Gorillaz in Chicago

(left, Damon Albarn of Gorillaz)

The Gorillaz are on their Plastic Beach tour with an amazing cast of musicians (Pharcyde, The Clash, etc) guest starring along the way. Me and some friends threw a party for them on Saturday when they came to Chicago. Hypnotic, an amazing brass band from here, are currently on tour with them too. They hosted and performed the afterparty and Maseo from De La Soul also blessed us with a surprise DJ set. It was so good to see legends Bobby Womack and The Clash's Mick Jones come out and have a good time. Damon is a genius for putting so many different artists on the tour, it made a really great party. It was also my birthday so it was great to be surrounded by family, friends and so many talented people. Ironically I don't really carry a camera out, but Mel D Cole is way better at capturing a great party than I'll ever be. Thanks to him for flying out and shooting. He has a column at Highsnobiety where he talked about the night as well.

The Clash's Mick Jones rocking out in the sailor hat

We should've traded hats...

The Pharcyde's Bootie Brown













De La Soul's Maseo



Chicago's Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Dog Days: Are You 'Under Employed'? Volunteer Opportunities At Your Local Animal Shelter (Cats & Rabbits Included)

I spent a little time this morning chatting with a very qualified journalist friend who's business has slowed due to the economy. Having more time to do well, whatever she wants, we talked about the idea of volunteering, in particular for local animal shelters.

I did a little digging and found out there are several ways you can spend a little of that down time helping others in need. So if you're under employed as I like to call it, sign up with your local shelter asap!

Here are the various ways you can volunteer (there is something for EVERYONE):

• Canine Companion: pretty self-explanatory but you can work directly with animal shelter employees to keep dogs company - walking, feeding, straightening up cages.
  
• Feline Companion: same as above except with kitties, MEOW.
• Small Animal Companion: same as canines and felines except we're talking guinea pigs, rats, birds, hamsters, etc.
  
• Rabbit Socializer: YES! Rabbits. LLSF's Alma Pagliarulo mentioned she adopted two bunnies this year and because they are animals of prey, they have a longer adjustment period than others. She also said they are fluffy, cuddly and POTTY TRAINED.
• Adoption Counseling: you can show potential adopters around the shelter, introducing them to the animals and answering their questions. This is your chance to really "sell" the animals - get them good homes!
• Adoption Event Counseling: serve as the "brand ambassador", attend events and speak with potential adopters and show off animals! You know, shake hands kiss babies.
• Community Outreach: recruit new volunteers, educate the community, get donations!
• Greeter: "Hi, welcome to the animal shelter. May I take your order?" Something like that...
• Administrative Support: 'nough said
• Foster Care: "Foster care volunteers provide homes, care and a nurturing environment to potentially adoptable animals. Often times, these animals need time to grow, heal and learn to socialize in a safe and caring environment before becoming adoptable." *This is something I recently did and it was very much worth it. I highly recommend it if you can. It doesn't take too much time and effort believe it or not but those animals will thank you. A far better life than a sterile, cold cage.
  
• Transport Volunteer: Pet chauffeur
  
• Pet Photographer: Say cheese. You're taking head shots of animals so they can find awesome homes!
  
• Canine Groomer: This takes a steady hand and an eye for beauty. Trim, groom, style.
  
• Development and Special Events: Help with your brain power to create new ideas and events for FUND RAISING!
  
• Marketing / Public Relations: Write ups, coordination and development of marketing and publicity programs.
• Web Design/Development: Below is a list of local shelters you can connect with. As you can see, they really need help with their websites.
  

New York City: http://www.nycacc.org/howtovolunteer.html
Los Angeles: http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/VOLUNTEER%20OPPORTUNITIES.asp
San Francisco: http://www.sfgov2.org/index.aspx?page=994
Chicago: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cacc/provdrs/care/svcs/volunteering_at_chicagoanimalcarecontrol.html
Miami: http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/about_volunteer.asp
Seattle: http://www.seattle.gov/animalshelter/fostervolunteers.htm

ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/volunteering-at-aspca.html

LL Chicago...it's time to BLOOM + TONE

LL CHICAGO!

