Helene March owns two pairs of leather shorts. The first, from a chi-chi shop on Oak Street, cost $400. The second, from H&M, cost $14. Even March is surprised that she wears the $14 pair more often. March styles the shorts—fuller, with a paper-bag waist, and short but not tiny—with strappy black sandals and a fitted […]
It used to be that we could only shop for cosmetics at the department store beauty counter. But now, thanks to the increased popularity of direct sales beauty lines (Arbonne, Avon and others) your best friend or next-door neighbor could be selling an awesome wrinkle fighter or heavy-duty eye-cream that puts the department store brands […]
We asked and, boy, did you answer! Make It Better’s Best of 2015 drew more than 105,000 verified votes across 10 categories. It’s obvious that you, our readers, feel strongly about the North Shore and Chicago businesses you love and are eager to help promote them. We were excited to see businesses asking their loyal […]
Kristin Wolski of Oak Lawn lives with chronic debilitating pain and fatigue so severe that she’s no longer able to care for her three young children without help. A self-described “Type A Personality,” Wolski had always succeeded in achieving her goals through determination and hard work. But now her life feels out of control, and she […]
First there was the Clarisonic. Now, there’s a variety of face polishers on the market. With so many versions—promising so many improvements to your complexion—which one do you choose? Is it even worth adding one of these pricy devices to your beauty regimen? We’ve scoped out the top face-cleansing brushes and done the research so […]
Sure, you could shop for trendy contemporary pieces at your preferred department store, but it’s much more exciting to wear a one-of-a-kind piece! Each of these fabulous designers are on the cusp of what’s new and hip, and best of all, each of their handmade lines are designed and created right here on the North […]
Early to bed and early to rise may make you healthy, wealthy and wise, but it won’t make you happy. “Prosperity and health (and physical attractiveness) are only minimally related to one’s overall happiness,” notes Sonja Lyubomirsky in her book, “The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting What You Want.” Current research suggests […]
Urban chic shopping has arrived in the suburbs. Wilmette’s Hubba-Hubba is the new kid on the block, offering boutique uniqueness without the trek into the city. Discover clothing for all occasions alongside a revolving mix of hand-crafted artisan work, such as homemade pillows, gorgeous framed photographs and stunning statement pieces. The Central Avenue space displays […]
If you know someone who is battling cancer, you may be following his or her progress on social media. Websites such as CaringBridge, a free web community that allows patients and their families to set up an account and post updates on their progress, and (of course) Facebook have become popular sharing platforms for many […]
Melting makeup isn’t pretty and our usual beauty arsenal is powerless against heat and humidity, often leaving us more molten than made up. To help us combat the summer sun, we asked Chicago and LA-based makeup artist Jen Brown to share her favorite melt-, smudge- and smear-proof products for fresh-faced beauty all summer long. […]
