"I'm in love! I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!"

I apologize for quoting Elf, but it was the first phrase that popped into my head after seeing Marion Cotillard at the SAG Awards. I love how understated and elegant her dress is and how she exudes European charm while shying away from typical American excess. The color is unique and the fit is incredible. If La Vie En Rose made me want to run off to Paris and sing in the streets, then Marion Cotillard's Nina Ricci dress makes me want to swirl down a red carpet.

"I Want It NOW!"

In true Veruca fashion, you'll be clamoring for all the wares of this newish Bucktown store. Veruca Salt is a laid back boutique that offers a variety of great fashion choices and does so at a very reasonable price. While combing through the small, but extremely organized racks, I was tempted by a simple understated gold shift dress. The fit was great and the price ($95) was pretty nice as well. Veruca Salt's owner, Amber, was extremely sweet and helpful and I fully appreciated that she never tried to force anything upon me. I left without the dress, but with the intention to visit this store again. I also can't wait to check out the new Veruca Salt Fancy right down the street and the website launching this spring. Veruca Salt 1937 N Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60686. (773) 276-3888 Veruca Salt Fancy 1921 N Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60686. (773) 276-9888

A Women's Right to Shoes

My very fashionable friend recently mentioned how Sex and the City served to mythologize Manolo Blahniks, which led to a discussion of the shoes themselves. Are they really as fabulous as Carrie and her friends made them out to be? In the midst of this wondering, we found ourselves on the hunt for a pair of gold metallic shoes to go with my friend's beautiful green dress. Scurrying in and out of Michigan Ave. stores, we couldn't seem to find the right pair until we headed into Neiman Marcus. There my friend found a pair of strappy Manolo Blahniks in the palest of golds. The Perle was one of those classic strappy metallic evening numbers that every woman should own. The heel wasn't too high and the T-strap made her want to cha-cha to the soundtrack of Dirty Dancing. Needless to say, my friend's Blahniks would do any Carrie Bradshaw fan proud.

On the Radar

Everything I'm loving in January...


Food
I find something so comforting about a tiny restaurant in cold weather. It becomes an escape, a place to shrug off your coat and get down to some serious eating. I can't wait to do just that at Table 52, Art Smith's new Southern infused restaurant. The chef, of Oprah fame, personally welcomes guests into his thirteen table dining room and serves up a mean slice of Hummingbird Cake. Trying to get a seat can be difficult, so it would be best to make reservations weeks ahead of time. If that sounds like too much of a wait, you could always try your luck with one of the first come first serve bar seats or head upstairs to Teaspoon, a tearoom serving tarts and savories with afternoon tea. Table 52. 52 W Elm St Chicago, IL 60610. (312) 573-4000


Drink
Normally "Drink" sections are focused on harder beverages, but with January being National Tea Month it seems appropriate to devote this section to this delightful and relaxing drink. If Chicago happens to by in your backyard, Vong's Thai Kitchen is celebrating through January 31 with Make Your Own Tea Tuesdays (5:30-10pm) and High Tea Saturdays (1-4pm). I can't wait to drop by and make my own blend, perhaps I'll try to concoct a remedy for my boyfriend's never-ending cold and sinus troubles. Vong's Thai Kitchen. 6 W Hubbard Street Chicago, IL 60610. (312) 644-8664



Entertainment
Winner of the Palme d'Or this year at Cannes, 4 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days comes to theaters on January 25th. This Romanian film follows the story of Otilia (Anamaria Marinca) and Găbiţa (Laura Vasiliu), two university roommates who try to arrange an illegal abortion in the last years of the Ceauşescu regime. Needless to say this film is not uplifting, but it's supposed to be artfully filmed and superbly acted.


Fashion
January, I'm sorry to admit it, is one of those months where fashion seems to go into hibernation. The party frocks of December are left behind and the breezy ease of spring fashion is still months off. Call it my security blanket, but a cashmere cardigan just seems so appropriate for the coming months. Cardigans have a certain casual elegance that can elevate even the most basic of ensembles, and if they're done in cashmere, well, even better. That's why I'm ready to purchase Vince's Long Cashmere Cardigan. At $290 it's not the cheapest of purchases, but it's one that will surely last through January and become a lovely staple in any woman's wardrobe.


Books
Call it connecting to my homebody self, but lately I've found myself drawn to cookbooks. Currently I'm working my way through the reprint of Simon Hopkinson's Roast Chicken and Other Stories. Focusing on simple, but delicious recipes, this cookbook is the ideal pairing for the coming lazy winter months.

The Joy of Socks

I will admit it, I have a sock "thing." Call it juvenile, but I have a predisposition for tall brightly colored socks, especially the ones by Jcrew. Not only do they have the largest variety of colors and patterns, they also have knee socks that are the perfect thickness for wearing with skinny jeans and boots. In a nutshell, I love these socks! Why wear white when you can wear maritime blue and navy argyle? And while I do love colorful socks, I draw the line at argyles, stripes, and dots; kittens and Christmas trees need not apply…

These boots are made for walking...

After walking two miles in my black-heeled boots, I realize I'd rather do it in someone else's. My feet ache and my shoes definitely look worse for the wear. The front point is gutted and the heel caps are so worn that every step I take sounds like I'm wearing something of the Tin Man's instead of my trusty old Banana Republics. These boots have seen me through years, but the time has come to upgrade.

And upgrade I shall to the black Loeffler Randall Emmy D-ring Elka Boot. At three inches tall, the heel is the perfect height. The ankle buckles are a sophisticated take on biker-chic and the toe is the right blend of round and pointy, which ensures maximum wearing potential. Not to mention, wearing these I'll be running circles around my old boots...

The Fantasy Bag

In my fantasy world, I've mastered that whole irreverent French girl thing. My hair has the editorial undone-done quality, I’ve found the perfect flat slouchy boots and I’m carrying this navy Jimmy Choo bag. Ok, so I know that it's a lot to hope for, but I love this bag! It's the right mix between bohemian and sophisticated, while the navy is an unexpected twist on a neutral. The "Adele" is a statement bag without screaming it, and nothing could be more French than that.

Square cut or pear shaped...

Ever since the Tiffany silver craze, I appreciate unique jewelry. That's not to say I'm all about macaroni necklaces or wearable sculpture; I just enjoy pieces that feel special and individualized. I found just that at GEM, a Bucktown jewelry boutique that creates in-studio pieces and features both local and international artists. Walking into the well-edited store, I can imagine wearing almost every piece there, from one-of-a-kind pink tourmaline and diamond earrings that look like Indian heirlooms to the simple gold and gemstone stacking rings. I’m immediately drawn to a beautiful agate necklace with a delicate beaded chain. It manages to be both elegant and organic, and I can’t help thinking what a distinctive staple piece it would make. Perhaps the best thing about GEM is that the pieces are affordable! That’s not to say that things can’t venture into the thousands, but it is nice to know that a fantastic black diamond stacking ring is only $200 away.

GEM
1710 North Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 384-7700
www.gemjewelryboutique.com