Candid Candace

NEIMAN'S MAKES AKRIS FIRST FASHION SHOW AT THE MODERN WING!

The U.S. premiere of the Akris Fall 2010 runway collection was shown Wednesday night at the Modern Wing. It was presented by Neiman Marcus and W Magazine and was the first fashion show to ever be held in the Modern Wing. As it turns out, the long corridor of Griffin Court seemed to have been designed with just such an event in mind. The setting was perfect and even Akris designer, Albert Kriemler, said if he hadn’t been a designer, he would’ve loved to have been an architect. Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue GM, Wendy Krimins (looking uber chic in a pale champagne leather Akris long jacket and pants), and Neiman’s Northbrook GM, Kristie Lytwynec, introduced the show and welcomed guests. The first segment to hit the runway was a caravan of camel with cropped jackets and expertly cut high-waisted pants. The entire collection was stunning and had something modern and chic for everyone from 20 to 70 and beyond. There were sleeveless leather dresses, outfits in beautiful shades of charcoal, burgundy and muted leopard, black tights will be back again, a puffy coat in a beautiful mustard color, military type jackets in olive, sparkly paillettes peeking out from unexpected places (a sleeve or a neckline), a beautiful jersey evening gown in chocolate and black, a feathered mustard tank with metallic leather jeans…oh the looks were amazing! The handbags were gorgeous too and came in a triangular shape as well as a puffy evening bag style. I loved every piece! The room was filled with over 300 fashionistas including Linda Johnson Rice, Robin Berger, Patricia Cox, Sheridan Road Magazine publisher John Conatser, Jocelyn Stoller, Amelia Silva, Chris Long, Helen Jaeger Roth, Ellen Sandor, Marcel Chevalier, Samantha Conrad, Maggie Baczkowski, Neiman’s PR Director Tina Koegel, Paula Brady, Virginia Bobins, Sherrill Bodine, Peggy Martay, Mary Ann Childers, Jesse Garza, Joe Lupo, Mark Gill, Marty Higgins, Chicago magazine fashion editor Stacey Jones,  Marilyn Vitale, Ava and Greg Vorwaller, Carol and Jim Tichy, Juanita Jordan, Jan and Brian Hieggelke, Jo Heindel, Marianne Strokirk and Liz Lefkofsky among many others. Check out more photos here! 
 
CS Magazine hosted a fun-filled party to celebrate their upcoming Men of Style 2010 at Barney’s. The fourth floor men’s department was packed with fun seekers to congratulate the lucky and handsome “Ten for ‘10” who will be featured. They include NBC’s Marcus Riley, Christopher Clinton Conway (Joffrey Ballet’s Executive Director), JC Steinbrunner (painter), Matt Woodburn and Matt Dufour (producers of “After Dark” event series at Art Institute), Drew Harris (Creative Director of The Trunk Club), Brian Spaly (Founder of The Trunk Club), Brandon Smith (co-founder of Bandit Productions), Luca Lanzetta (owner of Chicago Antonio Lupi and Ernestomeda) and Jesse Deckard (event designer at Botanicals). I am proud to say writer extraordinaire, Amalie Drury, is in her 8th year of writing this fun feature!!! As guests stepped off of the elevators, they were met with a large photo display of black and white 8-by-10 images hanging from clips at the top. Even Barney’s Creative Director, legendary Simon Doonan, was there! Michael Kors described Simon as “a modern Noel Coward with a dash of Auntie Mame thrown in” and The New York Times called him “a post feminist writer cloaked in the drag of a sly fashion insider.” Simon began his career with Barney’s as its creative director in 1986 and has since authored numerous books, has a column – “Simon Says” – in the NY Observer and even has a BBC series entitled “Beautiful People” (which is in its second season), based on his book “Nasty.” He married famed designer Jonathan Adler in 2008. When I first began looking for Simon at the party, I couldn’t find him. Someone suggested I “check the corners.” Apparently, success hasn’t changed the innate shyness of this talented guy: He couldn’t have been more gracious and I was thrilled to finally meet the genius behind all of Barney’s famous window displays. Seen in the glamorous crowd were NBC’s Deborah Brown, Ben Soldinger, Fabrice Calmels, Itika Oldwine, Justin Jacobson, Julia-Jacobs Sanford, Akira’s Creative Director Chris Ho, Scott Johnson, Dr. Sandy Greenberg, Christine Ott, Rita Thomas, Amalie Drury, Graham Kostic, Lonnie Rodriguez, Matt Woodburn, Roger Elion, Casey McMillan, Rachel Schwanz, Rich Foreside, Trevian Kutti and her darling son King, PR whiz Jill Katz and Barney’s stylist to the stars Q Scott, among many others.
 
