Shore Magazine

style & culture

october/november 2010

Meet the

DESIGN INCREDIBLES FASHION INNOVATORS 2010 ICONS RENEWABLES FANTASTIC HABITATS

AND And on

OTHER RUNWAYS

JANE DUNNE ON THE HIGH SEAS APPLE CIDER BIKE TOUR WHAT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT IN DC

INCLUDING A 32-PAGE SPECIAL FALL EDITION OF SHORE BRIDE MAGAZINE

contents

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010

152

2010 Fashion Icons

BY HEATHER AUGUSTYN

Meet the 2010 class of Lake Michigan area fashion icons: Kristiana Hamilton, Sarah Schilling, Merrilee Frey, Kenny Petersen, Adam Beltzman and Candace Jordan.

photograph by NATALIE BATTAGLIA

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VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM

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The New Face of Resale BY SHARON BIGGS WALLER

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Fashioning the Future

Whether you are buying or selling, here are some basic guidelines for doing business with consignment stores.

BY LOIS BERGER, PAT COLANDER AND SARAH KLOSE

Fashion design students take to the runways, presenting emerging fashion at competitions around the Lake Michigan area; plus, tween girls model American Girl designs at a St. Joseph fundraiser.

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My Dinner with Nilo BY JANE DUNNE

An unforgettable meal by Chef Nilo on a high seas trip through the Panama Canal.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES CAULFIELD

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contents

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010

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34 76

CLICKS 38 40 41 42 43 44

SHORELINES 19

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VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM

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INTRO

The romance of design, according to texture specialist Sophia Reyes.

LISTEN

Savoring the taste of wine-inspired, Latin-influenced jazz by Joey Edwin.

Gene Siskel Film Benefit Beaux Arts Ball Smooth Jazz Concert Taste of Harbor Country Lakeside Café Opening South Haven Center Fundraiser 45 Wine Festival

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SHAW THOUGHTS

Life in these United States, where people still help one another and every day is a risk and a blessing.

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CULTURE NUT

November 4th marks the launch of the first-ever restaurant week in Grand Rapids; plus, Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize was such a huge success last year, is it even possible to do better? Founder Rick DeVos says yes.

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MOTORING British classics live up to their exalted reputations in quality and style.

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INTERVIEW

Eric Dean Spruth is a tattoo artist with a difference: a spiritual mission to transform the lives of people who have been branded and scarred by negative experience.

WHERE TO GO

SOFA Chicago partners with the Intuit Outsider and Folk Art Fair and special artist/exhibitors for this year’s annual international art and design fest at Navy Pier.

GREEN NOTES

Author Joyce Egginton retells the story everybody missed on the 1974 mass poisoning in Michigan.

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HEALTH CLUB

The diary of a mad 50mile cyclist in Three Oaks, and a ride for breast cancer awareness targeted to underfortysomethings.

HAUTE PROPERTIES

Whether you are contemplating a refinish or new floors and ceilings, experts urge homeowners to pay attention to what’s beneath the surface.

HOUSE & GROUNDS 76

Style Inhabited

BY MEGAN SWOYER

Outfitting a condo in Wicker Park for a young couple to work and play.

LAST RESORT 92

At My Shallowest

BY JOE DURK

Life is a runway, especially when it’s your job to judge others.

HOTSPOTS 46 72 82 90

Essential Events Bite & Sip Shore Things Shorecast

10 Publisher’s Letter 12 Editor’s Letter

photography courtesy of [clockwise, from top left] SOFA CHICAGO, ALBERT MARTINEZ/RICHARD NEWTON FOR ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS, AMY VAEREWYCK, MARK REYES, HEATHER EIDSON

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publisher’s

letter

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ou would think that after almost four years removed from South Dakota the visits from family and friends would start to slow down, but that hasn’t been the case, as we had an especially nice visit from my wife Julie’s kindergarten friend (yes, I did say kindergarten) Becky Sukstorf and her husband Jeff. Becky is a terrific teacher in the Spearfish school district and Jeff is an electrician for the hospital in town, but his real love is music and he has a great band that Julie and I have had the good fortune to listen to on several occasions.

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We were empty nesters for all of four days! Yep, four days. No sooner did we drop Shay off for college than our 20-year-old son Trey graced us with his presence in Indiana. While Julie and I had been looking forward to the quiet, clean house where Cokes and candy bars don’t mysteriously disappear and cereal box tops don’t automatically open after being placed back in the cupboard, we are excited to have the boy around. I kinda missed his junior and senior year of high school after being transferred out here, so catch-up time will be fun. He already has enrolled in and is attending Purdue North Central.

One of my top priorities as publisher of the Times and Shore has been to get our outstanding print product coverage of sports into an easy-to-access, centralized, family-friendly online environment—and now we have (nwipreps.com). Making that connection to high schools is just a part of our overarching strategy to sync the many communities where our brands extend throughout the Lake Michigan area and seek the things we have in common . . . and I’m constantly meeting people with shared interests, whether it’s fishing, Ford Mustangs, or checking out what’s happening in the Chesterton-Valpo game on Friday night.

Everyone knows my favorite beach is in St. Joe, but I have to admit that Michigan City is quite a nice backyard, too. New restaurants like Giorgetti’s in the refurbished Michigan City Yacht Club continue to pop up and surprise everyone. For five years we’ve been watching the transformation in LaPorte County; the number of visitors and improved commerce are heartening.

And having some outstanding warm-weather weekends that are perfect for fishing, kite-boarding, jet-skiing and boating has not hurt one bit.

Julie and I have plans for fall: some serious regional awards and economic development meetings, but fun, too, like golfing at Harbor Shores—if we can get a tee time—hanging out on the terrace at Tabor Hill and hopefully getting back to Grand Rapids in time for ArtPrize and Restaurant Week.

Every time a new issue of Shore comes out, I get a lot of email asking where readers can pick up a copy, and though I hate to say it, if the magazine has been out for a week or so and it’s summer, you might have trouble finding one. The only way to guarantee you will get Shore is by subscribing at visitshoremagazine.com.

For $20, you can have total peace of mind knowing that you will never miss an issue. That’s how I do it.

We will be back in November with an action-packed party issue.

Until then, enjoy the sun and the fall colors. Even I know there is nothing more beautiful on earth.

Bill Masterson, Jr.

Editor’S

LETTER

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must be getting mature, because as I noticed when attending Rock the Runway—Emerging Designer Competition at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in June, I found the quality of the craftsmanship and design creativity overwhelming the practical skeptic sitting in the frontal lobe saying, “Who in the world would actually wear that?” That question misses the point. Emerging fashion design, like emerging technology (or anything else that is evolving in a spotlight), is a laboratory for experiment and trying out ideas. As vivid, colorful and multidimensional as human imagination is and can be trained to be, when you are trying to communicate your thoughts, nothing beats a built-out prototype. And that is exactly what these highly focused and trained young artists are doing when they create their collections. Watching their minds in action was the single most fascinating aspect of the stories and events around the designer competitions this year. Our photos and story package recreate the hope and inspiration that permeate their work.

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Also this fall, another excellent list of the best-dressed in the Lake Michigan area. The new group of fashion icons taking personal style to the next level: Kristiana Hamilton, Sarah Schilling, Merrilee Frey, Kenny Petersen, Adam Beltzman and Candace Jordan. Once again, our thanks to our reader nominators and special congratulations to Jill Miller, who won a $150 Macy’s gift card just for submitting her nomination for this year’s icon selection. On the home design front, we have the condo haven of a photo and fashion stylist in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood and an update on the continued popularity of natural products like bamboo, cork and wood for floors and the return of revitalized ceramic, porcelain tile and even sculpted carpeting. Sarah Klose introduces us to Sophia Reyes, an artist and texture specialist who makes unique collages from found objects, and Molly Woulfe has the unusual story of a tattoo artist devoted to transforming negative, threatening and even violent images into positive, spiritual messages. Auto writer Jim Jackson reminds us that there is nothing so swell as the classic lines of the ultimate British automobile.

Also, look for two extraordinary stories from regular contributors Jane Dunne and Andy Shaw. Our culinary expert describes an eating and drinking adventure on the high seas in delightful detail. Andy Shaw has the haunting story of what can happen when multiple worlds collide on the streets of Washington D.C. in the middle of the night.

Once again the fall calendar beckons with optimism and innovation: Rick DeVos has a few words about ArtPrize as it goes into its second year, there are major film festivals coming up, and across the tri-state area the theater and concert seasons are getting underway. Any regrets about the disintegration of the summer are banished by the brightness and joy of autumn.

Coming up in the holiday issue: a gift guide to get you going, whether it’s to the store to see the hottest newest gadget you don’t know enough about (but just need to see it up close and personal) or the nonprofit website that you may have forgotten in previous mad rushes to the end of the year. We’re predicting an intense season of celebration. We’ll see you then.

Pat Colander

style & culture

Publisher Bill Masterson, Jr. Director of Product Development Christopher Loretto 219.933.3243 cloretto@nwitimes.com Senior Account Executive Lisa Tavoletti Illinois/Indiana/Michigan 219.933.4182 ltavoletti@nwitimes.com Account Executive Mary Sorensen Michigan 616.451.3006 msorensen@nwitimes.com Traffic Manager Tom Kacius Pre-press Specialists Maureen Benak Rhonda Fancher Tracy Hanson Advertising Designers Dave Annable Ryan Berry Kathy Campbell Jacqueline Murawski

Published by Lee Enterprises The Times of Northwest Indiana Niche Division 601 W 45th Street Munster, Indiana 46321 219.933.3200 Michigan/Indiana Sales 1111 Glendale Boulevard Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 219.462.5151

New Subscriptions, Renewals, Inquiries and Changes of Address: Shore Magazine Circulation Dept., 601 W 45th St, Munster, IN 46321, or 800.589.2802, or visitshoremagazine.com Reprints and Permissions: You must have permission before reproducing material from Shore magazine.

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Single copy price is $4.95.

One-year subscriptions $20 (8 issues) Two-year subscriptions $25 (16 issues) Three-year subscriptions $35 (24 issues)

volume 6 / number 7

Editor / Associate Publisher Pat Colander 219.933.3225 pcolander@nwitimes.com Art Director Joe Durk 219.933.3277 jdurk@nwitimes.com Managing Editor Julia Perla 219.933.3353 jperla@nwitimes.com Assistant Managing Editor Kathryn MacNeil 219.933.3264 kmacneil@nwitimes.com Designers April Burford, Matt Huss Online Editor Ashley Boyer Contributing Editors Jane Ammeson Heather Augustyn Lois Berger Sue Bero Robert Blaszkiewicz Christy Bonstell Claire Bushey John Cain Laura Caldwell Donna M. Chavez Tom Chmielewski Juli Doshan Jane Dunne Rob Earnshaw Jeremy Gantz Terri Gordon Dave Hoekstra Seth “tower� Hurd Jim Jackson Rick Kaempfer Lauri Harvey Keagle Julie Dean Kessler Mark Loehrke Joey Marburger Sherry Miller Virginia Mullin Andy Shaw Fran Smith Megan Swoyer Sharon Biggs Waller Contributing Artists and Photographers Natalie Battaglia Lloyd DeGrane Heather Eidson Jennifer Feeney Gregg Gearhart Richard Hellyer Callie Lipkin David Mosele Johnny Quirin Gregg Rizzo Christina Somers Shore magazine invites readers and writers to submit ideas, comments and feedback through email at feedback@visitshoremagazine.com or the post office at Shore Magazine, 601 W 45th St, Munster, IN 46321, or 1111 Glendale Blvd, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

contributors HEATHER EIDSON is a staff photographer at the Times Media Company. A photojournalist with more than eight years of experience, she loves photographing everything ranging from newborns to weddings, and from wildlife to the urban landscape around her home of Chicago. Heather loved photographing the home of Taryn Bickley and her husband Brian LaFlamme, for the home feature on page 76.

“There is nothing better than working in natural light, and Taryn truly utilized the windows in every part of her home,” Heather says. “Natural earth tones mixed with bright patterns and pops of color provided the perfect marriage between the great outdoors and the comforts of modern city living. Her home is pretty much my dream home.” Heather also shoots the Shore Weekender video for visitshoremagazine.com.

SARAH KlOSE traded a high-flying corporate career for the bold and beautiful life of a freelance writer. She parlayed her University of Chicago MBA and Northwestern University writing degree into a cottage industry, penning business, finance and real estate pieces.

Her dining, fashion, art and entertainment articles grace Chicago newspapers and magazines. Sarah discovered the Sophia Reyes “Circles” dress on sale at an online store, and snapped it up. After it became the hit of Sarah’s Hollywood-themed Oscars party, she decided to plumb Sophia’s brilliant fashion-designer mind for Shore (page 19).

When she’s not on deadline, Sarah enjoys swimming laps, tutoring for Sit Stay Read, and munching on lightly buttered popcorn while watching noir films. lAURIE WINK is a freelance writer and owner of “Words in a Wink.”

She’s a true Midwesterner who grew up in Michigan, lived in Illinois and now enjoys being in Northwest Indiana. She loves bike riding along the Lake Michigan shore and searching for precious gems of beach glass. Laurie is an experienced writer and editor who has received national awards for news reporting, magazine and newsletter production. As an appreciator of art, she was delighted to interview Mark Lyman, the driving force behind the international SOFA shows.

“Mark’s enthusiastic about showcasing the work of contemporary artists,” she says, “and he does so in a way that’s accessible to those of us who didn’t attend art school.” See Laurie’s article about the SOFA show on page 30.

correction

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1. Lake Effect Tulips, watercolor by Carrie Rodgers-O’Neal 2. Simo and Aria, watercolor by Carrie Rodgers-O’Neal 3. Evening Appointment, acrylic by Beth Charles Both artists are represented by Lake Effect Gallery in Holland, Michigan, and can be found at lakeeffectgallery.com.

october/november 2010

Three pieces of art were included in our story on Tricia Paarlberg’s home (“A Summer Getaway Nest,” August/September 2010 issue), but we omitted providing the artists with credit. Here are the pieces again along with information on where readers may view more works by the artists.

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special advertising section

FESTIVALS & EVENTS September 18 SUNFLOWER FAIR IN DOWNTOWN LA PORTE

8am to 5pm: Arts/Crafts/Food/Rides

September 18-19 APPLE FEST AT GARWOOD ORCHARDS

INDIANA

Live Music/Arts/Crafts/U-Pick Orchard

September 18 14TH ANNUAL FALL FEST AT BACKROADS BREWERY

1pm to 5pm: Live Music/Beer/Food Must be 21

Back Home Again Come home to La Porte and discover all we have to offer, or rediscover all that you have been missing! Whether you have a week or a day, our picture perfect fall and winter seasons bring the area alive with activities for everyone. La Porte is an ideal weekend getaway for the entire family. Our charming downtown is alive with places to eat, antique shops and specialty stores. Golf at Beechwood, a challenging 6,800-yard, par 72 championship municipal golf course.

Drive or stroll down “The Ave” and enjoy the “Painted Ladies,” the many fine examples of historic residential architecture. Visit the La Porte County Historical Society Museum, where you will find the Kesling Antique Auto collection, folklore about the infamous murderess Belle Gunness and 15 rooms of period exhibits.

In addition, the museum is home to the W.A. Jones Collection of Ancient Weapons, the second largest gun collection in the entire world. Hike, bike or ski the trails that wind through the woods and lakes at one of many area parks. Take a hayride or find your way through a corn maze with the family at one of the area orchards and stock up on apples and pumpkins!

So come home to La Porte and begin your sentimental journey today. Visit our website at www.cityoflaporte.com

September 25-26 PIONEER DAYS AT CREEK RIDGE PARK

A Taste of the “Old Days” with Food/Fun

September 24-26 16TH ANNUAL SCARECROW FEST IN WANATAH

Crafts/Parade/Races/Car Show/Food

October 1-3 THE PUMPKIN FEST IN WESTVILLE

Crafts/Food/Tractor Pull/ Live Entertainment

November 27 THE SANTA PARADE STARTS THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN DOWNTOWN LA PORTE

A Parade through Downtown La Porte Ending at the Depot Plaza

December 4-5 CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT TOUR IN LA PORTE Tour Historic Homes/Buildings Decorated for Christmas

December 11 THE HOLIDAY AT THE POPS

A Concert at the Civic Auditorium

January 22-29 2011 WINTERFEST IN LA PORTE Two Weekends of Winter Activities/ Contests/Games

special advertising section

shorelines listen | shaw thoughts | culture nut | motoring | interview | where to go | green notes | health club | haute properties

>> intro <<

Sophia Reyes

Bringing Feminine Flair to Chicago

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For a current list of boutiques, with full addresses, visit sophiareyes.com/designstudio.html.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010

photography by MARK REYES; [upper right] courtesy of SOPHIA REYES

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icture yourself at a reception. You are draped in a silk dress with a petal collar. The look is fresh, feminine. A stranger compliments you. You smile and sip your caipirinha.

You are wearing Sophia Reyes.

“Her designs are spot-on,” says Sarah Coté, manager of Tula, a Chicago boutique that features Reyes. “Fashion is moving toward a more ladylike silhouette and her pieces fit right in.”

Sophia Reyes found her flair at age 12, when she swiped her mother’s bedsheets and whipped up some dresses. A decade later, with a finance degree from Loyola University in hand, the Chicago native jetted to New York City. She studied fashion at Parsons School of Design and interned at Cynthia Rowley. After returning to Chicago in 2008, Reyes launched her contemporary women’s wear company. She sketches and drapes her chic designs, which are later hand-sewn in the U.S. “I design by draping on the dress form. There is something natural and integral in working with the hands, the body and the fabric,” Reyes says.

For fashion ideas, the 26-year-old designer where to buy makes themed collages from found objects. She SOPHIA REYES DESIGNS: views “textures and images together, to create a mood or feeling.” Regarding fabric, Reyes favors IN CHICAGO Tula, Mulberry & Me, silks and double knits. However, she has experiTangerine mented with chiffon and bamboo, and will soon introduce piña fabric. “It’s made of pineapple IN VALPARAISO, I ND. La Grande Trunk leaves and is from the Philippines,” Reyes says.

Coral, jade and royal blue hues illuminated IN GRAND HAVEN, MICH. her Spring/Summer 2010 collection, “Party in Panache Garden.” The billowy dresses and tops were ON THE INTERNET inspired by the Japanese bridges and blossoms sophiareyes.com at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Soft sashes and cascading collars added feminine touches.

For Fall/Holiday 2010, Reyes marries passion and beauty. Triple-pleated shoulders convey grace. Ruffled sleeves and gathered waists whisper romance. Hunter green, magenta and black-and-white colors weave in dignified elegance. “The collection is called ‘Dark Romance,’” Reyes says. “I was listening to a lot of classical music.”

Expect it to be the soundtrack at your next cocktail party. –SARAH KLOSE

shorelines >> listen <<

Sonic Pairings SAVORING THE TASTE OF WINE-INSPIRED JAZZ

spas, wineries and gift shops as possible—both here and across the country—he has had to become as much marketer as musician, pounding the pavement when he’s not performing to expose more and more business owners to the sounds their shops may be missing. In addition to local placements in wineries from Berrien Springs to Buchanan, these days the Vineyard Lounge is tickling the ears of oenophiles as far away as New York, Oregon and California as well.

Getting new clients means everything from compiling email lists to visiting different wineries to get a feel for what kind of concepts they’re after.

“It’s a bit harder to get out on foot in the summer months, since I’m performing full-time, but I make up for it in the fall and winter,” Edwin says, estimating that he spends anywhere from twenty (summer) to fifty (fall/winter) hours a week marketing the Vineyard Lounge to potential new clients.

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he goal is to issue a new Vineyard Lounge release every year, many on new ecofriendly download cards (they can be planted in the ground to grow wildflowers) that can be company-branded and double as customer rewards or gift basket additions. But even with all of the ambition and busy work that come with trying to grow a successful business, Edwin remains focused above all on the music, fully aware that if he’s not helping to perfect an atmosphere in which wine shoppers and tasters can fully relax and enjoy, he doesn’t have a product worth selling.

“People sipping on their favorite glass of wine don’t necessarily need a memorable guitar solo, but they do love a strong underlying groove,” he says he tries to keep in mind. “That’s what I’m trying to bring to the experience.” –MARK LOEHRKE

vintage sounds That nimble guitar playing you heard while enjoying your last glass of pinot noir may have very well come from the strings of Joey Edwin. The sounds of the Vineyard Lounge are becoming the sonic backdrop for more and more local wine shops, including: TABOR H ILL WINERY AND RESTAURANT Buchanan, Mich. taborhill.com OLD WORLD M ARKET Valparaiso, Ind. oldworldmarketonline.com DOMAINE BERRIEN CELLARS A ND WINERY Berrien Springs, Mich. domaineberrien.com CHERRY C REEK WINERY Brooklyn, Mich. cherrycreekwine.com

photograph courtesy of JOEY EDWIN

W

hat is it that helps elevate a good bottle of wine from simple beverage option to a fuller and more satisfying sensory experience? A romantic soul might suggest the perfect setting of a tranquil lakeside retreat at dusk. A culinary purist, on the other hand, might opt for the balance found in the savory accompaniment of a selection of gourmet cheeses. For Crown Point musician and entrepreneur Joey Edwin, however, it’s all about the atmosphere.

After years of finding receptive audiences for his unassuming, slightly up-tempo Latin-influenced jazz in local wineries, the guitarist was inspired to tailor his music for this particular segment with a project he calls the Vineyard Lounge (vineyardlounge.com).

Available as both a CD and download card, the Vineyard Lounge is a collection of Edwin’s original compositions that is meant to create the ideal aural backdrop for laid-back occasions like tastings and small parties, or just add general ambience to a wine room.

“I had performed at several wine events and wineries, and I felt there was a real need for a certain style of music that would accommodate these types of settings,” Edwin says. “Since people want to visit while drinking or tasting wine, they’d rather have something that doesn’t impose on their conversations.”

While Edwin received his formal musical training in Minneapolis in the late 1980s, it was his years of playing for intimate live audiences that helped educate him to what types of music best suit particular listening circumstances. So even though many wineries and spas rely on fairly generic iterations of “smooth jazz,” Edwin tries to get a little more nuanced and a little more atmospherespecific with the Vineyard Lounge.

“This particular audience needs a type of music that is great if they’re not listening and is even better when they are listening,” Edwin explains. “My goal is to blend Latin and acoustic type guitar work with modern dance beats. The biggest thing I try to keep in mind is blending Latin, electronic, funk, jazz, tropical and world styles all into one specific sound.”

But the music itself represents only about half of Edwin’s effort with the Vineyard Lounge. In trying to get his songs into as many

shorelines >> shaw thoughts <<

Paying It Forward

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he decided to walk home in the wee hours of that warm summer night because it was only four blocks to her apartment in one of Washington’s upscale yuppie neighborhoods. And the night had a sparkle. Like life in general. She’d been out for drinks at a local bar with some girlfriends, all of them at the top of their DC games—children of privilege from good families that gave them all of what they needed and most of what they wanted, sending them to the best schools and filling them with a sense of empowerment that matched their male counterparts. They had prestigious jobs in the capital’s world of smoke and mirrors, paper and perception, working for Washington’s most famous resident, in or next door to its most iconic building. Her husband was just as formidable, writing for a political journal, chattering on a prominent cable network and researching a big book on an important topic.

He was out of town that night, so she was coming back to an empty apartment. One of the girls offered her a ride home after cocktails, but she shrugged it off. And as she was walking, her cell phone buzzed with another text or email, so she stopped to check it. One block from home, on a dark sidewalk next to a deserted park. Silently, out of that same darkness, came a malevolent trio—a man and two women—and within seconds they had knocked her down, pepper-sprayed her eyes, grabbed her phone and purse, and started violently kicking her upper and lower torso.

A similarly horrific mugging with a baseball bat in Chicago a few months earlier left a young Irish woman in a coma with severe brain damage. But the victim of the DC assault was more fortunate. A young man happened to be nearby when it went down, he yelled, “Police officer!” and the trio took off running. He gave chase, and one of them, in an apparent panic of her own, dropped the purse, which contained the valuable IDs that got the victim into and around the important buildings where she worked. She was in excruciating pain from the attack and the pepper spray, so the young hero came back to comfort her and call 9-1-1. When the cops and paramedics arrived, he described the incident while they treated the victim, and then it was over.

Another crime stat in an increasingly violent

city, where a shocking number of her friends have been mugged, robbed or burglarized in Washington’s best neighborhoods. These are desperate and dangerous times, in a desperate and dangerous economy. So the wee hours are no time for a woman to be walking home alone. She says it will never happen again. And she is, of course, eternally grateful to her young protector.

He is a bit more sanguine about the incident, explaining that he was attacked and slashed with a knife a couple years ago, so he now feels compelled to help other potential victims. And he has, in fact, several times. He seems to understand, intuitively, that we’re all in this together—if you don’t take a risk to save another, there may not be anyone to step up when you’re the victim.

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ut the story has a twist: He is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, a young man who could have been busted by the police officers who investigated the mugging and sent home by federal authorities the next day for being here illegally. Even though his act of civic heroism might have saved a life.

“I didn’t think of that,” he tells me later, “but a friend said I was lucky. I just know that I’m glad I did it and I’m glad the young lady is okay now.”

The young lady is okay now, fully healed from the physical bruises of the violent attack, and she is still looking for the right way to thank the young man who intervened. It is sad but realistic to say that a lot of Americans would send him home immediately because, from their perspective, illegal entry trumps heroism.

And so it goes: One face of the immigration debate, one face of the crime epidemic, both human faces.

He, by the way, is still in Washington, scrambling to get by and sending money home as he tries to carve out a life. He’d like to stay here, but he understands that one heroic entry on a résumé is not enough. Life is more complicated than that. But for the record, I’m rooting for him, politics notwithstanding.

She, by the way, is still working for the important man next door to the world-famous building, and trying to be more careful. She is starting to understand that no one is immortal, even those in the heady whirl of Washington’s power elite.

And she is also rooting for him— hoping that what goes around does come around.

A slice of life as we all chase the challenging American Dream.

In a confusing and dangerous world. Where every day is a risk. And a blessing. —ANDY SHAW

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID MOSELE

shorelines

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ow did it go last year from the organizers’ standpoint? We were completely blown away. Every number we were keeping track of came in at about three to five times what we expected. So we felt excitement and gratefulness in our feedback sessions. We really came to the conclusion we want to keep the fundamentals of ArtPrize the same and to not radically change anything that could diminish the value.

That said, we have made a couple of adjustments with the registration process, and we continue to build on the speaker series. We have added some juried awards to create more reasons for artists to participate. (It’s a festival of prizes in a way now.) We have expanded the exhibition centers to seven that will serve as anchors like the old Federal Building last year. By doing that, you create pathways and find entry points a little further outside the core of the city and get out to the neighborhoods.

ArtPrize II: The Sequel

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When we last spoke with Rick DeVos, founder, director and guiding force of Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize, he was cautiously optimistic—that’s his nature—but holding his breath like everyone else who couldn’t be sure that this new and different idea for an art competition would work. • It did: ArtPrize 2009 was wildly successful and early indications are that this year’s contest and exhibition will make another giant leap for the city, the arts and the world in general.

ArtPrize 2009 had just started when you put it on the calendar for this year.

So you like the time of year? We really had fantastic weather last year. Summer is too hot and everyone wants to go way up north, but by late September and October everyone is back in town and the kids are in school. Overall, we liked the time frame.

This year we added the last Sunday mainly as a response to the interest and participation. By the end [of ArtPrize] last year, some of the venues had lines around the block.

Has the success of ArtPrize changed what you do and your personal goals?

Thankfully I have a really great team focused on all of sorts of details, so my part is to make sure we stay true to the idea and that we distill the core of ArtPrize available on the website. So far it’s been a wild ride.

I don’t feel like I’m done and I do have bigger goals . . . not to say it’s not a big thing.

I want to watch the discussion unfold. The idea was to get people talking about art and that was exactly what happened. You couldn’t go anywhere without hearing, “Have you seen this, have you seen that?”

—PAT COLANDER

DEFINED ArtPrize awards the world’s largest prize for art totaling $449,000.

ARTISTS Artist and venue connections: 2010: 1,713 2009: 1,262 The artists come from: 2010: 21 countries 2009: 15 countries United States: 2010: 1,661 from 44 states 2009: 1,233 from 41 states HOURS All venues will be open (at minimum) during these hours: Mon–Thu: 5–8pm Fri–Sat: noon–10pm Sun: noon–6pm STATS Registered voters in 2009: 37,264 Votes in 2009: 334,219 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT ARTPRIZE.ORG.

photography courtesy of ARTPRIZE

>> culture nut <<

What are your expectations for this year? We’ve learned to expect anything with ArtPrize but what’s impossible. The programming is stronger than last year; it’s an incredible list of programming.

We know that we are drawing from well beyond the west Michigan region: a lot of college students, tons of Amtrak traffic, community groups, senior citizens, charter buses coming from all over the Midwest. There is a fair amount of discovery still going on about what [ArtPrize] does in terms of how we continue to build a creative culture in Grand Rapids. We have a desire to make things, experiment, fail and get up and try again here. We expected the participants to be mostly in their twenties and thirties. One thing that was FACTS ABOUT really cool that we didn’t expect was older ARTPRIZE folks, entire families; kids just couldn’t get DATES enough. That is how ArtPrize is going to Sept 22–Oct 10, 2010 impact our culture over many years.

GRAND RAPIDS RESTAURANT WEEK

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED DURING RESTAURANT WEEK. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT RESTAURANTWEEKGR.COM.

from local restaurants to determine event details.

Intending to create a month to “Celebrate Dining Out,” the committee scheduled Restaurant Week to coincide with the Grand Rapids International Wine and Food Festival November 18-20.

They also gathered a robust roster of one-of-a-kind restaurants representing downtown Grand Rapids and its various suburbs. The list includes a broad range of restaurants, from the casual and cute Derby Station in East Grand Rapids to the Five-Diamond 1913 Room, elegantly situated inside Center City’s famed Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

Culinary experts from participating restaurants invented 3-course menus specifically for the event, favoring local flavors and seasonal ingredients. Restaurants also agreed to donate $1 from each threecourse meal purchased during Restaurant Week Grand Rapids to benefit the acclaimed Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. –MOLLY KIMELMAN

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Grand Rapids goes gourmet for the inaugural “Restaurant Week Grand Rapids” November 4-13, when more than fifty top eateries in Kent County unveil artfully crafted, three-course menus for a fixed price of $20.10.

The ten-day event aims to celebrate Kent County cuisine by boosting patronage at restaurants, spotlighting local chefs and promoting fresh-from-the-farm ingredients. The dining deals also make Restaurant Week worthwhile for locals and out-of-towners who can use this opportunity to revisit old favorites or taste-test new hot spots.

Underwritten by the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority, Restaurant Week Grand Rapids emulates successful foodie events in dozens of popular American cities.

According to Doug Small, president of the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau, “We need to put a focus nationally on the fact that this community has the destination appeal that you can’t find in other cities, including creative, great restaurants.

I think a Restaurant Week is a great way to do that.”

Small worked with staff

shorelines

>> motoring <<

Driving Elegance Tranquility and comfort—key elements that matter for those who savor the cabin comfort of blue-blood automobiles.

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t took me awhile to get it—a car’s interior must deliver what the exterior promises. Seems like a given, doesn’t it? But falling in love with a car’s exterior styling is not a true marriage of ownership unless the cabin suits your fancy. The fact is, 80 percent of an owner’s time with his or her car is spent inside the vehicle. The other 20 percent is occupied time walking to, passing by or fussing over the exterior.

