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.

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.)

GLAMOURCON 2009 IS A 70'S CELEBRATION!

Glamourcon is a convention celebrating the glamour arts and has every type and stripe of pinups from past and present as well as pinup art and photography. This year at the Crowne Plaza O'Hare, it was dominated by dozens of Playboy Playmates – especially a strong contingent from the 70's (Golden Age of Playboy). My fellow Playmates this year included Patti McGuire Connors (Playmate of the Year 1977), Sondra Theodore (Hef's former girlfriend and Playmate for July 1977), Sylvie Garant (November 1979), Laura Lyons (former Jet Bunny on Hef's plane, Chicago Bunny of the Year in 1975 and Playmate for February 1976), Janet Lupo (November 1975) and Monica Tidwell (November 1973 Playmate, who had an off-Broadway show called “Mind Game.”) Among other Playmates attending were this year's Playmate of the Year Ida Ljungvist, Julie Cialini (Playmate of the Year 1995), Summer Altice (August 2000), DeDe Lind (August 1967) and Cathy St. George (August 1982). There were also a mother/daughter set of Playmates: Gale Olson (August 1968) and her daughter Crystal McCahill (May 2009). One of the original playmates after Marilyn Monroe – Dolores Del Monte (March 1954) – was there too. Hef had purchased her photo from the same calendar company as Marilyn. This event had a lot of firsts and one of them was having the oldest attendee, Herbert Lakin, at 97 years of age. One fan even brought the back plate from Bally’s famous Playboy pinball machine for Patti and Sondra (whose likenesses appear there) to sign and another fan/friend, Larry Armstrong, had the original copper plate of DeDe Lind's centerfold that he had bought on Ebay! Wil Rivers, a long-time fan, has only missed one show out of 47 and it was great to see him there again this year. My friends from the 70's were all in a row and we had a blast. It was so much fun to see so many fans who love and know the wonderful history of Playboy. Thanks to Bob Schultz for keeping the dream alive via Glamourcon. The next event will be in November in L.A. so I hope to see you all there! Photos from top left: Patti McGuire Connors with her iconic Bally pinball machine; Sylvie Garant, Patti McGuire Connors, me, Laura Lyons, Monica Tidwell, Janet Lupo and DeDe Lind; Summer Altice; with Playmate of the Year Ida Ljunvist; Dolores Del Monte; Cathy St. George; Bridget; Larry Armstrong; Chuck with Playboy's Shanthi and Rob Wilson; Crystal McCahill and Gale Olson. For more photos from this event, click here!   
 
Chicago Now’s official launch was Monday, August 10th, but the rooftop launch party was Wednesday for four of their top bloggers. It was my first time seeing a game from this unique vantage point. I was so honored to be among the four bloggers invited and the best part was our live interview on WGN TV! Fellow bloggers included Kevin O’Neil (CTA Tattler), Billy Dec (A Chicago Thing) and Julie DiCaro (A League of Her Own). Julie blogged live throughout the game and even had to shield her eyes from the sun to type with one hand….huge kudos to her! Wow! At first, it was thrilling and then as the seats started filling up and the crowd turned testy over the seat shortage, we left. And thank goodness we did—at least we didn’t see the Cubbies get slaughtered. Anyway, Chicago Now has 75 bloggers and is promoted as the “Huffington Post meets Facebook.” They have every manner of blogger and Chicago Tribune’s editor of digital media, Bill Adee, said, “We think of it as an online town square for the Chicago of right now.” I am thrilled to be a part of this August group and hope you all tune in early and often to www.ChicagoNow.com. Photos from top left: Chicago Now boss Jimmy Greenfield with bloggers Billy Dec, Juli DiCaro, me and Kevin O'Neil; view from the rooftop; scenes from three rooftop parties; Jimmy Greenfield and Kevin O'Neil.
 
Resale goes upscale when one of Bravo’s Real Housewives, Alex McCord, comes to Chicago on Wednesday, August 26th to celebrate the opening of Second Time Around from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 823 W. Armitage. Second Time Around is an upscale consignment store which started in Boston. Chicago will be their first location beyond the East Coast, where there are 19 stores. Alex is also reaching out to some of her celeb friends including "Project Runway" stars to help her open the store in style. Michigan Avenue Magazine is the sponsor of this event along with Moet Chandon, Berry Chill and Belvedere Black Raspberry and I am a co-host along with Celeb TV’s Kelli Zink and Ryan Preuett. There will be cocktails and fabulous hors d’oeuvres from The Entertaining Company as well as a lot of press so come camera-ready! Space is limited so RSVP ASAP to RSVP@secondtimearound.netor by calling 773-698-6260. (BTW, a unique aspect of Second Time Around is the fact that you can request the proceeds of your donations go to your favorite charity…I LOVE this!) Photos from top right: Alex McCord; Second Time Around on Newbury Street in Boston.
 
