Techweek Arrives in Chicago June 27th-29th

Hey Chicago! This is Lauren from Sugar & Spice lifestyle blog here to fill you in on the biggest tech news in the Midwest, which is coming to you in the form of “Techweek Chicago”, presented by Motorola.  This annual event, which is also held in New York and Los Angeles, makes it’s way to the Chicago’s Merchandise Mart June 27^th-June 29^th for a jam-packed schedule of exciting speakers, exhibits, demos, and some can’t miss parties! If you are a lover of all things tech, then you will not want to miss this exclusive experience that will allow you to mingle with and learn from tons of movers and shakers in the industry. These three awesome days will feature the latest and greatest tech trends, cool start ups that are gaining momentum, and endless networking possibilities.

If you want in on the action, then you’ll need to purchase a “badge”.   There are different price points available, but the best deal is the $30 badge. With this badge you will gain entrance into three huge parts of the event: Expo, Launch, and the Hiring Fair. The Expo will happen daily (12pm-6pm) and will include over 150 exhibitors and scheduled events, as well as daily happy hours at Bar Techweek.  Some of the exhibitors include: Walker Sands Communications, Wunderland, Chicago Tribune, Cater2.me, American Express, and many more!  Whether you are into fashion, finance, wellness, or global endeavors, there will be something at Techweek to spark your interest. Your ticket will also give you a front row seat to Launch, as over 70 start- ups go head to head with their brilliant business plans in front of a panel of venture capitalists. The company with the best idea will win $100,000 in cash and prizes.  Lastly, if you are in the IT/Software Engineering biz and are looking to make connections, the Hiring Fair is the place for you. This portion of Techweek will work to match talented people with the right jobs.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Techweek is all work and no play. This packed weekend will include plenty of opportunities for socializing with the brightest minds in the tech business. A few of the highlights include: A Kickoff Party at American Junkie on 6/24, a party at The Onion Headquarters on 6/28, a night of class and cocktails at Studio Paris hosted by Cheeky Chicago on 6/29, and the first annual Fashion Show featuring local designers on 6/29 at the W Hotel.  First get your exclusive badge, then come and mingle with some of technology’s finest! Who knows, you may even meet the next Mark Zuckerberg. For more information and a full schedule of events, head to http://techweek.com/chicago/.

Tags: American Express, American Junkie, Cater2com, Cheeky Chicago, chicago, chicago tribune, hiring fair, IT, job fair, job search, Local, merchandise mart, motorola, party, start ups, Studio Paris, Technology, techweek chicago, The Onion, Venture capitalist, w hotel, Walker Sands Communications, Wunderland

The Joffrey Auxiliary Board Invites you to their first Blue Masquerade Ball on June 14

Hi, my name is Terrence Chappell and I’m the event chair for the Joffrey Auxiliary Board, and I’m writing to tell you about the board’s Blue Masquerade Ball.

Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph will open up its door after hours this Friday and transform into a blue oasis, June 14 8pm – midnight, for the Joffrey Auxiliary Board’s first ever Blue Masquerade Ball; a themed, interactive dance party. Guests are encouraged to join in on the Blue Masquerade theme with their attire and of course a blue masque to tap off the event’s blue theatrical theme.

To the backdrop of a live set by renowned Dj Madrid, guests will also enjoy custom cocktails, late night bites from some of Chicago’s famous restaurants, a cupcake bar courtesy of Magnolia Bakery, a step and repeat courtesy of Action Booth, and a special performance by local personality and drag queen Cyon Flare.

The Blue Masquerade Ball is a first for the junior arts board and will act as a fun, summer dance party to counter the board’s more established and art-infused event, Pointe of Departure, which kicks off the winter season for the Joffrey Auxiliary Board. Board chair John P. Walcher, vice chair Camille Britton, and yours truly are chairs for the auxiliary board’s premiere blue bash. While vice chair, Camille Britton, is most excited to experience the social and creative fluidity of the event’s theme, music, and the overall scene, she is also looking forward to sharing the Joffrey’s mission with guests that evening.

