Pictures

Pull the jogging stroller out of the back of your closet, wipe the baby spit off your exercise clothes, pack some snacks for the kids and let’s run! Come join fellow Chicagoans and Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) on October 28th for the Strollers in Front 5K Walk & Run at Montrose Harbor.

Everyone knows Chicago will be focusing on fashion this week because it’s…oh yeah Fashion Focus Chicago. And while I want to hit up every event this week has to offer, there are some events that are a little unique.

I’ve always been a natural hostess, someone who jumps at any and every chance to entertain my family and friends. Yet, whenever I have guests in town, I struggle with my role as a “tour guide,” wondering how to put Chicago on display without succumbing to the ever-popular, though quite cliché options of shopping on Michigan Ave., taking pictures in front of the Bean, or eating our way through the city (a city that, mind you, boasts some of the best restaurants in the world).

Today is the start of Chicago Ideas Week. Now what kind of ideas will be discussed? Lots. And what kind of people will be discussing said ideas? Amazing people.

Speed dating isn’t just for comic relief in movies anymore. I know what you’re thinking…speed dating? Really? Au contraire - While speed dating may seem so 10 years ago, it may be a great alternative to going on the prowl at the local sports bar down the block. Everyone knows that you choose whether you like a potential suitor within the first five minutes anyway, right? You’re either into the person, or they’re just not your type...then it’s on to the next one. That’s why speed dating is a perfect set up - there’s no pressure to walk away if you aren’t feeling it, the bell calls it quits and magically another cutie plops down across from you.

So I don’t know about you, but I certainly learned a thing or two at Social Media Week Chicago. On Thursday, I chatted up authors of Pinterest for Business Jess Loren and Ed Swiderski.

And on the third day of October, The Chicago River will run shaded with multitudes of independent whiskey, rum, tequila, mezcal, cognac and vodka alike. The masses with gather with intense expectations of world-renowned spirit’s that entice taste buds and blur vision of all who participate.

I can honestly say that AKIRA is my favorite retail store in the entire city of Chicago and there are a million reasons why. I’ve narrowed it down to my top 5 so I can keep this short & sweet. 1. Their insanely stylish & innovative women’s & men’s clothing /footwear 2. All of their locations (Over 17 in neighborhoods all over the city & even the suburbs!!) 3. Their amazing customer service & stylists (You won’t walk out their door without a bag or two swung over your shoulder) 4. The co-owner …Jon Cotay (Sweetest & smartest owner in the industry...hands down!) 5. & last but definitely not least…their FASHION SHOWS!

**Updated Sept 19th :: Billy Dec and Rockit Ranch Productions Host Chicago's Official Social Media Week Kick Off Party! Monday, 9/24 at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W Hubbard) - 8pm Open to the public! Meet, greet and network w/Top Social Media Pros, CEO's, Influencers, Movers & Shakers all night long!**

Have some Fashion envy seeing your New York friends’ pictures of Fashion Week right now? Don’t fret: Chicago will have a week of their own next month! It’s called Fashion Focus Chicago and will show off some of Chicago’s own design talent. Here’s a look at one of the big events of the week, Next Fashion Chicago.