A Look Inside Dolce & Gabbana’s New Oak Street Location

Chicago’s Oak Street has been gifted with yet another precious gem—Dolce & Gabbana. The luxurious new store radiates opulence and Italian elegance. We were thrilled to receive an exclusive glimpse of the new boutique!

The second we walked in we felt like we were in sunny Milan, not gloomy Chicago. Every little detail in the store radiates luxury and encompasses the Italian brand’s authenticity. The stones used to lay the boutique’s floor were brought all the way from the glamorous Italian island of Sicily and the opulent burgundy velvet, which is unique to their boutiques, is prevalent throughout the store.

The boutique features the newest runway pieces that are feminine with a unique Dolce & Gabbana twist, as well as “oh –so-gorgeous” jewelry and accessories. We wanted it all! As the saying goes: the best things in life are free, and the second best are very expensive.

Our preview ended with even more exciting news. Have you ever looked at the Dolce & Gabbana campaigns that feature beautiful Italian families and wondered how amazing it would be if you could be in it? Well dreams do come true!

This year Dolce & Gabbana is hosting the #DGFamily project to demonstrate their belief in the values of a strong family. All you have to do is go on their website, submit your family photo, and voila, you are part of the D&G family.

By Eva Zakarauskaite

Choos and Handbags Oh La La!

Mark your calendars! Whether your shopping needs entail a gift for your next holiday party or simply some much needed retail therapy, we are filling you in on two events that are right around the corner that you will not want to miss!

Jimmy Choo Cruise Collection 

What woman couldn’t use a new pair of shoes? On Wednesday, December 11 join hosts Janet Mandell of Fashion-A-Holic and Alexis Cozzini of Citizen Stone to shop the Jimmy Choo 2014 Cruise Collection.

Better yet, you can shop guilt free knowing the evening's proceeds will benefit our favorite charity, the Chicago Children’s Choir. There will be raffles and all sorts of fun to spice up your Wednesday. RSVP to Lynn.Henry@JimmyChoo.com.

JGEREN and Samantha Sleeper Trunk Show

The Purely Fashion pop up shop is welcoming JGEREN designers Jen Gerenraich and Lori Wallis and Samantha Sleeper for a fashionable holiday trunk show on December 14 and 15 from 1 - 6 pm.

Not only are JGEREN’s luxury leather handbags on sale in stores for the first time, guest will have the opportunity to meet Jen and Lori from 4pm-6pm on Saturday only. Shoppers will also be able to mingle with the one and only New York-based fashion designer, Samantha Sleeper.

Samantha Sleeper will be presenting her limited edition holiday line that includes holiday dresses, separates and luxurious cashmeres fit for any fashionista’s closet. Guests will be able to shop leisurely while enjoying champagne and sweets from A Sweet Delivery. Be sure to RVSP and make it out to meet the designers on Saturday from 4pm-6pm!

Coming to the events? Let leave us a comment and let us know!

By Marisa Coulter MDPR Contributor

Shopping Trip to Citizen Stone

On Wednesday, we decided to take a little shopping trip to Citizen Stone, the new store by former SARCA owner Alexis Cozzini at 1440 N. Dayton St. Unit 302. What better way to escape the stress of the work day than surrounding yourself with fabulous clothes and accessories?

The concept behind the store is a fictional woman known as "Stone." She is a mysterious, well-read, well-traveled and cultured fashionista with a passion for all things beautiful and creative. Whether it is fashion, travel, fine dining, beauty, interior design, the latest book, or the coolest tech accessory, Stone is your go-to aficionado on all things exceptional.

Citizen Stone carries women's clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, as well as home furnishings and accents, coffee table books, beauty products and tech accessories.

A few of our favorite things were the brightly colored blazers by Two Penny Blue, statement heels by Ivy Kirzhner, floral dresses perfect for a warm-weather getaway and desk accessories made out of recycled paper by Essent'ial. Allison even picked up some dog treats for her food-obsessed Lab.

Showroom hours are Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm and by appointment only on weekends. Citizen Stone also offers personal shopping, in-home shopping, wardrobe and closet consultations, private events and trunk shows. We will definitely be coming back to finish up our holiday shopping!

By Allison Sickert MDPR Publicist

Purely Fashion Trunk Shows

We’ve been reading about the new Purely Fashion iPhone app all over the place lately—in SPLASH, Chicago Magazine and Today's Chicago Woman to name a few. In a nutshell, Purely allows users to discover and follow up-and-coming and established designers from around the world.

Purely is hosting a holiday pop-up shop on level 4 of the 900 North Michigan Shops from November 15-December 24 and we have our credit cards ready. Almost every weekend of the pop-up, there will be a trunk show featuring a different designer and shoppers will be able to meet the designers as well!

