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Archive for September, 2009
Chicagoans On The Run in Copenhagen
Posted on September 30th, 2009 by admin
“Chicago’s 2016 delegation did a 2.2-mile run in Copenhagen this morning at 2 a.m. Chicago time (CST),” relates Tim O’Malley, president, Concierge Preferred. “Lots of Olympic athletes participated, including David Diaz and Connie Moore, and the world’s fastest man, Michael Johnson. For the record, I did finish the race!”
A number of former, Chicago-based Olympicans are on hand and participated in the run, as well, like Willie Banks (below).
The international media is on the scene, waiting to find out–just like the athletes–where they’ll be setting up shop to cover the 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
Tags: 2016 Olympics, Chicago 2016, Chicago Accommodations, Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants, Chicago Shopping, Chicago Transportation
Chicago 2016 in Copenhagen: Goddag, Denmark!
Posted on September 30th, 2009 by admin
Concierge Preferred president Tim O’Malley is in Copenhagen. He’s feeling the excitement build as the 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games bid decision approaches, especially among the Chicagoans on the trip with him and the rest of the Chicago 2016 delegation.
“The anticipation is in the air here; but nothing like what’s going on in Chicago this week, I’m sure,” says Tim, on his first visit to the IOC Welcome to Copenhagen desk and his meet up with Brian Caffarelli, of Chicago 2016, and…Finn–who we assume is a helpful Danish volunteer.
Denmark has forever been a seafaring nation and the harbor here has become a major destination for ferries and cruise ships. We got this shot from Tim as he headed out to dinner with business partner Michael Magnusson, president/CEO of Pinnacle Advertising, Concierge Preferred’s sister company.
Another stop on O’Malley’s tour of Copenhagen is an ice bar, where drinking fast is appropriate as there’s a 30-minute time limit on a visit here. A lifelong Chicagoan, even Tim had to don a heavy parka for libations at this ice-cold Danish nightlife spot. “23 degrees, indoors,” he say
s. “Feels like Chicago in January.”
Included in this frosty photo at right are (L to R): Michael Magnusson; Tim O’Malley; Marilynn Gardner, Navy Pier GM; John Curran, Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.; and Rob Pierson, also Chicago Trolley. More to come…
Still time to Back the Bid if you support the Chicago hospitality industry; put your online signature down for Chicago 2016 at www.2016petition.com. Thanks!
Wine, Women And Shoes This Thursday!
Posted on September 29th, 2009 by Adam Marks
With this economy, you likely feel a twinge of guilt at the mere thought of a shopping spree. But a ticket to the fourth annual Wine, Women & Shoes benefit taking place this Thursday will enable you to shop, sip and mingle -all for a good cause. This year’s Wine, Women & Shoes is going to be bigger and better than ever,” said Casey Marsh, director of the Midwest Regional Office of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “All proceeds benefit UNICEF’s Accelerated Child Survival program which works to decrease child mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa and is one of the many ways that UNICEF is working to reduce the number of preventable deaths of children each day from 25,000 to zero.”
Here’s what you can expect:
**Shopping for designer shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories from some of the nation’s hottest boutiques: Aberle, Akira, Angeleigh Anastasio, Gypsy Global Chic, Lisa Mackey Design, Lori’s Shoes and Shirise. 20% of the evening’s proceeds will benefit UNICEF.
**Sampling delicious wines from six of the country’s finest vintners: Alexander Valley Vineyards, Gabrielle Collection, Martellotto Wines, New Age, Schweiger Vineyards and Two Angels. Full glasses of wine have been donated by local store Arista Foods.
**Trying your luck in an exciting raffle and silent auction, featuring designer apparel, international travel and luxury items. Raffle tickets will be sold by volunteer Sole Men mingling with attendees.
**The gorgeous event styling of Kehoe Designs, who will transform a 7,000-square-feet space in the River East Art Center.
