10 Tips & Tricks For The Perfect DIY Bouquet

10 Tips & Tricks For The Perfect DIY Bouquet

  

There are few things I love more than a home filled with flowers. I religiously buy blooms to stock our apartment every week, and adore both the scent and look of the flower-filled vases. I'll hold my hands up and admit that I am no flower aficionado, and I am always keen to learn more (to our local flower vendors - thank you for your patience!). Understandably then, I was over the moon when Chelsea based florist Amanda Austin, famed for top tier work with embassies, luxury hotels and weddings, invited me for a flower arranging class this weekend. 

A small group of us (which FYI was made up of some of my favourite girls) got to grips with making almost perfect DIY bouquets over the course of a couple of hours. And yes, there was tea and cake too.  Our minds boggled at the tips and anecdotes Amanda so kindly revelled us in, and we all left with minds suitably blown and our beautiful bouquets, naturally envisaging our new careers as bloggers-turned-florists. 

Below are 10 of my favourite tips & tricks for the perfect bouquet, as told to us by the  lady herself, Amanda Austin . . . 

1 - Proportions generally regarded as the best for a vase arrangement, in height, are either: 2/3 vase to 1/3 flowers or 2/3 flowers to 1/3 vase. 

2 -  To see where to cut a stem for height, place your vase at the edge of a table and hold your flower against it. You can then move it up and down to judge where to crop. 

3 - If you buys flowers in an aqua pack (the water-filled cellophane you sometimes find bouquets resting in) change the water immediately as the aqua pack breeds bacteria. FYI: this is why Amanda Austin makes all bouquets fresh. 

4 -  Always rotate the vase, not yourself, when arranging flowers.

5 - Waitrose is the best supermarket to buy flowers from. They reputably have the best supplier, buy seasonally and keep their flowers in top condition! 

6 -  Every flower has a natural 'happy face' this is the side of the flower which has been turned to the Sun and looks slightly upwards. Turn this side of the flower towards you when making an arrangement so you get the best of the flower. 

7 - The Dice Method will create a perfect bouquet every time. The Dice Method is such: always arrange flowers five stems at a time. Imagine a dice (shown below) and place a stem in your vase as per the dots on a dice; one in the middle, and one at each corner. Rotate the 'dice' and place a further five stems. Aim to cross all stems over at a central point - Amanda calls it the 'onion ball'. Follow this mathematical formula and you will develop a beautiful, balanced bouquet. 

8 -  A lot  of people remove the outer petal on a Rose - known as the weather petal - as it can look as if it is turning. This is not the case, and is in fact part of the Rose's beauty. It is a personal preference, but there isn't actually a need. (NB: I used to think this!) 

9 - Five Lilies, five Roses and five stems of green is the most popular bouquet ordered at Amanda Austin, a classic which works for every home and occasion. 

10 - Snip wood-like stems up the middle a little to allow for better water consumption. For Hydrangeas either dunk the head of the flower in water, or spray with a water spray daily as they drink from the head more than the stem. 

Amanda Austin's store on Kings Rd

If you are unsure of what type of flower arrangement will suit you and your home, have a think as to the aesthetics and designs - outside of flowers - you enjoy. As a rule of thumb, if you are more 'country' then an arrangement with more greenery will work for you, but if you are more 'city' in your aesthetic choices then less greenery and more flowers will work. Honestly, I think I am a hybrid of the two! I love a lot of the elements of the country, but aesthetically I lean towards a city vibe. 

Once Amanda had demonstrated, our class was invited to chose a style of bouquet to try their hand at. I chose to create a dark rose bouquet with  wild-looking violet-hued flowers, and deep Wintery tones. We used flower oasis to create our arrangements - not nearly as scary as it looks! Following the Dice Method every one's bouquets quickly came to life, and it was so lovely to see how, although all following the same instructions, we all injected our own personality in to our take-homes. 

My Wintery bouquet is now taking pride of place on my coffee table, and I am so excited to keep up with the tips and tricks Amanda taught us for future bouquets!

My finished bouquet!

Now taking pride of place at home!

Amanda rounded up our class with a final note of advice: "there should always be enough space for the butterflies to land". Such a beautiful sentiment, and one which wholly conveys this warm, lovely business and the team behind it. 

Are you guys going to try your hand at your own DIY arrangement? If so, do you think you are more Country or City?!