Most car aficionados agree that the British-built Rolls-Royce is the crème de la crème of the world’s automakers. Now under the family umbrella of German-owned BMW, Rolls-Royce remains the pinnacle of styling perfection that sets the watermark for exclusive hand-built automotives—inside and out. Old World craftsmanship still rules in the “House of Rolls.”

Recently, I had the privilege of driving the new Rolls-Royce Ghost across a 150-mile loop from California’s Highway One south of Newport Beach through Orange County Great Park and over twisty Route 74 that skirts Cleveland National Forest.

In the Rolls-Royce Ghost, where you sit depends on where you stand. Billed as a “driver’s car” rather than

chauffeur-driven, the wispy Ghost handles nimbly with effortless control from the steering wheel. I was surprised, considering the car weighs over 2.5 tons and flaunts 563 horsepower from an exclusive turbocharged V-12 engine governed by an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Though enamored with Ghost’s sleek exterior design, it is the exquisite cabin styling that captivated me while driving the duration of the day-trip. Everything in the cabin is a modern interpretation of the world-class elegance that has adorned RollsRoyce passenger compartments for over 100 years.

Rolls-Royce Ghost, priced at $245,000, is hand assembled and delivered to the buyer’s exacting specifications. Pillar-less centeropening doors usher five passengers to a custom interior lathered with ultra-plush hand-cut leather upholstery and hand-laid wood veneers. Standard interior colors and premium woods are a given, but anything is possible and no request denied to clients willing to wait up to a year for a custom-built Rolls-Royce Ghost.

From the driver’s position, styled instrument panel controls are elegantly simple with jewel-like white face dials and organ-pull levers that control air flow from round swivel vents. The steering wheel is large and flat with a massive center pod surrounded by controls that regulate common cabin functions.

Rear seat head, hip and legroom are extraordinary.

A crystal clear DVD entertainment system with fold-down center armrest controls personalizes the comfort. Outside noise and vibration are nonexistent, transforming Rolls-Royce Ghost’s cabin into an apparition of a whisper-quiet conveyance.

–JIM JACKSON

photography [this page] courtesy of ALBERT MARTINEZ/Richard Newton for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; [opposite page, top] courtesy of JIM JACKSON of Drive Communications; [bottom] courtesy of MITCH FRUMKIN

Style from the inside out

Opening New Doors Now Her Majesty’s Secret Service Agents 004, 005 and 006 can join James Bond Secret Agent 007 in his next movie car chase scene with the arrival of the exotic four-door Aston Martin Rapide.

Four adult riders enter Rapide’s leather-infused cabin through unique “swan-wing” doors that rise up and out to access luxurious quad seats divided by a full-length center console. The fluid motion of the front center console cascades down from the upper portion of the instrument panel.

With all of Rapide’s passengers in place, rear cargo room is delegated to 10.6 cubic feet courtesy of a rear parcel shelf behind the second row seats. When unoccupied, the rear seats fold automatically, separately or together, with a press of a button to create a flat load floor for over 31 cubic feet of carrying space. A nice touch.

The Aston Martin Rapide starts at $201,300 powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that produces 470 horsepower. Popular options include individual heated and cooled rear seats ($1,595) and rear DVD entertainment system for $3,395.

Seems the likely place to watch the next James Bond 007 action movie with the family. –JIM JACKSON

BENTLEY’S ‘BAD BOY’ Rolls-Royce crosstown rival Bentley Motors brings a seductive two-door GT Coupe to the street by way of the Bentley Continental Supersports. With a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine that builds a menacing 621 horsepower, the Continental Supersports becomes the fastest, most powerful production Bentley ever built.

Pasting Supersports’ power to the pavement is a continuous all-wheel drive system reined by massive 16-inch-diameter crossdrilled carbon ceramic brakes. Special 20-inch 10-spoke smoked steel finished wheels anchor this Bentley’s sinister look.

Inside, front seats and door panels feature diamond quilted Alcantara seat inserts that add a geometric design element to Supersports’ two-tone leather-wrapped interior. Carbon fiber center console and tread plate trim along with drilled alloy foot pedals enhance the cabin’s racy styling.

A classic Breitling timepiece located on the center stack keeps watch over the optional rear Comfort Seat ($5,250) that allows two additional people to go along for the ride. Standard interior equipment includes DVD navigation, integrated infotainment system and Bluetooth hands-free phone system. A 10-speaker Naim premium audio system costs an extra $6,900 over Bentley Continental Supersports’ base price of $267,000.

–JIM JACKSON

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hat inspired you to found Sacred Transformations? I had a vision of my [dying] grandfather . . . I loved to read about art and history, and the idea of different societies taking ownership of their bodies . . . In my daydream, he was big and plump, a big guy sitting in the bed. He said to me, in the vision, “Eric, we all make a mark in the world. Some people will make a mark and others will spend their whole lifetimes trying to duplicate that mark and celebrate it. And other people will make a mark in their life and devote their whole life to trying to erase it, out of a sense of shame. I’m happy with the marks I’ve made in my life and I’m ready to move on.” At the time, I really felt like it was a signal.

Eric Dean Spruth Re-tattooing: A spiritual rite of passage

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Tattoo artist Eric Dean Spruth donates—and generates—a lot of ink. • An art therapist at Cook County Jail, Spruth also runs Sacred Transformations, a free program he launched in 2006 to aid people “tattooed, scarred, branded and/or burnt from negative experiences.” His mission statement is both literal and figurative. The pony-tailed Illiana resident revamps gang tattoos and tramp stamps into badges of honor. • As Spruth puts it, “I’m free, but I’m not easy.” Clients must prove their commitment to a new life and skin. Each marked man or woman must fill out a five-page application, map out goals, and brainstorm with volunteer artists. The goal is not to erase a swastika, but reshape it into a symbol of inspiration.

• The body art takes a few hours; the preliminary soul-searching, six to eight months. Spruth earned a master’s degree in art therapy from the School of the Art Institute in 1992 before training as an inkslinger. • A born publicist and networker, Spruth, 44, credits “an army of volunteers” for helping him run his Chinatown-based service, relocating to Miller in Gary. Miller Beach Ink, bowing Halloween Day, will house a tattoo studio at 508 South Lake Street as well as Sacred Transformations. Spruth, rehabbing his leased storefront (First District council member Marilyn Krusas’ ex-office), recently outlined his vision to Shore. The chat was punctuated by questions from passersby stopping to bare their hearts and tats.

How big is the staff? I’m it. I’m the only official staff person at Sacred Transformations and it is an unpaid job. I am the founder and executive director of the program, and, at this time, the only transformative tattooist.

Say I fill out an application. What happens next? We would meet, we would converse. I would ask you what you’d like to have.

What are your interests? I would consider your short- and longterm goals on the application. I would ask questions like, “What are you doing right now, in the direction of accomplishing those goals? What are your three main goals after your transformation is complete?” . . . I would hope some part of this new marking would relate to short-term and long-term goals in your life in addition to your interests . . . Then we’ll develop a custom design that strives to incorporate your existing mark, be it a scar, tattoo or burn. We painstakingly incorporate all the lines into your new piece. A transformation respects the fact that something was there, whether it was negative or positive. At some point in their life, [the client’s] affiliation with different people, places and things may have been a positive point. But we all have the right to evolve. When you’re marked for life, you’re marked for life. You may evolve away from that marking—in a way that’s respectful—but it no longer represents you. That’s our clients.

How long does the average tattoo take? It varies. There’s a fellow coming down from Milwaukee, his name is Bobby, and he has a history of struggling with heroin addiction. What we’re working with are existing scars from his substance abuse. I probably could have got it done real quick. We’ve been working 2 1/2 years on this piece. He’s getting the Seven Deadly Sins, represented as sexy women, from the hips up. They’re beautiful women, but each one represents a sin. For him, it’s a visual reminder of his own selfcorruption. We’re doing a full sleeve. They’re beautiful, they’re fun to look at. People walk up to him all the time and say, “What’s this?” and he’s got an amazing story to tell . . . Bigger and dark [tattoos], that’s a cover-up. It can be done. That takes an hour.

That’s not what we do here.

Who funds your program? We do. My wife and I. Why relocate to Gary? I see Gary—as our mayor would say— where great things are happening. I really believe in this city and all the people of the city, working so hard to maintain the beautiful things that still exist and have existed, plus new visions like urban farming . . . I’ve never been in a place like Gary, Indiana. The people don’t talk the talk, they walk the walk. –MOLLY WOULFE

photograph courtesy of ERIC DEAN SPRUTH

>> interview <<

shorelines >> where to go <<

SOFA Chicago

A WORLD’S FAIR OF ARTS AND DESIGN

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Dale Chihuly Silvered Blanket Cylinder

photography courtesy of SOFA CHICAGO

Art connoisseurs and general viewers alike will want to visit Chicago’s Navy Pier Festival Hall, 600 East Grand Avenue, November 4-7 for a look at the latest work by top-flight international designers on display at SOFA, the annual Sculpture Objects and Functional Art show. >>>

Atelier Zobel Necklace

Ginny Ruffner Aesthetic Engineering Theory Series—The Evolution of Mosaic

Mark Peiser Contrition Second Study, from The Forms of Consciousness Series

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For more information and to order tickets, visit sofaexpo.com.

Kathy Ruttenberg Tree Hugger Barbara Paganin Fiore di Luce Acquamare

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010

senior and group tickets are available.

Catalogs are $15.

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Luke Jerram Swine Flu

nown as the world’s fair of contemporary decorative arts and design, SOFA originated in Chicago in 1994. Three SOFA SOFA CHICAGO 2010 events are now offered will offer special exhibits each year, with an April show in New by prominent artists: York and a July show in Santa Fe. SOFA CHICAGO is still the Dale Chihuly, represented by biggest draw, says Mark Lyman, SOFA founding director and Litvak Gallery (Tel Aviv, Israel). president of the Art Fair Company, which produces the shows.

Chihuly is one of the most famous glass sculptors SOFA’s niche is three-dimensional artworks that cut across in the world. fine art, decorative art and design categories. Pieces include The Corning Museum of Glass furniture, jewelry and sculpture made from glass, fiber, clay, Hot Glass Roadshow’s live wood and metal. More than eighty art galleries and dealers demonstrations of hot glass from ten countries are participating in this year’s show. blowing, featuring SOFArepresented artists and The world-class event is open to the public at very affordable master glassblowers. prices: $15 per day or $25 for a three-day pass. Admission this Magdalena Abakanowicz, year includes a bonus show: the Intuit Outsider and Folk Art represented by browngrotta Fair. Lyman says the Art Fair Company is proud to partner with arts (Wilton, Connecticut).

Abakanowicz is well known Chicago-based Intuit—The Center for Intuitive and Outsider for the Agora installation in Art to bring the unique show to the public. “Intuit is dedicated Chicago’s Grant Park. Her work to exhibiting and educating the public about the work of artwill be included in a showcase of twelve fiber artworks by major ists who demonstrate little influence from the mainstream art Eastern European artists. world. They’re motivated by their unique personal visions.”

Michael Zobel and partner During SOFA CHICAGO 2010, one-of-a-kind pieces will be Peter Schmid (known as “Atelier offered for sale by prominent dealers and galleries from around Zobel”), represented by Aaron Faber Gallery (New York). They the world. Sales of up to $20 million are predicted to buyers are known for flamboyant, that include museums, art advisors, interior designers and ardramatic jewelry that chitects, as well as individual collectors. incorporates precious elements.

These purchases are “a major financial investment,” Lyman notes, but the pieces also provide years of enjoyment for the owners. While much SOFA CHICAGO’s opening night preview of the art is priced in “five figures and up,” he last year attracted about 2,600 people, who viewed best-in-show pieces says, some pieces are available under $1,000. while mingling with members of Whether or not they can afford to purchase the arts community and enjoying any of the artworks, SOFA visitors appreciate wine and hors d’oeuvres.

The Opening Night Preview art, Lyman says. “They’re interested in seeing, is Thursday, November 4, hearing about it, knowing what the artists are from 7 to 9 p.m. and admission is $50. thinking or feeling, how they are making art and why.”

The popular SOFA Lecture Series gives audiences an inside view of firsthand experiences presented by top museum curators, artists, collectors, scholars and critics. Visitors can participate in a tour that provides in-booth talks about the art and artists being presented.

Special exhibits by renowned museums, The show will be open universities and arts organizations also are among the fair’s from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. highlights (see sidebar). on Friday and Saturday, Lyman says he founded SOFA to showcase innovative, November 5 and 6, and cutting-edge artwork and to tell the stories behind it. “To that from noon to 6 p.m. end, I’m very proud of the work that we’ve done and the work on Sunday, November that we’re still doing seventeen years later.” –LAURIE WINK 7. Discounted student,

shorelines >> green notes <<

The Poisoning of Michigan An author recalls the most widespread chemical disaster in the U.S.

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oyce Egginton was thumbing through the New York Times one morning in 1974 when she came across a short story buried deep in the newspaper about cows being poisoned throughout the state of Michigan.

For nine months, nearly all 9 million Michigan residents unknowingly drank milk and ate beef from cows who were given feed contaminated with a toxic flame retardant.

“I thought, ‘That’s a hell of a story. Why aren’t they blowing that out?’” she says.

Egginton was working as a New York correspondent for The Observer of London at the time and was charged with writing more in-depth and offbeat stories for the newspaper. She took a leave of absence from the newspaper and got a contract with W.W. Norton & Company publishers in New York to write a book on the Michigan poisoning, which she calls, “the most widespread and least reported chemical disaster ever to happen in the western world.”

The book, The Poisoning of Michigan, was published in 1980 and was just re-released by the Michigan State University Press for its 30th anniversary.

In the early 1970s, Michigan Chemical Corp. in Midland, Michigan, was producing both flame retardant and a supplement for cattle feed at the same plant. In 1974, an illiterate truck driver for the company mistook the flame retardant for the cattle feed supplement. The man loaded and shipped one ton of the toxic chemical to Farm Bureau Services in Battle Creek, the largest cattle feed plant in the state.

“It was more than this poor guy being illiterate,” Egginton says. “They didn’t call these things what they really were. [The flame retardant] was called Firemaster and the stuff for the cattle was Nutrimaster. They were in these huge, 50-pound brown paper sacks with black stamped letters on them and they smeared. The driver could read a little bit but they both said ‘master’ and with the sacks being smeared and ripped, he grabbed what he thought was right.”

The flame retardant—polybrominated biphenyl, or PBB—was mixed with cattle feed and shipped to nearly every cattle farm in the state. Cows quickly became ill and farmers didn’t know why. The state Department of Agriculture didn’t know, either.

“There was no central organization of farmers,” she explains. “They weren’t talking about it, because for a very long time they were being told by veterinarians and the Department of Agriculture that it was their fault their cows were dying.

They felt ashamed. Their business was going down the tubes, their cattle were dying.

“The farm wives were making the connection.

They saw the problems with their children and themselves. They were seeing miscarriages in themselves and in the cows. I saw many farm wives saying, ‘I have the same disease they have.’”

One farmer took the case to court, and lost.

“It was not declared a federal disaster area, because they didn’t have the resources,” she says. “The economy was in bad shape and it wasn’t long before the auto industry all but collapsed, which had an enormous impact on Michigan.”

The plant went bankrupt and closed shortly after the poisoning was discovered. “It was in this little town of Midland and a great many of the men worked there,” Egginton says. “A group of men fought to keep it open. I don’t think they realized the risk involved . . . I’ve often wondered whatever happened to the men who worked there and breathed it and were taking it home on their clothes.”

PBB was banned as a result of the Michigan disaster, but variations of it still exist in other flame retardants. California requires the use of flame retardant in certain products, primarily those associated with children, like crib mattresses.

Egginton says she is concerned about the long-term effects of exposure to the chemicals and believes it is why her book is still relevant today. “The big argument in the environmental community is, is it worth it? It may save a life here and there, but what it is doing is slowly poisoning our children.

Society got along FOR MORE alright without it for a INFORMATION long, long time . . . It’s The Poisoning why I think the story of Michigan by is important to bring Joyce Egginton is to the forefront again available through thirty years later. The the Michigan State danger still exists.”

University Press at –LAURI HARVEY KEAGLE

msupress.msu.edu.

For nine months, nearly all 9 million Michigan residents unknowingly drank milk and ate beef from cows who were given feed contaminated with a toxic flame retardant.

shorelines

>> health club <<

Pedaling for Half a Century

A first-timer’s firsthand account of riding the Apple Cider Century bike tour

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MILE 7 Already, my riding partners and I need a “nature calls” pit stop. We consult our map to gauge how far it is to the first SAG (Support and Gear), where we’ll be treated to drinks, snacks and Port-A-Potties. We judge it to be another five miles or so. We can wait.

MILE 12 We can’t wait anymore.

With no SAG in

sight, we concede defeat to our bladders and make a roadside stop.

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he time on my bike computer is 7:40 a.m. I look around at the throngs of people who, like me, have risen at a painful weekend hour, yanked on spandex and gotten themselves to Three Oaks Elementary School: headquarters of the 2009 Apple Cider Century bicycle tour. • Five thousand in all, we’re all here for the Midwest’s largest one-day century cycling event—“century” meaning 100 miles. Yes, you read that right. Some participants ride all 100 miles, but lucky for this cycling neophyte, the ACC offers several routes of varying length. All the routes begin and end at the same point in the small town of Three Oaks, Michigan, and wind through the vineyard-pocked countryside. • Today, with the company of two riding partners, I’m shooting for 50. –AMY VAEREWYCK

MILE 16 Hunger. I should have packed a Clif Bar. I have visions of PB&J sandwiches, as I breathe in the sweet aroma of the grapes, bulging ripe in the vineyards we pass.

MILE 20 Pain. I need to get my butt off of this seat, if only for five minutes.

MILE 23 Anger.

Where is the [expletive] SAG?!

MILE 26 Our first SAG. As I fill up on trail mix, I overhear riders discussing how to prevent muscle cramping. I’m reminded of the time

I took a ride right after lunch and experienced the worst side-ache of my life. I toss the rest of my trail mix and head back to my bike.

MILE 31 The wind has picked up, and

we’ve hit a hilly part of the course.

Quitting doesn’t cross my mind, but taking a nap and finishing later does.

MILE 42.5 Second SAG. We eat bananas and listen to friendly chatter about biking websites and cycling tours through Europe. The sun sits directly overhead now. I shed my long sleeves.

MILE 45 On Mill Road, we pass a blur of orange, but we’re in a

pedaling daze. I find out later that it was Dinges’ Fall Harvest Farm, an agricultural amusement land of hayrides, corn mazes and pickyour-own pumpkins.

MILE 48 Just. Two. More.

MILE 50 I made it! I’ve earned my complimentary spaghetti dinner.

On I-94 on the drive home, we see dozens of other cars with bikes strapped to them. The sight makes me giddy.

When I get home, I mark my calendar for 2010’s ACC: September 26.

FOR MOR INFORMAT E ION 888.87 appleciderce 7.2068 ntur y.com

photograph courtesy of AMY VAEREWYCK

MILE 0 I slip into my toe clips. I am excited, energized, ready for the challenge ahead. As we ride out of town, riders shout “Thank you!” to the volunteers directing us through intersections.

Bike Riding For Breast Cancer October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remind women that early detection is the best tool in the fight against breast cancer.

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TAYLOR

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010

While nearly everyone knows someone who has experienced breast cancer, many often think of women who may fall into the grandma category. But one in twenty women diagnosed with breast cancer are under the age of 40 and the younger the diagnosis, the more likely the disease is to be aggressive.

In fact, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15 to 34, and current breast cancer screening tools are not as effective on younger breast tissue. Women under 40 should view October as a reminder that breast cancer does not discriminate.

Although there is so much more to learn about the risks, from diet to exercise to genetics, it can’t hurt to be aware of your body.

The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) was started by three women under the age of 35 diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998. They were discouraged by the lack of information and resources, and today YSC has 27 affiliates including Chicago and Indianapolis. Young women with breast cancer often do not have the support system of older survivors, because they do not yet have families and significant others. YSC provides one-on-one support and newly diagnosed kits to provide comfort during their trying times.

Each year, YSC hosts Tour de Pink, a 220-mile bike ride from Hershey, Pennsylvania, to New York, bringing breast cancer awareness to those under 40. The ride includes survivors, husbands, daughters and strangers all with a common cause.

I joined the bike ride last year when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time and found it to be incredibly worthwhile while raising $2,800 to provide resources to newly diagnosed women. This year (October 1-4) I’m doing it again, and I invite you to watch my journey or provide a donation to YSC at atrailtobetold.com. But please remember the message October brings, every month. –TRISH

shorelines >> haute properties <<

Floors and Ceilings

Trends in what’s underfoot and overhead

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hen it comes to ceilings and floors, people are choosfamily rooms and other areas. “In ceramic ing practical materials, and getting creative with them. and porcelain tile, they are trending toward Textured ceilings are out and vaulted ceilings are in. larger format tiles,” Darrow says, “eighteenNatural products—bamboo, cork, wood—are big for inch, twenty-inch, more rectangular looks. floors, and for ceilings, too. Ceramic and porcelain tile That’s something new. In wood floors the floors are popular, and sculpted carpets are making a trend is wider boards and a lot of handcomeback. scraped, or textured wood boards. Those “We’re doing smooth when it comes to drywall and are very popular.” plaster,” says Jason Dedic, owner of JPD Construction At Hultman Flooring, in Porter, Indiana, in Saugatuck. “Everyone is going for a smooth finish. For years and years, it was the owner Dean Hultman specializes in wood crow’s-feet texture, or the popcorn texture, but now people are looking for clean flooring and agrees that “antiquing” is in. straight lines. And where the structure allows, vaults are very popular.”

So are truly antique floors. The environmental Since vaulting tends to draw the eye upward, people are adding features to their movement has made salvaging big business. ceilings, painting them complementary colors and adding recessed lighting. Dedic has “There are companies that harvest old installed tongue-and-groove woods, like cedar, pine and cherry, and beaded ceilings. buildings, that take the building apart, take “They either leave these raw,” he says, “or to tone the nails out, and make the lumber viable and it down, people have been doing a whitewash, or a usable again. Two years ago, we did a project transparent stain to make the grain pop out, but to where a man salvaged floors from a pre-Civil soften the surface.”

War warehouse. We refinished them and Adding to the ambience is a movement toward installed them in his house just like a new floor, smaller lights versus larger. “I’ve seen people toning but with an antique piece of material. There is it down with four-inch cans,” he says. “It’s a more recycled flooring where the lumber is collected delicate light, not so in-your-face. It looks a little from the bottom of the Great Lakes. It’s richer.” Adding ornamental beautiful stuff. They’re beams and trusses to the space hundred-year-old trees.” is also popular.

The environmental Underfoot, trends have been movement has also toward hard surface flooring— made materials like tile, laminate and wood. “A fast-growing bamboo lot of people are conscious and cork popular.

“If you’re planning a wooden of allergies and things of that When it comes to ceiling, I definitely recommend you SINCE VAULTING TENDS nature,” says Randy Darrow, design, the possibilities have a humidifier on your furnace, manager of Park Avenue are endless. Different especially through the winter months.

TO DRAW THE EYE Wood needs moisture. If people Floors in Highland, “and they woods, different finishes, UPWARD, PEOPLE ARE don’t humidify, it’ll dry out, and feel carpet will hold onto dust different patterns. that wood is going to shrink.”

ADDING FEATURES TO particles, and so forth.” But Woods can be mixed JASON DEDIC, JPD CONSTRUCTION THEIR CEILINGS, PAINTING carpet is about half the price with other woods, or “In entry areas and bathrooms, THEM COMPLEMENTARY of other surfaces, so with the stone, or just about you want to stay away from slick economy down, Darrow is anything. Finishes can surfaces. Stone products like marble COLORS AND ADDING and polished granite are extremely seeing more people choose range from nearly nude RECESSED LIGHTING. smooth and if you get a little moisture carpeting. The trend is towards to high-gloss. “A wood on there, they can be slick.” lower profile carpeting, often floor can be tailored to RANDY DARROW, PARK AVENUE FLOORS carved or embossed. Darrow fit any design concept,” “With a real wood floor, you have adds that modern carpets are Hultman says, “from to maintain that finish and keep it up. much improved and should maybe be given a second chance. a traditional look to Mats at the doorway, vacuuming and dust mopping help gather up “The fibers they use nowadays are more stain resistant,” he contemporary to oldthat fine grit we track in.” says. “They’ve changed the shape of the fibers to keep dirt and fashioned. We can stain DEAN HULTMAN, HULTMAN FLOORING spills on top instead of soaking into the fiber. They also have it any color from bubble“You need to have a carpet cleaned ions that help prevent mold and mildew. There’ve been a lot gum pink to gunmetal on a regular basis—every 16 to of advances.” gray. It just depends on 18 months. Steam cleaning is Still, when they can, people like their hard surfaces—porcelain what you’re looking for.” the preferred method.”

RANDY DARROW, PARK AVENUE FLOORS and ceramic tiles in kitchens and baths, laminates and woods in –TERRI GORDON

TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

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“Crown molding is a nice way to finish your room. It classes up your house.”

JASON DEDIC, JPD CONSTRUCTION

Gene SiSkel Film BeneFit, ChiCaGo • Beaux artS Ball, munSter • Smooth jazz ConCert, St. joSeph • taSte oF harBor Country, union pier • lakeSide CaFé openinG, Gary • South haven Center FundraiSer, South haven • wine FeStival, BridGman 1

honoring robert

gene siskel film benefit chicago

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photography by robert f. carl

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel hosted 450 guests at a Gene Siskel Film Center affair that was highlighted by “An Evening with Robert Downey Jr.’’ Todd Phillips interviewed Downey and showed highlights of his career. The evening culminated with the presentation of the Gene Siskel Film Renaissance Award.

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1 Ellen and Richard Sandor with Eda Davidman, all of Chicago 2 Robert Downey Jr. with the Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award 3 Gayle Anthony, Lynn McMahan and Kristina McGrath, all of Chicago 4 Michael and Roopa Weber, Valentine Ecker and Marc Klutznick

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5 Steven Pearl and Betsy Steinberg

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6 Sheila and Raj Chopra of Chicago 7 Candace and Chuck Jordan with Nadine Epstein, all of Chicago 8 Althea and Chaga Walton of Evanston

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9 Catherine Murry of Canada, Barry Lazar of South Africa, and Kelly Loeffler

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10 Diana Palomar and Christine Reller of Chicago

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all clicks compiled by sue bero

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having a ball beaux arts ball | munster photography by gregg rizzo

The Center for Visual and Performing Arts hosted the 17th Annual Beaux Arts Ball, a black-tie event that raised $163,000 and carried an “Alice in Wonderland’’ theme that included tea cups on the tables and a magic mushroom. Proceeds benefited the South Shore Arts everykid programs for education.

1 Kathy and Tom O’Donnell of Dyer

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2 Caitlin Ryder of Highland, Seda Turan-Yahne of St. John and Diane Karlen of Munster

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3 Scott and Janet Casbon of Chesterton 4 John Cain 5 Gus and Becca Galante of Munster 6 Jason Gregorec of Valparaiso and Mona Vaccarella of Gary

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sunset affair

smooth jazz concert | st. joseph photography by gregg rizzo

An artistic and cultural collaboration between Krasl Art Fair and radio station 93.3 brought an evening of jazzy, mellow music to Shadowland Pavilion at Silver Beach. A beautiful sunset was the backdrop as smooth jazz artist Mindi Abair headlined the show, which was attended by nearly 3,000 aficionados.

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1 Bob and Stephanie Burch of St. Joseph

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2 Ashley and Robin Prifer of St. Joseph 3 Kim and Paul Landeck of St. Joseph 4 Hap Burke and Marianne Baker, both of Ft. Wayne, with Diane Baker of St. Joseph 5 Kathleen Francoeur and Duane Donohue of South Bend

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6 Mindi Abair

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food and art

taste of harbor country | union pier photography courtesy of craig smith gallery

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Craig Smith Gallery hosted a tasting benefit that featured the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top restaurants, wineries and food purveyors, as well as the opening reception for the exhibit Word Up! Text as Art MMX, a group showing of three artists whose work is text-based.

1 Dennis Zavac and Elizabeth Howland of Oak Park, Ill. 2 Ron and Julie Kern of Carmel, Ind. 3 Craig Smith of Miller Beach and Kathleen MacArthur of Union Pier 4 Phyllis Hoft of Chicago and Linda Henderson of New Buffalo

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5 Barbara Fleming of Oak Park, Ill., and Nancy Watson of Harbert 6 Janet Moore Schrader of Lakeside

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little italy

lakeside cafĂŠ opening | gary photography by gregg rizzo

Marquette Park received a taste of Italy for the grand opening of Lakeside CafĂŠ. The event featured the launching of an Italian gondola, featuring Gondoliere Mike, complete in Venetian attire. Guests enjoyed food and summer liquid refreshment as they listened to music amid the flowers and decorations.

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1 Chuck and Caren Jones of Gary

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2 LaLosa Burns and Geraldine B. Tousant, both of Gary 3 Judy and Gene Ayers of Miller Beach 4 Goffredo and Michaelangelo, both of Indianapolis 5 Alfreda Peterson and Nymrod Adkins, both of Gary

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6 Chellette Thaxton of Chicago and Debra Carrington of Miller Beach

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summer fare

south haven center fundraiser south haven

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photography by gregg rizzo

Artist demonstrations, fine music and poetry readings, plus sumptuous food and refreshmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that also included hot dog and popcorn vendorsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;delighted 120 guests who attended the South Haven Center for the Arts Annual Fundraiser. Bill and Joyce Petter hosted the event at their home.

1 Jessica Gray and Karen Steinbauer, both of South Haven 2 Savanna, Wincie and Thad Earl of Bangor 3 Joyce Petter of South Haven, Stephanie Petter of Athens, Ga., WJ Petter and Connie Petter of South Haven 4 Ellen Sproul with Beth Okun, both of South Haven 5 Midge and Larry Lewis of South Haven 6 Chad and Tara Maselgale of Greenville

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toast the coast wine festival | bridgman photography by joe durk

The fifth annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival at Weko Beach showcased the amenities of Southwest Michigan that include its wineries and pristine beaches. Guests enjoyed a perfect summer day of music, libation provided by 12 wineries, food and the opportunity to toast the beauty of the lake.

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1 Stephanie and Matt Noordyke of Chicago

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2 Sarah Miller and Linda Miehle, both of Valparaiso 3 Sharon and Jerry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill of Elkhart 4 Tom Shaw and Lindsey Sablan, both of Mishawaka 5 Jon Trasky of Lansing, Mich., and DeVonne Mowry of Birmingham, Mich.

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6 Jenna Lee Thomas and Whitney Rantz, both of Stevensville 7 Doug and Wendy Donahue with Mindi Forchione and Scott Jones, all from Battle Creek

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essential EVENTS

HAPPENINGS HAPPENINGS 52 EXHIBITIONS 46 EXHIBITIONS 55 FILM 48 56 FILM 50 PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE 56 50 INTEREST 58

Oct 20 Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner

6pm, The Forum, University of Illinois at Chicago, 725 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago. 312.201.9830. cplfoundation.org Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison will appear in conversation with Oprah Winfrey at the annual Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner. The event will begin with cocktails and dinner before moving on to the highly anticipated awards presentation and conversation.

CALENDAR COMPILED BY JULI DOSHAN

happenings Indiana

Ongoing Sinai Forum, 3pm, Elston Middle School, 317 Detroit St, Michigan City. 219.531.4200. sinaiforum.org. This organization has been presenting its annual series of relevant and compelling speakers for more than 50 years. Oct 3: Bill Strickland, “Make the Impossible Possible”; Oct 24: Dr. Robert Schmul, “American Politics at the Breaking Point”; Nov 7: Gail MarksJarvis, “After the Stock Market Shock—What’s Ahead for Your Money”; Dec 5: Dr. Gebisa Ejeta, “Food—The Shortage, Its Safety, the Future.”

