Candid Candace

THE PENINSULA HOTELS AS SEEN BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

The invitation was sleek, elegant and in black and white just like her photographs—even the stamp had one of her photos taken for this occasion. “Portraits of the Peninsula” was an exclusive party

celebrating these remarkable photographs taken by Annie Leibovitz for the Peninsula Hotels featuring the stars of their line in Chicago and Tokyo. With these photos, Leibovitz departs from her tradition of celebrity portraiture to focus on the people and personalities behind the Peninsula brand. While not famous, the faces of Peninsula pageboys, housekeepers and bellmen are just as compelling as those of celebrities

when seen through her lens. This was the second collection of images by Leibovitz—the first photos were taken in Hong Kong and New York. She was given free rein to roam the hotels, in public spaces and back-of-house areas, shooting wherever she wished and choosing whichever scenes or staff

members that she believed best represented the heart and soul of the hotels. Peter Borer, the Peninsula Hotels’ chief operating officer said, “Portraits of the Peninsula” is a dramatic departure from traditional hotel advertising; there are no models or staged images in these photos, and the only celebrity is the one behind the camera.” In one endearing shot,

The Peninsula Chicago’s doorman welcomes a young guest to the hotel, while in another the hotel’s chefs stand in an organic city farm with Chicago’s dramatic skyline in the background, and the reservations team is poised to welcome guests’ calls in a third.

Peninsula Chicago GM Maria Zec and catering director Greg Hyder were also included in this select group of people who were chosen by Leibovitz for the shoot. This very exclusive party was held in the Peninsula Suite (1808). I had never been there before but it was an experience I won’t soon forget. The

Pen Suite, as it is called, is 3,465 square feet with a wrap-around outdoor terrace and Jacuzzi overlooking Lake Michigan. (It didn’t hurt that it was a perfect evening with a sunset that made you weep.) And when I say terrace, I mean it was HUGE! There were waiters and serving stations surrounding its

perimeter as well as a full bar. The food was the best around with selections that included Japanese Wagyu beef with white truffle brulee, snow crab dim sum, BBQ beef short ribs, exquisite foie gras, mille-feuille

caviar deviled quail eggs, scallop and truffle tarts and so much more. The new French pastry chef, Celine Plano, stole the show with her already famous peanut butter and jelly macaroons! The Sirens played while lucky guests enjoyed the show including Victor Skrebneski, Rich Gamble (the new publisher

of Chicago magazine), Dan Uslan, Christie Hefner, Billy Marovitz, Michael Leppen, Yvette Cusack, Sheryl Dyer, Amy Tara Koch,

Mary and Jim Lasky, Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Arredia, Eric and Jen Ferguson, Hazel and Warren Barr, Sherrill Bodine, Helen Melchior, Paul Iacono, John Regas, Amy Wimer and Jim Wlodarczyk, Jim Smith, Carol Carroll, Karen Maisa, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern. Click here to check out more of Annie's amazing photos and here for more pictures from this wonderful event.  

Common Threads' new associate board hosted its first annual World Cookout – at Fulton’s on the River last week. Again, it was another one of those perfect evenings in Chicago and the crowd turned out in force to support it. Many chefs were there showing off their

culinary skills including Stephanie Izard (winner of Top Chef Season 4), Rodelio Abilgot (Sunda), Giuseppe Tentori (Boka), Rick Gresh (David Burke’s Primehouse), Suzanne Imaz and Martial Noguier (Café des

Architectes), Paul Virant (Vie), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Bill Kim (Urban Belly), Gale Gand (Tru) and Ray Villalobos (Table 52) and others. There was a VIP Tasting with Café Spiaggia's chef di cucina Sarah Grueneberg. The

after-party continued at Jake Melnick’s. Almost $30,000 was raised to support the Common Threads’ after-school cooking programs for low-income kids. Seen on the scene were Rich Varnes, Ken Norgan, Linda O’Keefe (Executive Director for Common Threads) and her handsome hubby Nick and Amanda Puck (who led the charge for this event) among others. Click here for more photos!  
 

