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Chicago Hotlist August 17th

Here's the rundown:

Who: Angelina Jolie is currently filming Wanted here in Chicago – have any Stylelist readers spotted her yet?

What: Slouchy leather bags are definitely in for fall, and this caramel colored hobo by Lucky Brand Jeans is the perfect way to pick up on the trend.

Where: Grace on Damen Avenue is the latest boutique to open up in Bucktown, and this accessories-only boutique has some of the most fabulous shoes and bags around, from labels like Jean-Michael Cazabat and Chicago's own Elizabeth Brady.

When: Today is the first of the Fifth Annual Ten-Minute Play Festival by the Brown Couch Theatre Company. Support some local artists, see some excellent plays, and snack on some yummy food – it's a great alternative to another boring bar night.

How: Want to make your abode more eco-friendly? Time Out Chicago has an excellent feature on how to live green in comfort.

Chicago Hotlist August 10th

We've got the details:

Who: Is Kate Bosworth's asymmetrical Jil Sander dress a hit or miss? Personally, we're going with "it's a miss" – something about the one long sleeve in the summer is just little bit off. Her sleek hair and dewy, natural makeup are gorgeous, however. She came so close!

What: This cute little polo dress from American Apparel will keep you breezy and cool during these last few weeks of summer – and at $34.00, you can pick up a few of the fun color options.

Where: The recently opened Crimson Lounge (located in the former Kaz bar in the House of Blues) is quite possibly the most stunning place to grab a drink or two in Chicago .

When: Weekend happenings include the 12th annual Chicago Korean Festival, featuring a DJ Battle, a karaoke contest, and a fashion show, along with plenty of delicious, exotic food.

How: Have you ever wished that you had a computer program that organized your wardrobe a la Cher in Clueless? Social shopping and outfit building program Polyvore is a good start (hint: click on the "help" button for a video demo and other useful information).

Chicago Hotlist August 3rd

We've got the rundown:

Who: All the acts that will be rockin' Grant Park this weekend at Lollapalooza.

What: Metallics are chicer than ever, so don't be afraid to invest in this sparkly trend. Try this silver Tory Burch ballet flats for a dose of shine that will brighten any outfit.

Where: The Renegade Divas, DIY masters and creators of the Renegade Craft Fair, have opened the doors of Renegade Handmade, a boutique that brings all the best of their much loved craft fair to 1924 West Division in Bucktown.

Why: Should you splurge on high-end makeup brushes? Blogdorf Goodman has created the Brushed with Greatness Project, an amazingly detailed series of reviews that covers all the major brands and some hidden gems.

When: October 9th is the day that Macy's launches their Chicago Designer Shop in the State Street store, where the fall collections from local stars like Cyndi Chan, Orlando Espinoza, and Kristen Amato will be on hand for the full season.

How: To look ten pounds thinner in photos, without dieting or Photoshop? Get this new HP digital camera that has a slimming effect you can use on all your photos. We're not sure if this is awesome or insane.

Chicago Hotlist July 27th

We've got the details:

Who: Mark your calendars, because the amazing Tim Gunn's "Guide to Taste and Style" premieres September 6th on Bravo.

What: The Body Shop's Hot Tropics Collection can help you look like you've just returned from a tropical island, even if you've been landlocked all summer.

Where: The Riverwalk (the stretch of the Chicago river along Wacker between Columbus and Franklin) has finally reopened after being closed due to construction for what felt like ages. Look for old favorites like Robinson's Ribs and Caffe Café (for gelato and other Italian treats) along newcomers like Cyrano's Café and Wine Bar, a French-inspired eatery.

Why: We all agree that Crocs are ugly – so why are they so prevalent? If you are anti-Croc, the Manolo feels your pain.

How: Ever wanted to get an insider's view of the fashion magazine world? Check out Free Gift With Purchase: My Improbable Career in Magazines and Makeup, a refreshingly candid memoir by Jean Godfrey-June, the beauty editor of Lucky magazine.