I am still catching up with all of our news, business and pics from New York but now we are over the jet lag hurdle (so hard on the way back?!) I can't wait to write it all up and share with you guys!

Have an awesome day all!

Love, 

MB x

Taste of New Zealand — no... it's not Australia.

Taste of New Zealand — no... it's not Australia.

If you were around downtown Chicago on Friday, you might have seen the incredibly long line on Michigan Ave.  The occasion? It was a chance to see the New Zealand All Blacks up close and personal. The team — fresh on there way to Saturday’s match at Soldier Field were signing autographs and offering a Taste of New Zealand fare at Howells & Hood in the Tribune Building. Hundreds showed up. Generously sponsored by Air New Zealand, the even was to commemorate the first time in 34 years that the New Zealand team has played on US soil. It was the fourth time they played the US Eagles. The Eagles recently qualified for the Rugby World Cup for 2015.

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 31: Air New Zealand celebrates New Zealand with the All Blacks in Chicago at Howells and Hood on October 31, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photos by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Air New Zealand)




Air New Zealand flew the All Blacks in special. Chicago is not on their regular travel route but this was an event that was worth a stop over. Fans at the Howells & Hood luncheon learned the famous New Zealand Haka Dance as well has get a chance to snap a selfie or get an autographs from All Blacks players. On the menu was lamb meatballs, mini-burgers, fish and chips. New Zealand is also known for great wines which was provided by Nautilus and Fire Road. The All Blacks are the reigning World champions. The November 1st game was a sell-out at Soldier Field with 61,500 people in attendance — three times what the Eagles usually get in attendance. For rugby fans, Taste of New Zealand was a chance of a lifetime… as was the game itself. The All Blacks barely broke a sweat as the trampled on the Eagles 74-6. Ouch. The All Blacks have claimed two World Cup Championships and are virtually undefeated with 34 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws since 2012. Guess the Eagles need a little more practice before going to the World Cup. They are also hoping to make it to the 2016 Olympics. Good luck with that.

Back for Round 3 — Vogue Knitting LIVE

Back for Round 3 — Vogue Knitting LIVE

The weather is changing. It’s getting cold. It’s time to think about sweaters and burrowing in for the winter under an afghan. Having never been an advocating to be a couch potato, running outside, biking in the forest preserve or going to the beach isn’t an option. Doing something when sitting on the couch it. Knitting is fabulous as a means to get through the winter. So it’s time to check out Vogue Knitting LIVE.

 

If this doesn’t get you thinking itching to knit, nothing will. It is a three day weekend of fibers, fashion and fun. It doesn’t matter if you are a totally beginner or super advanced, there is something here for you. If you're a trend setter/style watcher, they got you covered. It you view knitting as a craft than an outlet for fashion, you will find things to help inspire you.

Vogue Knitting LIVE will be held in downtown Chicago at the centrally located Palmer House Hilton Hotel. Located near Millennium Park and right on Chicago’s State Stree shopping area, the event gives fellow knitters a chance to connect and see those whose work they love. This communal Vogue Knitting LIVE brings Vogue Knitting magazine to life with knit couture fashion shows, inspirational master-level technique, design classes for beginners and experts and more.

Never thought of Knitting?

Knitting is a relaxing, zen-type of activity. It is productive in that you can see your work grow with your efforts. A beginner knitter can start out by making something small like a tiny toy for a baby or tackle a large like a sweater. Learning only the two stitches to knit, you will be amazed at how easy it to achieve lovely looking projects. Advanced knitters will be challenged some of the intricate works of art being displayed. Vogue Knitting Magazine pushes the level of expertice forward with what is considered home made garments and turns them into the hand made treasures. They help knitters turn their crafts into art and offer information on finishing details that help give refinement or polish to a person’s efforts. You will make something that can be worn with pride. 