My favorite artist, Francine Turk, recently held a preview party hosted by Chicago Art Source and Gallery. Her works are highly desirable to many collectors and the who’s who among the designer set—Nate Berkus just mentioned in his

Tribune article this past weekend that he had loaned one of his Turk pieces to his brother for his new apartment. Her artwork also appeared in the movie “The Break-Up” starring Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. The event was catered by the Elysian Hotel

(who is also a big fan of Francine’s with many of her pieces appearing in the hotel). This exhibit, entitled “Body Language,” will run through October 31st and is inspired by

her recent travels to France and the home of Marcel Proust. She uses varying mediums that include oil, pastels, charcoal and mixed media and this recent collection previewed her latest pieces. It is a show not

to be missed! Francine will travel back to Paris to continue this body of work that is proving to be a successful departure from her work of the last five years. We

wish her the very best and can’t wait to see what exciting images her next trip brings! For more info, stop by the Chicago Art Source and Gallery at 1871 N. Clybourn or visit their web site. For more photos, click here!
 

A Silver Lining Foundation will host its annual black-tie gala on Saturday, October 3rd, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick place (2233 S. Martin L. King Dr.). A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF) provides breast cancer resources, quality of life services and no-cost mammograms to uninsured patients. This year’s event will

feature singer Nan Mason, an eye-popping live auction and unique silent auction. Tickets are available for purchase at www.asilverliningfoundation.org for $300 per person or $3,000 per table. The evening will feature dinner and dancing to the music of Rhythm City. I know we all know someone touched by breast cancer so I hope you and your friends will be able to support this worthy cause that provides these much needed services. Call 312-345-1322 to learn more about this wonderful organization.
 
And now be prepared for next week’s Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails coverage because I am still recovering from the PARTY OF THE YEAR! You will see what I mean when you see the photos! Thanks to all of you who supported this event and I hope you had as much fun as I did!
 
I am sorry this week’s Candid Candace is coming out a little late. My mother-in-law fell recently and broke her hip—she is 88—but the good news is that she only needed pins and is already up and walking. Thanks so much for all of your prayers and good thoughts…they worked! See you soon and thanks again for checking in!
 
Love,
Candace :)

P.S. Check out what my friend Billy Dec is up to with our Olympic bid!

CELEBS AND FASHION RULE IN BRYANT PARK!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NY was sooooo incredibly exciting! It seemed like everyone in the world was there! We were invited to preview Pamella Roland’s Spring 2010

Collection in Bryant Park and my new friend, NY Housewife, Alex McCord, also invited us to attend Walter Baker’s show at Style 360. He is a dear friend of hers and we were in the front row with lots of paparazzi! It was a blast! Even Chuck had a great time! Walter’s fashions were chic, youthful and oh-so

stylish! The first model on the runway was Somalian supermodel Ubah Hassan. She also appeared in the Oscar de la Renta show and was featured in the first all-black issue of Italian Vogue shot by Steven Meisel. She

was one of the best looking (and sweetest) models we saw all week! For the finale, all of the models came out blowing bubbles out of Swarovski crystal-encrusted bottles. It was adorable!

From the Walter Baker show, we went to Bryant Park to wait for the Pamella Roland show to begin at 1 p.m. While we waited, we saw Carine Roitfeld (editor-in-chief of French Vogue) and Ken Downing (Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus) along with LOTS of very well-dressed fashionistas and zillions of photogs rushing through the tents including

Patrick Cunningham of the New York Time’s weekly “On the Street” pictorial. These shows are everything you’ve heard about and more and I was so thrilled to be there! The hottest looks I saw were strappy booties and platform shoes without heels!

How can they even walk on their toes like this?! I’ll never know! As we lined up for Pamella’s show, there were throngs of people going to the line marked “Standing Room Only.” We felt very grateful to

have our tickets in hand. We had to wait while the photographers all got their pre-event photos and then we were allowed in. I’ve never seen so much press in my life! It was surreal…everywhere you looked, there were celebrities! Lisa Rinna was there in a

hot, short red dress with a great haircut. Nicky Hilton was there but didn’t want to sit next to anyone who wasn’t famous so there was a bit of juggling in the front row until Abby Manning (Eli Manning’s wife) agreed to sit next to her. Nigel Barker, famous judge/photographer on "America’s Next Top Model," was there looking very handsome and very TALL! We also saw J.

