Springing Into Action

Randolph Street Market hosted its Modern Vintage Chicago Preview VIP Party at Plumber's Hall in the West Loop. Tastemakers, media professionals, influencers, and more were all tapped to either act as a special guest stylist for the evening or rock the runway. Other special guest stylists and models included Andrew Davis of Windy City Times, J.P. Anderson of Michigan Ave. Magazine, and Jerry Nunn.
I was honored to be included in the select few as a guest stylist for the fashion presentation. I've never styled anyone before but a few cocktails, three outfit changes, and one vintage, brown leather trench later, I think I scored the right look for my model. We went for a no-fuss, dapper city gent look. Guests were treated to over 20 premium vendors specializing in vintage clothes, handbags, jewelry, and more, light bites, and a whiskey tasting presented by Koval Distillery. The evening concluded with a fashion presentation to the backdrop of a live DJ set and light show. Overall, the event was an engaging approach of not only connecting vintage fashion with consumers and trendsetters, but also inviting them in on the experience.

I packed up my converses and light blue chinos into my duffle bag and opted for a more black-tie look for the Joffrey Spring Gala at the Hilton later on that evening. The Joffrey Spring Gala truly sets the tone and pace for the city's charity calendar of galas and benefits for the upcoming season. And as the last Joffrey Women's Board event of the year, gala chairs Deborah and Cody Engle, and Mrs. McKay McKinnon sent off the Joffrey Ballet's network of supporters and donors with a grandiose evening of dance, a full orchestra, exclusive auction gifts of travel and dinner, and all things pink! Mayor Rahm Emanuel was chosen as an honorary chair of the board and shared his early dancing experience with the Joffrey Ballet with guests.

In particular, event chair Deborah Engle hoped that attendees walked away with a better understanding of the Joffrey Ballet

"The Joffrey is an integral, world-class, deeply community-committed arts organization on a par with the CSO and the Lyric. People who believe that ballet is a all pink tutus should definitely come to our performances. There are sexy, innovative new works along with long-time Joffrey favorites. The performances are thrilling and the dancers are very, very talented," said Engle.

Engle went on to share that the gala reflects the Women's Board mission to provide funds for training, innovation, excellence and community programming for the Joffrey Ballet. Major sponsors included BMO Private Bank, Alphawood Foundation Chicago as the dinner sponsor, and DeVos Foundation and Mr. Fred Eychaner as the evening's sponsor.

Of course my favorite part of the evening whisked guests away to Blue Star Lounge; the gala's pop-up after party space inside the Hilton complete with a live Dj set and band, specialty cocktails, and delish custom grilled-cheese sandwiches.

Bottom line, the evening raised over $1.23 million for the Joffrey Ballet.

Just off the heels of my 5-night trip to Vegas (yes, I know too long) I was especially excited to check out Vertigo Sky Lounge's day party, which showcased its newly redesigned space and rooftop patio. Vertigo Sky Lounge has always been a definite staple for my nightlife outings for its intimate patio and panoramic cityscape views. The new design now features the rooftop's signature stainless steel fire pit as the focal point bordered by sleek communal L shape seats and day beds by Collins Design & Co. Form meets function as more diverse seating has been infused into the design layout with suspended cabana seating framing the patio's entrance and vortex style benches that encourage guest interaction making it easier to get that cutie's number.

The new space also welcomes select guests and top clientele to a more exclusive bartending experience with The Bartender's Booth, which is perched behind space's new 14ft custom outdoor bar. The Bartender's Booth will offer those few lucky guests who score a reservation to off menu food and craft cocktails, one-on-one service, and specialty cocktail previews. Sounds like a more interactive and nice reprieve from the trite bottle service most clubs offer to customers.

Overall, the Vertigo Sky Lounge's newly designed space is more open, lighter, fresher, and more inviting with colors that pop complemented with its highly sought after city views. Looking forward to getting a little day partying done at the new space!

Until next update, keep the Pandora Station blasting and the bottles popping!