"Your love, your love is 7 feet deep"

While I've been a fan of Citizen Cope for quite some time, I thought it was about time I share my love with all of you. If nothing else, on his latest album, "Every Waking Moment," check out "107 Degrees." Love, love, love it.

Citizen, if you're listening, please come to Chicago. Please?

Must See: No Country for Old Men

Run (like you just stole $2 million from a creepy lunitic), don't walk, to see No Country for Old Men and when you're back, let's talk about Javier Bardem’s voice...and hairdo. Oh, and the soundtrack...

It's that time of year...

This one's for my Christmas Carol lovers and Robert, of course.

Well, really, what else is there to celebrate?

When a dear friend reminds you that Christmas is really about you, whatdaya gonna do? Well, you better pick up these splendid greeting cards from Alternative Gifts, right? Right.

Spice Up Your Space

If you're looking for a way to spice up stark, standard issue white walls, Creative Wallcovering offers a beautiful, temporary solution with stunning patterns and captivating murals for any taste or style. Think wallpaper, without the glue. And, it's affordable too!

Check In to Haute Chocolate

Hotel Chocolat is basically the Kiki de Montparnasse of chocolate. With sensuous packaging, that European mystic and most importantly, an incredibly scrumptious selection of delectables, Hotel Chocolat is truly fabulous and trumps Godiva tenfold. (And that's saying something, because Godiva is GOOD.)

You must try Carry-Me-Home, a pint-sized collection of their amazing chocolate slabs. Umm-umm-umm!

"I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert."

Lately, I've had this crazy sweet tooth - and thankfully - I've also had the pleasure of chowing down on some amazing desserts. First and foremost, Landmark Grill + Lounge has the best donut/ice cream concoction EVER. No question, you'll love it.



At China Grill, try the Banana Box. It's a little intimidating at first, but just dive in for caramel-cinnamon-banana goodness.



(I mean, I'm not saying I'm skinny or anything, but it's a wonder I'm not a complete house at this point.)

Back By Popular Demand

Oldie, But Goody - How Not To Act On J-Date

Have you ever heard the story about the relationship that started on J-Date and ended abruptly after the guy went loony toons when the girl refused to pay half their first date dinner bill - weeks later? It's the kind of story that makes you cringe in embarrassment, while anxiously awaiting the next nonsensical move this lunatic makes. Take a few minutes and check out this great recap, "complete with audio!"

Now this is a cocktail ring...

I've had my eye on everything Kenneth Jay Lane has to offer this season and this ring is definitely a front runner. Net-A-Porter also has a beautiful collection of KJL's signature panther, snake, insect and peanut goodies.

A Shady Obsession

Have you ever fallen in love with a pair of sunglasses?

After spending countless hours looking for, talking about, reflecting upon, analyzing, purchasing and in the end, returning sunglasses with a dear, lost friend, I realize that I'm fortunate to have a pair of shades I just can’t live without. So, thank you MaxMara. The day I lose/break these shades will be a sad one for all those who know and love me.

Frizz is IN

Walking down the streets of NYC, we spotted a trend that I insist upon bringing back to Chicago.

The Look: Frizzy, poofy, uncontrolled hair. (Basically, it’s the look I rocked during my "awkward" phase / 3rd - 12th grade).

Get It: Sorry girls, this look is for those blessed with (disturbed by) naturally curly hair. To create it, start with towel dried hair and next – the unthinkable – brush it out and don’t you dare touch that gel or hair serum. Pick up your favorite volumizing mouse and blow dry, while continuously brushing...Trust me, this process worked like a charm during my above mentioned "awkward" decade.

Bottom Line: For this look, you must walk out the door with your head up high, confident that frizz is in. And, trust me, “it’s totally high fashion.”

Warning: According to this week's NYT Style section, the opposite look is in - straight and smooth - but I contend, frizz is in!

A Must See Scene

I finally had the opportunity to stop by the much-discussed Hudson Hotel and for once, something has truly lived up to the hype. I can't even talk about the lobby. Live ivy climbing a brick wall? The most fabulous chandelier I've ever seen? It's just too much.



















And the Library - filled with hundreds of books and even more fabulous people - is definitely a place to see and be seen. Just make sure you take the scene with a grain of salt and don't forget a wad of cash. Those drinks are pricey!

Purple Passion

ABC Carpet is by far one of the most fascinating home stores on the planet and a great place to spend an afternoon in New York. On every floor, I fell in love with something - a mirrored nightstand, a lacquer tray table, and this...a Labrazel crystal bath accessory set in a color I've decided is "the epitome of me." When the tissue box cover will cost ya $675, don't call it purple, you must call it a violet alexandrite.

