion background (think fashion design degrees, apprenticeships in Paris, and internships at Marc Jacobs) to open Le Dress, which has since been featured in Lucky, Chicago Social, and Marie Claire magazine. Whether you need a structured, down-to-earth shift for the office or a delicate chiffon tunic that floats dreamily above earth-bound flip-flops, you are sure to find the garb you desire at Le Dress.

Pump Shoes and Accessories From metallic gladiator sandals to sky-high suede wedges, from patent leather pumps to platform peep toes – everything your feet need to be fabulous this Spring can be found at Pump Shoes and Accessories. Stop by their Wicker Park location to match your new sundress to a pair of sexy strappy heels – there’s nothing like a new pair of shoes to put some Spring in a gal’s step!

Brynn Handbags For a bag that will take you from your cubicle to your poolside chaise, visit Brynn Handbags. The carry-all totes can house folders and files by weekday and sunglasses and a juicy summer read by weekend.  Looking for an effortlessly chic evening look? Pair a sleek neon Brynn clutch with an ethereal maxi dress for an elegant and trendy juxtaposition.

Gavin Former international model, Lauren Cavallo-Runzel, brings runway style to Chicago sidewalks with her Evanston boutique, Gavin. With a rich espresso or bubbling glass of champagne in hand, shoppers peruse a stylish selection of summer separates. Here, airy silk tunics mingle with tough leather belts and bamboo cuffs combine with hammered gold bangles for the ultimate savoire faire ensemble.

five ACCESSORIES This fair trade boutique is an idyllic shopping haven for savvy socially conscious gals.  five ACCESSORIES features handmade handbags and jewelry imported from Bali, Honduras, Cambodia and India and made from natural materials such as bamboo and coconut shells. Here, shoppers support grassroots efforts that aid under-privileged children around the globe as five dollars of every handbag sold and 15 percent of all other sales are donated by the store to each artisan’s local cause. Doing good and looking great – it doesn’t get much better!

Beauty on Call and Glossed & Found: Interview with Stacey

January 22, 2010 by Michele | Comments (1)

Stacey Roney is the girl to know. After spending five minutes with her you’ll realize if you want to feel hip, look amazing and be a part of everything that is going on in and around the city, you need to add Stacey to your rolodex. Stacey broke away from the typical corporate day when she began Beauty on Call, a freelance company offering on-location beauty & spa services. Beauty on Call is every girl’s dream source to magnificent make-up, spa parties and seminars.

Once you’re beautified, it’s time to make use of lookin’ good! Stacey developed Glossed & Found as a beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog {and vlog} that can’t be missed! Glossed & Found offers insight into spectacular events, exclusive celebrity interviews and spotlights on emerging Chicago designers. The Glossed & Found weekly e-newsletter is one of our favorites!

Let’s learn more about Stacey, founder of these two amazing companies…

People may be surprised to know…
Although I am considered a beauty expert in the industry, I am the worst makeup artist!  I am great at finding and managing top artists and have extensive product knowledge, but you don’t want me doing your makeup!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was previously a cosmetic buyer for Nordstrom and saw a void in the industry, so I started the first staffing agency in the country focused on beauty.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Trying to do everything myself!  I’ve since hired amazing people who help handle the day to day responsiblities so that I can focus on the bigger picture.

What is your indulgence?
Taking a nap.  With 3 kids under 3, it doesn’t happen very often.  Come to think of it, it never happens!

We are excited to announce Beauty on Call and Glossed & Found are partnering with CRAVE on our Beauty & Wellness event in April 2010!

Best Boutiques for Couture in Chicago

January 20, 2010 by Suzanne | Comments (0)

Shopping for a glamorous gown is always delightful, but can also be surprisingly difficult! Amid cocktail dresses galore, is can be challenging to find sensational couture.  Fret no more!  We have compiled a list of some of the most spectacular eveningwear boutiques and designers around town.  Guaranteed to leave you CRAVE-ing a night out – whether or not you have a fabulous fête.

Lauren Lein LTD Local designer Lauren Lein has been a shining star in the fashion biz for over twenty years! Lauren’s signature style is recognized by eclectic blends of luxurious fabrics and textures. Each piece is complete with her artful touch: feathers, beading, fur trim, a simple bow or hand-made flower. Her avant-garde couture pieces have been commissioned by Nordstrom, Marshall Field’s, Macy’s and boutiques nationwide and her custom creations are worn by Chicago savviest fashionistas.  For a cutting-edge, savoir-faire look, stop by Lauren’s River North studio.

