Candid Candace

ANGELS AND BEARS AND BULLS, OH MY!

Chicago has had lots of great store opening parties, but I can’t remember one being as well publicized and exciting as Victoria’s Secret grand opening. First of all, the ads alone would make any guy have a car accident upon seeing them for the first time—the tag line is “What’s sexy now, Chicago?” and includes a very sultry model in, what else, a Victoria’s Secret black lace bra and panties. And besides the ads, there are Lucite display cases all up and down Michigan Avenue with all manner of Angel wings which were worn in past Victoria’s Secret fashion shows inside. People can step up onto a little platform for a photo of themselves “wearing” the wings. Then there are instructions below where you can e-mail the pic and compete to be an Angel….oh yeah, I’m sure they will find a lot of Angels from this promotion but it is a very clever idea and as I walked along the street earlier in the day, it seemed EVERYONE was climbing up onto the little platform and then sheepishly asking passer-bys to snap a pic for them. It was very cute and I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t only women doing this either! In any case, I was very much looking forward to the party which was, obviously, publicized to perfection by JKLS PR (Jill Katz and Lara Shipp). You could see the store at 734 N. Michigan Ave. from a mile away since it was lit up like a Roman candle! The pink carpet out front was jam packed with banks of photographers, many of them famous in their own right like Kelli Zink, Steve Starr, Melissa and Henrique Kerch (Factio Magazine) and Sally and Kerry Shorr with Miranda Wirth (Luxe Life Chicago). Even I had a Hollywood moment when I was asked to walk the pink carpet! It was a real thrill! Inside the party was less crowded than I expected but it was so refreshing. Most event organizers think the more the merrier but I don’t agree....madhouses are never good! The party was by invitation only and the invites were non-transferable. I know PR people usually try to snag some high-profile sports stars for their parties and, in this case, I don’t think they had to do much arm-twisting. Happily mingling with fans were Bears star linebacker Lance Briggs, Chicago Bulls Taj Gibson (there with his brother Floyd) and Derrick Rose, White Sox second baseman Chris Getz and former Bear Jerry Azumah. When the stars of the evening – VS Angels Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes and Marisa Miller – made their entrances, the room came alive. Upon seeing how gorgeous they all were in person, a friend said, “Well, that throws my air-brushing theory right out the window!” The store itself is gorgeous too! The front room is glamorous, dark and dramatic with shocking pink touches while the second floor houses the Pink Collection in a 5,000-square-foot space which caters to the younger VS set. This Chicago location, besides having the largest swimwear collection, is also the only store in Illinois to carry it year-round. They have VIP fit rooms as well as a Body Match Scanner that utilizes white light technology to capture body images for a perfect bra fit! The days of ill-fitting bras seem to be coming to an end! There is also ongoing open casting events in NY, Miami, LA and Chicago to find the next Runway Angel to join the supermodels as they walk in the famous Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to be broadcast Tuesday, December 1st (10:00 p.m. EST). Other lucky guests seen sipping Limelight Catering’s signature drink of the night – the Magnificent Mile Martini – were Jerry Kleiner, Marisa Molinaro, Steve Traxler, Lee Ellison, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Richard Roeper, The Bachlorette’s Jillian Harris and Ed Swiderski, Trevian Kutti, Rich Foreside, Tonya Adamson, Billy Dec, Dan Uslen, Diane McGrath, Cat and Joe D’Orio, Kimberly Murray, Chris Norman, Chad and Adam Kramer, Brooks Rogalski, Elizavetta Efimova, Bracken Zimmerman, Jennifer Lane, Lou Canellis, Jessica Girdwain, Alec and Jeanette Ross, Paul Lee, Schae Lewis, Aeron Lancero,  John Walcher, Jennifer Wirth, Sally and Kerry Shorr, Melissa and Henrique Kerch, Steve Starr and Kelli Zink. (Additional pics by Steve Starr and Luxe Life Chicago.) Click here to view more photos!
 
On this same evening, the street was alive with parties! Prior to the VS party, Tod’s at 121 E. Oak St. hosted an event introducing their new limited-edition book, Italian Touch, celebrating the Italian lifestyle. And, of course, their darling CEO, Marco Giacometti, was on hand to meet and greet the happy guests. Hosts for the evening included Laura and Matthew Anderson, Astra and Tom Gamsjaeger, Kerrie and Kevin Mudd, and Kate Templin and Ben Stahl. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefitted the Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board and was also a kick-off for their 2009 Nutcracker Family dinner which will be held on December 12th. The store was aglow and full of smiling faces which included Harriet and Irwin Ross with their two handsome sons, Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, Christopher Conway, PR whiz Monique Jones (who planned this wonderful party), Margie Habermann, Ann Waters, Liz Sharp, Dorothy Bousseau, WB Prez Christine Ott, Rhonda Brown, Liz Adams, Margaret O’Connor, Lisa Malkin and crack staff members Julia Jankowski and Jen Hardin. View more photos here! 
 
Fashion Focus started off with a bang in Millenium Park Thursday night when Macy’s presented the Designers of Chicago. Close to 1000 supporters showed up in a cold, driving rainstorm to cheer on their favorites which included Lara Miller, Blake Standard, 5p1t, Tennille White, Lauren Lein, Lee Allison, The Tiebar, Jermikko, Anna Hovet, Furio, Nora Del Busto, Cynthia Ryba and Audrey. These designers were nominated by the Mayor’s Fashion Council and are considered to be some of the best in the city. Tennille White drew the biggest applause: She creates great designs but she is also one of the very few designers who cater to the larger female figure. She had all beautiful models but one in particular caught my eye—Latesha Lipscomb. Not only is she full figured but she’s proud of it and full of attitude. The audience went crazy for her and in an e-mail to me, here’s what she had to say. “I’m a big girl doing big things and I really want to draw more attention to the struggles full-figured models and designers have in the industry.” After recently witnessing the Ralph Lauren fiasco where they had Photoshopped a photo of model Filippa Hamilton down to such a small size it appeared she had no room for her organs, this is a refreshing antidote. Winners for “Macy’s Distinction in Design” award, announced prior to the show, included jewelry designer Aya of Haji Couture who was wearing stunning earrings created entirely of feathers. Fashion czarina Melissa Gamble and Macy’s Andrea Schwartz teamed up to create this extravaganza and even though backstage flooding wreaked havoc on some of the clothes, Andrea joked, “This wet-look may start a new trend!” They also had the best DJ I’ve ever heard...DJ CY (pronounced "sigh). More images here! (Editorial photography by Jack Perno.)
 
And speaking of fashion, Latino Fashion Week begins on Monday, November 2nd with the Hair and Make-up Wars competition at Green Dolphin Street (2200 N. Ashland Ave.) from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are lots of fun events scheduled for this week of activities culminating with the Chicago Designers Award Presentation on Sunday, November 8th at V-Live (2047 N. Milwaukee Ave.) with the VIP reception starting at 5 p.m., fashion show from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the trade show is from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. We need to support ALL of the fabulous designers in our community and help put Chicago on the fashion map so I hope you can join me! For more info and to purchase tickets, please click here. 

As I mentioned to you last week, Bunky Cushing, hosted his wonderful “Handbags and Halos” luncheon at the Palmer House for 200 of his closest friends to benefit the Howard Brown Health Center. The exclusive, invite-only event raised more than $50,000 through its famous handbag raffle. Stanley Paul tickled the ivories and then David Easton – one of the world’s most sought-after interior designers – gave the keynote address. His eclectic design approach has transformed the residences of Carroll Petrie, Patricia Kluge and many leading industrialists. David shared a fascinating slide presentation about the evolution of design, from David Adler to his predictions for the pared down homes of tomorrow (since they aren’t traditional, I won’t be living in them). When I asked him what one would do with their beloved knickknacks, he said, “The only things you need to keep are your friends and books.” I sure can’t invite him over for tea since, as Chuck says, I have everything I’ve ever touched! Twelve lucky guests won handbags including MOI! I won a gorgeous Escada evening bag presented to me by the ever glamorous Ann Wallace. Other handbag donors included Ralph Lauren, Prada, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, 28 Shop at Macy’s and Brian Atwood among others. These bags will all go on sale at the Brown Elephant Resale Shop on November 14th. Besides Howard Brown, Bunky has supported the fundraising efforts of the Jane Addams Senior Caucus, English-Speaking Union, Chicago Historical Society and the American Friends of Versailles. Look for Bunky’s next popular Early Birds and Book Worms breakfast party at RL after David Easton’s new design book comes out November 2010. (Pics by Dan Rest.) Click here for more photos!
 
Step Up Women's Network is an organization that every woman should know about. It’s a national non-profit women’s network dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls with chapters in New York City, LA and Chicago. Through teen empowerment programs for underserved girls, women’s health education and advocacy, professional mentorship, and social networking opportunities, they educate their members to ensure that women and girls have the tools they need to create a better future. Their largest event of the year will be at the Hotel Sax (333 N. Dearborn) on Thursday, November 12th from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The goal is to attract new members to this worthy cause. There will be an inspiring keynote address, networking opportunities, drinks and hors d’oeuvres but more importantly, you will have the opportunity to help someone in need. Please join me….tickets are only $35 and maybe you can join and change a life. For more info and to buy tickets, please click here and check out their web site at SUWN.org.
 
Just when you think the world is moving too fast and you start to long for simpler times, the Old Town Triangle hosts its annual Fall Hoe Down party and Chili Cook-Off. It was a true “family affair” organized by the “Mayor” of Old Town, Shirley Baugher, and Michael Warnick. Everyone contributed something—a plate full of homemade cupcakes, various types of cole slaw, cornbread, pumpkin cookies AND the star of the night—CHILI! There were 16 different types of chili, to be exact, all vying for the top title. Judging was led by Perennial’s Chef Ryan Poli and it was a “hotly” contested race to be sure but in the end two winners emerged victorious. Lucy Baldwin won in the “Best New & Different” category (recipe follows) and Lucy Wojis won for her “Best Traditional & Classic” recipe. There was Bluegrass music by the Whiskey Hollow Band, a moonwalk and balloon artists for the kids and lots of mixing and mingling. Partygoers included Alice and Judge John Huff, Monika Betts, Norman Baugher, Dan Baldwin, Alderman Vi Daley, Shannon and John Waterfied with Berit and Scotty, Deborah and Ed Howlett, Rob Katz, Carolyn Armenita David, Karen Stephenson, Sharon O’Brien, Chris Lon, Mary Martel, Tom and Tessa Bracken and Linda Short. Click here for more photos but simply scroll down for Lucy Baldwin's winning recipe: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Prepare chili whatever way is your family’s favorite.
3. Place chili mixture in a Pyrex dish and top with Trader Joe’s Cornbread Mix (prepare as directed).
4. Bake for 40 minutes and top with shredded Chihuahua cheese when finished.
 
And last but certainly not least, I want to congratulate friends Greg Hyder, Tom Kehoe and Emmanuel Nony on their upcoming profiles in Chicago magazine. We all know they are the “ones to watch!” As a matter of fact, just today, Tom Kehoe was tapped by the White House to do the Obamas’ Halloween celebration with 2,000 children. Tim Burton will be supplying some props to make the party perfect!! Congrats guys…you ALL deserve it!
 
I love the wonders of the seasons changing and I especially love seeing the little kids dressed up for Halloween! Please be kind and welcome your neighborhood children to your homes for this very special and memorable time in their lives and have a great week! :)
 
Love,
Candace :)

P.S. Don’t forget tonight’s preview party at the Joffrey Tower at 10 E. Randolph from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is just $20, well worth it for the first ever look into the Joffrey Costume Vault featuring more than 200 one-of-a-kind Joffrey costumes plus vintage clothing and accessories for sale from some of the city’s top fashionistas! The event continues on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Co-chairs for this unique event are Corinne Melchior, Gretchen Klotz and Nico Rodriguez.

WORLD FASHION CHICAGO IS WORLD CLASS!

