I half expected my first day as a Zapwater intern to be traumatic à la Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada. I envisioned myself spilling a tray of hot Starbucks coffee on my white ruffled button-down, frantically scribbling notes as a Miranda Priestly-esque character barked out orders, or unsuccessfully navigating the streets of Chicago in an attempt to pick up Dave’s dry cleaning. My nervousness stemmed from my inexperience in PR (as of three weeks ago my only exposure to the subject came from a single Wall Street Journal article), but I was banking on my writing skills and sheer enthusiasm to keep me afloat in this new and exciting world.
Much to my delight, neither Dave nor Susie resembled Miranda Priestly in manner or appearance, and I managed to get through my first day without so much as a broken nail. The environment was anything but catty or competitive— everyone was extremely helpful in teaching me the language and processes used in PR. When I was given my first assignment, to create vacation packages for the Abbey Resort, I was thrilled! The tasks I was being given fit perfectly with my creative personality and utilized my strong writing skills.
In my past few weeks at Zapwater I’ve done everything from perusing blogs targeting working moms (in hopes of finding one that might feature SuperMom, a.k.a. Kim Kleeman) to choosing photos of ladies in elaborate hats at the Chicago Service Club’s spring luncheon to send to the press. One of my favorite tasks was calculating the total monetary value of the media placements that Zapwater secures for its clients. It really makes me appreciate all of the hard work that goes into each account—and how great everyone here is at what they do!
Just as Andy entered the offices of Runway oblivious to the world of Louboutin and Lagerfeld, I waltzed into Zapwater clueless to the intricacies of pitching and press releases. With loads of guidance from my friendly coworkers, a lot of hard work, and unfailing enthusiasm, I’d like to think that I’ve made myself an asset to the Zapwater team. Now if only my journey could come to an end with a trip to Paris!
I was six when Prince Charming placed that glass slipper on Cinderella’s tiny foot and the downward spiral of my shoe addiction began. From my first pair of bright white Keds to my latest purchase of Rene Caovilla bejeweled sandals, there is a certain kind of happiness and fulfillment that I can only get from shoes.
Does my obsession come from the belief that my fairy ending will happen if I’m wearing the perfect shoe? Or, is it that regardless of the inevitable fat day or bad hair day, my shoes always look good? I don’t know the answer, but I do know that I am not alone as evidenced by the camaraderie felt among women everywhere for Carrie Bradshaw and her passion for Manolo Blahnik.
What I have come to learn is that there is no cure. I had to admit that I had a problem and acknowledge my weakness and vulnerability. I had to stop sleeping in my new shoes and properly store them in their dust bag and box. It is a daily struggle to limit myself to only those shoes that are truly special. This struggle is what drives my continuous search for that exclusive boutique. For those women that are plagued by the same disease, don’t miss Grace on Damen in Bucktown. The unique styles are sure to make any recovering shoe-o-holic fall off the wagon.Trendsetters will not want to miss a spectacular sale at Grace (located at 1917 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, 773.384.7223) featuring the majority of spring and summer merchandise marked down to 50% off starting this Friday, June 27th through Thursday, July 24th. The boutique will be stocked with incredible deals on exclusive footwear collections from designers like Luciano Padovan (whose signature peep toe pumps were most recently seen in “Sex and the City: The Movie”), Georgina Goodman (London-based line boasts eccentric fashionistas like Kirsten Dunst and Thandie Newton), and Jean-Michel Cazabat (style setting publications like W Magazine and Marie Claire have praised the 25-year-old fashion veteran’s collections).
Guess where this shoe-o-holic will be this Friday?
Not since John F. and Jackie Kennedy has a political duo come on the scene with such star power it seemed almost unstoppable. Barack and Michelle Obama have literally cast a spell on the American public. From the most liberal democrat to the staunchest conservative, the entire population is studying the Obamas to find out just what it is that makes them so captivating.
Their effortless class, calming vernacular and endless style are likely products of Barack and Michelle Obama – the private couple – but the publicity focus on these attractive qualities is no doubt the result of a brilliant public relations campaign. From loosely rolled sleeves on him to her sleeveless dresses, the Obamas have become an entity with the strength of a well-calculated brand; we can count on them to deliver every time in the areas of speech, dress and approach. These qualities make them approachable but respected in a way that the majority of politicians fail to achieve.