The Chicago Dancing Festival has begun! Tuesday night featured “New Voices” at the Harris Theater and features “Modern Masters” Thursday. “Modern Masters” is full but you can try to get seats via their stand-by process (just visit the Harris Theater Box Office at noon and they will provide you with a stand-by voucher while supplies last and voucher holders may be granted a seat should any reserved ticket holder not be present at the time of the seating). On Saturday, August 22nd, the culmination of the week’s festivities will be the “Celebration of American Dance” at the Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park. No tickets are required for any of the performances but it is suggested that you arrive early at the time of the seating.  The after-party Thursday night begins at the Palmer House at 9:30 p.m. in Potter’s Lounge. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and will include an all-star lineup of dancers from some of the country’s most acclaimed dance companies. Hope to see you there!! Photos: scenes from past Chicago Dancing Festivals.
 
This summer has been a delightful mix of outdoor activities and one of the best parts of living in Chicago is having that beautiful lake to play on! We were fortunate to be invited out on Cary’d Away - Ann and Kevin Dwyer’s yacht - for an evening cruise and dinner at the Chicago Yacht Club. We were joined by long-time friends Terry (Whitey) Pearson, Kathy Peterson (who flew in from NY), Marissa Rudman, Diane Gottlieb and Mike Wilkie. It was the perfect summer night and the city never looked better. There is nothing better than spending time with old friends and I thank you Ann and Kevin for bringing us all together again! Love you! Photos from top left: Marissa Rudman, Whitey Pearson, me, Kathy Peterson and hostess Ann Dwyer; Mike Wilkie and Kevin Dwyer; Whitey Pearson, Kathy Peterson and Ann Dwyer; Diane Gottlieb and Marissa Rudman. For more photos from this fantastic evening, click here! 
 
Another fun summer soiree was hosted by Diane and Sandy Whitely. They had a stellar guest list with over 40 friends and since Sandy worked at NBC for over 33 years, there were a lot of guests from the station there too such as Anna Davlantes, Paul Nagano, Kim Vatis, Susan Ellefson and her hubby Bryan Kurtz, Stanley Paul and Cynthia Olson, Candace Corr, BJ Jones (Artistic Director of Northlight Theater), Brenda Sexton, Todd Lizak, Lydia and Francois Alouf, Evie and Herb Glieberman, Audrey and Len Rubin, Daniele and Dan Roberts, Jack Frost and Fantashia Hauss and her handsome boyfriend Simone Ortolani. Their wonderful summer menu created by Finesse Cuisine offered peach Bellinis, mini Angus burgers, yellow split pea veggie burgers, rosemary marinated lamb loin, beef tartar on brown butter biscuits and frozen goat cheese mousse with crushed sunflowers and caramelized honey. The chef even picked herbs from Diane and Sandy’s garden to add to the selections! I know this party won’t soon be forgotten! Can’t wait for the next one, Diane and Sandy! Photos from top left: Candace Corr, hostess Diane Whitely and BJ Jones; Anna Davlantes; Paul Nagano, host Sandy Whitely and NBC anchor Kim Vatis; Fantashia Hauss and Simone Ortolani; Thomas Monahan with Lydia and Francis Alouf; Susan Ellefson and Bryan Kurtz; Brenda Sexton and Tom Lizak. For more photos from this great party, click here!
 
The American Craft Exposition is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a preview party on Thursday, August 27th. This event, which runs from August 28th through August 30th, will raise money for breast and ovarian cancer research and will showcase exhibitors in many different areas including basketry, ceramics, emerging artists, furniture, glass, leather, jewelry and furniture among others. The event will be held at the Henry Crown pavilion on the campus of Northwestern University. Tickets for the Collector’s Hour from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. are $150 and includes admission to the three day expo. Tickets for the Benefit Preview party from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. are $100. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to www.americancraftexpo.org or call 847-570-5095. Over the past 10 years, they have raised over $4.5 million for ground breaking research but this year will be one of their most challenging with the deflated economy. I hope you can come out and support this worthy cause AND have some fun! Photos: creations for the American Craft Exposition.
 
I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of CandidCandace. This video, if you’re anything like me, will make you rethink your dog training capabilities! Have a great week!
 
Love,
Candace :)

P.S. Since this is CandidCandace’s One Year Anniversary (time sure flies when you’re having fun!), I am taking the week off to celebrate! I will “see” you all on Tuesday, September 1st but to contact me anytime, please e-mail candace@candidcandace.com.

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.

OUR CHICAGO HOUSEWIVES AUDITION!

Thursday was a very eventful day for Shauna Montgomery, Shelly MacArthur Farley, Whitney Lasky and me: We filmed our auditions for Becky Cattie of Towers Productions! We all gathered at Shauna’s gorgeous North Lake Shore Drive apartment for our group interview in front of a big bank of windows (which made the lighting perfect for us). Becky’s assistant Mary Kozelka did the filming and should be on a show herself she’s so pretty. We all had previously filled out an eight-page questionnaire that included questions such as what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?, were you ever arrested?, describe your personality, who are the people you surround yourself with?, describe a typical day in your life, what would people not know just by looking at you?, have you ever filed for bankruptcy?, what are you passionate about? and many more. Now Towers Productions knows more about me than my husband does!! After the group interview, Becky interviewed us individually. We were told they are looking at four or five more groups but are more interested in women who live downtown since they want to feature our gorgeous city prominently in the filming! YEAHHH!! I know there are lots of gorgeous and dynamic Chicago women out there so Becky and Mary have their work cut out for them! We will be told in three weeks or so of the outcome. Good luck to ALL and may the best housewives win! (Exclusive audition photos by Caitlin Saville.) Photos from top right: the future "Real Housewives of Chicago"; our group audition; Shauna's lovely foyer; refreshments were served; entertaining our interviewers...and ourselves; Whitney and me having a laugh. For more photos, click here!

