It's a new year. A new decade even. And you have finally set yourself up with a budget to include fitness.   But you need MOTIVATION. You need a workout partner who won't let you change your mind and go get a glass of wine instead (yes, all you best friends out there, I mean you!). You need more than a membership and a sauna. Personal training and fitness boot camps are the latest craze because they obligate you to show up. And not just because of the financial commitment. They make you feel like part of a team, regardless of whether that team is you plus a trainer or you plus a group with a boot camp instructor. Their ability to motivate works wonders for weight loss, toning and consistency in a much stronger way than willpower. [caption id="attachment_5554" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="It looks like you could use a swift kick in the ass..."][/caption] So, how do they measure up? Which one is right for you? First, let's look at personal training, also known as PT. PT is good for people who need a person to chat with and encourage them while they workout. A fantastic way to save on PT is to do a duet session with your boy toy or with your best friend... half the cost and twice the gossip! A typical PT session will start with a cardio warm up and then a session tailored to your needs and wants. Interval training (alternating exercises of high and low intensity), weights, or even some boxing can be incorporated by your trainer into your workout. The best part of PT: ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT. This is YOUR PT. Your trainer's responsibility is to cater to you. **PLRG Special Alert: #1 Gym on Sheffield in Lakeview is doing an AWESOME special of $100 for 1 PT session, body composition analysis, nutritional guidance, and a 1-month gym membership! ** On to fitness camps! Boot camp classes have been around for a few years now and most gyms offer them.   The quality of the instructor can vary though, so definitely try a session out before you commit. Some instructors are even ex-military and instruct in the same style. Some are much softer and you can even find a women only camp, such as Michelle Rossfeld's Chicago Women's Fitness Camp at 30 E. Adams, Suite 900. The team environment of boot camps can really motivate you off the couch, and are even better if you can get a friend on board! Now all you need to do is put on that cute winter gear and get off that couch! Good luck! Yours in Fitness, Christy www.christylyonsyoga.com christylyonsyoga@gmail.com

As a PLRG "Get Hot" columnist, let me tell you that I firsthand understand how expensive keeping fit, kicking butt, and getting zen with Yoga or Pilates can be. I've been teaching Yoga for over 2 years now at big-name gyms, corporate private classes, and at Yoga studios...and you're right, it's expensive (and no, teachers don't see that cash)! My love affair with fitness combined with my lifestyle as a PoorLittleRichGirl have led me here and I hope that my column can help you have the best of both worlds.

Meet Lauren Hurley & Marcia Callaghan. Together they are the powerhouses behind the fabulous events that make Gen Art Chicago, and now the authority when it comes to fashion at PLRG. From curating to directing, this dynamic duo sleuths for creative talent and inspiration in the city of neighborhoods. At the beginning of each month Lauren & Marcia will take us on a ride as they look back on the (always) eventful month they just had and narrate the highlights - where they went, what they wore and who they met...all with their personal commentary. We suggest you buckle up.

CFA Entry #1: "THE PENCIL LADY"

To kick off the first column of the Chicago Fashion Authority - and our first event of 2010 - we wanted to feature something totally unexpected.  The fresh and irreverent jewelry designs of Sue Lowenberg were the inspiration behind the looks that we created for Gen Art's advanced screening of the film Youth in Revolt.  Lowenberg's new jewelry line is the latest addition to her expansive collection of pencil artwork and functional furniture, including a line of recycled console tables adorned with rows of pencil segments graphically laid out to resemble quilt patterns.  After being manipulated by tools ranging from sharpeners to hand-saws, old pencils take on a new life as Lowenberg adds small charms, jewels and a bright aesthetic: earning her the name "The Pencil Lady." Folk-meets-pop-meets-found art with the pencils' sharp lines, bold colors, and dazzling details. The Event: January 6, 2010 - Gen Art Advanced Screening of Youth in Revolt starring Michael Cera (who attended Gen Art's L.A. screening that same night).  The after-party was held at Angels and Kings. The Wardrobe: Lauren's look: Blue Eraser Necklace with matching earrings, plus a yellow bracelet. Marcia's look: Pink Slot Machine necklace, pink bracelet and mismatched earrings. The Interpretations: Lauren: I don't like to take myself too seriously, so I think it's really important to experiment with fashion and step outside of my comfort zone once in a while.  I love taking on the challenge of styling unusual pieces for myself, finding the answer to the question, "how would I wear this piece?"  In this case, "how would I wear the pencils?!"  I love the look of my necklace because it's fun and playful, but with a very simple, classic shape.