Through Oct 16 Old Sheriff’s House Foundation Tours, 6-8pm Thu, 9am-1pm Sat, 226 S Main St, downtown Crown Point. The Old Sheriff’s House and former Lake County Jail, where John Dillinger was kept before escaping using a wooden gun, will be open for tours throughout the summer.

Through Oct Chesterton’s European Market, 8am-2pm Sat, Broadway & Third St, downtown Chesterton. chestertonseuropeanmarket.com.

Celebrating its eighth year, vendors from Michigan, Indiana and Illinois will be selling gourmet and specialty foods, artisan baked goods, handcrafted items, personal products and more.

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Through Oct 2010 Farmers’ Market, 8am1pm Sat, S Main St, Crown Point. 219.662.3290. crownpoint.in.gov/farmers. An increase in live cooking demonstrations that will offer samples, safe canning method information, tips from Master Gardeners, giveaways and much more will be introduced at this year’s market, in addition to the usual produce, flowers, meat and cheese.

Sept 20 11th Annual Golf Invitational, 11am, White Hawk Country Club, 1001 White Hawk Dr, Crown Point. 219.985.6562, 219.985.6560. arcbridges.com. The Lake County Foundation for the Retarded sponsors its 11th Annual Golf Invitational

to benefit people with developmental disabilities.

The event will follow a “scramble format” and the registration fee includes lunch, golf, cart, dinner and prizes. Participants will also get the chance to win up to $500 at the Golf Ball Bounce, when up to 1,000 numbered golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter onto a practice green. The ball closest to the marked hole wins the top prize.

Sept 25-26 31st Annual Fall Harvest Craft Fair, 10am-5pm, Central Park, Broad St, Griffith.

219.844.3891. griffith.in.gov. Hosted by Griffith Boy Scout Troop 264, this craft fair features handmade items made by talented crafters and lots of good food to enjoy, offering visitors a perfect opportunity to pick up a few early Christmas presents.

Oct 2 Let’s Move Together, 8:30am, Hidden Lake Park, 6355 Broadway, Merrillville. 800.735.0096. chicagoarthritiswalks.org. This event will include two walk route options led by this year’s Arthritis Hero, 6-year-old Caleb Reyes, as well as refreshments, kids’ games, face painting, live entertainment, a free health fair and a raffle. Proceeds go to benefit the Arthritis Foundation’s research, programs, services and patient advocacy efforts.

Oct 15 Classical Arts Gala, 6-11pm, St. Elijah’s Serbian Hall, 8700 Taft St, Merrillville. 219.755.4444. ibtnw@hotmail.com. In celebration of Indiana Ballet Theatre’s 31st anniversary, the proceeds of the gala will benefit the renovation of the Classical Arts Centre (the Old Nurses Home located at 2323 N Main Street in Crown Point). The evening will include food, entertainment and a silent auction. Call or email to purchase tickets.

Oct 17 Kitchen Tour & Tasting, noon-4pm, various locations, Crown Point. 219.662.9243. trikappakitchentour.com. Owners of eight private residences in Crown Point will open their doors to guests at this event, which will showcase local cuisine. Chefs from various Northwest Indiana restaurants, including Gamba Ristorante, Bon Femme

Café and Lucrezia Ristorante, will prepare a featured menu item or their favorite dish for guests to taste as they go from house to house.

Oct 23 Run for the Roses, 8:30am, Campagna Academy, 7403 Cline Ave, Schererville. 219.322.8614 ext 332. campagnaacademy.org. In support of the therapeutic and educational needs of young men and women at Campagna Academy, this event features a 5K run, 2.5-mile walk and a kids’ fun run.

Nov 13-14 Holiday Home Tour, 11am-5pm Sat, 1-5pm Sun, Michigan City. 219.872.4499. michianahumanesociety.org. Get in the early holiday spirit with refreshments, wine tasting and raffles at this holiday home tour. Local florists, designers and homeowners provide beautiful holiday décor in seven private beach-area homes for a self-guided tour.

Michigan

Through Oct 3 Niles Bensidoun French Market and Artisan Fair, 9am-2pm Thu, Sat, downtown Niles. 269.687.4332. nilesmainstreet.org. This legendary open-air European public market comes to Niles, offering merchants selling food, arts and crafts, clothing and more.

Through Oct 3 Antiques on the Bluff, 10am3pm, first Sun of every month, Lake Bluff Park, downtown St. Joseph. 269.985.1111. sjtoday.org.

This annual fair on the shores of Lake Michigan is a premier event for antiquers, featuring more than 50 vendors from around the Midwest.

Through Oct 8 Saugatuck/Douglas Greenmarket, 8am-2pm Fri, parking lot, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St, Saugatuck.

269.857.2399. sc4a.org. This market is comprised of Michigan farmers and artisan producers dedicated to providing fresh, high-quality food to customers.

Through Oct 9 St. Joseph Farmers’ Market, 9am-2pm, Wed, Sat, Lake Blvd between Broad &

photograph by TIMOTHY GREENFIELD-SANDERS

The information presented in Essential Events is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify the dates and times.

Please note that Illinois and most Indiana events adhere to central time, and Michigan events are eastern time.

essential EVENTS Pleasant Sts, St. Joseph. sjtoday.org. New vendors and an expanded market will offer more choices for all taste buds at this farmers’ market in Lake Bluff Park.

Through Oct 31 Colorfall, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline NE, Grand Rapids. 616.957.1580, 888.957.1580. meijergardens.org. This annual celebration of autumn’s majesty includes—depending on the weekend— guided fall color tours, a chrysanthemum display, Farm Garden encounters, leaf seminars for children, art classes, giant pumpkins and more.

Through Oct 31 Niles Haunted House Scream Park, call or visit website for dates and times, 855 Mayflower Rd, Niles.

269.445.9184. haunted.org. America’s largest haunted theme park features the biggest haunted house in the East and other haunted attractions including a castle, maze and an asylum. Also enjoy a haunted hayride, midway games and fun food concessions.

Some proceeds go toward local charities.

Sept 30-Oct 3 Apple Festival, corner of Lake & 17th Sts, downtown Niles.

269.683.8870. fourflagsapplefestival.org.

As one of the top-rated festivals in the state of Michigan, this four-day fair features carnival rides, food vendors, more than 190 arts and crafts booths on Saturday and Sunday, parades, contests and more.

Oct South Haven’s Harvest Moon Gathering, various locations, South Haven. 269.637.5252. southhaven.org.

South Haven is gearing up for the fall with this month-long series of events, which includes Shop and Dine Downtown, Scarecrows on Parade, an apple pie social and a farmers’ market.

Oct 2-3 21st Annual Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour of Studios and Open House, 10am-6pm, various locations, Blue Star Hwy between South Haven and Saugatuck.

269.236.9260. bluecoastartists.com.

The scenic tour involves all seven Blue Coast studios—Lattner Studio, Blue Star Pottery, Khnemu Studio, Blue Roan Studio, Lakeshore Textiles, Lake Effect Pottery, and Green Fire Studios. The studio artists offer demonstrations of their craft, and refreshments will be served.

Oct 2-3 Autumn Air Festival, 10am5pm Sat, noon-5pm Sun, Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, 13988 Range Line Rd, Niles. 269.695.6491. fernwoodbotanical.org. Visitors can enjoy the crisp fall air at this festival, which will also feature musical entertainment, food, children’s activities, a gourd exhibit and a chance to paddle aboard a 32-foot voyageur canoe.

Oct 9 New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Fest, noon-10pm, Lion’s Park, downtown New Buffalo. 773.791.1809. newbuffalo.org.

There’s something for everyone at the 4th annual Harvest & Wine Fest with live music, world-class wines from Southwest Michigan, tasty fare from area restaurants, a copious farmers’ market, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and free activities for kids.

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Oct 16 2010 Kitchen Walk, 11am7pm, various locations, Harbor Country.

773.293.3259. designsfordignity.org. The proceeds of this benefit go to Designs for Dignity, a pro bono interior design company that provides services to nonprofits throughout the Midwest. More than 500 food enthusiasts and interior designers will tour some of the most innovative kitchens in Harbor Country, complete with delicious food and wine samplings and culinary demonstrations, followed by a “Wine Down” reception and silent auction.

Nov 4-13 Restaurant Week Grand Rapids, various locations, Grand Rapids. restaurantweekgr.com. Restaurant goers will be able to “Celebrate Dining Out” at this premier event. More than 50 participating restaurants have created distinctive threecourse menus which will be available throughout all ten nights of the event for a fixed price. Also, Nov 18-20: Grand Rapids International Food & Wine Festival.

Illinois

Ongoing Chicago Neighborhood Tours, 10am, tours begin at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E Randolph St, Chicago.

312.742.1190. chicagoneighborhoodtours. com. These half-day bus tours allow visitors to explore the history, traditions and people of Chicago through the diverse neighborhoods they live in. Twenty-five different tours are featured throughout the year. Some walking is required.

Sept 25-26 Randolph Street Market Festival, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, 1350 W Randolph, Chicago. 312.666.1200. randolphstreetmarket.com. For the past seven years, this European-style flea market has given many smart shoppers, style hunters and Hollywood stylists what they need for their fashion fix. With its extensive selection of unique items, everyone will be sure to enjoy the market’s fun-filled shopping, mingling and browsing experience.

Oct 1-3 Fall Bulb Festival, noon-4pm Fri, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe.

847.835.5440. chicagobotanic.org. A combination of two popular events—the Harvest Festival and the Woman’s Board Bulb Bazaar—the Fall Bulb Festival will have the best of the fall harvest, including pumpkins, gourmet foods, baked goods, cheeses, honey, pottery, soaps and, of course, bulbs. More than 200 varieties of daffodils, tulips, alliums and other specialty bulbs will be shipped directly from Dutch suppliers just in time for fall planting.

Oct 1-4 Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair, 11am-7pm Fri-Sat, 11am6pm Sun, 11am-3pm Mon, The Merchandise Mart, 8th Floor, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago. 800.677.6728. merchandisemartantiques.com. Traditional Home magazine’s editors-at-large, Leigh and Leslie Keno, will kick off this event with a lecture about the timelessness of good design at 10 a.m. Friday. More than 100 of the world’s top dealers of antiques and fine art will then be on hand to showcase a wide range of antique genres from which to shop.

Oct 6-12 The Chicago Guitar Festival, various venues, Chicago. chicagoguitarfestival.com. More than 10,000 guitar music fans are expected to enjoy a week of performances by guitarists from all over the world. Artists scheduled to perform include Adam Del Monte, Badi Assad, Tim Spark and Eastern Blok.

Oct 22-23 All Hallows Eve—A 19th Century Halloween, 6:30-10pm, Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St, Naperville.

630.420.6010. napersettlement.org. This not-for-young-children event brings to life some of the scariest literature of the 19th century, with haunting creatures and eerie entertainment.

Oct 23 30th Annual Columbian Ball, 6pm, Museum of Science and Industry, 57th St & Lake Shore Dr, Chicago.

773.947.3730. msichicago.org. Taking its name from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, this ball features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing, private exhibit

viewings, an auction and a raffle. Proceeds from the evening go toward the museum’s interactive exhibits and science education programs.

Oct 30 Art Auction, 6:30pm, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago, Chicago.

312.297.3868. mcachicago.org. Featuring works from today’s most recognized contemporary artists, including Ed Ruscha, Olafur Eliasson, Lorna Simpson and more, this marks the first year the Art Auction will take place on-site at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The event will feature cocktails and a silent auction before dinner in a one-of-a-kind setting made exclusively of paper. The evening will conclude with a light show, dessert and dancing, but not before the exciting main event—a live auction conducted by Sotheby’s.

Nov 5-7 SOFA Chicago 2010, Opening Night Preview Gala Thu 7-9pm, fair FriSat 11am-8pm, Sun noon-6pm, Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago. 800.563.7632. sofaexpo.com.

The Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair returns to Chicago for the 17th year featuring work from 90 international galleries and special exhibits by internationally renowned art museums, arts organizations and artists. Approximately 400 artists from more than 13 countries will showcase their work on the fair floor in this critically acclaimed event.

Nov 6-7 ¡BAM! Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago.

773.282.7035 ext 10. iannews.com. This Irish book, art and music festival will allow visitors to meet author Frank Delaney along with more than 100 local, national and international authors, artists and musicians.

Traditional Irish food and drink will be available, including a full breakfast each morning, and Ireland’s Bogside Artists will headline this event, which benefits the Irish American Heritage Center.

exhibitions Indiana

Through Nov 7 Oscar Martinez— Isolation of Being, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W 2nd St, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org.

Exploring the mysteries of the mind, the revelations found in dreams and the elusive perception of reality, these colorful and detailed works by Chicago artist Oscar Martinez will help the viewer give order to an incomprehensible world. Also, through Nov 7: Lubeznik Center Area Artists Association 30th Anniversary—The North End; Sept 28Oct 28: In the Shadow of Cortez.

Through Nov 14 Selections from the William McGraw Photography Collection, Snite Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame.

574.631.5466. nd.edu/~sniteart. Donated

by Notre Dame alumnus Dr. William McGraw, this collection includes 49 photographs from some of the most important artists of the recent period, such as Sally Mann, Terry Evans, Abelardo Morell and Keith Carter. The styles of these artists range from straight documentation to surrealism. Also, through Oct 31: Documenting History, Charting Progress and Exploring the World; through Nov 14: Parallel Currents—Highlights of the Ricardo Pau-Llosa Collection of Latin American Art.

Michigan

Through Oct Chihuly—A New Eden, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline NE, Grand Rapids. 616.957.1580, 888.957.1580. meijergardens.org. Thousands of colorful

glasswork pieces from the legendary Dale Chihuly will adorn the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. Chihuly’s second exhibition at this site will include chandeliers, glass towers up to 30 feet high, the sun, the moon, a rowboat full of glass and more. Designed to be fused with nature, these pieces will evolve with the surrounding nature as the season changes.

Through Dec 5 Wondrous Ink— Selections from the Richard Fabian Collection, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo. 269.349.7775. kiarts.org. Hanging scrolls, painted fans and illustrated albums make up two exhibits with selections from the Richard Fabian Collection, a distinguished and extensive private collection of Chinese art.

Both exhibits will showcase landscape and figurative paintings, along with brilliant examples of the art of calligraphy. Also, through Oct 17: Beauty and Thunder—The Past Two Centuries of Chinese Art; through Oct 31: Strong Women, Beautiful Men— Japanese Portrait Prints from the Toledo Museum of Art; through Dec 12: Light Works—Photographs from the Collection; Oct 30-Jan 2011: In Focus—National Geographic Greatest Portraits.

Nov 8-Feb 2011 Diana—A Celebration, Grand Rapids Art Museum, 1010 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids. 616.831.1000. artmuseumgr.org. The life and humanitarian work of one of the 20th century’s most remarkable women will be on display at this award-winning exhibition. The exhibit features more than 150 personal objects that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales, including her royal wedding gown, 28 designer dresses, family heirlooms, personal mementos and rare home movies.

Illinois

Through Sept Sanctuary—Flight of the Majestic Monarch, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago. 773.755.5100. naturemuseum.org.

The U.S. premiere of this interactive exhibit will utilize paintings, photography, multimedia video and sound installations to help transport visitors through the monarch butterfly’s 2,500-mile flight from Canada through Chicago to Mexico. Iconic graphic panels will also inform on the various cultures the species interacts with on its annual migration.

Through Oct 17 Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art—Form, Balance, Joy, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago. 312.280.2660. mcachicago.org. This is the first exhibit to explore Alexander Calder’s significance for a new generation of contemporary artists emerging in the mid-1990s and early 21st century. It includes works from the MCA’s extensive holdings and both national and Chicago-area public and private collections, which exemplify Calder’s hands-on explorations of form, balance, color and movement. The show also features works from seven sculptors directly influenced by Calder. Also, Oct 3-Jan 2011: Luc Tuymans.

Through Dec 12 Looking after Louis Sullivan, Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago. 317.443.3600. artic.edu/aic. This exhibit—which features more than 60 photographs, 20 Sullivan drawings and sketches, and terra-cotta and metal architectural fragments—showcases the innovative, 19th-century architecture of Louis Sullivan through the photography of John Szarkowski, Aaron Siskind and Richard Nickel. Also, through Oct 3: Arthur Pope and a New Survey of Persian Art; through Oct 3: Henri Cartier-Bresson—The

destination:

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essential EVENTS Modern Century; through Oct 24: Pierre Huyghe—Les Grands Ensembles; Sept 25-Jan 9, 2011: Lewis Baltz Prototypes/ Ronde de Nuit.

Through Jan 2011 Steelroots—Tobin at the Morton Arboretum, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Ill Rte 53, Lisle.

630.968.0074. mortonarb.org. This exhibit marks the first-ever comprehensive display of the Steelroots sculpture series

by Steve Tobin. It is made up of 15 dramatic sculptures created with massive rolled and bent steel pipes that soar up to 40 feet high so visitors are free to touch, walk through and even lie beneath the artwork.

Sept 24-Jan 2011 Jim Henson’s Fantastic World, Museum of Science and Industry, 57th & Lake Shore Dr, Chicago.

773.947.3730. msichicago.org. This rare peek into the imagination of Jim Henson features 100 original artworks, including drawings, cartoons and storyboards.

These works, along with photographs, documents, puppets and film, represent Henson’s process of “visual thinking” that he used to create his iconic characters, shows and movies.

Oct 22-March 2011 Gold, The Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago.

312.922.9410. fieldmuseum.org. One of the rarest and most prized minerals in the world, this exhibit features gold’s natural beauty, scientific value and power to shape history. Crystallized gold, gold bullion, coins from shipwrecks, gold bars and exquisite jewelry are just some of the artifacts on display, while interactive facets allow visitors to explore a goldmine, feel the excitement of the gold rush and determine the value of their weight in gold. Also, through Nov 28: Climate Change.

film Michigan

The Vickers Theatre, 6 N Elm St, Three Oaks. 269.756.3522. vickerstheatre.com.

Home of the annual “Sound of Silents Film Festival,” this painstakingly restored turnof-the-century art house screens a variety of notable independent films. A lofty, two-story gallery space, showcasing the works of Midwestern artists, is open to the public before and between shows. Further enhancing its art-house cachet, the Vickers hosts live music, performance art and poetry readings on its stage.

Illinois

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The Gene Siskel Film Center, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 164 N State St, Chicago. 312.846.2600. siskelfilmcenter.org.

This film center—renamed in 2000 for its most passionate supporter, the late film critic Gene Siskel—has been exhibiting critically acclaimed, as well as entertaining “motion picture art” in its state-of-theart facilities since its inception in 1972.

Presenting more than 100 films each month, the center showcases cutting-edge, independent features and classic revivals, as well as premieres of new American and foreign films. A focus on education is supported by guest lecturers, discussions and courses, and film-related exhibits can be viewed at the on-site gallery/café.

performance Indiana

Chicago Street Theater, 154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso. 219.464.1636. ctgonline.org.

Now in its 56th season of bringing live theatrical entertainment to the greater

Northwest Indiana region, the CST presents a variety of plays and musicals each season, in addition to regularly scheduled theater classes for both adults and children. Oct 8-23: The Man Who Came to Dinner; Nov 19-Dec 4: Annie.

DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Campus. 574.631.2800. performingarts.nd.edu. The state-of-the-art, 150,000-square-foot facility, newly opened in 2004, is host to some of the world’s most celebrated artists. In addition, its stages showcase student, faculty and community performers, as well as the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, Southold Dance, the Notre Dame Symphony, the South Bend Civic Theatre, and more. Sept 23: Esperanza Spalding; Sept 30-Oct 10: The Bible—The Complete Word of God (Abridged); Oct 1: Pomerium; Oct 8: Regina Carter and Billy Childs with the Notre Dame Symphony Orchestra; Oct 27-29: Sean Curran Company; Nov 11-21: Boy Gets Girl; Nov 18-20: Addicted.

Footlight Players, 1705 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.874.4035. footlightplayers.org. This community theater group has been entertaining audiences in Michigan City for more than 50 years with its productions of dramas, comedies and musicals. Oct 8-17: The Murder Room; Nov 26-28: A Tuna Christmas.

Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond. 866.711.7463. horseshoehammond.com. World-class gambling and top-name entertainment combine to create an unprecedented experience at this 350,000-squarefoot casino. The Venue, the casino’s 90,000-square-foot entertainment facility, hosts some of the hottest Chicagoland entertainment. Sept 25: The Commodores; Oct 9: Intocable; Oct 10: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute; Nov 16: B.B. King; Nov 19: Norm MacDonald.

LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, performances in LaPorte and Michigan City, 614 Lincolnway, LaPorte. 219.362.9020. lcso.net. This exciting orchestra offers a variety of concerts throughout the season— including classical, pops, chamber, children’s and family. Nov 13: The Other 3 Tenors.

The Memorial Opera House, 104 E Indiana Ave, Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. memorialoperahouse.com. As the name suggests, this renovated, 364-seat building—with red, white and blue stainedglass windows—was built as a living memorial to the Civil War veterans of Porter County. Built in 1893, the theater has a rich history as a venue for musical and dramatic performances, including appearances by John Philip Sousa and the Marx Brothers.

Sept 24-26, Oct 1-3: Route 66; Sept 30: Todd Snider in Concert.

The Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N Michigan St, South Bend. 574.235.9190, 800.537.6415. morriscenter.org. The home of the Broadway Theatre League, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and the Southold Dance Theater, the 2,560seat Morris Performing Arts Center has enraptured audiences in the heart of downtown South Bend for more than 75 years. Sept 23: Gabriel Iglesias; Oct 2: South Bend Symphony Orchestra, “With One Voice”; Oct 3: Straight No Chaser; Oct 23: South Bend Symphony Orchestra with James Dapogny’s Chicago Jazz Band; Oct 30: Mike Epps & Friends; Nov 5-6: A Chorus Line; Nov 12: Rodney Carrington; Nov 13: John Mellencamp; Nov 20: South Bend Symphony Orchestra, “Music from the Heart.”

Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 & US 30, Merrillville. 219.769.6600. starplazatheatre.com.

With 3,400 seats arranged in two intimate seating levels, the theater consistently hosts premier performers year-round. With its convenient location in the heart of Northwest Indiana’s shopping and dining district and its proximity to the adjoining Radisson Hotel, the Star Plaza offers a total entertainment package to area theatergoers. Oct 1: Forever Plaid; Oct 15: Styx; Oct 16: Jagged Edge; Oct 22: Steven Curtis Chapman; Oct 23: Herman’s Hermits, featuring Peter Noone and Micky Dolenz; Nov 6: Michael Bolton; Nov 18: Cats; Nov 20: Ron White; Nov 27: The O’Jays & the Whispers.

The Theatre at the Center, Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter. com. This theater, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, has the distinction of being the only professional equity theater in Northwest Indiana, and showcases the artistry of professional actors, musicians and designers from throughout the Midwest.

Through Oct 10: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; Nov 11-Dec 19: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.

Towle Community Theater, 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond. 219.937.8780. towletheater.org. To honor its mission of nurturing and celebrating local talent in the arts, the Towle Community Theater presents exhibitions, theatrical productions and musical performances in the heart of downtown Hammond. Sept 24-26, 30, Oct 1-3: Hollywood Arms; Nov 26-28: A Fabulous 50s Christmas.

Michigan

The Acorn Theater, 6 N Elm St, Three Oaks. 269.756.3879. acorntheater.com.

The 250-seat Acorn is home to a carefully reconstructed, rare Barton Theater Pipe Organ and boasts bistro tables and occasionally offbeat entertainment options.

Sept 24-25, Oct 1-2: Beyond Therapy; Oct 10: Maria Muldauer and band; Oct 15: Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies; Oct 16: Marc Smith’s Poetry Slam; Oct 22: Shawn Phillips; Oct 29: Marshall Crenshaw; Nov 5: Keri Noble; Nov 11: David Gurland sings show tunes; Nov 19: Switchback.

Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids. 616.454.9451 ext 4. grsymphony.org. Recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras, this Grammy-nominated symphony provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company.

The orchestra’s eight concert series with performances designed for young children through adults feature a wide range of repertoire. Sept 23-25: Debussy and Dvorák; Oct 1-3: Pictures at an Exhibition; Oct 8-10: Rockapella Goes Retro; Oct 15-16: Lord of the Rings—The Two Towers; Oct 21-22: Beats and Beethoven; Oct 29-30: Out of This World; Nov 12-14: The Von Trapp Children; Nov 19-20: Orff’s Carmina Burana.

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, various venues. 269.349.7759. kalamazoosymphony.com. Founded in 1921, this outstanding ensemble entertains the Kalamazoo area with a classical subscription series, annual holiday presentations, chamber orchestra concerts, free summer park concerts and various educational programs. Sept 25: Opening Night; Oct 16-17: All Mozart; Oct 24: Symphony Spooktacular; Nov 14: The World of Robert Schumann; Nov 19: Classical Mystery Tour (Beatles Tribute).

The Livery, 190 5th St, Benton Harbor.

269.925.8760. liverybrew.com. As its name

suggests, the Livery is a former horse stable, residing in the Arts District of downtown Benton Harbor. Not content to just offer its twelve taps of microbrew, an outdoor beer garden, an appetizing soup and sandwich menu, and a coffee bar, the Livery is also a venue for an eclectic variety of musical performances. Sept 24: Chris Greene Jazz; Oct 1: Ernie Hendrickson; Oct 17: Stone River Boys; Oct 22: Bruce Katz Band; Oct 29: Midwest Hype; Nov 6: Jeff & Vida Band; Nov 12: Little Frank & the Premiers.

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, various venues. 269.982.4030. smso.org. This versatile orchestra offers a traditional Mendel Mainstage Series, small ensemble works in the Around Town Series, and the Performing Artists series, which showcases a wide range of styles with guest artists. Sept 25: Russian Masters; Oct 24: Strauss & Strauss.

Van Andel Arena, 130 W Fulton, Grand Rapids. 616.742.6600. vanandelarena.com.

Ranked second on Billboard Magazine’s 2003 Top 10 Arena Venues for its size, this $75 million 12,000-plus capacity arena offers world-class family shows, concerts and sporting events to the increasingly popular Grand Rapids area. Sept 24-25: The U.S. Army’s Spirit of America.

West Michigan Symphony, Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts, 425 W Western Ave, Muskegon. 231.727.8001. westmichigansymphony.org. With eight pairs of concerts a year, the West Michigan Symphony has played a leading role in the region’s cultural community for almost 70 years. It has helped bring a renewed vitality and life to the center of Muskegon and with it, the historic Frauenthal Theater, a 1,729-seat venue with extraordinary beauty, excellent acoustics and sight lines. Sept 24-25: “The Romantic Road”; Oct 29-30: Salute to John Williams, “The Soundtrack to Our Lives.”

Illinois

Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E Parkway, Chicago.

312.902.1500. auditoriumtheatre.org. A National Historic Landmark and a mainstay of Chicago architecture and theater since 1889, the Auditorium continues to provide unparalleled ballet performances and a variety of artistic productions. Oct 1-2: The Merchants of Bollywood; Oct 13-24: The Joffrey Ballet All Stars; Oct 28-29: Lizt Alfonso Dance Club.

The Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W 111th St, Chicago. 773.445.3838. beverlyartcenter.org. Founded in 1967, this institution has enjoyed more than 30 years of exposing Chicago’s South and Southwest Sides to a comprehensive program of cultural enrichment, including the performing arts, education, film and fine-art exhibitions. The center recently moved into a new, 40,000-square-foot facility, an arts complex that houses a 410-seat mainstage, a dance studio, art gallery, classrooms, café and gift shop. Oct 2: Shemekia Copeland; Oct 16: Celebrating Queen; Oct 30: The Subdudes.

Broadway in Chicago, various venues, Chicago. 800.775.2000. broadwayinchicago.com. A joint venture between the two largest commercial theater producers and owner/operators in the U.S., Broadway in Chicago offers the finest of professional stage productions in multiple theaters, all residing in Chicago’s lively Loop. Bank of America Theatre, 18 W Monroe. Sept 21-Oct 3: Rock of Ages.

Broadway Playhouse, 175 E Chestnut.

Sept 23-26: An Evening with Sutton Foster; Oct 26-Dec 19: Traces. Cadillac Palace

The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy, University Park. 708.235.2222. centertickets.net. The Center for Performing Arts is celebrating 11 years of promoting cultural enhancement on the South Side of Chicago through world-class performing arts productions and arts education. Sept 26: Lyric Opera Preview; Oct 16: Phil Vassar Acoustic; Oct 22: The Capitol Steps; Nov 6: Ailey II; Nov 12: DRUMLine Live!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier, 800 E Grand Ave, Chicago. 312.595.5600. chicagoshakes.com. Prominently located on Navy Pier in Chicago, this venue mounts renowned productions of the plays of William Shakespeare, as well as works from distinguished American and international playwrights and directors. The theater’s mission to reach out to younger audiences is well accomplished with its offerings of children’s productions and student matinees.

The architecturally dynamic structure, new in 1999, houses both an engaging, 500-seat courtyard theater and a 200-seat black box theater. Through Nov 14: Romeo and Juliet; Nov 6-7: Chicago Chamber Musicians.

Chicago Sinfonietta, Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 2205 S Michigan Ave, Chicago. chicagosinfonietta.org. In its pursuit of “Musical Excellence through Diversity,” the Chicago Sinfonietta—the official orchestra of the Joffrey Ballet— presents compelling, innovative works,

often by composers and soloists of color.

Oct 3-4: For the Common Man; Oct 30: Day of the Dead.

The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, Chicago. 312.462.6300. thechicagotheatre.com.

The Chicago Theatre has been a prototype for area theaters since 1921. With its lavish architecture and an elegant stage, the Chicago Theatre seats 3,600 and stands seven stories high. Sept 23: Jackson Browne; Sept 24: Dennis Miller; Sept 25-26: Chelsea Handler; Sept 29-Oct 1: Ricky Gervais; Oct 11: Belle and Sebastian; Oct 13-14: Drake; Oct 15: Sufjan Stevens; Oct 16: Margaret Cho; Oct 23: Celtic Thunder; Nov 12: Daniel Tosh; Nov 13: Chris Botti; Nov 26-27: John Mellencamp.

Court Theatre, 5535 S Ellis Ave, Chicago.

773.753.4472. courttheatre.org. The Court Theatre is a not-for-profit, professional regional theater that is located on the campus of the University of Chicago. Its mission to “discover the power of classic theater” is realized in its intimate, 251-seat auditorium. Through Oct 17: The Comedy of Errors; Nov 11-Dec 12: Home.

The Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St, Chicago. 312.443.3800. goodmantheatre. org. Since 1925, the Goodman Theatre has provided entertainment to the Chicago area; however, a new, state-of-the-art twotheater complex was completed in 2000—75 years to the day after the dedication of the original—and resides in the vibrant North Loop Theater District within walking distance of fine hotels and restaurants. Through Oct 31: Candide; Oct 16-Nov 14: The Seagull; Nov 19-Dec 31: A Christmas Carol.

Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph, Chicago.

312.704.8414. harristheaterchicago.org.

Now in its fifth season at its home in the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, this modern state-of-theart theater guarantees that the audience will enjoy a wide variety of performances in an intimate setting. Sept 22-23: Lar Lubovitch; Sept 27: Dido and Aeneas; Sept 30-Oct 3: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s 2010 Fall Series; Oct 18: Sphinx Chamber Orchestra; Oct 20: Sankai Juku; Oct 22-23: LiveLifeDANCE! Oct 24: Philip Glass’ The Seasons Project; Nov 5: Ballet Hispanico; Nov 6: Kremerata Baltica; Nov 13: River North Contemporary.

