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A Gal’s Guide to Gift Giving

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

At CRAVE, we love a good party! And with wedding season upon us, there are sure to be many! From the engagement party to the bridal shower, the bachelorette party to the reception, there is a lot of gift giving (and fun!) involved! So what’s a girl to do? From the most creative, to the most budget conscious, here are some of the best wedding gift ideas in Chicago!

Beauty on Call Every girl loves to be pampered, especially a gal trying to balance a career, a social life, and wedding planning – talk about doing it all!  With so much on her plate, she is sure to appreciate any gift that allows her to slow down and indulge. The ultimate gift for your busy bride? An at home spa service by Beauty on Call! This is one-size-fits-all-brides gift will leave your bachelorette invigorated and ready to take on her “To Do” list.

Pure Romance by Kimberly Achieved Maid of Honor status? Congrats! Now its time to plan the perfect bachelorette party. Don’t sweat it, we’ve got you covered! Host a Pure Romance bachelorette party (for free!) and have Kimberly come to your home with her premier line of relationship aids and bedroom accessories.  She has something for everyone, from the demure romantic, to the gal who is up for anything. Get ready for a night of laughs that is sure to leave your bride blushing!

Aniko Salon and Spa Help your bride relax and rejuvenate before her big day (or after a fun night out) with a revitalizing Aniko Salon and Spa facial. Choose from a wide variety of calming and corrective skin treatments that will leave your bride glowing. Plus, all facials include a hand, arm, foot and shoulder massage! We’re always CRAVEing a good two-for-one deal!

G Boutique For fun bachelorette party accessories (think creatively shaped ice cubes and shot glasses) entertaining games (Romance Roulette) and, of course, lots of beautiful lingerie (from corsets to boy shorts, they have it all), look no further than G Boutique. Searching for a fun gift alternative to the same old Of The Month Clubs? Check out G Boutique’s Panty of the Month!

Still CRAVEing some more gift inspiration? For more ideas – or just because it’s a fun and fabulous site! – check out Bride-Buzz.com.

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Sip and Savor!

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Craving a relaxing break to a busy day, a sweet mid-day pick-me-up, or something a little stronger to cap off a busy day? Try one of our favorite places to sip and savor!

Sarah’s Pastries and Candies Looking to quench your thirst and relax with a cup of Joe? Sarah’s Pastries and Candies not only offers a wide selection of sweet treats, they serve various coffees, teas, and other delicious specialty drinks available both iced and piping hot, depending on the ever fluctuating April weather in Chicago!

Starfruit Lately, “probiotics” has become a buzzword in the health community, and Starfruit frozen treats are chock full of these live and active cultures. Turns out these delicious, fruity smoothies are not only a tasty mid-day pick-me-up, but these probiotic-filled frozen beverages may help support immunity and promote better digestion, lower your cholesterol, aid with weight loss, ease symptoms of ADD, fight lactose-intolerance and regulate the body while on antibiotics. Not too shabby, huh?

A Taste of Vino Looking for something a little stronger? A Taste of Vino a truly extraordinary place to eat, drink and buy wine, breaking boundaries on how to think and drink wine and enhances the ideal of buying fine wine. Taste of Vino is all about value, a great bottle of wine for a great price, without breaking the bank!

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Planning Your Special Day

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Weddings are fun, memorable and romantic, but with so many details involved in making a wedding uniquely suited for you and your fiancé, planning them can be tough – but somebody’s gotta do it! So if you need a little behind-the-scenes magic for your memorable evening, call one of our favorite wedding planners!

Joyce Westin Dunne Weddings Since 1989 , the weddings of Joyce Westin Dunne have set a new standard in elegant perfection. She entered the wedding consultant business from a successful career in the fashion industry. This experience provides Joyce with a unique perspective and a collection of talented vendors. She has close working relationships with Chicago’s finest venues and private clubs, including The University Club, The Chicago Club, The Drake Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton and Lake Forest Academy. Joyce’s wedding planning expertise has been featured in Modern Bride, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, and the Chicago Sun Times. Joyce has produced wedding ranging in size from intimate gatherings to large formal affairs of 600. She partners with her brides through every step of the planning process, maintaining close contact through meetings, phone, fax and email. With an understated, elegant style, she helps create truly remarkable weeding experiences.

Engaging Events by Ali From a small cocktail reception to a lavish black-tie dance, Engaging Events plans beautifully orchestrated weddings. Ali’s organization skills, negotiation savvy, and appreciation for the “art” of customer service have been invaluable in working with vendors, staying within a budget, and creating beautiful, flawless events for clients. Ali is a certified Professional Bridal Consultant™ with the Association of Bridal Consultants. Ali has been quoted in Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, The Chicago Sun-Times, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Modern Bride Chicago and Chicago Social Brides. She has also appeared on the Channel 7 and Channel 2 newscasts in Chicago and was recently featured in Chicago’s “Daily Candy” as one of the top wedding vendors in Chicago. For Ali, no occasion is too large or too small; she treats each event with care, respect, professionalism, and conscientious commitment to excellence.

