Issuu

SUMMER 2013 ISSUE

ON TOUR WITH

JOANNA RUTZKY

sail away with

the paraders BLOOMING IN

CHICAGO

PENPAL INTERVIEW STAY DAPPER WITH

SAIC FASHION 2013 SECOND CITY FASHION

HALL & MADDEN

one day at a time Halfstackmag.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

FOR THE GUYS

20 MEN STYLE SITES 22 LEATHER JACKETS

IN EVERY ISSUE

04 EDITOR’S LETTER 06 MEET THE TEAM GROOMING GUIDE

MUSIC MUSTS

24 SPRING CONCERTS 26 SKINNY LISTER

10 BLOOMING IN CHICAGO

30 JOANNA RUTZKY

12 TIPS FOR A WHITE SMILE

THE SPOTLIGHT

14 LUXE HAIR REVIEW

52 LIL’ MISS PRISS 54

18 THE SPA ROUNDUP

MEET LAURA COLLINS

CULTURED SPOTLIGHT

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FASHION

FEATURES > PENPAL INTERVIEW

PAGE 102 HALL & MADDEN

PAGE 42 SAIL AWAY WITH PARADERS

PAGE 88

LOOKS FOR LESS!

70 WTF?! CELEB MODA 74

SUMMER TRENDS

116

NAUTICA SWIMWEAR HEALTH GUIDE

114 ONE DAY AT A TIME

SECOND CITY FASHION EDITORS LAST LOOK

PAGE 58 SAIC FASHION SHOW

PAGE 78

108 LAURA LOPEZ 122 SUMMER BITS Halfstackmag.com

editor’s letter

Welcome to the summer 2013 issue of Halfstack readers! A lot of love went into the issue you are about to read. We were able to meet and work with a few new contributors, photographers and designers. We are so excited to share the amazing talent of the people and businesses we are showcasing this issue. I am beyond blown away by all of the continued dedication that our team puts into each and every issue. They do this because they truly believe in our mission to share local talent with the world. What’s even more amazing is how humble all of the people are that I work with and meet on a daily basis. I’m truly blessed. As I plan each issue I often wonder what talent will end up coming across my inbox and I am always pleasantly surprised by the people who reach out to us as well as so happy that the people we reach out to directly always are willing to work with us. I can attest to the fact that running a start up is hard work as you begin to build relationships not just with other talent in your industry, but outside it as well. With that being said, I am so glad at the relationship we

JENNIFER M. LEZAN - EDITOR IN CHIEF & HER DAUGHTERS SOPHIA & BELLA

built this past issue with two amazing brands – The Paraders and Hall & Madden. We finally were able to work with a brand that caters to the guys out there who read each issue. Hall & Madden is definitely a service every guy needs and is run by two gentlemen who believe in great service and great products. The Paraders is run by an amazing woman with such an amazing spirit and can do attitude. She’s an inspiration to all young women wanting to just go for it and follow their dreams. As summer is now in full force, we know you have begun to transition into the summer mindset and lifestyle and with

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that we are sharing an inspirational life changing story about health and fitness from personal trainer & Crossfit expert: Justin Wilhoit. As we always try to do, we have some great beauty tips, products and suggestions for all of you out there in Chicago. This issue, our Beauty Editor: Danielle - was able to try out a great new fragrance from TRU BLOOMS. It’s the first ever fragrance to use ingredients grown by its consumers and it was made right here in Chicago. We are also showcasing some of the latest trends that you don’t want to miss out on this season. There are quite a few fresh faces in the fashion industry that you will want to read about in the The School of the Art Institute Fashion Show 2013 review. Our music section is in full throttle and we had the opportunity to share the tour diaries of a young musician on the rise – Joanna Rutzky. Her intimate portrayal of her first solo tour reminds us to always dream bigger than we are. Finally, I really want to point each of you readers to an amazing and uplifting story written by our Managing Editor – Sophia Sanchez. Penpal really shows how local support & organizations such as kickstarter, can help catapult an idea, a dream and a goal to amazing heights. Read about one mans self-published journey to the best-sellers list. I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we have enjoyed putting it together. As always, we will continue to share the love. Happy summer & dream on friends! -Jenny

JENNIFER M. LEZAN - EDITOR IN CHIEF

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jennifer lezan eic & creative dir. @ chicLezan

mariana quaranta fashion director @ missmarc40

kate roth fashion director @ halfstackmag

PHOTOGRAPHY laura lopez lead photographer

stephanie battista lead photographer

jennifer pontrelli sales & pr director

sophia sanchez digital content manager & editor

pickapose photography

ADMINISTRATIVE

meet the 6

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team

Kate Besenjak Graphic Designer & Creative

STELLA ESTRELLA Beauty queen, mommy, fashionista & blogger.