Sugar Rautbord and Suzie Glickman planned another blockbuster evening when they introduced Paula Froelich, editor of the New York Post’s infamous Page Six, to her adoring Chicago fans on June 17th. The occasion was to celebrate the launch of her bestseller, already three weeks on the list, Mercury in Retrograde. Gigi Grazer, author of The Starter Wife, describes the book this way: “Move over Dorothy Parker…funny, clever and engaging…gives the reader the ultimate insider’s view into the looking-glass world of a working girl’s Manhattan.” Best-selling author Erica Jong says it is “a delicious romp—our horoscope-addicted heroine will make you laugh and cry. Great fun!” The heroine’s name is Penelope Mercury and she’s a reporter at the New York Telegraph. She pounds the pavement breaking stories that seem inconsequential to everyone but her boss. And then she is fired. Another character is Lena “Lipstick Carcrash” Lippencrass (this name alone makes me want to buy the book!), who is a socialite of the highest standards until her parents cut her off for refusing to work in the family business. And then there is Dana Gluck, a workaholic lawyer who is hoping her failing marriage will be revived by having a child. Then her husband leaves her for an exchange student/model who promptly gets pregnant. They all wind up in the same SoHo apartment building and realize having their carefully planned lives fall to pieces might be the best thing that’s ever happened to them. The book launch was held at Hub 51 and the hosts were Sugar, Suzie, Bill Zwecker, Trisha Rooney Alden, RJ and Jerrod Melman and moi. Guests included Lynn McMahan, Brenda Sexton and Ken Cook, Diane Whiteley with her darling hubby, Ross Glickman, Celeb TV’s Kelli Zink, 24/7 producer Jeff Conway, Lydia Alouf, Gale Gottlieb, Leslie Hindman, Jim Gorman, Patrick Plante, Christina Ghilberti, Jennifer Kiefer, Shauna Montgomery, Whitney Lasky, Dr. Ian Smith, Anna Devlantes, Kathleen Henson, Scott Yonover and Nora Daley among others. Congrats Paula! I can’t wait to read Mercury in Retrograde!!! :) (Special thanks to Mitch Canoff for photos!) Photos from top right: Paula Froelich; Jennifer Keifer, Sugar Rautbord and Christina Ghilberti; Ken Cook and Brenda Sexton; Bill Zwecker and Paula; me and Celeb TV's Kelli Zink; Paula and Patti Lambrecht; Kelli Zink and producer Jeff Conway; me and co-host Suzie Glickman; Lynne Bredfeldt and Michelle Barone; Whitney, Shauna and me with Paula; me with co-host/Hub 51 owner RJ Melman and Paula.

Thursday evening, Vogue style expert Amy Tara Koch and Whitney Lasky co-hosted “Evening in Vogue”, an event held each year in various cities across the country for area movers and shakers. (They also have events in L.A., NYC, San Francisco and Miami.) Originally, it was to be held at Whitney’s apartment but the weather seemed threatening so it was changed to the Golden Triangle at 333 N. LaSalle St. There was fun food from The Entertaining Company, cocktails and several different vendors selling top vintage designer collections. Cameron Silver from Decades in L.A. brought in incredible pieces by Lanvin, Pucci, Balenciaga and Chanel. Sally Kovler from Tangerine Sky had jewelry from India and Lisa Kingsley showed her exotic handbags as did Gillian Carrera. A portion of the evening’s sales benefitted The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Chic guests included Matt Murphy, Rachel Schwanz, Shellie Thompson, Grace Sergio-Banks, Tina Culver, Fred’s personal shopper Q, Jan Flanagan, Kristina McGrath, Kate Prange, Susan Ifergan with daughter Chloe, Leslie Zentner with her daughter Kate, Christina Ghilberti, Jennifer Keifer, Marci Holzer, Gale Gottlieb, Sherrill Bodine, Dusty Stemer, Becky Cattie, Mary Kozelka, Patrick Plante, Sugar Rautbord, Scott Bobek,  Kate Templin, Dan Uslan, Leslie Bluhm, Cheryle Jackson, Dede Lubeznik, Shauna Owens, Meredith Woodprince, Sophie Bross, Kate Neisser, Sam Goldberg, Ellee, Pai Hong, Jennifer Oppenheim, Robin Berger, Morris Gerring and Linda Bynoe among others. BTW, congrats to Amy Tara Koch on her first book to be published by Random House in March 2010. Now we have ANOTHER party to look forward to!!! Photos from top right: co-host Amy Tara Koch with Kate Prangle; Ann Wallace with co-host Whitney Lasky; Jan Flanagan with Kristina McGrath; Debbie Beitler and Noren Ungaretti; Tina Weller and Mary Lasky; Matt Murphy and Dusty Stemer with friend; Grace Sergio-banks and Tina Culver; Barney's Q with Shayna and Shelley. For more photos, click here! 

