Tag Archives: Chicago

This is the Holiday Shopping Event of the Season (sorry Black Friday!)

Comfort Me Chicago Holiday

The holidays are here whether we’re ready for them or not. I went all in this weekend and put up my tree so that it would be all done when I return from Thanksgiving festivities. The glow of the lights are already bringing me a little more joy.  I’m also in the holiday spirit of giving and just want it to be December 4 already!  I’m so jazzed to be a part of this cray-mazing Holiday Shop Hop going down in Lincoln Park on Thursday, December 4. Most of the shops on that stretch of Armitage and Halsted are keeping their doors open a little later that evening and having special giveaways and treats. I’ll be holding it down at Comfort Me with Monica from Caravan of Style. This boutique is such a special gem – the owner Alyssa Thomas features a lot of local and indie designers that you don’t find elsewhere. It’s a holiday shopping wonderland, trust. There are cards, accessories, sparkly wears, candles, tea and other unique finds.

Comfort Me Boutique Chicago

We’ll be selecting some of our top gifting picks and one visitor that evening is going to win an item from our gift guide and a Comfort Me gift card. Follow #LPHoliday on Insta to see what everyone else has in store. And, I’ll leave you with a little sneak peek at some of the loveliness that is Comfort Me! Comfort Me Chicago Comfort Me Chicago BoutiqueComfort Me

Set Your Intention. And Repeat.

finding perspective

There’s been some tonal shifts here in recent months. Maybe you’ve noticed.

You know when you go to yoga and the instructor asks you to lock in your intention at the beginning? Mine always run the gamut – Chipotle for dinner after (rewards = effective), tight butt, calm, peace. Somehow fixating on that purpose and committing to it makes it happen. Though, yes, Chipotle and a firm ass can send my body a mixed message. Hey, we are who we are. For the past several months, I’ve been locking in my intention every day as many times as it takes.

Strength.

Not at yoga, though. When I wake up. During my walk to work. At 1pm. At 3pm. Before bed. Plotting to be strong, no matter what the day brings. Pushing my definition of strength. Showing strength because the alternative is not pretty. Here’s what I know: I’m stronger than I thought but being strong all the time is hard.

In a few weeks, I will officially be a party of one. My divorce is nearly complete. The logistics of untangling a marriage are crushing and draining even in the most amicable of circumstances. My newfound state of alone is both freeing and frightening. After living a level of sharedness that exists in marriage it is a body shock to be on my own. I laugh at the things that break me. In hindsight, of course. Moving was emotional, though somehow I didn’t shed a tear. Filing for divorce? Uneventful, really. I did, however, lose it after a delivery guy left and I discovered that he had stepped in dog poop and proceeded to cover an entire carpeted staircase with his footprint. And I had a falling out with a tension rod in the shower that I swear shook my soul.

So, strength is my intention. On good days, I feel it. On other days, I need it.

312 To Do: The Makeup Date

Bloomingdale's The Makeup Date

There’s a special group of people that wake up in the wee hours of Saturday to talk beauty. I call them my kindred spirits.  You know who you are. This Saturday, November 15, I will be putting on my party best and taking the stage at Bloomingdale’s to host The Makeup Date. Oh, get ready. Me and a microphone coupled with some of the best makeup artists in the biz and more than a dozen raffles to award? Oh, it’s on. The party officially gets started at 8:30 a.m. If you’re a newbie, the way it works is you snag a ticket in advance ($25) and redeem the value in product at the makeup counter of your choice after we party it up. I don’t like to play favorites but Jake Broullard from NARS is in town and I credit him with some of the best makeup advice I’ve ever received. Oh, and I’ve got the inside scoop: I’m giving away some NARS during show time. Also, did you know that Armani Beauty just launched at Bloomingdale’s this month? I’m all about the Maestro!

Surely, I’ll see some of you there, yes? RSVP to rsvpnorthmichigan@bloomingdales.com if you’re planning on attending.

