Candid Candace

MICHAEL KORS ROCKS 900 SHOPS WITH OPENING PARTIES!

The Magnificent Mile turned into the “Magnificent Michael Kors Mile” recently for the VIP opening party and fashion show at The 900 Shops. The by-invitation only VIP party began at 6:30 p.m. and, by party standards, it was a pretty intimate affair. About 75 guests mixed and mingled with Michael (a real charmer!) and gorgeous store manager, Tory Beneke, who was beaming. Michael is my favorite designer: His clothes are not trendy but very chic and timeless. Some of the guests were even wearing 10-year-old Kors and you would have never known. The store itself is gorgeous and modern with white leather furniture and beautiful fur throws thrown casually over the sofas (Michael said he patterned it after his own apartment). At 7:30 p.m., the hosts – who included Linda Johnson Rice, Amanda Puck, Toni Canada, Julie Lampert and moi – and Michael took photos on the red carpet prior to being seated for the runway show. I was so excited to be included and even though we were all co-hosts, Amanda Puck and her crack team from Experiential did all of the heavy lifting to put the event together in very grand style! The crowd of about 250 was very excited for the fashion show and party segment. Finally, everyone was seated and the music began – it made me want to go immediately to a club and dance...lots of Lady Gaga. And then the models came out clad in gorgeous spring dresses in dreamy sherbet shades with zippers and plastic cut-outs accessorized with clear Lucite jewelry that captured the light and made you feel like you were in South Beach. The heels were strappy and high, some with gold accents and some classic with black and carmel. Information on the Lucite seats described the collection as “urbane renewal…sleek architectural shapes….the counterbalance of crisp and soft….slashed openings and translucency reveal the body….asymmetry and sharp angles….luminous Lucite and silver accents, architectural clutch…sculptural sandals, pumps and oxfords….the rites of spring.” The men's clothes were interesting but I couldn't think of any male friends who could wear them. Lots of sleeveless jackets that you needed big guns to carry off with any effect. Click here to view more photos!

Overall, the show included so many wearable and chic looks that the women at the intimate brunch the following morning with Michael were literally throwing their credit cards at darling sales manager, Gregg Zgonena. The brunch was hosted by Whitney Lasky and included 34 of the city’s most sociable women.  They included Michaela Parillo, Dusty Stemer, Lynn McMahan, Robin Berger, Rebecca Besser, Noren Ungaretti, Toni Canada, Mary Lasky, Melissa Babcock, Sophie Bross, Marsha Brenner, Gale Gottlieb, Sherren Leigh, Vonita Reescer, Sherrill Bodine, Sarah Stratton, Amy Koch, Shauna Montgomery, Shelley Farley, Natacha Isaacs, Mary Kay DeMaio, Mary Ann Murphy (who flew in from LA for the occasion), Sheryle Bellick, Marty Higgins, Micah Materre, Jennifer Oppenheimer, Kristina McGrath and Dori Wilson. The brunch, catered to perfection by Rachel Schwanz and The Entertaining Company, consisted of yogurt with granola, lavender honey and fresh berries served inside a golden eggshell, lemon ricotta pancakes, cranberry currant scones, chocolate filled croissants (baked onsite), smoked salmon with dill crème fraiche and caviar. After brunch, the resort line was shown. This collection included dramatic patterns, one-shouldered flowing gowns that you could wear to a black tie party or to the beach as well as oversized hammered gold necklaces and Nefertiti style bracelets. Michael offered three different dress lengths and said the length you choose depends on whether or not you like your legs and also your heel height. He demonstrated how you could change the look completely with the addition of a wide gold belt or a slim black belt as well as throwing a shrug over a cocktail dress and instantly making it daytime chic. I wanted to buy everything I saw but settled for some of the beautiful oversized gold jewelry and his latest version of the little black dress which I wore the night before for the opening. Guests at the evening event included Gale Gottlieb, Gretchen Jordan, Sugar Rautbord, Chaz Ebert, Shauna Montgomery, Helen Melchior, Nicole Jacob, Cindy Burns, Judge Mary Pat Burns, Greg Hyder, Jim Smith, Christopher Conway, Coco Meers, Barbara Kipper, Paul Iacono, John Regas, Astra Gamsjaeger, Corinne Melchior, Margaret O'Connor, Jan Melk, Noren Ungaretti, Michaela Parillo, Rebecca Besser, Sharyl Mackey, Lynn McMahan, Dusty Stemer, Sophie Bross, Jannie and Elliot Pearlman, Ricardo Santiago, Trevian Kutti, Rochelle Smith with Chef Charlie Trotter, Connie and Katherine Saville, George Fuller, Gwen Callans, Dawn Mattozzi, Rhonda Sanderson, Samantha Amato, Amalie Drury, Graham Kostic, Mary Kay DeMaio, Mary Ann Murphy, Andrea Schwartz, Melissa and Rich Gamble, John Walcher, Tina and Jeff Weller, Scott Bobek, Peggy Martay, Dorothy Whealan, Shia Kapos, Laura Barnett,  Dennis Minkle, Lyndsie Jackson, Lynne Bredfeldt, Maureen Lampert and David Lampert among others. Welcome to Chicago, Michael Kors…we are thrilled you’re finally here!!!!! (Additional photos by Caitlin Saville and Rush Zimmerman.) Click here for more images!

