Chicago Quirk's Favorite Things: CTA Merchandise

I would never have thought to shop on the CTA website, but as I was researching for yesterday's 'Did You Know, Chicago?,' I found some really cool stuff!

I seriously want this umbrella.

I'm not sure how good these would look, but, in theory, they're pretty cool.

Sport your neighborhood pride with a t-shirt featuring your closest 'L' stop. I bought this one last year at a boutique by my apartment, but it's way cheaper on the CTA site.

Who doesn't love affordable vintage prints?

My husband's nephew is definitely getting one of these for Hanukkah this year.



Chicago Quirk's Favorite Things: Merz Apothecary

Before there was GNC or CVS there was Merz Apothecary. Nestled in the absolutely adorable Lincoln Square (a very underrated neighborhood), this is one of my favorite places for my all natural beauty needs.



Image via The Scoop

 I've been visiting this store for 10 years now, and I'm endlessly baffled by all of the stuff they sell: soaps, teas, lotions, homeopathic cures, candles, baby items, aromatherapy, vitamins, all from around the world. My husband isn't one for speacialty products, but he buys the snootiest shaving stuff from Merz. (It got him to start shaving everyday so I'm very happy.) I think it's so much fun just to sift through all of the different items they have.

Photo Via Second City Style

Photo Via Second City Style

Did you know that Merzs Apothecary has been around for 136 years! It was founded in 1875 by Peter Merz, a Swiss pharmacists who opened his store in German Town. (Now called Lincoln Square.) An apothecary is actually a modern day pharmacists, minus the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of education. They answered all of your questions about which medicines to take and how to cure what ails you. The store became extremely popular with its European neighbors, and it remained a family business until 1972 when it was purchased by a Pakistani pharmacists, Abdul Qaiym.

Qaiyum, who heard about Merz from his German in-laws, kept the 'days of yore' atmosphere of the business and expanded to include even more natural products and remedies. Even though it has a new Lincoln Square location, Merz still has the turn-of-the-century European feel of the original store. (Hand-carved wood, tin ceilings, the works.) Even if you don't plan on buying something - and you definitely will - the store itself is gorgeous and worth visiting.

And even if you don't visit the store itself, you can stop by the mini store in the Palmer House Hilton. It used to be located in the State Street Macy's - it's been there since the Marshall Field days - but they moved to the Palmer House last November. I'm not sure why, but the company press release said its because they wanted to partner with another historical Chicago business. (Did you know the Palmer House opened in 1871?!)

Have you ever been to Merz Apothecary?

Supporting Chicago Designers

I'm a huge supporter of Chicago artists, but this lady especially needs our love.

Last week, Chicago jewlery designer tru.che was informed that Urban Outfitters "borrowed" a line of her necklaces and is now selling it at their stores. They even stole the item name and some of her copy!!! How awful!

The silver lining is that she's recieved so much support and so many orders that it's taking her a bit longer to create and ship items. No matter! Here are some of my favs:

Photos and designs by tru.che (NOT Urban Outfitters!)

Be sure to stop by tru.che and check out more of her awesome creations.

Dirty Betty's

I don't really understand the doughnut craze, but I have to say I'm very excited for a new popular baked good. (I'm definitely over cupcakes.) I read yesterday that a new gourmet doughnut shop is opening in my favorite cookie bakery, Cookie Bar.

Dirty Betty's (LOVE the name!) opens today as a pop-up doughnut shop within Cookie Bar. They'll sell doughnuts from 7:00 - 10:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. The current menu will include old fashioned cinnamon sugar, old fashioned powered sugar, banana with chocolate nutella glaze, pomegranate glazed, lemon blueberry, chocolate toffee, espresso glazed, ginger with key lime glaze and peanut butter cup. Vegan and gluten-free options coming soon.

AND since these doughnuts are baked instead of fried, grab two! (or three, or four...)

