Team TYKU wants to Getaway with you…and it tastes so good!

Eric Smith, NBC5Chicago Street Team

 On location at Binny’s Beverage Depot with Bianca Berger of TY KU-a premium Asian Wine and Spirits Company.

How did you become State Manager for TY KU?

Bianca Berger(c) TY KU-State Manager

Well, I have worked in the Adult Beverage Industry for over 7 years here in the Chicago area.  About a year ago I was approached by representatives of the brand and then came on board to use my expertise to help launch the beverage in Illinois.  It has been a lot of fun working for this new company and breaking it in this market.  TY KU has given us the freedom and flexibility to try new things in order to build the brand.

What are the most popular types of TY KU in this market?

TY KU LIQUEUR is the most popular type selling in the Chicago area.  It comes in a very uniquely shaped bottle with a bright green citrus tasting liquor inside-that people like.  TY KU LIQUEUR is made up of super fruits found only in Asia-including a combination of mangosteen and gogi berri-natural ingredients packed high in antioxidants and vitamins.

How does the brand differentiate itself?

The New Skin of TY KU

Currently, there is no clear leader in Asian Spirits in this market and this is where we’ve found our niche.  In addition, we are bringing to market a healthier alternative to most adult beverages due to the natural super fruit ingredients.   The TY KU LIQUEUR is packaged in a unique bottle that lights up at the bottom and this is another great selling point.  And our TY KU SAKE is poised for huge growth with it’s unique flavor-offering the same health benefits as wine.

Does TY KU have a target demographic?

No not really.  But we find that we are developing a customer base that is 21-30 looking to experience new flavors-willing to try something different.  And it is very popular among women.  (And this couldn’t be more true-new TY KU Fan-Alicia Tiffany stated, “Personally I liked the fruity sweet taste of the green one…the colors of the drink and the shape of the bottle really stood out.”)

What’s next for TY KU?

At the top of the year we introduced the new TY KU SOJU and have a major push behind this campaign.  And we have just launched the TY KU NINJAGETAWAY Sweepstakes because even Ninjas need a vacation! We are offering TY KU fans a chance to win a kick a$$ vacation to Paradise Island, Bahamas or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The prize includes 4 days & 3 nights at the luxurious Riu Hotel & Resort, round trip airfare, spa treatments, water sports, beachwear, skincare products & much more! Enter daily to increase your chances of winning. Sweepstakes ends on April 30th, 2010

TY KU NinjaGetaway

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Chicago’s Fashion in Focus…the new Dress Code

Eric Smith, NBC5Chicago Street Team

In the fourth year of installment, Fashion Focus Chicago once again lit up the runway with the latest couture fashions this past weekend at Millennium Park. A gathering of the City’s upscale fashionistas and industry insiders, this was a collection of creative intellectuals on the scene-to push the envelope of Chicago’s fashion industry. A call to all in the know that although we are in the Midwest-far away from the East and West coasts, the Windy City is here-determined to make an imprint in the marketplace, and we will do so with our own sense of style and flair.

Fashion in Focus

Within minutes of arriving I was graced with the presence of Melissa Gamble- Chairwoman of the Mayor’s Fashion Council, Jason Felger-Executive Vice President of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, Alice Berry-Chicago Native-designer and Fashion Council member and the one and only Mayor Daley who launched the Council and subsequently Fashion Focus Chicago to establish the city as a fashion destination.

Most impressive was the fact that these collections debuted the next rising stars of top students from Chicago’s fashion design schools: Columbia College Chicago, The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, Academy Chicago and the School of the Art Institute Chicago.

Dress Code 2009

From the looks presented on the runway this evening, the goal of establishing a fashion mecca here is well in sight! To learn more and score event tickets visit
Fashion Focus Chicago.

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Being Anthony Luciano

Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

Aristotle famously declared that “man without a city is either beast or god,”  by which he meant that communal participation is the defining characteristic of being human.  So when Anthony Luciano, the New York based accessories designer whose newest collection of lux handbags is flying off the shelves at Neiman Marcus, responds aphoristically in an email that “I’m not participating in the recession,” you have to  wonder if he is some glib beast whose head is stuck in the economic sand or, quite possibly, the incarnate deity that  every retailer could use  at the moment.

Anthony Luciano

“I can only expand,”  he wrote in another email exchange, ” by saying I believe that even in tough economic times people are still drawn to beautiful and unique things which is what I do best. I have, of course, put more price conscious items into the line to attract a more discerning client but I will always do special custom made lux accessories.”

