It’s Great To Be Jake!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Just because the economy stinks, that doesn’t mean your fashion has to as well.

On Friday, fashion-forward Gold Coast boutique Jake (939 N. Rush St.) will launch a new budget-friendly store-in-store promotion called “It’s Great To Be Jake.”

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

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Art Chicago Hosts At J-Bar

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

A contemporary and modern art lover’s dream come true! Stop by the ultra sleek James hotel on May 2nd, as they host the official after-party for Art Chicago at the one and only JBar.

And for that special V.I.P. treatment show your Art Chicago Black Pass to receive special complimentary ARTini cocktails. DJ Rock City will be on the turntables spinning so this is definitely a “Don’t Miss Event!” See you there!

JBar
610 North Rush St.
Chicago. IL
May 2nd 10pm-11pm

Need more party or celeb info follow me on TWITTER!

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Chrisette Michele Dishes On Epiphany

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Chrisette Michele is taking a different approach with her sophomore album, Epiphany.

The Grammy award winning singer isn’t stressing anymore about what people think about her and her music. Instead, Chrisette now says, “If they don’t like me or my music –that’s ok and thanks!”

Chrisette sat down with me for a private dinner with a select group of friends on Tuesday (April 21st) at Hyde Park hot-spot Park 52. The fabulous dinner was a four-course taster and also served as a intimate listening session.

Sporting a blue and gold trimmed Polo Rugby jacket with matching gold bracelets by Scoop NYC, Chrisette discussed everything from how Ne-Yo made her have a epiphany to stress and bleeding vocal cords.

The fabulous intimate event was sponsored and hosted by Bleu Magazine and editor in chief extraordinaire Lenox Magee. (Thanks!) Also, specials thanks to Mega LLC -Dr. Renee Matthews!

Epiphany is the follow-up to Chrisette Michele’s critically acclaimed gold selling debut, I AM. Epiphany will hit stores on May 5th.

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A Street Fight For Softies

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Break out your favorite pajamas, teddy bear and pillows because the feathers will be flying Saturday at the Chicago celebration of International Pillow Fight Day.

This year’s local event will be held in front of the Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave.) between 2 – 4 p.m.

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

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Oh Baby I Like it Raw!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Not in the mood for steak this weekend? Then why not try something different, something cold, hard or even a little messy?

On Saturday, N9NE (440 West Randolph) will unveil a new Saturday-only raw bar hosted by executive chef Michael Shrader.

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

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Entertainment News for March 20, 2009

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

SEEING RED!
Anne Hathaway begged Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani to autograph her dress – after he accidentally spilt red wine all over the gown. The Devil Wears Prada star was at a private dinner for the 76-year-old fashion icon in New York on Tuesday (March 17th) night, which saw Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna turn out for the style mogul.

An eyewitness tells the New York Daily News, “Anne was covered in wine, but she laughed about it. She told him, ‘I want you to autograph this dress and sign it right now.’”

AND HERE COMES THE RIHANNA & CHRIS BROWN SEX TAPE…
We’ve already had the engagement rumors, wedding rumors, baby rumors, so at this point why not throw in a sex tape rumor?

Star Magazine claims that Chris Brown has a graphic video featuring him and Rihanna being very intimate in (how should I put this) “various ways”. Sources are saying that Rihanna is terribly afraid that Chris is going to leak the video if things continue on the current path and they eventually break up. The source went on to say, “Rihanna has no issues with her sexuality. But she’d be mortified if her friends and family found this out! This whole beating incident is terribly humiliating for her. She’s already traumatized and will do anything to make it all go away as quickly as possible.“

CHICAGO GOSSIP:
Tom Brokaw, former “NBC Nightly News” anchor and NBC special correspondent, speaks at the Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. tonight at The Field Museum.

NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant will be sharing footwear designs with students today at Walsh Elementary. The star will also do a youth basketball clinic later this evening.

And if you want to know where the celebs like Kobe and others are partying tonight then click on my TWITTER account for all the latest scandal and gossip!

