I went to a great Oscar party Sunday night for the Center on Halsted. Wait until you see the fun photos! They will be in my next blog but for now these are my thoughts on the LIVE show!
1) The stage looked amazing and the best idea ever was to have all past winners on stage…genius! 2) I know Sean Penn is a great actor but he's a lousy husband! What is wrong with Robin Wright sticking with someone who is clearly "not that into her?" 3) Poor Jennifer Aniston was so nervous speaking in front of homewrecker Angelina. I wish she could move past this horrible experience and speaking of people who don't seem that into you, I'm just not feeling the love between her and John Mayer, either. She looked beautiful but less makeup would've been better. 4) My friend Christine Ott said it best: "I love Hugh Jackman but I thought this show needed some humor." I agree but you can’t deny that Jackman is one talented Wolverine! 5) Anne Hathaway was glowing and gorgeous. I'm glad to see that no rat boyfriend is keeping her down. 6) Some of my friends thought that Sarah Jessica Parker looked like Glenda from the Wizard of Oz. I'm not sure it was a compliment…..but I thought she looked great in her Dior. 7) I'm so over Brad and Angelina. I just am (but I can't deny how fantastic her emerald jewelry was). 8) My favorite HOT couple are definitely Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem…..WOW! She looked stunning…. 9) Sadly I didn't get to see all of the Oscar nominated movies but I LOVED Slumdog; I'm still humming JaiHo!!! 10) It seemed like Heath Ledger's family was put in the back row! Come on, I can't believe they didn't know it was a lock for him to win?! 11) If you didn't see Wall-E, you're missing one of the most endearing animated characters of all time….. 12) What was Miley Cyrus thinking wearing that dress??!! Obviously, nothing. 13) Did you see Natalie Portman? One word: GORGEOUS! 14) Won't someone please get Whoopie a stylist! 15) I adore Kate Winslet but that old-lady hairdo just didn't cut it for me!
Overall, I thought the show was great and most of the dresses were in very good taste—for a change! :) Photos from top right: Jennifer Aniston (in Valentino) with beau John Mayer; Anne Hathaway (in Giorgio Armani); Sarah Jessica Parker (in Dior haute couture) with husband Matthew Broderick; Angelina Jolie (in an Elie Saab gown and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry) and Brad Pitt; Penelope Cruz (in vintage Balmain; Freida Pinto (in John Galliano) and Dev Patel; Natalie Portman in Rodarte; Kate Winslet (in YSL) with husband Sam Mendes.
Just like the title dancer in "Sacre Du Printemps," the Joffrey Ballet danced their little hearts out on the opening night of their Winter Series which began on Wednesday, February 18th and runs through March 1st at the Auditorium Theatre. There was something for everyone beginning with a happy and lively tribute to old Vienna choreographed by Gerald Arpino. Next up was Mobile—a breathtaking meditation on balance inspired by the mobiles of Alexander Calder and choreographed by Tom Ruud and then a stirring pas de deux from the ballet Cotillon. But the star of the evening was a ballet that caused riots when it was first performed in 1913. Choreographed by Nijinsky, it stands as one of the most magnificent musical and dance pieces of all time. It is introduced in a video by artistic director Ashley Wheater with an explanation of its history and origins by famed dance historian, Millicent Hodson. Sacre is one of the most difficult dances for the company to dance and you'll see why when you experience it for yourself. It comes "highly recommended" by both Heidy Weiss and Sid Smith of the Sun-Times and the Tribune, respectively. For tickets and more info, call (312) 902-1500 or visit www.Joffrey.org. Photos from top right: Mobile; Cammie Basden, Kenneth Archer, Christine DuBoulay Ellis and Millicent Hodson; Ashley Wheater, Marina and Arnie Tatar, and Dana Triester; Barbara Levy Kipper and Harriet Ross; Christine Ott and Vicky Holdren; Melissa Babcock and Katherine Darlington; Melinda Jakovich, Sandy Deromedi and Margie Halbermann. For more photos from this event, click here.
I'm loco for Tocco!!! Last night, we went to Bruno and Melissa Abate's latest restaurant venture called Tocco located at 1266 N. Milwaukee Ave. I don't know how he does it but just like his other eponymous restaurant Follia: Tocco is imbued with style and artistry. While Follia showcases new designer talents, Tocco will be featuring the latest artists around town. I love how Bruno promotes young talent and mixes it with the best and freshest Italian dishes AND a great crowd. No wonder the place was packed! You saw everyone there from the top neurosurgeon in the world to the sexiest men and women. It's people watching at its finest! I highly recommend this chicest of chic new restaurants. And wait until summer comes when the whole restaurant will open up to a giant side patio! You better start working on your tans AND reservations now. I have the number on speed dial….Photos from top left: a Tocco wood-fired pizza; Tocco dining room; famous neurosurgeon Leonardo Cerullo and Bruno Abate; Chuck and Dominick DeFrisco; sous chef Michelle Peiguss, Bruno and chef Martino Fabrizio.
Speaking of fashionable friends, remember the name Tennille White. She has been designing luxurious contemporary clothing for women since she was a young design student at Whitney Young High School and although she carries sizes from 2 to XXXL; it’s her mission is to establish a fashion identity for curvaceous women. Now she is president of the Apparel Industry Board's "Young Designer Network," is fashion critic for the Red Eye, has her line at Macy's and Neiman's and is the youngest member of Mayor Daley's Fashion Council in Chicago. In short, this is a woman whose star is on the rise! Her designs are sleek, modern and intended for entrance making moments but on top of all of her achievements, she is one of the most dynamic women I've met. She has a spirit and smile that will always ensure her success. This spring/summer her Tennille White Chicago collection will be carried in over 32 boutiques nationwide. For custom orders, visit Mint Boutique at 2150 N. Seminary or call Tennille at (773) 239-3836. Photos from top right: Tennille White; Tennille White wrap top and high-waisted denim pants.
The Factio magazine Winter Launch party was held at the Crimson Lounge Thursday night and brought out fans of the magazine and of the Crimson Lounge thanks to event organizer extraordinaire, Sarah Vargo. Melissa and Henrique de Kerch, founders of Factio, were pleased to meet and greet their many loyal friends that included Victoria Deldin, Jennifer Lezan, Michelle Barone, Tracy Tarantino, Jenny Berg, Amalie Drury, Stephanie Opel, Maggie Morgan, Lynne Bredfeldt, Susan Ellefson and her darling hubby, Sally and Kerry Shorr, Christine Sanderson, Jeff Corney, Joey Majumdar (who was off to L.A. to visit his friend, Queen Latifah) and Meghan Goulette. Photos from top right: Christine Sanderson, Melissa Maynard de Kerch and me; Jeff Corney and Henrique de Kerch; Susan Ellefson and her husband, Brian; Sally and Kerry Shorr with Lynne Bredfeldt; Tracy Tarantino. For more photos from this event, click here.
I hope all of your favorite stars won awards and I'm glad you checked back in with Candid Candace! Check out another "ahhhhh" moment by clicking onto this link.
Love, Candace :)
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