Shaun Rajah is breathing new life into the Drake Hotel’s Palm Court. He is a one-man marketing team and he has so many ideas I can’t imagine when he ever sleeps. For one particular event, I was lucky enough to participate. Shaun organized a special afternoon tea and fashion show that celebrated women age 50 and above from all different walks of life called “50 & Beautiful.” The event honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month and proceeds benefitted the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Featured fashions included Mira of Mira Couture, Elizabeth M., Quinton de' Alexander, Lily of Trieste, Joy Scott Milliner with jewelry by Sophia Forero. It was a fun day and it was nice seeing fellow models Sheryl Dyer, Dorothy Whealan, Cookie Cohen, Juell Kadet, Michelle Sutton Yeadon, Marlene Laport, Joan Sosano and Jolanta Reuge. Also on display this day was the photography by breast cancer crusader, Maude Metcalfe. The Palm Court began serving afternoon tea during 1982 and has served dignitaries such as the late Princess Diana and Hilary Clinton. In 1958, Queen Elizabeth had tea at the Drake as well as the Empress of Japan in 1970. Shaun is continuing this tradition and adding his own special touches too. “Catwalk Fridays” have been held every Friday during the spring, summer and fall and introduces new designers as well as more established ones from our area. “Palm Court Holiday Happenings” start November 27th and runs through January 3rd. There will be live entertainment with holiday carolers as well as their legendary tea service. Huge congrats to my friend Shaun Rajah for all of his hard work and great ideas! For more info and to book a reservation, please call Shaun at 312-371-0231. (Additional pics by Steve Starr.) View more photos here!
 
For the first time in its 53-year history, The Joffrey Ballet offered one-of-a-kind costumes to the public during its “Costume Vault Sale” earlier this month. More than 200 men’s and women’s costumes were sold with prices beginning at $25. Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway said, “My favorite was a royal blue jacket circa 1920 that was one of two pieces owned by the company from a production of a ballet by Russian choreographer Leonide Massine. It had these beautifully decorative closures and would cost between $8,000 and $9,000 to have that jacket made today.” It was priced at $100! Many of the elaborate costumes also had the dancer’s names stitched into them for a personal connection. Buyers at the event reminded me of the Filene Basement’s wedding dress sale. The beautiful pieces flew off the racks and believe me, buyers all got great deals. I saw some of the garlanded headpieces and I wished I had arrived earlier….they were all gone by the time I got there. Some lucky little girls will be getting wonderful Christmas presents from the Joffrey Ballet! The event was, obviously, a big success with almost 580 shoppers during the two day event and raised $27,300 for the Joffrey Ballet! Congrats to co-chairs Corinne Melchior, Gretchen Klotz and Nico Rodriguez for the wonderful job they did for their first event for the newly formed Joffrey Circle Associates Board. Don’t miss the next Joffrey performance, “The Nutcracker,” beginning on December 12th.

