Best Spring Trench Coats

Rejoice! Temperatures are rising and we’re packing away our puffers. But it’s never too early to prepare for April showers, so ring in spring with a sharp and stylish trench. Here are some of our favorite modern interpretations of this classic style, plus fun items to wear with them.       The Coat: Brightly […]

Celebrating 90 Years of Style

The Lake Forest Shop has been bringing high fashion and international style to the North Shore since 1922. Ellen Stirling, the owner of The Lake Forest Shop and the granddaughter of the Chicago socialite that founded it, comes from a long line of fashion lovers. Her uncle Condé Nast built Vogue into the major fashion […]

Fresh: Piccolo Paradiso's Star-Studded Scents

Though the awards shows are all in Hollywood, local artisan soap line Piccolo Paradiso brings the red carpet straight to Chicago. With an array of unique luxury scents like Tomato Leaf and Zesty Lemon Peel as well as seasonal creations like Pumpkin Orange Spice, it is no surprise that Piccolo Paradiso’s products were recently deemed […]

Fall’s Best Beauty Treatments

Dry skin and brittle hair, be gone! We’ve found the hottest beauty treatments that will keep you feeling refreshed this fall. Dry Brushing This process involves rubbing the skin with a dry, natural bristle brush, which you can find at health food stores such as Whole Foods. Before stepping into the shower, gently brush your […]

7 Budget Beauty Ideas

What’s the best way to save on essentials without resorting to dollar-store cosmetics? Here are 7 tips to keep both your beauty and your budget intact. 1. Makeup Brushes In addition to extending the life on pricey makeup applicators, regularly cleaning your brushes is just the sanitary thing to do. And if you really need […]

Better or Bust: Topshop Makeup

Topshop finally opened its doors on Michigan Avenue last week, but fabulous fashion isn’t the only thing filling its shelves. The British retailer has also launched a line of beauty products, and Make It Better’s editors took them for a test drive. Lips Lip Polish ($8): Associate Editor Liz Logan swears by this balm in […]

Better or Bust: Burberry Lip Mists

Welcome to Better or Bust, a new column where we determine whether a product will make your life better, or if it’s just a flat out bust. On today’s dock: Burberry’s new “Lip Mists.”   As a lipstick for summer, when we typically want to wear less makeup and look dewier and more relaxed, the lip […]

Joan V. Recommends: Beauty for Less

Tired of spending big bucks on hair, nails, waxing and massages?   You really don’t have to. I’ve found five fabulous beauty experts who will make you look and feel your best without charging an arm and a leg. Keratin Treatment Normally $350-$600 Provider: Sue at Ulta in Old Orchard Place Mall, Skokie Phone: 847-675-7320 […]

Destination Spas: Where Do You Go?

Make It Better is looking for recommendations for destination spas. We need places that you can go to: Relax with girlfriends Get your husband on track to lower his cholesterol Exercise outdoors Indulge in treatments Email nominations@makeitbetter.net the name of the spa, address, web site and just 2-3 sentences about why you love it. Thanks […]