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@WorkDesign: Interview with Julia

Friday, November 27th, 2009

@workdesign

Style with purpose. This does sum-up the amazing selection of items found inside @WorkDesign, located in Forest Park. @WorkDesign offers workspace furnishings, products and supplies for the home. A one-stop resource for people who want to seamlessly integrate their work and life, and who believe that great design is a lifestyle essential. Julia Archer, owner of @WorkDesign, provides all of the necessary tools to beautifully assist in creating environments that positively impact people’s lives. Her eye for effortless style and impeccable design are what make this store something special, and her positive nature is what keep her clients coming back for more; though we must mention most of the items carried in the store are exclusive to @WorkDesign… another testament to how Julia creates an opportunity for your space to be special. Let’s learn a bit more about Julia and where she derives her inspiration…

People may be surprised to know…
That we offer not just new lines of furnishings but provide lifestyle products such a coats made of Tyvek, felt slippers. We also bring in vintage product solutions to bring an eclectic style to our offering.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Store owners such as Larry at Scout and Robin Richman because of their uncompromised taste and point of view.

How do you spend your free time?
Flea Markets and spending time with my husband.

What is your indulgence?
Cappuccinos and the New York Times

…for all of you city-dwellers reading this post, get out and find new hidden gems like @WorkDesign! Not all great things are found within the city-limits; sometimes you need to take yourself on a little adventure… even just 15 minutes west.

Follow Julia on Twitter

The CRAVE Chicago Guide has arrived!

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

allbooks_chicagoThe long-awaited CRAVE Chicago guide has arrived!

The CRAVE Chicago guide is a savvy, quality-of-lifestyle book devoted entirely to the best local businesses, owned by women. Featuring over 100 women you need to know, CRAVE Chicago directs you to top boutiques, spas, cafes, stylists, fitness studios, and more, and will introduce you to the inspired, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises. At these locales, creativity, quality, innovation, and customer service are paramount. Not only is CRAVE Chicago an intelligent guidebook for those wanting to know what’s happening throughout town, it’s a directory for those who recognize, and value the contributions that spirited businesswomen make to our city.

Pick up your guide at any of these featured retailers, at Barnes & Noble or on Amazon.com.

Black Friday Specials for CRAVE Chicago Blog Readers

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

gifts&noveltyshops

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner?! While each of us is dreaming of indulging in a delicious feast, thousands of people are also preparing to storm the streets on Black Friday for holiday deals. We want to be sure you find your treasures at the best prices! Typically, to get the absolute best deal, you have to know someone or have the inside scoop… Consider CRAVE that connection!

The following businesses are already offering amazing deals for Black Friday and have decided to offer a special CRAVE deal only for you! Just mention CRAVE and be exclusively treated to…

atwork @WorkDesign
atworkdesign.com
An extra 10% off all purchases
aniko Aniko Salon and Spa
anikosalonspa.com
Buy 1 get 1/2 OFF one service valued over $60; Buy $100 Gift Certificate for only $50 or $50 Gift Certificate for only for $25; Fusion Manicure & Pedicure Combo for $50 , 45min Massage for $50 and 45min Mini-Spa Facial for $50 (First time guests only)
baubos Baubo’s Garden
baubosgarden.com
Additional 5% discount in-store; a 20% discount coupon will be emailed to you for a future purchase, if you refer a friend!
Colori Colori
colorichicago.com

10% off all purchases
denim The Denim Lounge
madisonandfriends.com/denimlounge
Bring in one old, clean pair of jeans to recycle and receive a 35% discount on one pair of jeans
dillylily Dilly Lily
dillylily.com
The first 30 ladies to mention CRAVE will be treated to a trio of festive Narcissus paperwhite bulbs

dollybird Dollybird Design
dollybirddesign.com
Free shipping for all domestic online sales on the Dollybird Etsy Shop
elizabethgrace Elizabeth Grace on Saturday!
elizabethgrace.com
15% discount on all custom holiday card orders (it’s not too late!) and pick-a-card gift certificate surprise with any $50 purchase
fiveaccessories Five Accessories
fiveaccessories.com
$5 discount on the Bali Collection wood bracelets; special pricing on the bamboo clutch with gems ($25)
gavin Gavin
shopgavin.com
Additional 5% discount on most items
innovative Innovative Orthodontic
orthocenters.org
$500 off a complete set of braces or invisilign (not to be combined with any other offer or discounted insurance plan)
kee2creativity Kee2Creativity
kee2creativity.com
50% discount on the Cherry Cheeks Collection (including notecards) from 5-10AM
knickers Knickers of Glen Ellyn
knickersofglenellyn.blogspot.com
Extra gift…a little something to pamper you during the holiday season
leftbank The Left Bank
leftbankjewelry.com
All sterling silver monogrammed jewelry and gifts; buy one, get one 1/2 off
lisarosen Lisa Rosen
lisarosen.com
20% discount; be sure to contact Lisa before ordering online and she will apply discount
lovelulu Love, Lulu Mae
lovelulumae.com
Use discount code ‘cravechicago’ for a 15% discount
mgo M.Go Fashion Salon
mgofashion.com
$30 Manicure & Pedicure and $30 No Chip Manicures, and all boutique merchandise will be 35% off from 12PM – 5PM
madison Madison and Friends
madisonandfriends.com
Bring in one old, clean pair of jeans to recycle and receive a 35% discount on one pair of jeans
name Name Your Design
nameyourdesign.com
15% discount and a free desk calendar to the first 50 people that use the coupon code “crave”
oliveowl Olive Owl Organics
oliveowlorganics.com
Free lip balm for the first 25 customers; buy 3 organic bar soaps and get a fre
noteworthy Noteworthy Notes (offer valid thru Sunday 11/29)
noteworthynotes.com
$50 off an order of $125 or more when using the coupon code ‘crave’
peek Peek-a-Boutique
peek-a-boutique.com
Be treated to a special gift when mentioning this blog post!
randoons Randoons Wearables & Whatnots
randoons.com
15% off your entire purchase, not including sale merchandise
sweetpapier Sweet Papier
sweetpapier.com
25% discount on orders placed on black friday with code SWEET
vivelafemme Vive la Femme
vivelafemme.com
Free bracelet with clothing purchase (major markdowns already taken!)