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Gal’s Best Friend

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Sure, every CRAVE girl loves to be pampered now and then, but what about your pup? These Chicago spots know how to show your pet some love!

Specializing in bakery and boutique items for the discerning dog, K9 Cookie Company greets furry guests with free treats! With flavor like bacon, peanut butter, and bar-b-que, your dog is sure to love these cookies! Cant make it to the store, they also deliver! Or establish a monthy order, so your dog is sure not to go without her favorite treat!

Ready for some fun? Take your pooch to a Major League Baseball game at White Sox Dog Day on June 3rd! You and your pet can watch the Sox face off against the Rangers. This event normally sells out, so be sure to purchase tickets early!

Looking to indulge your pup? Stop by the The Downtown Dog! This upscale doggy boutique features a wide variety of pet items from practical to elegant to fanciful, plus a line of tasty gourmet treats. Pooches are welcome to come in and sniff out the goodies. Dogs must be under their owner’s control and leashed.

Every Sunday during the summer months, you and your pooch can a Canine Cruise! Mercury Skyline Cruiseline offers a cruise just for dogs (and their human friends) every Sunday at 10 am July through September. This 90 minute river and lakefront tour highlights beautiful downtown Chicago landmarks. A great opportunity to see Chicago, get out on the water, and spend some time with your pet this summer!

Grant Park Bark Park is located in the famous Grant Park along the lake in Chicago. It is fully fenced and is about 18,000 square feet in size. Here, dogs and roam free all hours of the day!

Looking for a fancy outfit for your pooch? Stop by Pink Poodle Dog Boutique. Here you will find canine tutus, feather boas, tiaras and more! They also offer a wide array of pet grooming services.

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Sip and Savor with the Girls Tonight!

Friday, March 12th, 2010

CRAVEing some girl time? You don’t have to wait until the weekend to spend a fun night out on the town! Why not plan an easy, midweek pick me up – drinks with the girls! Enjoy the best of Chicago happy hour: small plates (and prices!), cheap drinks, and your fabulous friends! Here are some of our favorite places:

The Bluebird A cool, laid back atmosphere, The Bluebird is a great place to hang with the girls. From the moment you walk in and see the oak tables, softy candle lit bar and exposed brick walls, you will know you have found a hidden gem! Meet the girls here after work for appetizers and wine – it’s sure to be a great evening! Are you a night owl? The kitchen stays open late so their tasty food and delicious wines are available past midnight!

JBar CRAVEing a trendy lounge atmosphere? JBar is a happening hot spot, whether you looking for a fun place to start your night or end it. Anchoring the south end of Rush Street’s nightlife, JBar offers innovative signature cocktails in an intimate environment. Inviting enclaves and video-as-art installations distinguish the stylishly modern ambiance.

Big Star For a low-key night out after a stressful day of work, Big Star is your destination! With plain décor, a small but delicious menu, and good music is a relaxing destination nestled among long-lined bars. Sunday nights are great here and we recommend the fish tacos, guacamole, and dulce de leche milkshakes, if you are in the mood to indulge!

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Out with the Old, In with the New!

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

You just got your CRAVE Chicago Guide and have been hitting up all the extraordinary woman-owned boutiques and enjoying special savings! The only problem? Where to put all of your fabulous finds!

Follow these tips to turn your closet into a sanctuary!

1. Set aside at least an hour, maybe two. And remember, many hands make light work! See if you can get a friend to help you… or at least keep you company!

2. To begin, remove everything! As you do, sort the items, putting similar ones together. Also make “Trash” and “Give Away” piles if you plan on purging. CRAVE tip: If you haven’t worn an item in a year, and don’t plan to in the foreseeable future, get rid of it! It is just taking up precious space.

3. Good news! You are half way there! Now, you just have to put everything back. Organize your clothes by there function: dresses, work skirts, work blouses, evening blouses, work-out clothes… etc. Place purses and accessories on shelves; put shoes on the floor. It is helpful to store shoes in boxes, either their original boxes or plastic ones, especially if you have a lot of shoes! Stacking shoeboxes is a great space saver, and an easy way to help find exactly which pair you want to wear.

If your closet is only as big as a shoebox, you may need to take additional steps to create more space. Consider over-the-door organizers, wall hooks and multi-level rods and remember that the space under your bed can be utilized as long-term storage, particularly for out of season garb. If you’re ambitious, you can create a second shelf in the closet, or convert your narrow shelf into a deeper shelf by utilizing a wider board.

Does your closet need some professional help? Whether you are overhauling your closet or your entire house, Karyn Madorin at Extreme Organizing provides a custom approach to organizing by understanding each client’s personal style and preference. She gives your house a clean and fresh look in a confidential, non-judgmental and supportive manner. Check out her website for coupons and discounts!

Amber Kussen at Amber’s Organizing makes organizing simple. Dont have several hours to rearrange your closet or kitchen or or office or basement? Amber and her team of professional organizers will customize orgnizing solutions to your lifestyle so it is easy to maintain a clean living space!