Chicago’s recent World Fashion Show was world class thanks to the efforts of ZZAZZ Production’s Tracey Tarantino and the incredible support from our fashion community. More than 35 designers inspired by Chicago’s 28 sister cities were featured alongside international designers from Milan, Italy; Shanghai, China; Durban, South Africa; Petach Tikva, Israel and Vilnius, Lithuania. This year’s show featured local talent such as Melissa Serpico, Vika Brown, Anna Fong, Yana German, Mira Couture, Paul Sisti, Sylwia, Kate Jacobson, Bobbie Chi and John Shultz as well as three designers from Israel, Lithuania and China who had travelled to Chicago especially for this event. These global fashions represented the wonderful cultural diversity that our great city has to offer and were presented on the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace. At the beginning of the show there was a “Hello Sister” video narrated by Oprah Winfrey which was originally created for the IOC visit (we all know the sad results of this). It was a very exciting event and as you approached the Rooftop, dramatic lighting pointed the way to the tent enclosed venue. There were photographers everywhere and video cameras were recording all of the moments. The designers were being interviewed in front of the step-and-repeat and ticket holders were air kissing their friends and taking photos—the atmosphere was abuzz with activity and reminded me of the excitement of NY Fashion Week. Guests were all chicly dressed and even though there was a chill in the air, everyone was very warm in spirit. The Chicago Sister Cities International Program, under the auspices of the City of Chicago, provides leadership to develop, manage, and coordinate programs and projects with Chicago’s sister cities. Besides the cities already mentioned, our sister cities include Accra, Ghana; Amman, Jordan; Athens, Greece; Belgrade, Serbia; Birmingham, England; Bogota, Columbia; Busan, Republic of Korea; Casablanca, Morocco; Delhi, India; Durban, South Africa; Galway, Ireland; Gothenburg, Sweden; Hamburg, Germany; Kyiv, Ukraine; Lahore, Pakistan; Lucerne, Switzerland; Mexico City, Mexico; Milan, Italy; Moscow, Russia; Osaka, Japan; Paris, France; Prague, Czech Republic; Shenyang, China; Toronto, Canada and Warsaw, Poland. Who KNEW?! Wow, we have a lot of friends here, don’t we? Sponsors for this event included RL Restaurant, Richard Driehaus Charitable Trust, Park Hyatt Chicago, TCW, Chicago magazine and Factio magazine and Charles Ifergan among others. (Charles and his terrific styling team created the gorgeous runway looks and a lot of people don’t realize the many charitable events he donates his time and efforts toward. Thanks for all you do Charles! It doesn’t go unnoticed). Other fashionistas seen at this stylish event  included Melissa Gamble (Director of Fashion Arts & Events at Dept. of Cultural Affairs) and her hubby, Richard Gamble (new publisher of Chicago magazine), Hazel Barr, Greg Hyder, Amy Wimer, Vonita Reescer, Peggy Martay, Laurie Davis, Darby Hill, Bree Lara, Sheryl Dyer, Melissa and Heinrich Kerch, Charles Ifergan (who’s styling team did the hair for the event), Jean Antoniou, Barbara Glass, Rich Varnes, John Colletti, Telemundo’s Tsi-tsi-ki Felix and Andrew Hayes, Jennifer Lane and Ann Estsas among many others. For more info, check out worldfashionchicago.com and chicagosistercities.com. (Additional pics by Steve Starr; click here to view the gallery.)
 
Chilli Pepper’s birthday party is always a much coveted invite and this year was no exception. Todd Hatoff of Allen Brothers and chefs Mario Santiago and Guadalupe Aguilar co-hosted her party at May St. Café (located at 1146 W. Cermak) and over 60 friends came to celebrate with her. The first thing you noticed upon entering the restaurant was the massive floral display with little chili peppers from her friend Oprah. Chilli (spelled with TWO L’s) knows everyone and it seems everyone knows her too. She was the gracious hostess greeting everyone at the door and taking photos with her ever-present camera. (And she never fails to send you the photos either!) Chef Mario showed us around the restaurant and it was lovely with an outdoor patio and a massive grill which is used in the summer for parties and chef demonstrations. The sit-down dinner had a marvelous menu (Chilli is a well known foodie and has been to Tru Restaurant over 100 times!) which included quesadillas, French double cream brie and pear, chorizo with Chihuahua cheese, escargot with strawberry garlic butter in phyllo, carne quisado (beef stew), Allen Brothers beef tenderloin tips made with garden fresh herbs (Mario and Guadalupe have an organic garden off of the parking lot), slow roasted pork marinated in mojo criollo. For dessert, there was Chef Art Smith’s famous hummingbird cake and the May Street Café’s white chocolate flan (which will be featured on the food network show “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”). Alpana Singh chose all of the dinner’s wine selections and they were perfect, of course!  She also created a “Chilli Pepper Punch” which she said was, “sweet but deadly!” The restaurant is decorated with beautiful paintings by Art’s partner, Jesus Salguiero. Lucky guests included artists Alexander Espinosa and Bob Clark, JoAnn Buccini, Charles Blackstone, Charlene Acciari, Maya Douglas, Rafael Reudas, Nadine and Ira Epstein, Rosa and Lou Ebling, Shell Reyes, Dan Bacon, Jennifer Fox, Brent Ochs and Tim O’Hare, Matt Nudelman, Brian Butterfield,  Prosecco’s Jason Clark and Katherine Alvera, Jon Cochran, Paul Escriva, JoAnne F. Fehn (who is a candidate for Cook County judge) and Barney Moles among others.  The after-party was hosted by Robert and Luis Miguel. I wish you a happy birthday YEAR, Chilli! :) Click here for more photos from this fantastic fete.
 
Brenda Sexton has been one busy lady! Recently, she organized a star-studded reunion of Chicago’s entertainment icons in L.A. with the help of Rich Melman, Tom Dreesen and friends. Together, they revived a 15-year-old tradition of bringing together Chicago’s A-list in entertainment for a night of Chicago food, fun and camaraderie. This time it was in Santa Monica at Melman’s newly opened restaurant, La Grande Orange, which is owned by Rich’s sons RJ and Jerrod and fellow Chicagoan Bob Lynn. In addition to serving LGO favorites, the restaurant icons served classic Chicago staples including Lou Malnati’s pizza, Italian beef sandwiches from Portillo’s, Fluky’s Chicago hot dogs and Eli’s cheesecake all flown in for the event. In addition to Chris O’Donnell, Virginia Madsen, Jeff Garlin, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Nia Vardalos, Hayes MacArthur and Harold Ramis, 350 loyal Chicagoans gathered for this Chicago Link/LA City Link Reunion Party. They included Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Lynn McMahan, Les Coney, Lyn and Lauren McKeaney, Sean Conroy, Chaz Ebert, Lou Weisbach, Julee White, Mary Beth and Kevin Malone, Ken Cook, Christine Ryndak, Debbie Marchese and her daughter Regina among others. Bill Zwecker and columnist/film critic Richard Roeper were on hand to host the red carpet while Tom Dreesen emceed the event. The event was televised and will air in both Chicago and LA on October 31st and November 1st as a 30-minute TV special and includes interviews with Harold Ramis, Jeff Garlin, Peter Jacobson, Bonnie Hunt, Joe Mantegna, Virginia Madsen, Andrew Alexander of Second City, Martha Lavey of Steppenwolf and others. The film premiere will be at the Elysian Hotel on October 27th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Event hosts include Larry Wert, LeeAnn Trotter, Bob Sirott and Marianne Marciano, Christopher Clinton Conway, Helen Melchior, Liz Crokin, Steve Traxler, Richard Roeper, Chaz Ebert, Ruth Ratny and moi among others. Tickets are $100 and space is limited. For more info, contact Brenda Sexton at brenda@chicagolinkproductions.com. (Fab Fotos by Mitch Canoff.)
 
Beautiful author/socialite Amanda Brooks has been photographed for every major magazine. Her sense of style sets her apart from the crowd and now she has written a book, I Love Your Style, documenting how she has been inspired by style icons of yesterday and tomorrow. Using hundreds of candid photos, she demonstrates every possible fashion trend and tells you how to find your own inner fashion icon. She says, “There is hope for everybody. People who have style come from the most unlikely places. Money is more of an encumbrance to style than it is an asset.” I’m not so sure about this last part but I think what she is saying is that lack of funds make you rely more on your own creativity which is actually what true style is all about. The book signing party was held at Chanel and hosted by our own city’s fashionable young things: Kimberly Burt, Caroline Beak-Crown, Meredith Wood-Prince and Alexis Ross. Amanda is a natural and casual beauty and obviously practices what she preaches! Check out this link to see her video and for more info.
 
The Joffrey Ballet will open their new season of Legends on Wednesday, October 14th with the Midwest premiere of “Othello.” This is Chicago-born choreographer Lar Lubovitch’s full length story/ballet in three acts with a stunning score by Academy Award winner Elliot Goldenthal. The entire 42-strong company of Joffrey dancers will participate in this production and it is recommended that you try to see both casts since each showcase different aspects of the company. In one production, 6’ 6” Fabrice Calmels will be paired with April Daley. New dancer, Cuban-born Miguel Blanco, and Victoria Jaiani, will be featured in the other cast. Choreographer Lubovitch has received many awards including a Tony Award nomination for “Into the Woods” as well as an Astaire Award for his highly praised dance sequences for the Broadway show, “The Red Shoes.” He danced in numerous modern, ballet, jazz and ethnic companies before forming the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company in 1968. Since there will be only nine performances, I recommend you get your tickets ASAP! This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity! I will be seeing both companies and I hope to see you there! For a sneak preview video peak and ticket info, click here.
 
Well, that’s it for this week…I hope you’ve enjoyed Candid Candace! I would like to thank Flashpoint Academy’s Howard Tullman for the video of my interview with Pamella Roland and her family at the recent Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails. Check it out here. I would also like to thank CS Magazine for including me this month in Amalie Drury’s article, “Reality Mights,” for the real dish on “Windy City Wives.” Check out the article here. I hope you all have a great week and we will “talk” again soon!
 
Love,
Candace :)
 
(As always, if you would like to contact me, please e-mail me at candace@candidcandace.com. If you or someone you know would like to be added to the blog alert list, just send me your address and I will send you a weekly e-mail when Candid Candace comes out. :) Thanks so much!)

JOFFREY BALLET’S “COUTURE & COCKTAILS” SRO AT PALMER HOUSE!

The BEST party of the year was Friday night at the Palmer House for the Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails! It must be true because everyone told me so! If you weren’t there, you missed a lot of fun! Pamella Roland’s show was electrifying and she came with her whole beautiful family. It began with the VIP party in Lockwood Restaurant where guests mingled with celebs including the darling Rancics, Giuliana and Bill, and the red-hot glam DJ, Donna D’Cruz. The lobby where the event was held was SRO and it was a scene straight out of Anna Wintour’s dreams. The runway was covered in gold gel to coordinate with the ornate gilding in the room and the lighting by Dennis Remer of Frost was sexy, sexy, sexy. Then the lights went out and the first gorgeous models appeared at the top of the stairs leading from the Empire Room. The music made you think you were in St. Tropez as the models strutted down the runway with their avant garde hairstyles by Charles Lord. There were so many glam designs it was dizzying….after the show, Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway introduced the Joffrey dancers who paraded down the runway rivaling any supermodel. The crowd went wild and then they introduced Helen Melchior and me, the event founders. This was our fourth event and by far the biggest and the best thanks to our presenting sponsor, The Palmer House. We then introduced our beautiful co-chairs: Anne Kaplan, Kristina McGrath, Rebecca Besser, Shauna Montgomery, Ann Waters, Sheryl Dyer and Leslie Hindman (who was our Auction Chair). I thanked our gracious sponsors, Netjets, Van Cleef & Arpels, United Airlines, Neiman Marcus (who introduced us to Pamella) and our media sponsor CS Magazine, who has been with us from the beginning. Leslie Hindman then started the live auction with Giuliana and Bill. The Peninsula’s Far East Package went to Rhonda Sanderson, Pamella herself bought the gorgeous diamond Van Cleef & Arpels evening watch, the Pamella Roland NY Fashion Week package went to Kristina and Mike McGrath, the party for 50 in the lobby of the Palmer House went to Barkley Payne and the Chicago Package went to Steven Haislet, Victoria Dinges and Anise Wileylittle. Even the dancers joined in donating several items for our silent auction. Temur Suluashvili knitted four sweaters to outfit a family, Fabrice Calmels (who will be playing Othello in the upcoming season) donated a dance class for 12, Valerie Robin donated homemade limoncellos and Matthew Adamczyk donated a gorgeous painting. The dance party continued in the Red Lacquer Room and the State Ballroom served as our sexy lounge area with white leather furniture and the evening’s fashion show being replayed on a giant screen. When the dancers got on the dance floor, the crowd was captivated. If you haven’t seen a Joffrey dancer let his/her hair down then you have really missed an incredible treat. They dance with such abandon and style…it’s a sight you won’t forget. No one wanted to leave when the evening came to an end and we didn’t! Off to Potter’s we went to relive the evening over a final cocktail….WHAT A NIGHT IT WAS… :) And the best part is we raised $250,000 for our beloved Joffrey! Yehhhhhhh!!! Thanks so much to all who attended and supported this unique event! Bold-faced names in the crowd included Dana Hokin, Cynthia Holbrooke, Paula and Peter Fasseas, Traci and Barry Mansur, Angie DeMars, Lynn and John McMahan, Elizabeth Ryan, Sophie Bross, Liz and Jeff Sharp, Lisa Malkin, Sherry and Tom Barrat, Shelley MacArthur Farley, Jan Melk, Gregory Russell, Amelia, Alex and Laura Silva, Kimberly Gleeson and Dr. Stephen Stryker, Sarah and Ted Tetzlaff, Debra McMichael, Grace Barry, Noren and Richard Ungaretti, Jocelyn Stoller, Chris Long, Maria Smithburg, Donn Seidholz, Jeane Schroeder, Toni and Rick Canada, Greg Hyder, Jim Smith, Felicia and Kurt Winiecki, Nadine and Ira Epstein, Hedwig and Bob Golant, Charley Jordan, Jannie and Elliot Pearlman, Nicole Jacob, Paul Rehder, Nicki and Nicholas Patrick, Lydia and Francois Alouf, Leslie Hindman, Mary Lou Gorno, Sara Wheater (Ashley’s sis) and her family, Kelli Zink, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Shauna and Barry Montgomery, Rich Varnes, Diane and John Patience, Marcus Riley, Anne and Burt Kaplan, Stanley Paul, Mamie Walton, Beverly Blettner, Sherren Leigh, Carol Beitler, Patti Eyler, Stuart Feinberg and Cookie Cohen, Susan Gohl, Deb and John Gross, Odele and Brent Hawkins, Paul Iacono, Rhonda Sanderson, Marty Higgins, Cheryl Larsen and Robert Murphy, Camille Rudy, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Barkley Payne, Lar Lubovitch, Leslie Blum, Terri D’Ancona, Maria and Bob Zec, Wendy Krimins, Tina Koegel, Susan and George Heisler, Claire Holdren, John Carroll, Bruno Abate, Howard Tullman, Michaela and Dick Parillo, Kathleen Klaeser, Averill and Buddy Leviton, Abigail Rutherford and Wesley Donohoe, Ellie Fisher and Dana Spektor among others. (Othello opens at the Auditorium Theater on October 14th. Don’t miss it!) Special thanks to Howard Tullman and Flashpoint Academy for filming the show as well as our peeps from Frost Lighting which you will see on Candid Candace at a later date but click onto this link for a sneak preview. BTW, guess who visited our own Ashley Wheater at Joffrey Tower? Mikhail Baryshnikov!!! They have known each other for ages and “Mischa” as Ashley calls him, congratulated him on the great job he’s doing!!! I AGREE! Kudos to our Ashley and infinite thank yous to Bob Carl, Caitlin Saville and Barry Brecheisen for the fab fotos! For more photos from this amazing evening, click here! 