Alexander who is the quirky runway coach on "America’s Next Top Model." I was also told that Toni Braxton, Amanda Bynes and Paris Hilton were there (I didn’t see them)

and that Courtney Love showed up for the Narciso Rodriguez show in a very sorry state. And it seems like everywhere I go, I run into one or more of the NY Housewives! (Maybe this is a good omen for me!) Seated across from us were Bethany Frankel, the

Countess (LuAnn de Lesseps) and Kelly Bensimon. The first thing I noticed was how tallllllll they all were too! (As you can see from the photo, I look like I’m standing in a hole next to them….) Then the lights went

out and Pamella’s show began. I have four words for the fashions shown: I WANT THEM ALL!! It seemed like every look brought the crowd to their feet—it was beyond thrilling! From daytime to evening, there was some sense of drama in every outfit…very, very chic and very wearable at the same time with luscious colors and florals inspired by the paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe. There were beaded gowns, chiffons, metallics and pale tweeds—

all simply chic and elegant. At the end of the show Pamella brought her darling children, Cassandra, Sydney and Cole De Vos, up on stage for the runway walk…it was magic time! (Cassandra and Sydney appear in all of her ads that are out now looking

very high fashion and gorgeous). Later that evening, we were all invited to the after-party on Pamella’s family yacht, the Seaquest. This ship – and I do mean SHIP – is 164 feet long with three decks. For this evening, her fashion show was being projected onto the stern of the boat. It was so cool and such an unexpected touch. The party was small and intimate and we felt privileged to have been invited. Chuck and I went to NY with Helen Melchior and

the Executive Director of the Joffrey Ballet, Christopher Clinton Conway and we had such a great time. This after-party really capped off a whirlwind of activities. Pamella

and her family couldn’t have been more gracious and I am so happy to see a woman who is not only successful and talented but so down to earth as well. I am thrilled she will be the main feature for our Couture & Cocktails

event for the Joffrey this Friday evening at the Palmer House. Pamella and Neiman Marcus will be bringing this same show to Chicago that we saw in NY for Fashion Week and it is not to be missed! If you haven’t bought a ticket yet, there is still time! Tickets start at

$250 and include the fashion show, live and silent auctions, after- party with world famous DJ Donna D’Cruz (who just played at

Diddy’s party in St. Tropez) and LOTS of fun food! The VIP ticket is $500 and includes the celeb-filled pre-party in Lockwood starting at 6:30 p.m. Giuliana and Bill Rancic will be there along with many other surprise guests. Call 312-386-8921 for tickets or you can buy them at the door. I hope to see you all there!!!
 

The rest of the week in NY wasn’t too shabby either! We went to the Waverly Inn for dinner (Graydon Carter’s charming West

Village restaurant) and Elle MacPherson was there (again VERY tall with LOTS of hair!) and at Cipriani Downtown, LeBron James (the massive forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers) was there. His bodyguard was a pitbull so I wasn’t able to bring back a pic of him. Let’s just say, next to Shaq, he’s the biggest man I’ve ever seen.  
 

We were also lucky enough to catch Maria Pinto’s dramatic installation at Banchet in the Meat Packing District. As we pulled up, the entire building was bathed in a deep purple glow

with people milling about inside and out. There were lots of press and Katie Couric had just given Maria a great plug on CBS so everyone was very happy! Adding even more drama to her already gorgeous clothes were Charles Lord,

her longtime hair stylist, along with Riccardo Santiago, Nikia Smith, Nelson Serrano and Eneida Bailey (Gayle King’s hairstylist) who did the hair so dramatically and creative it made you gasp! Maria’s sponsors on the invite included Aandrea Carter, Kath Carter, Les Coney (who was there with his handsome buddy Marc

Brooks), Pam Crutchfield, Barbara Franke, Barbara Levy Kipper, Rose Lizarraga, Noelle Nikpour, Julie and Randy Richardson, Gail Waller and Tim Schwertfeger and Susan and Robert Wislow. I was so happy to see Maria showing in NY! Congrats and good luck Maria!! The designs were gorgeous and Lisa Marie McComb, her stylist, looked as chic as the models! Guests in attendance from Chicago included Les Coney, Donna Thompson, Stacey Jones and Emmanuel Nony. For more photos from this amazing trip, click here!
 

On Thursday, September 24th, come celebrate Blogapalooza from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the 900 Shops and presented by Chicago Now. There will be complimentary spirits, food and wine and you will get a chance to meet the Chicago Now bloggers stationed throughout 900 N. Michigan’s

selected retailers and restaurants. There will be how-to advice, a DJ, food samples, special values and raffle prizes. I will be at Montblanc and would love to meet all of the Chicago Now fans!! Ashley Bond of “Body by Bond” and David Wallach of “Pace of Chicago” will be giving tips on working

out and staying healthy at Equinox and Matt Lo Cascio of “Jay Cutler Superstar” and Julie DiCaro of “A League of Her Own” will meet, greet and talk Chicago sports with special treats for guests. For more info and to check out all of the bloggers who will be there, click here. As you can see, there will be something for everyone!