Glamourcon 48 will be held in L.A. on November 14th and 15th at the Hilton LAX. Described as pinup and glamour at its finest, you may recall from past info, that it was also held in Chicago in August. For the LA convention, there will be the largest line-up of Playboy Playmates ever, 39 and counting. There will be eight Playmates of the Year including Patti Connors (1977), Karen Velez (1985), Kathy Shower (1986), India Allen (1988), Julie Cialini (1995), Brande Roderick (2001), Kara Monaco (2006) and Ida Ljungvist (2009). Playmates attending from the Golden Age of Playboy, the 70’s, include Julie Woodson (4/73), Patti McGuire (11/76), Sondra Theodore (7/77), Debra Jensen (1/78), Sylvie Garant (11/79) and moi (12/79). There will even be two Playmates from Playboy’s early days, Dolores DelMonte (3/54) and Arline Hunter (8/54). Irina Voronina and Penelope Jiminez just confirmed too. It will be great to see Hef and my fellow Playmate friends again! BTW, Hef Twittered recently that Holly Madison will have her own reality show set in Las Vegas called “Holly’s World,” which is due to air after “Girls Next Door.” For info on Glamourcon, go to www.glamourcon.com. Amy Koch gave me a great L.A. restaurant recommendation, Phillippe, which I can’t wait to try! Thanks, Amy! If YOU have a favorite, please e-mail me and let me know!)
 
The Chopping Block was the venue of choice for this year’s “Taste of TCW.” It was emceed by Steve Dolinsky of “The Hungry Hound” and organized to perfection by Managing Editor Cassandra Gaddo, Lauren Rafferty and Rebecca Michuda to benefit the TCW Foundation. There was a chef competition between Radhika Desai, Jennifer Gavin and Elaina Vasquez and Radhika was judged the winner by Carol Haddix (writer for the “Good Eating” section of the Chicago Tribune), Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Café and Ken Norgan. As part of her prize, Radhika will be featured in an upcoming issue of TCW. There was a great turnout and guests included Tiffani Kim and Brad Griffith, Victor Skrebneski, Susan Ellefson, Brooke Skinner (who will be featured in the upcoming Fabulous Singles article), Charlene Gorzela, Carrie Lannon, Joy Germont, Brenda Sexton, Dennis Minkel, Greg Hyder, Tsi-tsi-ki Felix, Andrew Hayes, Pat Borg, Dori Wilson, John and Christine Garcia, Sarah Levy, Rebecca Taras, Matt Lee, Millie and John Simon, Lindsay Hays, Laura Westgate and Adel Tarakdijian. For more photos, click here!

And now a personal note….my friend Jim Smith will be climbing all 103 floors of the Willis Tower on Sunday, November 15th in support of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. If you would like to donate to this worthy cause and his efforts on its behalf, please click here for more information. Congrats Jim and GOOD LUCK! 
 
Congratulations are in order for Kate Gaynor on her wedding to Tim Dickey. They were married last month at the Fourth Presbyterian in a lovely ceremony. She announced the happy news at the Service Club of Chicago’s annual gala – La Bella Notte – Saturday night which was chaired to perfection by Kathy Crane and Cathy Smith. Congrats Kathy, Cathy and Kate-- you make a beautiful bride, girlfriend! :)
 
And speaking of congratulations, WGN’s own Micah Materre has officially assumed the 9 p.m. anchor spot as of November 5th! She was formerly the noon anchor and is also the host of “Chicago’s Very Own.” We are so happy for you Micah and we’ll be watching!! :)
 
Please don’t forget the Stepping Up in the City event on Thursday, November 13th at the Hotel Sax (333 N. Dearborn) from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. As I mentioned last week, this is a wonderful and much needed national mentoring program for women and girls. Come on Thursday to learn more about it. Tickets are $35 and for more info, click here.
 
I don’t normally like to use ads for my video closers but this one was just too creative to pass up! I hope you enjoy it because let’s face it, who doesn’t need a bit of whimsy in their lives? It also serves as a warning if you’re ever around Loch Ness!
 
That’s it for this week! Candid Candace will return on Tuesday, November 24th with lots of fun news and photos so stay tuned! 
 
Love,
Candace :)
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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.)

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.

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 :)

IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY…..