All you need to do to have a crowd for a party is have Nate Berkus’ name on the invite! This is exactly what happened for the party at Ralph Lauren last week benefitting DIFFA. It was wall-to-wall with glamorous people (after all, it is benefitting the Design Industry Foundation Fighting Aids) and everyone was very happy to be there. Nate has never looked better – if this is even possible – and seemed very happy. He co-hosted this event, which was a kickoff party for “Dining by Design” which will be held November 5th through 7th at the Merchandise Mart with Alfredo Paredes, the Executive VP of Polo Ralph Lauren and the DIFFA Chicago Board of Trustees.There were people on every floor and everywhere you looked you saw someone you knew. Seen in the crowd were Todd Hatoff and Marshall Erb, Charles Hocevar III, Frank LaMarca, Izabella Stefnis, Corinne Melchior, Helen Melchior, Graham Kostic with Kevin Aeh, Elise Schmitt and Kristin Lamprecht, John Ansehl, Francine Turk, Shelley Koester, JoHannah Kornick, Chris McNally, Chad Duda, Holly Hunt, Patrick Plante, Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salguiero, Kyle Koenig, Az Ferguson, Laura Nelson, Marta Michulka, Melissa and Rich Gamble, Estrella Rosenberg, Jonathon Wells, Jerry Mickelson, Pavel Juricek, Judy Neidermaier, Victor Skrebneski, David Sheppard, DIFFA Chair Jennifer McGregor, Carrie Lannon, Lynn and John McMahan, Kara Mann, Jennifer Woolford, Richard Cassis, John Rouse, Jan Parr, John Brennen, Lee Allison and Deborah Walters among others. Afterwards, the party continued at RL Restaurant…it was a long night but a fun one for a wonderful cause…and, of course, it’s always great seeing NATE! :) Click here for more photos!
 
A BIG congratulations to CS Magazine on their 15th Anniversary! I can’t believe it’s been this long!! It seems like just yesterday they breezed into town and created a social sensation! The party was held at Barney’s and three of the windows were decorated with quotes about CS Magazine by Bill Zwecker, Billy Dec, Nate Berkus, Amanda Puck, Maria Pinto, and MOI! I was so honored and excited to be included—to see your name on a window like this was really something! I made Chuck drive by TWICE to make sure we got a good look! DJ White Shadow was the music man for the night with décor by Heffernan Morgan. It was a very happy crowd and included John Carroll and his girlfriend April Francis, Toni Canada, Neal Zucker, Amanda Puck, Stephen and Michael Kong (founders of Modern Luxury), Gina Bazer, David Barnett, Liz Grossman, Kelli Zink, Jenny Berg, Graham Kostic, Jonathon Wells, Gary Weidner, David Anthony, Bruno and Melissa Abate, Laura and Howard Sims, Jerry Kleiner, Julie Darling, Gregg Zgonena, Maria Ponce, Michael Crowley and Lisa Kingsley among others. Check out more photos here!
 
Chicago Now hosted its first Blogapalooza along with the 900 Shops on September 24th. Chicago Now bloggers were stationed all over the mall at selected retailers and restaurants meeting fans and friends and passing out treats. Caitlin Giles of “Wee Windy City” treated the kids to face painting, scavenger hunts and cookies while Brandon Frein and Arlene Matthews of “Styled in Chicago” created some new looks at Bloomingdale’s for a few lucky guests and presented fall fashions with personal shopper, Joyce Sobczyk. Sarah Stegner of “Prairie Chefs” gave cooking demonstrations at Williams-Sonoma while I mingled with friends at Mont Blanc. We served champagne and delicious food from Le Colonial. I like to think my friends came to see me but I have to be honest with myself—it was the food and drink! Anyway, lots of Chicago Now’s top bloggers participated including darling Ashley Bond (Miss Illinois 2009) who gave tips for working out and staying healthy at Equinox, Matt Lo Cascio of “Jay Cutler Superstar” and Julie DiCaro of “A League of Her Own” met guests and talked Chicago sports while treating them to cocktails and shoe shines and RedEye’s Stephen Markey held a meet and greet featuring Bloody Marys and breakfast bites at Oak Tree Restaurant and Bakery. (Stephen wrote a very funny account of his Blogapalooza experience on Chicago Now entitled “

I Think I’m Still Drunk from Blogapalooza.”) Friends who turned out to visit included Ryan Salzwedel, Jeffrey Alters, Bill Maxwell and Ryan Salz (Channel 3), Jon and Andrew Landan, Vincent Anzalone, Mable Buckner, Lynn McMahan, David Dvorak, Lonnie Rodriguez, Gina Driskell, JoAnne Bush, Michael Roberts, Julia Jacobs-Sandford, Allison Rausch, Kellen Sisler, Denise Sinz, Callahan Tormey, Kerry and Sally Schor, Jennifer Wirth, Rita Fisher, Joey Majumdar and Rebecca Franson among others. I hope you get a chance to check out all of the great blogs at ChicagoNow.com. For more images, click here!

As we all know, this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beginning October 1st, The Peninsula Chicago will dedicate itself to raising awareness and funds for it starting with a pink backlit hotel entrance and logo as part of the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundations’s annual “Light the Way to Find a Cure” campaign.  They will also donate $2 for every Afternoon Tea served in the lobby from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.—this tea will also feature informal fashion shows during Fashion Focus Chicago. Designs will be shown from Escada (Oct. 20th), Neiman Marcus (Oct. 21st), Giorgio Armani (Oct. 22nd), J. Mendel (Oct. 23rd) and Ultimo with jewelry by Sydney Garber (Oct. 24th). Also, $5 per dinner check at Avenues or Shanghai Terrace will be donated to Lynn Sage when diners mention breast cancer awareness and $5 will also be donated per one hour or longer treatments at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA. Let’s hope more hotels follow suit to make a difference for this much needed cause. We all know someone affected by breast cancer—let’s show them how much we care….For more info, please contact Susan Ellefson at 312-573-6616 or via e-mail at susanellefson@peninsula.com.

Hope you have a wonderful week…I am sorry for our Olympic bid loss but to quote an old Garth Brooks song, I guess we have to be thankful for “Unanswered Prayers.” Check out this little clip that will make you smile and I’ll “talk” to you next week!

Love,
Candace :)

(And as always, if you would like to contact me, please e-mail me at Candace@CandidCandace.com.)

THE PENINSULA HOTELS AS SEEN BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

The invitation was sleek, elegant and in black and white just like her photographs—even the stamp had one of her photos taken for this occasion. “Portraits of the Peninsula” was an exclusive party

celebrating these remarkable photographs taken by Annie Leibovitz for the Peninsula Hotels featuring the stars of their line in Chicago and Tokyo. With these photos, Leibovitz departs from her tradition of celebrity portraiture to focus on the people and personalities behind the Peninsula brand. While not famous, the faces of Peninsula pageboys, housekeepers and bellmen are just as compelling as those of celebrities

when seen through her lens. This was the second collection of images by Leibovitz—the first photos were taken in Hong Kong and New York. She was given free rein to roam the hotels, in public spaces and back-of-house areas, shooting wherever she wished and choosing whichever scenes or staff

members that she believed best represented the heart and soul of the hotels. Peter Borer, the Peninsula Hotels’ chief operating officer said, “Portraits of the Peninsula” is a dramatic departure from traditional hotel advertising; there are no models or staged images in these photos, and the only celebrity is the one behind the camera.” In one endearing shot,

The Peninsula Chicago’s doorman welcomes a young guest to the hotel, while in another the hotel’s chefs stand in an organic city farm with Chicago’s dramatic skyline in the background, and the reservations team is poised to welcome guests’ calls in a third.

Peninsula Chicago GM Maria Zec and catering director Greg Hyder were also included in this select group of people who were chosen by Leibovitz for the shoot. This very exclusive party was held in the Peninsula Suite (1808). I had never been there before but it was an experience I won’t soon forget. The

Pen Suite, as it is called, is 3,465 square feet with a wrap-around outdoor terrace and Jacuzzi overlooking Lake Michigan. (It didn’t hurt that it was a perfect evening with a sunset that made you weep.) And when I say terrace, I mean it was HUGE! There were waiters and serving stations surrounding its

perimeter as well as a full bar. The food was the best around with selections that included Japanese Wagyu beef with white truffle brulee, snow crab dim sum, BBQ beef short ribs, exquisite foie gras, mille-feuille

caviar deviled quail eggs, scallop and truffle tarts and so much more. The new French pastry chef, Celine Plano, stole the show with her already famous peanut butter and jelly macaroons! The Sirens played while lucky guests enjoyed the show including Victor Skrebneski, Rich Gamble (the new publisher

of Chicago magazine), Dan Uslan, Christie Hefner, Billy Marovitz, Michael Leppen, Yvette Cusack, Sheryl Dyer, Amy Tara Koch,

Mary and Jim Lasky, Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Arredia, Eric and Jen Ferguson, Hazel and Warren Barr, Sherrill Bodine, Helen Melchior, Paul Iacono, John Regas, Amy Wimer and Jim Wlodarczyk, Jim Smith, Carol Carroll, Karen Maisa, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern. Click here to check out more of Annie's amazing photos and here for more pictures from this wonderful event.  

Common Threads' new associate board hosted its first annual World Cookout – at Fulton’s on the River last week. Again, it was another one of those perfect evenings in Chicago and the crowd turned out in force to support it. Many chefs were there showing off their

culinary skills including Stephanie Izard (winner of Top Chef Season 4), Rodelio Abilgot (Sunda), Giuseppe Tentori (Boka), Rick Gresh (David Burke’s Primehouse), Suzanne Imaz and Martial Noguier (Café des

Architectes), Paul Virant (Vie), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Bill Kim (Urban Belly), Gale Gand (Tru) and Ray Villalobos (Table 52) and others. There was a VIP Tasting with Café Spiaggia's chef di cucina Sarah Grueneberg. The

after-party continued at Jake Melnick’s. Almost $30,000 was raised to support the Common Threads’ after-school cooking programs for low-income kids. Seen on the scene were Rich Varnes, Ken Norgan, Linda O’Keefe (Executive Director for Common Threads) and her handsome hubby Nick and Amanda Puck (who led the charge for this event) among others. Click here for more photos!  
 

