If you’ve got a passion for cooking or would potentially like to cook (like us), this feature is for you. We’re excited to help announce the opening of Sur La Table at 900 Shops! Since its beginnings in Seattle’s Pike Place Market in 1972, Sur La Table has believed that the kitchen is the center of the home. Each year, Sur La Table hosts over 120,000 students operating one of the largest avocational cooking schools nationwide. From essential basics to hard-to-find specialty tools and cookware, Sur La Table is sure to have something for every cook.

Classes focus on seasonal cuisine and technique-oriented courses. Skill levels range from beginner to advanced, with special sessions designed for kids and teens. In addition to Sur La Table’s Resident Chef, visiting chefs and restaurateurs also teach lessons. Classes range from 2 to 2.5 hours in length and include a tasting of all the dishes prepared. Last but not least, in case your boyfriend or hubby wants to do something special, private cooking lessons are available in all programs and can be customized for individuals or small groups. Be sure to keep up-to-date with Sur La Table on Twitter & Facebook. 

The perfect fitting jean jacket will never go out of style. Trust us, we have a great relationship with our jean jacket - it’s almost like a best friend status,  it’s been there season after season. And although we don’t believe the jean jacket ever truly went away, this summer we can find various shapes and sizes across numerous retailers including Levi’s, Gap, and Madewell to name a few. Take a peak below at some of the styles we’re currently craving this season. Xo - GOLP

                                  1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 (on sale!)

                    1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

Let’s talk footwear: statement sandals. In case you don’t have a pair for your summer wardrobe, let’s find you some! Instead of opting for your standard flip flops or basic sandal, we’re loving everything from gladiators to chunky heels and straps. Below are just a few of our favorite finds ranging from Zara all the way to Shopbop. And of course Jeffrey Campbell makes several pairs that makes it quite hard to choose from! Happy Trotting! - GOLP 

In case you haven’t heard of Julie Vos Jewelry, let us introduce you. From stackable bangles to statement earrings, Julie’s collection is full of everyday essentials. Not only is there a piece for just about everyone, her line is quite affordable as well (yes, please!). Below you can find some of our top picks that we’re sure you will fall in love with. And lucky for you, Julie Vos is offering GOLP readers 15% off with promo code Vos15 at checkout! Be sure to keep up-to-date with Julie via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Happy Shopping! - GOLP

Name: Jessie Kalin

Title: Style Producer, ABC 7 Chicago’s Windy City Live

Neighborhood: River North

1. Nail Polish Color: My regular go-to color is Essie’s “Fith Avenue.”

2. Trend You’re Loving For Spring: Love the black and white trend. It’s so chic and it’s so EASY! Everyone has black and white in their close and can easily get in on the trend. 

3. On Repeat: Skinny jeans and a silk button-up blouse. 

4. Favorite way to unwind: A glass of wine. Otherwise, a good message always does the trick. 

5. Currently Reading: All the pitches I receive from publicists! 

6. Can’t Live Without: My fiancé, Eli. My two sisters..and chocolate. 

7. If you could meet any woman for lunch, who would it be and what would you order? The first woman that comes to mind is Michelle Obama. Is that totally cliche?! And I would eat whatever she’s eating.. she looks amazing. 

8. Top Three Beauty Products: Moroccan oil, Vaseline Intensive Care lotion, and Laura Mercier Under Eye concealer (in no particular order). 

9. Celeb Encounter: Leonardo DiCaprio! I met him my junior year of college and was on cloud nine for a month..Now if we could meet again and have him as a guest on Windy City Live…

10. Motto: My dad always said to me growing up, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re absolutely right.” It just stuck with me. 

11. When I’m not working, I’m: Trying out different restaurants, working out at Exhale or Flywheel, or traveling to a friend’s wedding.. Let’s just say summer wedding season has officially begun! 

12. Chicago Boutique: Handle with Care and Atelier Azza

13. Scent: Chloe 

14. If I weren’t a TV producer, I’d be: That’s a hard question! Probably something in marketing or public relations. 

15. Message to younger self: Slow down, enjoy the journey and take a deep breath! Your hard work will pay off and it all works out in the end. 

16. Coffee Table Staple: People and Vogue Magazine

17. If you could travel anywhere in a moments notice, where would you go? South Africa - I went when I was 22 with my family and it was the most incredible trip. I would go back in a moment’s notice if A. it wasn’t so hard to get to and B. wasn’t so expensive! 

18. First Gig: Intern at the affiliate relations department at Harpo Studios. It was a great experience and definitely helped lead me to where I am today. 