In a galaxy far, far away (the Four Seasons) I met George Lucas! Saturday night, June 13th, the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute presented “An Adventure with George Lucas” to a sold-out crowd. From Main Street in “American Graffiti” to outer space through the “Star Wars” franchise and deep into the earth with “Indiana Jones”, Lucas has led us on an incredible adventure and we’ve happily followed. When Lucas directed “Episode I: The Phantom Menace” of the Star Wars Saga in 1999, it was the year’s biggest box office hit and also the first major live-action film to be projected digitally. “Episode II: Attack of the Clones” broke new ground as the first major movie shot using entirely digital media. His Lucasfilm Ltd. has grown into one of the world’s leading entertainment companies with global businesses including Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, LucasArts, Lucas Licensing, Lucas Online and Lucasfilm Animation. In short, this is one busy man! On this evening, he was awarded the Visionary Award for Innovation in Filmmaking by SAIC president Wellington Reiter. There were cocktails before the dinner and award presentation and George mingled among the guests with his gorgeous Chicago girlfriend and president of Ariel Investments, Mellody Hobson. The event was packed with movers and shakers such as Sandy and Jesse Jackson Jr., LeeAnn Trotter, Marian Brooks, Linda Johnson Rice, Neal Zucker, Lynn and John McMahan (our gracious hosts), Brenda Sexton and Ken Cook, Ikram, Bill Kelly, Liz Stiffel, Cookie Cohen, Julie and Fred Latsko, Marlene Iglitzen Siskel, John Iltus, Lisa Key, Joel Mangers (associate director of development for the Gene Siskel Film Center), Morgan Henington, Marty Rubin, Bill Zwecker, Martha and Rich Melman, Dr. Carolyn Jacob, Chris Hansen, Jim Pinto, Estelle Walgreen, Vicky and Bill Hood, Ellen and Richard Sandor, Courtney Thompson, Shawn Donnelly and many more. The dinner consisted of a Jedi sampler of spring salads, roasted tenderloin, Dagobah Swamp bass, green beans and whipped potatoes. The dessert was delightful and fun: mini milkshakes of wild Naboo strawberries with blueberry donut holes! The guest host, Jon Favreau, led a discussion with George. Jon is quite a success in his own right as many of you may know, having establishing himself as a writer with the hipster comedy “Swingers” and then his directorial debut with “Made”, a script which he also wrote and starred in opposite Vince Vaughn and Sean Combs. He went on to direct “Zathura”, a children’s adventure film, and the holiday hit “Elf” starring Will Ferrell.  More recently, Favreau directed Robert Downey Jr. in “Iron Man” and is currently directing “Iron Man 2” (which has added Mickey Rourke, Don Cheadle and Scarlett Johansson to the cast) as well as co-starring in “Couples Retreat”, which he wrote. During the interview, George said, “I’ve written everything I’ve done but I’m not sure why since I hate writing.” He takes inspiration from the things he loves in life like the speed of racing cars which he related to the speed of motion pictures. Favreau described how he felt visiting George’s Skywalker Ranch. He said his home is Arts and Crafts style with each room/suite named after someone who had influenced him. There was a Kurosawa suite and a Dorothy Parker suite. There is even a Lake Ewok! George loves illustration art and his home is filled with art by Norman Rockwell and Maxfield Parrish. Sitting at George and Mellody’s table for the event were Sandy and Jesse Jackson, Jr., Ikram, Marian Brooks and others. What I noticed while observing them was the tender way he rubbed Mellody’s back throughout the evening. When I introduced myself to her, I mentioned that my stepson, Charlie, had gone to school with her at St. Ignatius and she was thrilled! She even remembered details of his apartment for a party she had gone to there. She turned to George and said, “Her stepson went to high school with me!” I was so impressed with her generosity of spirit to others. George is one lucky man and I’m sure he will use this as a subject for his next movie…..I’m accepting scripts now ;)  In short, Mellody is absolutely a delight!! George was himself: smart, successful, creative and a force to be reckoned with in so many different areas. Good luck to them both! It was a thrill to be there and to meet them! And another big thank you to Lynn and John McMahan for including us in this extraordinary evening!!!! :) Photos from top right: me, George Lucas and Mellody Hobson; Bill Zwecker with Marlene Iglitzen Siskel and her daughter; LeeAnn Trotter, Sandy Jackson, Marian Brooks and friend; Cookie Cohen, Liz Stiffel, Linda Johnson Rice and Neal Zucker; Lisa Key, Joel Mangers and Morgan Henington; Sandy and Jesse Jackson, Jr.; Lynn McMahan and Jean St. Aubin; Jim Pinto, Dr. Carolyn Jacob and Chris Hansen; Bill Kelly and friend; Princess Leia raffle seller, Star Wars table decor; elegant guest.

