DailyCandy Chicago

Music to Your Ears

2009-11-06T15:30:00Z

Big Star Taqueria and Bar Opens

You’ve heard the Big Star commotion. The boys (Paul Kahan, Donnie Madia, Terry Alexander, Eduard Seitan, Peter Garfield) are at it again, this time with a honky-tonk taqueria in the old Pontiac space opening Monday.

You’ve gotten a taste: pork-on-a-spit tacos and dulce de leche milk shakes, courtesy of chef Justin Large (Blackbird, The Publican, Avec).

And a buzz: 50 rare whiskeys; 40 small-batch tequilas; one vodka, gin, and rum; and dollar Schlitz, courtesy of Michael Rubel (Violet Hour).

You’ve heard. But you haven’t really listened. So we asked Big Star to make a playlist just for you. The tunes are so edgy and offbeat that most of them aren’t on iTunes. We gave you the links we could. For the rest, you’ll have to go hear for yourself. Hit it, boys.

“Pain, Loneliness, and Misery,” by Frankie Treat

“Please, Please, Bartender,” by Sonny Joe Ivy

“Stained and Lit,” by Red Red Meat

“Crying Lonely Tears,” by Karen Louise Sawyer

“(Quicksilver Daydreams of) Maria,” by Townes Van Zandt

“Blame Loneliness,” by Big Bill Johnson

“I’ll Never See Him Again,” by Elsie Shaw

“Wild Horses,” by Gram Parsons

“High Fashion Queen,” by The Flying Burrito Brothers

“Heaven in Your Arms,” by Weldon & Wanda Rogers

“Heartful of Tears,” by Bill Tyler & the Cedar Valley Boys

“Love Comes to Me,” by Bonnie “Prince” Billy

“Please, Please Come Back,” by Johny Wade & Skitter Bob

“Help Me Lift You Up,” by Mary Margaret O’Hara

“I Am the Cosmos,” (country version) by Chris Bell

Big Star, 1531 North Damen Avenue, at Pierce Avenue (773-235-4039).

Photo: Grant Kessler / Courtesy of Big Star

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T15:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

You deserve a break today.

SEE
Sign of the Times
What: Five-artist exhibition of drawing, photography, collage, and more mines the global economic crisis.
Why: Carrie Schneider’s sharp parody photos of longing and gluttony.
When: Thru Jan. 9. Opening reception, Sat., 4-7 p.m. Hours, Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Monique Meloche Gallery, 2154 W. Division St., b/t Leavitt St. & Hoyne Ave. (773-252-0299).

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing a new sample sale e-commerce site with designer clothing and accessories chosen by our very own editors at up to 80 percent off.
Why: DailyCandy readers get first dibs (and we’re giving away $100 gift cards to the first 100 early members).
When: Beta site (and first sale) launches Nov. 16.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DROP IN
The Interview Show
What: Humor writer Mark Bazer’s monthly, live chat fest features SNL alum Julia Sweeney; designer Maria Pinto; music by Brighton, MA; and more.
Why: He’s Chicago’s Conan.
When: Fri., 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., at Ada St. (773-227-4433).

CELEBRATE
Paper Doll’s Anniversary Sale
What: For its ninth year in the biz, the boutique knocks 15 percent off everything (Snow & Graham calendars, Soda ceramic cups, graphic totes) when you mention DailyCandy (excluding custom orders).
Why: Holiday shopping, dollface.
When: Thru Nov. 15. Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 2048 W. Division St., b/t Damen & Hoyne Aves. (773-227-6950).

Tabula Tua Turns 15
What: Help the store celebrate with a free champagne brunch and 15 percent off all purchases (Match Pewter stemware, Catstudio pillows).
Why: Give a longtime shop some props.
When: Brunch, Sat., 10 a.m.-noon. Sale, Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 1015 W. Armitage Ave., b/t Kenmore & Sheffield Aves. (773-525-3500).

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Carrie Schneider / Courtesy of Monique Meloche

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Chum and Get It

2009-11-04T15:30:00Z

Imaginary People Clothing Launches

You thought your imaginary friend, Moses, was trustworthy.

Until he didn’t show up for your dance recital (dick).

Real friends are the ones that count. Like Telo Dunne and Olivia Shanks, best pals and codesigners of budding local line Imaginary People. The former models met in college, bonding over the endless search for long inseams.

Today they keep busy reinventing staples. A drapey, cape-back tee kicks your Hanes to the curb. A long, statement-making vest hangs below the thighs. The nut-buttoned henley is perfectly androgynous. The backless dress kills at night.

Designed to be layered, the collection appears basic (the palette is black, white, navy, charcoal, and paisley), but it’s nothing short of miraculous.

You can count on it.

Available at Jake, 939 North Rush Street, between Oak and Walton Streets (312-664-5553 or shopjake.com); Ananas, 109 Oak Park Avenue, at North Boulevard, Oak Park (708-524-8585). To see styles, go to imaginarypeopleonline.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Imaginary People

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Too Ghoul for School

2009-11-03T15:30:00Z

Re Collection Clothing

Halloween’s over. Why are you still dressing like a whack-job?

Try something less scary on for size.

Like a piece from Re Collection, a line that neatly melds old (vintage tees, men’s trousers) and new (beading, studs, fringe) for a streamlined, moody-rocker look. Designer PJ Faulstick (Twelfth Street) sources a vintage supply company to score smart patterns, shapes, and textures. Then he treats, dyes, recuts, and embellishes.