First of all, when I get an invite from the dashing duo of Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo aka Visual Therapy, I drop everything and go! Add one of my favorite stores, J. Mendel, into the mix and I would be there in a blizzard. Fortunately, it was a lovely evening to preview J. Mendel’s and BoChic’s spring 2010 collections. BoChic is a stunning jewelry collection founded by handsome David Joseph that has appeared on the necks, arms and ears of the Hollywood elite including Angelina Jolie, Halle Barry, Hillary Swank, Sandra Bullock and Eva Mendes. The fun party also celebrated the latest book from Jesse and Joe, “Work It!” and work it, they certainly have! Visual Therapy was founded in 1995 and has developed into the gold standard for luxury lifestyle consulting. Jesse began his career at Ultimo where his mentor was legendary style maven Joan Weinstein. Joe was a banker with passion for fashion and it was destiny that these two friends would come together to create Visual Therapy. They are frequent contributors on Oprah, have written several books and have been dubbed “The Closet Whisperers.” They are uber talented and their rise to success is based on their five-step approach to identifying and nurturing your individual style type. They have transformed men’s and women’s lives with an inspirational and educational program for wardrobe and self transformation. And best of all, they are two of the nicest (and cutest) guys you will ever meet! There are some familiar faces included in this helpful handbook including gorgeous Lynn McMahan and Amanda Puck. It wasn’t by accident that J. Mendel and these two style gurus should co-host the evening’s soiree. J. Mendel’s 2010 Spring collection has all of fashion-dom talking! It’s one of the prettiest I’ve seen in ages and I’m sure the pieces will be flying out of the store. Happy guests on this night included Manolis Alpogianis, Sia Drebos, famed makeup artist Darcy McGrath, Lisa Marie McComb (Visual Therapy’s fashion show whiz), handsome BoChic founder David Joseph and store manager Maggie Rei, among others. A percentage of the evening’s sales benefitted Deborah’s Place. Click here for more fab fotos! 
 
Laura Schwartz is one whirling dervish! If you haven’t heard of her, you should know her. She was 19 when she arrived at the White House in 1993 and with no political connections, she began by answering phones and ended up being Director of Events for the Clinton administration where she created and executed more than 1,000 White House events including 12 state arrival ceremonies and dinners, America’s Millenium celebration and NATO’s 50th anniversary. She is beautiful, smart and articulate and has been a TV commentator for the Fox News Channel, CNN, The CBS Early Show, BBC and Sir David Frost’s “Frost Over the World.” Laura is a frequent lecturer around the world (her next stop is Australia) where she presents her acclaimed lecture series, “The Networking Power of Social Events.” Her latest book, “Eat, Drink and Succeed” details all of her secrets and includes comments and advice from some people around town who you will recognize (Brenda Sexton’s segment is amazing!)! Congrats to Laura on all of her many successes! Where in the world will she go  
next??!!! And speaking of social networking, another friend, Kathy Corday, has written a very successful networking book of her own – a field guide, if you would – and a very handy pocket size to boot! It’s entitled “The Networking Field Guide,” which has all of the important, easy-to-understand information (and bullet points if you’re in a pinch and need info fast)! Her info is precise, essential and to-the-point from someone who’s been there and done that…great work girlfriends!!!

Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Candid Candace. What I’ve come to realize writing this blog is that there are sooooo many worthy charitable organizations around town that could use our help. From the very biggest to the very smallest, there is a place somewhere that you/we can fit in. It doesn’t need to be a monetary donation: Many need hands-on volunteers. It will all make a difference. I know the economy isn’t perfect so if you can, adopt a charity to call your own. It will make you feel good and it will make a positive impact in Chicago and beyond. Remember, what goes around comes around… :)
 
Love,
Candace :)
[email protected]
 
P.S. The latest Chicago Now Tweet-Up recently met up at Rockit for their monthly meet-and-greet. Jeff Hayzlett, Eastman Kodak’s Chief Marketing Officer, had just flown in from Tel Aviv to give a lecture on social media the following morning and social media strategist and expert Muhammad Saleem made his first appearance as well to the delight of all of the bloggers! Chicago Now has over 300 blogs and I am proud to say my blog was one of the first along with Julie DiCaro’s – a great sports blog called “A League of Her Own.” Check it out—there is something for EVERYONE!

