http://www.thegirlsoflincolnpark.com/

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Sat, 18 May 2013 11:48:27 -0400

Our Top 15 Swimsuits For Summer

Sat, 18 May 2013 11:24:57 -0400

It’s about that time to invest in a few knock-out swimsuits for summer. From sporty bikinis to colorful one-pieces, we’ve rounded up our top 15 suits to help you look beach-chic all summer long. Enjoy! - GOLP

Mustang Bandeau Bikini // Michael Kors Bikini // Issa One Piece Swimsuit // Zinke Kristen One Piece // Mara Hoffman Two Piece // Suboo Madagascar One Piece // Zimmermann Bikini // Karla Colletto Abstract-Print Bikini // Beth Richards Swimsuit // Ella Moss Swimsuit // Hokey Pokey Bandeau // Mara Hoffman V Wire Suit // Shoshanna Bikini // Bettinis Coast Stripes Bikini // Splendid Circus Stripe Bikini

Girl Crush: Alison Victoria, Host and Designer on HGTV and DIY Network

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:29:00 -0400

Name: Alison Victoria

Title: Host and Designer on HGTV and DIY Network’s ‘Kitchen Crashers’

Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1. Must Read Interior Design Book: Nate Berkus - The Things That Matter

2. Wallpaper vs. Paint: Wallpaper! Change it up and bring in texture and color with paper versus paint.

3. Dinner Party Guest List: Bethenny Frankel and her dog..I admire everything about her drive, ambition, humility, sarcasm and what she stands for. Strong women like that make it easy for me to believe that anything is possible with a little hard work and passion.

4. Bucket List: Ride an elephant in Thailand, compete in the Cross Fit Games and have a bird land on my finger when I extend it out.

5. On Repeat: MC Solaar - La Belle et le Bad Boy

6. If I weren’t in Interior Design, I’d be….A shoe designer! No question.

7. What Every Girl Must Have In Her Closet: A pair of classic nude shoes… Or ten of the same pair like I do!

8. Top Three Beauty Products: Oil of Olay Total Effects Daily Moisturizer with SPF, Chanel Soleil Tan and Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom.

9. Date Night: Bavette’s Bar & Boef. I went there with my fiance when it first opened. The interior is sexy and french and the lighting is perfect! I love the original champagne cocktail and the food is unreal!

10. Motto: Feel the fear, have the doubts..Go for it anyways!

11. Chicago Boutique: Store B in Wicker Park. It’s right next to the Bongo room on Milwaukee. It’s my one stop shop for vintage everything. I found a pair of 1960’s lucite pendants for over my kitchen island, a vintage St. John dress and a Hermes belt that I wear with everything. Not to mention all of the accessories and glassware I’ve used on my new bar cart at home.

12. Scent: Trish McEvoy #3 - Sexy for day and night!

13. Apps: Uber, CalenMob and Instagram. I use CalenMob as my calendar. It links to the network schedule so I always know where I’m shooting and where I’m traveling. And I use Uber at least 5 days a week.

14. If you could meet any interior designer who would it be? Kara Mann - Chicago’s best! She has this edge about her design work but it seems so effortless. She has a way of designing a room to be sexy in both a masculine and feminine way while being timeless at the same time. I admire her work and the fact that you can recognize it as soon as you see it in any publication!

15. Top Three Styling Tips for Small Spaces: Design up and dual purpose everything. Make sure whatever you buy has multiple uses. Also, buy furniture with legs as opposed to furniture that sits directly on the floor. It gives the illusion of more space.

16. Favorite Interior Design Trick: Hanging window hardware at the ceiling line to bring the eye up. It gives the illusion of higher ceilings.

17. On Your Coffee Table: Fresh white roses, vintage books from Myopic Books in Wicker Park and a Ralph Lauren silver tray with candy in it.

18. Flea Market: Randolph Street Market

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Tue, 14 May 2013 15:02:02 -0400

10 Maxi's For Your Summer Wardrobe

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:27:00 -0400

Presley Skye Chiffon Maxi // Rachel Roy Silk Maxi // Lilly Pulitzer Maxi // Way-In Maxi // Bustier Maxi Dress // Felicity & Coco Strapless Dress // Lush Knit Maxi // Sleeveless Print Maxi // Sydney Printed Dress // Lush Knit Dress

Sephora Opens in Lincoln Park

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:46:27 -0400

Calling all beauty enthusiasts! At last, Sephora is finally opening its doors in our hood today! And what’s even more beautiful? The first 100 clients to show up at the grand opening will have a chance to receive a mystery Sephora gift card (values worth up to $100!). With over 13,000 products and 200 brands in store, it can be quite overwhelming so we took it upon ourselves to highlight our must-have items. Did we just make your Friday, or what? Happy Shopping! - GOLP

Laura Mercier Blush Bronze Compact // Dior Jelly Lip Pen // Sephora Luxe Brush Set // Sephora Summer Makeup Bag // NARS And God Created the Woman Set // Smashbox Ready CC Cream // Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

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Fri, 10 May 2013 09:18:58 -0400

Travel In Style: kate spade new york + Starwood Preferred Guest Limited Edition Totes!