JEROME THOMAS Music lover & Proud Daddy!

DANIELLE PULAK Beauty know it all, fashion diva to the max.

JUSTIN WILHOIT Nutiritionist, trainer & Health Nut!

John Palmer Gamer & Designer at large

HEATHER DAVIS

TERESA ESPINOZA

BRITTANY JORGENSEN

Fashionista & blogger

Chi-town fashionista & style maven

EXTENDED FAMILY

Fashion enthusiast & talented graphic designer

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WISHFUL THINKER CLOTHING www.wishfulthinkerclothing.com

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WWW.SHOPLVX.COM

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Blooming in Chicago

WRITTEN BY: DANIELLE PULAK LAYOUT BY: JENNIFER M. LEZAN

Spring time in Chicago is just beautiful. If you’ve never been, part of that experience is catching the rays of sunshine beam down on all the boats along Lake Michigan, catching the Bean gleaming when the sunshine hits at that perfect angle and watching the flowers bloom in Millennium Park and all along the Mag Mile. One of the best memories I can recall is shopping down Michigan Avenue and being engrossed with the fragrant smells emanating from all the gorgeous flowers. Do you ever wish you could just bottle up those distinct smells that wrap you up in memories? Well now you can! And Tru Fragrance has done just that. Tru Fragrance is a fragrance manufacturer based out of a Chicago suburb. Not only are they licensed in independent and private label fragrances, but are the master-minds behind some of the fragrances at our favorite retail stores – Francesca’s and Charming Charlies.

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Back in 2012, Tru Fragrance decided to pay homage to our beautiful city by developing ‘Tru Blooms Chicago Perfume.’ All of the flowers that make an appearance in this particular scent can be found in perfume gardens that line the parks along Michigan Ave., and are from farm areas all over the city. This is the first perfume to ever use ingredients grown by the very consumers who purchase it. That’s right, Tru Blooms Chicago has trained and skilled over 150 workers, all residents of Chicago, and created over 60 jobs for under employed residents, high-school and college students. This perfume not only aids in beautifying this city but is also making a positive impact in the community. Win-Win All Around! The perfume is a combination of Roses, Lavender, Oriental Lilies and Violets and the very first harvest of Tru Blooms Chicago Perfume was developed by these flowers gathered from

gardens grown last summer. The scent, is absolutely wonderful. And coming from someone who hardly wears floral scents, this one is a winner on all accounts. It’s a nice and light fragrant scent that is perfect for every day wear. A perfect blend of fragrant flowers with an airy twist; you won’t find this scent overpowering by any means. The first harvest is still available to buy, however the sites supply is limited and this scent will not be duplicated again. Don’t miss your chance to buy it now! Tru Fragrance is now developing their second harvest made up of Damask Roses, Lavender, Patchouli and Rose Geraniums to create a beautiful, romantic bouquet and is set to launch in October of 2013. All of the flowers are currently growing in gardens all over Chicago! Interested in visiting a garden? Just visit www. trubloomschicago.com to find a growing garden near you. .

Tru Bloom Chicago Perfume 3.4oz Tru Fragrance $65.00 http://shop.trufragrance.com

â€œ

This is the first ever perfume to use ingredients grown by its consumers.

â€?

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TIPS FOR A WHITER SMILE

Has the idea of whitening your teeth ever crossed your mind? Did you know that many of our everyday vices can stain our teeth? Like drinking coffee, tea or soft drinks? Sure can, and unless you are taking care of your teeth properly, chances are they can turn yellow or gray. People often say that a personâ€™s smile can make a lasting impression and surely we all want to save ourselves those embarrassing moments where we just donâ€™t want to show our teeth. And of course you can always opt to have a dentist professionally whiten your teeth, but with so many great and advanced teeth whitening systems, you can do it all from the privacy of your own home and at only a fraction of the cost.