The Anticipation is Real

La Bella Figura Disco Queen Gloria

Anticipation is a funny feeling. Sometimes it comes in the form of anxious nerves, full on panicky sweats, butterflies in the tum excitement and so many thoughts in the head ya can’t even sleep. My life is one big ball of anticipation lately – loads of serious and unknown – but also excitement for this creamy rose gold blush that launches today. She’s here! Her name is Disco Queen Gloria and I want to wear her to ALL the holiday parties. To their credit, La Bella Figura has been one big tease leading up to this release. Just as soon as LBF’s makeup collection came out – ya know, (Just) Jenna, (La Coquette) Lisette, (Brazilian) Denise and (Damn) Elvia – they started working on a few limited edition holiday colors. The anticipation has been building for me since September! The subtle gold flecks mixed with that feminine rose color? I mean, perfection. Use it on cheeks, temples, lips or lids — no rules persay. You do the Disco Queen your way. DQG is also joined by a creamy silver and olive duo that looks equally spectacular.

photo via La Bella Figura

Printer’s Row and Spa Anjou Charm and Delight

Spa Anjou Chicago

Charming isn’t a word I use often. It loses its power if used on something decidedly un-charming. But I’m busting it out today. We’ve got charming on charming upon CHARMING.  With a side of quaint.

It’s taken me nearly six years in Chicago to explore Printer’s Row. What was I waiting for? Big mistake. HUGE. I know. It’s a quick jaunt to the South Loop but the historic charm transports you to what feels like a different world. And, I know, for me, it was. I stood at the corner for a while taking in the view of the Willis (sigh…Sears #4eva) Tower from the South. So close, yet so far away this whole time.

Printers Row

I didn’t even know quite how much I would adore this area when I made a PrettyQuick date with Spa Anjou. It’s sandwiched in between the historic Franklin building and Sandmeyer’s book store…an independent shop with loads of, you guessed it, charm. I wrapped up cozy in this buffalo plaid wrap jacket (Target, you’re killing it!) and dabbed on my cherry Sacred Lip Shine and had an epic fall day exploring the ‘hood. I’m sure I was giddy walking down the street with leaves falling behind me and my eyes taking in rows of brick buildings with detailed architecture. Sometimes you have to let your city court you. I’d say for a first date, Printer’s Row made a great impression on me.

My mani — Essie’s nearly navy Style Cartel – lasted for a full week. I admittedly do my own nails most of the time but turning it over to the profs once in a while is a nice change. The Anjou tech did a fabulous job and didn’t overbuff or damage my nail beds in any way. I looked down at my hands a sick amount during Style Cartel’s reign. But wouldn’t you, too?!

photo #2 taken by Lindsay

A Minimalist Approach

Gressa

People always ask me if they should invest more in skin care or makeup. Not so fast, friends. Let’s flip that around a bit. We should be thinking of our makeup as skin care as well. And I’ve got just the answer to that question that is truly both: Gressa Minimalist Serum Foundation. It’s REAL good, guys. Real good.

The formula is thin and oil-rich, but don’t fret about that. I like to think we’ve gotten past the fear of oil (I’m a pusher!) but I get that it can be scary in the context of foundation. The leading ingredient is broccoli seed oil which acts as a primer on skin. It’s also pretty cool that the first ingredient is broccoli, right? The finish is nearly liquid to powder as a result. I love the process of putting this on. Give it a solid shake to blend everything together and squeeze a few drops – that’s all ya need – and buff on. I have equally warm and fuzzy feelings about Gressa’s immaculate buffing brush as I do the foundation itself. It has a magic wand effect on your face – but you can use your fingers, too.

It feels good to not have to choose between skin care or makeup. It’s not something you should ever have to do. I believe passionately that it is less about the investment and more about the ingredients. Don’t get sucked in to the Crème de la Mer trap. A hefty price tag doesn’t mean squat if the ingredients are doing more harm than good. If you treat your skin with eco-friendly formulas then you may find you need less makeup. But if you prefer to wear a full-face, that’s OK, too. You do you!

Let’s Hang Out

312beauty-diptyque

Ain’t no party like a 312 Beauty (re)launch party! But not because it doesn’t stop. It’s because we have candles and Social!

If you’re local, I hope you’ll come join me at diptyque for a special soiree on November 4.  There will be plenty of my new favorite sparkling bev to toast with and treats and raffles from diptyque. It’s always a good night when I can step away from the internet and interact with you in real life! Swing on by and we’ll all collectively swoon over diptyque’s new holiday collection. The fun starts at 5pm. See ya there?

Leah Caplanis Wants You to Be Social

Leah Caplanis Social Enjoyment

Time to ditch the vodka soda in favor of the vodka Social.