From US Weekly covers to the fist pump heard round the world, the Obama PR camp has doubtlessly been carefully calculating and deliberately emphasizing every public move that makes the Obamas appear relatable. What many in the general public often neglect is that a public relations effort is behind a large portion of what you hear and see every day. The Obama PR machine has succeeded in grabbing the attention of voters of all ages from all walks of life. Only time will tell if this campaign will lead to the emergence of the Obamas–the First Family–and the introduction of the modern day Camelot.
For a girl who grew up in Chambana (Champaign-Urbana), the home of the Fighting Illini and then migrated to Badger Country to attend the University of Wisconsin, saying that football is a part of my life would be an understatement. As if I wasn’t a big enough football fanatic, I married a college quarterback!
So with all that said, you can imagine how excited I was when, as I was leaving the Chasalla “10 Year Anniversary Party,” I heard a rumor that the one and only Donavan McNabb was hanging out at Crimson Lounge! You must understand that Donavan, or Donnie as I like to call him, is my absolute favorite quarterback in the NFL. I have been a faithful fan for many years cheering him on in Philly. That does not sit well when you are constantly surrounded by many devout Chicago Bears fans.When I arrived at Crimson Lounge I spotted him immediately. He was having a great time laughing and partying with a group of friends. A hole had opened in the offensive line, and I saw my opportunity to go in for the quarterback sack! Donavan was such a great sport as I proceeded to give this soon-to-be free agent all the reasons why he should play for the Bears, we will see how good my recruiting skills are!
I always love seeing Samantha Ronson put on a good show at Crimson Lounge, and Lindsay Lohan was quite an exciting surprise, but I will have to say Donavan McNabb really takes the cake for me! Big Ups to you, Donnie, for partying at the coolest Lounge in the Windy City, see you next time!
Allison Pickard Evans Director of Business Development
As a complete daddy’s girl (his picture is to the left), I may be slightly biased in saying this, but my dad is a total rock star! From scraped knees and the Girl Scouts “Father Daughter Dance” to driving lessons and broken hearts, my dad is my go-to guy when it comes to just about everything…everything except gift suggestions! Each year when Fathers Day rolls around I am at a total loss as to what to get the man who “doesn’t want anything”. Lucky for me, Zapwater is filled with helpful clients and staff that take the guess work out of Fathers Day gift giving!
Hotel Sax Chicago, located in the chic Marina City, knows the importance of unleashing your inner rock star from time to time. Their Celebrity Rider packages, inspired by rider requests from celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, is a great way to show your dad he rocks. My favorite, the Rat Pack inspired package, is aimed at helping dad experience Frank Sinatra’s kind of town first hand. Featuring a suite with a bar cart and personal bartender, a private steak dinner at Harry Caray’s restaurant for up to nine friends, personal butler service, 24-hour transportation and a boat for dad and his friends to cruise the Chicago river on, this gift will have dad singing your praises.
If your dad is at all like mine, and insists you get him nothing this year, why not grant his wish and make a donation to a charitable cause in his name? Contributing to a local cause, such as a hospital or community group that has touched your dad’s life is a great way to show him you care. The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center in my family’s hometown of Waterbury, CT is a place that is especially close to my dad’s (and my) heart. The Leever Center is a state of the art cancer treatment facility that wouldn’t have been possible without the generous donations from our community members. And without the Leever Center, many people from Connecticut, including myself, may not have a father to celebrate with this year.
So this Sunday make sure your dad knows that you are his #1 fan. Even if you’re like me and believe that everyday is Fathers Day (trust me, I have the phone bills to prove it), take the time to celebrate everything your dad does. Happy Fathers Day Dad…and sorry again about those gray hairs!