“The event is directly benefiting the Joffrey while engaging the younger professionals of Chicago. We are looking to shed light on dance and bring this event back to the core of what’s important,” said Britton.

One lucky guest could walk away with the event’s big-ticket raffle item, two United Airlines vouchers to anywhere in North America and the Caribbean. Other raffle items include a one-of-kind VIVO mask, a $200 gift card to eDrop-off (a luxury designer consignment shop), a stunning piece of jewelry by Cole & Young, as well as a selection of Joffrey merchandise from the Joffrey store. Raffle tickets are one for $20 or three for $50.

The ball also boasts an honorary host committee of social fixtures that have all lent their name and brand to support the evening as well as the Joffrey’s mission including: Samantha Saifer Berngard, Joan Colmar, Jeff Conway, Dj Madrid, Odele Desmuke Hawkins, Candace Jordan, Corri McFadden, Coco Meers, Helen Hall Melchior.  The event committee, made of Joffrey Auxiliary Board members include: Diane Crary, Hillary Deck, Jake Downing, Lucy Dolya, Rosalyn Emerson, Stephanie Kender, David Kimball, Callie Michels, Melissa Mickey, Catherine Napier, Alan Swanke, and Betsy Sylvester.

Tickets for the Blue Masquerade Ball are still on sale now and can be purchased here. A single ticket is $95 while guests can round up six of their friends and enjoy a discount for a 6-pack of tickets for $510 ($85 each guest). Also, if guests purchase two masquerade tickets by June 13, they’ll be entered to win a pair of tickets to La Bayadere. Guests are also encouraged to sign up to become members of the Joffrey Auxiliary Board. Members enjoy discounted ballet tickets, invites to private dance rehearsals, and other perks. Hope to see you there and with your blue masque on of course; see if you can spot me!

-Terrence Chappell

Tags: Action Booth, ballet tickets, Blue Masquerade Ball, Chicago ball, chicago ballet, chicago theatre, Chicago’s famous restaurants, Cole & Young, Cyon Flare, DJ Madrid, drag queen, eDrop-Off, interactive dance party, jewelry, Joffrey Auxiliary Board, Joffrey store, Joffrey Tower, junior arts board, La Bayadere, Magnolia Bakery, Pointe of Departure, private dance rehearsals, raffle tickets, united airlines, VIVO mask

The Lookingglass Theatre Junior Board Welcomes you to The Madhatter Ball at Venue One

Ten years ago, I attended my first Madhatter’s Ball, and it was unlike anything I had ever experienced! Lights, music, fanfare, and hats galore! Not only is this annual event an incredible spectacle, but the people I have met over the years through Lookingglass have become lifelong friends. The theatre brings extraordinary plays to the people of Chicago, and consistently engages our diverse community through talk-backs, volunteering, and educational outreach. I hope you will join me in supporting this wonderful organization of remarkably talented and caring people who create beautiful art, educate Chicago youth, and throw awesome parties!

Tags: Anthony Fleming III, Art, chicago theatre, Chopin Vodka, dante the don, DJ Q, DJ RedLine, dr. bombay, educate Chicago youth, Hubbard Inn, Justin Jacobson, lookingglass, Lookingglass Ensemble Member, madhatter's ball, Madhatter’s Ball Chicago, Madhatter’s Speakeasy, market, New Holland Brewery, Primal Roots Wine, rockit bar & grill, sunda, The Lookingglass Theatre Junior Board, theatre, Venue One, Wendy Mateo, West Loop

Skincare Expert Leah Chavie Invites You to the Grand Opening of the Leah Chavie Skincare Center

Hi Chicago beauty junkies! I’m Leah Chavie, the founder and owner of Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique. Join me for a night of pampering on June 13 from 6-9 p.m. to celebrate the grand opening of the Leah Chavie Skincare Center at 2500 N. Halsted and the three year anniversary of the Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique at 2457 N. Halsted.