Friday night, Rebecca and Charlie Besser hosted a fundraiser at their house for Senate hopeful Alexi Giannoulias. This was the second time I’d seen and heard him. (The first event was hosted by Bill Zanetis at his fabulous Dearborn Street home). I must say that I try to avoid politics and be an equal-opportunity blogger but in Alexi’s case I am going to tell you I will be supporting him. He is so inspirational and hopeful in his speeches. His sincerity and his past service to our city speak for themselves. He was there with his mother and girlfriend, Tara Flocco, and spoke of how much his father influenced him while his mother listened with tears in her eyes. She sure has a lot to be proud of in her son! Good luck Alexi…this blogger is definitely on your team! Guests included Marty and Jack Higgins, Bob Golant, Jerry Lasky, Michaela and Dickie Parrillo, Gale Gottlieb, Dale Tallon, Coach Dick Versace, Kelli Zink and Ryan Pruett, Susanna Negovan, Dan Uslan and many more. Photos from top right: Charlie and Rebecca Besser with Alexi Giannoulias; Tara Flocco with Alexi and his mom Anna; Chuck, Jerry Lasky, Alexi and Bob Golant; Rick and Toni Canada; Susanna Negovan and Dan Uslan; Charlie introducing Alexi.
 
I had been dying to see the Wit Hotel ever since its opening and finally got to go Friday night! And boy, was it packed! The already-famous Roof terrace was wall to wall with people and that’s saying something since it’s 7,000 square feet! But surprisingly, it didn’t seem crowded. There are so many different areas including roaring fire pits, indoor and outdoor spaces, booths, communal tables and several bars that there was room for everyone. There is even a suspended table overlooking the Chicago skyline. And let’s talk about the views: They are the best I’ve seen so far in Chicago! Roof was conceived as a year-round lounge that will work for Chicagoans way beyond the summer months. Chef and Chicago native Todd Stein, who previously led the Windy City kitchen of MK and Las Vegas’s David Burke, serves a menu of 20 small plates that offers something for everyone’s palate including small pizzas, roasted artichokes, fried mozzarella, carpaccio, skirt steak, truffle toast, roasted sweet pepper and goat cheese and tuna crostinis, lamb burgers and much more. There was an excellent DJ and even though the weather outside was cool, the unobtrusive bank of heaters along one wall kept everyone comfortable. It was an exciting place with happy people. I highly recommend it! Then we stopped off in one of the three restaurants that will be in the Wit, State and Lake. It’s on the ground floor and offers a chef-driven menu that serves artisanal American cuisine. Some of these offerings on this night included ale steamed mussels, BBQ shrimp, ahi tuna, NY strip, rainbow trout, braised short ribs, crab stuffed duck egg omelet, baby back ribs, roasted chicken, cheese burgers and much, much more. A third restaurant, Cibomatto, will have a modern Italian menu and will open July 7th. The 27-story Wit is located at 201 N. State St. – at the corner of State and Lake, as its restaurant denotes – and as you can see from the photos it’s the place to be! :) For reservations for the Roof and State and Lake restaurant, call 312-239-9502. Photos from top right: The Wit; Wit lobby; view from Roof; Roof crowd scene; Michelle Barone; sexy Roof lighting; another amazing Roof view.

A big thank you to Marcus Riley for recommending me for an interview on the new NBC show “The Talk”! My segment with Marian Brooks was aired Sunday morning and except for not knowing what camera to look at, I think it went pretty well! This was the second show and it’s based on talking to people and discussing current events. Good luck Marian and thanks for having me on! :) Photos from top left: me and Marian Brooks on the set of "The Talk"; Marcus Riley. If you missed the segment, don't fear: it's right here!  

 

I am now a contributor for Playboy’s new Playmate web site! Keep this link on your list of favorites and watch for my pic in Playmate News in the July issue! All of my blog entries are different….you just never know what you’re going to find so don’t forget to check out what CandidCandace is up to on Chicago Now (for instant updates) as well as the NBC Street Team! :) I am a very happy blogger and I hope you will like what you see!
 
And finally, congrats to Mary Ann Murphy! She and her rocker boyfriend Blitch are going strong and happy as two peas in a pod! Can’t wait to meet him, Mary Ann! Bring him to Chi-Town ASAP! Photo: Mary Ann Murphy and Blitch.
 
Thanks again for checking in and I hope you have a perfectly wonderful week! This video is so heartwarming and shows the true meaning of sportsmanship….
 