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:01:00 -0400

You know we love a good tote so when we first heard about the kate spade and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) collaboration, we couldn’t get enough! The limited edition totes are inspired by SPG’s Member’s Favorite 2013 Resorts from around the world. The collaboration celebrates travel with whimsical sayings reminiscent of Starwood’s most exotic destinations. From the best winter adventures to remote tropical locations, Starwood Resorts offer travelers luxury in more than 1,100 destinations globally.

And just in case you are in need of a little R&R, kate spade and SPG are offering one lucky winner the chance to travel to one of the Members’ Favorite resorts! Head on over to katespade.com to enter-to-win and for more information or to see the properties voted as the 2012 Member Favorites, visit: spg.com/memberfavorites.

Girl Crush - Val Warner, Co-Host - Windy City Live

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:00:00 -0400

Name: Val Warner

Title: Co-Host, Windy City Live

1. Nail Polish Color: Essie’s Maximillion. Even though it’s light green, it’s natural enough that it goes with anything.

2. Trend You’re Loving For Spring: I’m feeling the feminine trends this season! Anything lace or cloral catches my eye.

3. On Repeat: My denim Levi vest. It really just helps pull together a casual outfit.

4. Favorite Way To Unwind: A great date night with my man!

5. What’s On Your Bar Cart: As of today, Malibu Red (the best). One of our recent WCL guests, Ne-Yo, introduced it to me during a segment. Outside of that, my bar cart will never be complete without moscato.

6. Date Night: Uncle Julio’s! I’m a sucker for their guac and Swirl drink.

7. Motto: Hard work and dedication pay-off.

8. Can’t Live Without: My iPhone:

9. Top Three Beauty Products: CO Bigelow lip gloss, MAC mascara and Neutrogena exfoiliating face wash.

10. If you could meet any woman for lunch, who would it be and what would you order? It would definitely have to be Oprah Winfrey. I would skip the fancy meal and just go for a burger and fries.

11. Chicago Boutique: Calvin Tran at 2154 N. Halstead. He has really great modern and versatile pieces.

12. Scent: DKNY Cashmere Mist

13. If I weren’t a TV host I’d be: A sales executive!

14. Home Accessory: I’ve got plug-in’s (in cherry blossom) all over my house!

15. Coffe Table Staple: A great magazine like People, Ebony or InStyle

16. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Europe

17. Chicago Restaurant: Mastro’s Steakhouse. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menue.

18. I Wish I Knew How To: Cook!

19. Aidan or Big? Aidan! He seems more fun.

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Mon, 06 May 2013 09:24:51 -0400

Yes, It's Romper Season

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:23:44 -0400

The one-piece wonder as we like to call them are slowly but surely making their way back into our wardrobes. Whether you prefer short or long, a bold print or classic black there’s nothing better than having an easy, yet chic summer staple. Below are a few GOLP top picks that we’re currently coveting. Happy Romping! Xo - GOLP

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Girl Crush - Cait Weingartner, Blogger at Pretty & Fun

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:08:53 -0400

Name: Cait Weingartner

Title: Blogger at Pretty & Fun + Social Strategist at [wire] stone

Neighborhood: South Loop

1. Nail Polish Color: ”Chinchilly” by Essie is my go to but I’m also currently loving “Avenue Maintain”

2. Trend You’re Loving For Spring: Pattern mixing! It isn’t the easiest trend to pull off but it looks amazing when you get it right.

3. On Repeat: Stripes. Lots and lots of stripes.

4. Favorite Way To Unwind: An iced coffee & a long walk with my pup.

5. What’s On Your Bar Cart: The makings for a great margarita (on the rocks, no salt please).

6. Can’t Live Without: Ice cream. It’s my favorite food and you will always find at least two flavors in my freezer.

7. Top Three Beauty Products: NARS lipstick in Red Lizard, Bumble & Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme and Benefit’s “They’re Real” mascara.

8. Motto: If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big neough. I hope to always be fueled by a little fear.

9. Chicago Boutique: Edith Hart

10. Scent: I don’t wear any fragrence! Obsessed with Capri Blue’s Volcano candle though.

11. If you could travel anywhere in a moments notice, where would you go? I’ve been dying to travel around Europe - Paris, Italy and Greece are all very high on my wish list.

12. I Wish I Knew How To: Actually unplug and not compulsively check social media or my iPhone - the unfortunate side effects of working in digital and being a blogger.

13. Chicago Restaurant: I know this is a bit cliche but I absolutely love Big Star. It’s turned me into a taco snob.

14. Currently Reading: “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg - she’s a true inspiration.

15. Home Accessory: A killer gallery wall. I love mixing pieces from Etsy with custom and vintage pieces for a really personal feel.

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Wed, 01 May 2013 09:07:37 -0400

Q&A with SAIC's Roopa Weber & FASHION 2013/The Walk Happening This Friday, May 3rd!

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:05:00 -0400

Chicago fashion has made some serious headway over the years. With the emergence of fabulous boutiques, high-end designer storefronts, fashion-tech start ups, and up-and-coming designers, we think it’s pretty safe to say that Chicago has put itself on the map. And it’s no doubt that the School of Art Institute of Chicago has played a major role.

