Life as a style hunter isn’t easy. Honestly. The job never ends. One must be constantly on the look-out for opportunity, always poised to strike. And a style hunter may face insults, such as, “Why are you shopping all of the time?” Excuse you. This is my craft. 
But this hard work, these challenges do pay off. Today, style struck at the Thread Show in the form of Peasants & Travelers bags. These hip and functional bags bring together classic styling with modern and unexpected materials. I adore the use of cork …

Is it wrong to want to live in a restaurant? I can see a lot of practical sides to this wish. No grocery shopping, no dish washing, no planning meals for the week. Heaven.

After eating at Trio restaurant in Palm Springs, I have design envy. Located in a former bank building, this restaurant plays established modern cool to its advantage. The restaurant has a gravitas that is provided by the building’s history as a bank. Heavy natural materials in bank-speak say, “We have been around for a long time and …

Where does one find styles that are lady-like-with-an-edge?  That is one of my favorite style motifs, but where is it hiding?  I’ve come to the conclusion that it does not exist ready-made.  Fortunately, it is something you must put together yourself.  This makes it not only intriguing, but unique.  One place I’ve discovered where you can put this look together (or any other personal style) is at 1154 LILL Studio.  This boutique in the Chicago Lincoln Park neighborhood allows you to make custom handbags, which means you can create a …

The popping of a champagne cork is one of the best sounds in the world.  Like the symphony tuning their instruments before the concert starts or the opening of the Jackson Five song ABC, the sound of a champagne cork signals the potential of something good and all the best elements of anticipation.  Chicago is a city that understands and is the home to Pops for Champagne – a champagne bar that will knock your shoes off.
 
The interior is a beautiful open space with floor to ceiling windows so that diners …

I became impatient with chemistry class in high school. It always seemed like there was an over emphasis on diagrams and tables and not enough skill teaching about explosives or even how to make an amazing espresso. Chemistry is all around us, and I often feel like the child who slipped through the cracks. Alchemy restaurant in South Park is helping me make up for lost time. The art and science of food and drink are happening in this creativity lab and all are welcome (Bunsen burner not needed).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The menu …

With Fall on her way, I’ve made a short list of the things I am excited about in this new season.  Although Spring is technically when all the baby animals are born and the flowers pop open, Fall has always felt like The Start of Something to me.  Fall has possibility.
I am completely smitten with Yves Saint Laurent nail polish in Ultra Violet.  I love the pure color.  I like how saturated the violet looks because it is a single-note.  No glitter, no opalescence.  It is bold and modern.  I …