To help with that, Vogue Knitting has rounded up some of the best knitters and fiber artists in the business and pulled them together in Chicago for a one weekend only event. It is a Who’s Who of those that knit and those who teach this craft with passion. Cully Swansen (grandson of grandson of master knitter Elizabeth Zimmermann and son of knitting designer Meg Swansen) is on board teaching Zimmermann’s Percentage Knitting System. It is a must for knitters who want to design their own garments. Concerned about how long it takes to knit a sweater?  Amy Detjen, co-authored Knitting with Two Colors with Meg Swansen, is offering a seminar on how to increase your knitting speed. For those looking to add more texture to their work Nancy Marchant, known as the queen of the Brioche Stitch, will be teaching how to use Brioche to give color and texture. Norah Gaughan, former design director for Berroco Yarns, is offering a seminar on Modern Sweater Structure: A Design Workshop. For those that really have fallen in love with machine knitting, Susan Guagliumi is offering a number of classes to select from. Ms Guagliumi is the guru on working with knitting machines and creating hand manipulated stitches. Her book and video, Hand-Manipulated Stitches for Machine Knitters is perhaps the best teaching tool available for those wanting to learn the ropes of machine knitting. Join acclaimed toy designer Susan B. Anderson to learn all about this incredibly popular knitting genre. Plus there will be giveaways for her books, patterns and yarn.  Not in to knitting but perhaps would like to try weaving? Think about Beginning Weaving for Knitters. Offered by Deborah Jarchow, this seminar will introduce you to three different looms so you can decide what is right for you. So you really don’t know jack about knitting but would be interested in giving it a whirl, try the Knitter’s Bootcamp. This is a series of classes that walks you through the process and demystify the concepts.  To be blunt, there are so many seminar that are attractive, one will have trouble figuring out just which ones to go too.  The level of expertice is amazing. These are individuals who are true craftsmen in their field and who are more then happy to share their knowledge with you. You will want to take advance, if not to try it, but then to at least see what they are doing. There is also an textile art gallery running during the show with amazing conceptual work that uses knitting as the medium of creation.

Knitting is easy and relaxing

Key word here is relaxing. To aid that, there is a free YOGA (yes— yoga) class on Saturday at 10:15. This is seated yoga and doesn’t require a matt but is also appropriate for long days at work. There are massages offered by Oxygen Spa Studio and Verde Wellness on Saturday and Sunday. You may walk in tense, you will walk out at one with the universe.

Speaking of Show

Ready for some entertainment? How about this? Get a chance to see Steven Berg of Steven Be Inspired. Steven will offers two free lectures on Unleashing your Creative Potential on Saturday. The Sunday FREE lecture is called Pin It, Shop It, Design It, Wear It With Steven Berg! Steven is a very entertaining lecturer and he is someone you will not want to miss. Energetic, gregarious and fun, he is a real crowd pleaser and pushes the bounds of creativity in a charismatic and humorous way. On a deeper level, Dr. Carrie Barron (psychiatrist)  & Dr. Alton Barron (orthopedic surgeon) will offer a talk on creativity.  The Creativity Cure: How to Build Happiness With Your Own Two Hands will discuss how creativity can be used as a fuel for working through depression and works in building long-term happiness. And for the guys: Sunday’s Panel Discussion is entitled Men at Work — How They Turned Their Passion Into Their Careers. This panel pulls together men who knit who have made it their livelihood.

Looking Chic.

Knitting is about craft but it is also about style. As you are knitting along, you will know your what you are working on will be ahead of trend as opposed to behind. Check out the FIVE fashion shows that will be offered on Saturday October 25

10:30 am - 11:00 am —Vogue Knitting Fashion Show

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm — Rowan Fashion Show

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm — Koigu Wool Designs Fashion Show

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm — Knitting Fever Presents: Miss Bliss & Noro Fashion Show

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm —Vogue Knitting Fashion Show

And there are books!

Knitting and books go hand in hand. So getting a chance to meet the authors, have a lesson with them and pick their brain is an opportunity you will not want to miss. Here are the times when you can have the author sign your copy of their book.

Barbara Walker

Author of so many books, but everyone will want A Treasury of Knitting Patterns if you don’t already have it. It is a bible of knitting.
Friday, October 24,  6.00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 25, 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Nancy Marchant

Author of Knitting Fresh Brioche
Saturday, October 25, 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Rosemary Drysdale

Author of Entrelac 2
Saturday, October 25, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Trisha Malcolm

Author of 60 Quick Luxury Knits & Knit Noro 1-2-3 Skeins
Saturday, October 25, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Registration starts as early as Thursday October 23rd. Friday October 24th is a day devoted to seminars. Classes start at 9:00 AM run in three-hour blocks. The second set of the day start at 2:00 and run until 5:00. The last set start at 6:00 and go until 9:00.  This schedule of classes runs again on Saturday. For those who don’t feel like sitting for three hours, there are also 2-hour classes or modules that run on Saturday starting at 9:00 AM and also at 2:00 PM.  Sunday; classes from 9:00 until 5:00 PM