Marcia: Yep, this one was my pick.  I've always been drawn to artisan jewelers, but the way that Sue transforms the familiar pencil is exceptionally innovative.  Repurposed art is also of great interest to me, so when I discovered Sue, I felt like a kid in a candy shop...or school yard.  The "youthful" tie-in with the film made this the perfect occasion to integrate Sue's designs into our looks. I chose the elaborate "Pink Slot Machine" necklace that was dripping in cheerful charms along with a pink bracelet to match.  To pack an extra unconventional punch, I wore one black pencil earring and one pink eraser earring.  Symmetry is overrated.

CFA Entry #2: "R E D D O L L"

As we sorted through designer applications for Gen Art Chicago's 2009 Fresh Faces in Fashion show in July, r e d d o l l's designs literally had us jumping up and down and squealing with delight like little girls.  It was love at first sight.  From the planning process to the moment of the grand finale of Chicago Fashion Focus Week (where her finale gowns drew audible gasps from the 1,000 guests at Millenium Park), Tatyana Merenyuk, the "red doll" behind this label, kept us wanting more, more...more.  Her ruffles, pleats and textured fabric combinations will leave any PoorLittleRichGirl feeling like she tip-toed right off of the pages of a fairytale. Merenyuk graced Chicago with her whimsical yet powerful designs when she emigrated to the U.S. from Kiev, Ukraine in the early 90's.  When we caught up with Merenyuk over a styling session for Gen Art's recent gallery event, we were yet again overwhelmed with her stunning new designs and always charming personality.  How she strikes a balance between such crisp structure and delicate femininity still has us in awe. The Event: January 13, 2010 - Gen Art Collector's Circle @ Packer Schopf Gallery featuring artists Jason Lahr and Tim Vermeulen.

The Wardrobe: Lauren's look: The black French Maiden Dress. Marcia's look: The white (and previously untitled) Marcia Dress. The Interpretations: Lauren: I am completely obsessed with every r e d d o l l creation, so choosing one for this event was quite difficult. In the end, I fell in love with the French Maiden for its strong Elizabethan collar juxtaposed against its graceful ballerina silhouette. I felt like a dark little doll swimming in regal pleats and poufs. At the gallery, I tossed on a studded black elastic headband that I had in my bag to punctuate the tutu-like structure of the tulle petticoat. Marcia: Naturally, I locked eyes with the most luscious confection in sight. I tamed the abounding white folds with a black patent leather belt -- buckled in back to define my shape. Then, I roughed-up the ruffles with dramatic black eye makeup (painted on at my lash lines and eyelid creases) to add a linear contrast. My adaptation felt fantastically personalized, but it was Tatyana's sweet design that was the frosting on my cake.

Bon Voyage, -Lauren & Marcia Originally published, January 28, 2010.

Longing for your sundress and flip-flops...think again! Look outside ladies, we're in the darkest days of winter and summer is a long way off. However, cold weather dressing doesn't have to be boring. Let's take a look at a few ways to liven up your wardrobe without going into credit card debt induced cardiac arrest. A great way to spruce up a winter coat is color. Even if the weather is grey and dreary, it doesn't mean your outfit has to be the same. Instead, opt for a bright, standout color in a classic fitting wool coat. Remember how your mom used to tell you to wear a hat in the cold weather to keep warm? Well, she was right. Hats are a great way to stay toasty while adding another stylish element to your look. Hot items (pardon the pun) have been berets and slouchy hats. Both styles offer protection against the cold without hat hair ruining the rest of your day. Heaven knows everyone can't wear hats successfully, but don't despair. Headphone earmuffs kill two birds with one stone. For a very small investment you can rock out to your favorite music while saving your ears from frostbite. Now that we have your head covered and taken care of, let's talk about boots. Searching for the perfect pair of winter boots can be frustrating and downright depressing. An easy solution to the practical need for a snow boot but the desire to remain stylish is the rubber soled wedge boot. But because Chicago has a penchant for salt, be sure to give your boots a good dose of waterproof spray to keep them looking sharp until Spring. Hands down, gloves are the most inexpensive way to create a new winter look. Whether you're hailing a cab or buying a fare card at the El, colorful gloves can provide an instant pop to even the most tried and true black winter coat. See, dressing for the cold doesn't have to be a bore. Living in Chicago, us PLRGs can master the art of braving the cold without compromising our sense of style. Sales are abundant and now is a great time to take advantage of discounts when there's still (unfortunately) much more winter to come. (Caroline Patek) Caroline is the newest member of our team at PLRG. A Chicago girl through and through (with a weakness for Marc Jacobs flats and chai lattes from Starbucks), Caroline spent the first eighteen years of her life in Lincoln Park. Armed with her high school best-dressed award and good grade point she took off for Washington DC to attend Georgetown University. Writing for the lifestyle section of Georgetown's newspaper The Hoya has allowed Caroline to become a master at finding the best bang for her buck in D.C.