SIGHTINGS:
Actress Sandra Bullock stuck in 6pm rush hour traffic with her security detail on Michigan Avenue…. Billy Dec running from B-96 in Prudential Plaza next door to 103.5 KISS-FM for his second on-air appearance Thursday morning.

WEEKEND HOT SPOTS!
FRIDAY: Stay Lounge. The official after-party spot and best of all everyone is V.I.P.! Stay Lounge- 111 West Erie.
SATURDAY: Bon V hosts Image Magazine party and to get in free just mention IMAGE at the door! Bon V – 1100 W Randolph St

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Entertainment News for March 13, 2009

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Not Acceptable!                                                       

 Social workers inspected the home of octuplets mother Nadya Sulemanin La Habra, CA yesterday (March 12).  As they deemed her future home unacceptable and decided her babies should remain at a Bellflower Hospital for several more days, Nadya had a team of cameras following her every move — possibly for a new reality TV show??

Howard K. Stern is Busted!

The longtime companion and attorney of Anna Nicole Smith was charged March 12th, for conspiring to furnish drugs to the Playboy pin-up in the years leading up to her 2007 death from a prescription medication overdose. Stern and one of the doctors charged voluntarily turned themselves in to police Thursday night (March 12th) and were immediately arrested and booked. Another doctor who is facing the same charges is reportedly expected to turn himself into police on Monday.

Chirs Brown  Says…  

Don’t believe everything you read.  Contrary to a New York Post report claiming that Chris Brown had fired all his staff — including the manager who allegedly sent the text message that caused this mess in the first place — his mom/co-manager Joyce Hawkins has issued a statement saying it’s all – “unequivocally” – not true

She says: “Reports that Chris is looking to replace his team, including Mark Geragos, Tina Davis and Mike Sitrick, are false. There are only two people who could make a change at that level on Chris’ behalf: his business attorney Kenny Meiselas and me — and neither of us were the source of this information. To the contrary, Kenny told the media outlet that broke this item, that the information they had was false. So there is no room for doubt or misunderstanding, let me state unequivocally, that no change is planned or being made with respect to Mark Geragos, Tina Davis or Mike Sitrick. We are very pleased with the work they are doing.”

WEEKEND HOT SPOTS!                                                                                   FRIDAY: Social Twenty-Five opening tonight! It’s being called the perfect blend of sports and style—sort of the Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen of River North watering holes. Social Twenty-Five 25 W. Hubbard St (between Dearborn and Wabash)

SATURDAY DAY: Dye The River Green Party at Fulton’s On The River! Green beer, prime viewing spot and Kegs N’ Eggs ?! Fulton’s On The River 315 North LaSalle 9am-4pm

SATURDAY NIGHT:                                                                                                JBAR-  Sexy drinks, hot music, the A-list crowd and DJ Rock City! What more could a girl want?! J BAR – 600 N. Rush Street – Chicago, IL 60611

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Entertainment News for March 10, 2009

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

It’s been a productive and lucrative year so far for OctoMom Nadya Suleman. Not only did she accept some much-needed help from Angels in Waiting but she’s also scored herself a half million-dollar home in La Habra, CA. The 2583-foot four-bedroom, three-bathroom house boasts a huge yard and is conducive to building add-on rooms. Just perfect for a mother of 14! The official buyer is Nadya’s father, Ed Doud.

Michelle Obama covers The New Yorker’s biannual Style Issue, which hits newsstands this week. To no surprise, much of the article focuses on the First Lady’s arms. This is just days after an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times, in which the author proclaimed: “The only bracing symbol of American strength right now is the image of Michelle Obama’s sculpted biceps. Her husband urges bold action, but it is Michelle who looks as though she could easily wind up and punch out Rush Limbaugh, Bernie Madoff and all the corporate creeps who ripped off America.” Well said!

Comedic political commentator Bill Maher and political host and commentator Ann Coulter will speak at the Chicago Theatre on Wednesday, March 11th. Start time is 7:30 p.m sharp!

