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February 2010
A Little Trendy: NY Gift Fair
 

The name of the game for covering the New York International Gift Fair is not just what’s new—but hedging your bets (and byline) on what’s next. I remember covering my first show for Chicago Home + Garden in 2008. After combing the football field–sized scores of floors, I rang the office to weigh in on my trend declaration! Hey, breaking news—“peace sign = the new owl,” “mushrooms are the new birds,” “metallic is the new black.” And boy, do we LOVE when we’re right! This show, the BIGGEST news was SMALLS. Jonathan Adler introduced more than 200 new products this season including Jonathan Adler Junior. Diminutive and witty little versions of his furniture and furnishings for only the coolest kiddos. We heart the idea of buying a teeny alpaca throw,  included Oly Petite Seating—tables and shelves too! Look for them this spring at Jayson Home & Garden. Little Nest had the most mod of the minis, replicas of iconic favorites scaled down to suit “budding design enthusiasts” (see photo). Stay tuned so we can share their imminent whereabouts here in town. Garden spot Sprout was ahead of the game with its recycled outdoor offerings from Iman, look for them in our March-April issue.

—Barri Leiner Grant

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Top Doctors Reception
February 3rd, 2010 -- Cadillac and Chicago magazine hosted a reception honoring the physicians featured in January 2010 “Chicago’s Top Doctors” editorial cover story. The reception, held at the Museum of Science and Industry, began with welcoming remarks from senior editor Geoffrey Johnson of Chicago magazine, followed with a toast given by Cadillac’s George Gulliver. Guests enjoyed tasty bites and were granted private access to the Museum of Science and Industry’s Newest Exhibit, You! The Experience, which celebrates the connection between the mind, body, and spirit with more than 50 interactive experiences. Guests were also treated to a viewing of the new 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, CTS Sport Wagon, SRX, and the CTS-V. Read more
Bucktown’s New Green Salon
By Bridget Maiellaro
Cutting Her Own Path
After 15 years in corporate salons, the hair colorist Karen Marie Vanoni wanted a more creative work environment. But shortly into her search, she realized she wanted to open her own salon. Read more
Kinzie Street

Lots of changes are afoot on Kinzie Street near the Mart. This week the 100 West block is getting a new resident: Pauline Grace, a contemporary furniture showroom that had been on Kingsbury. Pauline Grace joins Thomas Jolly Antiques and Oscar Isberian Rugs , which moved next door to a new space. P. A. Larkin closed its storefront but is now selling its Asian furniture out of Vintage Pine. Evanstonia also closed its River North doors, but is still open in Ravenswood. Got all that?

—JAN PARR

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Weekend Photos: Revolution Brewing
In case you’re the lone Chicagoan who hasn’t heard the news: Revolution Brewing, the much anticipated Logan Square brewpub from Handlebar’s Josh Deth, opened last Wednesday to great fanfare and epic waits. Our photographer stopped by Saturday evening and snapped a packed house of early adopters sipping from the inaugural lineup of four house-brewed beers... Read more
Fun Faux Taxidermy
 

If stuffed deer make you queasy, you’re not alone. We’re over the Aspen lodge look, too. But there’s still a place for faux taxidermy—as long as it comes with a healthy dose of humor. Tamar Mogendorff’s playful hand-sewn animal heads (top row; about $135 to $800), available at Asrai Garden, are delightfully irreverent. Made with pretty hand-printed fabric, the collection of penguins, kangaroos, and horses are friendly enough to hang in the nursery. Look for unicorn heads to debut this spring. Anthropologie is also touting a cheeky take on the trophy head: Savannah Story Busts (bottom row; $68), constructed from recycled cement bags and vintage book pages, feel lighthearted and homemade.

–Bridget Herman

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