The Second City has long been known for its world class comedy. From the sketch theater of the same name, to Improv Olympics to hundreds of little comedy clubs in between, this city is filled with hilarity. So, what better way to celebrate our humorous past and present than with the TBS Just for Laughs festival, June 15-19!?

Each day of the festival there will be performances at various venues throughout the city (70 shows in all). So, you can check out big name comics like Ellen DeGeneres and Cedric the Entertainer at the Chicago Theater. Or, if you’re looking to show some local love you can hit up The Beat Kitchen for the Secret Big-Time Local Comedy Showcase presented by Chicago Underground Comedy. The show which invites you to “come see the best comics Chicago keeps secret, held close to its infamously artistic bosom,” is just $5!

You can browse through the entire line-up and schedule and purchase tickets at the Just for Laughs website.

Re.Stock Shop was a contender in the 2010 Battle of the Boutiques.

June marks the first anniversary of Re.Stock Shop, Chicago’s only traveling designer sample sale, and they have pulled out all the stops to celebrate and thank their customers!

And what better way to show their appreciation than to put on killer sales every weekend in June. We’re talking up to 80% off designers like Ted Baker, JLee Silver and Serpico (to name a few). Check out their website for more detailed information on times and dates of the sales.

There are also a ton of special events ging on for their customers this month:

• H2O Warehouse Sale, June 12- Located across the street from the RE.STOCK Shop Sale! Savvy shoppers can stock up on great summer clothing and great skincare products and save up to 80% off!
• The JLee Silver Trunk Show, June 19- Shoppers can meet the designer and check out their new Spring 2010 Collection all specially priced. 12-5pm.
• Taste of Randolph, June 18-20- This is a chance for people to indulge their taste for great food & great fashion. They’re located just steps away from the street fair.

Last night’s Toast on the Terrace party was held at the uber chic Terrace at the Conrad Hotel. And although the backdrop of the city was absolutely gorgeous, the fashions at the event were certainly giving the skyline a run for it’s money. Everyone was dressed to impress and, of course, sporting their sky high heels!

Team PLRG, plus one lucky reader and three of her friends, got to sip champagne and cosmos, snack on mini cheeseburgers and Eli’s Cheesecake while we were entertained with a fashion show inspired by looks from the movie (put on by the Shop at Northbridge).

After that, we headed over the theater to see the pre-screening of Sex and the City 2! Read on to see our tips for watching and teases from the film, but first, check out this piece from ABC 7 news. They interviewed me and Lindsey aka “Fans.”

On the first day of this new year, our dear friends Kirsten and Greg Chiopelas lost their mother, Renee, to skin cancer. Determined for some good to come out of such a tragic situation, and in the fighting spirit of their mother, Greg and his sister are hosting an event, The Magic Quarter, to raise money for the V Foundation. We’ll let Greg tell you all about it in his own words…

The Magic Quarter is the name of a story I was writing for my mother that I still have yet to finish. It is a story about a mother with cancer and her young son wanting more than anything to make her better. With the help of a “magic quarter” he is able to get one wish and that wish was for his mom to be cured of cancer. I thought the name of the event was appropriate. I wasn’t able to save my mother, but maybe we can make a difference in someone else’s life.

Renee Chiopelas passed away on January 1st of 2010.  She was 56 years old.  She was a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter, and best friend.  She was more than that, though.  She was a beautiful person.  Always enjoying life and laughter.  She passed away far too soon, but her memory will never be forgotten.  Renee was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma about 3 years earlier.  The early diagnosis did not look good and they originally told her that she only had 1-3 months to live.  She made the decision that she would fight and fight she did.  She fought for 3 long years beating the odds time and time again. She always did so with an optimistic attitude and smile on her face.  Even in the darkest hours, she was able to stay positive not only for herself, but because she knew she was the strength for her family and friends.

On May 8th, 2010, we will have the opportunity to not only remember her life and the woman she was, but to also try to help change the future. It will be an evening of fun, but also to support a great cause. May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness month. All proceeds from this event will be donated to The V Foundation. The V Foundation awards 100% of all direct donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Established in 1993, it has raised over $90 million to fund cancer research. The proceeds from this particular event will go to melanoma research.