Don’t let a mess overwhelm you! Follow our quick tips or turn to our experts to make organizing less of a headache!

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Spring (Baby) Showers

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

We all know spring brings showers! So if you are attending a baby shower this month, stop by one of these fabulous Chicago boutiques for chic itsy-bitsy apparel and fun goodies for mom!

Bellybum Boutique This charming boutique, a celebration of mama bellies and baby bums, is a haven dedicated to encouraging new moms to feel beautiful, empowered and comfortable with their new mommy selves. Bellybum Boutique is home to a wide selection of baby accessories, great gifts, chic diaper bags, organic soap, jewelry and maternity clothes plus tons of fun mom-and-baby classes and activities! The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable and all of the products in the store are good for you, good for your baby, and good for the Earth!

Beautiful Beginnings In 1995, sisters Jackie Wilkinson and Debbie Feiler realized their true passion…babies! With 11 children between them, their love for babies does not go unnoticed and they love to help busy moms and moms-to-be! So they opened Beautiful Beginnings, which has since become the trusted consultant to mothers who appreciate the shop’s attention to detail. Located in historic Western Springs and Chicago’s Lincoln Park, Beautiful Beginnings offers a beautiful selection of must-have layette, one-of-a-kind Christening and Bris gowns and gifts, personalized piggy banks, educational and fun toys and a wide selection of books. They also carry classic baby and children’s apparel by Lilly Pulitzer, Florence Eisman, Petit Bateau and many more! All gifts are elegantly wrapped in their exclusive gift-wrap, perfectly finished with a bow!

Peek-a-Boutique Founded by Stacy Weitzman, Peek-a-Boutique is a city-inspired chic baby boutique conveniently located in the ‘burbs. At Peek-a-Boutique you will find unique apparel, accessories and gifts for babies, toddlers and expecting moms plus a selection of adorable gifts for big brothers and sisters. Stacy hand-selects each item in her shop and many of her products come from local artists. Looking for a custom gift? To add that extra special touch you can embroider your favorite blanket, burp cloth set, and more! And Stacy believes presentation is everything – she will be sure to have all your items “gift-ready” before you leave! Stacy’s mission is to ensure a unique shopping experience, friendly customer service, upscale products, a loyal customer following, and a smile on your face as you exit the shop.

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Delectable Chicago Cupcakes

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

For a wedding of 300, a party of 12 or a sweet treat for 1, there are few indulgences as scrumptious as a cupcake. So next time you’re CRAVE-ing this sweet treat, stop into one of theses fabulous Chicago bakeries!

Sarah’s Pastries and Candies From the outside, Sarah’s Pastries and Candies may look petite and narrow, but inside is a warm and cozy pastry shop saturated with the aroma of freshly baked goodies. This Chicago gem was voted 2010 winner of America’s Most Beautiful Cakes by Brides Magazine. Don’t need a whole cake? Stop in to taste one of their delightful cupcakes: Black and White, Carrot Cream Cheese, Almond with Cocoa Fudge… the list goes on! Very rich and full of flavor, you will have trouble stopping after just one!

Bleeding Heart Bakery This remarkable Chicago bakery uses only local, organic, and sustainable ingredients to provide thought-provoking pastries that are as delicious as they are beautiful and cutting edge. For their efforts, Bleeding Heart Bakery has won multiple awards, including Top 10 Bakeries in the Nation, Top Bakery in Chicago by Chicago Magazine, Top Bakery by the Small Business Association, and multiple “green” business awards. For owners Michelle and Vinny, local food is just as important as organic food because it leaves less of a carbon footprint and improves the local economy, soil, and more of the local farmers and their workers. To spread their “green” knowledge, Michelle and Vinny began shooting for a new series on TLC! Not only are these sweets socially and environmentally conscious, they are scrumptious! This month’s cupcakes flavors include The Slash, Veruca Salt, and Chocolate Peanut Butter–yum!

Honey This cafe is bringing tasty, trendy treats to the western ‘burbs. Honey is a Glen Ellyn hot-spot that serves approachable gourmet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whether you are stopping by for a satisfying meal or a scrumptious snack, definitely do not skip dessert, made from scratch daily by Pastry Chef Anna Davidson. In addition to scrumptious scones, berry-filled muffins and savory tea breads, Anna bakes moist, mouth-watering cupcakes such as gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter, tart Lemon Chiffon and savory Red Velvet.

The Meatloaf Bakery Imagine the taste and aroma of your favorite meatloaf: fine meats, fresh vegetables, zesty seasonings. These are the smells that meet you when you walk through the door of The Meatloaf Bakery. Whether it’s a tasty twist on the loaf you grew up with or a variation you’ve never imagined, their unique and tasty creations will keep you coming back time and again. This restaurant-esque bakery is famous for their delicious meatloaf cupcakes, a modern twist on your favorite comfort food. Try them with buttery mashed potatoes, MACnificent Pasta and other delicious sides that will have you not only skipping the trip to Mom’s—you’ll bring her with you!

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Chicago’s Best of Resort Wear

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

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!

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Best Boutiques for Couture in Chicago

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

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.

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