THE PALMER HOUSE HOSTS BLOG PARTY FOR CANDID CANDACE

Last week, Chicago magazine, the Palmer House and my friend Cindy Burns hosted a party to celebrate my March Chicago magazine article, “Belle of the Blog.” It was such an honor and I had so many wonderful friends there to celebrate with! Chicago magazine had blown up the double-page spread that opened the article as well as the magazine cover and they were displayed on the way to the party in Lockwood Restaurant. One hundred fifty friends came and witnessed first hand the chic glamour that has been restored to the Palmer House and the food served in Lockwood had everyone oohing and aahing, especially the macaroni and cheese puffs (Thank you, Dennis Chaffee!!). Hosts Rich Gamble (publisher of Chicago magazine) and David Brandt (catering director of the Palmer House), helped supply the goody bags that included the March issue, a famous Palmer House brownie (plus the recipe!), gift certificates, discounted room rate coupons and a thank you gift from me. They even created wrist bands that had my two web sites engraved on it, www.ChicagoNow.com/CandidCandace and www.CandidCandace.com. My friends Judge Mary Pat Burns, Cindy Burns, Jean Antoniou, Hazel Barr, Sharyl Mackey, Sheryl Dyer and Dr. Stacie McClane toasted me with champagne and an awesome gift from Louis Vuitton in Potter’s before the event began…it was an evening I’ll never forget. Friends who came included Chicago Now boss Bill Adee and Editorial Director Tracy Schmidt, Charles and Susan Ifergan, Les Coney, Dori Wilson, Chicago mag’s Megan Lovejoy, Jerry Kleiner and Marisa Molinaro, Mike and Sharyl Mackey, Ken Norgan, Diana Palomar, Jannie Pearlman and Jacqui Monieson, Jeanne and John Lafayette, Barbara Levy Kipper, Marci and Ron Holzer, Chris Long, Carrie and Harry Hightman, Gale Gottlieb, Donna Kleinman, Diane Edelman, Donna Grant, Myra and John Reilly, NBC’s Marcus Riley, Laura and Martha Wallace, Shannon and John Waterfield,  Amy Wimer and Ed Wlodarczyk, Kate and Leslie Zentner, Shirley Baugher, Scott Bobek, Lynne Bredfeldt, Sharon Casey, Chicago magazine article photographer Erika Dufour and makeup artist Sharon Casey, Nadine Epstein, Rich Foreside, Trevian Kutti, Simona Garcia, Sherrill Bodine, Margie Habermann, Dana Hokin, Cynthia Holbrook, Greg Hyder, Quenten Schumacher, Warren Barr, Ed Howlett, Tom Leibig, Diane Gonzalez, James Roche, Rhonda Sanderson, Samantha Amato, Connie and Katherine Saville, Rich Varnes, Marc Brooks, Kay and John Volk, Cheryl and Barry Bollinger, Sugar Rautbord, Victory Garden Theater’s Jan Kallish, Diane Edelman, Tyler Curtis, Chilli Pepper and CS’s Samantha Saifer among many others. I am so grateful for my wonderful, big hearted friends… Continue the celebration with more pics here!
 
The Baton Show Lounge at 436 N. Clark celebrated their 41st anniversary this week and presented a show that had the packed house on their feet for every number! Standouts were Sasha Colby and Chilli Pepper, although every "girl" gave it their all. International glamour girl Mimi Marks brought the house down with a provocative outfit that only she could wear and proved yet again that the title of "World's Most Beautiful Transsexual" that she won in 2004 will be hers forever. The room was decorated from top to bottom by long time Baton staffer, Tim Gideon, who also helped with the new photos of the showgirls in the lobby. The appreciative crowd stood in line to tip the girls for every performance to show their support. Some of the "ladies" like Maya Douglas and Sheri Payne design and produce every aspect of their elaborate wardrobes including their jewelry. Longtime emcee and performer Ginger Grant introduced owner Jim Flint who gave a wonderful speech and admitted that he couldn't believe himself how long the Baton has been around. All of his friends were in the crowd including Cubs AND White Sox friends (it takes a rare man to have both…although I did note on this evening that his Cubs friends had better seats!). Jim also said that "compared to the old days when you took your life in your hands coming to this neighborhood, now it's the hottest area on the North Side with all of the new clubs on Hubbard Street." I've been coming to the Baton for over 30 years (it’s one of the first places I brought Chuck before we were married) and everyone here is like family to me…but then I noticed how extended that family is. Everyone who walks in the door is treated like a member…that's part of the charm and allure of the Baton Show Lounge! Long may they reign! (Check out the pics by Tyler Curtis of Dark Room Demons. My trusty little camera died on this night so the terrible photos are mine, just so you know…) View more fantastic fotos here!
 