19. Chicago Restaurant: Le Colonial for date night and Mercat a la Planxa for a girls night out. 

20. Chicago Must-See/Do This Summer: I want to find a weekend to take a mini vacation to a bed and breakfast. If anyone knows of any good ones, let me know! 

Attention, Chicago fashionistas! LOFT is hosting a Grand Opening Summer Party tomorrow at their new concept store on Michigan Avenue. With an entire floor dedciated to petites and an open floor plan with plush seating, the new store brings a welcomed pop of style to the Magnificent Mile. Get ready to browse through the latest collection that includes tribal prints, versatile tees, playful rompers and sequined stripes..aka just what your summer wardrobe ordered. Plus guests will receive a special gift with a purchase of $75 dollars or more and you can also enter for a chance to win a $250 LOFT shopping spree and personal styling session. Now that’s what we call a summer soiree. Below are just a few must-have looks to shop tomorrow. Enjoy! - GOLP 

Although it’s just starting to feel like summer, Madewell’s newly released 2013 Fall/Winter Lookbook already has us looking forward to our fall wardrobe. From oversized outerwear to cozy knits, the effortlessly cool collection includes numerous closet staples that we can’t wait to stock up on. Below you can find some of our favorite looks from the fall collection! Enjoy! - GOLP 

Photos courtesy of Madewell

Attention Chicago fashionistas! Simply Stylist, the leading source for connecting consumers with top tier insiders in the fashion industry will be hosting it’s inaugural Chicago event on Saturday, June 8th. Currently in New York and LA, Simply Stylist will now offer the girls of the Windy City the latest tools, tips and secrets from renowned experts. Hosted by E! News anchor, Catt Sadler, the panel will feature a group of stylists, bloggers, designers and editors. Speakers will include some of our favorites like Corri McFadden of eDrop-Off, Stacey Roney of Glossed & Found and celebrity stylist, Trish Townsend.

The event will include a networking brunch sponsored by HauteLook, hair styling by Blowtique, and complimentary gift bags, and a designer shopping event! Need we say more? For more information and to purchase tickets, head on over to SimplyStylist.com.

Where: Dana Hotel & Spa

When: June 8th, 10:00am - 5:00pm

Name: Lauren Berg

Title: Vice President

Neighborhood: Gold Coast

1. Nail Polish Color: It’s Raining Men by Deborah Lippmann. Most perfect red ever (trust me: i’ve been on a quest since I started getting manicures).

2. Trend You’re Loving For Spring: Stripes and floral prints are both staples in my wardrobe, and I’m happy to see they’re having a moment. 

3. On Repeat: The “Nashville” soundtrack - I’m obsessed with that show and music.

4. Coffee Table Staple: A silver antique tray I got on a weekend trip to Galena. 

5. If you could meet any woman for lunch who would it be and what would you order? Michelle Obama and I think I would be too nervous to eat! I adore her!

6. What’s On Your Bar Cart: The amazing, slightly bubbly white wine from Argentina called New Age that you served over ice and garnish with a lime. So delicious and refreshing - I’ve pretty much told everyone I know about it. 

7. Can’t live without: Starbucks. Sad, but true. It’s my morning ritual!

8. Top Three Beauty Products: Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil (this product will change your life); Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint (gives you the dewy glow you’ve always wanted); Kerastase Fibre Architecte (put it on after blow drying and before curling your hair. You’ll get the softest, bounciest, prettiest curls ever! I discovered this thanks to the amazing Stacie at Maxine Salon!).

10. Date Night: Mario’s Table in the Gold Coast. It’s my go-to neighborhood spot for a weeknight date with my fiance. 

11. Motto: From a fortune I have taped to my desk: Set the right example. It will inspire others. Also, on a more light-hearted note: Always over dress.

12. Chicago Boutique: Perchance

13. Scent: I’m not a perfume person and never have been!

14. If I weren’t in PR, I’d be: An attorney. That was the original plan (thus, the history degree). 

15. Home Accessory: A pair of vintage leather chairs that my grandfather had in his office for years. He’s my mentor and I love to think of the meetings and brilliant ideas that came from individuals that sat in them!

16. Chicago Summer Must-Do/See: Drinks at the J Parker on a sunny afternoon. There is simply no better view of the city. 

17. If you could travel anywhere in a moments notice, where would you go? Italy, 100%. The food, the people, the history. Perfection.

18. I wish I knew how to: Sing…and play a musical instrument. 

19. Brunch Spot: I love the Monarch in Bucktown - can’t get enough of their blood orange mimosas. 

20. Currently Coveting: Tory Burch’s Donovan Jacket. Not only do I love the ladylike cut and generous use of sequins, but come September, I will be taking Donovan as my last name..that’s a sign that it should be mine, right?!?