At home

WHITENING Plus White 5 Minute Premier Whitening System - This was the simplest product to use and the fastest. With this system you get everything you need - The mouth tray, whitening gel and mouth rinse. Make sure that you brush your teeth well before use. After your 5 minutes are up, be sure to remove any gel from your gum before using the rinse.

Plus White 5 Minute Premier Whitening System Amazon $9.99 www.amazon.com

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WRITTEN BY: DANIELLE PULAK LAYOUT BY: JENNIFER M. LEZAN

Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Paste - The minute I started using this toothpaste I knew it was keeper. I definitely noticed a difference in the color of my teeth. Not only does it help with the whitening of your teeth, it also helps fight cavities, plaque and gingivitis. For best results floss and brush teeth two times a day for at least 2 minutes.

Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips - This contains enough strips for 20 days and is very easy to use. However, there a couple of tips that everyone should know. One, do not use the strips right after brushing your teeth. Two, make sure you leave the strips on for the full 30 minutes as recommended on the instructions. Three, you can use the strips twice a day for faster results. Four, your teeth may become sensitive and you should stop use immediately if this occurs.

Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Target $4.24 www.target.com

Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips, 20 pack Target $44.99 www.target.com

“

Many of our everyday vices can stain!

”

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SPA PRODUCTS

AT HOME BY: DANIELLE PULAK

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MITO Q WWW.MITOQ.COM

$185 I like to think I’m still a spring chicken so the thought of getting botox or using anti-aging products is not something that often crosses my mind. However MitoQ came my way and has totally changed my mind on using anti-aging products. Being introduced this fall to the US, I had the opportunity to give it a try. This is the best lotion I have ever used on my face, hands down. It contains antioxidants that produce collagens and elastin naturally so that your skin rejuvenates itself. After a couple of days of use, I noticed a great difference in my skin and the best part is that it is easy to use. All you have to do is apply it every morning and night after cleansing.

VINE VERA NAIL KIT WWW.VINEVERA.COM $56 Who doesn’t love getting manicures? The best part obviously being the “getting pampered” portion; but a close second is how soft your cuticles and hands are, and how perfectly pretty they look. But we don’t always have the time and we certainly don’t always have the funds to go to a salon regularly. And that’s why you need to get your hands on Vine Vera’s Nail Kit! The kit contains a nail file, buffer, cuticle oil and hand lotion. The buffer is amazing, follow the steps and your nails will shine like you have applied some clear polish. The cuticle oil softens my cuticles perfectly and the hand lotion softened my hand even better than the stuff at my usual nail salon.

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HAIR when it comes to women & their hair, we dream of hair we donâ€™t have. BY: DANIELLE PULAK

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I AM THE PERFECT EXAMPLE

I have long, stick-straight hair that is hard to curl. So much so that people laugh at me when I tell them I need to run the straightener through it. But, I’ve always wanted curly hair. Even as a child, when my mother allowed me to get numerous perms, more often than not the perms just wouldn’t take and I was once again stuck with straight hair. So when I heard that Laila Ali and Helen Troy collaborated in developing styling tools for multi-cultural hair, I was beyond excited and I had the pleasure of testing their products!

LAILA ALI STRAIGHTENER www.amazon.com

$29.97 This is one of the best straighteners I have used. Granted, I have very straight hair to begin with. But I love that this particular straightener has a temperature control depending on your hair type and not just the standard – low, medium, high – heat settings. It also went through my hair with ease and didn’t cause any damage. I feel I could use this every day and not damage my hair.

LAILA ALI CURLING STICK www.amazon.com

$24.97 I have tried everything to make my hair curly. You name it, I have tried it. I was so excited when I used the curl stick. It actually worked on my hair! And it lasted all day and even into the next day. The only down fall is that if you have a lot of hair, like I do, it can take a while to curl my entire head; however that is not indicative of the tool itself in any way. The purchase is totally worth it.