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 :)

AIBI HONORS DONNA LAPIETRA

I think every major award for philanthropy and community service in the city should just go to Donna LaPietra and we can be done with it. Saturday night, to a full house, local icon Donna LaPietra, was feted in grand style at the Casino by her adoring fans and friends. Over 250 came to pay homage to a woman whose energy towards the arts, children welfare and city improvements are legendary. She is an invaluable asset to our city’s past and future and I was honored and proud to be on the host committee and be there to witness this much deserved honor for this extraordinary woman. The event benefited the Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Fund which awards scholarships to college students from Greater Chicago and/or Illinois who are studying in a fashion design program. The master of ceremonies and local legend himself, Bill Zwecker, called Donna “a treasure of Chicago” and auctioneer extraordinaire, Leslie Hindman, called her the “Mrs. Potter Palmer of our times.” I agree wholeheartedly with them both. The contributions Donna has made to Chicago and beyond are endless. Over her 30 year career in television, she has won several Emmy Awards and numerous citations recognizing achievements on a wide range of subjects, including; the destruction of natural habitats and rain forests, the discovery of effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam vets, the plight of Amer-Asian children, the visit of Pope John Paul to Chicago and the death of Mayor Richard J. Daley. In 1988, she served as executive producer for Siskel and Ebert. Prior to that, she held the position of executive producer of news at WBBM-TV/CBS. She is a native of Pittsburgh where she attended Carnegie-Mellon University and began her career in news broadcasting at WSSW Radio. I remember when I first met her: I had seen her at many events and she was always looking a little kooky in her wardrobe – mismatched stockings, weird theme outfits – you get the picture. She was a certified nut for all I knew! Anyway, thanks to PR queen Dori Wilson, I landed on a very prestigious steering committee geared toward bringing ballroom dance to local area fifth graders. I was very honored since not only was this a wonderful cause but the committee consisted of very high powered people including Anne Roosevelt (yes, of THOSE Roosevelts) so I was a little intimidated to say the least. Well, Donna was the chairperson and this was the first time I had officially met her. In front of all of these important people, Donna’s first words were, “Gosh, doesn’t this long table make you wanna just get up there and dance?” And that’s when I realized why so many people loved and adored her. Her freshness and natural honesty put everyone at ease instantly. And I came to know that those mismatched outfits always paid a wonderful homage to whatever group or organization she was working with at the time – a unique way of showing her support that only Donna could pull off. Needless to say, her night of tributes will be a lasting memory. After Bill Zwecker spoke, Donna’s lifetime love, Bill Kurtis spoke next. He spoke eloquently and adoringly of not only his love for Donna but also about her lifetime of commitment to others. A film clip included Maggie Daley, Bernie and Jane Sahlins, Gary Sinise, John Bryan, Rick Bayless, Paul Sereno, Victor Skrebneski and Walter Jacobson. All had wonderfully funny and poignant comments to make about her. Bill showed a clip of all of the things she’s made him do over the years such as climbing up on precarious buildings, performing in the circus and other hysterical visuals that had the crowd laughing so hard they had tears in their eyes. Up next, in true Donna fashion, was a child star performer who played the piano like Gershwin. At only 11 years old, Emily Bear, needed booster pads to reach the foot pedals and I could barely see her little face over that massive piano but you would never know she was this young from the way she played. She has already appeared on Ellen Degeneres’ show where she also showcased her composing abilities. Her mother said she dreams about the music and then wakes up and puts it all to sound. She was amazing and her performance with another legend, singing sensation Lynne Jordan, brought the audience to their feet. Photos from top right: Bill Kurtis and honoree Donna LaPietra; Lynne Jordan, Donna LaPietra, Boots Nathan and Victor Skrebneski; Bill Zwecker, Leslie Hindman, Michael Kutza and Judy Niedermaier; Casino crowd; Grace Barry, Alderman Ed Burke and Judge Anne Burke; Shelley MacArthur Farley and Dennis Minkel; me and Lynn McMahan; Casino buffet; Lydia and Francois Alouf; Zarada Gowenloick, Greg Hyder and Hazel Barr; Marci and Ron Holzer; Abra and Tom Wilkin with Stanley Paul; Michelle and Richard Klarcheck; pianist Emily Bear and diva Lynne Jordan; Jim Smith, me and Susan Ellefson; Andrea Schwartz; Bill, Donna and Emily; Bonnie and her hubby with Robert Murphy and Cheryl Larson; Peg Lombardo and Lynn McMahan.