We recently attended Thodos Dance Chicago's "All That Jazz" Spring Benefit at the Chicago History Museum. This contemporary company was founded 18 years ago by choreographer Melissa Thodos who also serves as its artistic director. The appreciative crowd enjoyed a fun-packed evening of cabaret co-chaired by Liz Sharp and Sophie Bross. Starting off the program were the talented young members of the Menomonee Club/Thodos Dance Chicago Youth Ensemble who performed "Won't You Charleston With Me?" They included Mia Goldberg, Marisa Lenga, Amanda Mendendorp, Ilona Neale, Madison Newell and Lamiya Tanovic. Their enthusiasm and charm were contagious and the guests adored them. The featured segment of the evening started off with a video of Tony Award-winning Broadway and film veteran Ann Reinking talking about native Chicagoan Bob Fosse before introducing the "Fosse Trilogy" which she had set for Thodos. When the dancers took to the stage, you could've heard a pin drop. The familiar Fosse style and music filled the room as "Cool Hand Luke" was performed followed by "Tijuana Shuffle" and "Mexican Breakfast." The company seemed like they were hand picked by Fosse himself they were so perfect! Afterwards, the extensive silent auction continued and guests were invited to dance with the Thodos stars. The delicious catering by Food for Thought and the "Fosse Fizzes" had the crowd fueled for fun! Congrats on a wonderful evening! It's good to know dance is alive and well in Chicago! (Additional pics by Steve Starr...click here for more!)
 
Bill Zwecker, Chicago’s go-to-guy for entertainment news and stories of the rich and famous, is being honored by the Apparel Industry Board Foundation at the Casino, located at 195 E. Delaware Pl., on Tuesday, May 4th. Bill’s accolades read like an encyclopedia and I am thrilled the AIF and the Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship fund will be the beneficiaries for this sure-to-be-packed-to-the-rafters evening. The roaster/toasters for the event will include John Barron, Christie Hefner, Leslie Hindman, Terry Savage, Maureen Smith and Dori Wilson. I am proud to be on the host committee and can’t wait to support this man who has done so much for Chicago. Congrats Bill and I’ll see you on the 4th! For more information and to purchase tickets for $200, please call 312-836-1041.
 
Save your grocery shopping until Thursday, March 25th because Swedish Covenant Hospital is partnering with Whole Foods Market Sauganash and A Silver Lining Foundation for their “Buy a Mom a Mammogram” program! Five percent of the day’s net sales will go towards helping provide free mammograms to uninsured women. A Silver Lining will also host “Cabaret for a Cause” at the Redhead Piano Bar at 16 W. Ontario on Wednesday, May 12th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Entertainer a la Sinatra Ron Hawking will be performing and tickets are $45. One hundred percent of the ticket price supports ASLF’s “Buy a Mom a Mammogram” program as well so mark your calendars! For more info, please visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org.
 
The DuPage Children’s Museum will be hosting their annual “Champions for Children Benefit Ball” on Saturday, April 17th, at Hotel Arista located in the Calamos City Gate Centre in Naperville. The DuPage Children’s Museum is one of the top three early childhood museums in the nation. It serves over 60 counties in Illinois, has 300,000 visitors from all 50 states annually and partners with 55 social service agencies. The museum encourages children from birth to 10 years old to explore, learn and solve problems with caring adults. I wish something like this had existed when I was young! Please check out their web site for tickets and more info and see for yourself the wonderful things they do for our communities.
 
I want to send out HUGE congratulations to my accomplished friend Kate Bensen: She has just been named Executive Director of the Chicago Network, the city’s preeminent organization of the most distinguished professional women. Today, its more than 400 members are the leading women of Chicago’s business, professional, cultural, nonprofit and educational communities. Go Kate GO!!! :) (Her list of achievements and professional organizations would take at least four blogs to write about!)
 
I want to thank Sally and Kerry Shorr for my wonderful profile they did on their terrific blog, Luxe File Chicago. Kerry has recently been named Director of Communications and Marketing for the Illinois Restaurant Association and her twin sister, Sally, is doing freelance work for TCW Magazine (if you know of any hot summer singles parties, please e-mail me so I can let her know!). Boy, there must be something in the water around here with all of these success stories! :)

I can’t wait until Wednesday, March 24th, when Neiman Marcus will present the US premiere of the Akris Fall 2010 Collection with a fashion show at Griffin Court in the Art Institute’s Modern Wing. This will be the very FIRST formal fashion show held here! The collection premiered in Paris on March 7th and then will make its debut along with designer, Albert Kreimler, in Chicago on Wednesday. Pics to follow! 

