Thursday, August 12, 2010

Glamour is in the Air This Weekend . . .

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Runway shots from last week's "Glamorama" in Minneapolis. (Photo: Emily Utne)


Ready or not, fall is on its way, which means we'll be back in boots and winter coats before you know it.

At least we'll all look good sloshing around in the snow—if we take good notes at two major fashion events going down on Friday.

A ticket to Macy's Glamorama is a necessity for every Chicago fashionista.

This year's event includes a runway fashion show (designs by Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, Issey Miyake, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Sonia Rykiel), performance by offbeat soul star Macy Gray and after-party at Underground.

Immediately after the show, those with VIP tickets get to attend a very special bash at Macy's with an open bar, passed apps and heaving gift bags. Main event is held at Chicago Theater (175 N. State St.) at 8pm Friday. Get tickets here. $50-$285.

We're also excited about the fashionable fete happening at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Look out for cutting-edge ensembles on the runway from noted Spanish designer Custo-Barcelona, plus live music, an open bar, and delicious bites from Angelina Ristorante and Sapori Trattoria.

That's 6-10pm Friday, with limos whisking guests to the after-party at Crescendo until 4am (open bar until 11:30pm). Get tickets here. $40-$55.

Even more spots where the fashionable crowds will be strutting their stuff this weekend:

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The Elysian's glamorous gastropub Balsan is a good spot in the Gold Coast to grab drinks and a bite to eat. (Photo: The Elysian)


Balsan: Surrounded by high-end, Gold Coast boutiques Hermès, Intermix, Marc Jacobs and Prada, this glamorous gastropub is typically filled with post-shoppers winding down. And the best part is that after you've spent all that money, the prices here are what you'll find in more downscaled neighborhoods. Burgers, salads and flatbreads range $10-$15.

Bar DeVille: The clothing—and haircuts—are always fun to check out at this casual corner bar in Ukrainian Village. Most of these young patrons are fearless when it comes to fashion, plus they've totally embraced the retro cocktail craze of Manhattans and Side Cars.

Double A: The red-hot, lower-level lounge of River North's
Mercadito packs in a beautiful crowd every weekend, particularly on Fridays when Genuine Entertainment hosts a late-night dinner party upstairs. Don't be surprised if you spot a celeb or two downstairs indulging in cocktails with names like Caipisutra (Leblon cachaca, pineapple, grapefruit, garam masala) and Cheeky Chicky Boom Boom (Absolut 100, St. Germain, strawberries, lemon, vanilla sugar).

Hot Chocolate: Bucktown's most stylish street on Damen Avenue offers the likes of BCBG, Bebe, Intermix, Joe's Jeans, Lululemon and Marc Jacobs. That means you shouldn't be surprised to see overstuffed designer shopping bags during weekend brunch. And since shopping is a sport, you deserve a heaving plate of their signature buttermilk pancakes served with sliced bananas and whipped butterscotch butter.

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Logan Square's Whistler lounge serves up stylish, hand-crafted sippers. (Photo: Neil Burger)


Japonais: Another celebrity favorite, this riverside restaurant's lounge is still going strong after six years in River North. It's dark, mysterious and sexy, and if you manage to nab one of the cabanas on the terrace, you've got the best seats in the house. Delicate Asian bites complement the sassy, signature cocktails.

Marty's: Andersonville's most flamboyant cocktail lounge attracts a well-heeled, mostly gay male crowd. No food, but you'll get a choice of more martinis than you could ever imagine.

RL: You'll find a buttoned-up and preppy crowd holding down the bar at this all-American hang on the Mag Mile that's also popular with celebrities. Big steaks, lobster clubs and cocktails made by a well-seasoned staff keep them coming back for more.

The Whistler: And this downscaled hipster hang may be Logan Square's new kid on the block, but it's definitely made a name for itself in less than two years. Not only do up-and-coming alt bands have a new place to perform, but the cocktail program is pretty tight with master mixologist Paul McGee at the helm.

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