Eureka. Who needs any more bedazler logo crazed “status” bags? Who ever needed those in the first place?  In his current collection, Mr Luciano’s uses soft waxed and hand painted python to remarkable effect, producing, for instance, weightless hobo carryalls with over exaggerated leather tassels and irresistibly soft clutches with feminine floral touches. The waxing and painting produces solid colored  surfaces that remind one of licorice or liquid, even. Colored python skins have a subtlety akin to watercolors.

Even in July of last year someone had the good sense to point  out to Women’s Wear Daily that “if you want people to part with their money, they have to feel like they are getting something for it.” One wishes more retailers and designers shared WWD’s and Mr. Luciano’s insight. People don’t want basics in a down economy. They already have plenty of those. And they’ve already had it with  items whose prices bear no relation to craftsmanship.

purple python clutch

Even  if you’ve only recently started pinching your pennies, giving you something for you money is not a new concept for Mr. Luciano. Inside each of his handbags you’ll find he has sewn in a penny, his trademark since he started his company in 2000. “It’s an Italian tradition. When you give a handbag or wallet as a gift you should put money in it first for good luck.”

WHERE: Neiman Marcus Michigan Ave on Thursday October 8th and Friday October 9th

WHAT:  Meet Anthony Luciano and  watch him construct pieces by hand on the selling floor. Take the opportunity to collaborate with the designer and choose from a variety of hand picked frames from his vast collection to create a custom bag.  Anthony will help you choose the perfect leather and sketch a design and make your unique piece.

TheBestDressedList.com

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The Best and Worst Dressed List : The 2009 Emmy Awards

Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

At last night’s televised portion of the Emmys, Ricky Gervais made the hilariously irreverent confession: “This is the greatest awards ceremony in the world, there’s no doubt about that. Definitely, definitely no doubt about that. The thing about the Oscars and the Golden Globes is they’ve got film stars there, with their jawlines and chiseled looks, making me feel bad. But in this room – I’m not being funny – I’m probably above average. Here, Steve Carell is considered handsome.”

Much the same logic could be used to describe what is usually wrong with the women’s fashion at the Emmys. Since the  Emmys lack the star power, prestige  and, most importantly, the audience of the Golden Globes and The Oscars, it’s rare that actresses bring their A fashion game because it is even rarer that  the top design houses  loan out their A rate dresses. This means that if an actress is not careful, in that room–I’m not being funny–the Housewives of Atlanta would rate above average.

And so it was last nite.  Jennifer Carpenter, Kara DioGuardi, Sandra Oh, Holly Hunter, Sigourney Weaver, Drew Barrymore and Christina Applegate brought it. That’s because they would look spot on even at a more prestigious event.

On the other hand, stars like Vanessa Williams, Debra Messing, Marcia Gay Harden,  Julia Louis Dreyfus, Jessica Lange and Glenn Close didn’t. That’s because they looked like “make under” versions of the OC housewives. Their dresses, and most of the dresses period, were so safe and boring that you could easily find them hanging on the rack of a high end department store.

Tina Fey and Toni Colette have always been two outsize talents who have been in desperate need of a good stylist. Ms Fey, it seems, finally found one. Ms Colette, it seems, found the Rachel Zoe School for the Newly Emaciated and Fakebaked.  January Jones, Kristin Chenoweth (a very deserving winner for “Pushing Daisies”)  and Leighton Meester used overzealous stylists. Kim Kardashian used an overzealous pimp.

And then there was the worst offender of the evening, Heidi Klum, with her TMI maternity frock. Good god, the only way for her to have been  more inappropriately dressed was to have  arrived in a hospital gown with Seal telegraphing the number of centimeters she was dilated.

The best dressed men were  Tracy Morgan (surprisingly so), Steve Carell (reliably so), Ricky Gervais (eclectically so), Justin Timberlake (youthfully so), and Simon Baker (hot damn so). Jon Cryer was by far the worst dressed, perhaps because he dressed as his character on “Two and a Half Men.”

For a photo gallery and a slightly different perspective than the one expressed here, click here.

TheBestDressedList.com

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Le $38/$148 Dress

Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

OK ladies, if you normally have the requisite fashionista aversion to a dress which retails for $38, you may want to reconsider said aversion. Perhaps the economy has transformed you into a recessionista, or you needed something to wear in the 98 degree heat to Lollapalooza.

But the best reason to justify a $38 dress is because it’s actually a great summer buy and transforms into several dresses in one.