For those of you wanting to check some people off your holiday shopping list, add these trunk show dates to your calendar.

Nov. 15, 16 and 17: Sterling and Burke 

Nov. 21: Grand Opening Event

Nov. 23 and 24: Bella Colletta

Nov. 26 and 27: EM Reservoir

Dec. 6, 7 and 8: Nashona

Dec. 11:  Henry & Belle

Dec. 13: Roslyn x Suite

Dec. 14 and 15: Samantha Sleeper and J. Geren

All week days of the pop-up:  Henry & Bell denim bar

For more information on Purely, visit their website. Happy shopping and we'll see you at the pop-up!

By Allison Sickert, MDPR Publicist 

Painless Waxing Boutique Grand Opening

We were thrilled to be a part of Painless Waxing Boutique’s grand opening party Monday night for their chic, new spa located at 3146 N. Lincoln Avenue in Lakeview. Hostess Debi Lilly transformed the space into a glam girl’s night out. The Hollywood-inspired, gold-accented room was filled with 200 guests enjoying champagne and adorable pink mustache and gold heart cupcakes from Sugar Hills Bakery.

 

One of our favorite things about the spa is the beautiful bar in the back that's perfect for hosting parties. Who wouldn’t want to sip cocktails while getting pampered? It was the perfect place for guests to mingle while awaiting the spa’s services.

Painless Waxing Boutique offered a variety of services throughout the event including eyebrow waxing, samples of Green Envee Organics body scrubs (we loved how soft they made our skin!), mini facials, Jane Iredale makeup applications and energy and tarot readings. And nail artist extraordinaire AstroWifey had guests practically lining up outside!

The spa offers so much more than just the services offered at the party. Pop in for airbrush tanning, eyelash extensions and skin care treatments. All of their services are designed to fit into a busy woman’s schedule. Quick lunch break facial, anyone?

Interested in learning more about Painless Waxing Boutique’s services or hosting a party? Visit their website or their Facebook page.

By Ashley Siech, MDPR Contributor

Photos by Marcin Cymmer

5 Simple & Stylish Halloween Costumes

Halloween is the time of year when you're able to let your imagination run free.  From hair and makeup to the actual costume itself, nothing is off limits when it comes to letting your alter ego take center stage!

With Halloween just around the corner, here are some costumes sure to get some attention amongst all the sea of festive outfits.

1. Audrey Hepburn

A classic costume, and one of our favorites, is Audrey Hepburn. Not only is it easily identifiable, but also chic and easy to put together. Wear a basic black dress, short or long, and pair it with elbow length gloves. Accessorize the outfit with a statement necklace, tiara (or embroidered headband) and throw some ballet flats or kitten heels on and you're instantly transformed into Ms. Hepburn. Oh, and don’t forget the retro cigarette holder!

2.  Karl Lagerfeld

One costume that is creating a lot of buzz this year is fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld. The Chanel powerhouse has such a distinct look. The basis for your Lagerfeld costume is a black suit with a crisp, white button down underneath. Next, pile on the accessories! We all know Karl likes things over the top, so choose anything from long pendant necklaces to pins and brooches, and don’t forget those black fingerless gloves and the black sunnies. Finally, grab a white wig and pull it back into a low ponytail and you are now emulating the king of fashion himself!

3. 1920’s Flapper

A Halloween favorite (and one of the simplest) is the Louise Brooks inspired flapper. This costume doesn’t require much effort because it has so few elements, which makes it great for a last minute option. All you need is a simple drop waist dress -- the more fringe the better. Accessorize with embellished shoes, a feathered headband and a bold lip color and you're set to dance the night away.

4. Cher Horowitz from Clueless

The 90s are back in a big way. Why not do an ode to one of the classics, Clueless? The star of the film, Cher, had a distinctly preppy style. Start with a plaid mini skirt, white button down and a cropped black cardigan. Then slip on some over the knee socks, Mary Janes and her signature beret hat. Accessorize with an old flip phone (if you can even find one!) and some shopping bags. Et voilà, you’ve become the epitome of a 90s valley girl.

5. Kate Middleton

One of the most talked about events of the summer was Kate Middleton's birth to Prince George followed by her impressively chic ensemble the next day. To get her look, you need a blue polka dot dress, ivory pumps and a replica of her iconic sapphire engagement ring. Go all the way with this costume by carrying a toy doll wrapped in a white blanket, and maybe even ask a friend or boyfriend to play Prince William!

Have other creative Halloween costume ideas?  Share them with us in a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR!

By Ashley Siech, MDPR Contributor

Who Said Pumpkins Were Just for Carving?

