va.voom.

This year at our Battle of the Boutiques a few of our lucky readers won a $1,000 package to get their photos done at Vavoom Pinups, Chicago’s very own premier pinup and boudoir photography studio.

This past Saturday, our four beautiful “kittens” as Vavoom Pinups owner and photographer Heather Stumpf describes them, went to redeem their prize and from the looks of it they had the time of their life.

I caught up with Sarah Ansari, who attended the shoot who told me that the best part of the day was that they felt totally comfortable throughout the entire experience. It probably helps that the Vavoom pinups staff are an ALL female ensemble of hairstylists, makeup artists, wardrobe stylists and photographers. Hair by: Sara Jean Stevens; Makeup by: Jen Brown

“Heather is really cool and made us not feel at all awkward. Going into it I thought this whole experience would make me feel shy and embarrassed, but it definitely didn’t.”

Vavoom Pinups allows you to express yourself in a cheeky, vintage look and offers a variety of options for shoots. We think it would be perfect if you’re looking for something fun to do with your girlfriends for a birthday or bachelorette party, (or just to surprise your boyfriend!)

Still nervous? Vavoom lets you see your photos right away to make sure you are 100% excited about the way your shoot turned out. “I also really loved being photoshopped,” Ansari adds.

Visit www.vavoompinups.com or give Heather a call at 773-726-1109 if you wanna learn more about “embracing your Vavoom!”

Vavoom Pinups is located at 2239 N. Kimball, Rear Building, Chicago.

Hey Ladies! Love shopping at Water Tower but hate carrying your goods on the CTA? Starting Friday, July 23

Shoppers who park in the Water Tower Place parking garage and spend $100 or more should present their same-day receipts during shopping center hours to the Water Tower Place Concierge Desk at the Michigan Avenue lobby entrance.  In return, shoppers will receive complimentary parking at the Water Tower Place parking garage. The cost for parking at the Water Tower Place parking garage usually costs $28 for three to 10 hours of parking.

A PLRG Tip? Our Fave Rave waxing spot Sisters is ALSO located in Water Tower, why not kill 2 birds with one stone and save some coin on parking?

A complete list of stores, events and special promotions, terms and conditions of parking are available at www.shopwatertower.com.

If you work here, we've got you covered.

You don’t know how many times we’ve snuck out of work for just a little longer at lunch to score a mani-pedi and grab something to eat back at our desk. I was feeling particularly guilty about this at the nail salon one afternoon, until my boss ended up in the chair next to me. She just smiled and acted totally normal, signaling to me that this was actually a very common practice among us corporate girls. I guess our ability to multitask both in and out of the office is one of the main reasons we are so adept at navigating the working world.

Anyhoo, I was thinking about all of you ladies working in the 600 West Chicago Avenue Building and the areas surrounding it today when I spotted a sweet lunch special right next door to a major manicure/pedicure deal…

Monday through Wednesday at H2O Nail & Spa you can indulge in a full manicure and pedicure for just $35! It’s only been there for a few years, but the place still looks brand new and shiny inside and the staff is always friendly. Plus, they offer a rewards card so you can earn your way to a free manicure or pedicure with each sneaky trip.

The @spot cafe's tempting dessert case.

Once you’ve had your nails did, pop in next door to the @spot cafe to pick up some grub. Each day of the summer they offer a different $5 lunch special. Savvy PLRGs will make their appointments for Mondays when the special is Grilled Cheese & Tomato Bisque- it is sooo yummy.

Oh, and one last tip- though the menu at @spot is delicious, this isn’t some fast food joint, so if you think you’re going to be strapped for time just call in your order ahead of time from the pedicure chair.

(Lacey Brenly)

Last time we checked these super cheap tickets were still available to all the games, including the holiday weekend games, which are looking to bring gorgeous drinking and boy watching weather. Just make sure to use promo code SANTO when purhcasing your tickets at Cubs.com to score the deal.

Go Cubs Go!

These two guys totally know what's going on....That's Ron on the left, if you don't.

]]> http://www.poorlittlerichgirls.com/get-the-ron-santo-special-at-wrigley/feed/ http://www.poorlittlerichgirls.com/for-those-of-you-who-dont-know-what-ross-is/ http://www.poorlittlerichgirls.com/for-those-of-you-who-dont-know-what-ross-is/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:23:43 +0000 admin http://www.poorlittlerichgirls.com/?p=6646

They didn't even bother spending money on an attractive font for their logo so they could pass the savings on to you!

Yesterday we realized the video we put up last week may not have made a whole lotta sense to some of you who aren’t from the West Coast (which is probably many of you). Ross Dress for Less is the country’s second-largest off-price apparel retailer after TJX Comapnies (that’s TJ Maxx and Marshall’s to you ladies).

Now, originally, we thought Ross was owned by the same company as Marshall’s and TJ’s. Turns out it’s not, but it got us thinking about how many companies and products are owned by the same people and look exactly same, except their names vary by region (this was very confusing for us when Eryn and I first moved to Chicago). And, we’re not just talking the difference between Californians saying “soda” and Midwesterners saying “pop.” Somewhere in Arizona, a woman is drowning her sorrows in a pint of Dryers ice cream while you are polishing off that gallon of Edy’s, but it’s totally made by the same company and the design on the packaging is identical. Because if you want your brand to become an American icon, having multiple names for the exact same product makes perfect sense and won’t at all confuse your customers.

So, for fun, here’s some of our fave brands that are different across the country by region. Any others that freaked you out the first time you noticed?

(Lacey Brenly)

Girls, we’re not going to make any excuses for the following post. Bachelorette season is in full swing, these guys are hot, and we’ve got free tickets.

