CheekyChicago

New fruit juice ARo made its worldwide debut in Chicago this summer. The drink consists of 50% aronia berries (a super fruit that is chock-full of antioxidants) and 50% other fruits (pineapple, pear, orange, peach, Concord grape, apple and banana puree), with no added sugar or preservatives. Healthcare providers Pamela Thomas, MD and Maria Jackson co-founded the brand to combat… Read more

Bánh Mì & Co. is an East Lakeview Vietnamese sandwich eatery. Dishes include its namesake, Bánh Mì (sandwich with cucumbers, pickled carrots, daikon, cilantro, jalapeno and mayonnaise on a fresh baked baguette), Bún (noodle salad with vermicelli noodles over a bed of lettuce, bean sprouts, mint, cilantro and peanuts served with fish sauce) and Gỏi Cuốn (spring roll with rice noodles, crisp lettuce,… Read more

Summer is winding down, but that doesn’t mean our cold sweet tooth is being replaced. You can get your fall fix in the form of Black Dog Gelato. Jessica Oloroso has created this sweet gelato shop in Chicago’s Roscoe and Ukrainian Villages. Black Dog Gelato, named after Jessica’s (late) dog Kaya, features daily housemade varieties (and uses a pasteurizer in-shop) The creamy, flavorful options are ever-changing and… Read more

We recently discovered New York-based womenswear line Rae Francis and want to share this baby with you. Only a year and a half old, Rae Francis was created by designers Ariel Lilly and Christina Coniglio – a Bostonian and a Floridian. They fuse their differing backgrounds and interests to create one helluva harmonious product. These two ladies translate this juxtaposition… Read more

We’ve got the skinny on The Magnificent Mile Shopping FestivalTM presented by MasterCard®, from Friday, August 24 through Thursday, September 6. The two-week festival kicks off with E! Fashion Correspondent Kelly Osbourne on Friday, August 24. Meet and greet with Kelly in the MasterCard Priceless Lounge at The Shops at North Bridge (520 N. Michigan Ave.) from 11am-noon. Then watch her… Read more

Wolfbait & B-girls is one of the oddest store names I have ever heard… and I love it! The 1950’s guidebook Chicago Confidential defines wolfbait as girls who moved to the big city looking to succeed, and b-girls is the phrase for how they ended up. I headed to up-and-coming Logan Square to check out the place. It was fab – from the 150+ local… Read more

Babies, babies, babies! Within this last week, many friends, and friends of friends, have given birth. With babies comes lots of stuff! Keep all of it organized in a stylish way with the local line of Mia Bossi diaper bags. The collection was “born” out of mom and fashion retailer Janet Mandell’s desire to provide moms with fashionable and practical… Read more

I recently moved into the East Lakeview area. My first restaurant stop was Wilde Bar & Restaurant. Features include dark wood accents, ornate light fixtures, stained glass skylights, leather booths and my favorite – an old school library right in the middle of the restaurant! The inspiration for the restaurant is famous Irish poet Oscar Wilde. His quote, “Love and… Read more

Where there are games, there must be braids. HBO hit television series Game of Thrones and cult movie Hunger Games feature artistic braids on their leading ladies. When it’s time to fight, it seems that braids are the best way to tie up your locks – take Princess Leia’s dos in Star Wars. Learn how to get your braid on, best… Read more

It’s officially warm… and officially summer! The best way to enjoy the weather is on the sunny beaches of Chicago! We’ve scouted out must-have fashions for the perfect beach outings. Take a trip back in time with 50′s beachwear. Yellow & White Polka Dot Gidget One Piece Swimsuit – $96 Jantzen “This Is Life” Beach Towel – $25 Striped Cotton Anchor… Read more

It’s starting to heat up… little by little. Yes, it’s a tease, but we’ll take anything that lets us wear these stylish summer duds and baubles! This emerald frock has a tribal vibe, and is also a tease – it’s actually a romper and has shorts underneath the skirt! Free People FP New Romantics Pebble Beach Romper $168 A little… Read more