Lucky me! My husband gave me a beautiful pair of earrings for Christmas. I was so excited about them I wouldn't take them off for days. As we boarded the plane to visit my family, the stewardess smiled at me and said, "Miss, it looks like you lost an earring!" Has this happened to you before? I went home and found five additional lone earrings of which the partner had been somehow lost. I immediately scoured the internet for reinforcements and discovered EarringDoctor.com. Genius! You can order any type of extra earring backings to keep on hand and avoid any more casualties! I only spent $5 on the clear stops I bought. It's a PLRG must! EXTRA PLRG TIP: If it's too late for your favorite pair of earrings, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the lone ranger you have left. One way to use your solo earring is as a super-fancy push pin! You may need to use an actual pushpin (depending on whether you're using a cork-board, fabric-board, etc.) to get things started, but in the end the look is tres chic! (Pam Sherman, is the founder of Chicago Anytime Assistants, a flexible ‘anytime-you-need-it’ personal assistant service for the busy Chicagoan. She is constantly hunting down deals and sales for her clients and is now sharing them with PoorLittleRichGirls as a contributor.)

I am fascinated by the way men and women relate, and if that doesn't make me an expert, it may make me a kind of student teacher. Hopefully this column will help share a little of what I've learned, and maybe shed some light on the way men think, from one man's perspective. -JM Over the summer I started dating this guy while we were both living abroad in Italy. After we spent a wonderful three months together, we returned to the States, but he is currently in school in Texas. We talk on the phone regularly and he has on multiple occasions promised to come visit me. I have taken vacation from work in anticipation, but then he bails last second. He says that he cannot afford the trip, but then spends his weekends snowboarding in Colorado. I want to know whether he will ever come out to visit and whether this relationship will continue. -Waiting in Westchester, 23 You know the answer, stop wasting your time, effort and vacation. Stop messing with Texas. In your honest opinion, in the first month of dating what expectations do guys have when a girl spends the night? Are guys 100% assuming spending the night means sex? Or do they only assume it's a 60% chance? Or less? -Stats not love Kind of gives a new meaning to "taking a poll." I'm not sure "assume" is the right word, I'd say hope is better. Either way I'd worry less about that and more about what you're comfortable with. Why do guys at bars talk to girls all night* long and then ask for your number and then never call. Why bother asking for the number if you are never going to call? -Drunk Dialed, Minus the Dialed *All night = 4 hours x 2 drinks per hour = 8 Drinks = Drunk Chick/Dude Let's be honest, the real question is, why didn't he text? We all know anyone you meet in a bar wasn't really going call you anyway. He'll last minute text you, "you out?" at 11:30 on a Saturday night. Or maybe you've gotten this one: "up?" at 1:45AM. That means he's horny, and dreaming of the drunk girl he talked to all night at some bar. If you really feel like you're connecting, get his number and take matters into your own hands. This is the sixth official installment of Jerrod Melman's column, "Advice from a Jerrk." If you have relationship or guy-related questions for Jerrod, just send an email to AskJerrod@PoorlittleRichGirls.com.  When he's not working on his advice column, Jerrod is a managing partner of Hub 51, River North's hottest dining, nightlife and social establishment created by him and his brother, R.J.   Originally published January 25, 2010

 

 

 

Originally published January 20, 2010.

According to experts, our faces should be treated to a facial exfoliator twice a week and a routine facial every eight to ten weeks, but how do you get a radiant complexion especially if you're on a budget?  Well ladies, Mario Tricoci esthetician (and self-proclaimed PLRG) Heather Landies has the answers!  I caught up with Heather this week to find out her advice... Heather Landies is an experienced esthetician that has spent the past five years at Mario Tricoci at 900 N. Michigan Avenue.   She specializes in facials and waxing, specifically microdermabrasion, peels and non-surgical face lifts.  She has been the top-rated esthetician for the past two years. To start off and get the most bang for your buck, Heather recommends that ladies look into spas that have lots of spa services and great amenities - showers, relaxation rooms, the works and take full advantage of them. Heather suggests booking one service, then extending your spa experience both before and after your appointment.  Arrive an hour before your facial to get settled in and spend around 30 minutes in the steam room.   Not only will you be relaxed and ready for your appointment, the steam helps open your pores, so you will get an even better treatment. After your facial, don't be afraid to help yourself to the complimentary refreshments.   Make a cup of hot tea, take a shower and curl up in the relaxation room with a book for an hour. We're busy women, and the bottom line is that sometimes we just have to schedule time to relax. If you can't afford a routine facial, Heather says the next best thing is to get mini-facials every other appointment.  This will help you maintain a healthy skin regimen, which is the key ingredient in skin care.  It's important to talk to your technician honestly about the products you use and how you care for your skin.  Going in for a facial or mini-facial every couple months will help you and your technician develop the appropriate regimen for you.   For the healthiest skin on the tightest budget, Heather suggests a facial four times a year at the end of each season.  One thing not to skimp on are products.  Give your technician a price point for products and services based on your budget, and he or she can help you figure out what is best for you and how often you really need to schedule appointments. Heather's tricks and tips for the best skin care on a budget: • Make an appointment at the Aveda Institute. If you can handle a little commotion and the occasional hands-on interruption from instructors, this is a great way to keep your skin looking healthy for a really great price - just $40 for a facial. • Take advantage of Spa Week Chicago, which typically happens twice a year in April and September. Chicago spas offer full-length services at discounted rates. Make sure to book way in advance because spaces fill up quickly. Start off the New Year right and treat yourself to some pampering while getting your face in shape! To schedule an appointment with Heather, call 1-800-Tricoci. (Jenna Daugherty)

