tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50746697299650986052024-03-13T00:59:07.910-07:00Fancy Find Chicago...we hunt the fancy for you...Fancy - Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606500154441402515noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074669729965098605.post-36772480128893535222009-03-15T15:44:00.001-07:002009-03-15T15:54:18.797-07:00A Gorilla Eating Demon is loose in Chicago<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGDvlYxzN_Bs1rOhoivpfckQePjczwiBpMH1iXH7TekBIgy7OjTFh7kkzB5_boo5R-NQid_ILnn7H7WIzSBYaatK0l4vp_juZ88Gw2rrwTQ2j9UDQXWZAvDT85pJYI-zmC0ki8k-jwOE/s1600-h/Feb2009+010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGDvlYxzN_Bs1rOhoivpfckQePjczwiBpMH1iXH7TekBIgy7OjTFh7kkzB5_boo5R-NQid_ILnn7H7WIzSBYaatK0l4vp_juZ88Gw2rrwTQ2j9UDQXWZAvDT85pJYI-zmC0ki8k-jwOE/s400/Feb2009+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313549740023469778" /></a><br /><br />People of Earth. <a href="http://fancyfindchicago.blogspot.com/2009/01/unfancy-things-happen-to-good-people.html">This is what I was talking about</a>. Do you think this was easy for me to see before eight in the morning on my way to work? It was horrifying. I could not think of a way to save this gorilla from the demon gnawing on its shoulder without being late for work so I just let it fend for itself. I snapped a picture so I could warn you all. <br /><br />Hope you're ok, Urban Gorilla.Checkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822020000103846546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074669729965098605.post-5453579221724985552009-03-11T13:45:00.000-07:002009-03-11T13:53:40.781-07:00New Wave Coffee is Burning Down the HouseFriends! <br /><br />I'm gonna keep this short, because, seriously this place speaks for itself. And, well you need to GO. New Wave Coffee has been open for about two months and hot damn! Who's excited? I am! And you will be after you hit this place up. Things they have that you will like: <br /><br />1. Lots of seating<br />2. Good music<br />3. Super Mario Brothers - and yes, you can sit there and beat the whole game if you wish. I don't think they'll kick you out of the joint. <br />4. Very friendly staff<br /><br />And - most importantly, drum roll please...........<br /><br />5. They have EXCELLENT coffee. They serve Metropolis at New Wave, and lemme tell ya, they brew it properly so you can kiss that burnt espresso taste Buh-bye! <br /><br />What are you doing still reading?!? Go! Go! Go! <br /><br />New Wave (3103 W Logan / 2557 N Milwaukee | Logan Square, Chicago | 773-489-0646)Fancy - Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606500154441402515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074669729965098605.post-58914798466513901042009-03-04T09:44:00.001-08:002009-03-04T09:44:26.069-08:00Greetings from the Letter PressFriends. <br />I have an obsession. <br />I am in love with paper. <br />It's real. It's <span style="font-style:italic;">for </span>real. <br />Finding a good paper store is like finding a good cell phone provider. There are many that vie for your attention but usually one or two that can fulfill your needs. Especially when one of those needs, is the need to be green (hey, the environment shouldn't have to pay for my love affair) - that is why I bring you this blog about the Paper Doll on Division. <br /><br />The Holiday Season has passed us, Valentines have been mailed, but that is no reason to stop the presses. Friends, there is nothing I find fancier than a hand written note. Honest. <br /><br />Do yourself a favor and sit down with some hot coca, a great pen and some fancy paper. Send a letter to the folks back home, that friend you miss, or that sibling far away. Tell them about all the fancy things you can do in Chicago during the winter months (and yes, it is still winter in March) so that they understand that, sure it's cold, but it's ok! There are things like ice skating and really cool waves that freeze on the lake mid move! Write them and let them know that you love them. That you miss them. That you would like your copy of TLC's Crazy, Sexy, Cool back. Please and thank you. <br /><br />Whatever the tenor of your letter or the green of your thumb - Paper Doll has got your back. <br /><br />My suggestion: Paper Doll (http://paperdollchicago.blogspot.com/)Fancy - Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606500154441402515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074669729965098605.post-7499462130064613752009-01-22T19:56:00.000-08:002009-02-04T19:37:25.212-08:00Unfancy things happen to good people.There are millions of reasons to let winter get you down: sunless heavens, not a lick of natural earth anywhere (just ice