It’s moving season! Despite all the pain, it is fun to scout out new items for your transition. I have been scouring the internet and local stores for furniture for my new apartment. I discovered great finds and pulled together some must-have home decor items for anyone who envies Mary Antoinette’s decor, is more into the modern thang, or is somewhere… Read more

As a fan of all things miniature, especially babies, it was so hard looking through photos of tiny baby fashions. I just wanted to buy everything and find a cute baby to dress! Babies, infants and kids have such stylish options these days; they look like mini adults (well, I guess they technically are). Here are beautiful, trendy and quirky… Read more

What was once Wicker Park boutique Untitled is now modern restaurant Storefront Company, named for its former retail storefront and the joining of a company of individuals – Debonair Social Club’s Steve Harris and Claudia Gassel teamed up with Chef Bryan Moscatello. Located in the Flat Iron Building, the restaurant’s décor is very white. Splattered pieces of paper surround the… Read more

On Chicago Cubs Opening Day, Rockit Wrigley officially evolved into Rockit Burger Bar. This transformation was all about the customer. 75 percent of all food orders were burgers, over 90 percent of all sandwich orders were burgers and over 90 percent of all food on game days were burgers. Rockit is giving Chicago what it wants! The new burger bar has… Read more

Even though we don’t like to admit it – and some of us may still participate – we’re all a weeeeeee bit too old for painting Easter eggs and hunting them down with our siblings Hunger Games-style. For this very reason, we thought we’d bring you some grown-up alternatives that involve eating, eating and more eating (just maybe not any… Read more

He gets down on one knee, gushes about how much he loves you, opens up a little black box and unveils the accessory you will wear for the rest of your life (hopefully)! Let’s admit… it’s a pretty damn big deal. This ring should be oh. so. you. Before this life changing event, shop around and see what you like,… Read more

In the last few years, nail polish has become an important fashion accessory. With that, no-chip manicures are exceedingly more popular. Polish that is thick and lasts for weeks (sometimes even a month)—who could go wrong? Our Cheeky nails! Removing the thick polish also takes off a thin layer of the nail, which many times causes them to become brittle.… Read more

Did you know the origin of macaroni and cheese stems from medieval Italy? From the 14th century up until the 18th, it was considered an upper-class dish (according to Wikipedia, at least). Move over, Italy – Rockit Bar & Grill is putting mac back on the classy list. For the third year in a row, Rockit launches Mac Madness the… Read more

Weddings cost a lot of green. Chicago Green Wedding Alliance was founded to make that special day even more green (in the good, environmental way). The organization is committed to making weddings, commitment ceremonies and social events more socially conscious through connecting Chicagoans with approved green vendors. Last month I attended their green wedding show “Committed” at LEED-platinum-certified (highest LEEP… Read more

The Oscars have come and gone, but the red carpet fashion trends are here to stay. Let’s go through the looks. Angelina Jolie was clearly the most buzzed about (hello, gams!), due to her sexy Atelier Versace dress that revealed her bare leg. Next was the Zuhair Murad gown worn by Jennifer Lopez. Not my favorite or as classy as… Read more

Behold… a wonderland for brides-to-be! Urban Outfitters Inc. opened its second BHLDN store ever and picked our town! Enter the Chicago location and you will see bridesmaid, or event, frocks ($200-$800) in all colors and shades. Pastels are a big hit. Journey upstairs to a room with hung angel wings (taken from a theatre in London) above accessories and shoes… Read more

I have a case of spring fever. Perusing the upcoming trends is a must—doctor’s orders. The “it” color, thank you Pantone, is tangerine. You will see it everywhere, from nail colors to dresses. Let’s continue with beauty. Bright reds and neutrals will also be spotted on nails, along with more nail art. For the face, we revert to the past… Read more

