Cutty Sark Throws it Back to Prohibition

Cutty Sark Throws it Back to Prohibition

From the early 1920's to 1933 the prohibition of alcohol was enforced with the Eighteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.  Even so, that didn't stop American's from enjoying their favorite bar beverages.  It didn't take long for speakeasies, a commonly dark and hidden bar where the sale of alcohol illegally took place, to pop up in almost every town.

On Wednesday, October 29th, Cutty Sark Whiskey appropriately launched their prohibition edition blend with a prohibition era party.  After walking though a lantern-lit walkway, hidden beneath train tracks at 975 W. Hubbard, guests were offered their first sampling of whisky.  From there, a bow-tied gentlemen opened the doors to a dimly lit warehouse.  Inside was a surprising spectacle.

Card shuffling magicians, live music, craft cocktails; it was a truly authentic celebration of how far whiskey has come.  Local artist Nate Azark painted a live art installation showing the timeline of the prohibition, while live music was performed by Empires and Morry Sochat & The Special 20s. 

Halfstack Magazine:  How did Generic Surplus and Cutty Sark collaborate for this event?

Cutty Sark:  The Generic Surplus collaboration was a preview for the sneaker launch.  The sneaker is a limited edition hi-top that infuses the spirit of America's coolest bartenders with the freshest, contemporary street style.  The shoe takes design cues from current bartenders and is remixed with Cutty Sark's iconic color palette.  

HS:  Can you tell us more about the event space?  Why was it chosen for this event?

CS:  Morgan Manufacturing is a new space.  We wanted something unseen by the people in Chicago.  Its industrial feel and "secret" entrance provided the perfect backdrop to introduce a product such as Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition blended scotch whisky.  

HS:  How many people attended the event?

CS:  The event was a full house with more than 200 attendees.  Everyone enjoyed the whisky, cocktails, the live music and especially the live art installation.

HS:  What was your favorite highlight of the evening? 

CS:  It's hard to pick just one.  The cocktails created by Mea Leech were a real hit, but it was even better sipping them while watching artist Nate Azark put the finishing touches on his mural that told the story of the whiskey since it was first brought to America during prohibition.  

An Evening at Marion Street Market

An Evening at Marion Street Market

It all started with a trolly ride. We boarded the party vehicle with excited hesitation. Where exactly were we going? Like most Chicagoans, I usually don't leave the limits of the city, for a very good reason. But, this adventure seemed promising enough.

Aboard the trolly, we were served fall punch, hot chocolate and a selection of appetizers by a delightful staff of ladies with an impressive sense of balance. We drove along through the city until the landscape changed from tall buildings to shorter ones.

We arrived at our destination just as dusk was turning into night. The sign of the quaint brick building was glowing, as if welcoming us all. It read, Marion Street Cheese Market.



Inside the market, we were welcomed by the wonderful scent of cheese, meats, and baked goods, as well as, by friendly staff offering a glass of wine. Located at 100 S Marion Street in Oak Park, Marion Street market specializes in culinary creativity. More than just cheese, the market also offers locally made goods, a full-service deli, and a bistro. Head chef and partner, Steve Chiappetti, is looking forward to the possibility of the addition of a bakery at the market. This expansion would provide a larger variety of baked goods and customized orders.

Live music and unbelievably delicious tastings were enjoyed all evening. My favorite small bite was a gouda ball with a chimichurri sauce. I also enjoyed a tasting of red wine by Folkway and Fiction. Overall, It was a wonderful evening for the senses!







Our bellies full, our glasses empty, and our hearts happy with the community of people we had met, myself and my trolly companions made our way back home. Back to the city we knew. But, this time it's boarders seemed that much more faded.

Anthropologie Wedding Fair at BHLDN

Anthropologie Wedding Fair at BHLDN

Long gone are the days of puffy-sleeved bridesmaid dresses and over-tulled wedding gowns.  With the modern bride in mind, BHLDN, a stylish bridal boutique, offers a wide variety of dresses and accessories.  

On October 8th, BHLDN partnered with Anthropologie for a Wedding Fair at their 8 East Walton Street location.  The event featured a collection of Chicago wedding vendors , including Magnolia Bakery, Magnificent Milestones, and Amy Jo Royall Photography.  

A delicious array of desserts and small bites were provided by Feast & Imbibe Events and Magnolia Bakery throughout the evening.  Champagne was served while a live DJ provided upbeat musics for a fun night. 

BHLDN Senior Store Manager, Faymi Winters shared a recap of the event with us, as well as her forecast for this seasons bridal trends!

Halfstack Magazine:  How did Anthropologie and BHLDN collaborate for this event?

Faymi Winters:  Anthropologie and BHLDN are brands under Urban Outfitters, Inc.  We wanted to partner for this event as a way to introduce Anthropologie's gift registry program to our customers and meet our newly engaged brides to be.

HS:  Can you tell us a little about what makes BHLDN unique?

FW:  BHLDN offers wedding gown appointments, as well as products for your event or gifts: accessories, lingerie, dresses and decor.  We offer variety.  