The Market place – a pop-up shopping mall of fibers, patterns and supplies, is open on:
Friday  5:00 PM — 8:30 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM — 6:30 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM — 4:00 PM
You will also find crocheting patterns, fibers for weaving, patterns for plush toys for kids, small and large projects.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.vogueknittinglive.com or at the door. One-Day Marketplace Tickets (for attending on Saturday OR Sunday) are $20 and Two-Day Marketplace Tickets (for attending both Saturday AND Sunday) are $25. Friday evening Marketplace is free with the purchase of either a One-Day or Two-Day ticket. Kids under 12 are free; students receive half off Marketplace Tickets and save $15 on classes.

Parking is available at Palmer House with a weekend special for $16 a day. It is also close to parking at the Grant Park Garage and at 55 East Monroe. The Palmer House is also conveniently located right above the Monroe Stop on the Red Line and as well as a host of bus lines that come down State. Transportation is not a problem, so enjoy.

A Deal Just For You

Just because Vogue Knitting Magazine knows are HalfStack readers are special, they have offered us 50% off on classes AND tickets to the event when you register online. When you register, use the promote codes:

CHI50: Half off Classes
CHI50MP: Half off Marketplace Tickets 

Please note: the promo codes are case sensitive and they are exclusive to HalfStack readers.  Enjoy the day with half off from HalfStack and Vogue Knitting Magazine. 

Chicago Gourmet Event Turned Out to be a Blast for All

Chicago Gourmet Event Turned Out to be a Blast for All

Usually, I don’t get out of bed on the weekends but this past Saturday, I decided it was time for me to get up, get out and eat some great food and drink wine until I can’t drink another drop of wine. The weather was nice and hot, giving me enough courage to get up, get out and have some fun- for once.  After showering and getting dressed for the event, I left the premises; anticipating for what’s next ahead. As I arrived onto the scene, I have noticed that there were a lot of reporters waiting in line to receive their media pass just so they can turn in their assignment to their boss in addition to informing the world about the Chicago Gourmet event and what it had to offer.  The vendors were not prepared to pass out the media passes, so I wound up reading a book just to kill time.

After all, I do get bored easily. “It’ll be fifteen minutes when we pass out the media passes, sorry for the inconvenience,” one of the vendors said, smiling. I nodded, re-reading Jackie Collins’ Dangerous Kiss. Fifteen minutes passed and I was line, receiving my bag of goodies such as a champagne glass for wine tasting, a free Chicago Gourmet USB (which I thought was pretty cool because that meant I didn’t have to purchase another USB at a local store), and a few brochures and other goodies that made my heart smile tremendously.

DJ Jay Illa

First, I checked out the Chipotle pavilion where the servers were passing out free bowls of hot, spicy chili that made my mouth water. I tasted the bowl of chili and immediately, I was in heaven! With a small mixture of ranch and Frito chips, I couldn’t stop eating the bowl of chili. Afterwards, I moved from the Chipotle pavilion onto the wine and beer tasting pavilion. I had tasted a cup of Blackberry Lemonade drink and I was hooked! I was so addicted to the drink that I had asked the server to give me two more drinks. Then, there was the seafood pavilion, which I absolutely enjoyed. Their fresh shrimp were simply tasteful. Cold. Fresh. Delicious. Just how I liked it. Afterwards, I visited the Candy Personality, where they informed on what kind of personality I have based on what kind of candy I eat.

I picked the New York Peppermint Patty. “You are sweet, resourceful, have a great sense of style and people respect you,” one of the servers said, giving me a few flyers to look at on my way to devour more delicious candy. 

I smiled and thanked her for telling me my candy personality. Then, off to the BBQ, Barilla Pasta, Bon Appétit I went, observing various pavilions that I wanted to check out but was too full from the food I had stuffed inside my abdomen and a tad bit too tipsy from the drink I had earlier to check out. In the midst of it all, I had a chance to partake in some really great contests such as a free car and cruise tournaments. I was excited to partake in those contests because I felt that a nice car and an exotic cruise was (and still is) long overdue. Hey, when you have two adorable kids that keeps you up most of the night, you’d want to take a long vacation as well. Two hours have passed, and I was tired, stuffed and drunk.  Giggling from ear to ear, I began dancing to really some cool tunes by Ed Sheeran and others, showing off my crazy dance moves to the attendees at the event.