As we near the end of this dreary winter, join CRAVE for a vibrant day of rejuvenation at the Bloom and Tone CRAVEparty!

WHAT: A fresh beauty & wellness event.
WHEN: Sunday, March 28th, 1-6pm
WHERE: Architectural Artifacts at 4325 N Ravenswood in Chicago
PRICE: $25 per participant

Tighten and Tone

Sign-up to try four 30-minute unique and fresh fitness regimens! You get to choose your four favorite fitness classes out of six fun and fabulous options!

Relax and Indulge

Each fitness class will spaced by 30-minute free-time sessions for you to indulge in mini-spa services, shop in lululemon athletica’s pop-up store, engage with and learn from a nutritionist, pep-up your wardrobe with a style coach, try delicious and healthy snacks, relax in the CRAVE Cooldown Lounge, and more to completely refresh and exhilarate yourself this Spring.

For more information and to register click here.

Chicago Lovers. It's On the 11th!

It's that time of the year again. Valentine's Day. Yes, it's time for cupid to draw back his bow but this year it's the Ladies Lotto version.

If you're in Chicago & looking for a good time without commitment, join us for Lovers Rock!

Here are details:

Thursday, February 11th

Crocodile Lounge
1540 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

DJS Merk One, Intel, Nic Da Graduate & New Life
Hosted by Angela Gusman & Lynnette Astaire

A portion of the proceeds go to Primo Center, a local domestic violence organization

RSVP: CHILOVERSROCK@LADIESLOTTO.COM

Lovers Rock is Coming

Lovers Rock is coming this February. Stay tuned.

Set Your Intentions Tonight in Chicago

SET YOUR INTENTIONS (Part 2)

An Evening of Goal Setting

Join Ladies Lotto Chicago at lululemon athletica for a mix and mingle followed by a goal setting workshop to prepare you for 2010.

Guests who attended the December 5th event please be prepared to revisit your goals to ensure you are setup for the most powerful year of your life.

New guests are welcome to participate.

Where: lululemon athletica
900 North Michigan
3rd Floor

When: Tuesday, January 5th

7:00 - 8:00 pm Mix & Mingle

8:00 - 9:00 pm Goal Setting Workshop

Food & drinks provided by Lifeway Foods & Protein Bar Chicago

RSVP @ rsvpchicago@ladieslotto.com

PS: say HI to Lynnette Astaire who'll be talking pix.

Happy New Year! 2000WIN!!

Happy New Year From Ladies Lotto!

Just like you we're taking things to another level in 2010. Here's a peak of what's to come -

A unique perspective on what awaits you in 2010 at a private session with a metaphysical healer & medium. Get answers to questions and guidance for the year. RSVP: rsvpnyc@ladieslotto.com
~New York City

Studio Number One may best be known to the public as the artist Shepard Fairey's creative agency but their most relevant & dynamic team members are women. Hear from these key players as they discuss their roles within the agency as well as the role they play in culture.
~ Los Angeles

Set your intentions! It's a fact, ambitious women achieve success through focusing on goals. Prioritize for 2010 with the help of leading health and wellness experts to create and accomplish those intentions at lululemon.
~ Chicago

Cupid draw back your bow in LLady style! Lovers Rock is our take on Valentine's Day. At Lovers Rock, ladies are required to bring at least one single gentlemen to share. We're not trying to pigeon hole anyone, so bring whomever wants to have a good time. Kissing booths & date auctions with proceeds going to local domestic violence groups.
~ Chicago, Los Angeles, New York & San Francisco

LLABS is a low-cost, no frills event where we help LLadies find solutions to pertinent everyday issues. Upcoming topics are Improving Your Assets / Real Estate 101 / Entrepreneurship How-To / Hoop Dreams: Jewelry Making and much more.
~ New York City