Tags: Biologique Recherche, chemical peel, Chicago beauty, Chicago skincare, leah chavie Chicago, leah chavie grand opening, leah chavie skincare, Leah Chavie skincare boutique, leah chavie skincare center, pharmaceutical grade products, Repechage

Simply Stylist Comes to Chicago!

Hey Chicago! Sammi, here with your latest summer fashion news! Ever want to shop and network all in the same place? For the first time ever, Chicago is welcoming Simply Stylist- an event where you can connect with top individuals in the fashion industry and pamper yourself.

Simply Stylist started in 2009, with the intentions of connecting consumers with top designers, bloggers, stylists and other influential individuals in the fashion industry. The events started in New York and Los Angeles, now onto the windy city!

What to expect? An explosion of everything fashion! On June 8, 2013 Simply Stylist will transform The Dana Hotel & Spa into the hottest place for fashion with host, Catt Sadler of E! News. You will get the chance to shop the latest summer trends with the help of celebrity stylist, Jacqueline Rezak. You will then attend a panel of speakers and learn from the style expert, Corri McFadden of eDrop-Off; celebrity stylist, Trish Townsend (styles Carrie Underwood); fashion blogger, Jacey Duprie of Damsel In Dior; beauty expert, Stacey Roney founder of GlossedandFound and celebrity makeup artist,Tia Dantzler (client: Jennifer Hudson). This year Simply Stylist has included a PR component, in specific, Kelly Ryan O’Brien will discuss tips on #SELFSMARKETING.

Check out this video by Simply Stylist at the 2013 Los Angeles event.

If you want a chance to meet the panelists and go home with fresh nails and some gifts, this is your spot! Tickets range between $20-$200 depending on which tier you choose: VIP, Fashion and Beauty Lover or Shoppaholic. For tickets visit here. For more information about the event visit Simply Stylist. See you there!

- Sammi

Tags: beauty expert, bloggers, carrie underwood, Catt Sadler, celebrity makeup artist, celebrity stylist, Corri McFadden, Damsel In Dior, designers, E! News, eDrop-Off, fashion blogger, fashion in Chicago, fashion industry, fashion news, GlossedandFound, Jacey Duprie, Jacqueline Rezak, jennifer hudson, Kelly Ryan O’Brien, lastest summer trends, los angeles, network, New York, Shoppaholic, shopping in Chicago, Simply Stylist, Stacey Roney, stylists, The Dana Hotel, Tia Dantzler, Trish Townsend

PAUL STUART KICKS OFF ZOO BALL FESTIVITIES WITH THE WOMEN’S BOARD OF THE LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Greetings from the team at Paul Stuart, one of Chicago’s most exclusive classic men’s and women’s clothiers! Spring celebrations are in full bloom at our two locations (107 East Oak Street and 208 South LaSalle Street) as Paul Stuart celebrates our 75^th anniversary as a leader in defining classic American style. Paul Stuart recently partnered with another Chicago icon—the Lincoln Park Zoo, and specifically, The Women’s Board, in conjunction with its highly anticipated summer gala. Paul Stuart was thrilled to host The Women’s Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo for a preview event to kick off the year’s festivities for Zoo Ball 2013: Wild at Heart.

Paul Stuart Men’s Clothing

Terri Kingdom & Alice Shaft

Pictured (left to right): Randy K. Lewis, Charlotte Monhart, Vasiliki Weiden, Paul Kelly, Kevin Bell, Peggy Swift White & Jennifer Caruso

The cocktail party was hosted by our own Paul Kelly, regional manager of Paul Stuart, at the “Town House” on Oak location. Guests of honor included Zoo Ball co-chairs, Charlotte Monhart, Vasiliki Weiden and Jennifer Caruso and Peggy Swift White, the Women’s Board President. Mark Walter, the CEO of Guggenheim Partners (presenting sponsor of Zoo Ball 2013), and his wife Kimbra were also in attendance alongside Kevin Bell, Lincoln Park Zoo’s President & CEO. Guests enjoyed small bites—such as lobster tacos and wild popsicles—courtesy of luxury caterer Boutique Bites, paired with Maker’s Mark cocktails, white wine from The Wine Cellars Group, and Goose Island craft beer. Guests enjoyed perusing Paul Stuart’s expansive inventory (especially the bright and bold spring patterns) and taking in the musical styling of jazz artist, Kyle Asche.