The Changing Face of Oak Street

Venerable Oak Street has long been one of the premier shopping spots in Chicago, serving as a quieter, more upscale haven from the bustle of Michigan Avenue. Lined with converted brownstones that house some of the world's most coveted labels, Oak is home to Prada, Hermes, Barneys, and local boutiques like Ultimo and George Greene. The Oak Street retail scene is about to be shaken up, however, by quite a few newcomers, ranging from internationally recognized labels like Vera Wang to hometown favorites like the Denim Lounge.

Continue reading The Changing Face of Oak Street

What's Hot In Chicago this Weekend:

Here's the rundown:

Who: Ingwa;melero (no, that's not a typo), the German designing duo behind some of the slinkiest, sexiest silk dresses and tops around – because sometimes you need to play the bombshell.

What: Ruby slippers aren't for Dorothy anymore - check out these luscious suede pumps by Nine West (they also come in sapphire blue, black, and patent).

Where: Time Out Chicago has a list of the city's best dive bars, from Andersonville down the South Side. Check it out and find your favorite neighborhood hangout – because sometimes you just have to let your hair down.

When: Is Marc Jacobs coming to the windy city? According to insider sources (okay, his PR reps), Chicago 's first Marc Jacobs boutique is opening at

1714 West Damen Avenue
late this summer.

Why: Should you join a shopping social network like Stylehive? Because it's like shopping with some very chic friends - and you can do from home in your pajamas or when you're bored...oops we mean "multi-tasking" at work.

How: Second City Style dishes out style advice, including how to wear this season's popular empire waist tops without looking boxy or six months pregnant – because sometimes you need to be both stylish and comfortable.

Weekend Hotlist: Friday the 13th Edition

We've got the rundown:

Who: All of the fantastic artists at the Pitchfork Music Festival, which kicks off today with a performance from Sonic Youth (yes, that Sonic Youth). The festival is sold out, but Time Out Chicago has thoughtfully provided a list of possible ways to get in.

What: Clutches are the perfect partner for a chic little cocktail dress, and the new exotic skin fold-over clutches by Jalda (found via The Bag Snob) – they go from clutch to mini-tote (just unfold it!) and manage to look equally stylish in both incarnations.

Where: A girl can't live on fashion alone, so I am Fashion wrote about the new seven world wonders and other exotic destinations.

When: Mark your calendars, because the Beta Boutique is having another Stacked Rack Sale in August (on the 11th and 12th). They get the best local designers and boutiques to sell them their overstock at 40% to 90% off retail – prices start at only $10! If you only hit up one major sale this summer, make this be it.

How: To make that delicious summer beverage known as sangria (plus red wine is good for you!), check out Metromix. They've got the scoop on the most creative sangrias in Chicago , as well as a few good recipes.

Weekend Hotlist: Windy City Edition

Who: Kristopher Dukes, fashion blogger extraordinaire, tells her readers to flaunt it if they've got it and forget boring basic black. After reading tons of fashion and beauty articles that teach women how to fix their flaws and hide the negative, it's refreshing to focus on the positive and read a post that encourages readers to show off their best assets. As Kristopher herself would probably say, that's so mignon.

What: Speaking of flaunting it, the violet-print Corrina dress by Fluet is a perfect breezy sundress that would definitely put the spotlight on your rockin' bod, and it's available at Maneater Threads (even the name of the e-boutique fits the theme!)

Where are the best spots to enjoy a scoop or two of decadent gelato? Time Out Chicago has done the work for you with their lengthy list of ways of to beat the heat with an icy treat (I know the rhyming is cheesy, but I couldn't resist ... maybe the humidity is getting to me). Vote for your favorite in their Melting Madness competition.

Why top shelf booze is a bit overrated – the Red Eye conducted a taste test at Chicago bars to let us know what premium brands to splurge on and when to save our pennies.

How to enjoy a summer night outside? Beginning July 17th, you'll be able to catch a classic flick at the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival in Grant Park. If you'd rather get moving, take a free dance lesson at the Chicago SummerDance Festival, also in Grant Park.