Monday evening I visited my friend Christina Peters at the VIP opening party for her new store, Bisazza at 226 W. Kinzie. I must say I was blown away by the incredible tile and home furnishing choices. Bisazza Mosaico has been synonymous with luxury for decades and with new designs by Andree Putnam, Jaime Hayon and design director Carlo Dal Bianco, their Italian tiles have dressed some of the most exquisite celebrity homes, public venues and famed art. Established in 1956 in Alte Vicenza in Northern Italy, the company is the leading producer of glass mosaic for interior and outdoor decoration. They employ 795 people and have nine flagship stores in Barcelona, Berlin, London, L.A., Milan, Moscow, N.Y., Paris, Rome and soon Tokyo and Antwerp. Bisazza brings lux to a whole new level and is a “see it to believe it” kind of store. Launched in 2006, Bisazza Home offers a collection of furniture and accessories also designed by world-class designers. Rumor has it that Oprah and Rod Stewart love the Bisazza pool designs and Kate Walsh is a fan as well. The spa at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria and the custom pool pattern for the new Elysian Hotel here also feature designs by Bisazza. Emily Blinn and Kristin Shea from Chicago Home & Garden magazine, owner Rossella Bisazza, Dustin O’Regan, George Spencer, Sandra Casparriello, Tina Cervone, Bridget Kearney, Jessica Lagrange, Julia Pesak, Michael Richman, Mary Kay Mudd, Kerry Moriarty, Maria Pinto (who has Bisazza tiles in her new showroom), James Kinney, Lara Schiffman, Marisa Bryce, Luke Gibson, Jan Parr (editor-in-chief of Chicago Home & Garden magazine), Jessica and Fredrik Neilsen, Roger Hill, Janet McCann, Rachel Brockway and Felicia Ferrone were among the crowd of 300. I wish them the very best with their first Chicago location. Photos from top left: owner Rossella Bisazza; Christina Peters; Kerry Moriarty, Mary Kay Mudd, Dustin O'Regan and Marisa Bryce; Emily Blinn and Kristin Shea; 24-carat gold "Damasco Oro" in Rossella's office; beautiful Bisazza; the new Chicago flagship store.

A special thanks to former Q101 DJ Todd Fooks and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mark Konkol for having me on their show, “Keeping Score in Chicago”. They asked tough questions such as which team do I root for, the White Sox or Cubs. I said both and my husband said I tried to pull a “Hillary” and be politically correct and he was right! I should’ve admitted that I’m a Cubs fan but I love Ozzie. Kerry Wood and Paul Konerko have both lived on the street behind us at various times so I have connections with both teams…If you’d like to check out the interview, follow this link. I must warn you, it’s a little long and I am last so you should slide the cursor half way to start the show.  Photos from top right: co-host Todd Fooks; co-host Mark Konkol.
 
Don’t forget the English Speaking Union’s upcoming “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Ascot Ball this Friday night, June 26th! Co-chairs Lynn McMahan and Mamie Walton have planned lots of surprises and it will certainly be an all-star cast of guests! It will begin at 7 p.m. at the Casino with music by the Stanley Paul Orchestra. Sponsor Tiffany & Co. have donated the raffle prize which is  a gorgeous aquamarine and diamond “Legacy” ring valued at $7650. There will be a live and silent auction which will include yacht parties and a penthouse cocktail party among other unique offerings. Tickets start at $350 and can be purchased by calling 630-241-2363. Plan your best Holly Golightly look and I’ll see you there!! :) Photos from top right: Lynn McMahan and Mamie Walton; Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's"
 
A special birthday wish to Margie Habermann who was feted at Frontera Grill last week by friends Helen Melchior, Amelia Silva and Ann Waters! I hope I’m there to celebrate with you on your 100th Margie!! :) Photo: Amelia Silva, Margie Habermann, Helen Melchior and Ann Waters.

I hope you all have a wonderful week of glorious summer weather (finally!) and stay happy and healthy! Also, as this photo proves, our southern borders are well protected….so nothing to worry about….
 
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 :)

FUN AND SUN IN SOUTH BEACH!

Sunny, 82 degrees, pool, ocean, palm trees……it was heavenly! This perfectly describes our trip to South Beach this past week; the weather was gorgeous night and day and we were so happy to be there! There is lots of restaurant news so let’s start with the dining scene: The first night, we went to a new restaurant (for us), Prime Italian. It is the sister restaurant to local favorite Prime 112 and is located directly across the street at 101 Ocean Dr. They serve very large portions with very large prices. Highlights or lowlights were the $140 lobster, $35 spaghetti and (one) meatball and $17 glass of Pinot Grigio. But with the sexy lighting and beautiful people……what more do you want? Photos from top right: Prime Italian; Prime Italian's spaghetti, basil and tomato sauce dish; Prime Italian's kitchen.  
 