(Hopefully they won't make 5 doughnuts and let people wait in line for two hours while they sell out, claiming it's NOT a marketing strategy. All while tweeting about how awesome they are. I'm not bitter.)

And if you haven't been to Cookie Bar, I would definitely get over there. There's something about cookies where no matter how fancy the ingredients, it's still a comfort food. When I first went in there I thought for sure they'd close within the year - how many different cookies can you make? - but they're still going strong. And in addition to their regular day hours, Cookie Bar is open until 10:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, offering a build-your-own ice cream sandwich bar.

Chicago Quirk's Favorite Things: Francesca's Collections

As I've mentioned before, I'm mostly a t-shirt and jeans type of gal. This is A) because I really like wearing t-shirts and jeans and B) because I don't have much confidence in my ability to put items together. My cutest ensembles have been a result of me buying an entire outfit off of a mannequin. This is why I love Francesca's Collections.



Left: Garden Critters Ring Middle: Pretty in Prints Right: Very Berry Dress

I hate when you get into a store and find a cute piece here and there, but it's hard to visualize an outfit. (Maybe it's just me...) Francesca's Collections has your whole outfit from start to finish with affordable items and accessories. And the people who work at the stores know what they're doing, and they offer such good advice.

Now, until I started writing this post, I thought these boutiques were a Chicago thing - they do such an amazing job of making everything look like a neighborhood spot - but it's actually a national chain based in Texas! Who knew!

I think I'm going to head over there this weekend to pick up a few cute summer outfits. Have you been to Francesca's Collections?

Chicago Quirk's Favorite Things: Out of Print T-Shirts

As much as I try to be all JCrew/GAP/BlueFly, I'm really just a t-shirt and jeans type of gal. I was walking by P+L Boutique the other day, and I saw one of these t-shirts in the window. The total book nerd in me got very excited!  

These awesome t-shirts are created by Out of Print, an organization that promotes literary classics through fashion. According to the website, "each shirt is treated to feel soft and worn like a well-read book." (I'm assuming they don't mean library books....)

I called P+L Boutique to make sure they still carry them, but they aren't sure if they're going to order any more. Just in case, you can also get them at Belmont Army, Penelope's, Una Mae's and the Out of Print website.

Acrylic Photographic Jewelry

I'm always looking for ways to express my love of the Windy City without walking around in a giant I Heart Chicago t-shirt. I came across this amazing Chicago skyline necklace and, upon further investigation, discovered a fantastic Chicago accessories designer.

Chicago Skyline

Chicago designer Jacqueline Sourvelis, owner of Le Photique, creates acrylic photographic jewelry in a variety of bracelets, earrings and necklaces. The pendants give off a delicate, glass-like appearance, making it a perfectly unique accessory.

35mm

Le Photique also offers customized jewelery where you can send her a photo, and she'll create an acrylic piece with your photo. It was even featured on QVC for the holidays!

Eiffel Tower at Night

Be sure to check out the sale section of her Etsy.com store!

Love Lulu Mae

I'm completely obsessed with the Chicago burlesque/pin-up scene, and Love Lulu Mae is an essential accessory to complete your vintage look. Each piece is designed by Chicagoan Agnes B. Miles using antique jewels, vintage fabrics and exotic feathers.

If you're looking for that perfect bridal headpiece, check out the Wedding Bells collection or contact the designer to have a custom piece made. I love this romantic birdcage veil.

In addition to being fabulous, Love Lulu Mae is environmentally-friendly and charity-focused. Hat boxes and tissue paper are made with recycled materials and most feathers are collected from various farms, including local ones. (Don't worry, they're cleaned.) And when you purchase from the Love Lulu Mae website, five percent of the sale is donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Chicago.

You can pick up one of these creations either online or at boutiques around Chicago, California or New York. And I highly recommend following the Love Lulu Mae blog for delighful takes on vintage-esque fashion.