During a wave of girl about town-ing, I met Leah Caplanis. She’s the founder of Social Enjoyments, a sparkling sake-based drink that launched in Chicago this summer. One sip of this hibiscus cucumber concoction and my eyes were bugging with the “ohmygosh…but this is delicious, tell me everything” face. With a cool assurance, Leah simply said, “There wasn’t anything I liked to drink, so I had to make my own.” I loved that cheeky response — which truly was delivered so genuinely — and had an inkling that anyone who can boil down their business that way in conversation had so much more to say.

Leah Caplanis Social Chicago

How Social became Chicago’s buzziest startup actually began with Leah giving up alcohol for three years.

At age 26, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Doctors suggested she remove her thyroid and take the medication that one who has their thyroid removed be required to take daily for the rest of their lives. Chances were good; this was the best course of treatment, they said. But Leah decided against surgery and opted to fight her cancer holistically. “I couldn’t plan for anything. I didn’t know what was going to happen.”

She went vegan, ditched alcohol and immersed herself in this lifestyle —leading her to experiment with light therapy and even an ancient Native American herbal treatment that shrinks tumors.

The strength and courage in Leah’s voice is humbling and inspiring. I was sitting with this brave woman recounting what I can only imagine to be one of the most frightening times of her life with a cheerful smile on her face.

And, she used that experience to shape her business, nailing some major truths. “There’s so much alcohol in standard drinks — women get drunk and disempowered by regretting decisions they make.” Leah also wanted something she could drink that wasn’t so sugary and hard on the body. Social is made for women, though nothing about this drink is “girly.” Sake is brewed not distilled – your liver thanks you for the break – and mixes well with just about everything. Even wheat beer, which I tried after Leah recommended.

After working for Nestle for 8 years, Leah found herself at the University of Chicago pursuing her Master’s degree in marketing.  “I knew about selling products to grocery. I knew about supply chain and how a business was run but had never worked with alcohol.” She found a team, worked with a friend from grad school and pulled Social together – from concept to market – in less than two years.

There are some people who make starting a business look easy. Leah is one of those women. But, she keeps it real with her advice to others. “Don’t quit. It seems like it comes together but we had really rough times. It took six months to get a producer so I was selling without knowing if I could produce. You can’t always have these things done until people accept you even though those people need you to have them done before you’re in.”

Social is all around Chicago — Target, Plum Market, Mariano’s, Whole Foods — and you can even order it up at the Bedford, Untitled and Nellcote.   With a product called Social, you can count on running in to Leah in the city. Her brand is all about the freedom to enjoy life. “You don’t name your brand Social and sit at home behind a computer all day,” she jokes.

Oh, and this bold babe has big plans. Social just launched in LA and Leah has her sights on more cities soon. Cheers to that!

We’re All a One-of-A-Kind Slab

Marble Home Style

I’m drawn to the imperfection of a marble surface. The whirling patterns, overlapping shades and the fact that no two slabs are the same. I think I may just be in a marble phase right now – both in the physical sense (new kitchen table en route!) and spiritual. I think we can all appreciate the whirls and swirls that shape up our own one-of-a-kind slabs. Right?

Deborah Lippmann ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ – Consider me intrigued by DL’s holiday colors that are meant to be layered and swirled together. No one manicure is the same with her glitters, which I love. Plus, it’s sparkle for grown-ups. //   Arrow Earrings – The stone here is actually a lapis Nevada which is said to be a source of creativity and protection. Once again, Michelle creates affordable jewelry that is completely unique and special. She’s the best. // Marbled PillowI found this Danish designer, Selma Lamai, on Pinterest and am in love with her aesthetic.  Can we be friends, Selma? // Ceramic Bowls – No way would I jail these inside of a kitchen cabinet. // Duffel Bag – Of A Kind is one of my go-to resources for discovering new designers. One of their featured collections is from Brooklyn duo Cook & Gates who create incredible hand dyed bags. A painter by trade, the “Gates” half says “I got into dyeing because you can never produce anything identical.” Amen, sister. // Laura Mercier Baked Eyeshadow – You can use these shadows wet and dry and customize a saturated or sheer look. This shade, called Magical, is so fun. Mix together to create a graphite color, use the black as a liner or dust the white on the lid like pixie dust.

Local. Feminine. Bold.