As you can see, we sure have a lot going on in our beautiful city! I hope to see you at one of these fun parties soon!! Enjoy the week and we’ll “talk” soon!
 
Love,
Candace :)
[email protected]
 
P.S. I hope you can tune into Jon Wool’s Finesse Cuisine Hour on Thursday, March 25th, when he will be interviewing John Terlato of Terlato Wines International and yours truly from 11 a.m. until noon. The call in number is 347-539-5372 and you can listen in live here.

THERE’S NO OSCAR PARTY LIKE THE CENTER ON HALSTED’S!

The Center on Halsted’s annual Oscar Party was held at the Fairmont Hotel for the first time this year. Over 300 people packed the International Ballroom for food, fashion and fun and to applaud and cheer on their favorite Oscar nominees. Event co-chairs were Judi Gorman, Wayne Harth and Greg Hyder and as they and the glam partygoers entered the Ballroom, they were greeted by “Living Red Carpet Ladies” dressed in red feathered headdresses and matching red ball gowns that were actually attached to each end of the carpet! With its luscious red carpeting and gold and crystal chandeliers, the Ballroom was the perfect setting for the 2010 Oscar Ball. The event itself was televised on huge screens on either side of the stage which was flanked with oversized Oscar statues. There were also multiple screens throughout the room. MC Miss Foozie entertained the film lovers for the evening. The raffle tickets were sold by adorable and handsome local firemen including Sam Holloway and John Algas and the prizes included jewelry from David Yurman as well as tickets to the musical “Billy Elliot” presented by five colorful members of the cast. Guests – including Craig Hogan, Amy Wimer, Deborah Dickinson, Jon Tri Algas, Kristen Kara, David Hackett, Jim Smith, Jean and Andy Antoniou, Elizabeth Weldon, James Karagianes, Paul Ropski, Franco La Marca, Bonnie Schultz, John Regas, Sheryl Dyer, John Walcher, Brooke Skinner, David Brandt, Heinz Kern, Mary Ann Rose, Tom Sinkovic, Tiffani Kim and Brad Griffith – dined on delicious dim sum, noodles, flank steak, Mediterranean delights, pastas and desserts and raised $50,000 for the Center on Halsted’s outreach efforts on behalf of the gay and lesbian communities. (Check out more photos here…thanks, Steve Starr!)
 
The 17th Annual Women of Achievement Awards dinner was recently also held at the Fairmont. They were expecting 500 people but 900 people showed up to celebrate the lives of five amazing women. Honorees included Ilene Gordon (Chairman and CEO of Corn Products Intl.), Susan Levy (managing partner of Jenner & Block), Michele Coleman Mayes (Sr. VP, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer for Allstate Insurance Co.) and Sheila Talton (VP for Cisco). I was there on this night, however, to honor my friend Barbara Levy Kipper for being the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. As Chairman of the Board of the Chas Levy Company, she oversees a $700 million corporation that distributes books to mass merchants and specialty accounts. She has received many awards over the years but said that in the last few months, with her dear husband David’s illness, she has come to realize her blessings are her legion of friends and her family. We are so proud of you, Barbara!
 
Old Town’s Triangle Center recently served as the venue for Shirley Baugher’s production of “The Teahouse of the August Moon.” It was a neighborhood affair and a real delight! Shirley commandeered her husband, Norman, to do the lighting and I was responsible for the geisha makeup on a number of giggling and adorable six year olds. The actors were all from the neighborhood and even the “goat” was portrayed by neighbor Michael Warnick’s dog Molly—to perfection I might add! The room was packed and the reading went off without a hitch. The cast included John Blick (Sakini), Charley Jordan (Colonel Purdy), Christopher Cordon (Captain Fisby), Amy Ewaldt (Miss Higa Jiga), Riley Loop (Sergeant Gregovich), Chloe Loop (Lotus Blossom), Alex Shibicky (Mr. Sumata), Roc Roney, Philip Wasik and Michael Warnick. The children of Tobiki village were portrayed by Sophia Boehm, Shelby and Jamieson Katz. The cast party was at Perrenial and even the owners showed up to pay homage to Shirley…it was a night to remember! I love Old Town and can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!!! See more photos from this fantastic evening here.
 