The Evolution of Style

Never in my life would I imagine myself being the person to walk by a store called Evolution - stop - acknowledge the presence of skeletons in the window and proclaim, "Ooh! We must check out their natural coral and ostrich eggs!" However, since I began my never-ending search for perfect, stylish living room decor, I'll stop at nothing to find a unique piece, no matter how freaky the journey.

The Best Pens

Whether it's taking diligent notes at work (read: doodling) or writing prompt thank you notes for your much appreciated birthday presents (they're in the mail!), Le Pen makes the best pens because they are inexpensive, smudge proof and best of all, come in fun colors.

Every glass needs it's day.

Again, no one "needs" these mini decals from Sprout Home, but how much fun would it be to decorate the unexpected with birds, leaves and zoo animals (I will never go to the zoo in real life, so I must experience it somehow.)?

To splurge or not to splurge. Was that the question?

As I constantly search for the perfect coffee table and/or media center, I've found more impractical "needs" than anyone expected. At the top of the list, anything John Derian designs. This pink hyacinth cache pot is so beautiful...but really, do I need it? Yes, yes I do.

Carrots aren't just for rabbots...

Can you imagine...hundreds of beautiful stationary options, all in just one place?! It sounds like a superstore, I know, but you must check out Carrot & Stick Press' amazing selection, with the cutest variety of patterns - apples, lobsters, pigs, palm trees - you name it, I love it.

Skinny Dipping for Your Skin

A sucker for packaging, I'm heading to Barney's tomorrow to snag Nude's lip balm (gotta start out somewhere, right?). It's originally from Europe, making its way to the states to please organic ingredient/biodegradable packaging lovers. Per the NYT, it also has Bono's official backing, which makes it all the better.

A Great Place to Celebrate

After Pops for Champagne moved from it's unassuming neighborhood location in Lakeview, I was skeptical to try the new location in trendy Rivernorth. While it has a totally different look and feel, the tasty drinks, live jazz music and therefore, appeal remain the same.

A Bag for Day and Night

Hobo's clutches are as practical as they are stylish and can take you from daytime wallet to nighttime purse. I love this one in gunmetal metallic leather, with a beautiful paisley lining.

The Best Show (Formerly) on TV

Winner of six Emmy awards and one Golden Globe, Arrested Development was the best show on television, until it was cancelled in 2006. Even after it’s cancellation, the show still has a cult following (including yours truly), due to the distinctively understated wit and complexity of each character and episode.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to become immediately “hooked,” watch your first episode online at MSN Video.

Makeup Bag Faves

Never a makeup snob, my favorites range from longtime drugstore bargains like Covergirl’s Outlast lip color in "Plum Satin," Rimmel Lycra Lash Extender and Almay's Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover to trusted department store finds such as MAC's Powder Blush in "Frankly Scarlet," Bobbi Brown's eye shadow in "Bone," and Aveda’s Inner Light Tinted Moisture with SPF 15.

The Perfect Fall Look

The hottest look for fall, these super luxurious Satin De Luxe Tights from Wolford are uber stylish when paired with a questionably short black dress and patent leather pumps, such as these Christian Louboutin Som1’s with a metallic heal.

Live for Sofia Moments

Not only is Sofia Coppola an idol because she's an Academy Award-winning director (Lost in Translation) and a Marc Jacobs muse, she's also the force behind "Sofia," the light-hearted, sweet line from her father’s winery.

Her Mini Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine packs are just as perfect for catered events and parties, as they are for those days when you deserve a little bubbly – just because.

Ray-Ban Wayfarer's: Hot or Not?

All the celebs are doing it, and most importantly, the coolest guy I know, JWeb, wants to bring 'em back. Thoughts?

Editor's Note: Above named "coolest guy I know," just pointed out that the shades pictured are in fact Oakley's, not Ray-Bans. Oops.

Shop in Confidence: Choose Colors Wisely

In case you're wondering, the official top 10 colors for Spring '07 (in fashion and design) have been released by Pantone. They selected their colors based on fashion week, so this is definitely the direction we're going next season.

Fashionably Test Your Memory

I've always been a fan of memory games, and this "adult" version in beautiful, abstract patterns by Maharam is a perfect excuse to revert to childhood (once again).

Golden Rules

After a recommendation from my favorite Golden Girl, I'm jumping on the latest polish train and making my next manicure golden with OPI's, "Golden Rules!".