Laurie Leopold

These words are more than just a tagline but the soul and energy of the stories I’m telling. In my very first meeting with Lindsay of White Oak Creative, I said I wanted this space to be less pretty. I’ve got nothing against pretty – promise, my pretty picks are here to stay.  But it was feeling a bit precious for me and I don’t want to lead with that notion. Because even though I may write about pretty sometimes, I want to dig my nails (albeit freshly manicured) under the surface and get more real. I want to talk about the challenges and grit we go through to feel strong and confident. I want to introduce you to women that are doing life their way. Being bold and badass. I plan to keep showing you Chicago and highlighting local designers and businesses. And, there will still be lots of feminine goodness and beauty products, too. That’s a given!

312 Beauty

Berry Lip

These photos were taken in one of my favorite areas of the city – the Fulton River District. It has that industrial charm and some of the coolest building exteriors in the city. These bright blue doors called to me—I love the bold backdrop. I matched it with Chicago-based Michelle Starbuck jewelry–my gosh, do I adore that woman– and a berry lip. Because it’s fall ya’ll.

Will you join me in loving your city (wherever yours is!)? And always dare to be bold. It feels good.

This Balm is Sexy and it Knows It

Kahina Fez

Balm season is upon us and I’m full on ready. Or should I say prepared? Ready implies eager and that part just ain’t true. Balms are how I survive winter without my face and body completely surrendering to the elements. I’m certain I would be a shriveled mess without. Lotion can’t touch a balm. They rarely moisturize deeper than that outermost layer of skin. It’s why you might get dry and scaly skin despite having slathered an absurd amount of lotion on your entire body H2T just hours earlier.

Kahina Fez Balm

Balms, on the other hand, are restorative beyond all get out. One of the most spectacular takes on a body balm is from Kahina Giving Beauty. Back at A Night for Green Beauty, I met Katharine L’Heureux, the founder of Kahina. She’d just launched the Fez Hand & Body Balm, which is the second product in her line with the Moroccan-inspired scent. I knew it was going to be solid – she makes effective and nourishing skin care – but it is truly INSANE. I’m certain my eyes bugged out of my head a bit when I got all balm-fanatic on Katharine. Balms I go bananas for as is but balms that take on the Kahina Fez scent I go crazy for. It is unbelievably sexy. In that perfect way that isn’t trying too hard – it just is, ya know? Fez is an exotic mix of spice and femininity and completely unlike anything I’ve ever smelled before. Rose and citrus layered with patchouli, sandalwood, ylang ylange, cumin and clove. Sex-ay! I need this to be a perfume (err…hint hint) but in the meantime take great pleasure in massaging the velvety rich balm on my skin. As soon as you dig your mitts in there you can fill the texture start to melt. There’s a heavy dose of argan oil, which is Kahina’s signature,  calendula oil to calm skin, carrot seed oil, shea and mango nut butters and coconut and olive oils. I use it sparingly – but always on my neck and chest so I can breathe in that Fez goodness!

Photos by Lindsay

Introducing…312 Beauty 2.0

BeautyCounterBag

Oh, but wouldn’t you like to know what I’ve been up to? Well, I can finally show you!

I’m grinning big today because 312 Beauty 2.0 is here. We got a makeover! A major one that I poured my heart and energy into for the past two months. What do you think?!

After nearly two years of blogging, I wanted to shake things up a bit to be more reflective of me. Everything you see here has meaning. The detail in the logo even has a story. Beauty isn’t prescriptive and the lines, diamonds and dots in the ‘312’ are a way to communicate that there’s no one right way to do anything. In life and makeup. We’re all different sizes and shapes in every way – eyes, lips and face included.

There’s also been a million advances in responsive design and I needed to get with the times. Check me out on your phone or tablet – it’s on a whole nutha level thanks to my dear friend Lindsay. She’s the muscle behind all of this – my brand strategist, designer, developer, photographer and counselor in life. Full service, indeed!

LL Raise the Roof

I’ve got raise the roof level of excitement going on! If you’ve got a few, check out my manifesto (yup – throwing down some 312 Beauty-isms!), the dedicated 312 categories for my Chi babes and the uber functional and easy to navigate drop down menus that stay fixed at the top as you scroll. We be fancy now.

Thanks for sticking with me and I hope you like nouveau 312 Beauty as much as I do. I’m proud of this baby!

P.S. The cheeky bag is from BeautyCounter.