We’re excited to share a little Q&A with the WALK’s Co-Chair, Roopa Weber, who is helping put on Fashion 2013, the school’s 79th annual fashion show happening this Friday, May 3rd! The show will feature more than 300 original pieces created by undergraduate students from SAIC’s internationally renowned Fashion Design program. Distinguished alumni include numerous designers we all know (and love) including: Halston, Cynthia Rowley, Maria Pinto, and Lawrence Steele. We have no doubt that several of these students will go on and have a great careers. Take a peek below at our Q&A with the fabulous Roopa. We have a feeling you will enjoy reading her responses and part-take in supporting Chicago fashion!

How did you get involved with the WALK?

I’m on the board of the Gene Siskel Film Center, which is apart of the SAIC. The board Chair, Ellen Sandor, my dear friend facilitated an introduction to be on the fashion committee in 2010. It was love at first site. I was enthralled with the talent of our students, our terrific committee members and the renowned Nick Cave, who was the chair of the fashion department at the time. Everything just fell into place and now I am co-charing the WALK 2013, our annual fashion show and benefit gala. I am so proud to be involved with SAIC and it’s fashion department - we’re excited for this year’s show, which we hope is one of the best yet so that we can raise scholarship dollars for students in the fashion program.

What should attendees expect on Friday at the Fashion Shows?

Expect the unexpected. It will be sensory overload with over 250 garments all designed by our students in the fashion program. There’s always such great energy and excitement in the room because our patrons are huge supporters of our efforts and students. The high profile event attracts an interesting, eclectic crowd, who all share a love for fashion. The hour-long production has a very professional feel no less - Creative Director Conrad Hamather is now in his third year producing the show in Millennium Park; we have enlisted Michiel Helbig of Antwerp to do the sound design; backstage talent coordination will be handled by Shane Gabier of Creatures of the Wind; hair by ULTA Beauty and make-up by Maybelline New York will be stunning; and the models from Factor Runway have incredible talent. It has the makings of a true runway show and something for everyone. There’s nothing else like it in Chicago!

How do you think Chicago fashion has evolved?

Fashion is taking hold in Chicago like never before. We are especially lucky to have such amazing talent and incredible support from our major cultural institutions. For example, 140,000 visitors attended Fashioning the Object at the Art Institute last spring and summer, and Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity will be this summer’s blockbuster at the Art Institute. SAIC alumna Maria Pinto’s exhibition Fashion and the Field Museum is enjoying a 9-month run right now. The Chicago History Museum’s Inspiring Beauty exhibition about the Ebony Fashion Fair is on view until next year. We have Ikram Goldman, a fellow fashion committee member, who has taken fashion to another level here. We have access to some of the best shopping and designers, which I think will just get better and better. However, we need the community to support us to make progress and better position Chicago as a fashion hub. We want to make our great city a place where people come and STAY to work in fashion.

What’s your favorite part about Chicago fashion?

Chicago fashion is accessible, versatile and embraces each person’s individuality. There are, of course, high-end options but we have lots of stores, boutiques and markets that give people choices to still look great at affordable prices. And fashion is all about how you put something together. That’s why SAIC’s runway show is so fantastic. It makes you think about styling in a way you had never thought of before. I love having the change of seasons and the versatility it provides. I love layering as well so Chicago is a perfect pace to do that. Lastly, it’s also great having a friend who is a stylist, Teri Tkachuk, a fellow fashion committee member. She has an amazing eye and sense of style - her creativity inspires me and keeps me current.

What is some advice you would give twenty-something’s on wanting to break into the fashion industry?

Stay true to who you are, be curious, and don’t be afraid to challenge the boundaries. As Steve Jobs once said, “People don’t know what they want until you show it to them.”

Tickets for Fashion 2013 are available now and can be purchased here or at the door May 3rd.

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Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:39:40 -0400

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Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:40 -0400

Step Up For Spring Presented by Coach

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:59:00 -0400

In case you haven’t noticed, we have spring shoes on the mind quite a bit! And this weekend we’ll be shopping for a good cause. From Friday, May 3rd to Sunday, May 5th Coach (625 Michigan Ave) will make a 10% donation to the Step Up Women’s Program for every pair of shoes purchased! The non-profit membership organization is dedicated to igniting women and girls to fulfill their full potential. Although we’d like a pair of each, we’ve narrowed down our top 5 picks. Take a peek and happy shopping! Xo - GOLP

1. Leela Heel // 2. Steffi Heel // 3. Lucy Heel // 4. Terri Heel // 5. Sherrin Wedge

Style File: The d'Orsay Flat

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:44:22 -0400

There are some wardrobe staples, you simply just can’t get around. Insert: the ballet flat. Over the years, ballet flats have taken on numerous forms and styles including this season, the d’Orsay flat! Spotted on celebrities and street style stars alike, these flats are quickly becoming the hottest style in footwear. We’ve picked a few of our favorites to help you snag a pair. Happy Shopping! Xo - GOLP

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Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:44:05 -0400

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Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:43:41 -0400