And…the word from Twitter to 312Diningdiva is that super group U2 is officially in Chicago right now and the secret location for their highly anticipated appearance tonight is The Metro!  Good luck getting in!

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Celebs, Parties And More!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

Oprah approved celebrity chef and owner of Table 52 restaurant Art Smith knows more than great food, he knows great fashion! Store director Tessa Gillenwater of Louis Vuitton on Michigan Avenue is throwing Art a V.I.P. cocktail reception and book signing tonight (Sept. 18th) inside LV. Can you say WOW!

Michigan Avenue magazine, the most talked-about launch in Chicago officially hit shelves Sept. 15th. The 360-page premier-issue cover, featuring Chicago’s hometown supermodel Cindy Crawford, will be followed by a holiday issue, and then 10 issues in 2009. Now, if I can just get my hands on one…. SUSANNA !

Sunset Tan‘s Olly twins were all the rage on Friday, Sept. 12th, at Bon V nightclub. The twins keep the party hot and looked beautiful!

And big congrats to my favorite spa for men HALO!! They were featured on Fox Chicago Thursday morning!

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The Joffrey Ballet And Maria Pinto

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

The Womens Board of the Joffrey Ballet hosts the must attend event of the season tonight (Sept. 15th) at the all new Joffrey Tower (10 E. Randolph).

The event simply titled- Couture and Cocktails features an exclusive fashion show by designer to the stars Maria Pinto and guest appearances by Kid Sister and 90210 hottie Ryan Eggold. (yum!)

True to its name, guests will sip cocktails in their evening best while mingling with The Joffrey dancers, enjoying delectable treats and dancing to the latest sounds. There will be both a silent and live auction celebrity auctioneer Ryan Eggold with auction items like a set of  Van Cleef and Arpels diamond earrings valued at over $25,000 and tickets for two to Wimbledon,courtesy of legendary tennis player, Jimmy Connors.

Tickets are still available-$250.00 per person. For more information contact Nicole Patrick at 312.386.8921

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Celebs, Parties And More!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

The House of Cartier will host a special private V.I.P. evening to honor rapper/actor Common and kick-off the The Common Ground Foundation weekend festivities on Sept. 26th. The  legendary jeweler has partnered with the Common Ground Foundation for their Love Charity initiative with a portion of proceeds from the new Love Charity bracelet going back to the Foundation. The Common Ground Foundation weekend festivities also include:

“Common’s Start the Show n’ Bowl” sponsored by Snow Queen Vodka. Celebrities attending -Common, Pharrell, Will.i.Am, The Roots, Talib Kweli, Bilal and Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry and some other surprises!

Common and Friends live at the HOB Sept. 27th, sponsored by Snow Queen Vodka. The show starts at 7:30pm and tickets are available to the public!

Dave Navarro is hosting and guest DJ’ing at Manor on Thursday, September 18^th for the Blackberry Luxe Club Series Featuring - DJ Skribble, Dave Navarro, and J Melo

Candace Bushnell hosts a invite-only reception for the television premiere of Lipstick Jungle & to celebrate the publication of her latest novel One Fifth Avenue on Wed., September 24^th.

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An Inside Look At ARITZIA

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

The new Aritzia (“ah-ritz-ee-ah”) store doesn’t disappoint! The 4,300 square mecca on the third level of Water Tower Place, is a breath of fresh air out of the crowded wannabe NYC styled boutiques.

Aritizia’s PR maven took me on a grand tour of the place and to not say that I was impressed was an understatement! As their press release stated it really was unlike anything ever seen in Chicago before!

The first thing you notice when entering Aritzia is the name brands like Marc Jacobs which is always a great sign due to his cutting -edge designs. Then as you get further inside the store you notice the quality of the garments like wool lined winter coats, satin lined jackets, and then you stop dead in your tracks at the jaw-dropping reasonable prices and your SOLD!

Chicago has a lot of “it” boutiques namely Akira and Intermix which already have a strong-arm on the market but personally I want something more (like high-quality without applying for a loan) and from start to finish Aritzia delivers!