Lyric Opera of Chicago, Civic Opera House, Madison & Wacker, Chicago. 312.332.2244 ext 5600. lyricopera.org. The world-class Lyric Opera enraptures audiences with its spectacular artistry, performing in one of the most unique theaters in the world. The recently refurbished Civic Open House not only is an elaborate treasure on the inside, but it is architecturally distinctive as well, shaped like a throne facing the Chicago River. Oct 1-30: Macbeth; Oct 13-29: Carmen; Nov 5-23: A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Nov 15-Dec 10: A Masked Ball.

Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago. 312.397.4010. mcachicago.org. Reflecting the modern atmosphere of the adjoining museum, the state-of-the-art MCA Theater features elegant oak-paneled walls and tiered seating, which guarantees that every one of the 300 seats can boast the best seat in the house.

Through Sept 26: The Astronaut’s Birthday; Oct 2-3: Superamas—EMPIRE (Art & Politics);

Oct 6-10: Teatro de Ciertos Habitantes with MAVerick Ensemble, El Gallo—opera for actors; Nov 4-7: Big Dance Theater, Comme Toujours Here I Stand; Nov 12-13: Stew and the Negro Problem with Heidi Rodewald; Nov 19-21: Creative Music Summit.

Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St, St. Charles. 630.584.6342. pheasantrun.com.

Acclaimed throughout Chicago and the Midwest for its entertainment, Pheasant Run Resort features theater at its new Mainstage and Studio theaters, comedy at Zanies Comedy Club, and live music, entertainment, art exhibits and shopping at its own version of Bourbon Street. Through Oct 24: Red Herring; Nov 5-Dec 26: It’s a Wonderful Life—A Live Radio Play.

Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N Halsted, Chicago. 312.335.1650. steppenwolf.org.

The Chicago-based cast is an internationally renowned group of 43 artists, committed to the art of ensemble collaboration. Now in its 35th season, Steppenwolf continues to fulfill its mission by offering intriguing performances and taking artistic risks.

Through Nov 7: Detroit; Oct 12-Nov 12: To Kill a Mockingbird; Oct 27-Nov 14: The Etiquette of Vigilance; Oct 28-Nov 14: The Old Masters; Oct 29-Nov 14: The North Plan; Nov 5: That Kid Thing; Nov 6: 4,000 Miles; Nov 7: Bethany.

For more events and destinations, please go to visitshoremagazine.com.

octobEr/NovEmbEr 2010

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Theatre, 151 W Randolph. Beginning Sept 29: The Lion King. Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre, 24 W Randolph. Ongoing: Billy Elliot the Musical.

Edna Woolman Chase, former editor of Vogue magazine, once said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.â&#x20AC;? It is true that when one has a sense of style they have an unmistakable je ne sais quoi that reveals a bit of the individual behind it. Style is the creative expression outside of the person on the inside. We asked our readers to nominate those who have the look, and Shore is pleased to present the results. So take your front row seat as our Fashion Icons show their own personal style on the runway of life:

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words by HeatHer augustyn photography by natalie Battaglia and gregg gearHeart

sarah schil ing 26 | st. Joseph, Mich.

Owner Of beaUX cHeVeUX salOn

FAshion PhilosoPhy And style:

I am usually a dress casual kind of girl and I like to throw together my own style. I like black and white chunky jewelry and do crazy things with my makeup. I don’t follow the trends; I make my own. I like high heels when I can. I like to dress up on weekends and I’m always overdressed, but that’s how I’m comfortable. I wear hats a lot and look like a modern hippie, but trendier, a little bohemian. For dressing up, I’m into pants in the winter but I like leggings with a cute skirt over it and a cute top, maybe a flashy tank top and a shrug to put over it. I also like skinny jeans with stilettos. I wear my hair down or in a funky ponytail.

FlAir:

I love accessories—rings, bracelets, earrings.

I don’t overdo it, so if I’m wearing a big necklace I won’t wear big earrings.

tiP:

Step outside of the box. I usually never buy a whole outfit together and will put things together, so make every outfit your own.

Don’t dress to be complimented. Dress to complement yourself.

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Adam Beltzman 35 | Chicago, ill.

Owner Of HaberdasH men’s clOtHing stOre

FAshion PhilosoPhy And style:

Fashion has always come naturally to me. My parents taught me at a young age how to put myself together nicely. I would classify my style as classic with a contemporary twist. I don’t dress fashion-forward, I’m not trendy or flashy, but I do think I’m fashionable and timely. I tend to like pieces that year to year are acceptable and six months from now will not go out of style.

FlAir:

Shoes and watches are important.

I have a closet full of shoes; I probably own more pairs than my wife does. Shoes are a great way to tie the whole look together. If I have money to burn, though, I buy watches. I have a Panerai, which is an oversized Italian military watch, and you can change bands on them to give them a whole new look.

tiP:

Being in the clothing business in Chicago, I try to tell guys to dress in their comfort zone but always be willing to take a chance. It’s all about how you feel. The way you dress should boost your confidence.

The way you put yourself together says a lot about who you are, so embrace it.

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Kristiana hamilton 37 | Crown Point, ind.

Owner Of taHlUlabel bOUtiQUe

FAshion PhilosoPhy And style: I’m more of a mood type of person, so I get dressed according to the mood I feel.

I like to do a lot of dresses, tunics, embellishments like gold ropes over the shoulders, gladiator sandals in the summer. In winter I’m all about leather jackets, sweaters, all kinds of boots—tall, short, all of them. I like bohemian casual chic, and I’m very feminine, so it’s very soft, the girlie things. I like brands like LAMB, Chloé, Tory Burch, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Kooba bags, and I love the textures. There’s a shoe store in Miami I go to called Dolce; I love the bootie-inspired wedges and ballerina flats. I love the cargo look, belted coats. And skinny pants and skinny jeans.

FlAir: I love multistrand necklaces.

They totally change the look of your outfit so you can go instantly from day to night.

tiP:

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Layering, especially because of the climate we live in, is important. And wear shoes that are comfortable but stylish.

Don’t kill yourself trying to be beautiful. Have options in your closet, which I call “The Vault.”

You can be comfortable, but still be sexy and alluring.

Kenny Petersen 30 | st. Joseph, Mich.

assistant general manager at tabOr Hill winerY

FAshion PhilosoPhy And style: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I try to make myself stick out just a little bit more and make myself unique. You have to look your best if you want to be your best. I’m the youngest of five and the only boy in the family, so I had four mothers always showing me what to do. I try to look professional according to the event— everything from suit and tie at a ballroom, to linen shirt and dress slacks for a beach event. I try to portray that I have put thought into my look. It’s an aura and I try to get a “you look nice today” every day. If I don’t, I wonder what I did wrong! I was lucky to have good influences around me growing up.

FlAir: 6 visitshoremagazine.com 5

I learned this from a businessman right out of college that if your shoes aren’t shined, don’t even go out of the house. I wear the right shoes and I put a lot of attention into that—the right color for the right outfit. People either look at your watch or your shoes.

tiP: Just because it looks expensive doesn’t mean it is. We didn’t grow up wealthy, but my mother made us look wealthy by having us ironed and dressed crisp. Don’t look like you got your butt kicked by a lawnmower.

Candace Jordan 55 | Chicago, ill.

fOrmer mOdel/actress, sOcietY blOgger and PHilantHrOPist

FAshion PhilosoPhy And style: I like clothes with clean, uncluttered lines—no florals, please!

I love wearing a simple cocktail dress and then embellishing it with statement jewelry. Some of my favorite designers include Jil Sander, Chado Ralph Rucci, Michael Kors, and Zoran (during his early years). I can do jeans but I prefer dressing up to dressing down. During our recent trip to St. Tropez, it was important to have the right beachwear. One of my favorite items to wear is Hèrmes’ oversized silk and cashmere scarves. I use them both as a pareo and shawl, too, so they are a great multipurpose item to pack. For formal occasions, I love wearing local designer Elda de la Rosa’s gowns and cocktail dresses. She’s a terrific designer and we collaborate well together. She understands my style.

FlAir: I suppose my short haircut is sort of a signature look for me. Charles Ifergan has been cutting my hair forever and I love the freedom of it. I also love my vintage and oversized jewelry. Since my look is rather simple, it’s important to have something that elevates your look and makes it distinctive. I love color now, too, although I used to be a neutral girl. Go figure!

tiP:

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Don’t be a label snob. I shop everywhere and anywhere for interesting items for my wardrobe. I love to splurge on jewelry and handbags but like to “steal” my basics. I don’t care who the designer is, as long as I like it and it fits and suits my style. A good way to tell if your look is “working” or not is to take a photo of yourself in it.

Then ask yourself if you would be happy seeing it in a magazine. If there are any doubts, the outfit is a no-go. And finally, my last piece of advice is to make your tailor your best friend. They can work magic on outfits that might otherwise be unwearable.

Merrilee Frey, r.n.

47 | Crown Point, ind.

directOr Of tHe dOmestic relatiOns cOUnseling bUreaU at tHe laKe cOUntY circUit cOUrt

FAshion PhilosoPhy And style:

If you came to my office you would know what I love. I have several books on my credenza about Jacqueline Onassis and Lady Diana and I love a classic dress. I like my purse to match, my shoes to match, my jewelry to match. And I hardly ever dress down. If I ever wear blue jeans, which is rare, people tell me they didn’t know I owned jeans. And I’ll wear heels with the jeans. I think if you look good, you feel good!

I have two daughters, and for gift giving I’ll buy them clothes, purses, jewelry and I match sets for them.

FlAir:

I love the classic look and always match.

tiP:

It’s important to feel good in what you wear. You don’t want to feel uncomfortable. Even if you’re dressed well, if you’re uncomfortable you can see it. Make sure your clothes are pressed and nice and neat and you accessorize nicely. A nice manicure on a lady is nice, and a light fragrance, not too much, and light makeup which is so beautiful. Always make sure your shoes are clean.

one More Winner . . .

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all those who nominated Fashion icons were entered into a drawing for a $150 gift card to Macy’s. Jill Miller, a clinical psychologist in Munster, ind., nominated Merrilee Frey and won the prize! if you would like to nominate a Fashion icon for next year’s contest, please email shorefashion@gmail.com with his/her name (first and last), phone number, email address and a brief description about why your nominee should be a Fashion icon. Photos are preferred.

GETTING MARRIED? Welcome to the ALL NEW shorebrideonline.com!

Here’s what you’ll find at the new website for Shore Bride magazine: Directory of bridal vendors serving Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. � Photography of brides and grooms in our region. � Advice from the area’s top experts on wedding planning, relationships, finances, wedding entertainment, and more! � Videos about local bridal businesses, events and engaged couples. � Blogs from local brides. � Ideas about the little details that make your big day special!

GO TO SHOREBRIDEONLINE.COM TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING TODAY!

Local consignment boutiques offer high-end experience

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THE NEW FACE OF RESALE

Aspiring fashionistas and savvy style shoppers take note: today’s consignment shops are not your grandma’s bargain basement. Gone are the ubiquitous racks crammed with wrinkled clothes of every style, age and size. Modern day consignment shops are more like boutiques with artistic shop displays, clothes on wooden hangers grouped according to category, color or designer, and accessories arranged in antique armoires. These shops have elevated the resale shopping experience so much that it’s very similar to shopping for new, but these are gently worn designer pieces at a bottom-of-the-line price.

revive Consignments in Michigan City is a perfect example of the new resale shops.

Women’s clothing and accessories are displayed amidst amazing pieces of furniture, and shoppers are even exposed to local artists, whose works for sale adorn the walls.

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photograph by JOE DURK

A

lthough everyone wants a bargain in this economy, shop owners say that people go to consignment shops to take the sting out of buying a pricey designer item or to find a one-of-a-kind piece. And many celebs have touted the joys of shopping resale.

“You don’t see that stigma given to shopping resale anymore,” says Cindy Yover, owner of the Closet Exchange in Valparaiso. “The consignment industry has changed tremendously. NARTS, the National Association of Retail and Thrift Shops, has really helped, providing education for members and acknowledging that this is a serious industry with quality standards. They’ve taught us how to spot counterfeit designer purses, which is important, because it is illegal to sell them. And stores are now cleaner and neater; things are put out nicely. And of course, everyone wants a bargain now and they want to wear good quality pieces. Reuse, recycle and resale is our motto.”

Angela Samila and Linda Weber recently opened Revive Consignments Gallery on Franklin Street (next to Maxine’s Restaurant) in Michigan City. Samila’s artistic touch coupled with Webber’s marketing savvy have created a beautiful shop decorated with treasures for sale running the gamut from vintage furniture and “cowgirl” boots to Dolce & Gabbana jeans and Pucci scarves.

“People’s minds are changing with consignment shopping,” Weber says. “They might not be comfortable shopping, but will drop things off for consignment and see a scarf and buy that.”

“Then we’ll see them back to shop!” Samila adds.

Most consignment shops will sell new accessories (jewelry, handbags, scarves) alongside their consignment items, allowing the customer to create whole looks, another area where boutiques shine.

In fact, consignment store owners often say they are mistaken for boutiques. “I had the highest compliment given to me by a new customer,” says Mynell Molsby,

How to Buy and Sell at Consignment Shops BUY

A good quality store will take pride in its displays.

Nothing says thrift shop like clothes heaped upon other clothes. Shop owners who go out of their way to display their pieces artfully take pride in their shops and the items they choose. “When we designed our store, it was important to us to make sure people could see the clothes,” Weber says. “Angela did a great job in making sure things were assessable and beautifully displayed for the customers.”

Steer clear of stinky shops. “A good consignment shop should not smell,” Yover says. “If a store smells, you can tell right away that the clothes won’t be well cared for.”

Clothes should be in good condition with no signs of wear. Non-vintage items should be in style or of a classic cut.

The store should offer a pleasing shopping experience. Although everyone likes to hunt for a bargain, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t come with helpful shopkeepers, dressing rooms and good lighting and design.

SELL

Wash and iron or dry-clean items, and bring everything in on a hanger, not crammed into bags. Although some stores will switch their hangers out with yours, they prefer clothing to arrive on hangers so they can easily see the quality and condition of each piece. “Everything you bring in should be ready to sell,” Yover says. “So no pilling or stains or signs of wear. No pet hair or odors, such as cigarettes. We’ll go through everything while you wait, and assign you a consignment number.”

Sixty to ninety days is usually the average time shops will hold your clothes. After that time you have the choice to have the store donate your clothes to a charity or you can pick them up. If your things sell, stores usually send out checks automatically once a month. “Some things have no end date,” Molsby says. “Like 1920s to 1970s vintage, formal clothing and jewelry.”

Limit your number to around 25. Don’t purge your closet and bring in everything you don’t want. Too many items can be overwhelming for the shopkeepers. Do inquire first, however, if you have many designer pieces that the store might want.

Choose things that are two to three years old. Even though you might have items with the tags on or things that are always in fashion, like jeans, the cuts do change. “We like items to be two years old,” Weber says. “Although we won’t say no to a really great item. We had a black dress that came in that was way older than that, and it sold the same day.”

Bring in seasonal items one month or two before the new season begins; for instance, fall items in August or September. It pays to inquire, however. Some shops will continue to sell seasonal goods year round, such as cruise wear. “A lot of snowbirds buy things for warmer climates,” Molsby says.

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Know the shop you wish to consign your items to and carefully consider whether they will fit the esthetic or not. “People come in and look around our shop and really get a sense of what we have,” Samila says.

“They often say they have something in their closets that would fit right in here.”

Consigners receive 40 to 45 percent of the retail price. The shop determines the retail pricing, usually 25 to 35 percent of the original, depending upon the item.

Sometimes shops will add on a small handling fee, which is passed on to the buyer.

owner of the Cedar Closet in St. Joseph, Michigan. “She came in, looked around, and said she thought she was in the wrong shop; this was a boutique and she was looking for the consignment shop. But here you are going to find unique pieces; you aren’t going to see it again at a shop down the street. And designers bring things here to consign. I get a lot of international clothing, too. My customers travel and bring me things.”

Consignment shops are largely owned by women, and many enjoy a business that offers a service to other women and that supports the community through consignments. “You’ve always borrowed something from your sister or friend,” Molsby says. “Now you have a chance to buy it from a friend you never knew you had.”

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY The Cedar CloseT 415 State St St. Joseph, Mich.

269.983.7174 Women’s clothing, accessories, perfume; vintage Michael Kors, Vera Wang

My sisTer’s CloseT resale 5413 W Devon Ave Chicago, Ill. 773.774.5050 Women’s, children, vintage clothing; Marc Jacobs, Chico’s, DKNY, Betsey Johnson, Chanel

The CloseT exChange 150 Washington St Valparaiso, Ind. 219.476.1792 theclosetexchange.com Women’s clothing, accessories; St. John, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein

Posh 445 S Whittaker New Buffalo, Mich.

269.716.0011 Women’s clothing, handbags, shoes

designer resale of ChiCago 658 N Dearborn St Chicago, Ill. 312.587.3312 designerresalechicago.com Women’s clothing; Chanel, Christian Dior, Lanvin, Chloé la Bella Mia ConsignMenT BouTique 2001 W Glen Park Ave Griffith, Ind. 219.924.7848. labellamia.net Women’s clothing, children’s clothing, accessories, antiques, toys

revive ConsignMenTs 523 Franklin St Michigan City, Ind. 219.814.4063 reviveconsignments.com Women’s (and some men’s) clothing, furniture, art, shoes, accessories; Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana, DKNY, J.Crew, Ed Hardy MCshane’s exChange 815 W Armitage Ave Chicago, Ill. 773.525.0282 1141 W Webster Ave Chicago, Ill. 773.525.0211 mcshanesexchange.com Women’s clothing, shoes, accessories

WHERE TO GO ONLINE ConsignMenT ChiC consignmentchic.com Bargain hunters will love this online shop that brings goods (women’s, men’s, children’s clothing, accessories, home décor, furniture) from consignment stores across the country into one site. You can even consign your own things. Shop by brand, category or by store. Designers include BCBG, Diane Von Furstenburg, Chanel, Versace, Fendi, Michael Kors, and many more. naTional assoCiaTion of reTail and ThrifT shoPs (narTs) narts.org The world’s largest retail trade association, with more than 1,100 members on its list, NARTS educates its members on how to create a successful retail business.

I may have an artistic vision, but I am a craftsman first and foremost.

—SETH MEYERINK-GRIFFIN

STUDENTS OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

WORDS BY LOIS BERGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES CAULFIELD

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010

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ach spring, SAIC shows off the designs of the sophomores, juniors and seniors in the renowned fashion show, where professional models step out in clothes richly embellished, beautifully unique. According to Andrea Reynders, who has been teaching at the school for many years, “We encourage students to incorporate art into their designs. These clothes are not atypical for Seventh Avenue. The designs showcase talent and imagination, which will ultimately lead to individualized couture.”

They are so nervous, holding their breath, clenching fists, closing eyes. Why? They are awaiting a life-altering announcement from Linda Johnson Rice, who is about to announce a $25,000 fellowship winner.

“The Eunice W. Johnson Fellowship is a tribute to my mother’s lifelong passion for the arts, fashion and philanthropy,” Rice reflects. “This award represents my family’s long-standing relationship with the Art Institute of Chicago and the importance of introducing new and innovative ideas to the world. It is an honor to provide this unique opportunity to one of SAIC’s talented students . . . Luis Rodriguez.”

The crowd gasped. Why? We’re talking black, black and black. The only designs devoid of color, Luis’s models were draped in black with just a glimpse of pastel silk under the folds, topped off by these kind-of-scary full-face masks. The masks changed colors as the models breathed, and the silks were made of heatsensitive material so the fabric changed color as they walked. Gender Diaspora inspired Luis’s designs. He’s challenging the boundaries of male and female clothes. Last year, Luis focused on designing and crafting outrageous shoes. This paid off with two scholarships in his junior year. “When it came to designing clothes, I found out about T-H-E-R-M-O-C-H-R-O-M-I-C pigments and I really got interested,” he says.

“This process is experimental, but it really works, changing colors by body heat.” It sure worked for Luis.

He isn’t sure how he will use the $25,000 and he admits he has more to learn about designing. His favorite designer is Maria Cornejo. Good choice. The Chilean-born designer entered the mainstream spotlight when Michelle Obama embraced Cornejo as one of her go-to designer lines LUIS RODRIGUEZ . . . and like Luis, she loves black.

photography [this page, far left] LOIS BERGER, [right] JAMES CAULFIELD; [opposite page] JAMES CAULFIELD, [inset] LOIS BERGER

The 2010 senior designers of the Fashion Department of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago are lined up on the staircase in the critically acclaimed Renzo Piano-designed Griffin Court of Chicago’s Modern Wing of the Art Institute, where “The Walk 2010,” SAIC’s annual scholarship gala, is being held.

MORE SENIORS’ INSPIRATIONS 2010: Silver Arrow Racecars of the ’30s by William Alexander Simon IV. Sophisticated styling.

Playfulness by Robert Nygren.

Pastel watercolors on fabric.

Bonnie and Clyde by Amanda Mayfield.

Designed her own fabrics showcasing bullets and revolvers.

Isolation by Shruti Kirti.

Beautiful cream, gray and brown linen designs.

Marine Life by Neha Khanna. Layered fabrics in motion.

Dick Tracy by Talia Elinoff.

1940 comics’ graphic colors.

Traveling by Andrea Bell.

Fun clothes to go.

Plastic Surgery by Stephanie Ledesma.

Chiffon, gauze, tattoos and enhanced bust lines.

KATIE KING

THE FIRST PANDA BEAR IN THE U.S. by Katie King.

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JULY 2010

This collection featured designs attributed to Ruth Harkness, a socialite who smuggled the first baby panda to America in 1936.

A redhead who loves outsize glasses, Katie hails from Battle Creek, Michigan. “I was training to become a nurse,” she says. “After a year, I knew nursing was not for me.”

Katie’s mom encouraged her to take her talent for embellishing thrift store garments to another level. Katie uses knitting skills on all her garments (including the head of THAT PANDA wrapped around the model’s shoulders). “Would you believe I learned everything here?” She explains, “. . . especially pattern making and knitting.

I’m looking forward to producing a line incorporating my knitting skills with fabric.”

INSPIRATIONS

According to the oohs and aahs of the audience as the models strutted down the catwalk, it’s hard to say who will be the most successful of these visionary design students. Here are more of the seniors’ “inspirations” that came to fruition on the runway:

CINDERELLA UNCENSORED by Rachel Goldberg.

CLOWNS & DANDIES by Grace Lee. “My menswear collection is a hybrid of two male counterparts. I aim to create clothes that depict how men should think, dress and live.” Whew, quite an ambition for this tiny girl, but her meticulous tailoring and inventive designs were rewarded with a $10,000 fellowship award.

Then there’s Seth Meyerink-Griffin from Saginaw. A real hunk with

RACHEL GOLDBERG

SETH MEYERINKGRIFFIN

GRACE LEE

numerous piercings on his face and ears and a body tattooed to the nth degree, which means even his entire head. My inquiring mind had to know. It seemed like fashion was the last thing Seth would embark upon. “I couldn’t find clothes I liked, so I began to modify jeans, tees, etc. I was good at it and eventually landed here.” Last year Seth won a scholarship for his eco-friendly macho clothing of hemp, canvas and rubber. “I had to prove I could design fluid, ethereal clothes as well.” Water shifting soft, cool and drifting inspired his designs this year. Soooo gorgeous, and none of his models had even a tiny tattoo.

I should mention here that five judges from the fashion world review the seniors’ designs after the show to present other prestigious awards. In addition to Grace Lee’s award, Gina Rockenwagner’s outstanding designs inspired by American folk art and the aforementioned Rachel Goldberg were awarded $5,000 each.

Adrienne Guariglia’s clothes, Journeying through Ellis Island, brought her $1,500 and an internship with alumnus and New York-based designer Gary Graham, to whom “The Walk” presented the SAIC Legend of Fashion Award.

Nick Cave, professor and chair of the Fashion Design Department at SAIC, who headed up the production of the 76th annual fashion show, gave this sendoff: “The world is your canvas to express your point of view. Take your time, be strong and develop a style . . . listen to yourselves.”

We’ll be listening, too.

6 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 6

Proceeds from the $500 ticket event benefit scholarship funding for SAIC students. Tickets are sold by a volunteer fashion committee of about 40 people, chaired by WTTW’s executive vice president Greg Cameron (a summer homeowner in Lakeside) and VIP Chicagoans Marilyn Fields, Stephanie Sick, Donna LaPietra and Bisi Williams Mau. “Every year we are committed to selling tickets to this important event dedicated to the creativity of future designers,” Cameron emphasizes. “This year the proceeds were over $200,000.” In addition, two runway shows are presented: 2 p.m. ($75) and 9 p.m. ($100) from tickets sold by SAIC and other volunteers.

photography [this page, top] JAMES CAULFIELD, [center] LOIS BERGER, [bottom] ROBERT F. CARL; [opposite page, left] ST. JOSEPH PUBLIC SCHOOLS, [right] JACK LANE

Rachel herself is a work of art. Any given day her hair changes from cartoon red to Lady Gaga platinum and her own clothes show why she wants to be a costume designer. “Hopefully for the opera,” she says. Her elaborate 2010 designs depicted the dark side of the Grimm Cinderella tale. “Did you know in the original story, blackbirds pecked out the stepsisters’ eyes?” That’s why her costumes for the stepsisters had black eye patches and blackbirds in their headdresses.

American Girl Fashion TWEEN GIRLS MODEL FOR A GOOD CAUSE isions of pink stars dance in their heads. In November, tween girls will model American Girl historical outfits at a fashion show fundraiser for Michigan’s St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation. They’ll parade in Kaya’s Native American deerskin dress, Felicity’s Colonial lavender gown and Rebecca’s turn-of-the-century velveteen hat.

“We’ll have someone who looks like Kit, like Kaya,” says Christine Waterhouse, the foundation’s director of communications.

“The nice thing is, the script will talk about what girls were doing in that time period, too. For example, women couldn’t vote in the early 1900s.”

Local girls will sport the brand’s contemporary daywear, sleepwear, and special-occasion fashions, too. “Bitty Baby models will wear jumper pajamas, bunny slippers and bunny robes,” Waterhouse says.

Local merchants donated motherdaughter manicures, styling products and necklaces for the event’s silent auction.

American Girl charged a flat fee to loan the clothing, supply 15,000 customer mailing addresses, and donate 20 raffle prizes, including a Rebecca doll with bed, Bitty Baby stroller, Sugar pet set, Girl of the Year with camper/gear, and My Girl dolls with confidence-building online games.

Waterhouse expects to attract 300 attendees for the fashion show and raise $20,000. Tickets cost $25 including goodie bags and refreshments. Girls and dolls take the stage at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on November 13 and 14 at the St. Joseph High Fieldhouse. For tickets, see stjosephpublicschoolsfoundation.org.

–SARAH KLOSE

[from left to right] Linda Heister, Nena Ivon, Fraley Le, model wearing the winning garment, Joe Durk and Anneke Dekker.

ROCK THE RUNWAY

W

e have learned a great deal about leveraging local talent from reality television. And the first lesson is build your infrastructure with skilled professionals. Though it was the first time for an Emerging Designer Competition in the Lake Michigan area outside of Chicago, the level of professionalism from the young designers who competed at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts gallery venue in June made this a top-notch event, a spectacular effort on the part of a group of stylish and sophisticated group of volunteers: Dani Lane, along with Suzanne Cohan-Lange and Sheila Stein.

Long before the snow melted, the panel was lined up: MC Nena Ivon—special events manager for Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago, where she was among the first in the country to host trunk shows bringing designers and clients together—and the judges ANKO (Anneke Dekker) a fashion designer and artist; Cynthia Ashby, who owns her own clothing company and I am easily is the chief designer; Linda Heister of Mark Heister Designs, inspired by Chicago-based fashion company; and Shore art director Joe everything Durk. The second most important factor in making a regional from the fashion event a success was to line up the schools where the beauty young talent resides. The Lubeznik folks succeeded wildly of the in getting the cooperation from a short list of great schools, forest, or including Columbia College, International Academy of Design rainbows, and Technology, Illinois Institute of Art and the School of the to music Art Institute (all located in Chicago) and Western Michigan Uniand the versity in Kalamazoo. movement The models were a mix of professionals from Factor Models and Ford Chicago and newbies who were just trying it for a of dancers. lark. But Robert-Eric West and Sandra Leander, the hair and —FRALEY LE makeup artists from Vanis Salon and Day Spa, were an all-pro team. The event itself, set to electronica music by Button, was simple: a $40 ticket (for non-Lubeznik members) bought champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and other tidbits and a very good seat—there were no dead spots in the limited chairs available—for the Saturday afternoon fashion show. Fraley Le, a student at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago, was the winner of the contest with a particularly compelling knockout strapless green evening gown. And Seth Meyerink-Griffin, who attracted attention at the SAIC show, placed in this contest, too. As a designer, Seth is a materials guy—very different from Le, who works with delicate, ethereal and translucent fabrics—and a believer in clothing’s durability and utility who likes to work with denim, Cordura, leather and steel. —PAT COLANDER

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SHORE MAGAZINE

fall 2010

photograph courtesy of ELLA BRIDALS

22 FEMININITY DEFINED

It’s time to embrace your best features, with gowns that flatter curves, highlight the shoulders and beautify the back. BY JULIA PERLA

contents

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14 PLAN

Find out why more and more couples are getting married in a non-church setting. Plus, get ideas for fun save-the-dates and local reception venues.

BY MARK LINDEMER, NICHOLE ODIJK, JENNIFER PALLAY AND CARRIE STEINWEG

16 ANTICIPATE

See the new, delicious trends in wedding cakes, find your dream dress at a discount, and try a new type of veil. BY CAITLIN ELSAESSER, SARAH KLOSE AND CARRIE STEINWEG

20 CELEBRATE

Have a girls’ night in for the bachelorette party, and learn how to use your wedding as a way to give back. BY CAITLIN ELSAESSER AND SETH HURD

IN EVERY ISSUE Inspire 8 List 30 Service Directory 31 Capture 32

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26 RELAX

There’s no doubt that Hawaii is the number one honeymoon location. Four Hawaiian resorts help make it the top choice among couples. BY HEATHER AUGUSTYN

28 LIVE

See what experts say about changing your name, separate or joint bank accounts, and living together before marriage. BY DANIELLE BRAFF

VOLUME 4 – ISSUE 2 Publisher Bill Masterson, Jr. AssociAte Publisher/editor Pat ColanDer Advertising director CHris loretto MAnAging editor JUlia Perla Art director Joe DUrK AssistAnt MAnAging editor KatHrYn MaCneil designers aPril BUrForD, Matt HUss online editor asHleY BoYer contributing editors HeatHer aUGUstYn, CHristY Bonstell, Danielle BraFF, JUli DosHan, Caitlin elsaesser, Jen FloreK, CasanDra riDDle, sHaron BiGGs Waller

Niche PublicatioN SaleS senior Account executive // illinois/northwest indiana lisa taVoletti Account executive // Michigan MarY sorensen Advertising MAnAgers DeB anselM, FranK Perea, JeFFreY PreCoUrt PubliShed by lee enterprises/the times of northwest indiana niche Productions division 601 W 45th ave, Munster, indiana 46321 // 219.933.3200 2080 n Main st, Crown Point, indiana 46307 // 219.662.5300 1111 Glendale Blvd, Valparaiso, indiana 46383 // 219.462.5151 copyright, reprints and Permissions: You must have permission before reproducing material from shore Bride magazine.

Welcome to the ALL NEW shorebrideonline.com!

