November Letter from the Editor

November Letter from the Editor

Wow, it's already November you guys! The weather has been a tease, but it's steadily gotten colder and colder here in Chicago. Fall is by far my favorite season in this city. There is so much going on in the city, there is this buzz in the chilled air that gives me a renewed feeling. It's boot and sweater season, Thanksgiving is around the corner and it's just a time that makes me feel so grateful.



I turn 29 this month and it may be because I am reaching the tail end of my twenties, that this year just feels different. My priorities have changed, I've matured, life has taken on a new meaning for me.  I face even the hardest times with love in my heart, rather than despair. I find joy in being home with my family, I find joy seeing our writers grow and experience things I had the chance to do early on in my career. I find myself realizing that life has gone by so fast and that I must truly cherish every single moment. That's why this month is all about being thankful. Thankful for what we have, for what we don't and for what we dare to dream. It's because of the good and bad that we have the opportunity to learn and grow.

This month we shot our Winter 2014 editorial. It's amazing to me that this upcoming March we officially turn three. I can honestly say this has been the hardest, most amazing opportunity to continue to do this. I am so thankful to get to work with creatives that are willing to push the limit and help bring our visions to life! We get to showcase so many great up and coming designers this issue! Maybe Sunday, Chicago Playground and Amy Marie Couture are three brands to keep your eyes peeled for. Check out our sneak peek below of the feature shoot with Aimee of Visual Stimulus.

Our winter issue goes live Dec. 17 - we can't wait to share all the amazing content with all of you. This month you will find great fashion highlights and looks for less from Teresa, event highlights from Perry, Rob & Cora, local features from Thom and some beauty spotlights from our new blogger Kaveri. We are excited to introduce Tariq -  our newest blogger focusing in astrology! His column will be a great additional to our mind/body/soul section. 

I have some new videos coming up for Beauty Test Kitchen and some fun brand showcases as well. Also, if you haven't - make sure you check out our new "weekend libations" column, for some tasty weekend drink recipes! Perry will be hitting up Macy's tree lighting this month as well, so stay tuned for her picture galleries. 

Thank you as always for your support readers! We are most thankful for YOU. 

-

Jen Lezan - Editor in chief

October Letter from the Editor - Fall

October Letter from the Editor - Fall

Hey Halfstackers!

Hope fall is treating you all right! This month we are focusing on all things fall must haves - fashion, style, beauty, food and we will be bringing you some great video editorials in the coming weeks. As usual the Halfstack team has been out and about at some great events and will be sharing their adventures with you. You can be sure to find some great local restaurant reviews and culture spotlights from Thom, Dana and Cora. You will also get an insiders view of some great fashion events from Perry and Olivia (our new digital fashion blogger) and some great out and about pieces from Rob and Dana. Also, make sure to check us out for Healthy Fridays every friday from our Health and Fitness blogger - Brittany. She's got some great pieces, interviews and posts on nutrition and health in store for you all this month!



If you didn't know, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. So, ladies and gentleman (guys this isn't a disease that only women get) love your tatas this month and get a check up! I will be spotlighting some brands doing some good this month and share with you all places and products that give back to this national charity.

Be on the lookout for some new Youtube videos from us (if you haven't please subscribe here!) and some upcoming creative stories from our other photo blogger - Aimee of Visual Stimulus. She'll be spotlighting some great neighborhood photography to inspire you to get out and explore Chicago and your own hood.

-
Jen Lezan
Editor in chief
Halfstackmag.com

Halfstack Fall Music Issue: Featuring Fue & Starved Hustle

Halfstack Fall Music Issue: Featuring Fue & Starved Hustle

Fall has arrived readers and with it comes some of my most fondest memories. This is by far my most favorite season. Chicago is a beautiful city in the fall and it’s robust with color, people and sounds. I am so excited to share this time of the year and this issue with all of you. The fall marks, not only my favorite season, but one of my favorite annual issues: Halfstack’s Annual Music Issue. This issue we dedicate to all the starving artists, midnight hustlers and creatives trying to make an impact with their craft, music and soul.

This issue is filled to the brim with wonderful features and interviews of local artists, musicians and bands. Our team of writers and photographers were incredibly fortunate to attend some of the hottest musical festivals, intimate shows and high energy venues. Throughout this issue you will get an insiders view of concerts such as Lolla, AVFest/Hideout Block Party, North Coast Festival and so many more. You will also get a front seat at Macy’s Glamorama shot by our talented staff photographer: Perry Fish.

We also had the opportunity to interview some great up and coming stars such as: Elizabeth Lyons from the country music scene, Western Automatic from the alternative scene and Hello Industry from the indie scene. This issue’s main fashion editorial was shot by the team at Pickapose Photography and features the band: Fue and is outfitted by: Starved. A homemade hustle. This was by far one of our most creative shoots aside from our Alice themed shoot 2 springs ago. It’s amazing to me that we are going into year 3 of Halfstack and with each year, we push ourselves to the creative limit. The shoot was inspired by the days of vlaudville and sideshows and the band did a great job channeling their characters. We also had so much fun incorporating themed props from the incredibly vast Zapprops.com. You will also find some great fall themed beauty and grooming product round ups from Beauty Editor: Danielle Hazenkamp, to help you transition to the cooler weather that is bound to find us here in Chicago.

This issue introduces some new writers to all of you.  Feature Editors -Thom Olson and Rob Samuelson have been writing on Halfstackmag.com, but are making their debut in the issue this fall. You can check out Rob’s genuine and in-depth feature on the Roger’s Park neighborhood. Thom introduces us to some local entrepreneurs: Sara Rose of Sara Rose on Oak and the team behind Jimmy Bars. He also offers some humorous insight on the newly updated Great Street Restaurant.

Dana Rettig gives us her insight on new music app from Jinn and Fashion Editor:  Teresa Espinoza highlights local suburban boutique: Galleria Girl. You can also check out her interview with the owner on Halfstack’s Youtube Channel HERE. Also, be sure to check out Culture & Entertainment Editor: Cora Vasseur’s highlights on Chicago’s own: Grammy Camp and artist Hebru Brantley. You can check out my feature of Chicago’s own famous prop house: Zap Props.

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together. As always, thank you for your support! Don’t forget to keep up with us between issues at: www.halfstackmag.com! Happy Fall Halfstack readers! Download this latest copy HERE.