What a time we had in the city that never sleeps! I hope you all felt like you were there with me! Stay tuned for next week's Candid Candace when I take you to an exclusive VIP party in

the Peninsula Suite celebrating the genius of Annie Leibovitz, Francine Turk's one-woman show, Common Threads' recent fun-filled party, opening night of "Zero" at the Victory Gardens, CS's 15-year anniversary party, Chicago Now's Blogapalooza AND Couture & Cocktails coverage. Whew...I'm tired already!

Thanks for tuning in!

Love,

Candace :) 

(If you would like to contact me or be added to my blog alert list, please e-mail me at c[email protected].)

30TH MISS CONTINENTAL PAGEANT WOWS PARK WEST CROWD!

The Miss Continental Pageant finals are always held on Labor Day night. This year’s show, owner Jim Flint’s 30th, was the best one we’ve attended so far at Park West. Everyone was dressed to the nines and all fans had placards and noisemakers ready to cheer their favorites on. It really is the best show around. For $75, you get at least 10 production numbers that are like mini-Broadway shows with the elaborate costuming and choreography. The Continental Pageantry system was started in 1980 to provide an avenue for professional female impersonators to compete for a national title. The opening number was a wonderful medley of the top Broadway hits from Cats, The Wiz, 9 to 5, La Cage aux Folles and many, many more. The closing number of this segment was performed by the legendary, Chili Pepper (who was also the very first winner of the Miss Continental title in 1980), “singing” a song from Sunset Boulevard as Norma Desmond. Clad all in white and acting her little heart out, she was clearly the crowd favorite! There were 30 contestants from all over the country who started out in the semi-finals at the Baton Show Lounge on Sunday night. By the finals on Monday, there were 13 and then the final five who each performed amazing talent segments and appeared in swimsuits and evening gowns for the judging. My friend, Nadine Epstein, has been a judge for 25 years and I know how hard it must’ve been to choose a winner since they were all terrific! Other judges included Jim DeMundo, Skip Mackall, Brian Reams, Howard Meyer, Tommie Ross (a former Continental winner), Antonio Edwards, Denis Sabol, Robert Hamm and Fred Asbell. During the opening greeting, Jim Flint mentioned that they had received a long-distance call from a soldier serving in Afghanistan for tickets – she was home on leave – and he introduced her from the stage to a standing ovation. Erica Dunlap, Miss America 2004, was there enjoying the show as well as 16 former Miss Continental Pageant winners. Approximately 1100 excited fans and friends watched as Armani (Miss Continental Florida) was named the winner (she performed a mean Michael Jackson number for her talent segment). First runner-up was Mokha Montrese (Miss Canada Continental) who performed Swan Lake, and second runner-up was Naysha Lopez (Miss Virginia Icon Continental) who performed a space-age production number. The other two finalists were Aurora Sexton from Chicago and Kim Moore from Puerto Rico. We’ve been to lots of Continental Pageants and were so thrilled to see how far the show has come. We thoroughly enjoyed it and want to congratulate Jim Flint on his dedication to the community and for creating this exciting and unique show! See you all NEXT Labor Day! Photos from top right: finalist Aurora Sexton, winner Armani, first runner-up Mokha Montrese, second runner-up Naysha Lopez and finalist Kim Moore; Sunny Dee-Lite's production number; winner Armani as Michael Jackson; Sunny Dee-Lite's evening gown; with event founder Jim Flint; Cezanne, Mimi Marks and Monica Monroe; John Regas and Chili Pepper; Chuck, Chanel and David Brandt; retiring Miss Continental, Tulsi; Cats production number; judges Nadine Epstein, Skip Mackall and Tommie Ross; Chili Pepper as Norma Desmond; Tim Gideon and former Miss America Erica Dunlap; happy partygoers. For more photos from this event, click here!  
 