After months of research, brainstorming and deliberation, we’ve decided to create an all-new website to accompany our biannual printed magazine! Here’s what you’ll find at shorebrideonline.com: A directory of bridal vendors serving Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

Beautiful photography of local brides and grooms.

Advice from local experts on wedding planning, relationships, finances, wedding entertainment, and more!

Videos about local bridal businesses, events and engaged couples.

Blogs from local brides.

Ideas about the little details that make your big day special!

Go to shorebrideonline.com to plan your wedding today!

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

A Four-Season Destination YEAR-ROUND WEDDINGS IN ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN It’s pretty easy to get carried away when you’re planning your wedding.

After all, what girl hasn’t dreamed of having a stunning sunset as the backdrop to the ceremony, crystal chandeliers light up your cocktail hour and locally grown food customized to your picky palate during your dinner? Of course, you’ll also want the venue to be within walking distance of hotels and every other amenity imaginable without spending a fortune.

Just when you think your requests are too many for any one place to handle, you’ll arrive at St. Joseph, Michigan, which finally offers it all. St. Joseph sports nearly a dozen hotels— in addition to gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and sunsets that are out of this world.

“We have these beautiful hues of purples and pinks,” says Tyanna Weller, executive director of St. Joseph Today, the promotional arm for the city.

Those sunsets are the perfect setting for a wedding at The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, which will transport you to another era when elegance reigned and black tie events were standard fare. The upper level of the Cultural Center, which was designed to resemble the old church previously occupying the space, is the museum area, where guests are allowed to roam during cocktail hour. The main level boasts 20-foot ceilings with big white pillars, hardwood floor and crystal chandeliers. “The bride and groom have a beautiful facility, but it’s also filled with history,” says Joyce Bucholtz, director of events.

If you’re interested in another unique historical venue, you could try The Veranda at The Whitcomb. The building was erected in 1928 and still maintains the historical elegance of the roaring ’20s, says Kristin Cornell, Veranda Ambassador. Large limestone columns,

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

a terrazzo floor and wrought iron railings add a The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan special elegance that you won’t find elsewhere.

College can be the perfect fit. The Grand UpThe best part: The Veranda is an open-air faton Hall can accommodate all of your family cility—open May 1 to October 31—so the warm, and friends comfortably without leaving anyfresh breezes off the lake will delight you and one off the list. The Mendel Center has an array your guests as you dine and dance. of options for customizing the event, from decIf you’re looking for an orations to room layout. “Each intimate, delicious affair, Mendel Center event takes on then The Boulevard Inn its own elegance,” says Tonya and Bistro is your venue.

Martindale, Mendel Center Just when you think your They specialize in smaller wedding coordinator. “Whethrequests are too many weddings with less than 50 er the guest list is 100 or 500, for any town and any people, and every single one every wedding expresses the venue to handle, you’ll of those guests will be talkunique vision each couple has arrive at St. Joseph, ing about the food long after for their special day.” Beyond Michigan, which finally you’re home from your honthe surroundings, the culinary offers it all. St. Joseph eymoon. Chef Ryan Thornstaff has created a wonderfully sports nearly a dozen burg has never served the fresh and diverse menu that hotels—in addition to same menu at two weddings. utilizes locally grown produce beautiful views of Lake “I’ve been in this business throughout the year.

Michigan and sunsets for almost 40 years and have For a truly stunning event, that are out of this world. never worked with such a the brand new Shadowland wonderful chef,” says Anne on Silver Beach is your venVonk, director of sales and ue. “There is no wedding vencatering. The Boulevard Inn ue in Southwest Michigan that is also the perfect place for your shower, reis closer to Lake Michigan than Shadowland hearsal dinner, morning-after brunch and on Silver Beach,” says Suz Schalon, president even as a spot for your guests to stay. of the Silver Beach Carousel Society. Just steps When it seems as if your guest list keeps away from the beach and historic lighthouse, growing and a modern feel is more your style, this brand new setting offers breathtaking

views of the lake and Whirlpool Compass Fountain. Dance on the wooden ballroom floor beneath an elegant coved ceiling personalized with your stencil designs, enjoy drinks on the Sunset Patio or ride the beautiful, hand-carved carousel.

The best part about having a wedding in St. Joseph is the ease of it all. The Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council provides dozens of free services, including hotel room block bids, hotel romance packages and helpful packets for guests such as the Shoreline guide and area map. According to Millicent Huminsky, executive director, they can also refer you to photography, salon and florist vendors. –DANIELLE BRAFF

INSPIRE

real weddings

c o m p i l e d b y J U LA I PE RL A

Studio 6.23 “We’re married . . . and honestly, it’s pretty much the best thing ever taking pictures of others getting married. Our bold style represents modern vintage with a hint of retro and urban flair. A dash of style and design mixed with a fabulous couple makes us super duper happy photographers!” -BEN AND MINDY PETERSON From the weddings of [clockwise from top]: Amrita and Ankush Goel in Chicago, Ill.; Rachel and Billy Shell in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Melody and Keith Hendren in Watervliet, Mich.; Kari and Mark Brown in Holland, Mich.; Michelle and Lance Brown in Grand Haven, Mich.

STUDIO 6.23 616.570.3493 studio6-23.com

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INSPIRE

Lady and the Lens “I’m a joke teller, expert dress bustler, photographer, crazy ninja ceremony shooter, I pick gum off your shoe, climb trees and yell, ‘OH YEAH!’ That’s me. I am inspired from the energy of my clients and I seek to show you something outside of the everyday photographer. For people who are in love and who shine with personality, I aim to make you laugh and strive to catch a glimpse of who you are!” -HOLLY RUSSELL From the weddings of [clockwise from right]: Elizabeth and Roman Macudzinski in Chicago, Ill.; Ashley and Ben Carson in LaPorte, Ind.; Kim and Ray Mark in South Bend, Ind. Lady and the Lens 219.210.1234 ladyandthelensphotography.com

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INSPIRE

LVL Photography â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is nothing better than documenting the first happiest day of your life. The smiles, laughter, tears . . . capturing those moments will have you reliving your day as if it was yesterday. Getting to know my clients during the consult, then their engagement session, and the final planning up to their day allows me to come in as a friend instead of just a photographer.â&#x20AC;? -LEDA VANDER LAAN From the weddings of [clockwise from top]: Kaprice and Craig Schau in St. Joseph, Mich.; Joanna and Justin Mack in Benton Harbor, Mich.; Jessica and Matt Cross in St. Joseph, Mich.; Jamie and Ben Elgrably in Grand Rapids, Mich.

LVL Photography 616.696.9877 lvlphotography.com

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PLAN

first things first

Saving the Date Once the engagement ring is slipped on the finger, it’s not long before potential dates are being discussed. And after the date is set in stone, couples feel compelled not just to share the good news, but to inform everyone of the big day so that there is plenty of time to avoid scheduling conflicts. This act of informing has added another product to the wedding market: “Save the Date” announcements.

T

racy Bultema, an invitation consultant at Dunhill Tuxedo in St. John, Indiana, says that sending “Save the Date” announcements a year in advance is a good idea so that people can plan ahead. When you get down to within six months, it’s getting closer to the time that invitations are mailed and is not as crucial, she adds.

Bultema says it’s also advised for couples that will have a lot of out-of-town guests, so that they’ll have time to make travel arrangements. At Dunhill, a standard card or postcard can be ordered. There are also a number of magnets that can include either a photo of the couple or a calendar with the date highlighted.

Candy bars with custom wrappers are a unique way to get the word out about the big day. The time of year and region you’re sending to, of course, should be taken into consideration, since a chocolate bar will likely not transport well through the postal service in the heat of summer.

Visit customcandybarwrapper. com and candywrapperstore. com for design ideas.

The Internet is a great free tool for sending information. Putting out the word through email, Facebook or Evite can notify the bulk of your guests without costing a penny. –CARRIE STEINWEG

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Going to the Chapel No More

ON-LOCATION CEREMONIES Just a few years ago, it was rare for a wedding ceremony to be held outside a house of worship. Even then, it was usually because a couple could not secure their church, requiring last-minute ceremony plans on the dance floor of their reception’s banquet center.

LET’S E XPLORE THE TOP But suddenly during this FIVE FACTS AND MYTHS decade, a strong trend exploded ABOUT ON-LOCATION for “on-location” ceremonies CEREMONIES: outside a house of worship.

Today, almost ten times as many THEY ARECHEA PER. Not couples as in the past prefer an necessarily. Fees are comparable and can on-location ceremony venue. even be more than a house of worship.

Unprecedented demand has LOCATIONS ARE MORE fueled the construction of CONVENIENT. Yes, it’s great to walk elaborate gazebos at banquet directly from your ceremony into your centers, city parks and nature banquet center for the reception. But if it’s preserves everywhere. in a remote location, it’s not so convenient to rent and transport chairs, arches and Ultimately, choose a wedding supplies. ceremony location that speaks to your heart. You’ll know when I HAVE THE F REEDOM TO it feels right, just like the love of FIND AN OF FICIANT THAT your life standing next to you.

WILL CONDUCT THE SERVICE

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–MARK LINDEMER

Mark Lindemer is a wedding day music and activity consultant, specializing in helping couples plan ceremonies and receptions that reflect their personalities and celebration style.

The founder of Trans Audio Mobile Music (trans-audio.com) in 1983 and Wedding Reception Perfection (wed-perfect.com) in 2008, Mark assists brides and grooms with maximizing the grandeur and fun of their wedding day entertainment, to assure incredible lifetime memories.

3 4 5

ACCORDING TO MY WISHES. True, but to be sure, interview your officiant carefully first.

I CAN HAVE ANY MUSIC I WANT. True, but not all houses of worship are restrictive, either. Generally, though, musical freedom is greater on location.

I PROBABLY WON’T HAVE TO GO TO PRENUPTIAL COUNSELING SESSIONS. True, but attending counseling sessions may be more helpful than you imagine.

Where the Party’s At Whether you’re looking for a banquet hall on the beach or a traditional setting inland, these reception venues have the taste and variety you may be seeking. –Nichole Odijk and Jennifer Pallay CENTENNIAL PARK GOLF COURSE AND BANQUET FACILITY 9701 Calumet Ave, Munster, Ind. 219.836.6930. munster.org This full-service facility has seating for 250 guests, an outdoor amphitheater and garden pergolas for ceremonies, optimal spots for photos, a golf course and a restaurant.

GLENWOOD OAKS 106 N Main St, Glenwood, Ill. 708.758.4400. glenwoodoaks.com The private dining rooms at Glenwood Oaks can accommodate 20 to 250 guests. Valet parking, complimentary wedding cake and free limousine services are available.

MARQUETTE PARK PAVILION 1 N Grand Blvd, Gary, Ind. 219.938.7362 With sites for both reception and ceremony, this beachfront location is becoming popular for weddings. The historic pavilion, built in 1924 as a recreation facility, underwent a renovation in 2008. Its ballroom features chandeliers, classic columns and windows throughout that provide guests with views of the lagoon, park and the lakeshore’s beautiful sunsets.

THE RED BARN EXPERIENCE 4555 W Johnson Rd, LaPorte, Ind. 219.363.6921 This brand-new venue—situated among rolling farmland in northern LaPorte—features a variety of picturesque spots for guests to enjoy during the wedding: a rustic arbor for the ceremony, a pond-side patio for cocktails and— of course—a red barn with attached pavilion for dinner and dancing.

SHADOWLAND ON SILVER BEACH 333 Broad St, St. Joseph, Mich. 888.404.7587 shadowlandonsilverbeach.com At the newly opened Shadowland on Silver Beach, wedding guests can take in the lakefront views and go for a carousel ride on the venue’s Silver Beach Carousel. Plenty of additional amenities at this facility make the wedding day truly unique.

THE VERANDA AT THE WHITCOMB 509 Ship St, St. Joseph, Mich.

888.785.6377. stjoebanquets.com With spectacular views of Lake Michigan and a central spot in the heart of downtown St. Joseph, the Veranda at the Whitcomb boasts a great location in a covered open-air facility. The venue has a Mediterranean feel, having been built in 1928 as a hotel for Chicago’s rich and famous. Guests included Al Capone and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Shadowland on Silver Beach

The Red Barn Experience

Glenwood Oaks

Centennial Park Golf Course and Banquet Facility

fall 2010 15

ANTICIPATE

before the wedding

ICING ON THE CAKE D

WEDDING CONFECTIONS AS WORKS OF ART

o you take this cake?

Brides are saying “I do!” to one-of-a-kind wedding cakes. Sweet on television shows like Ace of Cakes, brides want couture bakers to create artistic masterpieces.

“What’s happening now is a big change from five years ago when tradition was much more the norm,” says Alexis Sideris Davis, owner of Cakewalk in Plymouth, Indiana.

For cake decorations, Davis has created sea coral, stained glass, ruffles, sashes and Las Vegas landmarks. Her tulleAMY BECK inspired flowers are as fragile CAKE DESIGN as water sprites, yet look real Chicago, Ill. 312.545.3655. enough to tuck behind a amybeckcakedesign.com bride’s ear. She can turn any vision into a frosting-and-filling CAKEWALK reality.

Plymouth, Ind. “Apples was one theme, and 574.936.3801 the bride knew exactly what she eatbettercake.com wanted,” Davis says. “We shaped life-size apples from marzipan CAKE AFFECTION and painted them in edible Portage, Mich.

913.593.1023 food coloring.” The apples cakeaffection.com looked so real the serpent could have offered one to Eve. At Chicago’s Amy Beck Cake Design, it was a piece of cake to create a topsy-turvy confection.

Silky pastel roses and lustrous ivory bows were topped off by a climbing groom sculpture. “I hope it’s not a trend,” Beck

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laughs. “You have to make the sculpture ahead of time and hope that it fits.”

Beck’s prices begin at $5.50 per slice, $3.50 per cupcake. Her custom wedding cakes average $1,000. Beck has fashioned fondant Tiffany cupcakes at $8 apiece, “definitely more expensive than your typical cupcake tray.”

Fancy cake toppers, intricate piping and sugar designs raise wedding cake prices. A bride can prevent a sugar rush of expense by choosing single-tier cakes. Buttercream icing is more affordable than fondant.

Tiffany Blue, white and brown are favorite icing colors. The trend is towards almond, lemon and chocolate cakes. Food writer Amy Alessio says red velvet and coffee are also popular. Brides can have their fill of fillings.

At Cake Affection in Portage, Michigan, Ivy Lippard has adorned an all-chocolate ganache wedding cake with hand-painted leaves. An Indian sari inspired one of Lippard’s creations. Gold accents and dark henna designs embellished it. Such cakes are tiers of joy.

Lippard’s cakes start at $4 a slice, “including dots and little pearls, but not sugar flower work.” Cakewalk’s Davis prices from $3 per serving, more for sugar art and deluxe fillings.

So brides, let them eat cake. Most couture bakeries will deliver along the shoreline or within one to two hours of their shops. The personal attention can’t be beat—not even with a wire whisk. –Sarah Klose

ANTICIPATE

Dress at a Discount One of the biggest expenses in wedding planning is the dress. Brides are often willing to shell out big bucks for that picture-perfect gown. However, buying a dress at a consignment shop allows shoppers to find designer gowns at a fraction of the full retail price. It’s a good way to still look your best, but save a few dollars in the process.

Nearly New Consignment in Merrillville, Indiana, has been around for a year and a half and, while prom is the biggest time for them, you can shop year-round for discounted wedding dresses, both new and gently used.

Owner Susie Hovanec says that the store doesn’t focus solely on wedding apparel but they do have a good selection of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, veils and accessories at heavily discounted prices. Wedding gowns range from $150 to about $800.

In Chicago’s River North area, White Chicago debuted nearly five years ago, allowing brides to find designer samples and “once-wed” designer gowns at 30 to 70 percent off the retail price. If you have your heart set on a Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Melissa Sweet or Christos, you’ll want to pay White Chicago a visit. Some recent sales include a Carolina Herrera mermaid gown (retail $5,290) for $3,560 and a Pronovias A-line gown (retail $2,145) for $1,500.

Co-owner Stacy Senechalle notes another advantage besides cost in purchasing a consignment gown. “If you have a short engagement, consignment offers a faster turnaround time, because it is off the rack. There’s no need to wait for ordering.”

Consignment shops aren’t the only option for finding a discounted dress. Online outlets offer a large selection that you can peruse at your convenience. However, shipping charges must be considered and sellers should be investigated to learn their return policies and their satisfaction history with past clients. Senechalle suggests asking the seller for specifics on how measurements are taken and reminds brides to figure alteration costs into the budget.

White Chicago’s online store, whitexchange.com, also allows you to make a “wish list” of dresses, so that you can be notified if they acquire the dress you’re seeking.

Discounted gowns can be found on traditional online shopping sites such as ebay.com and craigslist.org as well as bridal-specific sites, including sheshopping.com and thebridesproject.com.

–Carrie Steinweg

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The New (Old) Bridal Veil FOR YEARS, THE L ONG VEIL WAS KEY TO THE BRIDAL UNIFORM, PART OF THE VISION OF PURITY. NOT ANYMORE. INCREASINGLY, BRIDES ARE OPT ING TO R EDEFINE THE VEIL—OR LOSE IT ALTOGETHER. “The majority of our brides think they don’t want a veil at all,” says Adrienne Wissner, owner of Kalamazoo-based Memories Bridal and Evening Wear. In fact, many brides are opting out of the traditional two-tiered veil and tiara. But once a bride tries on the dress, many get excited about what Wissner calls the “whole bride experience”— they want a piece of the Hollywood glamour, but with a modern twist.

As a result, Wissner has seen a huge upsurge in the birdcage veil. Less formal and lighter than the traditional look, a birdcage veil is usually made of French netting that can be worn at chin length. Depending on the style, these veils can be accented with a rhinestone clip, a flapper-style feather barrette, or a flower. The veil can be worn straight, or at a sassy angle, allowing one eye to peak through the lace. They can be pinned back on one side or on both.

With all these variations, many brides who chose the veil now use it to express individuality, and add drama and fashion to an ensemble.

–Caitlin Elsaesser

CELEBRATE

the big day

Girls’ Night In A New Kind of Bachelorette Party The traditional bachelorette party: a group of tipsy women taking the bar scene by storm, the bride-to-be donning the requisite embarrassing veil and taking innumerable shots.

These gatherings afford a great opportunity for letting loose.

But more women are opting for a girls’ night in instead. A girls’ night in—for the whole night or simply as a prelude for what is to come—offers a range of possibilities to cater to the brideto-be’s interests, all while staying in the comfort of one’s home.

For something a little more risqué, try a Pure Romance party, a company that sells lubricants, heighteners, and bedroom accessories. A consultant—trained by sex health experts—brings her inventory and sets up a demo table to walk ladies through a demonstration table of bedroom accessories. –Caitlin Elsaesser

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HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE POSSIBILITIES TO GET THE PARTY WHEELS MOVING: Bust a move. For a bride who loves dancing, an at-home dance class is a great way to learn something new—and to let the ladies express themselves. Many dance studios are willing to do at-home private lessons—so do some research and pick the style that best fits the lady of honor. Aurora-based Cupcakes n Cleavage offers striptease and pole dancing classes in private residences. “There is something about pole dancing that unleashes an inner confidence,” says owner Carolyn Trisilla.

Pole dancing isn’t just for strippers, she says, but for women who want to have fun expressing themselves in a new way.

Add a little liquid class. If the bride loves wine, find a wine bar that would be willing to do a private tasting for the ladies.

“Wine tasting is classy, and it is something many women share an interest in,” says Erica Witte, owner and wine educator at the Poison Cup in Chicago. Witte says she has done home tastings for many bachelorette parties—sometimes as the main event of a calm evening, and for others as a precursor to a wilder night on the streets.

Retail therapy—coming to you. There are several creative options to bring shopping to a home bachelorette party—and most come with a discount for the hostess. For the bride who loves accessories, 1154 LILL Studio in Chicago is a handbag company servicing a wide geographic area. Their home parties provide an opportunity for guests to get to know each other as they choose fabrics and styles to design their own bag— in a G-rated environment appropriate even for mom.

KISS AND TELL You’re going to be doing a lot of smooching on your big day. Keep your lips looking fabulous and your lipstick bleedfree by using the Enhancements Lip MicroDermabrasion exfoliation stick.

Created by the same duo of doctors that developed the Proactiv acne system, the Enhancements stick removes dead skin cells and gets your lips prepped for puckering up. Find it at rodanandfields.com for $16.

A CHANCE TO GIVE

Yes, it is your day. The day that, by design, is all about you.

But it’s also a day that can benefit others with just a few easy choices. More and more brides and grooms are using their wedding as an opportunity to give back to the community or to those in need. While the options are endless, here are some easy ways to make an impact.

The Shoes.

For every pair of TOMS shoes sold in the U.S., the company gives away a pair in a developing nation, where children often pick up parasites and infections through their feet. TOMS offers shoes for the entire bridal party, and there’s a growing trend to skip throwing the bouquet and to instead “toss the TOMS.”

The Jewelry.

In 2003, top designer Joan Hornig launched a line of bridal-themed jewelry.

Prices range from $55 to $5,000. All profits from the pieces go to charity; the buyers choose the recipients from more than 500 nonprofits.

The Gifts.

Register with idofoundation. org and when your guests purchase gifts at partner stores (including Target, Macy’s and Amazon.com), 10 percent of the purchase price goes to the charity or charities of your choice. Just be sure to choose a charity that’s not overly political, so you don’t offend your guests. –Seth “tower” Hurd

Fake It, Naturally

If false eyelashes aren’t your thing, but you still want a glamorous look for your wedding day, give L’Oréal Paris Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara a try.

For about $8 at your local drug store, your lashes will get a lovely plumping. And while it comes in a waterproof formula, you should still give it a prewedding test run with a good laugh-’til-you-cry movie to be sure it’s going to withstand any waterworks.

fall 2010 21

Women come with fabulous curves, shoulders and backs, and we’re meant to show them off. This year’s gowns are allowing us to do just that, with a few distinctive patterns that showcase the bride’s best, most ravishing features.

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Powerful Pleating The delicate art of ruching is prevalent this year, with intricate folds that glide seamlessly across the bodice, creating a slimming effect and enhancing the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curves in a subtle way.

ELLA BRIDALS

fall 2010 23

Shoulders and Shawls Designers are calling attention to the shoulders and neckline, with single, asymmetrical straps and sheer shawls, all with some added frills that make the upper half stand out.

MARTINA LIANA

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ESSENCE OF AUSTRALIA

REEM ACRA

Beautiful Backs Now that long veils are less common, many dresses are highlighting the back in innovative ways. The gorgeous back lines in these gowns make a dramatic statement on the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walk down the aisle.

Powerful Pleating The delicate art of ruching is prevalent this year, with intricate folds that glide seamlessly across the bodice, creating a slimming effect and enhancing the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curves in a subtle way.

JULY 2010

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MARTINA LIANA

RELAX

the honeymoon

compiled by HEATHER AUGUSTYN

FOUR SEASONS MAUI AT WAILEA Wailea, Maui 808.874.8000 fourseasons.com/maui Think honeymoon and think Maui, and that’s not without reason. Maui is a paradise, and the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea is the zenith of that paradise. Virtually all of the resort’s 380 rooms have ocean views, thanks to the building’s design.

There is an adult-only pool with panoramic views of the ocean and landscape and rentable private 160-squarefoot cabanas with HD television, Internet access, couches, ceiling fans and stocked mini refrigerators. Plenty of recreational activities are available, such as tennis, boating and the spectacular Wailea Blue Golf Course, which is located at the foot of Mt. Haleakala, the island’s volcano that produced incredible flora.

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Hawaiian honeymoon

heaven

When it comes to honeymoons, what destination tops such world-class locations as Italy, Tahiti and Jamaica? None other than Hawaii, part of the proud United States. Hawaii is the number one honeymoon spot, perhaps because of its unique combination of romance and relaxation, as well as activity and adventure. For couples who love to hike, kayak, golf, bike and snorkel, Hawaii is perfect. For couples who enjoy massages, piña coladas on the beach, breathtaking sunsets and lounging poolside, Hawaii is perfect. Perhaps this is why many people refer to Hawaii as paradise: it offers so much to spark the human spirit, and to start off every marriage in bliss. At almost every winding turn of the road, Hawaii offers an abundance of fantastic resorts and hotels. The following are a few exceptional resorts that are ideal honeymoon choices.

THE FAIRMONT ORCHID Kohala Coast, Hawaii 866.540.4474 fairmont.com/orchid

GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT AND SPA Koloa, Kauai 808.742.1234 grandhyattkauai.com A private cabana on the beach where a butler serves up a four-course dinner; a hike hand-inhand along sea cliffs to see monk seals and whales on the white sandy beach; or lounging on the lanai overlooking an ocean sunset . . .

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa brings all of the seclusion and magnificence of the island of Kauai, combined with an extraordinary spa that boasts traditional healing techniques of the Hawaiian culture.

The spa has been newly remodeled and features 45,000 square feet of space with outdoor treatment areas in the garden, outdoor lava rock shower gardens, soaking tubs, menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s steam grottos, relaxation courtyards, a garden Vichy shower, and a 25-yard lap pool.

For 20 years, the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island of Hawaii has been bringing newlywed couples exquisite, lush and gorgeous honeymoons. The Big Island combines the best of all worlds in Hawaii. Honeymooners can enjoy the tranquility of the shoreline with warm Pacific waves lapping the coast while relaxing in a lounge chair.

Native sea turtles frequent the shores each afternoon, and even more nature is found on the other side of the Big Island, where molten lava flows into steaming, quenching ocean water from Kilauea. And in between the Kohala coast and the volcanic coast lie miles and miles of thriving rainforest, perfect for adventure and hiking.

Relax in award-winning indoor or outdoor spa accommodations such as waterfall huts, enjoy sushi oceanside during sunset, or stay in with floating bathtub candles and orchid petals draped throughout the suite.

THE KAHALA HOTEL & RESORT Honolulu, Oahu | 800.367.2525 | kahalaresort.com All of the action of Honolulu, including great surfing, shopping and sightseeing, plus all of the privacy and quiet that this exceptional five-star resort offers, means a honeymoon that will be both romantic and lively. The luxurious resort offers private balconies off of private suites that overlook private ivory beaches.

Unique to the Kahala is a 26,000-squarefoot natural lagoon that is home to Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins and is known as Dolphin Quest. This area of the resort offers visitors an in-water swim with the dolphins while learning about the mammals up-close. For those who prefer more pampering, the Kahala Spa, which features private rooms and an outdoor relaxation area post-treatment, has been named one of the top 25 most romantic getaways in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine for its tropical couples treatments.

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LIVE

after the wedding

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO

Changing Your Name My Two Last Names

I knew I wanted to change my last name to my husband’s name—Karpinos is so much more exotic than Braff. But changing it professionally would take a lot of work, and could make it harder for me to get work, since I’m a freelance writer and all of my stories over the past decade have been in my maiden name. Plus, I really didn’t want to find a new website when daniellebraff.com has worked so well.

So I kept my last name professionally and changed my maiden name legally. While it kept my career chugging along, I’ve still had a few hiccups. My professional checks are made out to Danielle Braff, but my bank account is under Danielle Karpinos.

Thank goodness they haven’t noticed the different names. And my email is still under my maiden name, so all of the friends I’ve made since getting married just assume it’s my married name.

But at the end of the day, I’m happy I kept my maiden name alive. It’s like I get to be the pre-married Danielle during the day, but the married Danielle after hours. —DB 28

T

hat name that you’ve been doodling for months and maybe even years finally gets to be yours now. Sorta. If you’ve decided to change your last name, you’ll have to go through a few steps to make it official.

“Oh, boy,” says Jessica Markusic, owner of Events Your Way in Lowell, Indiana. “It’s a lot of hassle. Make a list so you don’t get too overwhelmed.” We’ve gone one step further and actually made your list for you. Follow these simple steps to changing your name. –Danielle Braff

STep one: As soon as you get back from your honeymoon, order some extra certified copies of your marriage certificate. You’ll need them because some agencies, such as the department of motor vehicles, request originals for proof of marriage.

STep TWo: You’ll need a new social security card with your new name. Get forms from the Social Security Administration at 800.722.1213.

STep THree: You’ll need a whole new passport. To do this, you’ll be required to mail your old passport and a certified documentation of your name change—this is where the copy of your marriage certificate becomes useful—at a post office that accepts passport documents. They should have the forms for you to fill out to accompany your old passport.

STep FoUr: Head to the DMV to get a new driver’s license. Bring another certified copy of your marriage certificate, and for $10, they’ll give you a new license. Remember to bring your old driver’s license with you—they’ll require you to turn in the old one before you get a new one.

STep FiVe: Contact your bank and your credit card issuer. They will probably request proof of the name change—so do this after you get it formally changed through the Social Security Administration.

STep SiX: Let your employer or school know so that it’ll be changed in their records.

STep SeVen: Contact your insurance agency, your mortgage company, your car registration, utility company and any frequent flier programs. Each will require you to do something different to change the name—from mailing your marriage certificate to simply verifying the name change.

STep eiGHT: Change your email address and your Facebook name.

ShorebrideOnline.com

Finance Tip From a pro:

Separate or Joint Bank Accounts?

There are pros and cons to everything. This includes the titling of bank and investment accounts. Many couples choose to title their accounts as Joint Tenancy with the right of survivorship for several reasons.

First, this will allow either party to make transactions on the account independently of the other. Establishing the account does require both signatures.

Also, the joint account will pass to the survivor regardless of any will or trust. • Depending upon the relationship and responsibilities divided between couples, many prefer to keep accounts separate. Jointly held accounts may be subject to claims made by creditors, lawsuits and divorce settlements.

– Karen Vogelsang, senior financial advisor with Vogelsang Asset Management LLC in Valparaiso

Roomies for Life

Over the years countless studies have been conducted questioning whether or not living together before marriage inhibits or improves a relationship.

But if this bride-to-be can go out on a limb, I feel it has to be a personal decision made by an individual couple. What’s good for the goose is not always good for the gander.

While my fiancé and I purchased our first home together a few short months ago, we’ve decided to take the time before the wedding to set up house, moving in slowly and decorating. We’re fortunate to have the privilege to stay with our parents until the big day. While there are days when I think it would be easier to pack up and settle into our new home, I know deep down it’s worth the wait for us.

Pre-wedding living arrangements can become a point of contention for families and couples alike. Be it financial, economic, personal, religious or any reason in between, it seems almost everyone has their own view on the decision.

Kaitlyn and Ryan Perisin of Chicago married in May 2010. They had dated for more than six years. When Kaitlyn’s college roommate bailed on her during her junior year of college, the couple made the decision to move in together.

“The only way you can truly know someone is by living with them,” Kaitlyn says. “When you come home from work at the end of the day, nothing is better than having the one person you love more than anyone else in the world waiting for you.”

As the National Survey of Family Growth recently reported, we’re living in an era when nearly two-

thirds of couples who marry live together first.

Prior to marriage, newlyweds Andrew and Nina Koehler stayed together frequently, but kept their living arrangements separate. “If financially, a couple can continue to have separate places until marriage, I would say it’s a good idea,” says Nina, a native of Ionia, Michigan, and new Fayetteville, Arkansas, transplant.

Just remember, your new roommate may have a few quirks to adjust to. “[Andrew] leaves the lights on a lot and that drives me crazy . . . I’ll just give him the electric bills,” Nina jokes.

Muncie, Indiana, residents Ben and Leitia McCugh married in May 2009. Ben had always said he had no intentions of ever living with his future wife prior to exchanging vows. When Ben met Leitia he stayed true to his word. Their reasons “ranged from practical to moral; we went to different colleges . . . but we also wanted to wait until our wedding night to have sex, and living together beforehand would have definitely put that at risk.”