My favorite artist, Francine Turk, recently held a preview party hosted by Chicago Art Source and Gallery. Her works are highly desirable to many collectors and the who’s who among the designer set—Nate Berkus just mentioned in his

Tribune article this past weekend that he had loaned one of his Turk pieces to his brother for his new apartment. Her artwork also appeared in the movie “The Break-Up” starring Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. The event was catered by the Elysian Hotel

(who is also a big fan of Francine’s with many of her pieces appearing in the hotel). This exhibit, entitled “Body Language,” will run through October 31st and is inspired by

her recent travels to France and the home of Marcel Proust. She uses varying mediums that include oil, pastels, charcoal and mixed media and this recent collection previewed her latest pieces. It is a show not

to be missed! Francine will travel back to Paris to continue this body of work that is proving to be a successful departure from her work of the last five years. We

wish her the very best and can’t wait to see what exciting images her next trip brings! For more info, stop by the Chicago Art Source and Gallery at 1871 N. Clybourn or visit their web site. For more photos, click here!
 

A Silver Lining Foundation will host its annual black-tie gala on Saturday, October 3rd, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick place (2233 S. Martin L. King Dr.). A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF) provides breast cancer resources, quality of life services and no-cost mammograms to uninsured patients. This year’s event will

feature singer Nan Mason, an eye-popping live auction and unique silent auction. Tickets are available for purchase at www.asilverliningfoundation.org for $300 per person or $3,000 per table. The evening will feature dinner and dancing to the music of Rhythm City. I know we all know someone touched by breast cancer so I hope you and your friends will be able to support this worthy cause that provides these much needed services. Call 312-345-1322 to learn more about this wonderful organization.
 
And now be prepared for next week’s Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails coverage because I am still recovering from the PARTY OF THE YEAR! You will see what I mean when you see the photos! Thanks to all of you who supported this event and I hope you had as much fun as I did!
 
I am sorry this week’s Candid Candace is coming out a little late. My mother-in-law fell recently and broke her hip—she is 88—but the good news is that she only needed pins and is already up and walking. Thanks so much for all of your prayers and good thoughts…they worked! See you soon and thanks again for checking in!
 
Love,
Candace :)

P.S. Check out what my friend Billy Dec is up to with our Olympic bid!

CELEBS AND FASHION RULE IN BRYANT PARK!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NY was sooooo incredibly exciting! It seemed like everyone in the world was there! We were invited to preview Pamella Roland’s Spring 2010

Collection in Bryant Park and my new friend, NY Housewife, Alex McCord, also invited us to attend Walter Baker’s show at Style 360. He is a dear friend of hers and we were in the front row with lots of paparazzi! It was a blast! Even Chuck had a great time! Walter’s fashions were chic, youthful and oh-so

stylish! The first model on the runway was Somalian supermodel Ubah Hassan. She also appeared in the Oscar de la Renta show and was featured in the first all-black issue of Italian Vogue shot by Steven Meisel. She

was one of the best looking (and sweetest) models we saw all week! For the finale, all of the models came out blowing bubbles out of Swarovski crystal-encrusted bottles. It was adorable!

From the Walter Baker show, we went to Bryant Park to wait for the Pamella Roland show to begin at 1 p.m. While we waited, we saw Carine Roitfeld (editor-in-chief of French Vogue) and Ken Downing (Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus) along with LOTS of very well-dressed fashionistas and zillions of photogs rushing through the tents including

Patrick Cunningham of the New York Time’s weekly “On the Street” pictorial. These shows are everything you’ve heard about and more and I was so thrilled to be there! The hottest looks I saw were strappy booties and platform shoes without heels!

How can they even walk on their toes like this?! I’ll never know! As we lined up for Pamella’s show, there were throngs of people going to the line marked “Standing Room Only.” We felt very grateful to

have our tickets in hand. We had to wait while the photographers all got their pre-event photos and then we were allowed in. I’ve never seen so much press in my life! It was surreal…everywhere you looked, there were celebrities! Lisa Rinna was there in a

hot, short red dress with a great haircut. Nicky Hilton was there but didn’t want to sit next to anyone who wasn’t famous so there was a bit of juggling in the front row until Abby Manning (Eli Manning’s wife) agreed to sit next to her. Nigel Barker, famous judge/photographer on "America’s Next Top Model," was there looking very handsome and very TALL! We also saw J.

Alexander who is the quirky runway coach on "America’s Next Top Model." I was also told that Toni Braxton, Amanda Bynes and Paris Hilton were there (I didn’t see them)

and that Courtney Love showed up for the Narciso Rodriguez show in a very sorry state. And it seems like everywhere I go, I run into one or more of the NY Housewives! (Maybe this is a good omen for me!) Seated across from us were Bethany Frankel, the

Countess (LuAnn de Lesseps) and Kelly Bensimon. The first thing I noticed was how tallllllll they all were too! (As you can see from the photo, I look like I’m standing in a hole next to them….) Then the lights went

out and Pamella’s show began. I have four words for the fashions shown: I WANT THEM ALL!! It seemed like every look brought the crowd to their feet—it was beyond thrilling! From daytime to evening, there was some sense of drama in every outfit…very, very chic and very wearable at the same time with luscious colors and florals inspired by the paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe. There were beaded gowns, chiffons, metallics and pale tweeds—

all simply chic and elegant. At the end of the show Pamella brought her darling children, Cassandra, Sydney and Cole De Vos, up on stage for the runway walk…it was magic time! (Cassandra and Sydney appear in all of her ads that are out now looking

very high fashion and gorgeous). Later that evening, we were all invited to the after-party on Pamella’s family yacht, the Seaquest. This ship – and I do mean SHIP – is 164 feet long with three decks. For this evening, her fashion show was being projected onto the stern of the boat. It was so cool and such an unexpected touch. The party was small and intimate and we felt privileged to have been invited. Chuck and I went to NY with Helen Melchior and

the Executive Director of the Joffrey Ballet, Christopher Clinton Conway and we had such a great time. This after-party really capped off a whirlwind of activities. Pamella

and her family couldn’t have been more gracious and I am so happy to see a woman who is not only successful and talented but so down to earth as well. I am thrilled she will be the main feature for our Couture & Cocktails

event for the Joffrey this Friday evening at the Palmer House. Pamella and Neiman Marcus will be bringing this same show to Chicago that we saw in NY for Fashion Week and it is not to be missed! If you haven’t bought a ticket yet, there is still time! Tickets start at

$250 and include the fashion show, live and silent auctions, after- party with world famous DJ Donna D’Cruz (who just played at

Diddy’s party in St. Tropez) and LOTS of fun food! The VIP ticket is $500 and includes the celeb-filled pre-party in Lockwood starting at 6:30 p.m. Giuliana and Bill Rancic will be there along with many other surprise guests. Call 312-386-8921 for tickets or you can buy them at the door. I hope to see you all there!!!
 

The rest of the week in NY wasn’t too shabby either! We went to the Waverly Inn for dinner (Graydon Carter’s charming West

Village restaurant) and Elle MacPherson was there (again VERY tall with LOTS of hair!) and at Cipriani Downtown, LeBron James (the massive forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers) was there. His bodyguard was a pitbull so I wasn’t able to bring back a pic of him. Let’s just say, next to Shaq, he’s the biggest man I’ve ever seen.  
 

We were also lucky enough to catch Maria Pinto’s dramatic installation at Banchet in the Meat Packing District. As we pulled up, the entire building was bathed in a deep purple glow

with people milling about inside and out. There were lots of press and Katie Couric had just given Maria a great plug on CBS so everyone was very happy! Adding even more drama to her already gorgeous clothes were Charles Lord,

her longtime hair stylist, along with Riccardo Santiago, Nikia Smith, Nelson Serrano and Eneida Bailey (Gayle King’s hairstylist) who did the hair so dramatically and creative it made you gasp! Maria’s sponsors on the invite included Aandrea Carter, Kath Carter, Les Coney (who was there with his handsome buddy Marc

Brooks), Pam Crutchfield, Barbara Franke, Barbara Levy Kipper, Rose Lizarraga, Noelle Nikpour, Julie and Randy Richardson, Gail Waller and Tim Schwertfeger and Susan and Robert Wislow. I was so happy to see Maria showing in NY! Congrats and good luck Maria!! The designs were gorgeous and Lisa Marie McComb, her stylist, looked as chic as the models! Guests in attendance from Chicago included Les Coney, Donna Thompson, Stacey Jones and Emmanuel Nony. For more photos from this amazing trip, click here!
 

On Thursday, September 24th, come celebrate Blogapalooza from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the 900 Shops and presented by Chicago Now. There will be complimentary spirits, food and wine and you will get a chance to meet the Chicago Now bloggers stationed throughout 900 N. Michigan’s

selected retailers and restaurants. There will be how-to advice, a DJ, food samples, special values and raffle prizes. I will be at Montblanc and would love to meet all of the Chicago Now fans!! Ashley Bond of “Body by Bond” and David Wallach of “Pace of Chicago” will be giving tips on working

out and staying healthy at Equinox and Matt Lo Cascio of “Jay Cutler Superstar” and Julie DiCaro of “A League of Her Own” will meet, greet and talk Chicago sports with special treats for guests. For more info and to check out all of the bloggers who will be there, click here. As you can see, there will be something for everyone!

What a time we had in the city that never sleeps! I hope you all felt like you were there with me! Stay tuned for next week's Candid Candace when I take you to an exclusive VIP party in

the Peninsula Suite celebrating the genius of Annie Leibovitz, Francine Turk's one-woman show, Common Threads' recent fun-filled party, opening night of "Zero" at the Victory Gardens, CS's 15-year anniversary party, Chicago Now's Blogapalooza AND Couture & Cocktails coverage. Whew...I'm tired already!

Thanks for tuning in!

Love,

Candace :) 

(If you would like to contact me or be added to my blog alert list, please e-mail me at candace@candidcandace.com.)

CHICAGO LOVES NY HOUSEWIFE ALEX McCORD!

Almost 200 friends and fans showed up on a rainy night at Second Time Around (located at 823 W. Armitage) to congratulate Bravo’s New York Housewife Alex McCord on her first venture into Chicago. The Moet flowed as the store filled with guests…..finally, the clouds broke and everyone spilled out onto the street. It was a happy mix of people with many finding some great buys at this upscale consignment store. Toni Canada found a hot pair of hiking/biker boots for her sister, Celeb TV and event co-host Kelli Zink was disappointed the Brian Atwood patent heels didn’t fit and Rikki Ragland-Marver found a turquoise dress that we both had our hands on (it was too small for me anyway). All in all, there was something for everyone. The owners, Susan and Jeff Casler, were very pleased to be in Chicago and were already scouting more locations in Evanston. The concept started in Boston and now has 19 stores, with this one being their first outside of the East Coast. I asked Susan Casler how she came to use Alex as her spokesperson and her answer was surprising and a sign of the times. “I found her on Facebook,” said Susan. “She had just been let go from her job at Victoria’s Secret and I had been following her on the show. She won me over.” After Susan saw a scene of Alex’s closet on the show, she thought “This woman needs to get to a consignment store!” Alex also gave me some advice as a housewife wannabe: “Be as authentic as you can. That’s what the audience relates to. Be prepared to give up control. And you also can’t worry about what anyone thinks of you. They splice lines together that don’t necessarily mean what you say. Sometimes you get a good cut and sometimes you get a bad cut.” I told her yeah but the money must make it all worthwhile, right? She said, “The money isn’t as much as people think.” I’d still be willing to give it a try! A unique aspect of this consignment store is the fact that you can have your proceeds donated to your favorite charity. There is also a tracking system that alerts the consignor when your item sells. Co-hosts for the event were Celeb TV’s Kelli Zink, Ryan Preuett and moi! Event sponsors were Michigan Avenue Magazine, Moet Champagne and Belvedere Black Raspberry. The Entertaining Company provided tasty hors d’oeuvres and the cameras were rolling: Lee Ann Trotter brought her NBC 5 crew, Catie Keough interviewed for 24/7 and Kelli Zink was there from Celeb TV. The guest list included Heather Farley, 24/7 producer Jeff Conway, Scott Mclellan, Robbie Martin, Toni Canada, Bonnie and Chuck Gross, Kimberly Gleeson, Steve Stryker, Estrella Rosenberg, Sandy Stephen, Jaremy Lewno, Hadley Eblen, Christa Opsal, Rikki-Ragland Marver (who had done a slew of recent interviews since she had worked for the late Ted Kennedy), Cammie Bridges, Michelle Barone, Brenda Swauger, Patrick Plante, Chareen Goodman, Howie Green, Dina Lisser-Nanberg, Brenda Arelano, Frank Krug, Kim Pfeiffer, Jessica Zweig, Nico Rodriguez, Freida Lee Gaye, Lynne Bredfeldt, Rhonda Sanderson, Samantha Amato, Mich Mag’s Dan Uslan, Marybeth Brandabur, CFO Howie Green, D.C. Crenshaw and Sandy Caspariello among others. Welcome to Chicago, Second Time Around! (Fab Fotos by Caitlin Saville) :) Photos from top right: with Alex and co-hosts Ryan Pruett and Kelli Zink; Kelli Zink, Jessica Zweig and Kim Peiffer; owners Jeff and Susan Casler; Alex, Lee Ann Trotter, me and Catie Keough; Toni Canada and Heather Farley; Alex and Dan Uslan; Rikki Ragland-Marver and LeAnita Ragland-Brooks; 24/7's Jeff Conway and Sandy Caspariello; Kimberly Gleeson, Steve Stryker and Estrella Rosenberg; Brenda Swauger and Chareen Goodman; Scott Mclellan, me Robbie Martin and Christa Opal; Jeremy Lewno and Hadley Eblen; Lynne Bredfeldt; Bonnie and Chuck Gross; Alex being interviewed by NBC 5's Lee Ann Trotter; Cammie Bridges and CFO Howie Green. Click here for more photos from this event!
 