An old Hanes becomes a soft, cropped, studded tee. An ’80s dress and suiting trousers are born again as a corset. Grandpa’s comfy flannel plus old zippers equals an airy, super-soft tunic. Old Jockey tees morph into harem pants with beading and an imperfect tulle edge.

Up for spring: recycled leather, washed denim, neons, prints.

Bewitchin’.

Available at Krista K, 3458 North Southport Avenue, at Newport Avenue (773-248-1967 or kristak.com).

Photo: Felicity Byrne / Courtesy of Re Collection

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

Comeback Kids

2009-11-02T15:30:00Z

Hearty Restaurant Opens

Bodysuits, ’90s sitcoms, pickling.

Whether you like ’em or not, they’re back.

Here’s a comeback that won’t cause chafing: Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh (a.k.a. The Hearty Boys) are back in action with Hearty in Lakeview, opening Wednesday.

Nestle near the wall-mounted fireplace for traditional comfort food with a contemporary kick: rabbit sausage corn dogs, chicken and porridge, deconstructed tuna casserole (egg noodles, saffron cream, panko-crusted ahi logs, wasabi peas). Pudding flights make childhood feel close (your diet, not so much).

Sunday brunch includes shepherd’s pie (chive scrambled eggs, sage breakfast sausage, hash browns), Caribbean crab eggs Benedict, and pumpkin pancakes.

The next comeback: you.

Hearty, 3819 North Broadway, between Grace Street and Sheridan Road (773-868-9866 or heartyboys.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Hearty

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

Visionary

2009-10-30T14:30:00Z

Revision Home Opens

You design your home the way you eat: undiscerning with a penchant for overstuffing.

Chuck your homemade pillows and head to Revision Home, a new decor hotspot in West Town. The spacious warehouse is peppered with well-edited picks from owner Katie Ernst, a former producer with a keen eye for vintage.

Ernst favors clean lines and quirkiness. A light fixture made from computer running board. Industrial cart-cum-coffee tables. Faux snakeskin chairs. Antique chests. Lamps rewired for your reading pleasure. A portion of every sale goes to charity (this month to Horizons for Youth).

Awesome accessories (globes, vases, brass glass sets, a vintage windmill) won’t put a dent in your wallet.

Dig in.

Revision Home, 2132 West Fulton Street, between Damen Avenue and Leavitt Street (312-226-2221 or revisionchicago.com). This weekend’s special DailyCandy hours: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., also by appointment. Sign up for sale news here.

Photo: Jay Strommen / Courtesy of Revision Home

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T14:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

You’ve got the fright stuff.

CARE
We Give to Get
What: New website features a free daily offer from a local biz. This weekend: Equinox’s Ortanic spray tans, Le Dress, and Elate. With a few clicks, it’s yours.
Why: Ten percent of every sale benefits a charity.
When: The getting’s good.
Where: Online at wegivetoget.com.

WEAR
Last-Minute Halloween Costume
What: Put on latex gloves, pinch your friends, and call yourself the flu shot.
Why: It’s ill.
When: In the prick of time.
Where: A costume party, let’s hope.

SCARE
Haunting in the Square
What: Family fun by day; ghost stories, DJs, beer garden, and a costume competition by night.
Why: The eerily delightful historic courtyard setting.
When: Fri., 3 p.m.-midnight; Sat., noon-midnight.
Where: Firehouse Square, 459 N. Wolcott Ave., at Ferdinand St. Tickets at 312-226-9633 or online at collaboraction.tix.com.

STARE
Learning Modern
What: Exhibit of Bauhaus-influenced art installations and experimental videos organized by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Illinois Institute of Technology.
Why: Ken Isaacs’s trippy projection collage, “Knowledge Box.”
When: Thru Jan. 9. Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: SAIC Sullivan Galleries, 33 S. State St., b/t Madison & Monroe Sts., 7th flr.

BE THERE
Cityblue
What: Just-opened shop does denim (Genetic, William Rast) and accessories (Streets Ahead belts, Deborah McClain jewelry) right.
Why: You’re on a jean streak.
When: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 1444 N. Wells St., b/t Schiller St. & North Ave. (312-664-6202).

Photo: Nickolas Muray / George Eastman House Collection / Flickr

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher

Thank You for Smoking

2009-10-28T14:30:00Z

Brand BBQ Market Opens

You finally gave up cigs (social exile + acne + nagging cough = not worth it).

But every once in awhile, you crave a smoke.

Get your fix at Brand BBQ Market, opening Friday in Logan Square. The crew at the neighborhoody smokehouse works over apple, cherry, and hickory coals to produce flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meat.

Seven made-from-scratch sauces include bourbon mustard, Caribbean jerk, sweet Southern peach, and brandy cherry. Slather them atop pulled duck, smoked pork belly confit, ribs, chicken, brisket, and a burnt-ends burger topped with smoked Gouda.

Options abound for pescetarians and veggies: meatless chili, smoked tofu, grilled shrimp, crab-stuffed portobellos, hand-cut sweet potato fries, and salads.

The bourbon creamed corn is addictive.

A vice that’s easier to swallow.

Brand BBQ Market, 2824 West Armitage Avenue, at Mozart Street (773-687-8148 or brandbbqmarket.com).

Photo: Jupiter Images