How Bazar

LaCollection34-diptyque

One of the most beautiful boutiques in all of Chicago is certainly diptyque in Bucktown. And, ya know, it happens to smell pretty nice in there, too. I stopped in there a few weeks ago to peek at the new 34 Collection, an homage to the original diptyque at 34 Saint Germain in Paris. The vibe was different, in a good way. I was surprised to see colorful and vibrant patterns of cards and notebooks, fragrance diffusers shaped as birds, a marbled clay candle, bronzed candle holders and the most perfect vintage-esque bottle of perfume that looked like it could have been plucked from Catherine Deneuve’s vanity in the 60s. Note on the latter – in prepping for this collection, they went on a massive treasure hunt to source the bottle and found one of the only master glassmakers in France still working traditionally by hand. The collection ‘Le Bazar’ is a modern take on diptyque’s market-like beginning. Before I even stepped in the boutique I was welcomed by the scent of the Le Redoute candle, a reincarnation of the potpourri filling the air on opening day at 34 Saint Germain. Like most diptyque candles, it’s a bold aroma that can envelop your entire home immediately. This is a good thing — I put it to test at my house! It’s a cozy woodsy scent made of cinnamon, clove, orange, rose, cedar and amber. The mat porcelain exterior is special, albeit a departure from the diptyque aesthetic I love so much. Each candle is made by hand using a mixed clay method which makes them all one-of-a-kind. But really, it’s the stories and creativity behind every item in this collection that stands out.

Are Belly Rings Happening Again? Not So Fast.

Maria-Menounous

My niece is turning 18 today. Which is wild –  more so for my sister, I’m sure. The age difference between me, my niece and sister is exactly the same. I’m smack in the middle of a fierce 40+ and a smart and grounded 18 year old. I of course asked my niece what 18 year olds these days are doing to celebrate their new found legality. For me, it was getting my belly button pierced. But that was ’99-2000 and Britney Spears was my role model. The Britney influence was very real. However, the mere suggestion of a belly piercing to today’s Midwestern teenager elicited a firm, almost repulsed, “I don’t want that done.” And to counter, if she did, I would probably advise against. Does anyone really want a belly ring, banging bod or not? It’s been nearly a decade since I’ve even worn mine (though, the proof of its existence never really goes away, #truth). Which really brings me to a question that has been on my mind for a few months now.  If belly button rings aren’t happening, why is Maria Menonous so obsessed with hers?  A shiny gold star, no less.  I see this thing everywhere and it jumps (no, shoots!) out at me. She can be seen bare midriffing on the cover of her new fitness book. In a massive spread in the October issue of Shape. She looks incredible and fit, for sure, but I’m puzzled by the belly jewels. I really truly am. She’s professional, in her mid-30s and wearing a belly ring. All things that, for me, don’t naturally go together. I’m genuinely tripped up by this and more curious than anything on how long she’s been with piercing. Because if it was around the time of the Britney effect, then she deserves some sort of lifetime achievement award.

And, as it turns out, my niece would like to gamble. To that, I say, girl, go buy yourself a scratch off on the way to school.

photo credit

More Than Makeup

La Bella Figura

Every time I break out I curse a little bit. There’s usually a bit of why me anguish – because it always appears in the most unfortunate of places – and then the blame game. I’m always looking for a logical explanation and usually there is one. Starts with chem and ends with cal. Out of this cycle is an emerging trend that my La Bella Figura ladies are dominating, along with Kjaer Weis, RMS and Gressa: Skin care first, makeup second. Enough with that blemish biz! Let’s be good to our faces. When I was in LA last month for A Night for Green Beauty, LBF officially launched their makeup filled with vitamins, minerals, omegas and breathable waxes that do not clog pores. Each color wears flawlessly on the face and lips and can be as vibrant and bold as you want it to be.

La Bella Figura Makeup

The colors are cheekily named for their friends and family. There’s Lisette La Coquette after LBF co-founder Victoria’s sister. She’s a Chicago girl, too! And having met her a few times I can see why this ruby crimson lip tint bears her name. Her deep olive skin rocks this color like a boss. Last Friday I met Just Jenna and now definitely connect that cheery orchid hue for lips and cheeks with her bubbly personality. Oh, and if you were at A Night for Green Beauty, it was hard to miss the fabulous Brazillian Denise at the LBF table. May we all take on a little bit of Denise’s persona with this gold highlighter that also doubles as eye shadow. You can see tons of #morethanmakeup pics on Instagram. Including this one by yours truly!