Maria Pinto Boutique Each season, from her Bucktown studio, Maria marries European artisanal textiles with classic American design. She recently received the Gold Coast Fashion Award that formerly honored Donna Karan and Anne Klein – big stilettos to fill!  This fine arts graduate of The School of The Art Institute of Chicago has also studied at New York’s Parson’s School of Design and Fashion Institute of Technology.  The evening collections of Maria Pinto have flattered the figures of women across Chicago and around the world!

Mira Couture Mira has been dedicated to setting the standards for custom couture in Chicago since the 1970s. She has been featured in Glamour, Town and Country, Wedding Bells, Today’s Chicago Women, NBC, Oprah, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Social, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, North Shore Magazine, Chicago Style The Travel Channel, and as made several dresses for Vanna White’s Wheel of Fortune wardrobe.  The Pioneer Press called Mira’s glimmering Gold Coast showroom “something between Paris and Michigan Avenue.”  For European couture without the inconvenience of customs, visit Mira Couture.

Ultimate Bride Though Ultimate Bride is known for their stunning bridal gowns, they also have fabulous couture gowns that don’t come in white. This Oak Street boutique is home to a wide selection of formal Monique Lhuillier, Liancarlo and Rose Taft couture gowns of all hues, made of stunning lace and silk.  Plus, the service of Ultimate Bride is incomparable and they do the best alterations in town!

CRAVEnote: When your favorite couture needs some tender loving care, we recommend you contact Davis Imperial Cleaners, a certified couture cleaner™ which is recognized as one of the top 10 fabricare specialists in the world by Leading Cleaners Internationale and the “best couture cleaner” by Chicago magazine.

Best of Chicagoland Fitness

January 19, 2010 by Suzanne | Comments (1)

Brrr! With so much ice and snow outside, it can be difficult to muster the motivation to get to the gym. So CRAVE has compiled a list of some of the best gyms and exercise studios in Chicagoland, plus fabulous fitness tops from their best trainers – all guaranteed to give you a work out you will actually CRAVE!

Gray Wellness Fitness coach Victoria Gray, owner of Gray Wellness, specializes in Kettlebell instruction, pre- and post natal exercise, weight loss, and general health and wellness. She works individually with each client to assess her fitness goals and nutritional needs, to provide increased strength and flexibility, as well as teach proper nutrition. As a trainer, Victoria is both Head Cheerleader and Sergeant – she pushes you to the next level with a bright cheery smile. This knowledgeable, tough, kind-hearted trainer reminds CRAVE, “When starting a fitness program, changing your mindset to recognize your accomplishments, however great or small is key to success! Remember your body is meant to move!”

Harmony Mind Body Fitness Harmony offers private, duet and group sessions in Pilates, Gyrotinics, and Gyrokinesis – all of which are changing the way that people workout, as they discover these intelligent and fun forms. Here, clients of all fitness levels find a more meaningful connection between their mind and body as they move. After just one session, you will feel taller, leaner and stronger! Never tried Gyrotonics? Your workout is missing out!

Harmony Mind Body Fitness Director Laura Dixon’s fitness tip? “Start with small fitness goals. Add in extra spurts of movement during the day to elevate your heart rate, move your joints and warm up your muscles. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, stretch in your office chair, or take a stroll at lunchtime. You’ll find that it not only makes you feel better physically, but will also keep you more alert, more focused and less stressed!” Less stressed? Sounds good to me!

Metrix Looking to tone flabby arms and abs this New Years? Then Metrix of Northbrook is definitely your gym! Owner Roseanne Cornett says that Metrix is intense, but rewarding! With one-on-one fitness sessions to maximize your strength and flexibility through time-efficient training, this is definitely the workout for busy women who do it all!

Metrix personal trainer Jamie Roberts specializes in slow cadence strength training, which is perfect for busy women because it takes only thirty minutes and it should be done only twice a week. Jamie’s top fitness tip? Commit! “Set aside a specific day and time to do your strength training exercises and consider this as an appointment with yourself. You wouldn’t think to cancel your manicure or haircut; likewise, keep this important investment in you!”

One Mind Body and Being This diverse, loft-like studio truly has it all! One Mind Body Being is home to both intense cardio/weights classes such as Boot Camp, Rope Burn and Body Sculpting, but also offers Pilates and Yoga. Top trainer, Stacy’s best advice for women? Posture! “Always focus on posture,” she says. “Be conscious of where you sit and stand in your body. Focus on keeping your shoulders back, chest open, chin lifted and arms by your side palms facing forward.” And instant way look sleek and slim? Love that!