Unfortunately, my mother couldn’t be saved. I hope to never see another person battle this horrible disease. My hope is to help change the future. If we could make a difference in one person’s life, one family’s life, wouldn’t that be worth it? If we could eradicate cancer altogether, wouldn’t that be something? That is my wish. I know it would be my mother’s. Is it yours? Let’s make a wish to make a difference.Event Tickets: $50

Event Date: Saturday, May 8th 2010 - 7:30pm to 1:00am

Diplomat West
681 W North Ave
Elmhurst, IL 60126-2177

Event Ticket, $50, Includes:
2 Excellent Cover Bands Copycat and The HookUps
DJ Stixx
4 Hour Premium Open Bar
Appetizers
4 Blackjack Tables/1 Roulette Table for your chance to win tons of awesome prizes
Raffle

Purchase Your Tickets HERE

We have been anxiously awaiting this day since the first Sex and the City movie came out and now, ladies, it is finally here! The next chapter in the story of our favorite group of girlfriends lands in theaters May 27. Ok, we know, that still seems ages away. So, we pulled out some super sly moves a la Samantha (in the film, she manages to get the gals an all expenses paid trip to Abu Dhabi) and scored one lucky reader, plus three of her best friends, of course, tickets to the hottest SATC 2 pre-screening event in town- Toast on the Terrace!

Your favorite girlfriends are back and better than ever!

The event, co-hosted by the retailers of the Shops at Northbridge and the Conrad Hotel, will be the ultimate night of glamourous fun. You’ll relax on the outdoor terrace of the Conrad Hotel (psst- before it’s official opening) and enjoy complimentary appetizers and cocktails. Oh, and what SATC party would be complete without a fashion show? Retailers from the Shops at Northbridge have created a show full of Sex and the City inspired looks. But, before you try to sneak downstairs to purchase a few items for yourself, remember the piece de resistance- the private, sneak-peak screening of Sex and the City 2!

“Toast on the Terrace” at the Conrad Hotel :: Tuesday, May 25, 2010
5-6pm - Cocktail Reception
6pm - Fashion Show
7:30pm - Private screening of “Sex and the City 2″

This is a private, invite only event and one of the few pre-screenings in Chicago. To get your hands on this set of tickets, email us at Giveaway@PoorLittleRichGirls.com and tell us which of the SATC you and your three friends* resemble most and why. There will only be one winner!

*We mean the three friends you are planning on bringing. We know you have way more friends than that. Or not. Either way.

Originally published May 19, 2010.

I need that giant Hershey's Kiss in my belly, now!

We know how much you ladies love a good trunk show. It feels so exclusive, getting a sneak peak and a leg up on all the other fahsionistas out there.

So, when we came upon the Jelly Belly Trunk Show, happening Saturday April 3 at Candyality, we were highly intrigued. We heart candy almost as much as we love trunk shows. Could it be that two of our favorites things could come together for one “sweet” little Saturday? Of course it can, when the owner, Terese McDonald’s, past life was in fashion marketing!

Just like any other trunk show (only these “duds” are more of the “milk” variety), from 10am-7pm, you’ll be able to sample all 50 official Jelly Belly flavors and will also take home a free gift with purchase. If you’re feeling a little “childish” stop by between 12pm-5pm and you’ll get a chance to visit with Mr. Jelly Belly himself!

Candyality is a place straight out of your childhood fantasies, with bins of candy filled to the brim lining every wall. Even more fun, each purchase from Candyality is “analyzed” to determine your personality type. So, for example, if your bag’s full of super sour candy, it means your a risk taker. It almost makes you feel less guilty about eating so much candy- “But, I thought the bigger my bag was, the more “full” my life was? Is that wrong?”

(Lacey Brenly)

A few months back, on January 20th, over 50 guests enjoyed champagne cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and macaroons, while receiving coveted tips from a few Chicago wedding experts at whiteCHICAGO in River North. Sponsored by CS Brides, FIG Catering, Binny’s and Fritz Pastry, whiteCHICAGO owner Ursula Guyer emceed the seminar, which featured panelists answering bride’s questions on how to save money, how to plan a wedding in today’s economy and overall, how to be a resourceful, recessionista bride! For our Wedding Issue, we’d thought we’d share what we learned with our PLRGs who are planning weddings!

Expert Panelists (from l to r): whiteCHICAGO gown expert Kyra Fitzgerald, financial planner Stephanie Schranz, CS Brides editor Elise Hofer, emcee/whiteCHICAGO owner Ursula Guyer, wedding planner Anthony Navarro of Liven It Up events, DIY expert/blogger Danielle Perrino of Sugar & Spice Ink and personal stylist Erin Carpenter.

Our top 6 takeaway tips were:

Smoked Salmon on a Corn-Scallion Waffle with Maple Mascarpone courtesy of FIG catering.

1. Don’t feel like you have to buy a different dress for each “bride” event you go to. Restyle the same dress with different jewelry, hairstyles or shoes for the various showers and brunches. Use these restyling tips when purchasing your wedding gown as well. If you find a steal but don’t love everything about the dress, remember you can add lace, tulle, sleeves, brooches, the possibilities are endless.