The Costume Council of the Chicago Historical Society hosted a reception at Neiman Marcus Thursday night to announce the FashioNext designers who will be competing to create a garment inspired by select pieces from its Costume Collection. This year’s focus will be inspired by an upcoming exhibition on weddings entitled “I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot!” opening May 22, 2010. The designers will each create a wedding gown constructed solely with fabric provided by Brentano, a Chicago-based interior design textile company. The 2009-2010 design contestants are James de Colon, Caroline Devillo, Elda De La Rosa, Anna Fong, Sam Kori George, Holly Greenhagen of Dame Couture, Jane and Saeed Hamidi, Kenneth Park and Carla Hwang and Katrin Schnabl. Several gowns were on display and although they were all gorgeous, a standout was James de Colon’s. It was haute couture and priced at $5,000. (A girl can dream……) Neiman’s chic GM, Wendy Krimins, welcomed the crowd and introduced Costume Council President Noren Ungaretti, who explained the contest and the purpose and encouraged everyone to come to the pre- party before the May opening. Then Timothy Long, the museum curator, spoke…..it was a lovely event with lots of familiar faces in the crowd including upcoming party co-chairs Laura Barnett Sawchyn and Heather Farley (with her handsome fiancé, Bruce Ingram), Tony Rossi, Toni Canada, Robin Berger, Connie, Katherine and Caitlin Saville, John Clese. Omar Miller, Joel Mangers, Alex Aubrey, Patti Kent, Peggy Snorpf, Andrea Reynders, last year’s winners, Roger Price and Tommy Walton (who are this year’s judges), Dan DiCeasar and many more. (BTW, the exhibition preview party will be on Friday, May 21st, so mark your calendars now! For more info and to follow the competition, please go to the Chicago History Museum's web site. Photos from top right: Joel Mangers, Omar Miller. Dan DiCeasar and Alex Aubry; Laura Barnett Sawchyn, Patti Kent, Susanna Johnson and Tony Rossi; designer James de Colon with his models; gorgeous James de Colon design; John Clese, Heather Farley and Bruce Ingram; Cliff Duske and Michael Spellmeyer; Roger Price, Andrea Reynders and Tommy Walton; Marcus Riley and Jessica Zweig; Wendy Krimins with Timothy Long and Noren Ungaretti; Katherine Saville, Peggy Snorpf and Connie Saville.  
 
The Chicago Gourmet event is right around the corner and I hope I’ll see you there! This is a must-attend since its purpose is to promote Chicago internationally as a world-class city and also the fabulous chefs who we are so lucky to have by the dozens! It takes place Saturday (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) September 26th and 27th in Millenium Park and is a celebration of the city’s finest in food and wine. Multiple chefs and restaurants will offer tastings of a variety of cuisines each day including on-stage demonstrations. Celebrity appearances include Ted Allen (of Top Chef and Chopped), Rick Bayless (Top Chef Masters winner and star of PBS’ “Mexico-One Plate at a Time”), Rahman “Rock” Harper (winner of Season 3 of Hell’s Kitchen). Stephanie Izard (winner of Season 4 Top Chef), Marcus Samuelsson (of Inner Chef, Urban Cuisine and Iron Chef America), Fabio Viviani (of Top Chef) and Art Smith (who we all know will be cooking for the Dalai Lama soon!). There will also be the ultimate wine experience with Grand Cru Tastings which will offer attendees tastings of the finest wines in the world as selected by their Master Sommeliers. (The Grand Cru is a separate ticketed event at $175 per person and requires a general admission ticket. Attendance is limited to 200 per day). General admission tickets are $150 per day (a two-day pass is also available for $250). This event was founded by my friend Sheila O’Grady from the Illinois Restaurant Association and I am so proud and happy for her and all of her IRA friends! I hope everyone will support this wonderful event for Chicago! For more info and tickets, please go to www.chicagogourmet.org. Photos from top right: Chicago Gourmet; last year's Chicago Gourmet; Chef Bartolotta and Chef Bayless; chef tasting at Chicago Gourmet; Mayor Daley with Chef Bayless; Top Chef Stephanie Izard serving the crowd; Chef Art Smith; Chef Marcus Samuelsson.  
 