Pumpkins really are a fall staple whether they are on display as a jack-o-lantern, festive centerpiece or as an ingredient in tasty treats.  There are a multitude of ways to utilize pumpkins in a healthy way that you’d never expect!

1. Fresh Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree is a key ingredient in fall dishes and it always tastes better fresh than from a can. Follow these simple steps to create your own.

Start by cutting your pumpkin down the middle and scooping out the seeds and guts. Set them aside for later. Place your pumpkin, cut-side down, in a baking dish with a cup of water and bake for 90 minutes or until the flesh is tender.  Then, scoop out the flesh, puree in a food processor and voilà, your fresh pumpkin puree is complete!

2. Flavorful Pumpkin Stock

It's always a mystery of what to do with those stringy pumpkin guts. A great way to utilize these is to make a pumpkin stock for soups and casseroles.

First, separate the seeds from the guts. Next, place the guts in a pot filled with boiling water. You can also add vegetables such as celery or carrots to add even more flavor. Boil this for about 30 minutes or until the water begins to change color. Strain your stock and it's ready to be used in your favorite recipe.

3. Get Pumpkin Pretty

One of the most unexpected ways to utilize pumpkin is to make a face mask. Pumpkins are rich in zinc and vitamins A, C and E, which will leave your skin glowing. This mask also makes a tasty snack!

Start with about five teaspoons of pumpkin puree, add three teaspoons of brown sugar—this will naturally exfoliate your skin—and add a tiny splash of milk.

Mix everything together and apply to your face in a circular motion, avoiding your eyes. Relax and allow the mask to seep into your skin for 20 minutes. After washing the mask off, your skin will be smooth and fragrant.

Do you have a favorite way to use pumpkin? Share it with us by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR.

By Ashley Siech, MDPR Contributor

Recipes via About.com, Busted Button and Care2.

Moving Hearts Through Song

Our Friday posts are always fashion driven, but today the MDPR team wanted to share someone who we admire not only for their fashion sense, but the time and dedication they put towards making Chicago a better place.

As President and Artistic Director of the Chicago Children's Choir, Josephine Lee unites 3,500 young Chicagoans annually through the pursuit of musical excellence. In a city afflicted by violence, Josephine empowers children to bridge cultural divides and become agents of peace and leadership in their communities. The Choir's highest level concert choir has 100% graduation rate, a testament to Josephine's hard work.

Josephine always says "the fastest way to travel the world is through music," and we couldn't think of a better quote that fits the Choir's mission of intercultural understanding. Since joining the Choir in 1998, she has transformed it into a cultural institution through partnerships with nationally acclaimed arts organizations and yearly international tours. A few countries the Choir has visited include Italy, Africa, Canada, Russia and India.

We are looking forward to the Choir's biggest fundraising event, Red Jacket Optional, next Friday the 18th. The Choir hopes to raise 1 million dollars that will all be put towards continuing to offer music education to Chicago's youth.

The event will be preceded by a cocktail hour and conclude with the lively Champagne and Sweets after party. We can't wait to dance the night away to the jams of DJ Matt Roan, Ambassador Board Chair.

Want to join us? To purchase tickets to the gala email Emily Hallock at ehallock@ccchoir.org. Tickets for Champagne and Sweets can be purchased here.

By Allison Sickert, MDPR Publicist

Toasting the Chicago Children's Choir at Tod's

The event last week at Tod’s celebrating their new Sella bag and benefiting the Chicago Children’s Choir was one for the record books. It’s the first event we’ve been to where the men out-shopped the women!

With 10% of every purchase going to the Choir, the 100+ crowd that showed up to support the organization blew us away. While women did their fair share of shopping, the men were purchasing new pairs of Tod’s loafers left and right. At the end of the night $50,000 was raised for the Choir. 

One of the show stoppers of the night was a blue python Sella bag. A store associate told us only five were made and they have the last one. It’s still waiting for one lucky lady. Our significant others didn’t seem too eager to buy it for us. What gives?

Champagne and hors d'oeuvres created by Elaina Vazquez of Boutique Bites were passed around throughout the evening. Our favorite was the mini chocolate chip cookie sandwiches. We overheard one guest wishing they could have a jumbo-sized version. Maybe we should pitch the idea of a giant cookie sandwich to Elaina…

The always upbeat Matt Roan provided the perfect tunes to accompany the evening. The night was a perfect precursor to the Choir’s Red Jacket Optional gala on October 18. These next three weeks couldn’t come any faster!

To purchase tickets for Red Jacket Optional contact Emily Hallock at ehallock@ccchoir.org. 

To view more photos from the evening please visit the Monika Dixon PR Facebook page!

By Allison Sickert, MDPR Publicist