DailyCandy Chicago

What's the Big Deal?

2010-02-09T10:00:00Z

You’re more of a plastic than a paper kinda kid — hence your maxed out credit cards and the IRS on your tail. Fear not, big spenda. Frugality is only a deal away.

11 Things Bodkin Designer Eviana Hartman Is Loving Right Now

2010-02-09T08:30:00Z

An organic list of loves from an ecochic designer.

So Flocking Cute

2010-02-08T16:00:00Z

Quail Bridal Launches

When it comes to the bride choosing frocks for her maids, all they’ve really got is a wing and a prayer.

Which is all they’ll need now that Quail has a new collection of dresses just for the occasion.

A passion project for L.A.-based designer Michelle Williams, the festive line balances its fashion-forward sensibility with classic silhouettes for the kind of dress you’re bound to wear again (yes, for serious, promise).

But the awesomeness doesn’t stop there: Williams is ready and willing to accommodate outrageous requests (say, match the trim color to a sentimental T-shirt) at a price that’s easy to swallow (from $200).

So go ahead and start with the strapless A-line, double-tier skirt, and sweetheart top in silk florettes or organza. She’ll happily tweak designs along the way to suit your style.

Because that puce poly number sure was for the birds.

Available online at quailbridal.com. To see styles, check out our gallery here. Maids who purchase a dress in February will automatically enter the bride to win a free getaway dress of her choice from the collection.

We’ve partnered with Crate & Barrel to give away a dream wedding — worth a whopping $100,000 — to one lucky couple. To enter, go to crateandbarrel.com/ultimatewedding.

Bird Watching

2010-02-08T15:59:00Z

Quail Bridal is a passion project for L.A.-based designer Michelle Williams, and the festive line balances its fashion-forward sensibility with classic silhouettes for the kind of dress you’re bound to wear again.

Funky Brewster

2010-02-08T10:00:00Z

Revolution Brewing Opens

Evolution of a Beer Snob

The Under Age
Swigged Malibu in your parents’ basement.

The Stoned Age
Perfected speed-drinking prowess at Zeta Beta Douche Bag.

The Pour Age
Gave wine a whirl but decided to stick a cork in it.

The Revolution
Stumbled into new Logan Square hotspot Revolution Brewing.

Suddenly, you’re swooning over toffee-tinged Workingman Mild ale and extolling the virtues of warm, robust Eugene porter and the other twelve microbrews on tap (Iron Fist Pale Ale, Cross of Gold). A locally sourced menu of hearth-oven Caesar pizzas, hefty tofu sandwiches, and meats hickory-smoked in-house erase lingering night terrors from late-night burrito runs.

It’s a new age.

Be hoppy.

Revolution Brewing, 2323 North Milwaukee Avenue, at California Avenue (773-227-2739 or revbrew.com).

Suitor Up

2010-02-08T09:00:00Z

Suitor Personalized Stationery and Calling Cards

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of a VP title, that brown-eyed handsome hunk in marketing, and a butt like Jessica Biel’s.

You want it all.

Add to the list Suitor, a new line of personalized stationery and calling cards, as well as folded notes that convey “Hi,” “Because,” or “Thanks a ton.”

Designer Jessica Murnane took the old-fashioned notion of a man courting a woman by leaving a calling card or writing beautiful love letters and gave it a crisp, contemporary twist for all occasions.

She starts with thick, bright white stock and finishes with classic letterpress fonts in black ink. The result is a unisex collection that is sophisticated and understated.

Be warned: It costs a pretty penny.

Then again, you can’t put a price on happiness.

Available online at suitorlife.com.

It’s your biting cynicism that we love most. That’s why we made you this special Anti-Valentine’s Day guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Suitor

7 Anti-Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

2010-02-07T15:30:00Z

Here's the Plan

2010-02-07T10:00:00Z

What to Do This Week

Chuckle up.

SEE
Funny Ha Ha Loves You
What: Comics, journalists, critics, poets, and bloggers perform quick, humorous readings and sketches to benefit Neighborhood Writing Alliance.
Why: The set by up-and-coming comedian Cameron Esposito.
When: Tues., 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., at Ada St. (773-227-4433).

SAVE
Squeeze Card
What: Buy the new savings card (only $10) from ecocentric website A Fresh Squeeze and get a year’s worth of deals on participating green products and services.
Why: Discounts at Grasshopper 510, Browntrout, Moksha Yoga Center, and more.
When: You feel down to earth.
Where: Online at afreshsqueeze.com.