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THERE ARE DAYS IN WHICH I WISH I DIDN’T HAVE TO STYLE MY HAIR AT ALL. LET ME THROW ON A HAT AND JUST HEAD OUT THE DOOR. But in the working world, you just can’t get away with that and the everyday ponytail is lackluster. We all have those moments in which we want to glam up a bit even if we have no plans of going out at all.

And that’s where Lux Hair comes into play. Celebrity Sherri Shepherd has developed a line of wigs that come in a variety of styles and even a wide range of shades so that you can match to your own hair color.

LUX HAIR LACE FRONT GODDESS WAVES www.wigs.com/sherri-shepherd-now

$88.95 So on those days when you just don’t have the time to curl and/or tame your crazy locks, pick a wig and call it a day! When I first tried on the Lux Hair Lace Front Goddess Waves wig, I looked in the mirror and instantly felt like a model! The hair looks so real. The waves in this wig are beautiful and you never have to worry if the wig loses its wave because you can just restyle it. Yes, you heard that right, each wig comes with instructions on how to restyle as well as a care tag to ensure you get lasting use out of it. And a care tip of my own – be sure to reshape the wig once you receive it since it does come in a box. 18

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TAKING CARE of

YOUR HAIR I HAD THE PLEASURE OF getting a Demi-Glaze Keratin Complex treatment at Salon 110. It was quite amazing. And as someone who has relatively healthy, shiny hair to begin with, this treatment put my hair theory to shame. I literally looked like I was getting ready to film a Vidal Sassoon hair commercial. And the best part—they gave me some free samples of products to try at home!

KERATIN COMPLEX COLOR CARE SHAMPOO target // www.target.com

$18.99 This shampoo felt like it was a clarifying shampoo that got rid of all the impurities and buildup in my hair without stripping my hair color.

KERAWHIP HYDRATING CREAM CONDITIONER www.amazon.com

$23.70 This cream conditioner is one of the best treatments I’ve tried. It made my hair so silky and shiny and was so easy to use. Just shampoo your hair as normal. Apply the cream to wet hair and leave in for 10 minutes and rinse. Be sure to make sure all of the conditioner is out.

BLONDESHELL ENHANCE HIGH SHINE BRIGHTENING OIL www.amazon.com

$12 You don’t have to have blonde hair to use this. This oil made my hair feel and look like silk. Be sure though when using this oil that you spray it into your hand and then apply to hair. I tried to spray it directly and it went all over my bathroom.

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Best Men’s Style Sites... Written By:

Heather Davis

Layout By:

Brittany Jorgensen

It is no secret that most men don’t like shopping. It takes too long, you can’t find anything you like, the store is too far away, or you’d rather be watching hours of SportsCenter than drive to the nearest mall. Sure, it happens. The one thing you can’t say is you don’t know what’s in style. There are hundreds of thousands of great resources on the internet to show you each season’s trends from the perspective of a stylish man! If you’re looking to up the ante in your wardrobe, here’s a list of the top 5 men’s style sites that you need to check out!

Mr Porter: Every woman knows NetA-Porter, and this is that site’s husband. A men’s fashion destination, you can read the “Journal” and shop online on the same site. Not sure what you’re looking for? Check out the “What to Wear” and “Style Help” sections. This site really couldn’t make style any easier, it’s all here.

EveryGuyed: This website is for men of all fashion backgrounds. There are many sections ranging from “Fashion 101” to “Budget” to “Style News.” The site mostly consists of how-to posts, including “What to Wear with a White Dress Shirt” and “How to Dress for an Interview,” so EveryGuyed can teach even the most unfashionable of men.

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+ Share

Scout Sixteen: Also based in New York, Justin Livingston is a lifestyle blogger looking to help men build a “confident wardrobe.” Outfit posts compile 90% of the blog, so it’s easy to follow his bold and unique, yet classic, style. Bookmarking this blog is probably the best thing you can do, if you’re not scared of bright colors and rolled up jeans.

Why You Mad?!: Based in New York, Austin Ao-Ziong Wong focuses his blog on his own personal classic and collegiate style. His photo shoots, wish lists, and style guides can be found on every page, and there’s even an “Ask Me” column where men can send in style questions and he’ll answer and give examples. Another plus? Austin keeps you updated on next season’s trends, too!