A Modern Glass Slipper

I have a new obsession. I'm loving all of the stupid kitschy Prince William and Kate Middleton wedding memorabilia. I mean, the royal condoms are hilarious, but that's a gag gift. This is for real!

My first float in the parade of royal wedding crap is this delightful pair of Keds.

 

Have you been wishing that you were in Miss Middleton's shoes? These slip-on sneakers are the next best thing! Truly fit for any princess, they're both comfortable and lovely. Wearing these are an absolute must as you watch the royal wedding on TV, sitting on your cat hair-covered couch in your snuggy, drinking Yoo-hoo. And if you're looking for a more subtle nuptial display, be sure to check out this pair.

Stay tuned for many more monarchy-inspired memorabilia...

Chicago Quirk's Favorite Things: The House of Crave

Fact: White Castle is the most delicious thing on the planet.

(I may have already lost you. In which case you are lame, but I ask that you keep reading.)

White Castle is definitely a Chicagoan's fast food, and for me there's nothing better than that first bite of a slider. It causes me great sadness that as a teenager I could eat 10, but now my maximum is four. Fortunately, (smooth segway into topic) I can enjoy the scent of a White Castle slider without worrying about destroying my innards. The White Castle Scented Candle!

The White Castle e-store, called House of Crave, sells these gems and various apparel and other tchotchkes. I feel that I do have to be honest and say that I haven't actually smelled this candle, and it may be a complete olfactory assault. In which case, you can choose not to light it and simply have a delighful talking piece.

Lie Back and Think of England

The royal cash cow that is the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton has reached a new height: souvenir condoms. This requires no commentary. Simple read the product description below, and be prepared to be amazed.

To celebrate the engagement of Prince William of Wales to Ms. Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, Crown Jewels Condoms of Distinction has commissioned a unique heritage edition Royal Wedding Souvenir boîte de capotes.

Combining the strength of a Prince with the yielding sensitivity of a Princess-to-be, Crown Jewels condoms promise a royal union of pleasure. Truly a King amongst Condoms.

• Presented in a timeless souvenir heirloom collector's box.
• Contains three individually wrapped condoms.
• Includes a collectable portrait of the Royal Couple as they might appear on their wedding day – exclusively created for Crown Jewels.

To purchase our fine condoms, click here.

To stock Crown Jewels in your own emporium, inquire here.

Crown Jewels Royal Wedding Souvenir Condoms are not supplied to, or approved by, Prince William of Wales, Catherine Middleton or any member of the Royal Family.

Crown Jewels Royal Wedding Souvenir Condoms are a novelty condom not suitable for contraception or protection against STDs.

Early Warning: Bacon Fest 2011!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, bacon. I love you. And I couldn't be more excited for the bacon explosion that is Bacon Fest. On April 9, the UIC Pavilion will be packed with over 50 of the city's greatest chefs serving up their own bacon concoctions. We're not talking a bunch of divey breakfast places; they're bringing you places like The Girl & the Goat, MOTO Restaurant, Perennial and David Burke's Primehouse. For a mere $65 you can stuff yourself with innumerable bacon delights. Tickets go on sale sometime at the end of February, although the actual date hasn't been announced yet. Check out the website and sign up for newsletter to be notified.

To celebrate the upcoming Bacon Fest, here are a few of my favorite bacon products:

Bacon-Flavored Envelopes

Licking envelopes will never be gross and boring again! Just grab a few of these envelopes with bacon-flavored adhesive, and enjoy with a side of eggs.

(Disclaimer: This isn't the actual site that sells the envelopes, but since the company is called Eat Me Daily, it keeps getting blocked on my work computer as pornography.)


Bacon Bandages

 Your wounds never looked so good.








Maple and Bacon Lollipops

I literally just ordered this.

Iron Cupcake

The cupcake trend isn't going away anytime soon, but there always seems to be a new and wacky flavor combination. Well, here's another one: soft drinks.