The dress is called Le Sac, and you’ll find this versatile piece at American Apparel. It comes in solid colors and a black strap that runs through essentially a halter top shape, but with enough imagination (and the pictured instruction postcard that comes with it), you can create at least five different dresses you would not be embarrassed to wear — the Braided halter, the Architectural mini, the Grecian, the Gathered mini or any of several variations that might look completely at home on a Narciso Rodriguez runway. Really.

Click here to read the rest of this post on NBCChicago.com.

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The Boys of Summer

Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

What separates the men from the boys this time of year? The men know it’s not how much you spend but how much you save.

If it is true that along with age comes wisdom, then some of us have been around long enough to know that one of the great joys of shopping the summer sales is getting a deal on  designer clothes that you normally can’t afford and that are going to perfect  your Fall wardrobe. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and, yes, real men get great deals on their Fall clothes in August!

One of the perennials you should be seeking out are coats. Spring coats that failed to impress your fellow shoppers can be had for 75% off if you remind yourself that for a city like Chicago, the difference between the weight of a Fall or Spring coat is indistinguishable.

Best buys this time of year would include a new trench or a leather jacket. For the latter, try the  sleek olive green military inspired one from Rag and Bone or the grey Ellie Tahari, both at Saks Fifth Avenue right now.

Those with an eagle eye for fashion this Fall will tell you that donning a henley instead of a t shirt or button front shirt is one of the surest ways to update your casual wardrobe. So if you’re a desperado for the perfect henley, pick up the  perfect  cotton and cashmere version from Rag and Bone that is still available,  again at Saks. Roberto Agnes can help you locate all of the items mentioned here.

Finally, lightweight knits that can be easily layered like the v neck sweater — and especially the cardigan — will be ubiquitous right through next Spring. Pick up the grey Etro cardigan with tie dye detail, for instance, again at Saks (most likely still available through the Beverly Hills store. Ask for Christopher).

Let the best Spring 2010 men’s collection at Bottega Veneta inspire you. And remember, the early bird gets the worm and the kickass fall wardrobe.

TheBestDressedList.com

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CASH FOR (FASHION) CLUNKERS

Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

Ok, guys I’ll let you in on one of my best pieces of advice for free, so listen up.

Ralph Lauren makes his classic polo shirt in a cut called “Custom Fit.” It is cut much closer to the body than the sloppy polo shirts of yore, which way too many of you are still wearing, and  which make you look oh so “2000 and late” while all the other guys look oh “so 3008.”

The “custom fit” has a higher armhole, natural shoulder and runs trimmer and shorter throught the body. This means it makes you look leaner, trimmer and completely in the know about how a shirt–any shirt, including a polo–should fit right now.

I don’t care if you’re 5 or 95, everyone looks completely appropriately dressed in a Ralph Lauren polo shirt, whether you  pair it with a nice pair of jeans and loafers or shorts and flipflops. Pick a flattering color and you’re an instant  style icon.

Just make sure you never tuck it your pants and wear a belt with it, grandpa.

If you run into any Ralph Lauren Polo store right now, every color of the custom fit polo is on sale for $37.49, marked down from $75.  It comes in 12-15 colors so you are bound to find several you love. If you happen to go into the Michigan Avenue store, ask for Jennifer on the first floor.

Finally, Saks will be having a consolidation sale in the Chicago Michigan Avenue  store this Thursday August 6th, which means an additional 25% off the last markdown price in both the men’s and women’s departments for a total of 75% off. Most of the merchandise is pretty well picked over but you never know……..(There’s still a great selection of men’s shoes, though!!!!!)

If you happen to live in Los Angeles or are visiting there on Thursday, run, don’t walk to the Beverly Hills store’s Warehouse Sale which will have the best selection of all the Saks stores.

TheBestDressedList.com

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Short Stories

Tom Kolovos, NBC Chicago Street Team

Let’s say you’re a guy who knows that cargo shorts suffered a timely death at least 2 seasons ago but that you’re also on a budget this summer just when you need a few new pairs of shorts  now.  What should you look for and where?

Look for shorts in bold solids or patterns that end somewhere above your knee and taper from the mid thigh to the hem. If you’re looking for a bargain right now, head to Club Monaco and ask for their “Broderick” short. All patterns are on sale for $29.  The short comes in a  good array of checks, plaids and bold graphics.