The pool at the Sagamore was wonderful, just like we remembered it from last year. However, there seemed to be no security anywhere and even a homeless woman came in for a swim and was offered a towel??!!! I’m not sure we’ll be staying there the next time. Photos from top left: the Sagamore pool; Chuck in front of one of the Sagamore's many art installations. For more photos from our stay at the Sagamore, click here.  
 
The next evening we went back to Prime 112, one of our favorites. The Bentleys, Rolls and Lamborghinis were all parked up front as we pulled up in our Sebring convertible. For $15, the valet buries your car; for $20, he parks your car nearby; and for $25, your car gets parked in front and did I say it’s cash in advance? I think I smell a skunk…. Anyway, the parking situation may be less than desirable but the scene inside and the food make it all worthwhile. The bar is always packed and you don’t mind waiting there because the people watching and celeb spotting is superb. On past visits, we’ve seen Shaq, Pharrell Williams, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. The food is expensive but worth it: it's wonderful American cuisine mixed with comfort food like truffled lobster mac and cheese ($25), braised collard greens with smokey bacon ($13), creamed corn ($13), deviled eggs with white truffle caviar ($18) and Kobe beef sliders ($25). The menu is steak heavy with lots of fish choices as well. An 8-ounce filet is $38, a 16-ounce bone-in filet is $53 and Chilean sea bass is $38. There is seating outside but this is known as Siberia for people who go often. Photos from top left: the always busy bar at Prime 112; two of Prime 112's beautiful hostesses; Prime 112's Brussels sprouts and pancetta; Prime 112's roasted beets with Maytag blue cheese.  

One of my favorite shopping spots is the beautiful mall at Bal Harbour. They have every top designer store imaginable there and I have always found an abundance of cutting edge clothes that I can’t find anywhere else. Maybe it’s the Latin flavor that the store buyers keep in mind when making their choices because the colors are fabulous and always have a sexy edge. They also have one of the best spots in South Florida for lunch — Carpaccio. The Italian food is incredible and the service is perfect. Photos from top left: the beautiful mall at Bal Harbour; is it a shoe or a sculpture?; Oscar de la Renta gown. For more photos from Bal Harbour, click here.    

We all know the sad story surrounding the brutal murder of Gianni Versace on the front steps of his mansion at 1116 Ocean Dr. Tourists have always come here to see the beautiful place that he called home and now for the first time, it is open to the public. There is a wonderful restaurant there called Loftin’s. You can dine on the patio, by the pool, in Versace’s personal dining room (which is completely shell-encrusted) or in the main hall. The night we were there, they were hosting a private party so we dined on the candlelit patio where every table had lovely pale peach roses in crystal vases. They have a six-course tasting menu for $150 and a diverse selection of menu items but I think the most interesting dish was a 7-ounce Blackmore Wagyu strip loin with a shallot marmalade for $175 (which I didn’t have!). Nor did I have the 2005 Chateau Mouton Rothschild for $1,900. I must say though the service was delightful and Dean, our waiter who was a former model, made the evening very memorable for us. The mansion is also available for tours at no charge. You only need a reservation if you have a large party. Photos from top right: Versace's personal shell-encrusted dining room; Loftin's waiter, Dean; Loftin's watercress salad; Loftin's salmon atop Himalayan rock salt; Versace's great room during the private after party.
 
The next afternoon, we went to see the “new” Fontainebleau Hotel and it did NOT disappoint!!!  After a $1 billion renovation, the hotel was unrecognizable and I came here with my mother for 25 years! The hotel has been completely redone—even the pool has been completely reconfigured. It is gorgeous! It has 1,600 rooms, 11 restaurants and a 40,000-square-foot spa. The pool, lobby, restaurants (including Hakkasan, Gotham and Scarpetta) are breathtaking. Look at the photos and see for yourself! Even the staff are adorable….:-) Photos from top left: the Fontainebleau Hotel; the Fontainbleau lobby; an overview of the Fontainebleau pool. For more photos from the Fontainebleau, click here. 

Our next dinner was at Phillippe Chow which is located in the Gansevoort South Hotel (This hotel is getting lots of press lately and one is scheduled for Chicago down the road). The owner, Phillippe Chow, used to work for Mr. Chow in New York and has now opened his own restaurants located in New York, Mexico City and Las Vegas. I must say, having eaten at other Mr. Chow’s that this menu is incredibly similar—some would say copied. It will be very interesting when Mr. Chow opens right next door in the months to come in the soon-to-be-open W Hotel. But I will say that the place is gorgeous with attentive service and unique Chinese food. If you go, order the noodle presentation and you will have a show you won’t believe! The duck was a highlight, too…..The surprise of the night—and there is always one in South Beach—was seeing Jerome “the Bus” Bettis dining at the next table! Keith Richards was spotted at the Gansevoort pool while we were there too…. Photos from top right: Phillippe Chow in the Gansevoort Hotel; Phillippe Chow hostess Stephanie Andron; Jerome "The Bus" Bettis; a view of the Phillippe Chow kitchen. For more photos from Phillippe Chow, click here.
 
