My phone rang at 3:30 pm. Right on time. “Hi Ann Marie. This is Jenny Sanford.” It was as if one girlfriend was calling another, rather than the wife of the South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford phoning in for an interview. For a woman who has long craved a quiet life, Sanford has found herself […]
Tips for men who buy you lingerie. “Lingerie is one of those things you either love—or you don’t,” says Susan Carlson, owner of Posh, a new lingerie and gift shop in Highland Park and Barrington. But if you have a man who loves to buy lingerie for you, Carlson offers these tips: Tell him what […]
Lynette Lovelace had to get off of the plane. After a late flight from New York on a Friday afternoon, she was anxious to call her lawyer. She needed a trademark on that idea she’d been hoping would come. “‘Lifetherapy’ just came to me on the plane that day—so clearly,” explains Lovelace, who spent […]
Ann Marie makes these Christmas belly button cookies with her five kiddos. You can substitute your favorite flavors of these candies. Makes: 60 or so buttons Total Time: 20 minutes 1 bag of pretzel rings 1 bag of Hershey’s Hugs or Hershey’s Kisses 1 bag of mint M&Ms (or plain chocolate if you don’t like […]
Evanston designer finds third time’s a charm. After several stops and starts, Evanston designer Lisa Kingsley has found her niche. Kingsley never set out to be a trend-setting designer, but after a Bali vacation in 1999, a whole new path presented itself. What started as a tourist keepsake—a camisole made by a local girl […]
Sometimes, no matter how hard we work out, the abs of steel we long for still jiggle when we walk. That’s why Heather Thomson’s Yummie Tummie is somewhat of a miracle. Styling celebrities such as Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Lopez, Thomson knows that the key to the perfect outfit depends on what you’re wearing […]
When the very handsome (and single) John O’Donnell was growing up with his 6 brothers and sisters in Winnetka, he never in his wildest dreams thought that someday he’d be called a fashion designer. Professional golfer maybe. But a fashion designer—no way. Yet nearly 5 years ago with launch of his golf-inspired clothing line […]
If a little jewelry is good, then a lot of jewelry is better. At least it is this winter for jewelry-loving girls like me. Old and new. Smooth and shiney. Gold and silver. Mix it up and layer it on until you think you’ve added enough—then put on one more piece! It’s hard to flip […]
Still stinging from a lost Olympic bid? If anyone could remind a Chicagoan about the beauty of Rio de Janeiro, it’s Diane von Furstenberg. Fashion icon and designer von Furstenberg braved a chilly Chicago night on Nov. 5 to introduce her Cruise/Pre-Spring 2009/2010 Collection, “Her name is Rio,” to 300 admiring guests at Neiman […]
Since fall decided to skip the North Shore this year, I’ve been all about finding warm winter coats for my family. And not only did I discover coats my family will love, but I also found some really good deals at our local retailers. One quick note: Don’t forget about the great ski shops […]