Aritzia‘s has a wide selection of brands which means great choices for us! But, just to name a few Aritzia carries: BCBG Generation, Cheap Monday, Citizens of Humanity, Community, Development, Ella Moss, Habitual, Nudie, Orion, Rock & Republic, Talula, Talula Babaton, TNA, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Vince, Wilfred and select items from Marc by Marc Jacobs and See by Chloe.

The best way I can describe Aritzia is a mix between Barneys and a NYC vintage shop, translation- you can find everything you want from that tailored, sophisticated look but also pick up something ‘Patricia Field’ might find at a vintage shop. It’s the perfect combination, literally!

So take a spin and stop by, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

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Celebs, Parties And More

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

Bon V (1100 W. Randolph St.) nightclub will welcome Sunset Tan’s Olly twins on Friday, September 12th. A complimentary cocktail reception will be offered from 9 – 10:30 pm. DJ Dante the Don will get the party started, mixing beats onsite, creating the perfect place to see and be seen!

Benji and Joel Madden were doing their thang September 4th, as they took turns spinning at Manor nightclub ( 642 North Clark). Sadly, no where in sight were Paris Hilton or Nicole Ritchie. Dang!

Saturday is the big day for the hottest charity event in Chicago-The Green Tie Ball XVII. This year the mega event is being held at the beautiful all new indoor Chicago Scenic Studios (1315 N. North Branch St.) And if your not familiar with the Green Tie Ball than your definitely missing out! The once a year event features spectacular live entertainment, charitable gaming, fabulous food, VIP Green carpet reception, did I mention fabulous food and libations. This is Chicago’s #1 benefit gala of the year, so don’t miss out! For tickets and more info:http://www.greentieball.org

Picture:DarkRoomDemons

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The Official Michigan Avenue Magazine Launch!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

Michigan Avenue Magazine will finally be hitting shelves September 15, 2008.  And may I say it’s about time! The highly anticipated magazine is a knock-out featuring 360-pages of celebs and star-studded contributors like Mayor Richard M. Daley, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Zehme.

The launch issue will be celebrated in-style on Saturday, September 20, 2008 with a red carpet extravaganza at a private location hosted by cover model Cindy Crawford, and topped off with a performance by Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams.

Marcus Riley of the NBC5 Street Team will be live on the scene in full effect and I’ll be there as well covering for Chicago’s hottest new gossip site GossipChicago but you’ll have to wait on the details for that one!

Stay tuned!

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Celebs, Parties And More!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

Aritzia (“ah-ritz-ee-ah”), the luxury apparel retailer for the young and hip is finally opening their doors to their first Chicago store today (9/4/08) in Water Tower place. The new boutique will only carry the latest and hard-to-find labels such as Anna Sui, Cheap Monday, Citizens of Humanity, Community, Development, Graham & Spencer, Habitual, James Perse, Lauren Moffat, Mike & Chris, Nudie, Rock & Republic, Talula, Talula Babaton, TNA, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent and more! The store a 4,300 square foot shopping-mecca will officially open it’s doors at 10am and the place is already all the buzz! “There’s no other store like us,” states one Aritzia huncho. “We’re introducing Chicago to a new concept in the world of fashion retail.” Scandalous! What will Akira and Intermix think about that?!

Aritzia is scheduled to open their 2nd boutique in Northbrook Court in early October 08.

Benji and Joel Madden will be taking turns spinning tonight at Manor Nightclub (642 North Clark). But of course the BIG question is will Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie show up at their sides? And if so will they speak to one another?? I smell a CAT FIGHT!

Funny girl, and new Jimmy Kimmel ex- Sarah Silverman performed at The Venue this past Friday night at the beautiful all new Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. And although I ADORE the casino’s jaw-dropping chandeliers, “Asian theme” gaming room and probably spend my entire 401k in one sitting ($200 dollar min tables people!), I wasn’t that impressed with Silverman. Let’s just say she didn’t bring her “A” game……

Amanda and Leah you two are the BEST!

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