Chicago bakery Beautiful Cakes is hosting another one of its Iron Cupcake Chicago events, challenging bakers to use carbonated beverages in their recipes. Cupcakes can be made from scratch or from a doctored up boxed mix. Entries will be judged on both flavor and presentation. (No word on what the grand prize is, though.) The event will take place on February 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Mrs. Murphy & Son’s Irish Bistro. If you would like to participate, e-mail ironcupcakechicago@sbcglobal.net by February 18.

And if you're more motivated to eat than bake (like me), you can sample these creations and vote on your favorite. Admission is $5.

Adorable cupcake magnet brought to you by Funky Recycling



Chicago Quirk's Favorite Things: Hannah Nunn Collection

I couldn't even tell you how I stumbled upon Hannah Nunn's collection, but I'm blown away by her creations.

 

This is just one of dozens of designs available in ceiling shades, wall lamps, table lamps, floor lamps, wall panels and fairy lights. (LOVE the name!)

Each lamp is designed and handmade by Hannah in her workshop in her lighting and craft boutique in West Yorkshire. And even though she lives in the UK, Hannah ships overseas and will even customize the plugs to fit your country. Her prices are listed in pounds, so you might need a little help translating the currency.

Chicago's Soft Sculpture Artists

So I was poking around on Twitter to see if anyone was talking about cool Etsy.com stuff, and I came across something called Faux Taxidermy Plush by Lana "Plushinator" Crooks.

I have to say that I hated it at first, but when I started looking into this artist, I not only liked it more and more, but I discovered an extremely interesting art movement called "soft sculptures."

Now, I'm not art-savvy enough to even begin to explain what constitutes a soft sculpture rather than a toy or stuffed animal (Original Cabbage Patch dolls are considered to be soft sculptures), but there's an art gallery in Bucktown that you can visit to decide for yourself! OhNo!Doom is a Chicago artist collective that Ms. Crooks happens to be a member of. (I swear, not a stalker. Just following the Internet train.) The gallery features a wide array of genres, including soft sculptures. OhNo!Doom hosts regular events, including their recent one-year anniversary party.

Chicago Quirk's Favorite Things: Polaroid Manipulation Coasters

I love Etsy and I love coasters. So naturally, I find this to be amazing.

These coasters can be found at Reformado Photography, LLC's Etsy store for $12.50 a piece or $45 for a set of four. She uses uses Polaroid SX-70 manipulations to create these and other amazing pieces. In addition to the coasters, you can find prints, cards and magnets. Be sure to browse through the store; there are tons of beautiful images from around the world to choose from.

Chicago Quirk's Favorite Things: Car Lashes

When I was in high school, I was that girls that had the ultrapersonalized car. I bought this white Grand Am from my grandfather, and I decked it out with bumper stickers, crazy air fresheners and tons of crap hanging in the rearview mirror. When I saw this, I longed to have that car back:

 

 Car Lashes! There's not much more I can say. Eyelashes for your car. FUN!!!!! I plan to buy one set to put on my scooter this summer.

LEGO My Sears Tower

We all have fond memories of building LEGO forts as children, but in true geek style, I still think LEGOs are about the coolest thing ever. So, you can imagine my delight when I was told today about an adult-friendly LEGO activity: LEGO Architecture. 

This series of LEGO structures features do-it-yourself kits for some of the country's most famous building landmarks. The company is offering the Willis "Don't call me Sears" Tower, John Hancock Building, Rockafeller Center, Empire State Building, Seattle Space Needle and White House kits. (Chicago shoutout: The Sears Tower and John Hancock were the first available.) There's also a Frank Lloyd Wright collection featuring Falling Water and the Guggenheim Museum.

Where can you score these awesome treasures? You now have an excuse to go into your local LEGO store and not feel like a creeper.

UPDATE: I was just told that I'm not really a geek since apparently LEGO is the singular and plural form of the word, and that all real LEGO lovers know that. Guess what....eat it.