A client who took my advice last week wrote in an email: “Just wanted to say thank you for the tip on the shorts at Club Monaco.  I went there on Sunday after the gym and immediately found 3 pair I liked.  One was in my size and the salesperson was able to find the other 2 in other stores.  Very cute, shapely, stylish and perfect for the streets!  All for less than $100, so a great deal overall!”

My personal favorites are the “Dk Blue Mix/Blue Fonce” which is essentially a teal diamond patterned print and the “Black Pattern” which looks like black lattice on a white background. Both of them have a very  crisp retro feel and look great with a white shirt or t shirt. (I would prefer that they ran a bit leaner through the thigh, but let’s not quibble about it for $29 bucks……)

Oh, and instead of wearing your  shorts with flip flops, run over to Aldo, buy yourself the terry cloth shoe inserts, insert them in a pair of dress loafers  and……  long story short, you will look  perfectly hot.

TheBestDressedList.com

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Hot Fun in the Summertime!

Shlomi Rabi, NBC Chicago Street Team

Over the course of civilization, different cultures have contributed a famous saying that has become emblematic of their respective philosophy. The Chinese say, “An ant may well destroy a whole dam”; the French say, “Do not look a gift horse in the mouth”; and the British say, “Toothpaste is only for the weaklings.”

However, most important of all, the millennia-strong superior culture of the Chicagoites (that’s us!) live by the famous saying “Screw this, it’s finally Summer!!!”

So ladies, prepare to get your chic on at this year’s Summer Solstice Beauty at RED 7 Salon next Thursday, June 11th, starting at 6pm.

The feast of glamor, beauty and fashion, assembled by the Chicago’s very own (and nationally viewed) Chicago Girly Girl, will feature the unveiling of summer lines by Kate Boggiano, Lara Miller and Serpico. The shopaholics in the house will find comfort in the bagillion retailers who will feature clothes, accessories, and cosmetics to help you welcome the Summer of 2009.

So make your Chicagoite ancestors proud and be sure to sip on Mad Housewife wine, nibble on finger-licking-good treats from Fig Catering and get pampered with Red 7′s beauty treatments. Let the rest deal with their cutthroat ants and stubborn ponies.

Tickets are $20 and include a goody bag, so don’t forget to RSVP by calling Kristin Huey at 312-217-4111 or email kristin@ChicagoGirlyGirl.com.

To learn more about how else Shlomi makes the most out of Chicago click here.

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Lively Up Your Self!

Reggie Brown, NBC Chicago Street Team

Treat yourself  to a night of  pampering and glamorous  accommodations at  Personal Privilege’s Glam Revamp party this Saturday from 6-10 pm. Owners Avanel Hart and Tracy Lemke are opening the doors to the men’s and women’s boutique to pamper their patrons with an all out array of indulgent activities.

For starters, be the first to peep and scoop new arrivals from Laguna Beach Denim, True Religion and Jay Shoes. Make sure to check out their  $25 and under rack stocked full of women’s dresses and tops to help round out your Spring/Summer wardrobe.

With 25% off all denim for a limited time and free first-time alterations on all denim purchases,  Personal Privilege is trying their hardest to ensure that you’re dressed to impress.

Grab a glass of champagne, lean back and take full advantage of the complimentary airbrush makeup sessions, manicures and mini facials. There’s also a raffle and gift certificate giveaways of up to $200.

Oh, and did I mention that the evening is sponsored by Hypnotiq?

Part of the proceeds of all sales from 6-10, including all raffle ticket sales will be donated to the Network of Strength breast cancer foundation. 

Roll out, I’ll see you there!

Personal Privilege-2145 N Damen

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Randolph Street Market Festival’s Grand Opening

Laura Lodewyck, NBC Chicago Street Team

Be among the first to visit the return of the Randolph Street Market Festival in this weekend’s Grand Opening event. Featuring an eclectic array of vendors such as the Chicago Antique Market, Indie Designer Market, Fancy Food Market, Vinyl Swap Meet, and Global Good Bazaar, the market attracts shoppers hip to items both ultra-unique and fashion-savvy. Even Oprah’s getting into the action for the first time this year, bringing The Oprah Store’s specialty items into the mix.  Add to your antique collection, get an heirloom sized up by a professional appraiser, hit the bar for a bloody mary, and even make some extra cash yourself by bringing in your unwanted gold jewelery to be sold onsite.

Courtesy trolleys will take you to the Festival from Water Tower Place at the top of the hour from 11am to 3pm (and cart you back with your loot every half hour 11:30 to 4:00). Check out the legendary extravangza for $10 general admission (which earns you a shopping refund voucher with your admisison), or “see for free” the final two hours of the market.