over ice over ice), having to hide your miniskirt under giant down jackets. It's a shame, really. I understand that you might not be able to recall the feeling of your bare your arms on a bike ride to the Hideout and I can see how you may find it hard to imagine that this frozen tundra is the same Chicago in which you laid on Addison beach and watched the Wednesday night fireworks. I get it. You've got the winter blues. But, come on. That is no reason to dress like a gorilla. <br /><br />I really cannot comprehend the mentality behind the fur coat. It's 2009. You don't look rich. You don't look chic. You look like a gorilla. Anyway, aren't those gorilla suits expensive? Why are you wearing it on the train? Is that your every day coat? Oh, stop! Do NOT make me laugh. I can't possibly take you seriously when you're dressed like a gorilla, anyway.<br /><br />But listen. I'm not going to worry about the sudden surge of the Chicago gorilla population because eventually it will be spring and they will go away and I will rejoice. However, I must warn you all. There is a year round fashion disaster that is taking over the midwest. Brace your hearts and hide your children. It's called The Vera Bradley.<br /><br />This quilted nonsense propagated, no doubt, from some color blind demon crouched in the most swarthy, unlit bowels of hell is the cause of all the injustice in the world. If I spot you with one of these monsters latched to your shoulder two things happen to you and I:<br /><br />1. You will go on my enemy list.<br />2. I will say a prayer for you.<br /><br />The fabrics used to create these...well, I guess they are supposed to be handbags, should be reserved to be used strictly to clean up spills. They are patterned so that you'll never know whether you are looking at a stain of questionable origin or if it is actually part of the horrendous pattern. You will NEVER know! The bags do not match or compliment ANYTHING that you own. I promise you. It does not matter what you are wearing. It does not "go". <br /><br />Now, I have a confession. A tragedy to tell you. This is a true story. My sixteen year old sister and I are the only women in our entire extended family to not own one of these godforsaken bags. Though we were spared we had to watch it claim every other woman we are welded to by blood. Take heed, my friend. Do not allow this to happen to your loved ones. I made the mistake of going away to college and leaving my mother to fend for herself. She lost the battle in less than two years. It was a sad day. <br /><br />So now that you know, you can't say I didn't warn you. My conscious can remain clear. Don't pay twice for over-priced quilted nonsense; once with cash and then for the rest of your life with your dignity.<br /><br />Talking about unfancy things is quite exhausting but if I saved one single soul then I'm glad I did it. <br /><br />Thanks for caring,<br />RebeccaCheckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822020000103846546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074669729965098605.post-31213728691521597322009-01-13T07:42:00.000-08:002009-01-19T14:19:48.179-08:00The Logan Theatre - Ice Cream in the Winter TimeShame on them. Shame. (I am wagging my finger right now.) Shammmmme. It has come to my attention that there are people who have been hating on the Logan Theater. Psh-ah! Now, now listen. I know: The seats are uncomfortable. The floors are sticky. But I have a question for you, Are you a Rockefeller? Cause I sure am not. Listen. This theatre shows movies (that are still in mass circulation I might add) for three dollars. Having trouble believing it? I'll type it again - THREE dollars. It's only three dollars. Which sounds a lot like free dollars if you ask me, because that is basically what it is. Yes, you should bring a hemorrhoid pillow. No, you should not expect the best sound quality. But, people, times are tough. You shouldn't have to suffer through a near economic melt down with no entertainment. <br /><br />Do be sure to check frequently for your movie show time and date as they come and go like lovers in the night at this place.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WW7Yrr0P6z0USZDGeLkGL1oHF17E5uv1hSdOema3nPjWq1AwpucIEPspxO2U86V1XstKO33QBMrAraRWtYJ_oysMylhw4QAVLi6Hl1taD2Eq1JMcBewqBd9Uhyphenhyphenctsbcg9ZNRoJSsvvoL/s1600-h/the+logan.