Chicago Weekend Hotlist - June 29th

We've got the rundown from around the blogosphere:

Who: Debilitating Fashion syndrome, or "DFS" sufferers. These individuals wear extremely tight or otherwise uncomfortable clothing and ultra-high heels - basically, their fashion choices keep them from living a normal life. Do they really exist or is the UK Sunday Times just having a laugh at their reader's expense?

What: The American Apparel bandeau halter dress can be worn fifteen different ways (check out the video - it also works as a skirt and a top) and it comes in tons of colors. What more could you want for $36?

Where: Grant Park, for the annual Taste of Chicago. Delicious food, excellent music, cooking demos, and a wine garden (we're not sure exactly what the wine garden entails, but we want in). Some of the participating restaurants include Tamarind, Vermillion, and Chicago classics like Eli's Cheesecake.

When: 11:00am - 7:00pm, now through July 2nd at 912 West Armitage in Lincoln Park, for the Thread Lounge Sample Sale. Pieces from top labels, including Ella Moss, Antik denim, and Joe's Jeans will be 50%-75% off, and all prices are wholesale or below!

Why: It's the middle of summer, and even though pale is beautiful, but sometimes a girl just needs a golden glow. The Beauty Addict understands, so she's put together a wonderful series of reviews on the best self-tanners and the necessary techniques to apply them. Thanks for risking orange-ness and streakiness so we don't have to!

How: Harrods Girl and Barneys Girl from I am Fashion use their spot-on style smarts to show us how to rock this summer's printed shorts trend.

Chicago Weekend Hotlist 6/22

We've got the details:

Who: The hipster crowd at Crust in Wicker Park, the Midwest's first certified organic eatery. The flatbread pizzas are delicious and the cucumber mint cocktails are even yummier, so make a reservation or show up early to get a patio table at this hot new spot.

What: Long, loose high-waisted jeans are refreshingly chic after seasons of low-rise and skinny. Check out these Jane Birkin-inspired styles from Maise, a hot new Austrailian denim label (courtesy of Denimology).

Where: Halsted Street for the annual Pride Parade and the many, many parties associated with it. Come as you are, but get there early, because this is arguably the most chaotic (in a good way) of Chicago's many summer festivals.

When: 6:00pm on Thursday, June 28th for WTMX The Mix's Style File at Mark Shale in the 900 Building on Michigan Avenue. Guests will be able to pick up fun goody bags, enter to win lots of amazing prizes, including merchandise from Mark Shale, and sample delicious wine from Virgin Vines and Little Black Dress wines.

Why: The Fashiontribes blog is here and ready to help us justify our shopping sprees, so check out their post on the fashion splurges that are actually investments (like these stunning red croc Christian Louboutin Mary Janes) and hit the Magnificent Mile.

What Not To Wear: Tent dresses look good on absolutely no one, not even gorgeous actresses like Sophia Bush. The Second City Style Fashion Blog said it best - "Moo-moo alert! Again! See? Here is a pretty and skinny person being rendered huge in this tent dress. Are you getting the picture? Avoid these please! They are hazardous to your health and our eyes. Seriously, how can you feel sexy and confident in a girlie pinafore?"

Chicago Weekend Hotlist June 15th

We've got what's hot in Chi-town:

Who: Chicago chef Dale Levitski, who's worked at Blackbird, Orange, Cru, and Stone Lotus (among others), is now a contestant on the newest season of Bravo's Top Chef (Miami). Watch the show and cheer on your hometown hero because his Bravo bio says Dale will bring the drama - "he will say what everyone else is thinking".

What: Comfy t-shirt dresses from Urban Outfitters, like this knotted dress by Lux that comes in six luscious colors. Ultra-flattering (the knot draws the eye to what is usually the narrowest part of a woman's figure - the top of the rib cage) and breezily perfect for hot summer days.