SKIM
Lush Reads
What: Kick back at the wine shop to discuss David Wondrich’s funny bartending history book, Imbibe, while manager Jane Lopes mixes cocktails and serves apps.
Why: It’s not your mama’s book club.
When: Mon., 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: 1412 W. Chicago Ave., at Noble St. (312-666-6900). Reservations required to jane@lushwineandspirits.com.

DRINK
Green Line Pale Ale
What: Goose Island’s new brew is as crisp and citrusy as springtime.
Why: It’s only available on draft to cut back on packaging waste.
When: You’re ready to put down Honker’s.
Where: Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., at Foster Ave. (773-334-9851).

RESERVE
Deleece & Deleece Grill Pub Valentine’s Weekend Dinners
What: Jump on the love train with three-course prix fixe menus for $80 a couple ($100 with wine parings at Deleece and beer pairings at Deleece Grill Pub).
Why: Spots go fast; don’t say we didn’t warn you.
When: Book now. Dinners, Feb. 12-14.
Where: Deleece, 4004 N. Southport Ave., at Irving Park Rd. (773-325-1710); Deleece Grill Pub, 3313 N. Clark St., b/t Roscoe & School Sts. (773-348-3313).

It’s your biting cynicism that we love most. That’s why we made you this special Anti-Valentine’s Day guide.

Photo: bryan champ / Flickr

The Spot

2010-02-05T15:30:00Z

X-marx Moveable Feasts

After adding “brush teeth” to your calendar, you wondered if your life was over scheduled. (Ya think?)

Spontaneity is good for the soul. Not to mention the stomach.

Get a taste at X-marx, an underground dinner club that sets up shop everywhere from West Side mansions to antique furniture galleries. Local chefs Abraham Conlon, Adrienne Lo, and John Bowers helm the kitchen; you BYOB and feast.

Sign up for the mailing list to learn about upcoming meals: At X-Markets (intimate five-course dinners), the chefs shop an ethnic hood the day of and improvise that night’s menu. March markets include Spanish, Portuguese-Asian fusion, and veggie. Junkets are preplanned, seven- to fourteen-course themed meals (think Belgian Beer and Chinese New Year).

X-marx will e-mail you 24 hours in advance with the deets (location, time).

You’ll gladly give them your order.

For more information, go to xmarxchicago.com.

Take cover: It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Peruse our lingerie arsenal to organize your panty raid.

Photo: Kipling Swehla / Courtesy of X-marx

Jacket Required

2010-02-05T14:15:00Z

Guy French Jackets Launch

Guys have it so easy. They throw on a blazer and — just like that — they’re dressed for a party.

But girls in Guy French have it easier. The brand-new line of jackets makes you feel pretty and put together.

Inspired by and named after women the founders know and admire, the first collection consists of nine pieces. There’s Camille, a gray relaxed wool and silk number with roll-up sleeves that perfectly embodies a Parisian who works in crisis management, and Christine, a structured style comprised of navy wool with an attached silk scarf collar for drama.

All handmade and available via e-mail or at one of the upcoming trunk shows, prices range from $275-$470, which is more than reasonable for such craftsmanship.

You should have no problem manning up.

To order, e-mail sales@guyfrench.com. To see styles and trunk show dates (under “Purchase”), go to guyfrench.com.

Take cover: It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Peruse our lingerie arsenal to organize your panty raid.

Photo: Courtesy of Guy French

Lingerie Look Book: 25 Reasons to Undress

2010-02-05T00:00:00Z

The Weekend Guide

2010-02-04T15:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Put your neck out there.

BUY
Broad Street Trunk Show
What: Shop locally designed jewelry made of repurposed heirlooms (chains, lockets, keys).
Why: Bring inherited brooches, and designer Sara Bradstreet will give them new life.
When: Sat., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Wolfbait & B-girls, 3131 W. Logan Blvd., at Milwaukee Ave. (312-698-8685).

EAT
Black Duck Tavern & Grill Tenth Anniversary
What: Lincoln Park’s homey resto celebrates a milestone with $10 mix-and-match salad (Caesar, house) and sandwich (burgers, wraps) combos.
Why: It’s just ducky.
When: Thru Feb. 13. Sun.-Fri., 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat., 5 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: 1800 N. Halsted St., at Willow St. (312-664-1801).