Whether you’re a sweet romantic or sultry vixen, we’ve got you “covered” from head to toe, night to late night, for your Valentine’s Day celebration.  SWEET This ensemble is for the whimsical romantic. The dress (2) features lace and gathering. Pair it with lace tights (1), a heart bracelet (3) and suede pumps (4) for a night out with your beau. He’ll think he’s dreaming when you… Read more

My roommate recently got engaged. She is the first in my group of best friends to be a fiancé. Since then, I’ve been thinking more and more about weddings. It’s such a personal event and should be designed specifically for the lovebirds. Luckily, the wedding registry can also be completely personalized, with sites like Amazon that let you feature items… Read more

Got a bun in the oven? It doesn’t mean you have to wear a muumuu over that bump. Chicago maternity boutiques Krista K Maternity + Baby (3530 N. Southport Ave., Chicago), Belly Dance Maternity (1647 N. Damen Ave., Chicago) and Preggers (900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago) offer stylish fashions for mommies-to-be. For more stories on (Chicago) families, click here.

The holidays are over but that doesn’t mean the cooking and baking will cease. Whether planning a girls’ dinner party or a romantic Valentine’s Day meal, you’ll need a cute apron to boot. Where to Buy: Anthropologie Made-To-Entertain Apron $38 Where to Buy: Etsy Dots Diner Conversation Hearts Apron for Valentines Day $59 Where to Buy: Etsy Lemonstring by Erlina… Read more

“It’s the French. You can’t explain it. It’s the je ne sais quoi,” says Kpoene’ Kofi-Nicklin, describing the inspiration behind the name for her Chicago bridal salon Mignonette, meaning “cute girl” in French. This former buyer has moved to the other side of the counter for the new opening. The shop, featuring vintage furniture and reused shelving, features gifts like handmade… Read more

23-year-old suburbanite Lisa Cipriani opened Lakeview vintage shop Suburban Secrets last month. She was inspired by the ‘burbs. “It’s about living the American dream with the white picket fence and 2.5 kids, but everyone has a secret. No one is perfect.” Lisa used the secretive ’50’s housewife as the theme in opening her store. The apple doesn’t fall far from… Read more

It’s that time of year—families gather, fires roar and frantic shoppers rush to buy presents in time. Don’t fret! Saks Fifth Avenue is your one-stop-shop for holiday gift giving. FOR HIM: Salvatore Ferragamo iPad Case ($720) – This sleek leather case is scratch-resistant and stylish. Where to buy: Chicago store. Ben Minkoff “Sean Brief” ($425) – The handsome man bag… Read more

Whether attending a fancy work affair, heading out and about for a girls’ night out, going home for the holidays or celebrating New Year’s Eve in style, we’ve got you covered from head to toe. THE OFFICE GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS LET THE BALL DROP Tell us what you’re wearing for the holidays… we’d… Read more

WAVE, located in Chicago’s W Hotel Lakeshore, has just launched a brand spankin’ new Sunday brunch, from noon to 8pm, giving you the permission to party hardy on Saturday night. Remedy Brunch: Cure for the Common Weekend is $29 per person and includes a Chicago neighborhood-inspired buffet with dishes by Executive Chef Kristine Subido and a complimentary Bloody Maria (which… Read more

We Cheeky girls love buying shoes, but what if we could purchase a pair and help empower children at the same time? That is BucketFeet, through and through. Launched in early 2011, the Chicago-based brand sells unisex vulcanized canvas sneakers with a rubber outsole. There is one type of hipster-style sneaker and seven trendy designs (each with two color variations),… Read more

DIY just got personal (and we’re not talkin’ Do It Yourself). You can Design It Yourself with Chicago fashion line Yours Not Hers, Inc. (YNH). The featured item is the Sheridan blouse ($68) that you can customize by color (black, navy, coral, magenta, grey or olive) and trim detail (black lace, gold or silver buttons, or gold or silver zipper)… Read more

The 3rd annual Vert Couture Eco-Fashion Show was the third out of four Fashion Focus Chicago runway shows at Millennium Park. It was all green, from the completely vegan passed canapés by Karyn’s on Green (like yummy polenta bites and chocolate and peanut butter squares) and the sustainable fashion down the runway to an appearance by Karen Weigert, the first… Read more