Since returning to Chicago from my home-for-the-holidays annual trip, I've been thinking about how people - my family included - take out their anxiety and stress in the most interesting of ways.  My father holds his stress in his neck, my mother turns to adult beverages and my sister gets headaches.  It was as my plane circled O'Hare for hours before we were able to land on the only open runway due to the arctic blast that hit the city, I realized that my teeth were clenched so hard that my jaw was beginning to ache!  Now, I'd like to think that my oral hygiene is above average - I brush at least twice a day, use mouthwash, floss (semi) regularly, see the dentist twice a year for cleanings and until 2009 have never had a cavity.  In fact, until 2009 I hadn't visited the dentist for anything other than these regular cleanings.   Well in the past 12 months, times have changed for my "grill".  I've had a chipped front tooth (courtesy of a beer bottle), cracked back tooth (who knows what from), broken retainer (the only remnant of my middle school years in braces) and I've even noticed that my pearly whites were not as pearly as I would like them to be. I drink coffee every day, red wine every so often and acidic foods on a regular basis. That's right, I said it - 2009 was a rough year for my teeth. When PLRG found out that The Salon at Ulta was now offering a new cosmetic teeth whitening service called SpaWhite, I figured the least I could do for my teeth was to schedule an appointment.   "Cosmetic" as we all know can sometimes be code for "temporary" or even "fake", so on my teeth's behalf I proceeded with caution.  What I expected - a dentist-like, lengthy, boring procedure - couldn't be far enough from what I found.  The treatment was done in the same type of treatment room as massages or facials would be done, and the comfy lounge chair was no different either.  The pretty blonde named Jennifer who performed the treatment was as sweet as could be, and immediately told me all about the difference between SpaWhite and a typical dentist-type whitening. Here's the deelio - SpaWhite (part of the larger WhiteScience brand) doesn't actually bleach your teeth. Instead, the process removes the stains from teeth using a combination of a patented "foam suspension peroxide" system and something called DayLight 5K light.    I'll get to the parts I know you care about.  Before we started Jennifer matched the color of my teeth and promised at least 2 (and up to 4) shades lighter when we were finished.   She put some gel into a rubbery mouth tray that reminded me of the things football players wear during games and told me to bite down.  Next she positioned a blue light on an adjustable cord so that it was right up to my mouth.   The rest was all about relaxation - for me and my teeth.   She spent the next 20 minutes massaging my hands, arms, face and scalp, and I almost fell asleep more than once.  When the time was up, I rinsed and looked in the mirror - and I was pleasantly surprised with the results.   My teeth were for sure lighter than when I arrived - not an overly obvious change, but a change for the better nonetheless.

What impressed me most was how SpaWhite is marketing towards the salon/spa audience - mainly women - who want to have whiter teeth but don't necessarily want to have to schedule another dentist visit or spend hundreds of dollars.   This treatment retails for $199 but The Salon at Ulta is currently running a "Fall in Love with your Smile" special of $129.   They also have a "Two for Tuesday" special which offers 2 whitenings for the combined price of $199 (aka bring your friend).   Plus they have the cutest accessories to keep your smile whiter.  My favorite is what they call WhiteICE.  This little tube of whitening "paste" seriously looks just like a lipstick case, and even has a little mirror on one end.  WhiteICE is basically a maintenance product for after you've had the SpaWhite treatment that you can use as often as daily.   You lightly rub the stick on your teeth and it erases stains.  You don't have to rinse, but you shouldn't eat or drink for 30 minutes after applying, which isn't that tough because it tastes just like minty toothpaste, which (at least for me) makes other flavors seem unappealing for a little while.

Whether you take out your stress at the gym, on your significant other, or on a pint of ice cream, I would still recommend SpaWhite if you're looking to whiten your smile.   As for me and any other teeth-abusers out there, I have a feeling 2010 will be a better year for teeth everywhere. (Noelle Provencial)