2. If you want to save money in the flower department and buy silk flowers, the best way to showcase them is to submerge them in water. It’s free and a lot of times you can use the vases from the reception venue.

3. Although planners are an additional cost, they often times have negotiating power with the various vendors and can get you deals you wouldn’t otherwise have. Plus, a day of coordinator will take off the stress and that is invaluable on the big day!

The crowd enjoys the panelists tips for the Recessionista Bride.

4. If you want to be a “DIY” bride, don’t take on every aspect of the wedding. Pick one or two things that you want to DIY so it isn’t as overwhelming and make sure that you have a good team of workers and helpers behind you.

5. If you choose to use an iPod at your reception, music selection is key. Make sure that you leave room for some slow songs and play for the crowd that you invited.

6. Discuss finances before you start planning away. Find out what is most important to the two of you and then budget around that. Talking about how you are going to manage your money after the big day is also an important step to take earlier rather than later.

The advice that seemed to really float above everything else that was being discussed, especially when it came to figuring out how to stay within your means and still produce that perfect, magical evening, is to relax and enjoy yourself. If you look happy and content, everyone else will enjoy themselves that much more. All in all, remember that the day is really about the two of you becoming a couple and starting the rest of your lives together!

Spring has sprung in Chicago, and you ladies know what that means- new habits, new hang outs, new boyfriends, and maybe even a new look. You’ll find everything a PLRG needs to get fresh start in the fashion and beauty department, this Sunday at The Franco Tricoci Beuaty Bash at Hub 51.

For just $20 you’ll enjoy a hosted cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, 7-9:30pm, courtesy of Ketel One, Jack Daniels, Miller Lite and Hub 51. To keep you entertained, Tricoci and his team will be doing live hair demonstrations during the reception, so you can see how to recreate that hot, spring hairstyle. Then at 10:30pm, get ready for the runway show, accenting 50 years of Franco’s dedication to the beauty industry.

Cash will get you in at the door (ps- proceeds go to charity), but you must RSVP before at OutfitEvents.com or you can email RSVP@OutfitEvents.com. See you ladies there!

Originally published, March 24, 2010

It’s been a week since Battle of the Boutiques, the hangover has finally worn off and we’ve finally caught up on our sleep. The event was a huge success and we have lots of people to thank and lots of things to catch you up on. If you missed the show, check out this video for a little recap….

First, a big thank you goes out to Showbiz Shelly from B96 and our judges Jessica Sedgwick, Fashion Columnist for The Chicago Sun-Times; Steven Rosengard, former Project Runway Contestant and especially Marcia Callaghan and Lauren Hurley from Gen Art Chicago!

We’d also like to thank our sponsors, Honda on Grand, Hub 51, Ulta, Ultimate Vodka, PAMA Liqueur, Studio-808, Brynn Capella Handbags, Vavoom Pinups, The Chicago Bulls, Moxie, Red Ivy, Korbel and Lumen for all of their help getting this event of the ground.

Last, but not least we’d like to thank all of the boutiques who came out to compete and showed us that the local boutique scene has plenty to offer a PoorLittleRichGirl! And, of course, a special congrats goes out to our winning boutique, which swept the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice categories, 2 Sisters Boutique (the real sisters behind the boutique are pictured above, collecting their prize). Check out our favorite look from 2 Sisters, along with our fave looks from the other boutiques, below:

WINNER!: 2 Sisters Boutique- Dress, Fumblin' Foe, $184

Hubba Hubba- Leggings, Sugarlips, $34.95; Top, Free People, $98.95

Re.Stock Shop- Dress, JLee Silver, $89; Vest, JLee Silver, $82

Le Dress- Dress, Frock by Tracy Reese, $175

Wolfbait & B-Girls- Hat, Squasht, $54; Tank, Bruiser, $56; Pants, Bruiser, $98

Dress Up Boutique- Dress, Lani, $49; Blazer, Lani, $79

Photos from the event are now posted in our Gallery, so check them for pics of you and all of your besties at the show or to see the all of the looks put out by each boutique.

And, for all of you savvy ladies who saved your programs, don’t forget about the special 20% discount off your purchase at select boutiques. Details are inside the program!

After this weekend, the Battle of the Boutiques will have come and gone and what will a PoorLittleRichGirl do then to get her fashion fix? How about scope out some of Chicago’s best up and coming designers at The Chicago Fashion Foundation 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit!

Three lucky (and talented) designers will win scholarships, but they’re not the only lucky ones. Even though you’re not a CFF member, PLRG has hooked you up with the member price for tickets. That’s just $30 when you purchase ahead of time online (non-member tix cost $40+). All you have to do is enter “PLRG” in the Comments section when purchasing your tickets and they’ll take care of the rest!