Where: University Village for the Maxwell Street Festival. Head south on the 16th for food, drinks, and shopping - Localist favorite Lissa on Maxwell is taking up to 70% off on clothing, handbags, and accessories from designers like Castle Starr and Madison Marcus. Once you're done shopping, head over to Junior's, Morgan's, Wow, or Lalo's for drink specials galore.

When: 6:30 on Friday and Saturday. That's when the Q101 Block Party (two nights, both $35.00) kicks off at Charter One Pavillion. Featuring the Violent Femmes, Good Charlotte, Godsmack, and more, join Chicago's best alternative station in celebrating the start of the summer concert season because these shows are sure to rock.

Why: It's finally beach weather in the Midwest, and Stellar 26 just opened up on Lincoln Avenue to equip men, women, and children with stylish sand and sun essentials, so stand out from the crowds on North Avenue or Oak Street beach with items from Roxy, Free People, and more.

How: Sunday is Father's Day, so how should you show dear old Dad that you care? One easy-on-your-wallet way is to take him to Copperblue, a cozy Streeterville spot where dads eat free on Father's day (as long as the rest of the group pays). This French-Italian-Spanish spot boasts a frequently changing menu with an emphasis on ultra-fresh ingredients from all around the Mediterranean. Go for lunch and spend the afternoon wandering around the nearby Field Museum or Shedd Aquarium, or head north to Michigan Avenue if dad is the shopping type.

What's Hot in Chicago this Weekend

We've got the details:

On the calendar: The 2nd Annual Piven Theatre Workshop Benefit - hosted by Billy Dec of Rockit Ranch Productions and Jeremy Piven himself at Rockit Bar & Grill (don't miss the after-party at The Underground either). Chicago's glitterati will definitely be in attendance, so it's the perfect occasion to rock that hot little dress. Plus, guests will have a chance to win a walk-on role on Entourage!

On the bod: Something sexy that you picked up for a steal at the Beta Boutique Summer Stock-Up Sale, paired with some strappy sandals in liquid silver, this season's hottest metallic. Try the Tantalize sandal from Stuart Weitzman (and check out their summer sale too!).

On the bar: Of course, you have to stay cool somehow, and there's no better way to do that than with a refreshing mojito from the Fulton River Lounge - these delicious drinks are only $6 from 5pm - 2am.

Chicago Hotlist 6-1

Here's your weekly rundown of what's hot on the Chicago scene:

On the big screen: Kevin Costner's "Mr. Brooks" could be the friendly guy next door – and that's precisely what makes him so creepy.

On the small screen: Get hooked on the newest murder mystery show, Hidden Palms

On the netflix queue: Gone with the Wind, because it will never go out of style.

On the mp3: Anchored in Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash, because it'll remind you to keep things on the sunny side.

On the bar: One of the ninety-five handcrafted beers available at the Clark Street Ale House.

On the menu: Bucktown sushi favorite Coast has opened up a spot in the South Loop , aptly named South Coast.

On the shoulder: Never waste time digging through your purse again with Solas Fashion's light-up clutches and handbags.

On the cheap: Stock up on basic tees and tanks from Old Navy – at $8.50 each, you can pick up one in every color!

On the heel: Turquoise patent trim on a cork wedge makes the Alicia by Oh Deer the perfect casual summer sandal.

On the wishlist: Sue Devitt's Viking Voyage Collection is colorful yet easy to wear.

On the tip of your tongue: Dita Von Teese is simply fabulous – check out her photo diary from the Cannes Film Festival.

On the list of looks that shouldn't work, but somehow do: Normally a denim vest and matching jeans would be a serious fashion don't, but American Idol winner Jordin Sparks looks pretty cute.

On the reading list: Water for Elephants is a good read – and perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of running off and joining the circus.

On the way out: Ashlee Simpson needs to learn classic Chucks don't go with everything.

On the radar: Statement-making print dresses, like Kylie and Dannii Minogue's.