I had checked out as many pavilions possible and it was time for me to return to a place that is nice and quiet and has heat/air conditioner: home.  While taking a bus back home, I was elated to have had a chance to become a part of something extravagant, something worthwhile. Would I do it again, if given the chance? Most definitely- and then some.

By: Dana Rettig - Out & About/Culture Blogger

Cocktail Hour LBD | L.K.Bennett

Cocktail Hour LBD | L.K.Bennett

Shoes: L.K. Bennett Alma Print Sandals

 

Dress: L.K.Bennett Star Embellished Cocktail Dress

A couple of weeks ago I was treated to a MAGICAL evening by one of my favourite occasion wear brands L.K.Bennett. Myself and five other lucky girls, got the chance to dress up in L.K. Bennett's new Little Bennett Dress - LBD - collection, thoroughly indulging our every cocktail hour fantasy with pampering and dinner at The Savoy's seafood restaurant, Kaspar's.

L-R: Anna | Lucy | Julia | Alex | Me | Fred

The cult status of the LBD is well earned. Beautifully timeless, elegant and chic, it's no wander it's every girl's fall back. I chose the L.K.Bennett star embellished cocktail dress for our fancy occasion, and couldn't wait to unwrap my be-ribboned box when it arrived in the mail. I was BESOTTED with the delicate embellishment, and easy shape on first glance. Extra oo'ing ensued when I caught a glimpse of my Alma print sandals! Major. Shoe. Lust. Blow Ltd. were on hand to match our hair and beauty looks to our dresses for the evening. After consultation, I went with a majority vote, and opted for an undone chignon and dramatic evening makeup look. I was SO in love with the hair-up/jewelled neckline/feline eyes - I ended up sleeping in my up-do with the hope I could wear it into the following day. 

NB: it didn't work - but it was well worth a cricked neck go.

Read on for my styling notes, and a tonne more pictures of my turn in the Little Bennett Dress . . .

In makeup . . . 

. . . the finished result!

Notes on the LBD: My advice on buying a little black dress is to go for quality fabric, in a cut which you feel a million bucks in. This is the kind of piece which you will pull out for weddings, parties, dates, balls, Birthdays, graduations . . . yep it's a keeper.  Importantly you'll want to wear your LBD in your own unique way and I loved seeing how all of the other girls styled their L.K.Bennett dresses for the evening. For me, I like a pop of colour, which I got via my heels, and some face-framing jewels. I didn't need a necklace on account of the embellished neckline, but I always think that chandelier earrings are a fabulous after hours accessory. My dress naturally hung straight, and so I added a complimentary belt to nip the waist in. 

Once dressed, a couple of glasses of champagne down, and with our photos snapped by the fabulous Kris Atomic and team, we headed for a decadent dinner at Kaspar's. And so the Little Bennett Dress got it's turn out on the town . . . !

L.K.Bennett has produced the most beautiful collection of little black dresses and I think it's testament to their versatility that each of us six girls were able to wear, love and party in our own spin on the Little Bennett Dress. Check out the full collection here. 

My sisters in crime for the evening were Alex, Fred, Julia, Anna and Lucy - be sure to pop on over to their sites too to see just how gorgeous they all looked in their LBDs.

Are you guys excited for the party season to start? Are you a little black dress devotee too?! Or will this year be your first purchase?!

Tell me all . . . 

Love, 

MB x 

Thank you so much to L.K.Bennett and Pitch & Post for a wonderful evening, and for partnering with The Elgin Avenue on this article. My gorgeous readers, your enthusiasm for our sponsors is always noted and appreciated - thank you!

Things to do - Solo Night Out

Things to do - Solo Night Out

Ladies, ever wonder how your stylist always gives you the perfect blow out EVERY. FREAKING. TIME and why you can never get the same look at home? Well, the team over at Solo Salon is bringing your the lowdown at their Solo Night Out!

The Bumble and Bumble team will be on hand working with them to give all you ladies tups on the at home DIY blow dry! Check it out on October 3rd from 6-9PM! Tickets are $35. See flier below for details!