And on our final day, we went to our VERY favorite spot for Sunday lunch—La Piaggia!  It was even better than the last time we were there….like St. Tropez in South Beach! Great music, an incredible mix of people and food and wine straight from the South of France. We were so happy to be with our friend and real estate guru, Jeff “Gooch” Gurciullo: He is a legend in South Beach and one of our oldest and dearest friends. If you need any advice on homes or rentals, please e-mail him at jgurciullo@aol.com. La Piaggia owner Robert Pascal, one of the original founders of La Voile Rouge (the hottest beach club in St. Tropez), brings his unique flair and style to this spot on South Point. He even imports the rose wine from his own vineyard in Provence. It is the best I’ve ever tasted—Chateau Barbeiranne 2007, Reserve Robert Pascal, Cotes de Provence. We saw lots of old friends here including Hayley  and Jason Binn from Niche magazine fame. He told me that Michigan Avenue Magazine “is the most successful of all of his magazines.” We also saw one of the top DJs in the world, Jack-ee from the renowned club Les Caves Du Roy in St. Tropez, who I am proud to say had a picture from my 50th birthday party there on his iPhone…..:-))))) I think South Beach is truly the American Riviera and we were very thankful to be there during a cold spell here in Chicago. Thankfully, we have spring in our sights now which makes Chicago the best place in the world to be…… Photos from top right: La Piaggia; manager Alex M., me and La Piaggia owner Robert Pascal; La Piaggia's crudite platter; me, Jason and Hayley Binn and Jeff “Gooch” Gurciullo; Robert Pascal's rose wine Chateau Barbeiranne 2007; La Piaggia's beef carpaccio; St. Tropez Les Caves du Roy DJ Jack-ee; Jo Jo Pariso. For more photos from La Piaggia, click here. 

On a personal note, I want to thank the Playboy editors for quoting my blog in their latest issue! Check out their New Year’s Eve photos and see my quote from Hef that they used on page 10!  
 
Thanks for checking in again and I hope your St. Patrick’s Day was as green as you had hoped it to be! And as usual, I'll leave you with a truly beautiful sight: Check out this Miami sunset! 
 
Love,
Candace :)

HANGIN’ WITH HEF FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE!

Our New Year’s trip to L.A. started off with dinner with our old friends Patti and Jimmy Connors at their favorite restaurant in Brentwood – Toscano’s. It was wonderful!    All along Rodeo Drive, loud speakers were playing Christmas tunes and they even had Baccarat chandeliers wrapped in gauze a la Phillippe Starck at every corner. The Beverly Wilshire remains one of the great hotels of the world – especially so now after its gorgeous renovation. With a concierge staff of 14, your every wish is their command. The weather was perfect: 70’s and sunny. Photos: me and Chuck with Patti and Jimmy Connors at Toscano's; me on Rodeo Drive on New Year's.

At the Playboy Mansion, it was a winter wonderland for New Year’s Eve. Everything was white – the massive tent, the ceiling with all of the oversized sparkly snowflakes and even the white carpet covering the grounds – and I can only imagine that the transformation from grounds to party tent must have been very impressive to watch. There were huge screens everywhere showing scenes from past parties. It seemed strange to see Hef watching past parties with different women involved and then to have a whole new set of women by his side but in the Playboy world, time passes quickly and this all seems normal. Security was very tight as usual; I even heard over a radio that there was already a trespasser on the grounds when we arrived. Photos: party decor; a few of the many painted ladies circulating throughout the evening.
 
There were about 425 revelers – this party is typically one of the smallest – and for the first time, the invitation attire read “black tie and lingerie” instead of “pajamas and lingerie” like in past years. A sign of the times? Growing older? I don’t know but everyone came camera ready! Most of the young girls were all body painted. The artists there must have had a field day! They were truly works of art: one girl was painted in a Santa bikini and even the fur fringe looked real! Two other women came as snowflakes and they had done the paint job themselves! The guest list was varied and included everyone from B-list actors, past and present Playmates, an A-list astronaut, military men, rappers, porn stars, and everything in between. In other words, it was a gawker’s paradise! Earlier in the day, we had driven by the Mansion while roaming around Bel Air and noticed an army of catering trucks and servers’ cars stretching for blocks and blocks near the house. Hef spared no expense and it showed: That evening, he was surrounded by his usual pack of blondes but noticeably absent were Holly and Kendra. Bridget, however, was there with her new boyfriend; they were even invited into Hef’s VIP area with the Shannon twins but no one seemed to pay her much notice – even the cameras, which were usually trained on her in the past passed her by this night. It was sort of sad – kind of like Cinderella after midnight – and I don’t think I would’ve come had I been her. I overheard her tell someone that Hef had asked her to come by for a drink so she did even though she was hesitant to do so. In any event, she stayed too late in my opinion and appeared quite tipsy near the end. Photos: me with some painted ladies; Bridget Marquardt and her boyfriend; one of the Shannon twins (in bunny ears) dances on stage; the twin theme is definitely "in" now.