Plans are ramping up for the Joffrey Ballet’s “Couture & Cocktails” on Friday, Sept. 25th at the Palmer House. Co-founder Helen Melchior, Food Chair Ann Waters and I had an incredible tasting last week and let me just tell you, you have not seen or tasted anything like this before! Executive chef Stephen Henry and senior sous chefs Oscar Castio and David Perez have really stepped outside of the box to make the menu for "Couture & Cocktails" not only uber tasty but ultra exciting as well! I can’t tell you everything—I want you to be surprised!—but there will be a different menu in each of the locations for the event starting with the VIP Reception in Lockwood Restaurant. Here the offerings will be upscale and hearty with a wonderful variety which will include sushi, surprising Indian dishes, lobster, beef tenderloin and more. For the Fashion Show segment, guests will be treated to numerous passed hors d’oeuvres and for the dance segment in the Red Lacquer Room (where international DJ Donna D’Cruz will be!) there will be even more fun creations involving comfort food (our signature for C & C) and a unique sweet station which is an award winning creation unique to the Palmer House. There is much, much more but like I said—it’s a surprise! Check out this link of our DJ, Donna, in St. Tropez with Diddy! C & C is going to rock like never before! Our live auction will be incredible too and I want to share with you some of the packages so far:
 
1) A trip for two via private Netjet to NY for the VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW! This includes prime seating and exclusive entrance to the celeb-filled after-party AND a meet-and-greet with one of the Angels in the show! 
2) Business class airfare for two to the Peninsula’s newest jewel in Shanghai AND Hong Kong!!
3) Business class airfare for two to NY for front row seats to Pamella Roland’s Bryant Park Fashion Show, this package also includes theatre tickets to "Billy Elliot" and "Superior Donuts" and much, much more!
4) One-week stay in Deer Valley in a fantastic mansion.
5) Private dinner for 50 in the majestic lobby of the Palmer House–this also includes a weekend in their top-ranked Penthouse!
6) Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra diamond-encrusted evening watch.
7) Three-hour champagne/lunch cruise aboard a luxury Hinckley yacht.
8) Opening night tickets for two to the Joffrey Ballet’s "Othello" on Oct. 14th, includes dinner at the exclusive Director’s Dinner, premiere performance tickets and a backstage tour.
9) Weekend stay for three couples at the Elysian in three Premier Gold Coast Suites, a private dinner for six and one-hour massages for all six guests.
10) Private summer soiree for 12 which will include a cocktail/hors d’oeuvre party in the gorgeous Old Town Art Deco penthouse owned by world-renowned orchestra leader, Stanley Paul. This is one of the most photographed homes in Chicago and is breathtaking.
11) Private dance class for EIGHT taught by handsome principal Joffrey dancer Fabrice Calmels!
 
And this is just a SAMPLING! Hope to see you all there…..what will you be wearing? There will be tons of press so come “camera ready”!!!! :) For more info and to purchase tickets, call Julia Jankowski at 312-386-8921. Photos from top left: "Couture and Cocktails" invitation cover; executive chef Stephen Henry with senior sous chefs Oscar Castio and David Perez; food from our tasting; DJ Donna D'Cruz; Victoria's Secret Angels; Shanghai at night; Pamella Roland design; Van Cleef and Arpels watch; Hinckley yacht; "Othello"; Premier Gold Coast Suite at the Elysian; Fabrice teaching; Stanley Paul's terrace feature. For more photos, click here!
 
I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak of the Elysian (begun in 2004) and it is a truly gorgeous property. When I toured it, I thought it evoked memories of Paris and sure enough, the designer is Lucien LaGrange which explained everything. The lobby is unforgettable and sets the tone for the entire hotel. Located at 11 E. Walton in the heart of the Gold Coast, the Elysian will set a new standard in luxury in a sophisticated Art Deco setting. It features 188 guest rooms (prices begin at $395), 52 private guest residences (only four remain for sale starting at $3.8 million), two restaurants (Balsan and Ria), a bar (Bernard’s), 4,500 square feet of function space and a 14,000-square-foot health club and spa. As if this weren’t enough, 90 percent of the guest rooms have gas fireplaces and terraces. World-class chef Jason McLeod oversees the kitchen and its crack staff. The tasting was incredible and included wood-fired homemade pizzas and a wonderful Wagyu beef demonstration. They even can their own jams! Founder/CEO David Pisor has hit a home run here for sure and has the perfect VP of sales in Joe Aguilera! Another investor is Mario Tricoci, Jr. who was rightfully proud of this gorgeous property. Lucky guests attending this exclusive preview party included Brenda Sexton (our hostess with the mostest), Linda Johnson Rice, Neal Zucker, Chaz Ebert, Sonya Jackson, Mickey Norton, Carrie Birkel and her mom Amy Hogan, Joe D. Lauck, Eileen Sweeney, Jan Melk, Grace Puma, Nancy Dalaska, Julee White, Stanley Paul and Les Coney and his handsome son Javon. The hotel is due to open this fall. Photos from top left: Julee White, sommelier Dan Pilkey, Chaz Ebert and Brenda Sexton; Director of Food & Beverage Attila Gyulai, founder CEO David Pisor, GM of Ria Louis Hickner and Chef de Cuisine Justin Cogley; grand entryway; Waygu beef demonstration for Linda Johnson Rice, Neal Zucker and Chaz Ebert; Linda Johnson Rice and Neal Zucker in Ria; Grace Puma and Sonya Jackson; Amy Hogan and Carrie Birkel; Les Coney and his son Javon; investor Mario Tricoci Jr. For more photos from this memorable evening, click here!
 
Fifteen years ago, legendary restaurateur Rich Melman joined forces with a group of local L.A.-based Chicago actors, comics, directors and studio heads to help create the first “Windy City West” reunion party. They flocked to Ed Debevic’s to hang out with their buddies and talk about their favorite city: Chicago. Thanks to Brenda Sexton (who produced this event twice when she was head of the Illinois Film Office in 2004 and 2005) and Rich Melman’s sons, RJ and Jerrod, this event will be revised at their newest restaurant in Santa Monica, La Grande Orange, on September 21st! It will be televised and Tom Dreesen, an original founding member, will once again be the evening’s emcee. Other notables expected to attend include Joe Mantegna, Jim Belushi, Jeremy Piven, Bonnie Hunt, Chris O’Donnell, Robert Zemeckis and Nia Vardalos. The mission of this reunion is to encourage these influential alums in LA to bring their production business back home. The event is by invitation only and full but the Sun-Times, an event sponsor, is running a contest and the lucky winner will get two tickets to the party, airfare and a two-night stay at Shutters! This contest ends at midnight on Wednesday night so click on www.suntimes.com/win and good luck! If you DON’T win, the Elysian will be hosting the premiere party of this TV special on October 27th so stay tuned to CandidCandace for more details! Photos from top left: Jerrod and RJ Melman; "Little Miss Sunshine" producer Albert Berger with Brenda Sexton and Harold Ramis; David Schwimmer and Jeff Levine; Nia Vardalos.
 
Well, I have so much more to tell you but it will just have to wait unless you want to drink some Red Bull! I have enjoyed my week-long stay-cation but I have missed writing to you and telling you about all of the things that make Chicago great! Until next time, enjoy this adorable video of my girlfriend Tanya Robinson’s unbelievably cute daughter Amartya! I think she is ready for her spot on "Dancing with the Stars"—except SHE is the star NOW! 
 
Love and missed you,
Candace :)
 
(BTW, sad news to report…..Nate and Brian are no longer an item….they were the cutest couple on the planet. I am so sad.) Photo: Nate Berkus and Brian Atwood in happier times.

JOFFREY’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS KICK-OFF PARTY ROCKS NEIMAN MARCUS!

Neiman Marcus hosted an overflow crowd for the Joffrey Ballet’s Kick-Off Party for “Couture & Cocktails” Wednesday night. Over 200 people crowded into the Zodiac Room to meet the event’s star designer, Pamella DeVos of Pamella Roland designs. She is a beautiful blond with a charm to match and was so gracious to all of the guests…never tiring of taking photos and greeting everyone warmly. Pamella is a Midwesterner from Grand Rapids, Mich., so it’s not a surprise that she is so down to earth. She had her whole family in tow on this evening including her mom, daughter Sydney and even her new Maltese mix puppy, Manolo (yes, named after the shoe!) There were wonderful hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, of course! The informal modeling of her chic designs had everyone oohing and aahing! CS magazine’s Graham Kostic interviewed Pamella, Neiman Marcus GM Wendy Krimmins, and PR director Tina Koegel, told the crowd how happy they are with our collaboration. And so are WE! We are thrilled to have Pamella as our featured designer this year for Couture & Cocktails and I know the show will be over the top AMAZING! It will be held in the majestic lobby of the Palmer House, our underwriting partners, on Friday, September 25th, and is the first time a fashion show will be held here. The décor will be by Jonathan Ryan of “A Perfect Event” and I don’t want to spoil the surprise but I will tell you that it will be unlike anything Chicago has ever seen before. I had heard so many wonderful things about Pamella and I didn’t think anyone could live up to the accolades but she certainly did and surpassed them at that. Everyone in attendance was very excited and when the DJ ramped up the music, no one wanted to leave… It was a fantastic party with an incredible mix of fashionistas, friends and fun-lovers including NBC honcho Larry Wert, Kenneth Marks (Pamella’s director of sales and marketing), Steve Kemble (who flew in all the way from Dallas for the party), David Brandt, Dennis Chaffee, Julie Allen, Lydia and Francois Alouf, Marybeth Brandabur, Vicky Holdren, Margie Habermann, Sheryl Dyer, Executive Director Christopher Conway, Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, Kate Benson and Dick Johnson, Jay Franke, Sophie Bross, Rebecca Besser, Liz Ryan, Donna Kleinman, Cindy Burns, Sharyl Mackey, Ellen Wesley, Felicia and Curt Winiecki, Dana Hokin Garvey, Cynthia HolBrooke, Barbara Glass, Marci Holzer, Ed Howlett, Greg Hyder, Hazel and Warren Barr, Deirdre Nardi, Suzie Glickman, Lynne Bredfeldt, Lisa Malkin, Caryn Kraff, Lynn McMahan, WB President Christine Ott, Kate and Leslie Zentner, Dori Wilson, Angela Rose, Robin Berger, Lauren Besser, Linda Johnson Rice, George Fuller, Connie and Katherine Saville, Martha Wallace, Patrick Plante, Paul Iacono, Alan Sax, Bob Golant, Laura Baron, Chris Long, Julie Johnson, Gail and Bruce Mertz, Cynthia Pacholik, Nico Rodriguez, Charles Lord (who will be doing the model’s hair for the show) and his partner Ricardo Santiago, Courtney Shea, Brenda Sexton, Joyce Wippman, Kimberly Gleeson and Dr. Steven Stryker, Aaron Scott, Andrew Mann, Frank Paul,  Liz Sharp and Celeb TV’s Kelli Zink. And of course, our glorious dancers!!! If the enthusiasm from this party is an indicator for the main event then you better mark your calendars now! There will be room for everyone but only 200 VIP seats available along the runway. For tickets and more info, please call Julia Jankowski at 312-386-8921. I already have my dress! :) (Thanks to Caitlin Saville and Bob Carl for being the official photogs.) Photos from top left: co-founder Helen Melchior, Pamella DeVos, me, Kenneth Marks and Pamella's sister Sharyl; Pamella with the dancers; Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and WB member Joyce Wippman; Sydney and Pamella DeVos with Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway; Pamella Roland's designs; Graham Kostic interviewing Pamella; WB president Christine Ott, Liz Ryan and Sophie Bross; Neiman's GM Wendy Krimmins; Cindy Burns, me, Linda Johnson Rice and George Fuller; Leslie Hindman, Chris Long and Lydia Alouf; Lisa Malkin, Margie Habermann, Kimberly Gleeson and Dr. Steven Stryker; Kate and Leslie Zentner with Dori Wilson; Ellen Wesley, Martha Wallace and Sharyl Mackey; co-chair Sheryl Dyer and C & C producer Lisa Marie McComb; Mary Ann Murphy, co-chair Rebecca Besser, Donna Kleinman, Robin Berger, Liz Ryan and Sophie Bross; Helen, David Brandt, me and Dennis Chaffee; Hazel Barr, Steve Kemble and Sheryl Dyer. For more photos from this event, click here!
 