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WW7Yrr0P6z0USZDGeLkGL1oHF17E5uv1hSdOema3nPjWq1AwpucIEPspxO2U86V1XstKO33QBMrAraRWtYJ_oysMylhw4QAVLi6Hl1taD2Eq1JMcBewqBd9Uhyphenhyphenctsbcg9ZNRoJSsvvoL/s320/the+logan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293133023913883650" /></a> <br /><br />Logan Square<br />2646 N Milwaukee Ave<br />(between Kedzie Ave & Sawyer Ave)<br />Chicago, IL 60647<br />(773) 252-0627<br /><br />Lovings from the back row - Fancy SFancy - Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606500154441402515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074669729965098605.post-32599800476491215172009-01-13T07:18:00.001-08:002009-01-13T07:35:15.356-08:00Here we go again on our own...Hello Kittens. It's the new year and that means ... lists. Write 'em down, stack 'em up, look at 'em in three months and see how far you have come! Here is my fancy list for the new year...<br /><br />List One - The Importance of Being Fancy (or, why being a better human is more important than your foot ware, dare I say...)<br /><br />I, Fancy S, vow to undertake the following fancy actions at least once a week: <br />- smile at a stranger. And not in a creepy way, but a nice, Hey how are you, happy you're alive and breathing, kind of way. <br />- learn one new grammatical rule (trust me you will all thank me for this one). <br />- try something I have never done before. This one doesn't have to be big - it could be dipping your fries into honey (which I recommend if you haven't tried it), finding a new band, trying a new food, etc. <br />- discover one new fact about a friend or family member. My friend, Fancy M, helps with this one as she emails questions to a group of us! Thanks M! <br />- give up my seat on the train and/or bus to someone who looks more tired than myself. <br />- cook a nice meal because I can - and do it cheaply! <br />- finish at least one full article in the Economist<br /><br />This is just a partial list - however, I would love to get your comments on what you think is a fancy action and also what you have done this week that is FANCY!Fancy - Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606500154441402515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074669729965098605.post-15216638431724040742008-12-09T18:44:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:24:10.996-08:00Don't Mention It (Unmentionables)Hello my Darlings,<br /><br />There is something you should know about me. I adore underthings. Get used to it. I imagine I'll blog about variants of these types of garments often. Also, menswear but that's another day.<br /><br />Behold:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.themidwasteland.com/style-pile/shopping-agent-provocateur-opens-chicago">Life Has Just Begun</a><br /><br /><br />In case the above link expires or you simply cannot be bothered with links I will tell you what serious gift lies behind the click....Agent Provocateur is opening a store in my Chicagoland Area. More specifically, on Oak Street in the Gold Coast.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Switch it up with a memory!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Picture it. It's 2004. I have just moved to Chicago. A friend wants to venture to Urban Outfitters and the only location at that time in Chicago was in the Gold Coast. On Rush Street. That fall day in 2004 I thought firmly to myself, "This is the first and last time I'll need to be down in this part of town."<br />In the daylight, Gold Coast is so very sweet. A little uppity and a lot tacky but if you've got the cash and no hobbies to put it into then you live and work and love in Gold Coast. These people care a LOT about valet parking, leashes for their children, and expensive jogging suits for going to the market. It's fine. Really, it's fine. I don't particularly enjoy being there but it is charming with it's non-jogging joggers and S&M toddlers.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">In the evening, they refer to it as Viagra Triangle and that's all I will say about that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flash it back a little more!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It's somewhere between 1999 and 2001 and I'm living and going to school in Athens, Ohio. I discover Agent Provocateur thanks to two things; a trusty google search engine and my extreme displeasure at the lack of underthings available in Athens. No one famous was modeling for them at the time but they certainly had a way with words (and whips!). Sign me up! There were no stores in the U.S. so it became a distant, comfortable dream. These items were not only out of my barista budget but I felt like these were special. I needed to earn them. These creations should be reserved for a more dauntless, sophisticated but deliciously exciting woman. I vowed to keep close tabs on this line.</span><br /><br />And now!<br /><br />Why....why why why why are they putting something I love in Gold Coast? I will have to go there. I will have to. But only at high noon before the Viagra has kicked in.