The food was plentiful – sushi, all types of seafood, multiple carving stations, sweet tables, cheeses – you name it, they had it. Even the bartenders were terrific—just like in the movie “Cocktail,” they were flipping bottles behind their backs and generally wowing the women. The cast of characters included astronaut Buzz Aldrin and his wife Lois (who speaks seven languages), Andrew Dice Clay, Julie Newmar, Kato Kaelin, Jimmy Kimmel, Jose Canseco, Bill Maher, Willie Gault, Martin Landau, Steve Guttenberg, Jon Lovitz and Jeffrey Ross (the A-list celebs like Leonardo DiCaprio prefer the Halloween party where they can come in costume and no one can recognize them; in fact, he’s been to the last few Halloween parties with his posse in giant oversized masks). Patti and Jimmy Connor’s daughter, Aubree, was there and looking more and more gorgeous just like her mother. She has that same auburn mane of hair and is 5’8” and stunning. The crowd seemed older and more subdued than in year’s past but as it got closer to midnight and the music got ramped up, it became the Playboy party we all know, love and read about. Photos: me with Buzz Aldrin and his wife Lois; Jon Lovitz and guest; me with Kato Kaelin and a friend; Aubree Connors and David Aminzadeh.
   
The twins were all over Hef and he seemed to be enjoying himself. When I asked him what his New Year’s resolution was, he said “to do more of the same!” He looked very dapper in his tux but older since the last time I saw him; he seemed deaf in one ear which may have been a blessing when the rapper Baby Bash performed. Although, the crowd seemed to love him, the music wasn’t my taste but the DJ who played after him was fantastic and kept the dance floor packed to the very end. When the thousands of white balloons were dropped at midnight, the crowd went wild. It was so exciting for a couple of girls that I saw them carried out on stretchers. In the infamous grotto, a man had to have the paddles put on him and he, too, was taken away on a stretcher. Photos: Baby Bash performs as the Shannon twins dance in the background; welcoming in 2009 with thousands of white balloons and a heartfelt kiss. 
   
There were playmates from every era and from all over the country. Dolores Del Monte was Playboy’s fourth Playmate (March 1954). She was a professional pinup model whose photo – like the famous Marilyn Monroe nude – was purchased from the John Baumgarth Calendar Company of Melrose Park, Illinois for $50. Cathy St. George was there – she was Playmate for August 1982 and still looks terrific – as was October 1985 Playmate Cynthia Brimhall (this issue was called “The Collector’s Edition” since it was the first perfect bound copy). She looks even better now than she did in her centerfold! It was fun to see all of the past Playmates and to observe the new ones. No one throws a party like Playboy and I’m always thrilled to get invited. (One of the Playmates even sold her invitation on eBay for $400 – more proof that the Playboy mystique never seems to die.) Photos: me with Dolores Del Monte; Chuck and Cynthia Brimhall. 

Hef’s right-hand woman Mary O’Connor was there, too. She knows everyone and everything about Hef and Playboy and I don’t know what Hef would do without her! She takes no prisoners but is still a fantastic and likeable woman. I’ve been fortunate to know her for 35 years – ever since I moved into the Chicago Mansion in 1974 as a bunny from St. Louis. Photo: me with Mary O'Connor.

Just as our trip began with old friends, it ended the same way. On our final night, we went to dinner at Mr. Chow’s with Tissy Eggleston and John Kennington to celebrate her New Year’s Day birthday. Tissy was a bridesmaid at my wedding 19 years ago and I’m sure we will always be friends. Flying back to Chicago the next evening with all of the beautiful lights of the city below made me realize, as we all know, “there’s no place like home.” Photo: Tissy Eggleston. For more photos from this fantastic event, click HERE.  
 
I hope you all have a healthy and happy 2009! And if you enjoy reading my blog, please click here and nominate CandidCandace as one of Chicago's Best Blogs. Thanks for stopping by!

Kelly's Road to Recovery, Parillo Bash, Art Smith at Louis Vuitton, Service Club Ball and More!

Welcome back to Candid Candace…I’m glad you’re here!

 

If you weren’t at Kelly Mulqueeny’s fundraiser on Sunday, September 28th, then you really missed a terrific event for a wonderful lady. For those of you who don’t know Kelly, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after being mugged, robbed and shot and though the events leading up to her diagnosis were unfortunate, Kelly saw the attack as a blessing in disguise that helped her to find her cancer early on and take action. This event was   organized by Jen Patterson, Kathy Piccone (of Gibson’s fame and a recent TCW cover girl!), Tina Weller, Carol Gipson, Voula   Taakallis and Deanna Chavez and the over 500 attendees helped to raise over $45,000 to help offset Kelly’s hospital bills. It seemed like every athlete in the city donated something for her silent auction – even White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen who, upon entering Bon V Nightclub, took off his own beautiful white sport coat and signed it on the spot. This event was covered by news stations and newspapers on both the national and local levels and it was wonderful to witness such a moving experience among friends all united for a common cause: Kelly’s wellbeing. All of your friends are here for you, Kelly – as you’ve sure seen by now – and we all wish you a speedy recovery! If you missed the fundraiser but would still like to donate, visit http://b2b911.org/kellym.html. Photos: Jen Patterson, Kelly Mulqueeny and Kathy Piccone; members of the Chicago Bulls' Luvabulls; White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen; John Johnston; the one and only Peaches; Deanna Chavez; Joshua Herrendorf and Steve Wilkos. For more photos from this event, click HERE.