We're always looking to shake up the way people view "women's issues" and awareness, so we joined forces with the Slideluck Potshow to bring the public Women's Work. Artists from around the world will be presenting photography that illuminate aspects of the contemporary female experience around the globe.
~ Los Angeles

Behind the Beast: Fashion is a discussion featuring women who play commanding, behind the scenes roles in creating what the world sees via the international fashion industry. We'll gather a unique panel of designers, forecasters, stylists, photographers and buyers, all with the purpose of illuminating the road forward for fashion professionals and followers alike.
~ San Francisco

Put your money where your mouth is! Support your peers and community! Especially LLady-owned businesses. Ladies Lotto presents membership cards with access to discounts to your favorite boutiques, designers, business services and more!
~ Chicago, Los Angeles, New York & San Francisco

A NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!!!

Wishing you a year of prosperity, success & community!

xo,
Natalie Blacker
Founder & Director, Ladies Lotto

Part 2: Set Your Intentions Chicago on January 5th

SET YOUR INTENTIONS (Part 2)

An Evening of Goal Setting

Join Ladies Lotto Chicago at lululemon athletica for a mix and mingle followed by a goal setting workshop to prepare you for 2010.

Guests who attended the December 5th event please be prepared to revisit your goals to ensure you are setup for the most powerful year of your life.

New guests are welcome to participate.

Where: lululemon athletica
900 North Michigan
3rd Floor

When: Tuesday, January 5th

7:00 - 8:00 pm Mix & Mingle

8:00 - 9:00 pm Goal Setting Workshop

Food & drinks provided by Lifeway Foods & Protein Bar Chicago

RSVP @ rsvpchicago@ladieslotto.com

She's A LLADY: Julia Failey

How long have you been a Ladies Lotto member and has it had a positive affect on what you're doing?

Betsey McLain suggested that I get involved with Ladies Lotto a little over a year ago. I think LL provides a supportive network professionals and entrepreneurs who are proactive in the community. I’ve become friends with some stylish, sophisticated women and discussed ideas for future initiatives and events to grow the Chicago network.

While I'm sure you had to learn the craft, what made you want to go the official route and study gemology?

I think it’s important to understand all aspects of jewelry if you’re working in the industry. I studied gemology and diamond grading so that I could identify and authenticate diamonds and colored stones. While this may not apply to my current collections, customer referrals have made custom work a growing part of my business. Knowledge is key in servicing my custom order clients in creating the personal piece they envision that’s priced within their budget.

Your pieces are inspired by nature and are very delicate, sweet and feminine. Do you think this will always be your aesthetic or do you see yourself moving in another direction?

I think this style best fits the brand I’m trying to create with Julia Failey jewelry. Custom orders present exciting creative challenges and give me an opportunity to deviate from the current aesthetic in my line.

You offer a unique service where you work in conjunction with brides to design special pieces for their bridesmaids. That's an awesome and thoughtful idea. Why did you decide to add it to your services?

I love having the opportunity to work with clients in creating memorable gifts for a special occasion. I’ve worked with boyfriends in creating Engagement Rings, provided brides with jewelry for bridesmaids, and designed wedding sets for fiancés. I recently expanded into cuff links, which make great groomsmen gifts!

There's been a huge push recently for all things eco-friendly, but this was an important issue to you from the beginning. Where did that come from?

My grandmother was my fashion muse and model environmental philanthropist. She once wrote me ‘My father felt it was important to find enjoyment in little things and I try to remember his view.’ My grandmother opened my eyes to the beauty in all things great and small, and I hope to carry her legacy through my work.

Those who know me well can attest to the fact that I’ve always been passionate about art and the environment. As a youngster, I spent most of my time outside—climbing trees, building forts, capturing ‘glow bugs’ and, on occasion (and with the best intentions), building a shoebox nest to nurture a fallen bird back to health. My pursuits in art/fashion were spawned when I started integrating pop art elements (splatter paint on Keds was all the rage) and found objects into clothing and jewelry. Many years have passed, but those developmental years set the stage.