<br /><br />I am so excited for us, Chicago. I am just beside myself. Someone, pinch me!<br /><br />luvins,<br />RebeccaCheckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822020000103846546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074669729965098605.post-6775189387267668972008-10-31T09:57:00.000-07:002008-11-25T10:33:09.944-08:00Baladoche (or My Europeanisms are Better than Yours)So...Fancy and I had a Lakeview day on Sunday. Every once in a while we venture over to this side of town to enjoy things that are oh so Lakeview. This weeks trip included stops at vintage stores (thank you Greek Fisherman's cap for finding your way into my life), lingerie shopping (Fancy R's favorite), Akira on Diversey (who knew!), Ulta, a movie poster gazing moment at the Landmark (ahem, I will go see Madonnas new flick) and then a trip to Baladoche. I should say that I have been to Baladoche once before and had a wonderful experience. However, that was the first time. Things you should know about Baladoche: <br />- everything is imported directly from Europe<br />- there is a window that looks out onto the side walk where they hand you free samples<br /><br />Now the first time I went the woman behind the counter was quite kind, patient and helpful. She made me feel like I could try a bunch of stuff and enforced that it was all well made products, but never made me feel the way I felt this second time. This time, I literally almost poured my cafe au lait on the guys head. I think he is one of the owners. He was 100% over bearing and completely rude. There is a rather large part of me that wants to give him my therapists number and say: Here. I am doing you the biggest favor of your life, because if you continue down this road your business will fail. Example: I wanted to buy some Danish butter/ honey busicuts for a friend of mine that is half Dutch. Conversation goes much like this....<br /><br />Fancy S (that's me): Hi, may I have a packet of those buscuits? <br />Worker: Sure. <br />Dude that I can't stand (DTICS): Oh, coming in for the butter buscuits aren't we? They are so great have you had them before? <br />Fancy S: Yes I have. They are great! <br />DTICS: Oh, really....where have you had them before? <br />(strange that he is inquisitive about this, but ok....)<br />Fancy S: Um, I got some in Ohio after a friend of mine recommended them...<br />DTICS: No, like where did you get them. Do you eat them a lot? <br />Fancy R: We have some at our house...she said she got them in Ohio. <br />DTICS: Right, but where in Ohio...<br />Fancy S: At Jungle Jims - it's this large international market place, it's great! They have everything from all over the world. <br />DTICS: (offended) Well do they know someone that actually lives in Denmark? Because we get ours flown in every week fresh...<br />Fancy S: I don't know. Can I have my waffle now? <br />DTICS: Um, sure. So, you should try some of this chocalate. It's handcrafted for the Dutch Royal Family and we get it flown in fresh <span style="font-style:italic;">every </span>week...blah blah blah...<br />(he prattles on for minutes about how wonderful the store is, throws a few phrases out in French, Italian and German. I am 100% not impressed.) <br />I hand him my credit card to pay and...<br />DTICS: Oh....what nationality is this last name? Polish? <br />Fancy S: No. <br />(pause)<br />DTICS: Ok, what is it? <br />(pause. I am very annoyed and don't want to play this came any more)<br />Fancy S: German. My last name is German. <br />DTICS: (says something in German. I don't respond) Where in Germany does this name come from? <br />Fancy S: I don't know. Somewhere in the Alsace Region. (turn to Fancy R) Let's go sit down. (turn back to DTICS) Can you bring us our coffee when it's ready, please? <br />DTICS: Oh sure no problem. It might take a while since we hand extract the espresso. <br />(we are already walking away)<br /><br />Ugh. I mean jeez Louise. This place might have good (OVERPRICED) waffles, but I will run the other way if I see him in there again.Fancy - Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606500154441402515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074669729965098605.post-80980517896806562762008-10-24T10:32:00.000-07:002008-10-24T11:03:49.058-07:00Chicago Suburbs. More than Ikea...promise.Check. It. Out. Last night I learned that Schaumberg offers more than the monster Ikea. And it's call Medieval Times. Below is a recap of how to get taken advantage of by Disney and sort of like it. <br /><br />Medieval Times - An Essay by Your Lady.... <br /><br />I am intrigued by the shear genius of this place called Medieval Times, and partially because you can tell it's run by Disney because of stuff like this:<br /><br />We walk in, and are slightly confused, someone takes our tickets and immediately hands us a "pass" that we are to take to someone else. That someone puts a crown on our head (sorted by color so they can quickly identify you and your section) and shoves us through a door where someone else is taking our picture! Like immediately. I just kept thinking, Princess?!? Wait! I still have my coat on, I haven't checked to see what my hair looks like with this crown on! I have not applied lip gloss! Wait! Too late. Picture taken. Being ushered through another door. Whiz. Bang. Boom.