There’s a lot going on in Chicago in the world of dance including the upcoming Chicago Dancing Festival coming to Millenium Park on Tuesday August 18 through Saturday, August 22nd. Renowned choreographer and Chicago native Lar Lubovitch and highly esteemed Chicago dancer, Jay Franke, founded this event in 2007 as a non-profit whose mission is to bring the best of dance to Chicago. Last year the festival attracted an audience of more than 13,000 to this free celebration and this year there will be dancers from 16 of the country’s greatest companies sharing the stage including the Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard St. Dance Chicago, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Step Afrika, Chicago Human Rhythm Project and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company among many others as well as exciting guest artists from the New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the American Ballet Theatre. The celebration kicks off Tuesday, August 18th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Theater with “New Voices,” on the 19th there will be a lecture/discussion of “Artists Up Close” at the MCA Stage and on Thursday, August 20th, at the Harris is “Modern Masters.” The event culminates on Saturday, August 22nd, with “A Celebration of American Dance” under the stars at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park. For complete event info, please go to www.ChicagoDancingFestival.com. I hope to see you ALL there! :) Photos from top left: dancing under the stars, artists at Chicago Dancing Festival; Lar Lubovitch Dance Company.
 
Everyone has their version of “Housewives” these days and the BIG party hosted by Michigan Avenue Magazine the other evening was no exception! Gorgeous gals who graced the pages for their “Surreal Housewives” issue included Lynn McMahan, Julie Lampert, Whitney Lasky, Trevian Kutti and Kristina McGrath. It was a very attractive crowd that gathered at the Four Seasons this week to celebrate. Publisher Dan Uslan introduced editor-in-chief Susanna Negovan, whom he described as someone “who makes him look so good.” Then Susanna introduced the glamour girls who each spoke and thanked their friends and hubbies for being so supportive. The bank of photogs snapped away as the girls were introduced and I know you will see many beautiful shots in the magazines very soon. This is the magazine’s third year anniversary and, according to Dan, the biggest issue so far. No matter what may come of the hoopla over the possibility of a “Housewives” or “Windy City Wives” show in Chicago, one thing is certain…..we sure love to talk about it! I know it would be a HUGE success considering the amount of interest being shown. Housewives Unite! We have the POWER! Good luck to all of the participants and may the best “wife” win!!! :) Chic guests at this blowout included Jerry Kleiner, Marisa Molinari, Greg Zgnonena, NBC Street Team boss Marcus Riley, Oprah makeup guru Reggie Wells, Mary Ann Murphy, Caryn Kraff, Quentin Schumacher, Rebecca Besser, Patrick Plante, Vonita Reescer, Mamie Walton, Gale Gottlieb, Justin Polera, George Fuller, Dennis Minkle, Hazel and Warren Barr, Bob Zec, Stanley Paul, Sherrill Bodine, Laurie Davis, Secretary of State Jesse White, Toni Canada, Netjet’s Jeannie and Donn Seidholz, Andrea and Laura Schwartz, Julee White, Lee Tadin, Catie Keough and her sister Colleen Kelly among MANY more! Photos from top right: Trevian Kutti, Lynn McMahan, Julie Lampert and Kristina McGrath (photo courtesy of Getty Images); Mike McGrath, Tony Canada, Hazel Barr and Kristina McGrath; Lynn McMahan; with the boys; Jeannie and Donn Seidholz; Laurie Davis and Sherrill Bodine; Jerry Kleiner, Elise Jones; Ashley Jung; Tonya Stevenson and Diane McGrath; Caryn Kraff, DeDe Lubeznik, Lee Tadin and Mary Ann Murphy. For more photos from this event, click here! 
 
Every year around this town my BFF from high school, Susie Sager, and her daughter Natalie come to Chicago for a mother/daughter weekend. Chuck and I always try to take them to the newest and hottest spots so for dinner Friday we ate at Jerry Kleiner’s 33 Club and Saturday we had drinks at Roof at the Wit Hotel but the highlight of the trip was dinner at Sunda—Billy Dec’s latest venture. It was sports night at Sunda because all in one room, there were A-Rod, Blackhawks former great Jeremy Roenick, Derek Jeter, Chris Getz (Sox second baseman), Gordon Beckham (Sox third baseman), Mark Teixeira (Yankee designated hitter) and Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson. Thanks for the memories Billy Dec!! It was quite the night! Photos from top left: Natalie Sager with A-Rod; White Sox players Chris Getz and Gordon Beckham and friends with Michelle, Sandy Caspariello and Natalie; Reggie Jackson with Natalie and me.
 
On Wednesday, August 5th, the Stimulus Social Club will host their monthly event at Market at 1113 W. Randolph. This club consists of a network of socially conscious professionals in the Chicago area who choose to give back while having fun. They meet the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at a new venue, benefitting a new charity and always new faces. This month’s designated charity is Chicago 2016 (2016 Olympics). For only $10 you can mix and mingle with like minded friends for good causes. Executive hosts are Kim Lichenstein, Nadia Wetzel, Betsy Helmkamp, Megan Richards, Monica Canellis, Marissa Rudman, Katy Wilson and Kristen Tischhauser. RSVP to rsvp@stimulussocialclub.com. Photos from top right: gathering for a drink with the Stimulus Social Club; Market's fantastic rooftop.
 
A BIG congrats to the Palmer House for the honor of being named one of the top 101 hotel suites in the world by Elite Traveler magazine!!! It is the only Chicago hotel to be included in the world-wide selection and I couldn’t be happier for them!! Palmer House GM Dean Lane said, “To have the Palmer House ranked with the Royal Suite of the Plaza in New York; The Eden Rock, St. Barth’s in the West Indies; The Maestro suite of the Dolder Grand, Switzerland and the Presidential Suite of the Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo is quite a badge of honor. We are very proud.” AND SO ARE WE!! The 3,700-square-foot, 11-room Penthouse was designed by Forrest Perkins, Inc. of Washington, D.C. and is sumptuous to say the least with exotic woods, lush fabrics and lavish amenities. (Coincidentally, the Penthouse will be included in one of the live auction packages for Couture & Cocktails! Yet another reason to come on Sept. 25th!!) Congrats to our gorgeous Palmer House for this much deserved honor!!! Photos from top right: penthouse dining room; penthouse bathroom. 
 
I hope you are all enjoying each and every day of our glorious summer in the city!  I know we are! Have a great week and I’ll “see” you next Tuesday. :) 
 
Love,
Candace :)
 
P.S. We have had tons of baby birds in our backyard recently including five robins, two cardinals and three baby kestrels (sparrow hawks)! Life is good when there is birdsong. :) Photo: one of the kestrels in our yard.

SUMMER POOL PARTY MAKES A BIG SPLASH FOR JOFFREY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

There is nothing quite like summer in our great city! And one of the joys is the traditional backyard BBQ! But the "backyard" party at the home of Sandy and Roger Deromedi was anything but traditional! They hosted close to 100 Joffrey friends, family and dancers at one of the best bashes of the summer! Their estate in Lake Forest is as close to heaven as you can get--from the koi pond to the hot tub grotto, it is all built on a very grand and gracious scale. And even though it's sizable, Sandy and Roger made everyone feel right at home. The dancers were tossing each other in the pool and the food from George Jewell was divine. There was a wide selection with numerous food stations that included BBQ, scallop fajitas, caprese salad, grilled vegetables with goat cheese, pork and beans, fresh creamed corn, cole slaw, mini burgers and much, much more. The desserts were decadent with custom hot fudge sundaes and a beautiful birthday cake. Sandy and Roger didn't miss a beat and had a surprise birthday cake for Joffrey artistic director Ashley Wheater's upcoming 50th birthday. Ashley introduced all of the dancers including some of our new artists (we have eight new dancers in all for the next season!) and 10-year veterans Valerie Robin and Mauro Villanueva. Dancer Abigail Simon led the crowd in singing birthday wishes and then the dancing continued to the sounds of Garrido Productions.Happy guests included Maureen and EB Smith, Helen Melchior, photographer Herbert Migdahl, Christine Ott, Sophie Bross, Liz and Lawrence Ryan, Bryan Johnson, Marci and Ron Holzer, Julie Johnson, Marybeth Brandabur, Marina and Arnie Tatar, Joyce Wippman, Debbie Beitler and her sister Nancy Bauer, Kathy Lidbury, Patti Gerber, Barbara and David Kipper, Kathleen Klaeser, Pierre Lockett, Christopher Clinton Conway, Harriet and Irwin Ross, Liz Sharp, Pam and Russ Strobel, Heidi and David Keeling, Mary Kay and John Burke, Dora Aalbregtse, Laurie Garwood, Nancy and Stephen Bauer and her sister Debbie, Cynthia and John Pacholick, Michael Anderson,  Kate Benson and Dick Johnson among many others. Happy Birthday Ashley and many thanks Sandy and Roger!!! What a GREAT party! :) Photos from top right: Ashley Wheater being feted; Fabrice Calmels, Tian Shuai, Abigail Simon, Seth Hopkins, Jonathan Dummar, April Daley and Mauro Villanueva; me with Sandy and Roger Deromedi; Ashley Wheater, Maureen Smith and Fabrice Calmels; Christine Ott, Christopher Clinton Conway and Marybeth Brandabur; the lovely Deromedi home; Helen Melchior, April Daley and Mauro Villanueva; Pierre Lockett and Sandy Deromedi; Marina Tatar, Roger Deromedi and Ernie Tatar; Sophie Bross and Liz Ryan. Click here to enjoy more photos from this fantastic fete!
 
Hinckley Yachts and insurance giant Marsh co-hosted a party at the Chicago Yacht Club and over 100 guests showed up in their best boating attire. It was a perfect summer night in Chicago and the lake sparkled from the windows of the Commodore Room. Kate Gaynor, senior VP of Marsh Private Solutions, gave a wonderful introduction and introduced president and CEO of Hinckley, Jim McManus. He gave a terrific presentation on the history of the company and everyone could see how passionate he is about his product. There were a few people in the crowd on this evening with serious intents to buy so after cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, we all went down to play in the boats. They had three on display but my favorite was the T38R Convertible. This runabout functioned just like a car….at the push of a button, the top goes up and down. It was very cool to see. It was even more fun when Kate and Joe Scandariato, vice president of investments for Merrill Lynch and a proud Hinckley owner, offered me the chance to take some friends out on the water for a test ride. We went for an hour and a half cruise and the city never looks more beautiful than when it is viewed from the lake-- then you can see the panoramic skyline with the sun glinting off of all of those windows and it just takes your breath away. The lake was perfect for cruising and our captain took it up to 40 knots and we were flying! It was such a thrill. Guests on the boat included Christine Ott, Marisa Bryce, Sheryl Dyer, Christina Peters and a friend, Joey Majumdar and of course, Kate. Guests at the Yacht Club party included Vicky and Gary Holdren, Dr. Steven Stryker, Kimberly Gleeson, Cindy Burns, Laura Wallace, Ed and Alison Howlett, Josh Walters, Terrence and Tiffany Chappell, Nekesa Josey, Patrick Plante, Brenda Sexton and Ken Cook among others. Great pics are by Caitlin Saville. Photos from top right: Marisa Bryce, Laura Wallace, Christine Ott, me, Cindy Burns, Kimberly Gleeson and Maralyn Owen; Jim McManus and Joe Scandariato; Kate Gaynor, Joe Scandariato and Sheryl Dyerl Laura Wallace, Chuck and Cindy Burns; Ken Cook and Brenda Sexton; me with Jim McManus and Kate Gaynor; a Hinckley yacht; Tiffany and Terrence Chappell; Kimberly Gleeson, Dr. Steven Stryker and a friend; Hector Lopez and Heidi Milby. For more photos from this evening on the lake, click here!