A runway is constructed in Millennium Park, models are dressed and fashionable Chicagoans pack into seats to experience the seventh annual fashion week, Fashion Focus Chicago, Monday, October 17 through Sunday, October 23. It may not be Bryant Park, but with over 400 local designers and 300 independent boutiques, it’s Chicago’s time to show the nation that it’s a fashion… Read more

I went to the ballet last Wednesday for opening night of the World Premiere of Yuri Possokhov’s Don Quixote. The Joffrey Ballet dances only 10 performances, through October 23, at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Previously, I was only audience to one ballet… The Nutcracker, during which my friend and I would always giggle about the tightness of the… Read more

Wicker Park’s le Dress (1741 W. Division St.) is getting into the Halloween spirit, hosting the event “I See…Fall Fashion” on Thursday, October 13 from 6-8 pm. While perusing racks of fall dresses from designers, including Jay Godfrey (colorful and tailored frocks are pictured above), Milly, Shoshanna, Tracy Reese and Alice & Trixie, guests will get a peek into their… Read more

It’s not their big day but that doesn’t mean your bridesmaids should wear that gaudy bright yellow full-length halter dress. Your girls should look gorgeous (okay, not as gorgeous as YOU), supporting your life-changing event. After all, it’s going to be expensive, even for them, so why not select a frock that they can actually wear again without altering? Every… Read more

When we were younger, we saw a glimpse of convertible fashion. I remember my friend had the clever idea to wear her red dress to a boy-girl party and halfway through, turn the dress inside out, which became the same dress only in pink. She thought the change would get a reaction from one of the boys. To her dismay,… Read more

Etsy is one of my favorite things. It’s a website that hosts artisans from all over the world. The Renegade Craft Fair is practically a concrete Etsy in Wicker Park, with booths of amazing things, from unique jewelry to cards to tableware. In fact, many exhibitors sell their items off of Etsy. On my trek through booths filled with stylish… Read more

Carson Kressley (only blonde star of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), Project Runway Season 8 Designer Mondo Guerra and lots and lots of fashion. In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival is in full gear. It launched on Friday, August 26 and lasts for a total of two weeks, kicking off Fashion’s Night Out (FNO). On September 8, the global… Read more

Fall is sneaking up on us. It’s time to order pumpkin flavored dishes, dust off your Bears jersey and gear up for Halloween. But before the leaves start changing, your wardrobe must. Sofia (72 E. Oak St.), Gold Coast’s luxury boutique selling trendy new and vintage clothing and accessories, is featuring a collection to start the season off right: Nicole… Read more

Colbie Caillat is a sweet, laidback lady. Her southern California roots show: she flips her long golden tresses, slowly sways from side to side and sings with a mellow tone. She graced the Lincoln Park Zoo stage for the last Jammin’ at the Zoo of the year, a summer concert series sponsored by 101.9 The Mix. The beautiful summer evening… Read more

Macy’s Passport took its six semi-trucks from Minneapolis to Chicago for last Friday’s 13th annual Glamorama fashion show titled Artrageous. The art theme was seen in all aspects, from the dancing, which was a combo of adults and kids; music; and fashion, modeled in front of famous backdrops. Cee Lo Green headlined this affair with Far East Movement (famous for… Read more

Trust me! I am an expert when it comes to comfy, yet stylish shoes. With plantar fasciitis (for those non-doctors, the condition causes my heels to hurt and I need a sufficient arch support), I am super fussy and shoe shopping becomes a nightmare. After some research in Chicago, I have found my top picks – some summery and others… Read more

When we saw her “Bubbly” face, she made us smile and stay (listening) for a while. We were “Lucky” that she and bestie Jason Mraz were joined together for their romantic duet. Then we began fallin’ for her. She made us reminisce about our past loves, thinking of all we never told them. Now we say “I do” to her… Read more