<br /><br />Present your pass to someone: <br /><br />Someone: Would you like to take a tour of the dungeon, it takes about 15 minutes and you have 20 before the show starts. <br />Me: Um, yeah ok. <br />Someone: Great, that'll be two dollars apiece. <br />Me: (eyes get big, like, wait, what? so, I turn around, look at the group - who looks equal parts scared, confused and elated to be there - they shake their heads yes) Um, yeah, ok...let me just find my wallet...ok...here you go...um, where is the dungeon? <br />Someone: Through the door to your left. <br />Me: Ugh, ok....oh - and where do I confirm my announcement (I got them to announce Carter's birthday)? <br />Someone: Go through the door and look for the booth with a bunch of pointy hats. <br />Me: Yeah, ok...<br /><br />I find the pointy hat booth and Cade distracts Carter while I speak with a maiden about the announcement I wish for them to make. This girl is no doubt attending drama school. She looks at me with the look of: I cannot believe that you are 25 and coming to this place for a birthday party. I look back at her with the look of: I can't believe you think this is a real acting job. After our stare down exchange, she confirms that the Lead Knight will in fact announce the birthday wish and that I have nothing to worry about. thank. you. very. much. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />On<span style="font-style:italic;">to the dungeon we go - or in other terms - through the twisted hallway that is most certainly not under ground.</span> <span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br />So, this dungeon, which wasn't a dungeon at all but a little museum on torture devices, was actually really interesting. In the medieval times they really understood what it was to use a simple machine. Up until now, I had never seen an actual chastity belt and let's just say that if I were a dude I wouldn't be putting my "thing" anywhere close to one. I do however realize where the horrible term of (and I can't believe I am typing this) snatch comes from. Shudder!<br /><br />Inside, we got charged for over priced beers from a wench and screamed our heads off for our knight - who didn't win. All in all, at the end of the night I was stuffed to the gills with roasted chicken, birthday cake, ale and potatoes (or pah-tah-toes). It was pretty fun. The horses definitly put on a good show of fancy footwork too - which ain't half bad. <br /><br />Recommended: If you have the coin to drop do it for sure.<br /><br /><a href='http://localhost:4122/124383b9fb1ffbce1ec9b76cdc2f583c/image851.jpg'><img src='http://localhost:4122/124383b9fb1ffbce1ec9b76cdc2f583c/image851.jpg?size=320' border='0' alt='' /></a> Fancy - Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606500154441402515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074669729965098605.post-23224979337337891702008-10-15T08:59:00.001-07:002008-10-23T10:34:35.288-07:00Put your lips together and blow....Anyone can whistle, that's what they say...easy? Well, yes. There is nothing hard about the Whistler that just opened in Logan Square. It is easy on the eyes, the pocket book and the commute. There are some pretty fancy drinks on the menu as well...let me ask you a question. How does a rosemary cocktail sound? Delicious? I thought so. Hit the Whistler for some libations and check it out for yourself. Hope to see you there. <br /><br />Goodbye for Now, Hello for Later - Fancy(s)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjzucxCi7meTTNLeLFA4pfCm8In_dgfkyyVHO-Ls7tpAxAmmKDyM2A857OkVZYJjzoqZRg0jQsght6QH8cUTDnqIwFlSbnM18ax116pQpZCq5pRV_Ic00J1W7NVyjgLatLlpAZCA8vPm4/s1600-h/the+whistler+drink+menu+2008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjzucxCi7meTTNLeLFA4pfCm8In_dgfkyyVHO-Ls7tpAxAmmKDyM2A857OkVZYJjzoqZRg0jQsght6QH8cUTDnqIwFlSbnM18ax116pQpZCq5pRV_Ic00J1W7NVyjgLatLlpAZCA8vPm4/s320/the+whistler+drink+menu+2008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260378146411236994" /></a>Fancy - Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606500154441402515noreply@blogger.com0