 

We’ve all attended lots of black tie parties in most of the area’s venues but I must tell you that the party that Michaela (Michelle) and Dickie Parillo threw at the Peninsula on September 19th was a sight to behold. It was her 50th, his 70th and their 20th wedding anniversary and no expense was spared. Upon entering, a sweeping curtain parted just slightly to let you peek into an enchanted wonderland of flowers so breathtaking, you felt like you’d entered paradise. The crowd was equally elegant and included Brenda and Jack McHugh, Shauna and Barry Montgomery, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Hedwig and Bobby Golant, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Bunky Cushing, Jim O’Brien, Shari and Jerry Michaels, Marty Gutilla, Jon and Donna Kleinman, Hana Golub, Mary Ann Murphy, Kathy Brock, Jimmy DeLeo, Tom Leahy and many more….  A highlight of the evening was a personalized performance by their dear friend, Tom Dreesen, (who was leaving the next day to host the David Letterman Show). Then a massive cake was wheeled out and Michaela and Dick were called up to make a wish. Dick’s wish was that someone would pick up the floral bill! It was a magical evening for a loving and popular couple. Photos: Dick and Michaela Parillo; Tom Dreesen; Bruce and Susan McArthur with Judge Anne Burke; Marty Gutilla and Steve Lombardo; Lynn McMahan and Bunky Cushing; Jack McHugh; Barry and Shauna Montgomery with Yale amd Pam Sage. For more photos of this event, click HERE.

 

Chef Art Smith brought out the stars for the Louis Vuitton party on September 18th to benefit his Common Threads organization. He signed over 150 cookbooks for admiring fans—and not just his signature: this man gave them a whole page!!! His earnestness is always front and center which is why he’s so beloved by ALL of us! Next stop for Art was the Arctic Circle, where he cooked reindeer stew and made wild lingonberry biscuits with the local children. I styled him for this event and was proud I was able to help him look perfect for his close-up. Photos: me, Linda Novick-O'Keefe, Toni Canada, Lynn McMahan and Sheryl Dyer; Art Smith and Jesus Salguiro.

 

Remember that elusive Playboy cover I was looking for? I found it on the Internet thanks to a heads-up from my Playboy friends, Shanthi and Rob Wilson! At last, here are my two foreign covers; I hope you like them as much as I do! Also, in more Playmate news, my dear friend Patti McGuire Connors has a new passion as a competitive ballroom dancer. As you can see from this photo, she’ll have a whole other group of fans soon…love you Patti!  And remember, if you’re in L.A. on November 8th and 9th, don’t miss Glamourcon; Playmates Cynthia Myers and Sondra Theodore (Hef’s former girlfriend) will be there this year! Photos: foreign Playboy covers from 1986; Patti McGuire Connors and her ballroom dancing partner.

 

On a culinary note, if you haven’t discovered The Counter at 666 W. Diversey Pkwy., then you have missed what GQ magazine calls “one of the best burgers in America.” The Counter’s first location was in Santa Monica, California – where stars like Brad Pitt and Owen Wilson have been spotted – and the Diversey restaurant marks the concept’s first franchised location in Chicago. The Counter specializes in custom burgers and its terrific and extensive menu boasts more than 312,120 possible burger combinations. Watch out McDonald’s: The Counter offers catering services, too. I highly recommend it! Photo: The Counter's Chicago franchisees Ed Casey and Ross Farro with chef Ken Brown.

 

At 118 years old, the Service Club of Chicago is one of the city’s oldest philanthropic organizations and on Saturday,  November 1st, they will be hosting an “Exclusively Elegant Evening” at the Palmer House, located at 17 E. Monroe. The Service Club Ball will be one of the first major events to be held here after their $300 million dollar renovation. I am a co-chair with Cynthia Burns and Sherry Lea Holson and we are thrilled and honored to be involved in this exciting event. We have silent auction offerings that will turn even the veteran party goer’s eye: Among them are four front row seats to Dennis Basso’s fashion show during Fashion Week in Bryant Park (for either February or September) and dinner afterwards with Dennis at a NY hotspot; private dinner with chef Charlie Trotter with wine selections from his own cellar; four tickets to the men’s semis and finals for the U.S. Open; dinner for four in chef Art Smith’s own home with a vintage Rolls Royce limousine and chauffeur; a VIP package for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics; a race car experience with professional driver Nick Mancuso at the members-only Autobahn Country Club and much more. I hope you can all come and join me for this worthy organization’s biggest fundraiser. Tickets are $375 and can be reserved by calling (708) 408-0395. Remember, 100 percent of the money raised goes to local Chicago charities!! Photos: me with my Service Club Ball co-chairs Sherry Lea Holson and Cynthia Burns; Service Club of Chicago logo.

 

Thanks so much for coming back! Stay tuned for November 3rd when my next “blogazine” will appear!