Email me at llodewyck@nudehippo.com and check out my reports with Nude Hippo at NBCChicago.com.

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It’s The Weekend!

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC Chicago Street Team

Today’s the day! I’m now 39 years old. I hope you didn’t get me a present, because all I really want is to raise $20,000 for pediatric cancer research. If you donate you could even win a spot for you and a guest on a special Gypsy Spirit cruise on June 7, or 4 tickets to take a Windy City Films Tour! Read more here

After you’ve made your donation, pop on over to Target’s pop-up store. They’ve taken over the former Freedom Museum space with a Bullseye Bazaar, offering a selection of their exlusive and affordable lines. Then cross the river and take one of the Chicago Architecture Foundation‘s river cruises. They’re fun and you get to learn about this fantastic city! Clean up the river Saturday with Chicago River Day. Sign up to spruce up one of several sites, then celebrate afterwards at the festival. Many of the sites are filled, but some are still open.

Go through the woods to the Green City Market (it actually is in a grove of trees). The sustainable market is back outside in Lincoln Park. While you’re being kind to Mother Earth, cycle over to Soldier Field for Climate Cycle day. You can ride your bike up and down the shores of Lake Michigan, then listen to live music and browse green companies.

You should always be kind to your mother, but Sunday in particular! Find a special spot to take mom on our Mother’s Day page.

Have a great weekend!

Theresa

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Get Your Yeezys Here!

Itika Oldwine, NBC Chicago Street Team

The other day while we were checking out the inventory at West Loop sneaker and urban wear store Self Conscious, it appeared like a mirage in the desert — a pair of the much-coveted Air Yeezys, perched on the back wall. It was like an Elvis sighting. Who the heck knew there was an unclaimed Yeezy out there?

The Air Yeezy, designed by Kanye West, has been on every sneakerheads must-have list for months. When the Black Yeezy was released earlier this month, folks slept outside of Niketown on Michigan Ave. to snap up a limited pair of Yeezy’s. The shoe completely flew off the shelves within hours of its release, and soon after there were bids upwards of $1,000 for the Yeezys on eBay.

Click here to read the rest of this post on NBCChicago.com.

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Some Like It Haute

Shlomi Rabi, NBC Chicago Street Team

No woman can call herself a true fashionista without knowing (since these days it’s not just about owning) a set of must-have terms, from “sexy”, and “chic”, to “poddy” and “kawaii.” While most of these terms vary from generation to generation and from one season to the next, a few have withstood the test of time.

Take, for example, “snappy” — that perfect adjective originally used by Liz Claiborne to describe her fashion line. Fast forward to 2009, and you now hear the same term used by fashion star Isaac Mizrahi to describe his new collection for the Liz Claiborne fashion house.

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Spring Into Fashion With The Hubbard Street Dancers!

Fayth aka Relaxocat, NBC Chicago Street Team

Just in time for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Spring performance series is an event arranged with NBC Chicago Street Team’s, Tom Kolovos, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Bloomingdale’s on Michigan Avenue. 

Tonight, Tom will put together some spring fashion for men and women to be modeled by Chicago’s very own Hubbard Street Dancers. 

The event will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 with a fashion presentation at 6 p.m. and shopping (!) until 8 p.m. 

10% of sales made by event participants will go toward Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s education and community programs. 

It all goes down on the fourth floor of Bloomingdales at 900 N. Michigan Ave.

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Do You Have The Passion For Fashion?

Shlomi Rabi, NBC Chicago Street Team

It starting to feel like that time of the year again. A time when penguins consider the weather far too hot to even think; when snow boots start feeling insecure about getting passed up for cute sneakers in the closet; when it becomes OK to drop the “s” word — spring.

Everyone’s favorite season (at least those who long for days when they don’t have to hide their goods under a stuffy, cumbersome coat), will be celebrated with a great extravaganza.

The second annual Spring Fashion Show will be held at The Palmer House by The Women’s Treatment Center on Saturday, March 7th. Titled The Passion for Fashion, the event honors the remarkable women “who have completed treatment and dramatically changed their lives.”

Click here to read the rest of this segment on nbcchicago.com.

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Just Shoe-t Me.