To add to that, tell us about some of the causes and organizations that you support.

I am active within organizations that share my commitment to the environment, and I serve on the Executive Committee of the Auxiliary Board at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago. 10% of every sale in our Butterfly Collection goes to The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, inspiring people to learn about and care for nature and the environment.

I partnered with MANuary by creating customized cufflinks to benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation. 100 percent of the net proceeds from the sale of these cufflinks goes directly to the cause. Visit my website to read the story on how my friends, Tom Murphy and Ryan Hutto, started and inspired MANuary.

I am donating 20% of Lotus Flower Collection in Rose sales to Breast Cancer Network of Strength®, an organization dedicated to ensuring no one faces breast cancer alone. Proceeds from sales will be made throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month to help increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention and cure. You may learn more on my blog.

What do you hope to accomplish with your jewelry and your environmental efforts?

My jewelry intends to remind us of the subtle beauty that surrounds us and raise awareness of our connections to our environment. I challenge myself to find unique and intriguing ways to reflect intricate details and movements in nature in my designs. My concern for the preservation of our natural resources is reflected in my designs, choice of materials and sustainable business practices. I create ‘green’ or ‘eco-friendly’ jewelry because environmental appreciation is integrated in my beliefs and business mission.

For more info, please visit: http://www.juliafailey.com

Chicago Edition: Behind the Beast is TONIGHT!!!

TONIGHT!!

Thursday, September 24th

7PM

Pivot Boutique
1101 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607

Featuring
Monica Dimperio / The MidWasteland Blog
Jessa Brinkmeyer / Pivot Boutique

RSVP: RSVPCHICAGO@LADIESLOTTO.COM

Chicago Edition: Behind the Beast is the 24th!

Next week!

Thursday, September 24th

7PM

Pivot Boutique
1101 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607

Featuring
Monica Dimperio / The MidWasteland Blog
Jessa Brinkmeyer / Pivot Boutique

RSVP: RSVPCHICAGO@LADIESLOTTO.COM

Get Fixed in Chicago Tonight!

Tonight get fixed with DJs Rude 1, Merk 1 (<3), Supreme Court & J. Fonesca!

Guarantee there will be some fine ladies & gentlemen out...

Lava
1270 N Milwaukee Ave

Mobapalooza after Lollapalooza!

Chicago peeps, come to MOBAPALOOZA, the LOLLAPALOOZA afterparty! Come shake a leg with DJ's MILLION $ MANO, TREATMENT, JAY ILLA, TIMBUCK2, FREEZEROCK, topped off with a, not-so-super-secret guest set by DIPLO! Partake in bottle specials all night and VIP pole lessons in the White Room (what, what!).

MANDATORY RSVP for entry
events@chiyorker.com
$10 before 11
Galleria Unicco
44 E Superior/ CHICAGO

Anna Fong @ Ladies Lotto Chicago on June 23rd!

Join LLCHI as it celebrates fashion with guest speaker, Anna Fong, who recently opened her own self-named design studio. She's designing for the marketplace as well as custom designs for a legion of private clientele.

Tuesday, June 23rd

Verse Chicago
1821 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL

$10 pre-pay
$12 at door

rsvpchicago@ladieslotto.com

Chitown: Solemates... Chicago x The Brooklyn Circus Book Release Event TONIGHT!

Come out tonight and celebrate with Solemates...Chicago & The Brooklyn Circus as they toast their book release, "Changing of the Guards". Make sure you dress to impress because you just might make it in the next "year" book...

Members of the Month - March 2009

Amy Butterworth | New York

By day Amy is nose-deep in Actionscript at Walrus, a boutique creative shop where she specializes in flash development. She's thrilled to find her place as a full -time interactive geek after working primarily in print design at some of New York's best ad agencies (Wieden & Kennedy, MadDogs & Englishmen) since graduating from Pratt, with honors in 2001.