Each couple brings a different story and reasons to the table. But one common token of advice between all: follow your heart and do what you as a couple feel is best.

–Nichole Odijk

fall 2010 29

list

shops & services

making your list and checking it twice Newly engaged and don’t know where to start?

We’ve listed some of the area’s best in the categories of apparel, beauty, receptions, photography and more.

Highlight, circle and start shopping! design KRISTINA LYNN FLORAL 1642 Britton Dr, schererville, ind.

219.865.8663. Kristina Lynn, who offers delivery, will meet every floral need for the wedding— from the boutonnieres to the corsages—including the engagement party, bridal shower, church and reception. eat GREAT LAKES CATERING 701 Washington st, Michigan City, ind. 219.898.1501. greatlakescatering.com. With a combined 75 years of experience, father and son Matt and Ed Kis are some of the area’s leading caterers. Services include catered food and beverages, hall rental assistance, flowers, DJs, bands, tents, tables and more.

H&R CATERING, INC. 528 W 77th Ave, schererville, ind.

219.864.1458. banquetsatstgeorge. com. H&R Catering strives for culinary expertise in its freshly prepared food, extensive menu options and ability to fulfill special requests, while offering free tastings throughout the process to help with tough decisions. go ALL ABOUT TRAVEL 8671 Wicker Ave, ste B, st. John, ind. 219.365.3500. 10724 Broadway, Crown Point, ind. 219.661.8500. allabouttravel1.com. For more than 15 years, Denise Zencka’s travel agency has been “the Premier Agency in Lake and Porter Counties,” offering travel packages that include resort and destination information. pamper COSMETIC DENTISTRY OF LAKE COUNTY 8840 Calumet Ave, ste 104, Munster, ind. 219.836.7684. cosmeticdentistryoflakecounty.com.

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Dr. Kenneth B. Rundle specializes in cosmetic repairs in the teeth and mouth. The clinic is popular among brides for its variety of whitening services, including the Zoom! procedure. party THE ALLURE 301 B st, laPorte, ind. 219.477.9666. allureone.com. Recently renovated, this 1920s building now houses the area’s newest banquet hall. This unique venue combines modern design with classic ambience and features balconies, lofts, lounges and a gorgeous cascading staircase that descends into a grand ballroom.

AVALON MANOR 3550 E Us 30, Merrillville, ind.

219.945.0888. theavalonmanor.com.

The largest freestanding banquet facility in Northwest Indiana, Avalon Manor has exquisite outdoor gardens, a new ballroom and seating available for up to 1,200 guests.

BLUE CHIP CASINO 2 Easy st, Michigan City, ind.

219.851.4852. bluechipcasino.com.

Blue Chip’s brand-new Stardust Event Center offers 20,000 square feet of space, to accommodate a wedding of any size.

Pre-wedding pampering is offered at Spa Blu, and guests can stay at the new, luxurious hotel.

THE BOULEVARD INN AND BISTRO 521 lake Blvd, st. Joseph, Mich.

269.983.6600. theboulevardinn. com. St. Joseph’s famous hotel is available for small, intimate wedding receptions, as well as for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and morning-after brunch. The inn can also be a place for guests to stay, no matter where the wedding takes place.

CASA DEL ROMA 712 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, ind.

219.465.0478. casadelroma.com.

This full-service banquet facility offers a wedding chapel, catering services for up to 700 people, and a quaint Italian ambience.There are five banquet rooms to choose from, to accommodate any size and style of wedding.

THE CENTER FOR VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster, ind.

219.836.1950. cvpa.org. Up to 400 guests can share in your joy at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, where “happily ever after begins.”

CIAO BELLA 1514 Us 41, schererville, ind.

219.322.6800. ciaobellaonline.com.

This beautiful new Italian restaurant offers a private banquet room available for bridal showers or rehearsal dinners. The cuisines of three different regions of Italy are featured here.

DUNELAND BEACH INN 3311 Pottawattamie tr, Michigan City. 800.423.7729. dunelandbeachinn.com. Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood just outside of New Buffalo, this newly remodeled, circa-1924 inn offers space for private parties as well as catering for weddings.

THE FELT MANSION 6597 138th Ave, Holland, Mich.

616.335.3050. feltmansion.org.

The Felt Mansion offers an open parlor, covered terrace, fine dining rooms and a third-floor grand ballroom. The surrounding gardens offer the bride and groom a magnificent backdrop for their special day. The historical mansion holds up to 90 guests in the grand ballroom.

GLENWOOD OAKS 106 N Main st, Glenwood, ill.

708.758.4400. glenwoodoaks.com.

The private dining rooms at Glenwood Oaks can accommodate 20 to 250 guests. Valet parking, complimentary wedding cake and free limousine services are available.

THE HERITAGE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER 601 Main st, st. Joseph, Mich.

269.983.1191. theheritagemcc.org.

This historical venue—which features 20-foot ceilings with white pillars, hardwood floors and crystal chandeliers—is ideal for formal weddings. Guests can also roam the museum space during cocktail hour.

INNSBROOK COUNTRY CLUB 6701 taft st, Merrillville, ind.

219.980.9060. innsbrookcc.com.

Innsbrook Country Club’s newly remodeled banquet hall can accommodate up to 350 guests, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a beautiful backdrop to any photo. Innsbrook’s staff will work with any specialty themes, decorations, flowers or entertainment you would like to have at your reception.

THE LIGHTHOUSE 7501 Constitution Ave, Cedar lake, ind. 219.374.9283. cedarlakelighthouse.com. The Lighthouse’s banquet facility, located on the second floor, features it all—atmosphere, good food and great service. A wooden dance floor surrounded by windows offers picturesque lakeside views.

LUBEZNIK CENTER FOR THE ARTS 101 W 2nd st, Michigan City, ind.

219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org.

With more than 5,000 total square feet, the Lubeznik Center is a unique and ideal setting

for brides and grooms who love art. Large and small galleries can be rented for both wedding receptions and bridal showers.

THE MENDEL CENTER AT LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE 2755 E Napier Ave, Benton Harbor, Mich. 269.927.8100. themendelcenter.com. The Mendel Center offers a variety of options for any size wedding, even those with 500 or more guests. The staff helps customize the event, and the menu features fresh and locally grown foods.

SERBIAN SOCIAL CENTER 18550 stony island Ave, lansing, ill.

708.895.8998. serbiansocialcenter. com. The servers at the Serbian Social Center guarantee outstanding service for the bridal party and guests. The ballrooms can comfortably accommodate up to 700 guests underneath the magnificence of the crystal chandeliers.

SHADOWLAND ON SILVER BEACH 333 Broad st, st. Joseph, Mich. 888.404.7587. shadowlandonsilverbeach.com.

This new venue is available for a variety of wedding needs, from the shower to the reception to the post-wedding brunch. Shadowland offers views of the lake and Whirlpool Compass Fountain, and guests can ride the beautiful, handcarved carousel.

THE VERANDA AT THE WHITCOMB 509 ship st, st. Joseph, Mich.

888.785.6377. stjoebanquets.com.

With spectacular views of Lake Michigan, the Veranda boasts a great location in a covered open-air facility. Catering service is provided by CK Catering and menus can be customized to the bride and groom’s preferences.

VILLA CESARE 900 Eagle Ridge Dr, schererville, ind. 219.322.3011. villacesare.com.

With two large banquet halls available to accommodate up to 900 people, Villa Cesare has an inviting atmosphere with impeccable service.

WHITE HAWK COUNTRY CLUB 1001 White Hawk Dr, Crown Point, ind. 219.661.2322. whitehawkcountryclub.com.

The elegant banquet rooms at White Hawk collectively seat 230 people. All couples will be provided with a wedding coordinator for planning purposes. Additionally, an outdoor gazebo overlooking the 36-hole golf course is available for wedding ceremonies. plan SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN TOURIST COUNCIL 2300 Pipestone Rd, Benton Harbor, Mich. 269.925.6301. swmichigan.org. Brides and grooms can contact this organization to help make hotel room block bids, find hotel romance packages and provide helpful packets for wedding guests.

ST. JOSEPH TODAY 120 state st, st. Joseph, Mich.

269.985.1111. sjtoday.org. Out-oftown wedding guests will find a variety of helpful information— on shopping, dining and events—at this welcome center, which can also help couples find the resources they need for their wedding. wear ALBERT’S DIAMOND JEWELERS 711 Main st, schererville, ind.

219.322.2700. albertsjewelers.com.

Family-owned and -operated, Albert’s offers an entire wall of bridal jewelry and accessories at the back of the store, featuring names such as Scott Kay, Bez Ambar and Tacori.

DUNHILL TUXEDOS Various locations in Northwest indiana and southwest Michigan.

800.445.1889. dunhilltuxedos.com.

Names such as After Six, Oscar de la Renta and Perry Ellis fill the six different locations of Dunhill Tuxedos, with special wedding deals including free groom’s tuxedos and invitations.

ELEGANCE WEDDING & EVENING WEAR 2820 Highway Ave, Highland, ind.

219.923.0977. elegancewedding. net. With a dedication to its customers and commitment to excellence, Elegance Wedding & Evening Wear is a one-stop shop for all bridal needs, including gowns, jewelry and invitations.

service directory

CAPTURE

a moment in time

photograph by PETE STENBERG PHOTOGRAPHY

January 17, 2009

Bridget and Tom Reeb Living Word Church Lansing, Illinois

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bite & SIP

FOOD FEATURE BY

JANE DUNNE

A MEMORABLE MEAL ON THE HIGH SEAS

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It is April 7th. I am aboard the Island Princess on the final leg of a round-trip cruise that has taken us through the Caribbean Sea to the Panama Canal.

Invited that evening to a special dinner created by executive chef Nilo Palma, I doll myself up and wait with seven other similarly garbed passengers for the festivities to begin.

ALASKAN MEAT SNOW CRAB TA RI A RG A M (8 SERVINGS) Striding toward us, smiling brightly, are the head maître d’ and the ship’s food and beverage director. Their arms are heaped with what appear to be— actually are—white lab coats. Apparently, as our aperitif and hors d’oeuvres will be served in the main galley of the ship, we must be, we’re told, suitably covered up for health reasons. Frankly, I think it’s a gimmick, but a cute one. The lab coats set the tone for the evening: relax—have a great time and don’t take anything too seriously. Fine with me!

We form a line and follow our escorts through one of the ship’s two elegant main dining rooms. It is at the height of dinner service. Our lab-coated selves are on the receiving end of many curious looks as we wind through the tables.

Suddenly, we step through a set of swinging doors into the enormous main galley. This is the hub of the culinary operations on the ship, where 193 staff members are responsible for lunches, dinners and all those buffets for most of the 2,000 passengers on board.

There are two other galleys aboard: one handles breakfasts, light lunches, teas and room service; the other manages to provide three meals a day for the ship’s 800 crew members.

Champagne corks are popping (one of my all-time favorite sounds) as Chef Nilo, handsome in his chef’s whites and toque, greets us. He is young and dashing; hearts flutter. Hors d’oeuvres are passed with the champagne, as the chef describes each one. There are happy murmurs among us as we nibble fresh crab salad with avocado and mango; beef tenderloin tartare, the rosy paperthin slices presented with traditional garnishes; tiny quiches with white truffle oil and cherry tomatoes and—perfect with the iced champagne—roasted baby potatoes with caviar and sour cream.

Lab coats having been left behind and resplendent once again in our finery, we re-enter the dining room and head for the Chef’s Table, which is gleaming with crystal, silver and pure white napery. Not only is the table gorgeous, it is elevated from all the others, sitting on its own platform. We are definitely getting the star treatment. By now, fueled by the champagne and anticipation, there is a convivial atmosphere at table. We exchange cards, talk about food, cruises, food, more food and more cruises.

Most of my fellow diners are long-time Princess Cruise passengers. For some, it is their eleventh or twelfth cruise; they have been all over the world on these ships and cannot wait for the next time.

Our first course is a risotto with lobster tail and fresh asparagus. The rice is of the Carnaroli variety rather than

askan snow pounds fresh Aled into pieces crabmeat, flak bmeat, e cra 1/2 pound bluo pieces flaked int ed mango 1/4 pound dic ed avocado dic d un po age 1/4 shredded cabb 1 cup finely and finely ed ed 1/3 cup se matoes diced fresh to celery diced ly ne fi p cu 1/2 er, to taste Salt and pepp opped ch 2 tablespoons (20 minutes fresh cilantro ) before servingtra virgin ex 1 tablespoon olive oil ce fresh lemon jui 1 tablespoonuce, to taste Tabasco sa 2

GARNISH: ow crab shells 8 Alaskan sn with meat s with 8 celery stick s some leave

of the above Combine all l a mixing bow ingredients in g, in on as ct se and taste. Corre ace in chilled Pl y. ar ss ce ne if ses. Garnish margarita glas king crab n ka with an Alas stick. ry le ce a d shell an

the usual Arborio, and I find I prefer it.

Accompanying the risotto is a lovely, fruity and perfectly chilled Pinot Grigio.

After a palate cleanser of lemon/mango sorbet, Chef Nilo appears tableside to prepare a trio of beef, veal and pork tenderloin flambé (oh, my), which is served with three dipping sauces—a salsa verde, béarnaise sauce and café de Paris butter. Creamy mousseline potatoes, swirled into rosettes and glazed golden, and a mélange of baby peas, celery and shallots, complement the meat. Merlot is poured and savored.

Servings are perfect—just enough— no super-sizing here.

Dinner proceeds through a baked Camembert with pine nuts in a port wine/honey reduction, followed by an iced Cointreau parfait garnished with baby orange compote and a brandy snap tuille.

A glass of late-harvest Riesling becomes the perfect partner and Chef Nilo is a solicitous host, posing for pictures with each of us at table. Café and the chef’s Amaretti Biscotti finish this memorable meal.

As a final gift, we are presented with an autographed menu of our dinner and a coffee table book of recipes from the Princess Line’s various cruises.

“Wasn’t that just heavenly?” asked a fellow diner, as she and I left the dining room, headed for our staterooms.

And heavenly it was.

Chef ’s Table Menu ABOARD THE ISLAND PRINCESS

Alaskan Snow Crab Margarita with Avocado & Mango Beef Tenderloin Tartare with Traditional Accompaniments Bistro Mini Quiche with White Truffle & Cherry Tomatoes Roasted New Potatoes with Caviar & Sour Cream Italian Carnaroli Risotto with Lobster Tail & Asparagus Lemon/Mango Sorbet Trio of Beef, Veal & Pork Tenderloin Flambé, Au Jus Salsa Verde, Béarnaise Sauce, Café de Paris Butter Fresh Premium Vegetables—Creamy Mousseline Potatoes Baked Camembert with Pine Nuts, Port Wine/ Honey Reduction Walnut Fig Bread Iced Cointreau Parfait with Baby Orange Compote Brandy Snap Tuille “Nilo Palma” Amaretti Biscotti Café

Chef Nilo Palma, 41, is currently executive chef of the Princess Cruise Line’s Princess.

Island Princess Born in the Philippines and the youngest in a family of seven, he was inspired by his siblings, who worked as hoteliers for many years.

In 1985, while in college, he gained an apprenticeship at the Nikko Hotel Manila Garden, where he continued to hone his culinary skills for the next five years.

Two years followed at the Hotel Nikko International in Saipan and the Diamond Hotel in Tokyo.

Wanting to travel the world, Nilo spent 7 1/2 years as chef de partie and later executive chef with the Star Cruise Line. His continuing love of the sea brought him to his present position with Princess in 2008.

bite & SIP Don Quijote

119 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Indiana. 219.462.7976. donquijoterestaurantandimports.com.

The information presented in Bite & Sip is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify listing information.

Indiana

AMORÉ RISTORANTE AND 109 SUSHI & MARTINI LOUNGE 109 Joliet St, Crown Point. 219.663.7377. amore109.com. The ultimate two-for-one, this sleek restaurant features Italian cuisine on its first floor at Amoré Ristorante and Japanese cuisine, including sushi and sashimi, upstairs at the 109 Sushi & Martini Lounge. But eating at one doesn’t preclude ordering off the menu at the other as the food goes both ways—up and down the stairs. Carnivores will want to try the monster-sized 20- to 22-ounce bone-in rib eye steak, the 16-ounce Kansas City bone-in strip steak or the braised pork shank osso bucco. Seafood lovers get to order lobster in a myriad of ways, including in the sushi, bisque and linguini as well as the decadent twin 6-ounce lobster tails served with drawn butter. Other seafood favorites are the seafood risotto piled high with shrimp, scallops, mussels and more lobster and the peppercornencrusted fresh ahi tuna. Save room for bananas foster, crème brûlée and a quadruple assortment of cupcakes—chocolate, vanilla bean, black and white (swirled chocolate and vanilla) and red velvet topped with cream cheese frosting.

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BARTLETT’S GOURMET GRILL & TAVERN 131 E Dunes Hwy 12, Beverly Shores. 219.879.3081. eatatbartletts.com. Bartlett’s is a new gourmet grill by husband-and-wife team Gary Sanders and Nicole Bissonnette-Sanders. Located in the heart of the National Lakeshore, Bartlett’s has a cozy but very modern ambience. The menu is an exceptionally creative take on upscale roadhouse-type food.

Starting off the meal are appetizers such as andouille sausage corndogs and surf & turf potstickers, as well as family style offerings like Low Country spiced boiled peanuts and smoked venison sticks. Entrées include 5-hour pot roast, whitefish fillet and linguine bolognese, ranging in price from $10 to $20. The wine list is modest but well-crafted.

BISTRO 157 157 W Lincolnway,

Valparaiso.

219.462.0992.

bistro157.net. Trained in Paris at Le Cordon Bleu, chef and owner Nicole Bissonnette-Sanders has created a menu of classics—like a decadent sautéed veal and gulf shrimp, a pork rib chop with apple horseradish ham, and an herb-rubbed roasted half chicken— combined with her own creative takes on nouvelle cuisine with a number of fresh fish selections. Desserts include black chocolate-infused confections that have become standard for fine dining, and also sorbets and ice cream made from fresh fruit. There are some treasures on the extensive list of bottle wines, and many solid choices by the glass.

thin-crust options with toppings such as sausage, fresh garlic, salami and jalapeños. Or try such entries as Ciao Bella’s signature dishes, Rigatoni Boscaiola— spicy Italian sausage and rigatoni noodles topped with a tomato cream sauce—and the Chicken Pollo Ala Romana, a chicken breast sautéed in a white wine sauce with roasted tri-color peppers and then sauced in a tomato cream. There’s also a great selection of seafood, pork and beef. Desserts change frequently, but the tiramisu is always on the menu. The extensive wine list focuses on European and Californian wines.

Delivery and take-out available.

BUTTERFINGERS 2552 45th Ave, Highland. 219.924.6464. 921 D Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.4202. Every day, Butterfingers prepares a selection of ready-to-heat-and-eat entrées, along with freshly baked breads and salads, all without preservatives. The chicken almond salad has long been a crowd favorite, but the rest of the lunch menu is equally gratifying. What Butterfingers is best known for, however, is their famous desserts. The restaurant’s two pastry chefs—whose training hails from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, and Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island—create an array of gourmet desserts, which includes beautifully decorated and delicious cakes (the double chocolate mousse cake is a must), and an assortment of cookies and brownies, all of which have been satisfying dessert lovers for more than twenty-five years. And to every party planner’s delight, Butterfingers does offer catering.

DUNELAND BEACH INN 3311 Pottawattamie Tr, Michigan City. 800.423.7729. dunelandbeachinn.com. Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood, just outside of New Buffalo, Duneland Beach Inn lies in wait to greet its guests. The newly remodeled, circa-1924 inn buzzes with the activity of locals and Chicagoans alike. Start your evening in the cozy bar with a bottle of wine that you will find nowhere else in the region, ranging from $26 to $210. Or, after a martini, retire to a table near the fireplace to enjoy one of the chef’s features which may include steaks, fresh fish and seafood or seasonal cuisine. All items are prepared from the freshest ingredients available, whether it be a seared ahi tuna with soba noodle salad, Alaskan halibut with ginger hoisin glaze, New Zealand rack of lamb with herb demi-glace, Maryland style jumbo lump crab cakes with mustard aioli, tender smoky baby back ribs with sweet BBQ sauce, gaufrettes and housemade slaw, or black truffle risotto. Round out your evening with something sweet prepared in-house by the pastry chef. Not a lot of room left over? Everyone has room for a mini: tantalizing assorted desserts— such as coconut cream pie, triple chocolate cake, berries sabayon, to name a few—served in miniature martini glasses. Looking for a place for that special occasion? Private dinners and catering are available for any event.

CIAO BELLA 1514 US 41, Schererville.

219.322.6800. ciaobellaonline.com. The cuisines of three different regions of Italy are featured at the newly opened Ciao Bella, a ristorante, pizzeria and wine bar. Patrons can sample a 12-inch gourmet pizza with a creative array of toppings like the Pizza Quattro Stagioni— tomatoes, artichokes, prosciutto and black olives—or the sauceless Pizza Al Fichi topped with goat cheese, figs and onions and drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

For those who like more traditional pies, there are

GINO’S STEAK HOUSE 1259 W Joliet St, Dyer. 219.865.3854. 600 E

photograph by KYLE TELECHAN

Proprietor Carlos Rivero’s authentic Spanish cuisine, lively and friendly atmosphere, and conviviality with his return customers make this downtown Valparaiso restaurant a destination for Chicagoans and Michigan residents alike. The exciting menu features dozens of small courses, including a well-known classic paella with saffron rice and fresh-grilled seafood chunks.

Grilled steaks and lamb and veal chops are abundant and cooked according to family recipes handed down for generations. The house specialty is a flan-textured vanilla cake. Lunch entrées average $15, dinner $25.

81st Ave, Merrillville. 219.769.4466. ginossteakhouse.com. The chefs at Gino’s, who have more than thirty years of combined experience, use only the freshest ingredients in their homestyle cuisine. Starters include traditional minestrone soup from a family recipe, salads with fresh, locally grown produce, and crusty bread with crocks of butter. The nine-ounce prime steak tops the menu and is itself topped with Roquefort cheese in its most popular rendition. All main dishes are served with the restaurant’s signature marinated peppers, and entrées include fish and lobster delivered daily. The dessert menu features créme brûlée and various cheesecakes, but the housemade tiramisu is the highlight—a rich blend of coffee, chocolate and cream cheese flavors. A premium selection of wine, beer and cocktails is available at the full-service bar, and there is a special children’s menu so the entire family can enjoy the dining experience.

GIORGETTI’S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA Washington Park, Michigan City.

219.809.4000. 28 N Elm St, Three Oaks, Mich. giorgettis.com. Expanding on its successful takeout and delivery-only pizzeria in New Buffalo, Giorgetti’s has renovated the waterfront space that was, until recently, the Harbor Grill, at Washington Park’s Yacht Club facility.

“When we say we have fresh homemade lasagna, it means we made our own noodles,” says general manager Steve Vargas, explaining the concept. “When we say fresh fish, that means we get the whole fi sh and cut the fi llets ourselves.”

Using old family recipes, including one for pizza sauce that dates back half a century, the Michigan City restaurant not only serves the thin-crust pizzas that gained them such a following at their former New Buffalo location, but they also offer an extended menu featuring Italian sandwiches with their housemade sausage and garden salads with romaine, tomato, green onion, black olives, Romano cheese and Italian dressing (made in-house, of course). Desserts change weekly but can include their killer tiramisu and chocolate chip cookies. Be sure to watch the sun set over the harbor while sipping a martini, a locally crafted beer, cocktails or a glass of wine on the outdoor patio that seats 75. There’s live music at night during the summer. “We’re family friendly,” says Vargas, noting that their most expensive item is $12 for the lake perch.

KELLY’S TABLE 5727 N 600 W, Michigan City.

219.872.5624. kellyscreekwood.com.

Tucked away amidst 30 acres of woodland, the Creekwood Inn, built in the 1930s as a second home, is a delightful spot for those wanting to get away.

But you don’t have to spend the night to enjoy a great repast at Kelly’s Table, located inside the inn. It’s here that chef/ proprietor Patricia Kelly Molden creates a seasonal menu using the local bounty of the neighboring farms and orchards.

Recent appetizer offerings include a rich Onion Soup Savoyarde with egg yolks and cream, topped with Gruyère toast as well as crabmeat and artichoke-stuffed mushrooms. Entrées range from the simple but delicious chicken tetrazzini to grilled cumin-crusted tuna with a mango habanero salsa, and rabbit braised in wine and served with summer vegetables.

Fresh pumpkin custard—topped with whipped cream and flavored with Grand Marnier and crystallized ginger—and chocolate mousse served in chocolate tulip cups accompanied by a berry sauce are among Molden’s to-die-for desserts.

For cocktails, consider Kelly’s Table

Cosmopolitan: a delightful concoction of Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Chambord, lime and cranberry or a capirinha made with Brazilian cachaça, fresh limes and turbinado sugar.

LUCREZIA 428 Calumet Rd, Chesterton.

219.926.5829. 302 S Main St, Crown Point. 219.661.5829. lucreziacafe.com.

Lucrezia has been a Northern Italian favorite since owners Michael and Nada Karas first opened it in the mid-nineties, in a historic downtown Chesterton building. Several years later, the couple renovated the William Barringer Brown Mansion just off the downtown square in Crown Point, continuing their fine dining tradition. (In fact, Lucrezia won 2006 and 2008 ROSE Awards for “Putting Porter County on the Map.”) Signature dishes include slow-cooked Chicken Vesuvio, slow-cooked chicken served in a rosemary garlic sauce with roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables, and roasted lamb shank braised in its own juices accompanied by roasted potatoes and braised red cabbage. Specials include veal medallions with mustard and mushrooms topped with a roasted brandy cream sauce. Not to be missed is the zuccotto, a sinful domeshaped chocolate sponge cake filled with white chocolate mousse and pistachios and sauced with both chocolate and raspberry. Lunch entrées average $20, dinner $30.

MILLER BAKERY CAFÉ 555 S Lake St, Gary. 219.938.2229. For two decades this famous stop on the Lake Michigan shore has introduced the gateway community to the beach, and to the versatile and eclectic menu.

Part European, part New Orleans, and all clever. The lightly sautéed crab cakes and the signature molded polenta and pepper appetizer; wood-grilled steak with peppercorn sauce; salmon coated with a sweet tangy glaze; rack of lamb over garlic smashed potatoes; and cafe chocolate, a slab that tastes like the center of a truffle, are always on the menu. Selections of wines by the glass are as creative, and the waitstaff are connoisseurs of food and drink by hobby as well as trade. The bar has a complete martini and cocktail menu and frequently hosts live jazz on weekend nights. For a special occasion or telling secrets, reserve the very private table in the glass-enclosed wine cellar. A two-course lunch averages $18, dinner entrées $25.

SAHARA 1701 Franklin St, Michigan City.

219.871.1223. sahara-restaurant.net. A cozy, casual bistro serving Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine in downtown Michigan City, the menu at Sahara reflects the traditional dishes of owner Moe Mroueh’s homeland. “I like to cook what I grew up eating,” says Mroueh, who isn’t afraid to add a defining touch to classics as he does with such menu items as fetastuffed dates in a pomegranate reduction sauce, a cucumber Napoleon—slices of cucumber topped with housemade hummus and feta—and a Greek Isle Salad with the usual toppings of cucumbers, onions and feta with an added flourish of gyro meat. Those who want to graze can order one of the combination plates.

Patrons are encouraged to linger and enjoy the music with a cold beer or glass of wine.

STOP 50 WOOD FIRED PIZZERIA 500 S El Portal, Michigan City.

219.879.8777. stop50woodfiredpizzeria. com. Just north of US Hwy 12 and west of New Buffalo, this café enjoys a well-deserved reputation—including

bite & SIP being named one of the top four pizzerias in the Midwest by Rachael Ray magazine—for authentic Italian pizza baked “Naples-style” in woodfired hearth ovens. Customers return again and again—it’s only difficult to find the first time. The recipes are traditional, and the ingredients are fresh daily. In addition to the Napoletana pizza, sandwiches and salads are available to eat at Stop 50, or you can get your snack or meal to go. Try the banana peppers stuffed with house-made sausage or a fiery tomato and goat cheese dip with hand-cut fried chips. Owners Chris and Kristy Bardol, who rehabbed the 50-year-old beach community grocery store into a restaurant, stick to strictly locally grown food. Average entrée cost is $15, but you can make a satisfying light meal out of the generously proportioned starters at $8-$12. Now open is SodaDog, the Bardols’ newest venture, which specializes in authentic hot dogs and sausages and micro-crafted soda, all served via carhop service. SodaDog is located at 171 Hwy 212 in Michigan City.

STRONGBOW INN 2405 E US 30, Valparaiso.

800.462.5121. strongbowinn.com.

The menu at this classic institution still includes a wide variety of turkey selections, but with daily specials that include barbecued pork ribs, seafood choices, prime rib and other comfort foods, one would never guess that the bakery and restaurant started as a sandwich stand during the Depression. Many families have had Thanksgiving catered by Strongbow— the meticulously prepared traditional meal that can be ordered as take-out is virtually indistinguishable from that produced by a family team working in the kitchen for ten hours. Also, the bakery has exploded with a range of treats created daily, including cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, brownies, fruit tarts, truffles, crème brûlée and strawberry napoleons. Lunch entrées average $8, and dinner is $18.

SWINGBELLY’S 100 Washington St, Michigan City.

219.874.5718. swingbellys.org.

When the weather’s right, enjoy outdoor dining and views of Lake Michigan at this family restaurant, a staple of downtown Michigan City since the Werner family opened its doors in 1983. Located near Washington Park, the nautically themed Swingbelly’s (check out the hammerhead shark, life rings and sailfish mounted on the walls) is housed in a historic train depot. Even if the weather is dreary, the views from inside the restaurant are still great and the ambience of times gone by just adds to its charm. The menu hosts a variety of options, including the Belly Buster— one half pound of hand-pattied beef chargrilled and topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, mushrooms, green olives, onion and bacon; or the Lake Avenue Roast Beef—turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato and Thousand Island dressing on rye. There are dinners as well, including the popular deep-fried lake perch and rib eye steaks. Prices are reasonable; all dinners are under $20. The Kid’s Corner menu offers, among other items, hot dogs or popcorn chicken accompanied with sides such as onion rings or fruit cup for only $4.75. There’s beer on tap and in the bottle as well as a limited wine selection.

Michigan

BISTRO ON THE BOULEVARD 521 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, Michigan.

269.983.6600. theboulevardinn. com. This French bistro on Lake Michigan has a well-deserved and unrivaled reputation in Southwest Michigan. The view through the French doors overlooking the bluff is spectacular no matter what season, though dining outside on the porch has its own special charm, particularly at sunset or on a starry summer night. The interior of the dining room and cozy adjacent bar is impeccable, right down to the tinted water glasses, burnished wood and wood-burning fireplace. The menu changes frequently to accommodate seasonal, fresh and available fruits and vegetables, much of which are grown locally, but the basic entrée list—created by executive chef Ryan Thornburg, who worked as the restaurant’s sous chef for three years when it first opened—is extensive.

Thornburg returned last year after working as executive chef at Tosi’s Restaurant and then the Orchard Hills Country Club, to replace longtime executive chef Ali Barker, who moved from the area. Thornburg’s menu items include Horseradish Crusted Faroe Islands Salmon accompanied by sautéed spinach in a Michigan cherry vinaigrette, Steak Frites—a tallgrass 8-ounce top sirloin with pomme frites and herb butter—and Crispy Duck Confit with sautéed garlic potatoes and mixed greens dressed with an aged sherry vinaigrette. Prices are reasonable, starting at $17 for the macaroni and cheese made with aged white cheddar, mascarpone, gruyere and country ham topped with garlic bread crumbs, to steaks for around $30. Be sure to check out the Wednesday sushi menu for such delights as Black Dragon—broiled eel, shrimp tempura, avocado and cucumber with wasabi topikiko— as well as the choice of sakes.