ZOOM
I Am Camera
What: Photographer Greg Allen projects hundreds of photos onto screens, objects, and human bodies to make statements about identity and vulnerability.
Why: The old-school slide show.
When: Thru Mar. 13. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.
Where: The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave., at Foster Ave. Tickets at 773-275-5255 or online at brownpapertickets.com.

SNACK
Milk & Honey Cafe Cookie Month
What: Buy a house-made treat for $1.25, and $1 gets donated to the Franciscan Outreach Association, a nonprofit helping the homeless.
Why: That’s a good use of dough.
When: Thru Feb. 28.
Where: 1920 W. Division St., b/t Winchester & Wolcott Aves. (773-395-9434). Also at Cipollina, 1543 N. Damen Ave., at Pierce Ave. (773-227-6300).

SAVE
Lissa on Maxwell End-of-Season Sale
What: Fall/winter merch (Willow mohair sweaters, Coven knits, Rodebjer wool coats) goes for 30-70 percent off.
Why: One good reason to visit University Village.
When: Thru Sun. Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 729 W. Maxwell St., at Halsted St. (312-563-9470).

Photo: Courtesy of Broad Street

The Weekend Guide

2010-02-04T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Take a breather.

RELAX
Yantra Mats
What: The cotton creations are lined with 8,820 tiny pressure points designed to improve circulation and increase mental clarity. There’s talk they may even help with metabolism, too.
Why: It hurts so good.
Where: Online at yantraway.com.

BUY
Layer Cake Shop
What: Girly e-boutique stocked with everything you could ever need for baking, from cookie cutters and food coloring to doilies and toppers.
Why: Get baked.
Where: Online at layercakeshop.com.

SUPPORT
Help Haiti Art Fundraiser
What: Popular blog Booooooom has compiled great artwork from Betsy Walton, Hannah Stouffer, Gemma Correll, and more — all of whom have pledged to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to Haitian charities.
Why: Raise the roofs.
Where: Online at booooooom.com.

USE
SarcMark
What: Download it for $1.99 to indicate when you’re being sarcastic in e-mails or over IM. That’s a small price to pay for keeping friends.
Why: Like you’d even get it.
Where: Online at sarcmark.com.

WEAR
Gel Lip Stains
What: Tarte’s newest product supposedly increases the moisture content in your lips by 6,000 percent – so your pouters appear plumper and healthier.
Why: Kiss, kiss.
Where: Online at sephora.com.

LISTEN
Concrete Jungle
What: The super-smart Nigerian/German singer Nneka just released her first U.S. album. You might recognize “The Uncomfortable Truth” from one of our videos.
Why: Hip-hop hop, and you don’t stop.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Yantra Mat

Write On, Wanderer

2010-02-03T17:00:00Z

HazelMail Virtual Postcard Service

Hi bunny!

Paris rocks. Dinners at Itinéraires, late nights at Curio Parlor, crashing at glam Park Hyatt. For someone who’s not working or meeting with clients or going to the gym, I sure am busy.

So busy there’s no time to buy postcards or find stamps. Which is why I’m sending this postcard from my BlackBerry. Cool, right? (I took this photo crossing the Louvre last night.)

I’m using HazelMail, an app (yeah, another damn app) that turns my photos into postcards. I choose a pic, add a background and border, pick a font, write the message, et voila: a real live postcard delivered to your door. Works for iPhones, too.

It costs a few bucks, but HazelMail has cheaper bundle rates. And it’s worth it — so much more personal than a crap tourist shot of the Eiffel Tower. And no mad scramble at the airport to find a postbox.

All to tell you how much I wish you were here.

Available online at hazelmail.com.

Going somewhere? Not without stopping by the Travel Desk first, you’re not. Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

And did someone say sales? To London, Belize, and Bali? Why, yes! Someone said DailyCandy’s Winter Travel Sales, to be precise.

Spilling the Beans

2010-02-03T15:30:00Z

Filter Coffeehouse Reopens

It’s our job to tell you about exciting openings. But there are times we’d rather not (like now). We want this place to ourselves.

Fine, we’ll spill (arm-twisting hurts). Just promise to save us a seat.

Filter quietly opened its doors a few days ago. After two and a half years, it’s back — and better than ever.

What’s new: It’s roasting its own beans (house plus one of ten specialty brews daily). And it’s just about LEED certified — recycled floors, found doors, Durock from the old Filter. Snack on house-made falafel and hummus; a new pancake recipe; Belgian waffles; and the best, freshest salads imaginable.