Bellybum Boutique: Interview with Ellen

January 15, 2010 by Michele | Comments (1)

New moms {and moms-to-be} are rejoicing across Chicagoland! If they’ve discovered Bellybum Boutique, that is. Bellybum Boutique is one of the newest and freshest additions to Chicago’s ‘green baby scene.’ A unique celebration of mamma bellies and baby butts, Bellybum carries designer maternal transition and nursing wear, cloth diapers, organic children’s wear, baby gear, gifts and accessories. More importantly, it is a support center dedicated to providing families with healthy lifestyle options, expert pre and postnatal advice and parenting education & resources. We at CRAVE also dig Bellybum’s enviable calendar of events which includes everything from toddler dance sessions to childbirth classes to potty training, and everything in between! It takes an extremely savvy business lady & mom to develop a unique boutique like this and we’d love to introduce you to one of our favorite entreprenesses, the owner of Bellybum Boutique, Ellen Sternweiler:

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Green, Stylish, Nurturing

What are your most popular products or services?
Designer women’s transition, nursing and children’s wear; cloth diapers, eco-friendly baby gear and accessories; parenting resources, support and classes.

People may be surprised to know…
My degree is in Fine Arts and my favorite past job was working in the scene shop at Steppenwolf Theatre.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Anywhere we can be together! Though any place with great sushi and martinis is always a good choice.

Follow Bellybum Boutique on Twitter

A Bright Star has Gone Dim

January 11, 2010 by Michele | Comments (1)

It is with deep sadness and such shock that I bring you this news tonight…

Last week we lost a treasured member of the CRAVE Chicago community. Meghan Hormann, owner of Backbeat Music Instruction, passed away on January 7, 2010 after a month-long battle for her life. I would like to share with you some thoughts regarding Meghan and the amazing work she believed in… Meghan and I met on Facebook and become fast friends. Her shining personality and radiant warmth added a smile to anyone’s face that knew or met her. The passion she held for her work and bringing music into the lives of every soul was touching and real; Meghan was amazing.

I had the pleasure of spending time with Meghan most recently at the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty on 12/9 where she had a booth, coordinated a performance with two associates and donated gorgeous glass ornaments for the goody bags. All evening, despite the chilly air, Meghan had a huge smile on her face and a spring in her step.

We are extremely sad to have lost such a bright star in our entrepreneurial community.

Harmony Haus: Interview with Nichole

January 8, 2010 by Michele | Comments (0)

A new year and a new you, right? Of course! But if you’re like me, it’s the ‘new you’ part that’s hard to set into motion. I look for other things to make anew. Like my home decor! That said, I’m not a billionaire and I can’t go spending thousands of dollars on new furniture at my every whim. That’s why we at CRAVE love Harmony Haus. Harmony Haus specializes in environmentally conscious painting services with the utmost attention given to efficiency and minimizing waste in all aspects of business. Nichole Lovett, owner of Harmony Haus, arrives in a superwoman cape {by way of bicycle} and whips your home into a refreshed, beautiful splendor with her unmatched painting skills. We love including Nichole in the unique grouping of CRAVE featured entreprenesses, and after you get to know her you’ll see why…

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
scintillating, efficient, restorative

People may be surprised to know…
that I commute by bike and trailer with all materials in tow to the majority of job sites.  People are often amazed that I do nearly all of the work myself.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Oddly enough, when I was unable to obtain a job painting for another company after deciding to change careers, I decided to make it happen for myself.

Now that’s creating your own Harmony!

Best of Chicago’s Boutique {After Holiday} Designer Bargains

January 6, 2010 by Lindsey | Comments (1)

The holiday season may be over, but the season of sales has just begun. Here are some of the most CRAVE-worthy stores to get great deals on designer duds.

Adele Dallas Orr
If you aspire to look classy and modern, Adele Dallas Orr Pret A Porter is the perfect place for you. This effortlessly fabulous boutique is filled with clothing in bold colors, exotic prints, silky fabrics and exquisite jewelry. Currently, there’s a 50% off sale going on select clothing and scarves. Most pieces from her collection can be worn year-round, so make sure to stop by and pick-up a few timeless pieces.

Mulberry and Me
For must-have basics and some oh-so-special ones, look no further than Wicker Park’s Mulberry and Me. The friendly, inviting atmosphere makes it a fun place to browse the racks and score the ultimate fashion finds. Hurry over and scoop up loads of ultra-luxe cashmere and chunky knits, while they’re still 50% off.

Tangerine
From established designers to local up-and-comers, Tangerine has something to suit every fashionista’s needs. This Bucktown gem is the ideal spot to find “look-at-me” separates and fashion-forward attire. Right now the boutique is having a 30-50% off sale. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for even more markdowns this weekend.

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