This Friday, June 25th, at Joe’s on Weed Street, the hotties from Thunder From Down Under (if you don’t know what we’re talking about, google it now) are coming out in full form to entertain the ladies of Chicago, including a few of YOU lucky readers. (wink, wink)

So throw a few shrimp on the barbie, (or hit up Outback for a Bloomin’ Onion if you’re not in the mood to cook) and head on down to check out Australia’s Hottest Export Live from Vegas.

Doors open at 7pm, Show starts at 8.
Tickets are $18 in advance HERE

OR

If you email giveaway@poorlittlerichgirl.com and tell us who your favorite Australian Hottie actor is (ahem: Hugh Jackman?) we’ll hook a few lucky readers up with some freebies.

Check out this preview from Sarah Vargo of Maven Productions and JenChicago. They give you a sneak peak of what’s to come this Friday!

Pont Neuf Dress, $78

My lack of athleticism and interest in physical activity has become a running joke in my family. Their favorite line: “I’m in shape. The shape I’ve chosen is a pear.” But according to Shabby Apple’s Fit to Flatter body type identifier, I’m actually an apple. The Utah-based company specializes in dresses for women, with an emphasis on modesty, which are sold exclusively through the store’s website.

Shabby Apple’s owners Athelia CK Woolley and Emily Bell McCormick subscribe to a “more is more” philosophy when it comes to dressing. More fabric, that is. The pair searched high and low for dresses that didn’t require a camisole or cardigan to make the wearer feel covered, but came up empty handed. It seemed that the days where a single piece of clothing, a dress, functioning as an entire outfit were long gone.

As young Mormon women, this discovery was problematic. The faith requires women to wear clothing with sleeves, conservative necklines, and knee-length hems. Although not all Mormons choose to do so, followers must also wear special underwear, known as “garments.” Finding trendy pieces that comfortably accommodate these panties is a pain.

La Tour Eiffel Dress, $96

Woolley and McCormick took matters into their own hands, designing a line of dresses they couldn’t find anywhere else. The styles transcend religion and Shabby Apple gained recognition across the country. Ladies who never felt comfortable in low cut mini-dresses finally have an alternative to layering. With prices hovering around $100 dollars, investing in a Shabby Apple dress won’t break the bank. Plus, signing up for the online mailing list will earn you a 10 percent discount.

That the dresses are designed for the modest woman is more or less imperceptible. The website features eight different women’s lines, a line for preteens, baby, expecting mothers, and plus size women. The pair also designed a line of tankinis and one-pieces perfect for the summer.

Of course, Shabby Apple features an incredible selection of jewelry, handbags, shoes, and accessories. At the company’s core is the idea that the dress is timeless, classic, and if designed properly, needs only some well-chosen accessories to complete the look.

CEO Dress, $96

There is not a closet in the contiguous United States that would not benefit from a Shabby Apple dress. Perfect for work or play, the dresses are very Mad Men. Since having a backside and breasts was all the rage in the 60s, the clothing accommodated these ample assets. Ask any big chested woman these days and she’ll tell you that most lines are built for B-cups and designers assume women want to show a little cleave. The women of Shabby Apple don’t have the misconception that all women want their boobs and butts on display. Woolley and McCormick merge flattering fits and functional designs to create dresses that speak to an era when clothing respected, enhanced, and celebrated the female figure. PoorLittleRichGirls think this idea is not too shabby.

(Lauren Bonenberger)

With a little imagination, a PLRG can re-use anything!

We have so many tips for using items for a different purpose than they were intended (double duty usage is a great way to save money) that we wanted to start sharing them with you.

This week, we pulled together some of our fave tips involving your shoes and socks. Try out some of these tips and let us know how they work for you.

• If the bottoms of your Uggs are trashed from last winter, or if you know you’ll be over them come next cold weather season, then cut off the bottom “shoe” part and use the leftover strip as a pot holder or trivet.
• Speaking of fall and winter styles, how do you store your boots without them flopping over and losing their shape? Well, you know all that wine you’ve been drinking? Grab two empty, clean bottles and and shove them in your boots. It’ll keep them at attention until you’re ready to wear them this fall.
• If you’re taking any vacays this summer, then you’ll love this tip. Instead of buying fancy shoe bags to protect your shoes while you travel, grab a few pairs of old gym socks and slip your shoes into them. It will prevent scuffs and stains from mysterious items in your suitcase.
• Socks are always good to have on hand when you’re traveling. Another great way to use them is as a straightening or curling iron holder/protector (the bigger and fuzzier the sock the better). No need to worry about letting your curling iron cool down completely before you leave- if the iron’s still a little warm, the sock will prevent it from burning or scorching it’s cord and other items in your bag.
• If your shoes need polishing at work today, go grab yourself a double duty snack. A banana peel with the strings removed can be used to polish your shoes- afterwards buff with a paper towel or soft cloth.
• This one one is by far the most creative double duty item we’ve come across. If you have an old pair of Crocs, or if you were gifted them and they aren’t your style, then use them as planters this summer! It’s basically the same concept as the Topsy Turvey Tomato Planter. The shoes should be hung up by the heels and the holes in the shoes acts as drainage. Just  make sure to add some moss or something to the toes to avoid dirt spilling out the very bottom.

Omigod! Zach had us laughing out loud! The audition video was not at all what we expected, but we were so pleasantly surprised. He had us at “the sexiest of the palsies.” We love how his no holds bar, humorous attitude reminds us that we are all the same inside and we all just like to have a good time and a good laugh.

We also LOVE his idea for a travel show (right up a PLRG’s alley). He’s right, most travel shows tell you all about planning the “perfect” trip or vacation, but we all know things rarely go as planned. A host that can guide you through these travel challenges, and make it funny and interesting to watch- he gets our vote.

Go Zach!

To vote for Zach, visit his page on the Oprah Your Own Show website.