**Notable attendees expected at the event include Steven Rosengard, Designer, Season 4, Bravo’s Project Runway and Nicole Williams of WORKS by Nicole Williams, career expert and best-selling author.
Tickets are $85 (general admission) or $125 (Supporter level, includes a special gift and listing in the program) and can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/69164. Visit our event link for directions and additional details.
Tags: Chicago Charities, Chicago Shopping, Discount, Ladies, Wine
The Best Haircut In The World?
Posted on September 29th, 2009 by Adam Marks
Choosing where to get your haircut is process – unfortunately one that occurs by virtue of trial and error. But why waste time running the risk that you’ll walk out of the salon sporting a “Kate Plus Eight” look when you can visit the best, sans fear?
The Salon at ULTA on State Street is proud to announce that Creative Director David Barnett has been chosen as the only U.S. finalist in the World Style Contest presented by Davines, a popular beauty line based in Italy. Barnett, who currently leads the talented styling team of the full-service salon in downtown Chicago, beat out over 80 U.S. contestants and hundreds worldwide to participate in the grand final competition in Venice, Italy this October.
“It’s a privilege just to be selected to compete for such a prestigious award,” said Barnett. “But to be the only finalist from the U.S is an absolute honor.” Barnett, who was born and educated in the UK, began his career at the popular Toni and Guy salon in Dublin, Ireland, where he achieved local acclaim winning the esteemed “Artistic Team of the Year” award 10 years in a row at the British Hairdressing Awards. He relocated to New York in 2004 and joined the John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman, where his talent and personality attracted an impressive and eclectic clientele that included celebrities such as Anne Hathaway, Paris Hilton and Bette Midler. David’s work has also been seen at New York Fashion Week, the MTV Movie Awards, the MTV Men’s Choice Awards and the MTV Video Games Awards.
Vist our ULTA business listing for directions and contact information.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Fashion Industry, salon
Chicago 2016 Announcement Countdown: 3 More Days!
Posted on September 28th, 2009 by Rebecca Taras
This week, mere days away, on Friday, Oct. 2, the world will know where their elite athletes will be headed to participate in the 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games—and we’re looking forward to Chicago being that city.
We’ll know the results of the voting as soon as anyone, as Tim O’Malley, publisher of Concierge Preferred, will be in the middle of the action in Copenhagen all week sharing regular updates, photos and his own reactions to events, along with other Chicago hospitality business leaders. Stay tuned to @CP_Chicago on Twitter and Concierge Preferred’s Facebook fan page, all this week and, especially, on Friday.
The Chicago Travel Blog is on the ball with viewing parties for the 2016 Olympic announcement.
Tags: 2016 Olympics, Chicago Accommodations, Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants, Chicago Shopping, Chicago Transportation
Chicago 2016 Announcement Viewing Parties
Posted on September 28th, 2009 by Rebecca Taras
Are you excited, like us, with anticipation at the prospect of hosting the 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games here in Chicago? We’ll find out for sure this Friday, Oct. 2.
Share the experience, fellow Chicagoans and visitors alike, at Chicago 2016 announcement viewing parties all over the city, including a major public rally at Daley Plaza that revs up at 9 a.m.
Chicago 2016 Announcement Viewing Parties—More to Come!:
**Lizzie McNeill’s: All-American Lunch and Drink Special, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: $1 hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, & beef sandwiches. $2 Bud Lights.
**Hard Rock Cafe: Doors open at 10 a.m. so that people can view all the voting rounds. Any bill of $25 or more will receive $5 off when you mention 2016.
**ESPN Zone: Beginning at 11 a.m., enjoy lunch and watch live coverage of the announcement from Copenhagen as the ESPN Zone hands out mini U.S.A. flags before watching it all on a 16-ft behemoth big screen.
**Harry Caray’s: Kitchen will open early and guests can enjoy the $20.16 “Olympic Committee Lunch Menu,” featuring a sampling of items the Olympic Committee enjoyed at Harry Caray’s during their final meal in Chicago. Guests can support Chicago 2016 with “The Chicago Gold,” featuring Bacardi, Grand Marnier, Crème de Banana & Orange Juice—$10.