The dinner party was named “A Castlewood Caper” but  was more like a Castlewood Dream when renowned interior designer, John Regas, opened his home for guests last week. The house was drop dead gorgeous—as all of his homes are and have been. The sleek grandeur and attention to detail is John’s hallmark….even when climbing the custom winding staircase. As soon as you step onto the first step, the pin lights come on as if by magic to light your way. The guests were instructed to wear “summer chic” attire but the evening didn’t cooperate as there was a definite chill in the air. Not to worry: John, being the ultimate host, even had matching throws to cover most of the ladies’ dresses! The floral décor by Daniel’s Discriminating Floriculture of the Palmer House, was all pale pinks and whites with big balls of flowers hanging on every pathway light.  There were gorgeous pink roses encased in crystal everywhere you looked and even in the legs of a Lucite table that held the buffet! As John said, his home is a vertical one and not for anyone with a fear of stairs. There are four floors with each staircase opening up onto incredibly designed rooms with a glamorous Art Deco inspired rooftop deck. Glamorous guests included Jean Antoniou, Sheryl Dyer, Paul Iacono, Jim Smith, Hazel Barr and Warren Barr, Lynn and John McMahan, Betty and Dean Pappas, Nancy and Tim Okal, David Myers, Leslie and Scott Hodes, Greg Malinowski, Pat Benett,  Rhonda Sanderson, Samantha Amato, Missy Vitale, Ken Norgan, Paul Rehder, Nicole Jacobs, Maria Pappas, Peter Kamberos, Kathy Stratton, Camille and Ed Pearl, Senya and Paul Kolpacke, Jayme Shenk, Christine and Ernie Cochanis, Susan Gohl, Kent Ottwell, Renee and Herb Schneider, Cookie Cohen, Don Poder, Pat Lauderdale and Greg Hyder among others. Photos from top right: Paul Iacono, John Regas, me and Greg Hyder; Maria Pappas, Ken Norgan and friends; Jean Antoniou, Hazel Barr and Sheryl Dyer; Paul Iacono and Rhonda Sanderson; flowers by Daniel; me with Paul Rehder and Nicole Jacob; John and Lynn McMahan; Cookie Cohen and Stuart; Christine Cochanis and Kathy Stratton with a friend; Pat Lauderdale and Don Poder. Click here for more photos from this magical evening! 

Fifty fabulous women and their guests were treated to breathtaking views, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the newly opened Terrace on 16 at Trump Tower. The event was to celebrate the launch of Margot Berwin’s new summer read, Hot House Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire. This is a tale of mystery, adventure and romance surrounding the obsession of advertising executive, Lila Nova, to obtain the mysterious nine plants of desire. Her quest takes her to the rain forests of the Yucatan. Margot has already sold the film rights to Sony who has cast Julia Roberts in the leading role. Guests included Vicki and Bill Hood, Christie Hefner and Billy Marovitz, Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Mickey Norton, Robin Berger, Suzanne LeMignot, Linda Johnson Rice, Susanna Negovan and Robin Robinson. This was another fantastic party produced by Brenda Sexton of Chicago Link Productions with great pics by Mitchell Canoff. Photos from top right: author Margot Berwin; Gary Gordon, Mickey Norton, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Michael Sampson; Linda Johnson Rice and Robin Berger; Susanna Negovan and Bridget Brennan. For more photos, click here! 

Don’t forget these fun parties coming up! Wednesday, July 29th, please join me at the Kick-Off Party for Couture & Cocktails at Neiman Marcus. The event will be in the Zodiac Room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and designer Pamella Roland will be there. There will be informal modeling, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. All you have to do is RSVP to Julia at 312-386-8921 and we will see you there!!! Photo: Couture & Cocktails. 

Monday, August 3rd, is the annual “Day on the Terrace” fashion show and luncheon benefitting the Service Club of Chicago.  It begins with cocktails on the terrace of the Peninsula at 11 a.m. followed by a fashion show in the ballroom at noon. The show will showcase 15 prestigious retailers and tickets are $150. For info, call Maria at (312) 664-8471. Photo: modeling Dismero at last year's Day on the Terrace.

CONGRATS to our own Chef Art Smith on winning the first round of Bravo’s "Top Chef Masters!" He said that cooking on this show was like “losing every ounce of my religion over worrying about dishes, time and the judges.” He competed against chefs Roy Yamaguchi, Michael Cimarusti and Jonathan Waxman. He thanked his Chicago family who “rooted him along to victory.” He had a “big” fried chicken dinner in Beverly Hills to celebrate with the CEO of Magical Elves (the producer of “Top Chef,” “Top Chef Masters,” “Project Runway” and “Top Design”) along with other great chefs. If he wins the finals, he will bring home $100,000 for his worthy charity, Common Threads!!! GOOD LUCK ART!! We’ll be watching!!! Photo: Jonathan Waxman, Roy Yamaguchi, Art Smith and Michael Cimarusti.

President Obama flew in Thursday night for some fundraising duties and even though he closed the expressway and created traffic havoc, it was a very majestic and patriotic sight to see those massive helicopters landing in the soccer field off of North Avenue. There were even secret service people in my stepson’s building at 1660 N. LaSalle! Cynthia Olsen took this pic and said the helicopter was so close, it almost skimmed the petunias on her patio! Photo: Obama's chopper.

As always, I hope you have a wonderful week and are enjoying your summer to the fullest!!!

Love,
Candace :)

P.S. Man-about-the-world, Patrick Plante, attended Walter Cronkite’s funeral and was seated at the luncheon following with Nancy Cronkite, Dick Cavett, Jerry Stiller and Ann Meara. I don’t think there is anyone Patrick doesn’t know!!!!

HAROLD RAMIS CHARMS CHICAGO FANS

Besides being the nicest guy among the Hollywood set, he’s also the bravest! Harold Ramis stood up before an audience invited to the screening of his latest film, “Year One”, who were clearly not the target group for this movie as he pointed out. He said his film’s demographics were directed more towards 20-year-old males and yet, here we were. He was disappointed in its opening and this Q & A came right on the heels of Roger Ebert’s one star review. He was brave, very brave and very kind, honest, funny and smart. He answered everyone’s questions and seemingly took a photo with everyone there. The evening was planned by event planner extraordinaire Brenda Sexton of Chicago Link Productions and it was a delight! Before the movie started, Harold said, “You are exactly NOT the demographic for this movie….I will be drinking while you’re watching this film.” His self-deprecating humor was a breath of fresh air in an arena of too many puffed-up egos. Even though the film has brought in close to $21 million, it still hasn’t met his expectations. He jokingly said he should put “AIR CONDITIONING” in really big letters in the ads like the old days to bring more people in. “Year One” was filmed in Sibley, La. in 13 weeks on a 6½ acre set constructed entirely out of Styrofoam. There were lots of funny moments and Chuck and I laughed at times so hard we had tears running down our cheeks. So even though we weren’t the target, we still thoroughly enjoyed it. Harold describes “Year One” as an abstract theme played out with adolescent comedy. The event was also to honor and celebrate Flashpoint Academy’s first graduating class. Howard Tullman gave a talk and presented a video recounting Flashpoint’s many achievements and his cameras were there to record the evening’s festivities. The after party was at the Wit Hotel which is also celebrating its first year in business. The evening was a night of firsts—“Year One” for a first year class in a year old hotel….very clever Brenda! Richard Roeper moderated the Q & A session and many of Harold’s 11 films were discussed including “Groundhog Day”. He said Tom Hanks turned this film down and the rest, as they say, is history. In Harold’s opinion, this film is the “It’s a Wonderful Life” for our generation. He goes on to say that with all of the blockbuster films coming out now like “Transformers”, he feels like he’s driving a Smart Car down the highway surrounded by 18 wheelers. I see him as the “Little Engine that Could” with “Year One”…  Additional pics by Mitchell Canoff. Photos from top right: Richard Roeper, Howard Tullman and Harold Ramis; me with Chaz Ebert and Joli Burrell; Janine Givray, Laura Baron and Dana Dressler; Amy Jacobsen and Brenda Sexton; Harold at the Wit after party; Deborah Chapman; me, Howard Tullman, Barbara Pollack and Bill Zwecker; Lori and Don Shroud; Badal Shah, Justin Rakestraw and Aakash Shah; chic partygoers.

The kick-off party for the Joffrey Ballet’s fourth annual “Couture & Cocktails” will be at Neiman Marcus’ Michigan Avenue store in the Zodiac Room on Wednesday, July 29th. Come for a sneak peak of international designer Pamella Roland’s exciting collection and meet her in person. The party and trunk show will be from 6 to 8 p.m. and I don’t want you to miss it! It will be a very chic affair! Please call 312-386-8921 to RSVP. Pamella will be doing the fashion show for “Couture & “Cocktails”, the most exciting event of the year, on Friday evening, September 25th, in the Palmer House, our presenting sponsor! This will be the first fashion show ever to be held in its grand lobby. Her designs are worn on hipsters around the world and we are so lucky to have her! I am proud to say that Helen Melchior and I are the co-founders of this event and this year we have more fabulous co-chairs involved:  Leslie Hindman, Shauna Montgomery, Ann Waters, Anne Kaplan, Rebecca Besser, Sheryl Dyer and Kristina McGrath. We have enlisted Donna D’Cruz, DJ of the international jet set, to amp up the excitement for the after party. At Donna’s latest event in Dubai, her guests included Robert DeNiro, Michael Jordan, Sir Richard Branson, Charlize Theron, Wesley Snipes, Jade Jagger, Mary Kate Olsen, Janet Jackson, Mischa Barton, Kylie Minogue, Denise Rich, Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson and various Sheiks. “Couture & Cocktails” will be a blow out with never ending surprises and excitement! Tickets start at $250 and there is limited runway seating so reserve now to get up close and personal! For sponsorship information and tickets, please call 312-386-8921. Don’t forget to polish your dancing shoes!!! We won’t be leaving early… :) Photos from top left: Pamella Roland design; Pamella DeVos and her beautiful family; Palmer House lobby; DJ Donna D'Cruz; "Couture & Cocktails" invitation.

The 11th annual Gift of Sight Gala benefitting Midwest Eye-Banks took place Friday, May 15th at the Peninsula Hotel. Almost 150 guests came to this black tie affair to honor well loved local entrepreneurs and philanthropists Heinz Kern and Mary Ann Rose as the 2009 Man and Woman of Vision. Co-chairs for this evening were Greg Hyder, Beverly Blettner, Tom Hackett and Amy Wimer. Bill Zwecker was the emcee and the Stanley Paul Orchestra played until the wee hours. Charles Hocevar of Pratesi Linens was the silent auction chair and helped raise over $45,000 worth of items for this worthy cause. Guests included Sheryl Dyer, Cookie Cohen, Mary Cameron Frey, Connie Wimer, Kerstin Stitt, Laurie Zewer, Franco La Marca, Carol Caroll, Tiffani Kim, Marily Frank, Lesley Bramson, Jeff Stolarz, Daniel Nack, David Donnersberger, Brian Szubinski, Tom McGuire, Maureen Haga, Susan and Fred Gohl, Linda and Mark Heister, Maria and Bob Zec and Hazel Barr among others. Thanks to John Reilly Photography for the fantastic photos! Photos from top right: 2008 honoree and emeritus Beverly Blettner with 2009 honorees Heinz Kern and Mary Ann Rose; gala co-chairs Greg Hyder, Tom Hackett and Amy Wimer; Maria and Bob Zec; Susan Gohl and Laurie Zerwer. For more photos from this event, click here!
 
Congratulations to Diana Palomar Scott for the recognition she is bringing to the wonderful organization Mujeres Latinas en Accion. Diana, Pat Pulido Sanchez and Maria Capoccia hosted a luncheon on Wednesday, June 17th, to bring awareness to this group and the important work and services they provide for their community! I was sorry to miss it but if you would like to learn more, please visit www.mujereslatinasenaccion.org. Good luck Diana! :) Photo: Jessica Priego of the Chicago White Sox, Judie Garcia of WGN News, Michael Gonzalez of Maestros Ventures and Diana Palomar Scott of ABC 7 News.