The Gold Coast Neighbors (in its 52nd year) recently hosted its signature event, “Evening on Astor.” We were very lucky to be guests of Toni Canada, Heather Jane Johnston, Michelle Herman and Kimberly Gleeson who had one of the cutest tables there. The theme was orange right down to the colorful hors d’oeuvres and guests were instructed to wear “orange attire if you desire.” Needless to say, it made the task of finding their table pretty easy! Right next to the “Orange Table” was the Leslie Hindman table—staffed by her crack team with crystal stemware, lilies and sterling silver. The street from Schiller to Goethe was chock-a-block with familiar faces. Seen in the crowd were Katherine Chez and Judd Malkin, Shari and Jerry Michaels, Lynda and Howard Silverman, Mike Wilkie, Lori and Don Shroud, Justin Dedeaux, Gabrielle and Don Weisberg, Brian White, Dr. Steve Stryker, Richard Doermer, Lyndsay Canada, Elaine Yusa, Wesley Donohoe and Abigail Rutherford, Michelle Klarchek, Anda and Marc Elardo, John Vaile, Lauri Krakora, Lily Liu and Jimmy Florek among many others. This event for GCN not only brings neighbors and friends together but is also a major source of funds for the upcoming year’s activities and educational efforts. Photos from top right: with Kimberly Gleeson, Toni Canada and Heather Jane Johnston; Leslie Hindman; Katherine Chez and Judd Malkin; Heather Johnston and Richard Doermer; the "Orange Table" with flowers by Jonathan Ryan; Anda Smith-Elardo with Kimberly and Marc Elardo. For more photos from this event, click here! 

A VERY chic dinner party was hosted recently by Lydia Fisher Alouf to celebrate her Aquarian friends. It was called an “Aquarian Intermezzo” and her guests included Christina Ghilberti, Dana Capone, Laura Rosenkranz, Jeannette Cooper, Judy Kaplan, actress/producer/model Alex Meneses, Kelly Brown, Suzanne LeMignot and Diane Whiteley. Lydia is an expert cook and all of her dinner parties always include an array of unbelievable home-cooked dishes. I was so sorry to miss this party (even though I’m a Gemini I was still invited). Lydia’s culinary rainbow included sesame encrusted salmon with sweet and sour glaze, pine nut/red pepper/ginger orzo, Lithuanian beet salad, Lithuanian Napoleonas tortes and much, much more. I know everyone had a great time and we are all looking forward to Lydia’s upcoming book! (Love from Ausra—Lydia’s Lithuanian name for me.) Photos from top right: having fun with Lydia; can you say YUM?; hostess Lydia Fisher Alouf, Christina Ghilberti and Dana Capone; hostess Lydia Fisher Alouf. 
 
There was a wonderful party at Bebe on Oak Street this week called a “Salute to Rising Stars”…my friend, Lynne Bredfeldt, is a nominee and I have my fingers crossed that this much-deserved title will be going to her! The party was fun with lots of chic peeps and wonderful food by The Entertaining Company! Seen on the scene were Kevin Sullivan, Melissa Song, Lisa Ackerman, models Cecily Rodriguez, Elena Greenwell, Lina Pakrosnyte and Harold Zimmerman from Votre Vu. Good luck, Lynne! Photos from top right: Melissa Song, Kevin Sullivan and Lisa Ackerman; Lynne Bredfeldt; Cecily Rodriguez, Elena Greenwell and Lina Pakrosnyte.
 
My friend Harriet Ross had great news to report for the recent Dance for Life benefit! They raised over $300,000 with $175,000 going towards all of their good works! Kudos to Dance for Life!! Photo: Harriet Ross.
 
It’s not long now before THE JOFFREY BALLET’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS event on Friday, Sept, 25th at the Palmer House! We will have lots of surprises and celebrity guests PLUS an incredible Pamella Roland runway show! This is an awful lot of fun for just $250! Even if you have plans earlier in the evening, you can still come to the awesome after-party from 9 p.m. to midnight to dance with the dancers, listen to the world-class DJ, Donna D’Cruz, and see the fashion show projected on a super-size screen in the State Ballroom’s chic lounge area. Hope to see you all there! For tickets, please call Julia Jankowski at 312-386-8921. :) Photos from top right: a scene from last year's Couture & Cocktails; Pamella Roland with her daughter Sydney and Joffrey Director of Development Christopher Conway; having fun at last year's Couture & Cocktails. 

Hope you’re enjoying our wonderful weather now that summer has finally arrived! We will be going to New York this week for Fashion Week and to preview the Pamella Roland show firsthand. (Her runway show at Couture & Cocktails will be the first look-see outside of her Bryant Park show!) I will be bringing back lots of fun photos for the next Candid Candace so stay tuned! In the meantime, enjoy this little video that shows true friends come in unusual shapes, sizes and species! Please e-mail me with your comments at [email protected].
 
Love,
Candace :)

P.S. Thanks to Sun-Times reporter Celeste Busk for this wonderful article on our book collection! (Just click the image at right to read the article in its entirety.)