I set a goal for myself a long time ago which was to complete a half marathon at some point in my life. Three summers ago I signed up for one but quickly became side tracked from training when I met and started dating my now fiancée. I must have been too caught up in romantic dinners and date nights to stick to the regimented running schedule.
However, now that we are engaged and our wedding is two months away, I figured signing up for the Chicago half marathon would be the perfect way to jump start my bridal fitness routine. I’ve always loved to run but had never pushed myself so far. I stuck to the training schedule all summer (even through one of the busiest summers of my career) and felt ready for the big race.
I’m proud to say I finished in 2 hours and 17 minutes and ran the entire time! I had a goal for myself to not stop and walk until 8 miles, but pushed myself through to the end. It was a great experience and I plan to try and run a half marathon every year.
Fashion’s Night Out – Rain or Shrine On Thursday, September 8th, fashion-lovers across the globe celebrated the third annual Fashion’s Night Out (FNO). This after-hours shopping extravaganza unites retailers and shoppers for an evening of stylish celebration. FNO was created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry’s economy and put the fun back in shopping. Chicago was one of over 250 cities to officially take part in the event, and Zapwater clients Shrine Haberdashers and Sebastien Grey toasted to the evening with a ‘Sip and Style Soiree.’ Tailors from Sebastien Grey Custom Clothiers were on-site offering services for dapper fellows on the hunt for their next bespoke suit, while Shrine’s style experts introduced guests to the its one-of-kind collection of bow ties, neckties, hats, suspenders, cufflinks, jewelry, luggage, wallets, and umbrellas. Partygoers enjoyed specialty cocktails and a tasting providing by Spicebox Whisky. The rain didn’t put a damper on this elegant evening, as Fashion’s Night Out 2011 was bigger and better than ever. Here are some fun photos from Shrine and Sebastien Grey’s ‘Sip and Style Soiree’ –
You’ve heard the hype, you’ve seen the ads, and you can’t wait to stand in line. Nope shockingly I am not talking about Topshop/Topman. Now that Zapwater successfully launched the British fashion giants in the Windy City we can get excited about the arrival of Missoni for Target!!
We’ve had a chance to pour over the look book of the epic 400-piece Missoni for Target collection and can now start planning which items to buy as it launches on September 13th. Who isn’t a fan of the colorful zigzags and swirly patterns with a slight mod vibe. Sign me up for the cardigan and ties!
As I am moving apartments next week I’m honestly almost more excited about the home decor and kitchenware than the clothes; done in the same patterns and at moderate prices ($30 for pillows, $13 for towels, dishes from $3-$20), you could totally re-decorate your apartment a la the Missoni. Yes please!
As one of our resident digital nerds, I look forward to finding new social media tactics and practices daily. Knowing this, you can only imagine how tickled I was to find out that Chicago will be hosting a Social Media Week (and how thrilled I am that I just used tickled in a sentence).
Held around the world with 12 major cities hosting the event, Social Media Week serves to teach interested individuals about the latest trends in social and mobile media. The guiding principle is to bring thousands of people together to learn about how social media influences our day-to-day and what role is has in our technology driven society. To learn more about the history of Social Media Week, visit http://socialmediaweek.org/about/
With several companies and organizations from Chicago hosting events, such as the Chicago Tribune and the University of Illinois, this is sure to be a packed and interesting week. Zapwater client, Suite Partners, a Chicago-based social media company responsible for the creation of the LiveLab studios, Kenmore Live Studio and Craftsman Experience, will be hosting their own event during the week, teaching brands how they can turn Facebook “likes” into brand LOVE. To register and learn more about Suite Partners event, visit http://socialmediaweek.org/event/?event_id=459.
The use of social media platforms to connect with your consumers/customers is crucial. Companies not adapting to these digital changes will find themselves falling behind. I hope that everyone considers attending this year’s event, if only to gain some perspective on the importance of digital practices. Hope to see you there!
Social Media Week will be held from September 19 – 23. To learn more about the week and view the entire list of events, visit http://socialmediaweek.org/
We’ve all been so busy at Zapwater this week with the Topshop/Topman opening that I haven’t had much time to focus on the ten year anniversary of 9/11. One of our clients, On Your Mark Coaching and Training, is hosting a fundraiser in its honor tomorrow to raise money for the National September 11th Memorial & Museum. OYM is hosting a silent auction at their West Loop location from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. All classes will be FREE at both West Loop and Bucktown locations tomorrow and participants are encouraged to make a monetary donation at www.911memorial.org.
The National September 11th Memorial & Museum holds a special place in the heart of OYM since an avid gym member was in the historic terrorist attack and now sits on the board of this organization. Learn more about his story here.
Sir Philip Green talks about Topshop’s growth outlook and the opening of the company’s Topshop clothing store in Chicago. Green speaks on Bloomberg Television’s “InBusiness with Margaret Brennan.”
British clothing chain and Zapwater client Topshop made its debut on Michigan Avenue this week, the company’s second U.S. location. Crain’s Chicago Business talked with billionaire owner Sir Philip Green at the new store about why he’s breaking into the Chicago market.
Read more: http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/section/multimedia?project=Chicago%20Business%20Today&title=Topshop%20hits%20the%20Mag%20Mile#ixzz1XYO21xw7
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