What's Hot in Chicago this Memorial Day Weekend:

Here's the Rundown:

On the Big Screen: Captain Jack Sparrow is back on the big screen, and that's it all takes to get us to go see Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

On the Small Screen: Debra Messing is back with the network's new comedy, The Starter Wife. Check it out, if only to see the fabulous outfits she's wearing.

On the Netflix Queue: Continue the action-adventure movie theme by watching Apocalypto, a dramatic tale set during the fall of the Mayan civilization.

On the mp3: Allison Krauss's hauntingly beautiful new album, A Hundred Miles or More.

On the Menu: $5 sangria on Wednesdays, $2 tacos on Tuesdays? Zapatista may be one of the best bargains in the South Loop . Try the tilapia fajitas and homemade guacamole too.

On the Bar: One of Piece's award-winning microbrews – they're cold, refreshing, and perfect with pizza.

On the Shoulder: Go wild with this zebra print hobo bag from Michael Kors. It's the perfect addition to an otherwise neutral ensemble.

On the cheap: Why shell out for pricey designer sunglasses when you can pick up a classic pair from Kohl's for only $14.99?

On the heel: The Ivy Wedge from Carlos Santana is a great casual summer shoe, and the platform adds both comfort and height.

On the wrist: The Black Brooch Ribbon cuff by Beth Church packs a major style punch.

On the wish list: All of your summer makeup needs are taken care of with the Sephora Sun Collection Palette. Use the turquoise shade along your lash line for a fun look.

On the Tip of Your Tongue: It's not really surprising that Britney Spears was caught lip-synching at her recent Orlando concert, but the video is funny.

On the List of Looks that Shouldn't Work, But Somehow Do: All white is all right after Memorial Day, but Beyonce decided to get an early start with her crisp white sundress and bold blue accessories.

On the Reading List: Former VP and outspoken environmentalist Al Gore is going to be at the Borders on State Street on June 6th, so get started on his latest book, The Assault on Reason.

On the Way Out: Drew Barrymore's zippered shirtdress is definitely plaid gone bad.

On the Radar: Graphic stripes are not for the faint of heart, but a black and white dress like the ones that Gwen Stefani, Thandie Newton, and Sienna Miller are wearing will definitely stand out from the crowd.

Chicago Hotlist 5-18

Here's what's hot this weekend in Chicago:

On the big screen: 'Shrek the Third' is fun for the whole family.

On the small screen: 'American Idol' and 'America's Next Top Model' are both down to the final three, so watch and see if your favorites win.

On the netflix queue: Release your inner sci-fi geek with 'The Fountain'.

On the mp3: Rufus Wainright's latest CD, 'Release the Stars' is hauntingly beautiful.

On the menu: Sugar and Brown's in the River North is redefining fast food -- Maine Lobster roll, anyone?

On the bar: Snack Spanish style and sample some of the best sangria in Chicago at Logan Square's hot new tapas joint, Azucar.

On the shoulder: Club 's classic black and white Julia tote can go from the city streets to the beach with ease.

On the cheap: The American Apparel Bandeau dress can be worn at least fifteen different ways. Try the lemon or the aqua for a fresh, summery look.

On the heel: Sparkly "Tiffany" sandals from Nine West make every outfit special.

On the wish list: All-natural scented candles from Petal Candles make excellent gifts, and don't forget to treat yourself to a few as well.

On the tip of your tongue: Only someone with a figure as fabulous as Kylie Minogue could pull this bold Missoni dress.

On the list of looks that shouldn't work, but somehow do: Usually the "denim tuxedo" look is something to avoided at all costs, but Cameron Diaz actually looks very chic in her blue blazer and gray jeans. Sadly, the same can't be said for her unkempt date.

On the reading list: Plato and the Platypus makes philosophy accessible and even humorous.

On the way out: Maybe the pregnancy hormones have gone to Naomi Watts' head, because her Zac Posen gown appears to have been fashioned from a very ruffled bedspread.

On the radar: Feel ready for a hairstyle change, but don't want to go short? Slice some eyebrow grazing fringe into your 'do like Hilary Duff.

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