Goose Island Matilda

Maker’s Mark

Shrimp Ceviche in Cucumber by Boutique Bites

The buttoned-up preview party at Paul Stuart is just a little taste of what can be expected at Zoo Ball 2013’s annual affair on July 12. We hope you will join us at the beautiful gala this summer—you might just find another Paul Stuart surprise in store! For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit here.

- Paul Stuart Team

Tags: American style, Boutique Bites, Charlotte Monhart, Chicago nonprofit, Goose Island craft beer, Jennifer Caruso, Kyle Asche, Lincoln Park Zoo, Maker's Mark, Mark Walter, men’s clothier, Paul Stuart, Peggy Swift White, Summer Chicago gala, The Wine Cellars Group, The Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, upscale menswear, Vasiliki Weiden, Zoo Ball

Hall&Madden Shirts: Your Closet’s Favorite Item

Hey Chicago – this is McGregor from Hall&Madden.

My best friend and business partner, Richard A. Hall, and I created a new Chicago start-up that makes it easier and less expensive for Chicago guys to get well-fitting, luxury dress shirts.

A dress shirt is the first thing people notice and the last thing you want to get wrong. Men’s shirting leaves a lasting impression and that is why each shirt is hand picked and individually designed to encompass life both in and out of the office.

For $150, you are shipped a set of three curated shirts. Subscribers are given the choice to receive shipments suitable to their schedule (every three, four, or six months). By cutting out the middleman with a completely vertical business model you get the quality of a single shirt retailing for way too much money.

Our company pulls the same high-end cotton as reputable names such as Burberry and Hugo Boss, but includes the additional luxury of mother of pearl buttons and single needle stitching–details the big boys often forget.

Let us save you from having to go shopping. After signing up you’re invited to book a one-on-one fitting with a personal stylist. Rest assured there will be no cash registers, annoying robot music or pushy salesmen in our River North HQ.

Cheers to a better-dressed Chicago,

- McGregor J. Madden

Tags: Chicago-based fashion, clothing, custom-shirt subscription service, designer label shirts, dress shirts, fashion, Hall & Madden, handmade single-needle stitching, high quality shirts, laser cut men’s suits, McGregor Madden, mens clothing, mother-of-pearl buttons, Propersuit, Richard Hall, shop, shopping online, subscription service

Green Festival Back In Chicago, May 18th & 19th

Where are all my eco-friendlies at?! Sammi, here to talk nothing other than the Green Festival coming to our beautiful windy city on May 18^th & 19^th at Navy Pier. Let’s kick off this spring weather with one the largest (24,000 participants in 2012) and most diverse festivals including education, shopping, food and loads of fun activities!

At the festival expect to experience everything green including:  a vegan and organic food court, the Sierra Club Green Cinema, fashion exhibits, workshops, music, dancing, yoga, an organic beer and wine garden, speakers, educational activities and so much more! Green Festival will also feature the Green Marketplace, where you can buy goods and services from our local Chicago businesses.

Not only are you able experience all the fun, but also you don’t have to worry about making a carbon footprint by negatively impacting the environment as a result of the event. While the Green Festival is working towards a zero waste event, they have a 90% Resource Recovery Rate. All vendors practice these standards to ensure sustainability; food vendors use composting for scraps. Expect to see resource Recovery Stations with volunteers to answer any questions you may have.

Tickets range from $10-$32 dollars, but if your 18 or under or bring four cans of food to donate to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, expect FREE admission! Check this out for more ticket information.