Shlomi Rabi, NBC Chicago Street Team

Okay, so while we are all for incorporating a little bit of foreign influence in fashion, something about the pair of Dior fertility heels feels a wee bit…offensive? a crime? both? that sounds about right. The Senufo fertility figure, a revered form in traditional West African ceremonies, was taken out of its original context–a shrine, then molded, re-cast in brass, and glued to the heel of a zebra print sandal for skinny starlets to wear to an event with the hope of being discovered by a hot producer. Makes you wish you knew some real voodoo to exorcise the stupid out of designers. And as for all those bamboozled into buying these shoes–yes, they make you look fat.

To learn more about what Shlomi considers to be worthy of a “Girl, please” eye-roll, click here.

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Attention Men–How To Get Your Groom On

Shlomi Rabi, NBC5 Street Team

It’s impossible not to feel like you’re under fire with the myriad of technological arrows shooting at us on a daily basis. Most days are spent trying to grab, or dodge, as many arrows as possible — a celebrity’s Tweet about giving birth; a friend texting dinner invitations; a significant other calling your cell; a backpacking cousin Skyping; an old classmate poking you on Facebook; your boss’ frantic email. In short, it’s a technological war zone.

It’s definitely time for a break, and that’s where Matt Leyes’ Men’s Grooming Parlor (5316 N Clark St.) comes in handy. The recently opened space in Andersonville offers a peaceful atmosphere in a handsomely decorated space that feels like a cross between a stately English library and a cozy bed & breakfast.

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Where Is an iTod’s When You Need One?

Shlomi Rabi, NBC5 Street Team

Far and few in between are those moments in life that we get to have a wish come true. Be it landing a dream job, saving enough to go on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, or being asked to go on a date with the hottest person we know, it can happen. For many Chicagoans, the launching of Tod’s new line of handbags, shoes and luxury goods, hit the spot.

At a fine cocktail reception last night, the Italian brand showcased the latest of their must-have items for the season, to the delight of many of Chicago’s fashion aficionados.

Keeping true to their palette of natural tones (which means no electric-green-anything, thank goodness), sensible forms (which means no square toe boxes on men’s shoes, a double Amen on that), and the beautifully crafted “vacchetta” leathers that have come to define the company’s goods, the store boasted a superb array of items for both men and women.

Launching right before Valentine’s Day, Tod’s collection will surely be featured on many Wish Lists this year.

To learn more about Shlomi’s suggestions shopping in Chicago click here.

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The Art of War, in Chicago

Shlomi Rabi, NBC5 Street Team

One of the fiercest arguments in the last Presidential election concerned the seemingly endless war. While both sides—one for its indefinite continuation and the other for its foreseeable ending—argued ad nauseum about the best strategy, design house Thorsten van Elten was able to find the perfect happy medium.

Read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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The Perfect $8 Skinny Tie

Shlomi Rabi, NBC5 Street Team

The current economic slump makes it all-too-easy to find Sale signs dangling above clearance bins, perched on beechwood shelves, and stenciled in white bold letters on storefronts.

However, despite the sales and the Fata Morgana that you, too, could walk with a three-piece YSL suit for a dollar (hint: prepare to hear “So sorry, we actually just sold the last one”), many of the truly desirable items are still overpriced.

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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A New Look and Menu for Oak Tree

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

Shopping at the 900 Shops on Michigan Ave. can work up quite an appetite.  Although I’m not a big shopper, I am a frequent guest there mainly because of my better half.  Even though my window shopping is limited,  I tend to venture to the 6th floor to check out Oak Tree, my favorite restaurant in the building.

Click here to read the full post on nbcchicago.com.

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GET YOUR REVOLUTION ON: Inauguration ’09 far south side style

April Lawson, NBC Chicago Street Team

If you’re like me, sometimes the best way to get your revelry on is in a small intimate gathering, not with hordes of strangers in excessive temperatures. Somewhere safe, controlled and semi private. I found an inconspicuous storefront on 83^rd Street with a couple dozen African American babyboomers chillin in front of a large flat screen watching history unfold.

It was a realty office turned makeshift store called Obama44 . Inside were colorful painted walls with an array of Obama paraphernalia from the usual t-shirts to unique items like coasters and handmade jewelry. Just 9 weeks ago real estate brokers Marvis Hardy and Ruby Davis were just ladies collecting memorabilia. How did they start selling it?

“I began making a lot of things, and when people started asking for them, we began taking orders from as far away as Texas. We realized we had a good thing going on here!”

Obama44 is located on 738 E. 83^rd Street just a block west of Cottage Grove. They will be open for business until the end of February after which they hope to be exclusively online.

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