Amy is an avid biker, cook (she holds the first prize from the first annual New York City Casserole competition) and she makes many of her own clothes. In addition, Amy has co-hosted -- along with fellow Ladies Lotto member Leslie Hermelin -- the fabulously successful annual Clothing Swaptacular for the past four years.

If ODB were alive today, he'd give Amy props because she's for the children. Besides juggling an active work and social life, she mentored middle and high school students. Amy taught youths to express themselves via electronic media at the Digital Clubhouse program.

She currently lives in Williamsburg with her husband Doug and two very lucky street cats. Her side project of the month is the piano bar act, "Chi-Chi LeBoom at the Starlite." They play lounge covers of mid-nineties novelty songs and aim to play outside of the apartment soon. In addition to being awesome overall, Amy has the distinction of having been present at the very first Ladies Lotto meeting.

Angela Gusman | Chicago

With her affinity for all things creative, Angela Gusman graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management. Currently, Angela works as a Marketing Specialist at a Fortune 100 company. Angela envisions herself to be a renaissance woman, owning her own marketing and media company.

Don’t let the corporate pedigree fool you; Angela can bust a move. You can find her driving around Chicago with a bumper sticker that reads “I’d rather be dancing…” She’s a dance and yoga guru and is always encouraging her peers to join her in a class.

When it’s not freezing cold you can catch “Ang” and her yorkie, Tuffy (aka Tough Guy off the Streets) shopping for stylish bargains around Chicago. Besides shopping; Angela enjoys photography, DJing, and checking out live music acts in her spare time.

Erika Sunmark | Seattle

As Senior Video Producer of Frause Visual, Erika works with clients in the corporate, advertising and non-profit industries. A Chicago-native, Erika has ten years of experience in video production from scheduling manager and production coordinator; to puppet wrangler. Her outgoing personality and multi-tasking ability makes her the ideal producer.

Outside of the office, Erika has co-produced a number of short films through the 48Hr Film Festival. In May 2008, her team screened at the Cannes Film Festival. There she perfected her French accent and wine tasting prowess.

Ever the film buff; she is the proud mother of two little killers named Chewbacca and Indiana Jones. It's one if by land and two if by sea for this lady. In the summer you'll find her sailing around on a boat and she tears up the slopes in the winter.

Moonwalking

From our friends at The Dirty Social Blog, their WTF? post for the week has bird MOONWALKING (and a very enthusiastic scientist).

Hot Fuzz

"Hot Fuzz" remix from our friends at The Dirty Social. From the Pharcyde to Massive Attack... Download & listen up!

25 Under 25

Celebrate Venus Zine's "25 Under 25" Spring 2009 issue! The first 50 guests will receive some yummy goodies, like makeup from Urban Decay. Complimentary Tequila cocktails for all!

March 4

7-9PM

The Motel Bar

600 W. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL

21+ to enter

RSVP to rsvp@venuszine.com

Heavenly Bodies at Vessel Yoga

The best way to combat stress and fatigue in these hard times is to relax. Yoga is a great way to unwind and get a little clarity but it can be costly at times. Enter Chicago's Vessel Yoga Studio -- a donation only studio -- to save the day and a few dollars*.

Nike sponsored instructor, Margo Kellison has traveled the world enlightening students with her yoga classes. Now, she brings her talents to Chicago's West Loop. Like Ladies Lotto, Margo loves breaking the rules; click here to watch her defy gravity.

Learn how to lengthen and strengthen your body at the next Ladies Lotto Chicago meeting.

Tomorrow, January 14

Vessel Yoga Studio
1039 W. Lake St.
2nd Fl.
Chicago, IL 60607

Instructor: Margo Kellison

$20 at the door

RSVP: rsvpchicago@ladieslotto.com