So, we finally wrapped up the video we had been working on with Chicago.com. The neighborhood tour of Bucktown turned out great and we had waaaay too much fun during the “making of” stages. Hopefully they feel the same way and we’ll have more videos like this to come!

Below is the video and a short description (in case you feel like visiting any of these amazing B-Town spots):

Vinnie is back. This time he’s strolling through Bucktown, one of Chicago’s hippest hoods for shopping and eating. For a total throwback, try Margie’s Candies. For 80 years they have created homemade treats: fudge, truffles, and ice cream. Vinnie then takes you to the T-Shirt Deli. It’s not a real deli though. You design your own T-Shirts (or underwear) with a funny saying (”I luv Vinnie”, perhaps?) Then at Personal Privilege you’ll see the cute décor and stylish clothes. This store is great for any budget, and they even serve drinks to keep your pals happy while you try on jeans. Finish the day at Duchamp with some amazing wings and burgers with a French twist, and then jam to some music at the Double Door. Yep, Vinnie knows Chicago!

-Chicago.com

PS- The beginning of the video was filmed in the Chicago.com offices, which are inhabited by all males. Just wondering if you were impressed with how clean it looks on the video as we were ; ) We see an article about “keeping your office tidy” in your near future, Vinnie…

Please welcome Vince Hickey, aka “Cousin Vinnie”, from Chicago.com. You may recognize him from their neighborhood tour videos (we featured their Rush & Division tour on PLRG). You may also recall that we are producing a video together, highlighting local businesses in Bucktown. Well, Vinnie wanted to bring you the scoop on a boutique we filmed at which, may or may not be familiar to the ladies but, he thinks every guys should know about.

If you happen to have caught a case of some Chicago Fashion Illness, like mixing denims and wearing white after Labor Day, head straight over to Personal Privilege and get a dose of stylish threads. Owner Tracy Lemke is no stranger to the fashion scene. This celebrity stylist has dressed dozens of huge names like White Sox player Octavio Dotel, Lakers player Shannon Brown, Golden State Warriors Corey Maggatte and many, many more. Tracy stocks her shelves with everything from Diesel, Affliction, Steve Madden, and tons more designers that satisfy even my picky Chicago fashion needs. These trendy threads won’t keep you tied to the catwalk or strutting the sidewalks of the Gold Coast. Their styles are sensible, affordable and fashion-forward. When I hear the term “boutique”, I immediately think it will be too expensive and strictly for the ladies. However, free fashion consultations with Tracy and staff included in the purchase and free alterations for any purchases over $60 make this joint a hit.

You and your man can shop together at Personal Privilege.

My trip to Personal Privilege surprised me. They had a wide range of prices and a good selection for both men and women. This place is definitely for men who are looking for something different (or a little less standard) from what’s hanging on the racks at Express or H&M. If cool clothing, honest fashion advice, and grade A customer service are important to you, then you won’t be disappointed at Personal Privilege. Customers receive complimentary drinks on weekends while you get your shopping done. So girls if you want to pick up a killer pair of jeans and don’t want to torture your boyfriend, let him grab a drink, watch some music videos and shop your hearts out.

Sincerely,
Cousin Vinnie

Have a question you want to ask Cousin Vinnie? Need a handsome guys point of view? Send him an email to Vinnie@Chicago.com. When Vinnie is not scoping the streets for new threads and great deals, He is a business developer for Chicago.com. Also to read more from Vinnie check him out at www.chicago.com/blog.

As we prepare for next week’s issue (”Welcome to Fall”) we are desperately trying to fit in just a few more street fests, patios, barbeques and any other “summer” acitivties we can manage. So, you can imagine how jazzed we were to hear about the 1st annual Jack Daniel’s Rib-A Que in the Moonshine parking lot, this Saturday from 12pm-6pm. You can sample ribs from 16 different local restaurants, enjoy drink specials from Moonshine and Jack Daniels and really squeeze the life out of what is left of the summer.

The restuarants are not just serving ribs out of the goodness of their hearts though. They will be competing for the title of “Smoke Out Champion” and all the bragging rights that come with it. Your votes will be combined with those of guest judges, Stephanie Izard and Dale Levitski of Top Chef, to determine the winner. So, the competition is sure to be fierce!

Our buddies over at The Fifty/50 will have a booth there so make sure to stop by, grab some ribs and show your support. If you haven’t heard already, the brains behind The Fifty/50 are two Joe’s Stone Crab veterans, so they know a thing or two about great food. Plus they will be handing out slap bracelets (quantities are limited), which, if you bring them into The Fifty/50 the next Monday-Thursday, will get you a free Effen cocktail. These guys know the way to a PoorLittlRichGirls heart is through her martini glass!

Beta Boutique
Chicago’s first & only permanent sample sale!
2016 W. Concord Place
Chicago, IL 60647
773-276-0905
www.betaboutique.com

Spend $50 and get $10 off! (Must present coupon to redeem)

Cellar Rat Wine Shop
1811 W. North Ave.
Chicago,IL 60647
773.489.2728
www.cellarratchicago.com

Get 15% off any purchase of $40 or more. (Must present coupon to redeem).

Chaise Lounge
1840 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
773-342-1840

With this coupon, get a complimentary appetizer with purchase of any entree.

Plan B Bar & Kitchen
1635 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773-252-2680

 Mention PLRG and get 1/2 price appetizers on Wednesdays & $3 vodka cocktails on Thursdays

Silver Cloud Bar & Grill
1700 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60647
773.489.6212
http://www.silvercloudchicago.com

  Bring in this coupon and get 1/2 off all appetizers Sunday - Thursday from 5pm-9pm, through the end of February.