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Bridget Maiellaro
Rebel with a Clause
By Bridget Maiellaro
Sufficiency of the Actual (U. of I. Press; $16.95), the fifth book of poems from the Illinois poet laureate, Kevin Stein, hits stands in January. Curious about his references to The Who, crickets, and more, we asked the 54-year-old Bradley University professor to interpret the rebellious piece that gives his collection its title. Read more
Serpico Opens in Wicker Park
By Bridget Maiellaro

No, Not Frank Serpico . . .

After years of selling her clothing and jewelry in local boutiques, online, and at trunk shows, Melissa Serpico Kamhout recently opened her first boutique, Serpico (1514 N. Ashland Ave.; 773-252-5940, serpico-collection.com), bringing Wicker Park a bigger selection of unique formal and dressy casual items. “It’s really different from what’s out there,” says Serpico Kamhout, a lifelong Chicagoan and former graphic designer. “Items are made from leather and silk with...

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Inaugural Destination in North Center
By Bridget Maiellaro
New Era, New Outfit
LuLu’s at the Belle Kay (3862 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-404-5858, lulusbellekay.com), a North Center boutique focused on vintage clothing and accessories. “As soon as Barack Obama was elected, people started coming in looking for gowns,” says the boutique’s owner, Laurie Demma Davis, who reports that she has sold six dresses, along with jewelry, destined for...

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Kids and Play
By Geoffrey Johnson with Bridget Maiellaro
A room full of toys. Two tough critics under 12 PLUS: A behind-the-scenes photo gallery Read more
Guest Blog: The Allure of Couture
By Bridget Maiellaro

The emphasis of "The Allure of Couture" fashion show Monday at Millennium Park: wearability. Showcasing items from sweaters and jackets to dresses and pants, the event consisted of outfits that were in the realm of possibility from designers Sam Kori George, James De Colon, Maria Pinto, Mi Ri Uhm and Nick Cave, among others. The standout collection? Vatit Itthi. The clothes demanded attention, both for the bright colors (blue, hot pink, and yellow) and for their sleek elegance...

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