I think one of the most important trends in this economic turndown is the return to basics and spending more quality time with family and friends. And what can be more traditional than a backyard BBQ?! We were invited to Jannie and Elliot Pearlman’s house the other evening for just such a get together. Friends included Nadine and Ira Epstein and Hedwig and Bob Golant. We had the best time and didn’t want the evening to end. The delightful meal consisted of Bob Golant’s BBQ cauliflower, Carson’s ribs and chicken (can’t make it any better on your own grill!), crispy sweet potato fries, potato salad, cole slaw and two different pies (cherry and apple) homemade by our hostess Jannie. It was a perfect summer evening—not too hot, not too cold and their home is enchanting. Jannie and I share a charming and talented designer, Paul Gonzalez, and our homes both showcase his incredible touch. We used him 20 years ago and we’ve been close friends ever since. Even though he says he’s retired, you can’t tell it. He takes on special projects for friends and family and can do anything be it modern or traditional. It was a wonderful night and I hope to be spending more intimate time with friends throughout the summer. Photos from top right: hosts Jannie and Elliot Pearlman; having fun with friends; Hedwig with the famous Golant BBQ'd cauliflower; homemade pies; Pearlman living room designed by Paul Gonzalez. For more party pics, click here!
 
A big congrats to the Philanthropic co-chairs for the Service Club of Chicago! Connie and Katherine Saville and Lynda Silverman put in over 2000 hours with the largest group of philanthropic volunteers (46) ever this year! We received 81 grant requests and were able to fulfill 39 of them to the tune of $362,000! The Service Club of Chicago, established in 1890, is one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in the city. Their motto is “No one is greater than the service he/she renders to the world.”  Amen…and don’t forget the annual Day on the Terrace this year at the Peninsula Hotel! The date is Monday, August 3rd, and there will be a luncheon and fashion show from many chic Chicago stores! Host Hazel Barr always has surprises up her sleeve and this year will be no different! Tickets are $150 and can be purchased by calling 312-664-8471. Photos from top right: SC philanthropic co-chairs Connie Saville, Lynda Silverman and Katherine Saville; Day on the Terrace host Hazel Barr. 

I hope you’re thoroughly enjoying summer in Chicago—there is no better city in the world, especially at this time of year! And now, if you didn’t believe in miracles before, you will now… check this out!
 
Love,
Candace :)

SUGAR SHINES AT LARRY KING BOOK PARTY!

On Saturday evening, May 30th, socialite/author Sugar Rautbord hosted a party for Larry King and over 150 friends and fans showed up. To borrow a line from Mary Poppins, “it was practically perfect in every way.” Every way, that is, except for the honoree who didn’t seem so happy to be there. Larry was in town promoting his book, “My Incredible Journey” and attending the Cubs/Dodgers game, which might explain his lack of energy. He’s a big Dodgers fan but he still sang during the seventh inning stretch—go figure. As I was getting ready for this party, I was listening to the Cub’s post-game show on WGN and boy, were the fans upset. They did NOT want a Dodger’s fan singing OUR song and I can’t say I disagree. His two sons were in the box with him and they were both wearing their Dodgers shirts. No more singing celebs unless they’re REAL FANS please! Anyway, it was an incredibly well attended party with even our possible future governor and current Attorney General Lisa Madigan in attendance.  Sugar’s impeccable party planning skills showed in every detail including the delightful cookies—one with a crown (get it? KING) and one personalized with Larry on it. I had a chance to meet his gorgeous wife Shawn - very tall, thin and gracious - and his two sons Chance (named for their chance meeting) and Cannon (named after the street they live on in Beverly Hills). Larry King Jr. was there as well helping his father with the book signing. (HE was delightful!) Friends who came out to support her and meet Larry included novelist Scott Turow, biographers Bill Zehme and Carol Felsenthal, Rich and Martha Melman, former Bull Bill Cartwright, Victory Gardens’ Dennis Zacek and Jan Kallish, Georgia and Jerry Fogelson, Arlene and Marshall Bennett, Paula and Alexis Fasseas, Lydia and Francois Alouf, Maria Smithburg, Ann Gerber, Dawn Miller, Elizabeth Goizueta, Thomas Monahan, Christina Ghilberti, Suzie, Ross and Todd Glickman, Shia Kapos, Traci Mansur, Suzanne LeMignot, Dr. Steve Stryker, Kim Gleason, Whitney and Jerry Lasky, Scott Bobek, K.D. Aubert, Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano and Sun-Times publisher John Barron and his wife Maureen and many, many more (as you'll see from these photos taken by yours truly and the fabulous Mitchell Canoff). I know Larry is the titan of television but I think Sugar was the real highlight Saturday night! Her life, her photos, friends and apartment all scored A+ in my book….now there’s the real story. Proof positive is seen in her awesome Skrebneski portrait taken for Interview magazine when Andy Warhol was editor! BTW, watch for lots more exciting parties and events coming up when dynamic co-host Suzie Glickman teams up with Sugar on a number of projects coming soon!! I can’t WAIT!!!!! :) Photos from top right: Sugar Rautbord, Larry and Shawn King and Suzie Glickman; Larry with Attorney General Lisa Madigan; Shia Kapos with Paula and Alexis Fasseas; CBS's Suzanne LeMignot; Sugar displaying some sugar; Bill Cartwright; me with Shawn and Chance King; Thomas Monahan, Elizabeth Goizueta and Christina Ghilberti; K.D. Aubert and Dr. Michael Horn; Sugar's Skrebneski portrait; Larry King Jr. and me. For more photos from this fantastic event, click here!

On Tuesday, May 19th, Bunky Cushing hosted the first annual “Early Birds and Bookworms,” an exclusive book signing and author breakfast to raise funds and awareness for the Jane Addams Senior Caucus (JASC). Many of Chicago’s most philanthropic got up very early to meet Charlie Schieps, the acclaimed curator, art advisor and author of “American Fashion”. Charlie shared stories about how this richly illustrated book, which highlights eight decades of fashion in America, came to be a coffee table staple. The event, which was underwritten by RL Restaurant raised more than $10,000 to support the JASC which helps older area adults build relationships, develop leaders, educate people and create the power necessary for them to play a central role in determining their quality of life. Their primary goal is to develop senior leadership and organized power for social justice. Guests included Mamie Walton, Linda Heister, Shirley Michels, Lisa Malkin, Myra Reilly, Carol Prins, Gerri Shute, Gretchen Jordan, Shauna Montgomery, Rebecca Besser, Robin Berger, Megan McKinney, JASC Chair Vicki Adams, Heather Wright, Lisa Gutierrez, Hazel Barr, Zarada Gowenlock, Maria Smithburg, Peggy Martay, Dori Wilson, Susan Gohl, Bill Zwecker, Whitney Lasky and Sherren Leigh among others.  You can bet that whenever Bunky puts his considerable clout behind an organization that they are in for tons of support!  Good luck Bunky and thanks for all you do for ALL of us! (For more info on supporting the JASC, please call 773-404-6429). Photos from top left: Charlie Shieps addressing the crowd; Bunky Cushing and Maria Smithburg; Gretchen Jordan, Shauna Montgomery, Rebecca Besser and Robin Berger; Megan McKinney, Linda Heister, Zarada Gowenlock and Mamie Walton; Carol Prins and Gerri Schute; Heather Wright, Hazel Barr and Lisa Gutierrez; Myra Reilly and Lisa Malkin. For more photos from this event, click here! (A big thanks to Dan Rest for these shots!)
 
Choose your team and get ready to “fork up” for Common Threads' third annual Cross Town Culinary Classic on June 19th at the Four Seasons! Imagine the most amazing ball park fare but taken to extreme foodie level! Think lobster corn dogs with caviar aioli; short-rib meatball sliders with horseradish and Wisconsin cheddar; Kobe beef hot dogs; “everything” tacos with duck carnitas; Pilsen truffles and foraged ramp salsa; goat cheese and semolina croquette and braised goat sliders with Moroccan BBQ sauce! And this is just a sampling! The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a Ballpark Reception showcasing these fine dining versions of favorite ballpark snacks. At 7 p.m., watch the kitchen action live on flat screen TVs throughout the restaurant as the Southside and Northside rivalry heats up between the Four Seasons executive chef and White Sox fan Kevin Hickey and Cubs fan Giuseppe Tentori of Boka. There will also be a silent auction all benefitting Common Threads. Tickets are only $200 and can be purchased by calling Mary Ann at 312-329-2501 ext. 204 or e-mail maryann@commonthreads.org. I hope to see you there! Photos from top right: Chefs Kevin Hickey and Giuseppe Tentori; Common Threads co-founders Art Smith and Jesus Salguiero with executive director Linda Novick O'Keefe. 

I want you all to know I am an equal-opportunity supporter in the political arena. A few blogs ago, you were introduced to Alexi Giannoulias who is running for the Senate and now I want you to meet our Attorney General Lisa Madigan who might be throwing  her hat into the ring for Governor. She has already done so much for Chicago and it was a wonderful and supportive turnout for her Tuesday night at the Ivy Room at the Tree Studios. Guest speaker was the formidable Ellen Malcolm, president and founder of Emily’s List. It’s nice to know we have such wonderful choices ahead of us…may the best man or woman win in all of the races! Photo: Attorney General Lisa Madigan. 
 
We have so many wonderful authors in our midst as well and I’m happy to introduce you to yet another one! Catherine O’Connell is back with her second urbane and witty mystery set against the backdrop of Chicago high society called “Well Read and Dead”. Her heroine, Pauline Cook, is diamond-clad, beautiful, smart and extraordinarily resourceful as she travels across the world unraveling the secrets behind her friend’s suspicious disappearance. Diane Whiteley organized a wonderful reception for Catherine Thursday evening at the St. John Boutique and many supporters turned out to celebrate—many of them clutching her first book, “Well Bred and Dead”, for her to sign. She lives in Chicago and Aspen and her life reads like her books—exciting and filled with exotic twists and turns. If you missed her at this party, make sure you come to The Drake this Tuesday (6/9) from 2-5 to meet her (or check out her web site at www.catherineoconnell.net. Photos from top left: me and Catherine O'Connell; Cynthia Olsen, Stanley Paul and Diane Whiteley.
 
Now we have more wonderful birthdays and parties to celebrate! Man of the world B.J. Murray celebrated recently with friends at Prosecco before heading back out to La La Land and photog Steve Starr was there to capture it all. Jannie Pearlman celebrated a birthday recently at her gorgeous new home in Phoenix and recent Michigan Avenue Magazine star Lynn McMahan was surprised at L2o with a party organized by her darling husband John and Hazel Barr. Twenty-one friends were there to celebrate including Dennis Minkel, Victor Skrebneski, Lynda and Howard Silverman, Sherrill and John Bodine, Bunky Cushing, Hazel and Warren Barr, Mamie Walton, Stanley Paul, Fred Tokowitz, Averill and Bernie Leviton, Jane and Bernard Karasick and us. Kudos to Tom Kehoe for the fabulous table décor! Photos from top right: B.J. Murray with his sisters Lisa and Tera Dunlap (photo courtesy of Steve Starr); Jannie Pearlman; Lynn McMahan; ESU president Brian White, Sherrill Bodine, Lynda Silverman and Jim Kinney. For more photos from Lynn's bash, click here!

I hope you’ve been following the fun and excitement scooped by our own Bill Zwecker in his column concerning the local reality show coming to Chicago based on the hot Bravo series, “The Real Housewives of…” (Past seasons have taken place in Orange County, NYC, Atlanta and New Jersey.) In this case, they are scouting Chicago “seeking a dynamic group of ladies leading extraordinary lives….modern housewives who juggle busy lives and look great doing it! No wallflowers please.” The Sun-Times ran an article which showcased Shelley MacArthur Farley, Sugar Rautbord, Whitney Lasky, Elizabeth Berger and me!! This article was missing someone though so I’m throwing Shauna Montgomery’s tiara into the ring myself! :) May the best housewife win! I hope I’m one of them!! Photo: the cast of "The Real Housewives of New York."
 
By the way, I am now blogging for the Tribune’s web site, Chicago Now, as I mentioned last week. I am blogging more regularly there if you want instant updates. Also, check out the Sun-Times editorial battle news between me and someone who chose to keep their byline a secret… Photo: me with Chicago Now's Jimmy Greenfield and Bill Adee and book blogger Amy Guth.

In these troubled economic times, everyone needs a little cheering. I hope this funny video helps you start your week off with a smile!

Love,

Candace :)