Last year, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. spoke at the event and left us with these wise words, “Green Festival is not an event. It is a lifestyle.” On that note, see you all there!

-Sammi Raines

Tags: 2013 festivals, 90% Resource Recovery Rate, an organic beer and wine garden, buy green goods, chicago festivals, composting, dancing, diverse festivals, eco-friendly, education, environment, fashion exhibits, food, greater chicago food depository, green, Green Festival, Green Festival Chicago, Green Marketplace, green services, green vendors, Local, local Chicago businesses, Music, navy pier, organic, Recovery Stations, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., shopping, speakers, sustainability, the Sierra Club Green Cinema, vegan and organic food court, workshops, yoga, zero waste event

A Red Orchid Theatre invites you to join actor Michael Shannon and fellow members of A Red Orchid’s Ensemble at Arlington Park for an amazing DAY AT THE RACES!

Hey Chicago! I’m Jennifer Sultz, a freelance Event Coordinator and Development Associate for A Red Orchid Theatre. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had an amazing time collaborating on many events with Billy Dec and the fantastic Rockit Ranch team! On Saturday, May 11, 2013, A Red Orchid Theatre, now celebrating its 20th year in Chicago, will host an afternoon at Arlington Park as a kick-off benefit for their upcoming show SIMPATICO by Sam Shepard.

A Red Orchid Founding Ensemble Member Michael Shannon & Kirsten Fitzgerald, Artistic Director of A Red Orchid Theatre at the 20th Anniversary Gala – Photo by Chris Zoubris

The production will feature Ensemble Members Guy Van Swearingen, Jennifer Engstrom, Mierka Girten, Doug Vickers and Academy Award Nominee Michael Shannon (of HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE and General Zod in this summer’s blockbuster MAN OF STEEL). The afternoon will feature a scene from the show, a buffet lunch and bar (wine & beer), a silent auction, and a panoramic view of Thoroughbred racing action!

Michael Shannon & Billy Dec, Co-Hosts of A Red Orchid Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Gala – Photo by Chris Zoubris

Reservations are required and tickets are $150 with limited capacity. Tickets can be reserved at here or by calling (312) 943-8722. Come join us at the races for this spectacular benefit event, sponsored by Arlington Park!

-Jennifer Sultz

Tags: A Red Orchid Theatre, Academy Award Nominee Michael Shannon, arlington park, Arlington Park theatre, chicago theatre, development associate chicago, Doug Vickers, Ensemble Members, freelance event coordinator, General Zod, Guy Van Swearingen, HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE, Jennifer Engstrom, kick-off benefit, Man of Steel, Mierka Girten, racing, Sam Shepard, SIMPATICO, theatre in Chicago, Thoroughbred

SELF Magazine’s Workout in the Park – Chicago

Hey, fitness fans! Are you guys all ready for swimsuit season? If not, then you need to join me (Kelli Zink from CelebTV.com) at SELF Magazine’s 20^th annual Workout in the Park! I’m SO excited to be part of the 20^th anniversary of the outdoor fitness festival – coming to Grant Park on Saturday, June 1^st from 11 AM – 3 PM.

There will be tons of amazing workouts (like LaBlast and Million Dollar Knockout), beauty consultations (like mini-facials from Garnier), healthy food tastings, and tons of freebies. There’s definitely something for everyone! Make sure to grab a ticket at Self Workout – it is sure to sell out. Tickets are $20 which includes a bag of goodies and a SELF subscription.

SELF Magazine is my favorite because of their amazing expert fitness tips – Kelly Osbourne is on the cover of the new issue, and Self.com has a free Drop 10 diet plan to help you lose 10 pounds in a month… perfect for getting in gear for spring.

Don’t miss it, Chicago! 

-Kelli Zink

Tags: beauty consultations, CelebTV.com, expert fitness tip, fitness, Garnier, Grant Park workouts, LaBlast, Million Dollar Knockout, SELF, SELF Magazine, Self Workout, subscription, workout, workout Chicago, workout class, workout in the park