Stuff to do - Weekend part 2 - Water Street Studios ŏn-sŏm' bəl 2014

Stuff to do - Weekend part 2 - Water Street Studios ŏn-sŏm' bəl 2014

If you're thinking the suburbs are seriously lacking in the culture dept. then you are sadly mistaken! Although Chicago is known for the arts scene, many of the suburban areas right outside of the city have established amazing communities for local artists. One area in particular that has seen tremendous growth in its culture and arts sector is Batavia, IL. A beautiful town in the western burbs, just 40 minutes or so outside of Chicago. The Water Street Studios has created an environment for growth and development for artists in the area. The Batavia Artists Association at Water Street Studios was founded to advance art education and appreciation by developing the promotion of fine arts in Batavia and neighboring communities.

If you are looking for some art, culture and fashion in the burbs this weekend, then make sure to check out ŏn-sŏm' bəl: A Bold Event To Support The Arts - this Saturday September 27, 2014.

Featured Artists: Steve Banks, Kari Kraus, Valerie William, Lisa Limas, Eli Borrowman, Jenna Walsh & Victoria Belz, Danielle Dobies, Angela Zeedyk, Dawn Tutt, Jen Evans, Patricia Davoust, Katherine Kratzer & Claudia Canon, Lisa Dienst-Thomas

Fine Art Show Curated By: Rita Grendze, Sculptor

Fashion Show Curated By: Curator, Andrea Reynders, Professor Emeritus and former Sage Endowed Chair in Fashion Design, SAIC

Purchase your tickets to the event here.

Calvin Harris - Lollapalooza After Party Reminscing

Calvin Harris - Lollapalooza After Party Reminscing

The summer wouldn't be complete without Lollapalooza. It will no doubt go down as one of the best in recent years. One of the most memorable acts to hit the Lolla stage was Calvin Harris. He not only had festivalgoers at Lolla dancing but he kept it going at his official Lollapalooza after party at Studio Paris. 

**Above Image Courtesy of Jon Mathias**

This excited editor had a chance to witness the DJ mastermind that is Calvin Harris at the Official Lollapalooza After Party and by no means did he disappoint. From the retractable rooftop at Studio Paris showcasing the Chicago Skyline, to the crazy light show, it had all the makings of a superstar performance. Celebrities even made appearances to party with what is undoubtedly the "it" guy in music right now.

Calvin Harris has become one of the biggest DJ’s in the world and has had a whirlwind last two years. Born in Scotland, Calvin Harris began creating his own electronic music in his teens. Eventually, like so many other musicians, he began promoting his music via social media in hopes of catching his big break. Eventually he caught the eye of a representative from major record label EMI in 2006. His keen eye for unique sounds as well as writing and producing made him a force to be reckoned with.

Along with releasing his own album he began writing and producing for artists like Kylie Minogue, All saints and Kelis. Undoubtedly, the 2012 release of his third solo album “18 Months” was his breakout album. The acclaimed album was filled with collaborations with the likes of hit makers like Ellie Goulding, Rihanna and Ne-Yo. He also took the chance and even did vocals for his now infamous track “Summer”. Calvin Harris was making waves and the world was finally taking notice. Not only are fans lining up to see him but other music artists are rushing to collaborate with him. He is by far one of the most world-renowned DJ’s in electronic dance music today and if his airplay isn’t proof enough, in 2013 he was named the highest-earning DJ by Forbes raking in over $46 million dollars.

The amazing space of Studio Paris in downtown Chicago was the place to be for the official Lolla after party. After a crazy set in Grant Park, Calvin Harris partied the night away with a few lucky Chicagoans August 2nd. Calvin Harris hit the Studio Paris stage at around midnight to a sold out show. From the start you could feel the intensity of the crowd. Calvin played all his hits from this summers anthem “Summer” to the ever-popular “Sweet Nothing” and “We found love”. You know you’re a legitimate star when the crowd knows ever word to your songs. And this crowd did. Calvin Harris played homage to his fellow EDM dj’s such as Swedish House Mafia by mixing some of their more popular tracks. The feeling inside Studio Paris was in one word, electrifying. Everyone was having a blast and everyone was dancing. For this huge fan, it was a definite treat to get to see this man live.

While so much music today has negative connotations, EDM, electronic dance music, has taken on a life of it’s own due to its positive and carefree nature. As a self described EDM fanatic, it was amazing getting to witness one of the best dj’s of our time perform the night away under the perfect summer night sky. Calvin Harris is the real deal and if you get a chance to see him live, take it. He’ll be gracing the stage for a long time to come and I for one am very thankful for that and so is the music industry.