Reservations are always helpful, especially on the weekends.

THE PHOENIX 124 Water Street, Benton Harbor.

269.925.8060. thephoenixbh.com.

For those wanting to taste Elizabeth Frost’s exquisite, freshly made croissants, timing is everything at the Phoenix, her cafe in the Arts District of Benton Harbor. Frost starts rolling out the laminated layers of butter and dough in this historic building, with its large windows overlooking the blossoming neighborhood, at a time when late-nighters are just thinking of going to bed. Since she first opened, word of mouth has spiked demand and the French pastries sell so quickly that Frost, who is dedicated to quality, often can’t keep up with the demand. Currently she’s offering three varieties—plain, ham and Gruyere cheese, and chocolate.

But even those that miss out on her croissants can still enjoy her other baked goods, like the wonderful scones—often made with fresh fruit when in season—and such breakfast offerings as the One Eyed Jack— bread with a hole cut out of the middle to accommodate a cooked egg—and Egg McPhoenix, two organic eggs with a blend of cheeses served grilled on Challah bread. As with all the breakfast breads, lunch items are made with breads shipped in from the famed Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor and include grilled pimento and cheese, and turkey,

havarti, bacon and avocado with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato.

There’s freshly brewed coffee, lattes and cappuccinos, Boylan sodas and an array of teas. Outdoor seating completes Frost’s croissant dream.

SCHU’S GRILL & BAR 501 Pleasant St, St. Joseph.

269.983.7248. schulersrest.com. The restaurant tradition of Schuler’s goes back four generations in Michigan and continues with Schu’s Grill & Bar in St. Joe. Diners can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan and cozy up to the hand-crafted fieldstone fireplace.

Good conversation and good food are all part of the experience at Schu’s, where the start of a tasty night includes Schu’s potato soup— the restaurant’s famous original soup served with cheddar cheese, bacon bits and diced scallions. Gumbos and a selection of distinctive salads, like the sweet chili shrimp salad, also make great starters before the hearty portions of pasta or a sizzlin’ rib eye steak. Also, try the terrific fall-offthe-bone barbeque ribs presented on a wooden plank with tangy molasses sauce served with crispy French fries.

Schu’s is also a great place to stop for lunch. A homemade egg salad sandwich is made exceptional with shallots and a touch of tarragon topped with lettuce and tomato, or devour the salmon B.L.T. made with a generous six-ounce portion of grilled salmon with crisp bacon, mixed greens and fresh tomatoes, topped with tarragon Dijon sauce and served with housemade chips.

TABOR HILL WINERY & RESTAURANT 185 Mt Tabor Rd, Buchanan.

800.283.3363. taborhill.com. Tabor Hill Winery’s restaurant is all at once elegant, urbane and semicasual. Its windows afford ample, rolling vineyard views; the menu is sophisticated. Chef JohnPaul VerHage, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, gives a modified California-cuisine touch to signature dishes like raspberry chicken and the salmon wrapped in grape leaves. The extensive appetizer menu includes items like mini Morel Mushroom Pizzas and Kobe Beef Carpaccio.

Though the restaurant is easy to find—just a half hour north of South Bend and 20 minutes east of New Buffalo—it’s not always easy to get in. Reservations are suggested—but those who wander in unannounced can sip at the complimentary wine bar or purchase a glass and enjoy it on the stone terrace overlooking the vines. Tabor Hill produces a wonderful variety of award-winning wines, but for those who desire a harder libation, a full bar awaits.

WHEATBERRY RESTAURANT & TAVERN 15212 N Red Bud Tr, Buchanan.

269.697.0043. wheatberrytavern. com. Nestled on a bend of the slowmoving St. Joseph River just north of Buchanan—a town transforming into trendiness with its historic downtown filled with eclectic shops—the owners of the recently opened Wheatberry Restaurant & Tavern see their place as a gathering spot for lovers of regional American cuisine. “We cook everything from scratch,” says Mike Hoyland, one of the restaurant’s owners. Besides a dedication to using the best of local farms and food producers, there’s

also an emphasis on the smoked ribs, pork and chicken that come out of the large Southern Pride Smoker in the back of the restaurant. Other entrées include prime sliced sirloin topped with Wisconsin’s wonderful Mindoro Blue cheese, basil and toasted pine nut butter, as well as cedar-planked salmon and wood-roasted chicken Vesuvio. Soups, sandwiches, salads and killer hamburgers, thick and juicy and cooked to order, are also on the menu. Dessert specialties include Texas sheet cake—a dense, rich brownie-like cake—and Key lime pie.

WILD DOG GRILLE 24 W Center St, Douglas.

269.857.2519.

Sam Kendall, co-owner of the Wild Dog Grille, says their Italian-inspired cuisine, with a newage twist, has been delighting the public ever since they opened their doors in June 2007. Start out with fresh spring rolls stuffed with crab meat and wrapped in a thin rice paper, or try the crab cake served with three dollops of Creole remoulade for a flavor enhancement. Another tasty option is the pesto spinach cheese dip served with flat breads fired fresh in the stone oven. Their trademark stone oven pizzas are fired in the best stone oven on the market for an old-world, thincrust flavor. Fresh-cut steaks, such as the popular filet mignon and New York strip, are exceptional. Finish the meal with a vanilla panna cotta made from scratch from the chef’s family recipe, the Oregon berry cobbler or a Key lime tart.

The restaurant has a liquor license, and the owners pride themselves on offering a laid-back atmosphere with the quality of high-end restaurants. Prices go up to $25.95 for the filet mignon, with most selections under $20.

Illinois

BALAGIO RISTORANTE 17501 Dixie Hwy, Homewood.

708.957.1650. balagio-restaurant.com.

Now in a new location, this popular Italian restaurant has changed its menu offerings, with many entrée prices now under $12.95. Some of the specialties created by chef/owner Mike Galderio include chicken scaloppini—thin breast cutlets quickly sautéed with white wine—Italian sausage and roasted red peppers served with braised escarole, and a salmon club sandwich with broiled salmon, crisp bacon, avocado, lettuce and tomato. There are also Galderio traditional family recipes like the chopped salad with chicken, salami and hearts of palm, housemade marinara sauce and spaghetti and meatballs. There’s an extensive wine list as well as live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings. Private dining is available for any group from 10 to 200, either family style or custom designed.

CIBO MATTO at THE WIT HOTEL 201 N State St, Chicago. 312.239.9500. cibomatto.therestaurantsatthewit.com.

At the corner of State and Lake, in the heart of the Loop, a new and beautiful fine-dining restaurant offers sophisticated traditional Italian dining with a twist. Cibo Matto means “Crazy Food” but there is nothing off the wall here—just plenty of innovation by Chef Todd Stein in a setting with many seating options: a 12-seat counter-height chef’s table overlooking the kitchen, cozy leather booths, or free-standing tables with views of the 2,000-bottle glass-enclosed wine tower.

There are window tables with a western view and, above, a 30-foot ceiling fresco by prominent artist Todd Murphy.

Start with a rabbit terrine served in two pancetta-wrapped slices over orange and white pureed carrots. Try the short

ribs topped with gremolata and served with a flavorful ricotta-creamed spinach, or the perfectly grilled veal tenderloin.

Fish, pastas and desserts are all amazing.

Dinner nightly, reservations necessary.

THE COURTYARD BISTRO 21 S White St, Frankfort. 815.464.1404.

The ambitious menu is inspired by the cooking of Italy, France and the American Southwest, but this south suburban bistro adeptly meets the challenge of its own making while getting results that delight both newcomers and regulars.

Signature dishes include Santa Fe lasagna and artichoke ravioli on the Neapolitan side, and onion tart and gorgonzolaseared beef tenderloin are straight out of a sidewalk café near the River Seine in Paris. The martini menu is as innovative as the food, and the wine list is better than average with interesting possibilities for complementing the entrées. The seafood is very fresh and well-prepared with garnishes and light sauces, and main dishes are economical in the $915 range. The atmosphere is always friendly and can range from celebratory for special luncheons on the weekends to cozy, romantic couple dinners in the evening. But it is the attention to detail at every level from customer comfort to the dessert selections and coffee service at the end of the meal that gets the repeat customers.

JENNY’S STEAKHOUSE 20 Kansas St, Frankfort. 815.464.2685.

11041 S Menard Ave, Chicago Ridge.

708.229.2272. jennyssteakhouse.com.

The Courtright family has an impressive history and credentials in the culinary world of South Chicago and the nearby suburbs, and the Frankfort location is just the most recent addition to the roster.

The menu has scores of familiar and comforting staples like classic chicken Parmesan and a legendary Gambriliano Italiano with sautéed sausage, chicken breast, Vesuvio potatoes, peppers, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and white wine over fettuccini. The signature steak is an 8-ounce filet with garlic and bleu cheese, and you can have it with Jack Daniels sauce for an extra $2.50. Meals always include soup, potato, vegetable, bread and bruschetta, and the wine list is impressive and right on. Soup, early-bird and homemade specials change daily—Monday, for instance, you can get split pea soup, pot roast with potato pancakes, and Mama’s meatloaf—but even the regular selections are imaginative. Where else can you get a bottle of Dom Perignon with two surf-and-turf dinners for $235? Jenny’s will even text you drink special information—all you have to do is register. Prices average less than $10 for appetizers, soups, salads, wraps and sandwiches on the lunch menu, and the median price for steak is $20. Most other entrées come in at somewhat less; the sea scallops are $16.95, for instance. An 8- to 9-ounce prime rib at $10.95, a half slab of ribs at $9.95, and braised ox tails at $8.95 are just a few of the bargains on the early-bird menu.

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GROUNDS

Style Inhabited FASHION/ FUNCTION IN A WICKER PARK CONDO

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words by

MEGAN SWOYER photography by

HEATHER EIDSON

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As a professional photo and fashion stylist, Taryn Bickley has made everything from inviting picnics and high-end fashion to stunning table settings and couture bridal wear pop from the pages of slick national hotel brochures, home and fashion magazines, holiday shopping catalogs and more. >>>

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Taryn’s husband, Brian, works from this home office [right], which features a Womb Chair in classic boucle fabric by Eero Saarinen for Knoll.The paintings are from the Renegade Craft Fair in Wicker Park. Taryn’s home office [middle and bottom] features an inspiration board: a mix of rustic and chic (the branch was a display item at Crate & Barrel).

The living room [opposite] is all about modern comforts, and features shelving for such treasures as the homeowner’s first painting (of shoes), purchased from a shop in Notting Hill when she lived in London. The twig ball evokes a natural yet modern vibe, while the cream pottery is from her father. The master bedroom has subtle pops of color, including quirky dolls [more shown on following page] from CB2, purchased because Taryn loves patterns, and the Dwell pillows, from Target.

So how does this pro of pretty inject beauty into her own Chicago home?

“My work takes me away from home a lot, to many cities,” she says, “so my goal has been to create a home that’s peaceful . . . it’s full of life, but quiet, if that makes sense. I can sigh when I return home.”

For the thirtysomething Bickley and her husband, Brian LaFlamme, an information security consultant, a peaceful environment means injecting intriguing textures, dark woods and rich colors into their design scheme.

But first things first. The couple’s initial aim was to find a modern space with at least three bedrooms. “We both needed to have home offices, so three bedrooms was a must,” Bickley explains.

They looked at homes in various neighborhoods before falling in love with a 1,700-square-foot, new-build condominium (Lipe Property Company) in Chicago’s youthful Wicker Park area, just west of downtown. “We sampled the neighborhood by going out for a glass of wine at a local Italian restaurant,” Bickley recalls.

“And I just loved the energy, the spirit, the youthfulness—it’s very gentrified.”

Fast-forward two years, and you’ll find the couple busy in their window-filled Wicker Park abode—experimenting with new cooking techniques, working at their laptops (Bickley often is tapping away at her ultra-stylish blog, sageandstyle.com), and hosting get-togethers with friends, all while savoring excellent views of the Chicago skyline.

While their home was under construction, the discerning couple chose their favorite tile, flooring, countertops and more. Of course, the lady of the house was as particular about wood floor stains as she is about skirt silhouettes, heel heights and clothing patterns. “I knew I wanted the darkest of stains, like a hickory,” she recalls, sounding as if she were selecting a shoe color to set off a designer dress.

Bickley’s vision for her second-floor nest has always been contemporary. But not contemporary-

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Combining rich moss-greens, grays (her bedroom drapes are made of a luxe grey velvet), browns and creams with lots of wood and texture has been her recipe for design success.

cool, she emphasizes. “I’m not about modern with a minimal and sparse feel; I’m more modern-warm.”

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Combining rich moss-greens, grays (her bedroom drapes are made of a luxe grey velvet), browns and creams with lots of wood and texture has been her recipe for design success.

She also adores pieces that have a history. “I mix in antiques and refurbished adornments.”

She’s especially fond of a couple of mid-century “cute bedside tables.” Bickley discovered them at Andersonville’s White Attic, which refurbishes and sells vintage furniture from the 1900s to 1960s.

Rarely does Bickley make quick decisions about things she’ll live with for a long time. Her Blu Dot bedroom dresser, for example, had been on her wish list for years. Above it hangs The kitchen [opposite] features a gigantic, gilded-gold mirror from caesarstone counters White Attic. “All the walls needed big and pony hair things or clustering,” she explains, and felt stools by B&B Italia. One of “due to the nine-foot ceilings.” the homeowner’s Interior designer Gail Urso of Urso favorite stores is Designs in Michigan assisted the Anthropologie, where she found couple with many of their bedroom this fruit bowl in choices, their office spaces and the housewares sale window treatments. “Having Gail section. The backdrop is a wall hanging allowed me to select patterns and from the Michigan fabrics that wouldn’t be available at Design Center that just any store.” was re-cut and framed in Plexiglass.

To complement their lifestyle, the Bickley’s office innovative couple expanded a closet [this page] is also a to incorporate Bickley’s collection of guestroom, accented with an eight-piece some fifty handbags. And they turned art installation of one full bath (there were three) into a a vintage map and powder room, using the extra space modern accessories.

Red and black art to create a pantry. “I can’t imagine discovered on etsy. not having a pantry,” Bickley says. com adorns the Here, she stores trays and serving powder room. pieces, all put to good use when the couple entertains, which is often.

“It took a long time for us to get it right,” Bickley explains. “I lived in Chicago before I moved to London, and I’ve always loved Chicago. I’d walk around the Oak Street shopping area and die over everything,” she says, envisioning certain pieces that might someday be in her home. A couple of those pieces—a mossgreen, foam Togo sofa and corner chair from Ligne Roset—had been filed in the back of Bickley’s mind for a few years before she purchased them for her first loft home in Michigan. “My mother said, ‘Your grandma won’t be able to get out of them because they’re so low,’” Bickley says with a laugh. “Yet, everyone who sits in them says they’re perfect.” The perfect accessories for a well-dressed home.

shore THINGS Lux & Mie

404 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Indiana.

219.464.3330. luxandmie.com.

Fashions and accessories in contemporary, trendy and casualchic styles come together at Lux & Mie, an upscale boutique owned by mother-daughter pair Kate and Jamie Salan. The fashionable selection appeals to both men and women, from high school age to those in their 50s and 60s. Featured designers include English Laundry, Covet and Wish Collection.

build Indiana

CARPET TOWN 400 Lincolnway, LaPorte, 219.362.3185. 502 Clay St, LaPorte, 219.324.7759. 7295 W Johnson Rd, Michigan City, 219.874.3252. carpettownfloors.com. For more than 30 years, Carpet Town has been a popular provider of flooring materials throughout the LaPorte area. Flooring is made from high-quality materials such as ceramic, porcelain, laminate, tile, wood and—of course—carpet. Flooring accessories and installation services are also available.

CK BUILDING & DESIGN CORPORATION 877.448.1516. ckbuildinganddesign.com. With more than 20 years of experience, the builders at this company specialize in custom homes and green building, as well as renovations and remodeling. CK Building works throughout Lake and Porter Counties in Indiana and Will and Cook Counties in Illinois.

COOK BUILDERS 6919 W Lincoln Hwy, Crown Point. 219.322.3303. cookbuilders.com. In business for more than thirty years, Cook has become a reputable building company across Northwest Indiana, specializing primarily in custom homes. An added valuable service is an advanced Internet-based communication system so that homebuyers can track their selections, allowances and specifications during and after the building process.

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HORIZON AWNING 2227 E US 12, Michigan City. 219.872.2329. horizonawning.com. For more than 25 years, this company has built canvas and aluminum awnings for the home and business, plus custom boat covers. Canvas awnings are made of long-wearing, fade-resistant fabrics, and the aluminum variety come with whimsical scalloped edges.

HULTMAN FLOORING 35 E US Hwy 20, Porter. 219.926.1966. Hultman Flooring, a member of the National Wood Flooring

Association, specializes in the design, installation and refinishing of real wood floors.

J KREMKE CONSTRUCTION ENTERPRISES 314 Spring View Dr, Porter. 219.309.0360. mygreenbuildingsolutions.com. This construction company specializes in sustainable eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes at reasonable rates.

Aside from new construction, remodeling and land development, J Kremke Construction also provides maintenance for bank-owned properties.

MARK SCOTT HOMES 15645 Embers Dr, Mishawaka. 574.259.9518. markscotthomes.net. Since 1988, this reputable builder has specialized in custom home building. Their portfolio consists of large, eye-catching exteriors and complex and detailed interiors. Mark Scott Homes prides themselves also on building environmentally friendly and energy-efficient homes. The staff consists of welltrained, experienced, detail-oriented craftsmen.

MARUSZCZAK APPLIANCE 7809 W Lincoln Hwy, Schererville. 219.865.0555.

For nineteen years, Maruszczak has been selling and servicing major home appliances in the Munster area. Its broad inventory includes fridges, stoves, dishwashers, washer/dryers and more, made by virtually every brand in the market. The company is also factory-authorized to service everything it sells.

OMNI ENTERTAINMENT 1151 Southpoint Cir, Ste D, Valparaiso. 219.464.1832. omnientertainmentsystems.com. Omni Entertainment provides custom electronic design solutions for both residential and commercial clients. Services include custom installation of home theaters, multi-zone audio and automated lighting systems, as well as telephone, video security and background music systems for commercial properties.

TRAINOR GLASS COMPANY 202 N Dixie Way, South Bend. 574.855.2380. trainorglass.com. Since 1953, Trainor Glass has specialized in commercial glass and glazing. Their state-

of-the-art glass can be installed just about anywhere, from partitions, walls and doors, to the shower and bath. The inventory includes endless variations of glass, including clear, frosted, patterned and backpainted glass, along with digitially printed glass products. Trainor serves all of Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

Michigan

DESIGN EVOLUTIONS 218 Huron St #1, South Haven. 269.372.2250. marlabruemmerdesigns.com. Marla Bruemmer has specialized in architectural design for twenty years and began Design Evolutions in 1998. Bruemmer and her CAD designer, Brandon Thomas, use 3D software to convert hand-drawn sketches into a model for each custom home.

POWELL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES 3531 Niles Rd, St. Joseph. 269.556.1111. powellconstruction.com. Powell Construction Services specializes in new residential construction and remodeling; kitchen, bath and basement renovations; light commercial remodeling and custom woodworking.

Known for their outstanding customer service, quality construction and design, on-time delivery, and overall value, this leading Southwest Michigan builder follows the National Association of Home Builder’s Model Green Home Building Guidelines.

R.A. MORT SUPPLY 2260 M-139, Benton Harbor. 269.927.8288. ramortsupply.com. This bath gallery, which features a complete kitchen and bath design center with working displays, will give customers ideas about how they can personalize their own homes, and the experts at R.A. Mort Supply can help make it happen.

WATER PLACE 188 W US 12, Ste 3, New Buffalo. 269.231.5153. The Water Place is a decorative plumbing and hardware products superstore. With whirlpools, faucets and cabinets, this has “everything you need for plumbing services.”

photograph by ROBERT WRAY

The information presented in Shore Things is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify the listing information.

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shore THINGS Illinois

BLINK APPLIANCES & KITCHENS 2717 Glenwood-Lansing Rd, Lynwood.

708.889.1860. blink.homeappliances.com.

Specializing in sales, service, installation and parts for forty-nine years, Blink Appliances is affiliated with Brand Source, one of the largest buying groups in the nation. The knowledgeable sales staff has won national awards for its service and installation of quality appliances and cabinetry.

clean Michigan

FISH WINDOW CLEANING 4188 N Roosevelt Rd, Stevensville.

269.408.0400. fishwindowcleaning.com.

The highly trained professionals here specialize in cleaning interior and exterior windows for both commercial and residential clients.

Pressure washing services are also available.

design Indiana

THE BEACH HOUSE 619 E 3rd St, Hobart. 219.942.0783. The 1,000-square-foot showroom at the Beach House features “beachy,” cottage-style home furnishing and accessories. In the store’s lower level, the Wicker Gallery, custom orders are accepted. The store began as and still houses an upscale showroom of very current, high-quality, pre-owned furniture known as Like New. INDIANA FURNITURE 1807 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso.

219.465.0545. athomeatlast.com. Since 1980, this family-owned and operated company has offered quality home furnishings and customer service. A wide range of home furnishing providers are represented here, including Ashley, Lane and La-Z-Boy. MC INTERIORS 1102 Franklin St, Michigan City.

219.872.7236. mcinteriorsin.com. MC Interiors offers a variety of home décor products including window treatments, floor coverings, draperies and upholstery. Services include free in-home consultation and estimates, plus installation of drapery, blinds, carpet, hardwood and ceramic flooring.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME 110 Elmwood Dr, Michigan City.

219.879.9140. 400 E Randolph St, Ste 3414, Chicago. 312.938.9140. nplhinc. com. This eco-minded interior design firm has multiple specialties, including space planning, architectural design consultation, kitchen and bath design and renovations, custom cabinetry design and installation, and selection of additional materials, plus decorating and staging services.

URBAN GRANITE 512 State St, LaPorte. 219.369.6663. urbangranite.com. Urban Granite specializes in making custom flooring, cabinets, backsplashes and countertops. Both conventional and unique materials—such as bamboo floors and metal backsplashes— are available here.

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Michigan

BAYBERRY COTTAGE 510 Phoenix Rd, South Haven.

269.639.9615. One of South Haven’s most well-known shops, Gwen DeBruyn’s Bayberry Cottage features home furnishings and accessories which include furniture, wall décor, rugs, florals and bath and body products. Interior design services are also available, and items can be special ordered if not in stock.

CUSTOMS IMPORTS 430 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo.

269.469.9180. customsimports.com. This exotic gallery hosts a large, distinguished inventory of global art, furniture and antiques from India, Indonesia, China, Morocco and Vietnam. Dee Dee Duhn’s new showroom features teak root benches, textiles, Indonesian pottery, unique new furniture and an extensive mirror gallery.

Claudia Labao’s Global Dreams jewelry— popular with the stars of Desperate Housewives—can also be found here.

HARBOR TOWN INTERIORS 613 Broad St, St.Joseph. 269.983.7774.

Harbor Town Interiors offers home decor items such as furniture, mattresses, bed coverings, rugs, and home accessories. Gift items and full service design consultation is available.

SAWYER HOME & GARDEN CENTER 5865 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer. 269.426.8810. sawyergardencenter.com.

The Sawyer Garden Center offers a large inventory of items for the garden, including annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees, plus a variety of high-quality lawn accessories. A large gift shop and gourmet shop—featuring produce, breads, sauces and cheeses—are also on site.

drive Indiana

DORMAN GARAGE, INC. 1317 Lake St, LaPorte. 219.324.7646. dormangarage.com. With more than twenty years of experience, Dorman Garage specializes in classic car restoration. Aside from offering restoration services, there is also a large inventory of restored classic automobiles for sale.

HARBOR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 9911 W 300 N, Michigan City. 219.879.6789. harborcars.com. This auto dynamo features new and pre-owned vehicles by Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Honda, Jeep and Pontiac. On-site parts, servicing and financing are also available.

THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON SHOP OF MICHIGAN CITY 2968 N Hwy 421, Michigan City.

219.878.8885. hdmichigancity.com.

While the Harley-Davidson brand needs no introduction, the Michigan City store stands out in the crowd, being a member of the largest Harley dealer in the state.

A large selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles are available for purchase or for rent. The store also offers accessories, repair services and periodic events.

Michigan

RUSSELL’S FOREIGN CAR REPAIR 8754 US Hwy 31, Berrien Springs.

269.473.3088. This dealer alternative provides service, repairs and maintenance during the vehicle’s factory warranty and beyond. Russell’s Foreign Car Repair services all imported car makes, but specializes in upscale European and Asian vehicles.

eat Indiana

CHESTERTON’S EUROPEAN MARKET Corner of Broadway and Third Sts, Chesterton. 219.926.5513. chestertonseuropeanmarket.com. More than 150 vendors set up shop at this well-known outdoor market, which features a wide range of products, including gourmet breads, cheeses and foods, along with plants, produce, rare books, accessories and gifts. Guests can also watch artists at work and enjoy live en-

tertainment. The market takes place every Saturday through the end of October.

GREAT LAKES CATERING 701 Washington St, Michigan City.

219.898.1501. greatlakescatering.com.

With a combined 75 years of experience, father and son Ed and Matt Kis have formed one of the area’s leading catering companies.

A full range of services is available for all kinds of events, including catered foods and beverages, bands, tents, tables and more.

Michigan

KILWIN’S Multiple locations in Illinois and Michigan. kilwins.com. For more than 60 years, Kilwin’s has been a quality confectionery shoppe in northern Michigan, providing quality products and excellent services.

Despite growing throughout the United States and changing ownership, they still use only the finest and freshest ingredients in their hand-paddled fudge, custom chocolates and truffles.

SEASON’S HARVEST 13686 Red Arrow Hwy, Harbert.

269.469.7899. seasonsharvest.com. This quaint shop along Red Arrow Highway features natural gourmet provisions like barbecue sauces, salad dressings, dipping sauces and olive oil, among others. Products can be purchased either online or at the shop, and gift sets are available.

give Indiana

SHADY CREEK WINERY 2030 Tryon Rd, Michigan City.

219.874.9463. shadycreekwinery.com.

Situated on nearly 20 acres, this winery features custom crafted wines, along with specialty foods, gifts and local artwork. The location offers expansive views, covered porches, fireplaces and a tasting room.

ST. JOHN WINE & SPIRITS 9540 Poplar Ln, St. John. 219.558.8911. stjohnwineandspirits.com.

Both the connoisseur and the beginner alike will feel comfortable in this shop, which features a wide variety of fine wines, beer and spirits.

The staff is trained to assist customers with selection needs, in order “to take the intimidation out of shopping for wine and spirits.” Wine tastings are held here often, and gifts and accessories are also available.

Michigan

DECADENT DOGS 505 Phoenix St, South Haven. 866.459.5437.

This dog-exclusive boutique features highend canine products, including designer dog collars and apparel, toys and gourmet dog treats. For the humans, dog-oriented gifts and décor items are also available.

LAMBRECHT’S LIQUORS 2926 Niles Ave, St. Joseph. 269.983.5353. lambrechtsliquors.com. Lambrecht’s features a comprehensive selection of wines, beers, spirits, cigars, pipes and tobacco products.

Specialty items include beer and winemaking equipment and supplies and gourmet coffees and cheeses. Occasional tasting events and seminars are offered as well.

heal Indiana

CENTER FOR OTOLARYNGOLOGY 9120 Columbia Ave, Ste A, Munster.

219.836.4820. Bethany Cataldi, D.O., specializes in ear, nose and throat surgery and facial plastic surgery. In fact, she is the only female facial plastic surgeon in

Northwest Indiana who’s been specifically trained in surgery of the face, head and neck. Dr. Cataldi’s expertise in such procedures exclusively ranges all spectrums, from topical treatments like skin peels, to hair removal, to full nasal construction.

DIGESTIVE DISEASE CLINICS Locations in Merrillville, Michigan City, Valparaiso, and St. Joseph, Mich.

800.422.9080. stomachdoctors.com.

Rakesh Gupta, MD, and his medical staff specialize in treating a variety of problems occuring in the stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, gallbladder and esophagus.

The clinic operates with a philosophy of balanced management and will work with patients’ schedules to ensure treatment.

MIND YOUR OWN BODY HEALTH CENTER 4004 Campbell St, Valparaiso.

219.531.0241. naturaldoctor.biz.

Dr. William Stimack, N.M.D., is a board-certified doctor of naturopathic medicine who treats a wide variety of health issues with a three-tiered plan: nutritional counseling, plant-based herbs, and Jade/Derma Ray therapy. Dr. Stimack and his staff also offer detoxification plans for aiding in hormonal imbalance and the relief of fibromyalgia and other autoimmune disorders.

OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC. 1101 E Glendale Blvd, Ste 102, Valparaiso.

219.462.6144. 3630 Willowcreek Rd, Ste 1, Portage. 219.364.3230. The boardcertified obstetrician-gynecologists—Drs. Short, Strickland and Murphy—at this clinic specialize in pregnancy care, family planning, infertility and menopause, along with general women’s wellness. Patients are made to feel at ease because of the clinic’s state-ofthe-art equipment and a skilled staff.

PORTER HOSPITAL 814 LaPorte Ave, Valparaiso. 219.263.4600.

3630 Willowcreek Rd, Portage.

219.364.3000. 650 Dickinson Rd, Chesterton. 219.926.7755. porterhealth.org. Since opening in 1939 as a community-owned, not-for-profit hospital, Porter has served area families by providing quality care and programs. With ten facilities in two counties, Porter provides health care that is recognized on local, state and national levels and offers a continuum of specialized services such as emergency/trauma, cardiology, family medicine, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, oncology, sleep lab, physical rehabilitation care and more.

ST. ANTHONY MEMORIAL 301 W Homer St, Michigan City.

888.879.8511. saintanthonymemorial.org.

This acute care hospital, serving LaPorte, Porter and Berrien Counties, boasts an integrated health care network that is made up of an intensive care unit, a new birthing unit, emergency department, behavioral medicine, rehabilitation services, surgery units, oncology, pediatrics and a multidiscipline physician practice.

ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER 1500 S Lake Park Ave, Hobart. 219.942.0551. comhs.org/stmary. Innovative women’s health services are available here, including complete gynecologic and obstetrical care, plus treatment for high-risk pregnancies and menopause. Funtional, metabolic and nutritional medicine is practiced wherever possible.

Illinois

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICAL CENTER 888.824.0200. discover.uchospitals.edu.

Since 1927, the University of Chicago Medical Center has been one of the

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shore THINGS Midwest’s most reputable hospitals. Aside from basic health care, the Medical Center consists of a children’s hospital, a maternity and women’s hospital, multiple outpatient facilities, and the renowned Pritzker School of Medicine.

invest Michigan

MUTUAL BANK, KATHY SELLERS 307 W Buffalo St, New Buffalo.

269.469.5552. bankwithmutual.com.

Kathy Sellers is a Mutual Bank agent who services both first-time home buyers and seasoned investors. Mutual Bank specializes in investments and wealth management for businesses and personal clients.

live Indiana

COLDWELL BANKER, DAWN BERNHARDT 748 E Porter, Chesterton. 219.241.0952. dawnbernhardt.com. Dawn Bernhardt is the go-to agent for homes in Chesterton’s luxurious Sand Creek subdivision, along with other properties in Porter, LaPorte and Lake Counties. The website offers an abundance of resources for both buyers and sellers.

COLDWELL BANKER, DONNA HOFMANN 219.331.1133. dhofmann.com. Donna Hofmann specializes in helping clients with buying and selling lakefront properties in Ogden Dunes, Dune Acres, Porter Beach, Beverly Shores, Chesterton and Valparaiso.