CRAVE Chicago Book Launch Party

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

On Monday, November 16th CRAVE Chicago celebrated the upcoming arrival of it’s 1st edition CRAVE Manifesto!


Some photos from the book launch party

The CRAVE Chicago Manifesto is a savvy, quality-of-lifestyle book devoted entirely to the best local businesses, owned by women. Featuring over 100 women you need to know, CRAVE Chicago directs you to top boutiques, spas, cafes, stylists, fitness studios, and more, and will introduce you to the inspired, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises. At these locales, creativity, quality, innovation, and customer service are paramount. Not only is CRAVE Chicago an intelligent guidebook for those wanting to know what’s happening throughout town, it’s a directory for those who recognize, and value the contributions that spirited businesswomen make to our city.

• Profiles of more than 125 businesswomen you need to know in the Chicagoland area
• Features independent businesses unique to Chicagoland and some that have expanded internationally

Reading each CRAVE manifesto {we’re international, by the way!} is like opening a door to your very own party and fashion show. A CRAVE manifesto is an intelligent guidebook for those wanting to know what’s happening throughout town and celebrate the contributions that spirited business women make to our community, introducing you to the 100+ insightful, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises.

You can pick one up at any of these woman-owned businesses! {Arriving in stores this week!}

Sweet Papier: Interview with Danette

Friday, November 13th, 2009

sweetpapier

We at CRAVE are so happy to be surrounded by women entrepreneurs like Danette, owner of Sweet Papier. Her presence at our monthly CRAVEchat events and the love she shows the group of women that make-up CRAVE is always inspiring. It should be no surprise that her business is just as lovely & inspiring as it’s owner.

Sweet Papier is a charming little on-line paper bakery specializing in the scrumptious design of invitations, announcements, note cards and party favors for baby, wedding, party and holiday.  Not only are the designs sweet on the eyes and impressive to the recipients, the message behind the business is sweet too! Danette mixes eco-friendly papers into the product line and gives back 10% of Sweet Papier’s earnings to organizations working to eradicate poverty around the globe. Let’s learn what else makes Danette as sweet as can be…

People may be surprised to know…
That when they purchase our sweet paper things, they are helping to feed the hungry in parts of Africa and the Philippines.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I wanted to model for my daughter that you should follow your heart to do what you love even if it involves risk and uncertainty.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My role model + mentor is a girlfriend of mine who inspires me daily to be a better wife and mother.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Losing site of networking opportunities and missing the opportunity to meet and learn from other small business owners.

Follow Sweet Papier on Twitter.

{we also mentioned Sweet Papier in this CRAVE blog post}

Communicate Creatively : Best of Thank-You Cards

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

thankyoucards

In a world where convenience is key and everything is done via the internet, paper seems to be disappearing faster than you can say Google. However, there’s a resurgence of people who want to keep personality in communication. Handwritten thank-you notes are on the rise. Thank goodness! Here are CRAVE’s favorite places to help keep your paper personal.

Anjenu From the electric bamboo-green walls to the funky handmade greeting cards, everything about Anjenu screams fun. This Wicker Park gem is known for their vibrant hued paper and custom stationery. Like being eco-chic? Invitations can be pressed in soy ink and their handmade paper is embedded with sweet basil seeds, so the recipient can grow their own garden.

Elizabeth Grace Are you a designer label junkie? Swing by Lincoln Park’s Elizabeth Grace for high-end stationery from designers such as Kate Spade and Crane & Co. and wedding invitations by Vera Wang! Known for impeccable taste and design savvy, this paper palace will leave nothing to be desired. So Chicago chic!

Kee2Creativity Are you more of an online shopper? If so, try Kee2Creativity for all of your personalized paper needs. Along with the convenience factor, this internet boutique boasts a signature line of cheeky stationary and modern invitations. Want something extremely unique? They’ve done everything from credit card shaped invites for a Mall Madness themed party to luggage tag save the dates for a destination wedding!

Noteworthy Stop by Noteworthy, a stationery store known for custom cards, invitations, and even personalized stamps and labels. From funky bold prints to classically chic patterns, there’s something to meet every customer’s idea of perfection. If you tend to be a procrastinator, don’t worry, they print a number of in-house items, which can be ready in two business days!

Sweet Papier If you’re looking for fresh baked paper goodies, check out Naperville’s Sweet Papier. This paper kitchen cooks up invitations for baby showers, weddings and parties using environmentally-friendly papers and yummy custom colors, like papaya, poppy and strawberry. Their designs are hand-illustrated, cut and assembled on-site, and feature european-style envelopes and custom embellishments.