Haberdash Men’s Blog: Probably the most familiar on this list, Haberdash, a men’s store with two Chicago locations (607 and 611 N. State St.), has a blog that will keep you on your toes. Carrying casual work wear in one location, and tailored clothing and luxury sportswear in the other, there’s no reason why this boutique wouldn’t know what’s new and what’s trending. The best part? If you like what you see, Haberdash’s web store is just a click away!

5...

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Concert

Concerts of 2013

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

By Jerome Thomas

If you like to dance or even think you can dance! Spring Awakening Music Festival will feature Calvin Harris, Bassnectar, Wolfgang Gartner and 5 more artist at Soldier Field June 14th and 15. Many artist + great music = tried feet in the morning!

The Buffett man will here. Jimmy Buffett at Charter One Pavilion June 29. Tickets are starting about 60 dollars. So get them now or cry later.

Marilyn Manson will be in the Congress Theater July 5th. Knowing Marilyn background the concert will another holiday in itself. Happy 4th

Even if some people are not happy with him, Justin Bieber will sale out the United Center July 9th. How can you pass up a chance to see him live.

Not only does Bon Jovi love the world. He loves Chicago, and will be at Soldier Field on July 12th. Tickets are already on sale a great price starting at $46 dollars.

Mr. Suit & Tie and Hova will be together at Soldier Field on July 25th. So Jay Z and Justin Timberlake in one place for one price, do I need to say more.

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Layout Design by Kate Roth

Mrs Carter aka B aka Beyonce will be a the United Center July 17th. B always put on a show plus she may have baby bump by then.

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r e t s i L o y g n a n c i i Sk es Ch k a T I

By:

Jerome Thomas

started in Chi cago and ended up in a pub in London. This is a true story. Halfstack Magazine received information that Flogging Molly was coming to Chicago and bringing Skinny Lister with them. Skinny Lister is a five piece folk act based in London, UK. They’re signed to a respected Los Angeles based record label, Side One Dummy. The 5 piece ignites the stage with their combination of contemporary pop and tradithe USA to join Flogging Molly on the first half of their annual “Green 17 Tour”. There third stop was in the greatest city in the world, Chicago. The show was at the beautiful Aragon Ballroom. When I got there, the line was beginning to get stupid long. But once you were inside, it felt like St. Patrick’s Day. People everywhere were wearing green. The beer lines were long. People were laughing and talking like you do in a pub. So I got me a beer to enjoy the moment. The concert

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tional British folk songs, smoothly blended with a spot of rum. Their sound has once been described as, “like The Pogues, but with better teeth”. The band member come from all over England (Dan Heptinstall is from Bridlington, Sam ‘Mule’ Brace is from Hastings, Lorna and Max Thomas hail from Leicestershire, original bass player Dan Gray from Newcastle) ,with new bass player Michael Camino stepping in from Hawaii, USA. In January, Skinny Lister immediately flew to was standing room on the flood and sitting up strips. The floor filled up quick and the show started. The opening act was a solo performance by a unknown artist. But never the less he started the party. He was very good and even got the crowd to join him singing. After the opening there was a short beer break as the stage was set for Skinny Lister. When the lights came back and Skinny Lister was ready to perform. Lorna (the lady of the band) worked the crowd up. Not only

The band can be followed on the website http://www. skinnylister.com/skinnyblog/. The Green 17 is stilling did I love listening to her lovely accent, she even flashed touring and you may find a show not far from here. her undees to the crowd. Everyone went crazy and the music started. The ballroom became a pub and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ everyone threwere the locals. Skinny Lister on stage skinnylister?ref=ts and the energy wasextravagant. The bands captivating soundand style filled the air. People were dancing, To check out their music for free: http://www.last.fm/ drinking, and enjoy their early St. Patrick’s Day celmusic/Skinny+Lister ebrations. They performed about 7 or 8 song from

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Layout Design by: Kate Roth

“like The Pogues, but with better teeth”.

their 2012 album “Forge & Flagon”. After Skinny Lister left the stage, I was able to speak toLorna and speak with Michael Camino. Michael explainedthat he used to live in Chicago as a child and loves to come back and visit. I asked what his favorite song was on the album, and he stated “Trawlerman”. Skinny Lister is one of the most absolute folk band I have ever heard. The band has a place in the music industry and they have shown it.

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