Donna is vice president and executive producer for Kurtis Productions, Ltd., a Chicago-based television documentary production company. Bill’s commercials running currently for AT&T will bring the couple more accolades no doubt. And as if she had any time left over, she also is an avid gardener and land conservationist. She and Bill have created an incredible formal garden and natural prairie at their Mettawa Manor home in the northern suburbs. They are also working to return a ranch in Bill’s home state of Kansas to its former status as a tall grass prairie. (His delicious Tall Grass beef should be a must on your menus at home!) Other mutual interests include photography, book collecting, reading, and attending film, theatre, dance and music performances. Donna is truly a treasure and together they are the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Congratulations dear Donna! :) (2008 winners of Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittleman Scholarships were Rebecca Kraemer who won the Evening Wear Award and Carrie Rollo who won the Wearable Art Award.) Photos from top right: table of friends; having fun; Bill Kurtis leading a tour of Mettawa Manor; scholarship award winner Carrie Rollo and a friend.
 
We have lots of fun birthdays to announce! Debi Lilly – event organizer extraordinaire of A Perfect Event – celebrated her recent birthday in very creative style. It was an homage to the 80s and the winners hands down of the costume battle was a tie between the birthday girl and her hubby Mike who came as Alexis Carrington Colby and Blake Carrington from "Dynasty" and Jim Smith and Greg Hyder who came as Hall and Oates! The party was held at Skylight Studio “54” which features all of Jack Perno’s amazing photography and art collection as it is his studio! Catering was Whole Foods Organics and the décor was all “green” repurposed flea market furniture. Happy Birthday Debi! I can’t wait to see what you come up with for your next one! Photos from top right: Debi Lilly and hubby Mike; Jim Smith and Greg Hyder; Jonathan Ryan and Christopher Clinton Conway with Christopher's aunt Chris Ellis; 80s catchphrases live again.
 
Another fun birthday party was held at Piccolo Sogno for my dear friend Sheryl Dyer! So many friends wanted to toast her that she had to have parties in shifts around town. On this particular night, guests included Yvette Cusack, Cheryl Bollinger, Dusty Stemer, Dede Lubeznik, Toni Canada, Jean Antoniou and Holly Barr. Happy, Happy Birthday dear Sheryl! Photos from top right: birthday girl Sheryl Dyer; Holly Barr, Jean Antoniou, Toni Canada and Cheryl Bollinger; Yvette Cusack, Dusty Stemer, Sheryl Dyer and Dede Lubeznik. 
 
I know there are lots of bloggers out there now and I don’t want you to miss this one! Photographer extraordinaire Caitlin Saville is now doing her own blog featuring photos from the many events around town that she covers. She is so lovable, friendly and smart and her blog reflects all of these wonderful qualities. Check it out at www.csavillephotography.blogspot.com. Congrats and good luck, Caitlin! Photo: Caitlin Saville.   
 
Chefs and the City, Chicago’s much anticipated annual dining extravaganza, is back! RL Restaurant general manager Rich Varnes and Ruskin Group president Ryan Ruskin are co- chairing Chefs and the City with returning co-chair Joyce Dawson. Honorary chairs are Amanda Puck and Jesse Garza. On Friday, July 24th at 7 p.m., you can enjoy food created by 24 of the city’s most sought-after chefs in the chic surroundings of the Peninsula Hotel. Sip fine wine and specially created Grey Goose cocktails. And after a fabulous dessert or two, head over to RL Restaurant for the after party from 10:30 p.m. until midnight. Only 100 tickets to the after party will be sold. This fun event will also include a phenomenal celebrity food and fashion auction and a grand raffle where you could win dinner for two at 20 Chicago restaurants!  Tickets start at $200 and can be purchased by calling (773) 665-1000 or by clicking onto the Vital Bridges website. Proceeds from this evening will support food and housing services provided by Vital Bridges to low-income men, women and children impacted by AIDS in metropolitan Chicago. Photos from top right: Chefs and the City; grilled lamb chops prepared by Chef Rachid Elyamani of Allen Brothers; seared sea scallops prepared by Chef Dale Levitski; proceeds benefit Vital Bridges shown here in action helping others.

Thanks again for checking in and I hope you’re having a wonderful week! Here’s my latest video offering courtesy of Diane Shrago. If only more people were as smart as this dog and his owner…..

Love,
Candace :)