Silk and organza roses bloom on spring’s gorgeous gowns. Plus: One bride’s do-it-yourself success, and a guide to calm, cool, and collected special-event planners Read more
Antonio Lupi, a gran maestro of high-style, innovative Italian bathroom design is coming to River North this week, with a gran opening on April 2. This is the primero Antonio Lupi showroom in the U.S., brought here con amore by Luca Lanzetta and Maurizio Fiori. Lanzetta, owner of the Merchandise Mart’s sexy Italian kitchen company Read more
Story Time
Last fall, Chicago native AnneMarie Garza wanted to create a boutique centered on the idea that every item should tell a story. So the former real-estate development director purchased retail space, recruited designers via Craigslist and Etsy, and, within months, opened Bella Chica (1253 W. 18th St.; 312-927-3535). The new Pilsen shop sells handmade designs from about 15 Chicago artists, carrying everything from... Read more

Haus in Andersonville is closing its doors at the end of April and having a big sale (70 percent off everything) starting Wednesday, April 1, until all merchandise and shop fixtures are sold. To make sure we don't get too sad, they are going out with a bash: come by the shop for drinks and discounts, Friday, April 3 from 7 to 10 p.m.

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Bar king Stephen Westman opened the doors of The 44th Ward Dinner Party (3542 N. Halsted St.) to the public on Friday, in the space once occupied by Lakeview Broadcasting Company. Offering six varieties of grilled cheese and half a dozen bottled beers, "The Ward" also featured music from DJ White Shadow, a former partner in LBC... Read more
Is it possible for every person within a particular 200,000 square miles to be passive-aggressive? Yes, it is, and that area is called Thailand. All the natives we’ve met have been deferential and polite and outwardly wonderful while silently giving the impression that they’d prefer to see us eviscerated by a pack of rabid dogs. They’re genetically gifted at making you feel guilty, usually through... Read more