Features

20 Stylish People
Chicagoans with a presence reveal what it takes to stand out in a crowd-beauty and money are not the power points in this world of elegance and attitude.

Warming Trends, by Stacey Jones
High boots and hot fun furs for long, tall worldly women

Short Takes, by Stacey Jones
The return of mod minis, the black and white of it, legs in living color

The Getaway, by Stacey Jones
Fast cars and the best-dressed man-sharp pinstripes, soft cashmeres

The Devil’s Comic, by Eric Spitznagel
Four years after his death, Del Close, the city’s improvisational comedy guru-revered teacher and feared tormentor-remains as mysterious as ever.

A League of Their Own, by Stuart Rosenberg
The secret to three of Chicago’s most vibrant music scenes, including the eclectic HotHouse, lies in three vibrant women.

The Man with the Golden Arm, by Robert Kurson
In his first full season, the gifted young pitcher Mark Prior became an all star and a Cubs team leader. A lifetime of special training paved the way.

Departments

Letters

Contributors

Frontlines
Visual artist D’nell Larson; a band comes up from the basement; a cache of couture; Victory Gardens presents a Pulitzer Prize winner; real hope for education; more

Style Sheet, by Stacy Wallace-Albert
New spins on classic accessories: shoes and boots with traffic-stopping detailing, bags with high-gear color combinations and flirty trim

Real Lives | Next Course, by Marcia Froelke Coburn
Tom Tunney, the city’s first openly gay alderman, is getting accustomed to his role as the go-to person in the 44th Ward-and the fact that his Ann Sather restaurants are now dry.

How We Spend | Valuable Lessons, by Clare La Plante
Chicago ranks second in the nation in household spending on education. With careful planning and ingenuity, you can handle the buck-to-school equation.

Business | Car Wars, by Brandon Copple
Backed by two former political rivals-Ed Vrdolyak and R. Eugene Pincham-a South Side car dealer is accusing Chrysler Financial of racist lending practices that seem a throwback to an ugly era.

Culture | Winged Victory?, by Deborah Wilk
The Milwaukee Art Museum’s stunning addition put the city on the cultural map. But the project also burdened the institution with debt. Was it all worth it?

Deal Estate, by Dennis Rodkin
Relishing the sale of Stanley Tigerman’s Hot Dog House; dialing up the pricey Kenilworth sale by U.S. Robotics cofounder; and getting the lowdown on teardowns-plus condo news from the River North, Uptown, and West Loop neighborhoods

Nightspotting, by Sarah Preston
The Redhead Piano Bar is still in tune after ten years; the scene heats up at SushiSamba Rio.

The Closer, by Jeff Ruby
Chicago has more than its share of sister cities-and that means there’s lots of swag being exchanged. It’s about time someone started keeping score.

On the Town

Events

Prime Time
During September: The gifted Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster leads an impressive pack of musicians for this year’s Celtic Fest, the annual gathering that unites descendants of the Celtic diaspora.

Food & Drink

Dining Out | ‘Hood Vibrations, by Dennis Ray Wheaton
Three fun new neighborhood spots-one sushi, one speakeasy, one six degrees from Kevin Bacon-are perfect for date night.

On Wine, by Dennis Ray Wheaton
Everyday California red blends on a budget

Restaurants,
The city’s definitive guide| This month: Eight new listings, including Logan Square’s Lula Café and Edgewater’s La Fonda Latino Grill

Short Takes,
Asian| Japonais, an all-star opening
Budget Beat| Going all out at the intimate Tango Miel
Just Opened| Bistro Banlieu’s owners unveil an eclectic spot
Street Beat| We bite into some of the city’s best hot dogs
Wine Bar| Avec decants next door to Blackbird