MICKY GALLAS PROPERTIES 2411 St. Lawrence Ave, Long Beach.

219.874.7070. mickygallasproperties.com.

The experienced brokers and agents at this real estate company help clients find homes for purchase or for rent throughout Indiana and Michigan. Some of the many services provided include assistance in scheduling inspections, and a complimentary comparative market analysis.

Michigan

AMERICAN HOMES, SHARON HALLIBURTON 4532 Red Arrow Hwy, Stevensville.

269.983.2526. sharonhalliburton.com. For 30 years, Sharon Halliburton has specialized in property management, having been licensed as a real estate agent and a broker more than 10 years ago. Her expertise covers residential, lakefront and vacation properties, plus farms, golf courses and vineyards.

BRIDGEWATER PLACE 225 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo.

269.469.9500. bridgewaterofnewbuffalo. com.

Twoand three-bedroom condominiums are available at this luxury development, which is situated in downtown New Buffalo. Amenities include a fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, elevated patios and a rooftop terrace with kitchenette.

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COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE 10 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo.

269.469.3950. coldwellbankeronline.com.

This New Buffalo real estate firm features more than 200,000 properties in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Both the inoffice staff and the Coldwell Banker website offer multiple services and resources for buyers and sellers.

HARBOR SHORES REALTORS 584 Lake St, Saugatuck. 269.857.3900.

harborshoresrealtors.com. Principal broker Tammy Kerr and team specialize in helping their clients buy and sell properties in the Saugatuck/Douglas area. Each of the agents are members of the National Association of REALTORS. HARBOR SHORES RESORT 269.932.1600. harborshoresresort.com.

Southwest Michigan’s biggest, most talkedabout project is underway in Benton Harbor.

The residential community will include a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, marinas, an indoor water park and a luxury spa. The property is surrounded by two rivers and five beaches. Custom homesites and cottages are available.

LAKE PARK PLACE 301 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph. 269.429.4663.

301lakeboulevard.com. This new, sevenstory condominium development is being constructed in the historic building that was formerly the YWCA. Residents can choose from 10 floor plans, each of which come with a private balcony. Other perks include an indoor parking garage, indoor pool and 10 years of free golf at two nearby golf courses.

PRUDENTIAL RUBLOFF PROPERTIES 439 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo.

888.257.5800. rubloff.com. Since 1930, Rubloff has been one of the premier real estate firms on the local scene. Serving clients all along Lake Michigan’s southern coast and beyond, the certified sales associates at Rubloff proclaim great success in buying, selling and renting properties along the lakeshore.

SHORES OF SOUTH HAVEN 300 Kalamazoo St, South Haven.

269.637.8555. shoresrealestate.com. This reputable firm provides assistance with development, sales and leasing of condominiums, single-family, vacation and retirement home sales, along with lots, boat slips and commercial property. Shores also manages and leases property for investor-buyers.

Illinois

DEWITT PLACE 900 N DeWitt Pl, Chicago. 312.642.7020. dewittplace.com. This 82-unit vintage building, built in 1924, offers corporate housing, temporary furnished apartment rentals and long-term temporary housing solutions. These studio and one-bedroom apartments come with a variety of amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, wireless Internet access, DirecTV satellite service and an exercise room.

pamper Indiana

COSMEDIC SKIN & BODY CLINIC 210 E 86th Pl, Merrillville. 219.795.1255.

58 E Walton, Chicago. 312.377.3333. cosmedicclinic.com. Available by appointment. Dr. James Platis, who has been featured on local and national news programs and has been applauded by Dr. Phil, specializes in all forms of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, particularly breast surgery, body contouring and facial aesthetic surgery. Less invasive procedures include tanning, waxing and facials.

ELLE SALON 113 W 8th St, Michigan City. 219.874.3553.

This upscale salon, situated in Michigan City’s historic district, offers full-service hair care, manicures, pedicures and facial waxing. Retail products include skin care, body care, a men’s line, wooden styling tools, a full line of Aveda products, and other calming items such as Aveda teas, candles and oils.

REVERIE SPA RETREAT 3634 N 700 W, LaPorte. 219.861.0814. spareverie.com. Located on more than fifty acres of deep woodlands, this spa retreat offers an imaginative menu of personal luxury care which includes facials, massage therapy, reflexology, botanical treatments, envelopments and azulene waxings. There are five guest rooms blending calming Asian and classically antique influences and a dining room, which serves twentysix people vegetables from the garden and other goodies.

VANIS SALON & SPA 221 US 41, Ste J, Schererville.

219.322.5600. 1620 Country Club Rd, Valparaiso. 219.465.6414. 107 N Main St, Crown Point. 219.663.5200. vanis.net.

One of Northwest Indiana’s premier salons, Vanis features a well-trained, professional staff for haircare, nailcare and spa body treatments. Group and corporate retreats (for four to twenty people) can be arranged.

Michigan

HEATH & COMPANY 419 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo.

269.469.4247. This Aveda-concept salon is one of the familiar businesses greeting visitors to New Buffalo from the south.

Owner Rick Heath and his staff gel their expertise and friendliness, making a trip to this salon more of an experience than a necessity. Services include hair care, nail care, massage therapy and waxing.

YOGA GLOW 6 Linden St, Three Oaks. 269.697.4394. yogathreeoaks.com. This renowned yoga studio features group yoga classes and private lessons for all levels, plus workshops every month. Patrons are encouraged to visit Yoga Glow’s website for class schedules, teacher bios and other yoga-related information.

party Indiana

MARQUETTE PARK PAVILION 1 N Grand Blvd, Gary. 219.938.7362. This historic pavilion is one of the only event facilities in Indiana located right along the lakefront. Recently renovated in 2008, the pavilion can be rented for events of all sizes, from weddings to family reunions to business functions.

Michigan

SHADOWLAND ON SILVER BEACH 333 Broad St, St. Joseph. 888.404.7587. shadowlandonsilverbeach.com. St. Joseph’s newest event venue is located right on the beach, in the same building as the famed Silver Beach Carousel. Shadowland, which can accommodate more than 300 guests, partners with Bistro on the Boulevard for a dynamic catering menu. The venue is available for wedding receptions, business meetings and other special occasions.

play Indiana

BLUE CHIP CASINO, HOTEL & SPA 777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City.

888.879.7711. bluechipcasino.com.

The casino portion of Blue Chip features 65,000 square feet of gaming, all on one level, including more than 2,100 slot games and all the classic table games.

Brand new to the facility is the 22-story Spa Blu Tower, which features a state-ofthe-art hotel, luxury spa and convention center. Dining options include It’s Vegas Baby! and the Game, along with

the fine-dining restaurant William B’s Steakhouse.

Michigan

FOUR WINDS CASINO 11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo, Michigan.

866.494.6371. fourwindscasino.com.

With 3,000 of the most recent types of slot machines and more than 100 tables games, including blackjack and craps, New Buffalo’s Four Winds is the only casino in the area that offers million dollar jackpots. This brand new casino also has the Midwest’s only World Poker Tour poker room.

OUTPOST SPORTS Locations in New Buffalo, St. Joseph, South Haven and Mishawaka, Ind. outpostsports. com. Whether bicycling, kayaking, surfing or simply sunbathing, any summer sports fan will find a large inventory of sporting products here. Owner JV Peacock emphasizes a life-is-short/seize-the-day philosophy throughout his inventory, events, lessons and staff. Clothing, beach accessories and eyewear are also available.

stay Indiana

DUNELAND BEACH INN 3311 Pottawattamie Tr, Michigan City.

219.874.7729. dunelandbeachinn.com.

Nestled in a private wooded community on the beach, yet only minutes from Michigan City’s best shopping and dining, this cozy inn provides guests with comfort and convenience. Also on the premises is Duneland Beach Inn’s fine dining restaurant, which features steaks, chops, pasta and seafood.

Michigan

THE BOULEVARD INN 521 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph. 269.983.6600. theboulevardinn.com.

Warmth and coziness are a theme at this historic hotel in St. Joseph. From the plush furniture in the lobby to the comfort food at the Bistro, to the luxurious amenities in the hotel’s suites, the Boulevard offers more than just a place to stay. Business and fitness centers are also available for use.

view Indiana

THADDEUS C. GALLERY 822 Lincolnway, LaPorte. 219.326.8626. thaddeusc.com. Often recognized as one of the top fine art galleries in Northwest Indiana, this gallery is located in a 2000-squarefoot ground floor space, right in the heart of downtown LaPorte. Both contemporary and traditional fine art is found here, featuring functional and non-functional art by artisans from around the world.

Michigan

BLUE GALLERY 16 S Elm St, Three Oaks. 269.756.9338. bluegalleryart.com.

Run by owner and art director Judy Ferrara, this wellknown gallery features the works of more than 15 artists, including local notables like Joe Hindley and Kellie Pickard. Several art-related events take place here, including a gallery walk every third Saturday of the month, when the facility is open until 9 p.m.

BOX FACTORY FOR THE ARTS 1101 Broad St, St. Joseph. 269.983.3688. boxfactoryforthearts.org. This multi-use arts center features the studios of more than 30 artists who specialize in ceramics, fabric art, painting, printmaking, photography and more. Artists give classes and also have their work on display for various ex-

hibits and for purchase. The center also hosts a performance stage, classrooms and meeting space, and events are held there regularly.

COWLEY FINE ARTS 315 State St, St. Joseph. 269.982.8077. cowleyfineartgallery.com. This art gallery represents more than 100 regional artists, with contemporary art, fine crafts and custom jewelry. Interior design consultation—by artists Jane Cowley and Nancy Eggen—is another available service.

GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM 101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids.

616.831.1000. gramonline.org. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is the first art museum in the world to be certified

by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Its glass walls, natural light, and reflecting pool further illustrate the fusion between the indoors and outdoors. With its impressive permanent collection as well as changing exhibitions, this 125,000-square-foot facility is truly a gem in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

visit Indiana

THE SHRINE OF CHRIST’S PASSION 10630 Wicker Ave, St. John.

219.365.6010. shrineofchristspassion. org. This peaceful, prayerful environment consists of an interactive half-mile winding pathway that takes visitors from the Last Supper to the Ascension of the Christ. The journey features 40 life-size bronze statues that are accompanied by a listening station that gives a description of the scene. The Visitor’s Center and Gift Shop carries a unique selection of books and gifts for people of all faiths.

Michigan

FERNWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN & NATURE PRESERVE 13988 Range Line Rd, Niles.

269.695.6491. fernwoodbotanical.org.

Situated on 105 acres of cultivated and natural land, Fernwood is composed of gardens, forests and trails for visitors to peruse. An art gallery, fern conservatory, nature center, cafe and gift shop are also on site, and there are several learning and enrichment opportunities as well.

ST. JOSEPH TODAY 120 State St, St. Joseph. 269.985.1111. sjtoday.org. Visitors to St. Joseph will find a variety of helpful information—on shopping, dining and events—at this welcome center. St. Joseph Today is a nonprofit organization that assists and encourages local business and tourism development.

SILVER BEACH CENTER 333 Broad St, St. Joseph. 269.982.8500. silverbeachcarousel.com. Brand new to St. Joseph is this family-friendly center, which features an abundance of fun and unique activities for people of all ages. The primary attraction is the Silver Beach Carousel, a spectacular structure that features 44 colorful, handcarved horses. Also at the center is Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone, the Shadowland Ballroom, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, and Michigan’s tallest kaleidoscope.

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN TOURIST COUNCIL 2300 Pipestone Rd, Benton Harbor.

269.925.6301. swmichigan.org.

The natural attractions of Southwest Michigan—the dunes, miles of scenic

Lake Michigan beach, rivers and parks with hiking trails and biking paths—offer beauty in every season. The friendly staff at this nonprofit organization can assist travelers whether they seek solitude or a group learning experience.

wear Indiana

ALBERT’S DIAMOND JEWELERS 711 Main St, Schererville. 219.322.2700. albertsjewelers.com. Besides the fact that Albert’s showcases 5,000 square feet of jewelry, the store in itself is an entertainment destination. A bar, largescreen TV, dance floor and karaoke are among the many ways that patrons can let loose while browsing every type of fine jewelry imaginable. Brands include Tacori, Bulgari, Cartier and Bez Ambar, and the store’s entire back wall is devoted to bridal jewelry and accessories.

AMY LAURIE’S ECLECTIC BOUTIQUE 613 N Main St, Crown Point.

219.661.8094. This boutique features clothing for women of all ages and sizes, including jackets, wraps, sweaters, evening wear, accessories and shoes.

Owners Judith Kaye and Nancy C. Goodwin update the inventory regularly, while also offering frequent sales.

ENGSTROM JEWELERS 820 E Lincolnway, LaPorte. 219.369.6580.

A new fixture of LaPorte’s downtown is a branch of the Munster-based Engstrom Jewelers. Offering fine-quality jewelry, diamond and gemstones, as well as repairs and custom design, Engstrom adds a shimmer where once was a pawn shop. Brands include Gelin Abaci, Citizen Watch and Movado.

INDIAN SUMMER 131 S Calumet Rd, Chesterton.

219.983.9994. 126 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.9994.

This women’s clothing boutique offers casual and contemporary clothing and jewelry from around the world.

Indian Summer features brands such as Sympli, Oh My Gauze, Big Buddha and San Miguel shoes. The new space in Chesterton offers a larger selection of summer apparel, jewelry and accessories, while the original New Buffalo storefront continues to feature its quality inventory for those on the other side of the lake.

JUDEE’S 1104 Indiana Ave, LaPorte. 219.324.6443. judees.com. Owner Judee Gartland and her daughter frequently travel to the garment districts in New York and Chicago to build the inventory in their store, which is situated in a stately Victorian home in downtown LaPorte.

Clothing for all occsasions is available here, including formalwear. Designers include Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, Neon Buddha, Alex Evenings and Brighton bags and accessories.

LIGHTHOUSE PLACE PREMIUM OUTLETS 601 Wabash St, Michigan City.

219.879.6506. premiumoutlets.com.

Located near the lake in the historic district of Michigan City, this aptly named outlet store has become one of the largest shopping destinations in the region. With 120 outlet stores in an outdoor village setting, patrons will find savings at places like Burberry, Coach, J.Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

L.R. MEN’S CLOTHIER & TUXEDOS 205 Lincolnway, LaPorte. 219.324.5072.

shore THINGS

REVIVE CONSIGNMENTS 523 Franklin St, Michigan City.

219.814.4063. reviveconsignments.com.

This upscale consignment boutique, located in the historic Franklin Square district, features gently worn and new designer clothing, shoes and accessories.

Furniture, art and jewelry—all made by local and national artists—are also available for purchase.

TIP TEE TOE 2411 St. Lawrence Ave, Long Beach.

219.861.6012. tipteetoe.com. The Tip Tee Toe golf shoe features a unique wedge sole design, allowing proper weight distribution, weight transfer, and therefore a more powerful golf swing.

The shoes come in a variety of colors and can be worn on and off the course.

Michigan

CRESCENT MOON 413 Phoenix Rd, South Haven.

269.637.5119. Situated in downtown South Haven, this boutique features women’s apparel that ranges from dressy to casual to sportswear. Brands include Lole, Fresh Produce, and Pure.

Also available are shoes, jewelry and home décor items, including Mariposa serving pieces.

DK BOUTIQUE 213 State St, St. Joseph. 269.983.7313. dkboutique.com. This contemporary women’s clothing boutique in downtown St. Joe offers limited edition designer apparel, cool new accessories and the latest designs in jewelry from Pandora Jewelry.

With something for everyone, from teenagers and older, DK Boutique provides the most current styles that are full of flair.

EVE 319 State St, St. Joseph. 269.983.4372.

This boutique for women is a longtime favorite among visitors to downtown St. Joseph. Owned by Rachel Arent, Eve specializes in artisan-designed clothing and trendy jewelry and accessories. Some of the more popular designers found here include Linda Lundstrom, Lee Andersen, Sympli, Painted Pony and Fenini. Eve’s selection of linen clothing is wildly popular among customers.

MOXIE’S BOUTIQUE 321 State St, St. Joseph. 269.983.4273. moxiesboutique.com. This fun and festive boutique features women’s fashions, accessories and gifts. Apparel—from designers such as Belamie, Flashback Couture and Nic & Zoe—comes in a range of styles and prices. Many local artists’ works are available here as well, including handbags, scarves, jewelry, furniture and art.

CLAIRE A BELLA BOUTIQUE 115 Kansas St, Frankfort. 815.464.9690. claireabellaboutique.com. The owners of this shoe boutique also call it the Giving Back Boutique, as they and their vendors give a portion of their proceeds to those in need. Many of the items here— including shoes, handbags, jewelry, coats and more—also are made with recycled products.

GIRLFRIENDS 18046 Martin Ave, Homewood.

708.799.7711. This recently opened upscale women’s consignment shop carries a plethora of designer and name-brand clothing, purses, shoes and jewelry, along with clothing for teens and infants.

GIRLFRIENDS CLOSET. 55 W Bankview Dr, Frankfort.

815.469.8960. girlfriendscloset.com. It’s easy to buy a whole new wardrobe at this contemporary boutique, which offers a modern, sophisticated selection of tops, pants, blazers, jackets, dresses and shoes.

Wallets and accessories are also available here. There are regular promotional events and sales, and customers can even sign up to be in the Girlfriends Closet club.

HEAD 2 TOE 21 S Ash St, Ste 8, Frankfort.

815.469.6935. Oh-so-cute children’s shoes and accessories can be found at this boutique, from sizes infant to youth size 5. The brands represented here, including Ecco, Umi, Morgan & Milo, are original and hard to find anywhere else.

LIL’ SURPRISES 22 S Ash St, Frankfort. 815.464.9856. lilsurprises.com. Located in downtown historic Frankfort, this children’s boutique features unique American and European clothing lines, as well as adorable gift baskets for children of all ages. Clothing ranges in size from newborn to size 8.

Toys and puzzles are also available.

MY SISTER’S AND ME BOUTIQUE 25 S White St, Frankfort. 815.464.8373. mysistersandmeboutique.com.

This family-owned, upscale women’s boutique features contemporary fashions, from shoes to accessories to after-five to casual.

Prom dresses, tuxedos and mother-ofthe-bride apparel are also available.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO THIS WEEKEND? Shore’s own Joe Durk and Julia Perla talk about what’s going on in the Lake Michigan area, in the Shore Weekender video every Thursday. visitshoremagazine.com / nwi.com

RAYMOND LEVINE 19919 S LaGrange Rd, Frankfort.

815.464.5766. raymondlevine.com.

Family-owned since 1924, this men’s’ clothing store features collections of highend designer clothing, sportswear and shoes, and handcrafted custom clothes.

European tailor shop services are also available for men, women and children.

SANDEE’S SEED BOUTIQUE 2007 Ridge Rd, Homewood.

708.798.1808 or 708.705.1124. This luxury clothing boutique sells a variety of women’s clothing, including evening wear, mothers of the bride and groom outfits, prom dresses, women’s suits, dresses and casual clothing, and hand bags and jewelry. Featured designers include Mon cheri, Pher’omone by Marilyn Miglin, Rioni, Tango suits and Maggy London.

For more business lisitngs, please go to visitshoremagazine.com

WEEKENDER

with joe & julia

october/november 2010

Michigan

DUO’S NEARLY NU 2015 Ridge Rd, Homewood.

708.798.0075. Shopping is fun at this upscale consignment shop as fashions change with every season. Loyal customers have been coming for nearly 30 years for high-quality new and “nearly nu” designer clothing, jewelry and accessories, including fine purses and wallets with designer labels, such as Coach, Fendi, Dooney & Burke and Chanel.

89

lrclothingco.com. High-quality menswear and tuxedos are the highlight at this shop, which is one of the only men’s clothing shops in downtown LaPorte. Tuxedos come from brands like Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis and Ecko, while menswear designers include Austin Reed and Tallia.

shorecast PREDICTIONS BY FRAN SMITH

For more astrological advice, be sure to check out Fran Smith’s regular blog on visitshoremagazine.com.

[sagittarius] NOVEMBER 23-DECEMBER 21 KEY WORDS in October: Your Heart’s Desire. Since your planetary ruler is Jupiter (Lady Luck), you’re enthusiastic and expansive about the things that you desire. Still, an element of balance governs this sector. Consult it—often.

SIDESTEP what others think that you should do.

actor MICHAEL MADSEN

[libra] SEPTEMBER 23OCTOBER 22 KEY WORDS in October: Center Stage. This is the month—the one that you wait for every year.

Relish it totally, for the New Moon (new starts) now occurs in your own sun-sign. Know that some very good things are on their way.

SIDESTEP the untried method—whatever the situation.

KEY WORDS in November: Possessions and Lifestyle—yours.

No one ever knows how much money you earn—or how much you have in your bank account(s). And you intend to keep it that way. What a good method. SIDESTEP the absence of proof. Have your facts and figures close at hand.

KEY WORD in November: Confidentiality—in all things.

No one is more secretive than you are when it comes to strategy-planning sessions. Given your usual good-natured demeanor, who would have guessed? This month is perfect for secrecy! SIDESTEP the lure of the unusual. [capricorn] DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 19 KEY WORDS in October: Your Favorite Place. What could be better? And right before the holidays, too. This month marks the start of favorable developments within your career. Press on, stay balanced, and advance as only you can. SIDESTEP confusion or uncertainty—of any kind.

KEY WORDS in November: Your Secret Agenda. Since no one ever knows what you really desire, you’re able to pursue it at your own pace. Yet, the holidays are here.

And this year, you may harbor more than one objective.

Consider going faster. SIDESTEP yesterday’s way of doing things. [aquarius] JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18 KEY WORDS in October: People, Plans and Projects— near and at a distance. Long-distance travel is a possibility.

But before you seize upon it, think well. Much is taking place all around you. And those new plans for 2011 are vital. SIDESTEP lumping things together. Outline and format.

KEY WORDS in November: The Mountain Top. Your career and its content—not to mention your career-related associations—are top secret stuff. And true to this time of the year, something great surfaces. Don’t defer until next year. Act now. SIDESTEP hesitancy about taking the first step.

actor DENNIS FRANZ

[scorpio] OCTOBER 23NOVEMBER 22

0 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 9

KEY WORDS in October: Closed Doors.

An interesting fact: You’re always in a close partnership with anyone you deal with privately. However, those individuals would be well advised to keep all such private dealings—private.

Your wrath is horrific.

SIDESTEP involvements that do not work.

KEY WORDS in November: You’re t he One. Here it is—the start of your personal New Year when the New Moon (new starts) occurs in the sun-sign of Scorpio. Set your sights for 2011— very high. It’s the only thing that works for you. SIDESTEP over-explaining anything you do or say.

[pisces] FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20 KEY WORDS in October: Starting Anew. And this applies to all the levels of your life—mental, emotional, physical, financial, spiritual. Know that you have planetary backup in your quest to turn things around. And get started, at last. SIDESTEP distraction—particularly when you’ve created it.

KEY WORDS in November: New Ideas and Private Plans.

Half this month, you’ll be involved in what to do in 2011— and the other half, you’ll be consumed with the holidays.

No matter, just relax and allow yourself to delight in the loveliness of the season. SIDESTEP the truly bizarre. [aries] MARCH 21-APRIL 20 KEY WORDS in October: The Best Possible Arrangement.

You’re always striving to arrive at this—even when you’re not consciously aware of the fact. This month is no exception, especially when it comes to close ties. Stay in balance. SIDESTEP remaining silent when it’s your turn to speak.

KEY WORD in November: Revitalization, on all levels— mental, emotional, physical, financial and spiritual. Slip quietly into the month, even if holiday festivities are underway. It’s the perfect time to set your affairs in order.

So, don’t hesitate. SIDESTEP getting involved in risky situations.

[taurus] APRIL 21-MAY 20 KEY WORDS in October: Your Work and Its Environment.

There’s much to be done, if you really want to enjoy the last three months of 2010. Finish what you have to do, no matter how much the holiday spirit wants to distract you. It’s well worth the effort. SIDESTEP an absence of total focus.

KEY WORDS in November: An Agreement or Two. Excellent! The potential of a new agreement—or even the desired contract—couldn’t have come at a better time.

Still, it’s necessary to keep all arrangements confidential.

It’s vital to progress. SIDESTEP being unavailable for important meetings. [gemini] MAY 21-JUNE 20 KEY WORDS in October: Hearts Afire—throughout your personal world. This includes your love life and your assorted relationships, in addition to a spillover into your creative existence. Take care not to exhaust yourself.

The holidays beckon. SIDESTEP the wrong-for-you relationship.

KEY WORDS in November: The Work Scene. There’s still something new and very important that you can yet accomplish, create or gain before 2010 closes out. Think well—and then step back. You’ll know it when it comes to mind. SIDESTEP a rigid attitude within a current situation. [cancer] JUNE 21-JULY 22 KEY WORDS in October: Your Base of Operations—where you live and where you work. The conditions are ideal in which to resolve matters that relate to home base. Don’t be reluctant to take a leap of faith. It’s the holidays—and joy is on your side. SIDESTEP being really, really late.

KEY WORDS in November: Love Strikes Again! Oh, good.

However, you’ll have to shake off any hint of gloom, if you want to blend smoothly with several late-breaking developments. This is a time of dramatic moments. So, be thoroughly prepared. SIDESTEP saying the completely wrong thing. [leo] JULY 23-AUGUST 22 KEY WORD in October: Dialogue. This is your time of the year. The social scene not only expands; it also contains great themes! And there you are—planning, inviting, creating whatever your heart desires. Lucky are the ones who receive an invitation from you. SIDESTEP wandering far afield.

KEY WORD in November: Home. Much activity now goes on behind the scenes, especially as it relates to your base of operations. It could be part of holiday preparations; it could be part of finding a domestic solution. Regardless, get it done. SIDESTEP defiance—yours or someone else’s. [virgo] AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 22 KEY WORDS in October: In Perfect Balance. This is something you do well—when you decide to do it. Put your financial affairs in absolute order for all of 2010.

It’s advisable not to criticize yourself about this. Just do it. SIDESTEP being uncharacteristically casual about the work at hand.

KEY WORDS in November: All Forms of Communication.

With skill and sophistication—you can reach out to others. Now is the ideal time to send messages of warmth, understanding, good cheer—and yes, even that apology.

SIDESTEP allowing tension to permeate any conversation.

WANT MORE? please go to page 46 or visitshoremagazine.com for a full listing of the area’s best events and watch the Shore Weekender with Joe and Julia for the absolute best picks for a great weekend.

Through Oct 31 COLORFALL Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 1000 E Beltline NE, Grand Rapids 616.957.1580, 888.957.1580 meijergardens.org This annual celebration of autumn’s majesty includes— depending on the weekend— guided fall color tours, a chrysanthemum display, Farm Garden encounters, leaf seminars for children, art classes, giant pumpkins and more.

Sept 30-Oct 3 APPLE FESTIVAL corner of Lake & 17th Sts downtown Niles 269.683.8870 fourflagsapplefestival.org One of the top-rated festivals in the state of Michigan, this four-day fair features carnival rides, food vendors, more than 190 arts and crafts booths on Saturday and Sunday, parades, contests and more.

Oct 1-4 MERCHANDISE MART INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES FAIR 11am-7pm Fri-Sat 11am-6pm Sun, 11am-3pm Mon The Merchandise Mart, 8th Floor 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Chicago, 800.677.6728 merchandisemartantiques.com More than 100 of the worlds’ top dealers of antiques and fine art will be on hand to showcase a wide range of antique genres from which to shop.

Lake Michigan

shore PICKS Oct 17 KITCHEN TOUR & TASTING noon-4pm various locations, Crown Point 219.662.9243 trikappakitchentour.com Owners of eight private residences in Crown Point will open their doors to guests at this event, which will showcase local cuisine.

Chefs from various Northwest Indiana restaurants, including Gamba Ristorante, Bon Femme Café and Lucrezia Ristorante, will prepare a featured menu item or their favorite dish for guests to taste as they go from house to house.

last resort

At My Shallowest

During the model casting, we saw amazing talent and amazingly younglooking talent. The young adults looked like teenagers and the new grandmothers looked like new mothers. It wasn’t until the fashion show, though, that the judging truly began—and the student designers rocked the runway as promised. For some reason, my expectations were not as high as

by JOE DURK they should have been.

I was blown away by the young designers’ work.

We’re taught as young children to not judge a book During the final critique, we got to see the designers standing behind their by its cover. As I aged, I learned that I couldn’t creations. One designer in particular was, control how people perceived me—only how I on the surface, a jarring juxtaposition to his collection. But again, I felt I was at my presented myself. But somewhere in the middle, I shallowest when I found myself forming decided that none of this really matters. I’d might opinions about what the designers looked as well just be wearing a barrel. like—and feeling uneasy in response to their nervousness at having their work judged. But we judged on a rating system, based solely on the designs. ecause for most of my life, I have looked Competition-based reality television—essentially “game younger than my chronological age. At least shows”—has forced us all to become judges of others and this is what people have told me when they ourselves. After seeing every episode of Project Runway, it was learn my real age. Family, friends, teachers and oddly satisfying to hear Michael Kors say what I was thinking, colleagues—all have quipped that I will love when he accused a designer of dressing a model to look like a this when I’m 40.

“Paris hooker from the ’50s.”

I used to get angry about this supposed Reality television has invaded our closets. We judge ourselves compliment, noting that I’d rather look my every time we sort our clothes into “yes,” “maybe” and “hell, age at the age that I was. Still, when I meet new people, the no” piles. When a woman walks into the 360º mirror in a fulljudging starts before my mouth is opened. After conversing, it on leopard-print velour tracksuit, there is no question which pile registers that I am actually older. it goes into; the only question that remains is what the designer Now I will admit, after letting my hair grow rather long for had in mind when the monstrosity was created, and how it got a few years, cutting it all off did not help the situation. They into the closet in the first place. (Although I’ve committed my say that a man should have picked his hairstyle by his mid-30s, fair share of fashion faux pas over the years, such but what I’d like to know is, what is this ideal guy supposed as too many trends being worn at the same to look like at 35? (Anyway, I don’t think my hair will be time . . . with bad hair. And tight-rolled pants.) that long again.)

Certain outfits should be punishable by law It also may be due in part to my personal style, because as crimes against fashion. little has changed since school. Except now this personal I knew judging the young style—sleeves rolled up, ties with jeans—has a slightly designers was not going to be higher price tag. I finally swore off khakis. (Heck, I wish I easy and would be a learning would’ve bought a tux in high school, now that I know that experience for me and I was right. my frame hasn’t changed and I wasted money renting for (And I had the added insecurity years.) But the truth remains: even formal wear doesn’t age about what I was bringing to me. (I just look like a ring bearer.) Again, I might as well the table versus the resumes be in a barrel. of the other judges.) But what That’s why it was awkward to become a judge. happened was I found out I have publicly cast judgments this summer: I took that picking the winner part in a model-casting as a panelist and in a student was just the end result of fashion show as a judge. (I was chosen for these many small judgments tasks based on my experience with picking the based on (professional) models and fashions for Shore photo shoots.) observations. Observing As much as I loved judging, I felt that I was at and judging are a skill my shallowest. I have adopted one rule—and set that I look forward sure, it’s cliché to channel Coco Chanel, but to developing by the damn if the woman wasn’t right—about time I’m 40. checking yourself before you leave and taking And in the meantime, I’m one thing off. So many times I see someone hoping to be finally aging well sporting one too many accessories, or an in my barrel . . . much like ensemble that is just too matchy-match, a fine wine. and I begin editing in my head.

LIFE IS A RUNWAY AND EVERYONE IS A JUDGE

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ILLUSTRATION BY CHRISTINA SOMERS