**Tavern at the Park: Food and drink specials including a discount on their “2016ini. A portion of sales will be donated to Chicago 2016.
**Nick’s Fishmarket: Opening up for lunchtime service through the evening, watch coverage from Copenhagen on large projection screens. Guests for Nick’s lunch on Friday receive a 10% off coupon towards the next visit. Also enjoy $10 Twenty Sixteenis and Gold Medal Martinis, in addition to a variety of specials between 4:00-8:00 p.m. For more information, view their event listing.
Tags: Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants, Hard Rock, Harry Carary
Modern Vintage Fashion Event
Posted on September 28th, 2009 by Adam Marks
A trendy loft space taken over by a bevy of fashionable ladies sipping cocktails and perusing racks of vintage clothing. While it may sound like the setting for a movie (or an episode from Sex and the City), it’s actually a description of the upcoming Modern Vintage Fashion Event.
This fabulous two-day affair features The Vintage Dealers Show and Indie Designer Show set in a hip West Loop party loft. The “Metro Meets Retro” theme gives attendees the opportunity to shop, drink, mingle and peruse vintage clothing, jewelry and vanities by style icons such as Halston and Chanel alongside today’s modern fashion stars. Leave your ego behind and take advantage of the on-the-spot styling so you can rock the right frock.
Guests will have a special opportunity to meet wardrobe stylist Lidu Newton of the hit TV show Glee, as she presents her collections of perfume, shoes, bags and vintage assortment. You’ll also learn about collecting vintage from Abigail Rutherford, Director of Vintage Couture & Accessories at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. The Friday Night Preview Shopping Party features a runway show, modern vintage cocktails, styling and more.
Visit our event listing for a complete schedule and location details.
Tags: Chicago Indie Designers, Chicago Shopping, Chicago Vintage Shopping, Cocktailsl
The Spa At The Wit Offers Up Last-Minute September Savings
Posted on September 28th, 2009 by Adam Marks
Summer may be over, but it’s likely you are feeling the after affects from the over-use of flip flops, days spent in the sun (the few we actually ended up having) and over indulgence from the abundance of BBQ’s attended. The Spa at the Wit Hotel is offering some tempting savings through the last few days of September, so this is a great opportunity to check out this hip new urban respite in the heart of the Loop.
The Spa at the Wit is unlike any other hotel spa in that it feels more like a really cool urban flat instead of a Zen palace (not that there isn’t a place for a little Enya once in a while.) They pride themselves on the use of organic and natural products in all their services, which are also available for purchase in the retail nook up front. And the staff? You’ll want to hang out with them for drinks.
Check out one (or more) of these September savings and you’ll no doubt be back in future months to come. Visit www.thespaatthewit.com for a full list of services.
September Specials
35% off any 50 or 80 minute Facial or Massage
50 minute Craniosacral Massage – $90
Express Manicure, Express Pedicure and a Martini for only $70
30% off Bread and Butter Manicure or Pedicure
30% off any Body Polish or Underwrap
Tags: Budget, Chicago Accommodations, Guys, Ladies
Renowned NYC Makeup Artist To Visit Saks Fifth Avenue
Posted on September 28th, 2009 by Adam Marks
Your wardrobe is not the only thing you should be updating this fall and lucky for you, renowned NYC makeup artist Raychel Wade (www.cheektochic.com) is coming to Saks Fifth Avenue on October 2nd to spill her secrets on colour and give women her insider picks on La Prairie must haves for your makeup bag. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it. Raychel is also La Prairie’s Colour Ambassador and has a knack for sizing up women’s “makeup personalities based on their lifestyles, so you can say good-bye to that heavy bag filled with loss leaders, streamline your keepers and fill in any missing gaps. Raychel has worked on several A-listers and Fashion Week models, so this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Visit our La Prairie Colour Event listing for details. Reservations are required.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Ladies
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