With the sticky, sweaty, sizzling summer heat, the last thing you want to think about is fall fashion. Move over summer, fall has some excitement in store! Versace is the latest designer collaboration for H&M. The shop at 840 N. Michigan Ave. will be the only Chicagoland location to carry this fall collection, launching on November 19. Get a sneak… Read more

As little girls, we dressed up in our mom’s high heels, red lipstick and pulled a white sheet over our heads, imaging a veil. Looking into the mirror, we fantasized about meeting Prince Charming, walking down the aisle in a pretty gown to greet him. As we get older, we meet almosts, maybes and never-in-your-lives. But then there’s that one that’s not like the… Read more

Women throughout history have worn nail polish, including Chinese royalty and upper class ancient Egyptians. Nefertiti and Cleopatra would surely be blown away by the upward trend of nail art. It’s one of the hottest ways to show your individuality without going over the top. Newsprint, crackle, mismatching and illustrations are all trends these past seasons. I’ve gathered polishes and… Read more

11,000 square feet, 800 vintage sewing machines, a 42-foot ceiling holding many cinema-style, barn door, pantograph light fixtures (think old fashion movie lights), four old Turkish cashmere looms (one reads “Patent Hollingworth and Knowles”) and one store. New British shop AllSaints Spitalfields is a feast for the eyes. The metal archways, trusses and beams, along the width of the Michigan… Read more

I’ve had manis and pedis, waxes and massages and even a body treatment complete with a hot oil rubdown, a warm wrap reminiscent of a down coat and as the grand finale, a Vichy shower where I was hosed down with multiple shower heads, from a woman in tall fishing boots. But, I have never had… a facial. I was… Read more

I had the pleasure of chatting with adorable Selena Gomez about her new film Monte Carlo. The plot: sweet girl-next-door Grace (Selena Gomez) from Texas travels to Paris with best friend Emma (Katie Cassidy) and stepsister Meg (Leighton Meester). The Parisian trip was far from magical, with disappointments left and right. Grace has a change of fate when she happens… Read more

What do Gwyneth Paltrow, Mandy Moore, Demi Moore, America Ferrera and Vanessa Hudgens all have in common? A love affair with Dana Rebecca Designs. In only four years, Chicago-based jewelry line Dana Rebecca Designs has grown exponentially. Not only have 30+ celebs been spotted wearing the lush jewels on the red carpet, but many purchase pieces for their personal wardrobe,… Read more

Men are so hard to buy for and fathers are even tougher.  This Father’s Day, CheekyChicago is on it! We have put together a gift guide based on categories of dads – New Dad, Goofball Dad, Nerdy Dad and In Touch with His Feminine Side Dad. Instructions: pick the category that best describes your dad and get to some shopping! New Dad You and your hubby just had… Read more

Men are so hard to buy for and fathers are even tougher.  This Father’s Day, CheekyChicago is on it! We have put together a gift guide based on categories of dads – New Dad, Goofball Dad, Nerdy Dad and In Touch with His Feminine Side Dad. Instructions: pick the category that best describes your dad and get to some shopping! New Dad You and your hubby just had… Read more

When my boss came to work with a fantastic asymmetrical hairdo, I asked her where she went – Art + Science. When I saw my cousin sporting a cute new bob, where had she been? Art + Science. When I moved to the city and was brave enough to go sans-symmetric, I went to – you guessed it – Art… Read more

As the Midwest Sales Representative for high-end fashion line Tom Ford Eyewear, Christine Sanderson had to dress the part, from head-to-toe. As a single mom, she didn’t have the means to purchase new designer duds at the drop of the hat. She decided to get thrifty and shop at consignment stores for designers’ past collections. In 2009, after her time… Read more

As the Midwest Sales Representative for high-end fashion line Tom Ford Eyewear, Christine Sanderson had to dress the part, from head-to-toe. As a single mom, she didn’t have the means to purchase new designer duds at the drop of the hat. She decided to get thrifty and shop at consignment stores for designers’ past collections. In 2009, after her time… Read more