Okay, don’t laugh but I am writing a play. I was approached by Dennis Zacek, the Artistic Director for Victory Gardens Theater, to participate in their 20th annual “Chicago Stories” fundraiser on Friday, April 16th. Each year, they ask three “celebrity (their word, NOT mine!) playwrights” to write a one-act play that will be performed at the Fairmont Hotel. My co-authors include Peter Sagal, who is the host of NPR and WBEZ’s “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me,” one of the most popular shows on public radio. Peter also was the recipient of a Peabody Award for broadcasting. (Yikes!  Am I in trouble or what??!!) And, as if this wasn’t bad enough, the third author is Bernie Sahlins, co-founder, producer and director of Second City!!! He has also directed numerous productions for Steppenwolf and Chicago Shakespeare Theater…what was I thinking??!!! Anyway, my little play is called “A Facebook Fairytale” and it’s a story about a romance in the world of social media. (My son Charley Jordan will have a part making the night a family affair for me.) Past participants in “Chicago Stories” include Roger Ebert, Sam Zell, Stedman Graham, Leslie Hindman, Bob Greene, Bill Zwecker, William Petersen, Rick Kogan, Les Coney, Bill Kurtis, Sugar Rautbord, Stanley Paul, John Mahoney, Bill Rancic, Rick Telander, Susan Pritzker, Stanley Tigerman, Father Andrew Greeley, Mike Royko, Rick Bayless and Aiden Quinn among others. To celebrate the naming of the Richard Christiansen Theater at Victory Gardens on March 1st, Mr. Christiansen will serve as the evening’s Celebrity Theater Critic. For tickets and more info, please call 773-328-2146 or e-mail Kaye Oberhausen at [email protected].
 
Southport Avenue’s Second Annual “Hop Around the Shops” event is taking place on Sunday, March 28th, from noon to 4 p.m. This fun-filled free family day is a unique community event that provides discounts and freebies to shoppers hidden in over 2,500 plastic Easter eggs throughout the neighborhood’s 40 participating businesses in Lakeview between Belmont and Irving Park. The best part is that along the way, participants will get to meet – and hopefully adopt – the adorable homeless doggies from the Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation. CCRF was founded in 2001 to help find permanent, loving homes for homeless dogs and cats – the most vulnerable pets who are slated for euthanasia because they’re too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities or simply have been overlooked for too long. I hope you can join in the fun and fulfill a homeless pet’s dream at the same time. For more information, please contact Candace Canty at 312-371-7827 or visit www.chicagocaninerescue.org .
 
Well, hopefully the warmer weather means spring is just around the corner and we all know what that means: We will be searching for the hottest summer gear and Carol Dahl can tell us just where to find it! While vacationing in South America last year, she came across a little resort town called Buzios just outside of Rio and in a quaint little shop were flip flops adorned with colorful beads. With a background in retail, she felt this idea could be improved upon. Soon she and her partner Monique Friedman found a talented woman to embellish the sandals to their satisfaction with one-of-a-kind crystals and unique designs. Lately, “Flops that Rock” have been seen on Jamie Gertz, Oprah and Chicago’s own Karyn Calabrese. Check out their newly launched web site and I’ll see you at the beach! Take a look at these other chic styles here!
 
Where do the big stars go AFTER the Oscars??!! Well, it seems that Dani Janssen’s apartment in Century City is still THE place to go! Dani is the vivacious widow of handsome actor David Janssen, who was best known for “The Fugitive” TV series. This year, according to my sources, Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Oprah, Barbra Streisand and Mariah Carey attended. All of Dani’s dishes are homemade comfort food and the Oscar crowd can’t wait to get there. I hear Whoopie Goldberg goes crazy over her monkey bread. My beautiful girlfriend, Tissy Eggleston – a huge Dani fan and friend – tells me she creates magic every year.

I want to thank Chicago Now radio and new host Alex Quigley for having me on the show Saturday morning! Alex, as you may remember, was also a host on Q101. I wish him all the best and am glad I was his “first” (interview, that is…). :)  
 
I hope you all survived St. Patrick’s Day weekend and that you have a wonderful week! See you next time!
 
Love,
Candace
[email protected]
 
P.S. Good luck and welcome to Cellular Intelligence at 100 E. Walton! According to friends Greg Hyder and Jean Antoniou, this is THE place to go for facials and skin care! They swear by Dr. Vesna Skull and her partner, Dara Levy. I haven’t tried it yet but the office space is the bee’s knees and the staff seemed very informed and friendly…can’t wait!