What’s not: Hipster Hash (hash browns, veggies, cheese, eggs, salsa), Full Monty (pancake; eggs; hash browns; and choice of bacon, ham, or turkey sausage), and sweet potato fries. Awesome vintage furniture and lamps. A stay-all-day attitude.

We’re no good at secrets.

We have no filter.

Filter, 1373-75 North Milwaukee Avenue, between Wood Street and Wolcott Avenue ( 773-904-7819 773-904-7819 ).

Felt Up

2010-02-03T14:15:00Z

Fiat Luxe Felted Soaps

The last time you lathered up with a hirsute showering buddy, you felt far from clean.

Wash away that lingering grossness with a new fuzzy friend: Fiat Luxe’s felted soap.

Wrapped in naturally antifungal wool, the fragrant bathing beauties act as cleansing agent and washcloth in one.

Energize with hand-grated amber resin from India, soothe skin with the vibrant calendula citrus blend, or refresh your senses with lavender buds.

As you scrub, the felt magically shrinks along with the soap, reshaping the miniature works of art. Once you’ve whittled your way down, simply slit the colorful casing and insert a new bar.

The result?

Sudsy balls you can’t wait to get your hands on.

Available online at fiatluxedesigns.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Fiat Luxe

Heart-Shaped Deals

2010-02-02T16:00:00Z

From us. To you.

Gimme an Aorta

2010-02-02T15:30:00Z

2010 Valentine's Day Guide

In love and war, all is fair. Here are fourteen ways to show you care.

1. If you’re lonely, solo, single, meet your sweet and mix and mingle.

2. Not a broad or dame compares — when you’re in your underwear.

3. Is your relationship platonic? A friendship bracelet’s quite ironic.

4. If his temper’s not your thing, throw him in the boxing ring.

5. You don’t need a rhyme or reason. True love always is in season.

6. You mustn’t be misunderstood. Say “I love you” with some wood.

7. Perhaps you live a state away. He’ll think about you when he pays.

8. A V-Day dinner you’d never shirk, take your guy to David Burke’s Primehouse. Oysters, Kobe, caviar, dry-aged steaks that raise the bar (616 North Rush Street, at Ontario Street; reservations recommended to 312-660-6000).

9. If buying prime rib’s too much hassle, take him to a secret castle.

10. Having zero luck, dear lady? This dating show looks pretty shady. But if you do believe in chance, perhaps you’ll find a sweet romance.

11. His heart will flutter on the floor if he sees this on his door.

12. Move your chairs and tables, too, fill your fridge with loads of brew. Lay a blanket on the floor, make it nice, we do implore. Buy some chocolate, bake a cake, make your man an oyster bake. Light a candle, make it quick. Et voila — indoor picnic.

13. If you think this day is cheesy, get literal with your main squeezy. Tour the Great American Cheese Collection, sample nibs, show your affection (Saturdays, 4727 South Talman Avenue, at 47th Street; 773-779-5055).

14. Old school, yes, but nothing’s better than a signed and sealed love letter. Don’t know how? Now that’s just sad. Try this site — it’s not half bad.

Photos: Courtesy of Anthropologie; Courtesy of Opening Ceremony; Courtesy of Jonathan Adler; Courtesy of The Curiosity Shoppe; Courtesy of White Castle; Courtesy of Cardboard Safari; eszter / Flickr

19 Gifts for Your Valentine

2010-02-02T14:00:00Z

Shooting practice with Cupid in an hour? Ready, aim, fire away.

That's What She Wed

2010-02-01T14:15:00Z

DailyCandy Weddings Launches

Dearly Beloved Readers,

We’re here on bended knee, finally ready to pop the question: Wanna join DailyCandy Weddings? It’s a new weekly e-mail hopelessly devoted to your big day.

Take the leap and you’ll receive unconventional inspiration (boozy snow cones, modern ketubahs), floral trends (rhinestone bouquets), and new designers (bridesmaid frocks you’ll actually wear again). We’ll keep you prenuptually preoccupied with fresh ideas on how to make your wedding day, well, yours.

To sweeten the deal, we’ve partnered with Crate & Barrel to give away an Ultimate Wedding — with a whopping $100,000 budget — to one lucky couple. The day of perfection will be brilliantly organized by our favorite A-list planner, Jo Gartin.

Love is forever, but the clock is ticking, so hop to.

It’s vow or never.

To sign up for DailyCandy Weddings, go to dailycandy.com/weddings. To enter the Ultimate Wedding contest, go to crateandbarrel.com/ultimate wedding.