Chicago

Approaching one of the most epic storms in history, fight the winter blues by some groovin’ authentic blues in the Windy City. As legendary blues guitarist Robert Johnson noted, “SWEET HOME” Chicago is one of the country’s premier cities to experience authentic blues music and a fun weekend stay-cation to beat the snow.

In the 1950’s, French high jewelry house, Van Cleef & Arpels launched their renowned Zip necklace. Born of a suggestion by the Duchess of Windsor, the piece of jewelry was not only artfully crafted but also technically advanced enough to work as a functioning zipper. The Zip necklace, which is actually capable of being worn open as a necklace or zipped closed as a bracelet, quickly became an iconic part of the Van Cleef & Arpels high jewelry family.

I'll take you to the candy shop, let you lick the lollipop, keep going 'til you hit the spot. From gum drops to jawbreakers, candy is a that little extra to make your day a whole lot sweeter. It's nostalgic, infused with carefree childhood memories, and let's not forget the bonus sugar high. Here are the top spots to get your sweet on.

With V-day just around the corner (or D-day to some), you can’t go wrong with the two staples flowers and chocolate. As American as apple pie, truffles are the international symbol of indulgence.

Last night, the Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré was buzzing. The sounds that spilled over on to the posh street came from inside the Roger Vivier boutique and were courtesy of actress and musician Jeanne Marine who played her ukulele for a crowd of well-heeled fashion types. The occasion, however, is most of note. Attendants were present to celebrate the exclusive preview of the brand’s newest limited edition collection, Rendez-Vous. And by attendants, I mean everyone from Tod’s Group president, Stefano Sincini, Roger Vivier-brand ambassador, Ines de la Fressange, and the house’s creative director, Bruno Friso

On Friday, January 28, 2011, co-chairs Dan Goelz and Michael Pagliuco will present the 14th Annual Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Grand Chefs Gala and Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year’s event is titled Emerald City, a Wizard of Oz themed dining, dancing and entertaining experience.

The haute couture presentations tell a story of greatness, both of quality of construction and innovation of design. This story seems to best be told in the confines of a Parisian backdrop. And so, I crossed the pond to bring you the highlights of what’s to come from the world’s most prestigious fashion and high-jewelry houses. Expect imagery and details marking the magic behind it all throughout the week, but here’s a small tidbit to satiate your thirst for all things haute couture in the mean time.

Join Chicago bride-to-be and America's Next Top Model Winner, McKey Sullivan to be inspired about wedding day possibilities at Brides, Bubbles and Bliss! Sip champagne, devour culinary delights, preview couture gowns and meet top wedding vendors. Brides, Bubbles and Bliss is hosted by Carasco Photography and promises a night filled with haute luxury. With entertainment by Style Matters DJs and an exclusive run of show by Vera Wang Chicago and Belle Vie Bridal Couture, this is the place to ensure your wedding is top notch.

Celebrating it’s celebrity rebirth, Fall Out Boy’s leading man was in town to toast the revival of his haute bar. Donning a fuzzy bear hoodie and face paint (apparently in literal support of the weekend’s big game), Pete Wentz was rocking out with his new band, the Black Cards, at the Angels and Kings reopening last night.

Brainchild of Chicago restaurateur Tom Powers, Gastrotommy.com is a cutting edge website that offers unparalleled, bi-monthly food and wine education direct from the best winemakers, chefs, and sommeliers as well as deep discounts on food and wine via an HD web-only show. There are currently 13 episodes on the shot in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Chicago featuring Frank Ostini of The Hitching Post, Rhone specialist Bob Lindquist and Donnie Madia and Paul Kahan of Publican and Blackbird among others. Gastrommy will shoot in the San Francisco Bay area in January, New York in March and New Orleans in May with celebrated guests including Rajat Parr of the Michael Mina group and author of Secrets of the Sommeliers, Sergio Esposito, CEO Italian Wine Merchants, and Mindy Segal, Chef/Owner Hot Chocolate.

Aah chocolate. Great as a gift and better in your stomach, it is the focus of books, movies and a huge part of culture in general. Known for being an aphrodisiac from the ancient Aztecs, whether that’s true or not, we don’t mind coating our bodies in it just in case. Oh-la-la tryptophan.

Executive Chef Frank Brunacci of Sixteen, a native of Melbourne, will host the third annual Australia Week celebration at the Trump Chicago. The festivities have become an ever-growing annual tradition at the downtown Chicago luxury hotel to commemorate Australia Day, the country's national holiday celebrated on January 26. Guests will have the opportunity to not only experience unique menus and rare wines from Chef Brunacci's homeland, but also art, travel, music and more.