HS:  What is one bridal trend that is going strong this season?

FW:  Brides are loving light beading and sparkle, intricate black detail, lace and a variety of color, especially shades of blush.  Oops.  That's four! 

HS:  Who were your favorite vendors who partook in the event?

FW:  Everyone was a joy to work with!  DJ Andrew from Style Matters set the tone with an amazing playlist, Feast & Imbibe and Magnolia Bakery provided delicious treats.  Amy Jo Royall Photography and Kara Gordon from Magnificent Milestones displayed their beautiful work.  Honeybee Weddings and blend beauty greeted customers in our gown gallery and A Stem Above provided lovely, elegant floral arrangements.  Customers also enjoyed Shutterbooth.   

On Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th, brides to be are invited to enjoy a private accessories styling appointment with designer, Debra Moreland at BHLDN.  Guests can reserve an appointment by calling 312.573.2573.  

Anthropologie Southport Fall Runway Show

Anthropologie Southport Fall Runway Show

I am a lover of fashion any season, all year long, but there is just something about the transition of autumn that sparks a whole new kind of inspiration and excitement in my wardrobe. Buckle adorned ankle boots, over-sized flannel, tweed-patterned leggings; I love it all. I want it all!



Thank goodness for gorgeously stocked stores like Anthropologie. The whimsical, meets modern selections are always fun to peruse, even if it's one of those "window shopping only" kind of weeks. You gals all know what I mean.



In celebration of the season's amazing fashions, Anthropologie at 3532 N Southport Ave, hosted a fall fashion show on Thursday, October 2nd. Featuring a selection of pieces and accessories exclusively found at Anthropologie, the show was modeled by local bloggers, employees, and customers.







Anthropologie Southport Apparel Department Manager, Maureen Sullivan assisted with planning, as well as operating the event. "This year’s fashion show focused on some of our key buys and inspirational layering silhouettes," said Sullivan. "There was a focus on dress up/ dress down and versatile looks."

With so many wonderful looks to choose from, Sullivan said it would be difficult for her to choose a favorite of the evening, but admitted she loved the sense of community the fashion show encapsulated. My favorite part of the show? The fluffy pomeranian that strutted the runway rocking a bow tie! (scroll down and prepare for the cuteness).











True to the Anthropologie aesthetic, the evening highlighted a beautiful display of unique and on trend fashions. Sullivan shared with me that her favorite trend this season is feminine floral prints mixed with masculine plaids and knit textures. "We love to see that juxtaposition of different prints, colors, and fabrications to create a well curated narrative."





As a fun finale, guests partook in a raffle with the possibility of winning some amazing prizes! "All the raffle prizes were curated around specific gift themes, that we feel will be important this coming holiday," said Sullivan. "We have such strong home vendors that create really unique bar ware, kitchenware, and candles that we wanted to be able to inform [guests] of all our great product, but also give [guests] a chance to experience it [themselves], and of course it was such an exciting way to thank [them] for being a part of our event."

For more information about upcoming events at any Anthroplogie location, sign up for the email list on their website!

ROOF Runway Show at The Wit

ROOF Runway Show at The Wit

There is nothing like a runway show with a view!  The latest trends, a live DJ, the Chicago skyline; Just another evening at the ROOF Runwayshow at theWit. 

On September 25^th, ROOF Runway showcased styles from Water Tower Place, including Adidas, NeimanMarcus, The Limited, Macy’s, Eileen Fisher, and Aritzia.

“Over the past three years, ROOF Runway has become a signature program in the city embraced by both media, and style-conscious professionals living and working downtown,” said Christina Santarelli, Director of Marketing of The Wit. 

Featuring a bar meets runway, Roof on theWit is the perfect venue for a style showcase.    "theWit is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel in downtown Chicago, recently named the 'Best in the World' list by Condé Nast Traveler and a 'model's choice' hotel by Elle magazine among an outpouring of acclaim," said Santarelli.  "ROOF on theWit, is a glamorous lounge on the 27th floor with stunning views of the city, an inventive menu and world-class entertainment."

What can we look forward to next from ROOF Runway?  In February, ROOF Runway will feature Macy's Bridal Salon on State Street.  For more information on upcoming events at the ROOF keep an eye on their events calendar! 

GAP Southport Styld.by Event

GAP Southport Styld.by Event

On September 10th GAP outlets nation-wide celebrated the changing seasons with a stylish shopping event.  I headed to GAP Southport, here in Chicago to drool over distressed denim and everything flannel!

The Styld.by event, ran from 6pm to 8pm and included personal styling, sips and snacks, and featured looks styled by The Zoe Report.  To complete shopper's looks, Solo Salon was onsite for braided hairstyles and buns.  Blogger Peggy of Hallways Are My Runways hosted the event, donning a black and white, checkered button-down shirt and slim-fit jeans, all by GAP of course!  

If you missed out on this event, don't worry, keep upcoming Styld.by events on your fashion radar by checking out http://www.styld-by.com/en-us.   I'll meet you there with my favorite, distressed, sexy-boyfriend jeans on!