Whether strolling down Michigan Ave. on a shopping spree, dining with friends al fresco in the city or heading out on a date, a dress is the one frock that promises to flatter and impress. Sisters-in-law Eva and Robyn Anderson and co-owners of le Dress, the first dress-only boutique in Chicago that recently opened in Wicker Park (1741 W. Division), understand the simplicity and sexiness women everywhere crave and have answered our prayers with a store designed to fulfill fashionistas’ closet dreams. Enter, my fashion-filled two week whirlwind with le Dress.
On May 29, I had the unique opportunity to get a behind-the-seams look at what really goes on backstage at a high-energy fashion show. Hundreds ventured down into the city’s hotspot, the Underground, to attend the debut “le Dress and the Windy City” fashion show. At 10:30pm, after a last minute dressing area change, five model mavens hit the runway in le Dress style. The stylish set in attendance drooled for the dresses by Issue, Shoshanna, VaVa, the le Dress private label and more, while backstage dressers worked frantically to make sure every zipper, button, sash and buckle were perfectly placed. It was 20 minutes of pure adrenaline and excitement! Little did I know that less than a week later I would be the next to hit the le Dress catwalk, albeit for a slightly larger viewing audience!
If I ever said that modeling was easy, I take it back! On June 3, while sitting in the green room at WLS-TV, ABC Chicago Channel 7, the nerves were working in overdrive! Donning a “Samantha Jones-esque” little black dress (le Dress label, $65) and sky-high faux snakeskin heels for a “Sex and the City” themed segment which aired yesterday, I hit the bright-lighted runway with fellow co-workers to give viewers samples of the styles they can find at le Dress for under $150.
While I prefer to be behind the camera, I must admit, it was fun to le Dress it up for a day!
Famed gaming company Harrah’s Chicagoland casino, Horseshoe Casino, brings the Las Vegas ambience to Galleria Marchetti, located at 825 W. Erie St., for this special Chicago Gateway Green fund-raiser!
This pre-gala event features a $200 buy-in qualifying round to play to ten finalists. Each finalist will be awarded two gala tickets to the final round of play at Greenivale—where Carnivale meets “green” in an explosion of sight and sound. One lucky player will win a $10,000 seat at the 2009 World Series of Poker final in Las Vegas. Spectators are welcome to purchase tickets for $25 to watch the card sharks, enjoy the complimentary cocktails and culinary treats, as well as be on hand for some sensational surprises.
Retail boutique Akira will be upping the ante during the charitable gaming event for Chicago Gateway Green by presenting a “Vegas” themed runway show with fashions from designer lines from Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, Ben Sherman, Just Cavalli, BCBG Max Azaria, and French Connection, just to name a few.
No prior experience necessary, just get in the game for a great cause!
Since moving to Chicago last June, one of the best ways to be introduced to the city’s well-known cuisine and dining establishments has been my loyal watching of Top Chef Chicago. The show combines factors that I consider great television these days, laughter, intrigue, drama, combine this with one of my favorite pastimes–food. How can such a show go wrong? It doesn’t.
The show has also been a wonderful tour guide to the Windy City’s culinary delights. Featuring many of Chicago’s top chefs and restaurants, it has also showcased one the true gems of this city, Green City Market.
Little by little inspired by Top Chef Chicago and the Food Channel, I have been making journeys through out the city to explore my culinary desires. From Smoke Daddy’s to Smoque in the realm of BBQ to the simplicity of the complicated sandwiches of Hannah’s Bretzel. Some new venues I am anxiously awaiting to explore are Zapwater client Hub 51, Hot Doug’s, and Lettuce Entertain You’s L2O.
With my weekend nearing, I plan to grab some friends and enjoy another night relaxing and chowing down to a grand meal.
I half expected my first day as a Zapwater intern to be traumatic à la Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada. I envisioned myself spilling a tray of hot Starbucks coffee on my white ruffled button-down, frantically scribbling notes as a Miranda Priestly-esque character barked out orders, or unsuccessfully navigating the streets of Chicago in an attempt to pick up Dave’s dry cleaning. My nervousness stemmed from my inexperience in PR (as of three weeks ago my only exposure to the subject came from a single Wall Street Journal article), but I was banking on my writing skills and sheer enthusiasm to keep me afloat in this new and exciting world.
