Our friend and designer, Laurie Borsé, followed her dream to Paris, after she won First Place Evening Wear Designer and “All Outstanding Designer” in the Fashion Group International student competition of 39 Universities.  The Scholarship to PARIS FASHION INSTITUTE was part of her award.

Laurie told us,

“This changed my life!  I vowed I would NOT return until I worked for Yves Saint Laurent!’’

She did just that!  Among other opportunities in Paris!

Now a couture fashion designer under her own Brand Label: BORSÉ Laurie Paris she designs between Paris and Chicago designing for private clients Sur Measure.

We were recently fortunate to visit Laurie in Paris.

Yes, there was no elevator (just like in our fav series, Emily in Paris) – so we walked up the six flights to her tiny studio where we were greeted with fresh flowers in her narrow couloir, her door opened and she whisked us thru her studio, out the French doors to her flower covered terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower!

What a delight!

We sat enjoying French champagne, foie gras, fresh fromage all French delicacies prepared by Laurie.

We also visited her atelier next door where Laurie does EVERYTHING!

And we mean everything!

Laurie starts by sketching her designs – her sketches are truly frameable art!  Honestly, they are so very special.

She drapes the muslin to create the pattern and first sewn muslin sample.  She makes adjustments and the final muslin is also sewn by Laurie.

Since she designs for private clients, it may take a few muslins until the final muslin fitting. Then it is on to creating final patterns, cutting the fabric, stay stitching all pieces necessary before the final sewing and precision pressing.

Laurie’s love for the entire process from sketching to sewing and hand stitching the final garment is so obvious.

She takes the time and meticulous care needed to make sure each garment is made with quality and love.

Laurie assured us,

“All worth the effort and time.  Once my clients step into one of my creations . . .the smile I see on my clients face and in their eyes . . . warms my heart with love and joy and sometimes a tear.”

Laurie is a woman who is truly living her passion for designing.

We are thrilled to feature her on our Dare to be Curious YouTube channel and give our friends the opportunity to own one of her beautiful designs – created with love!

Sometimes magic happens!!

When DARE TO BE CURIOUS was invited to attend a fashion show at Neiman Marcus Chicago to present Law Roach’s collaboration with Herve Leger-Herve Leger X Law Roach…

we expected

fantastic designs, which we received – Sherrill particularly liked the first white dress and the last silver two-piece evening gown – absolutely beautiful!

we Received

SO MUCH more!

A conversation with one of the most in-demand stylist today!

Chicago born, Law Roach, moved to LA to pursue a career in fashion and almost immediately the image architect started working with A-List clients!

We loved hearing the story of his lasting friendship with Zendaya .  The pair met when she was fourteen years old and in need of a dress for the premiere of the Justin Bieber: Never Say Never documentary.

Since then his client list is a who’s who of Hollywood style icons: Celine Dion, Ariana Grande, Anya Taylor-Joy, Kerry Washington to name a few.

He spoke with such love for Chicago – the fashion house wanted him to present his collection in New York or LA but he insisted on his home town. 

We were struck by his sincere message which truly was inspirational.

To watch and listen to his conversation and Q & A please watch our YouTube Channel Dare to be Curious.

We leave you with one of our favorite Law Roach quotes: ”Work hard, believe in yourself and treat others the way you want to be treated.”

It says it all.  

We have all been at our local grocery stores with our list in hand.  When we were rearing children there would be one or two in the grocery cart “helping” us.  Then it wasn’t exactly an adventure but more a necessity.

Times have changed.

Now we have so many choices – a myriad of specialty grocery stores – plus the many different national chains – and the wunderkind, Whole Foods.

We have tried them all!

Sorry, Whole Foods, you have been replaced with the grocery store of our dreams – DOM’S in Old Town, Chicago.

Yes, we know, Whole Foods, you have everything DOM’S has to offer – a bar – restaurant- prepared foods – great meat and fish selection – picture perfect produce – a bakery that ignites our tastebuds for dessert – BUT you are simply too big and confusing.

DOM’S is our perfect fit because it is perfectly curated with just the right amount of delectable items globally inspired, seasonally driven, and locally sourced from Chicago and Midwest entrepreneurs.

DOM’S makes us excited about new culinary discoveries.  And did we mention their catering department?  A golden find for this holiday season or any special occasion.

DOM’S, welcome to the neighborhood. 

It was love at first sight. 

Join us on our YouTube Channel, Dare To Be Curious!

The Godfather is still Golden after 50 years

Francis Ford Coppola’s Oscar Winning Adaptation of Mario Puzo’s The Godfather is considered a cinematic masterpiece 50 years after it was released in 1972.

When our Book Club Babes chose the novel to read we decided to go with the season and dress the part.  Honestly, there are parts of the book much scarier than ghosts and monsters in any Halloween Fright-fest film!

The author stated that the book was not based on his life but the story came from research and inspired by real-life mob boss Frank Costello.  Which means much of what is written about in the novel actually happened!

We discussed endless stories about the book – like the author and Frank Sinatra getting into a near physical altercation over the novel at Chasen’s, then a celebrity hot spot  near Beverly Hills. 

How certain lines from the novel have become part of our lexicon …”Revenge is a dish that tastes best when served cold”…to the most famous . . .”I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”

Meeting at one of our favorite Italian restaurant’s, Lucia’s, enhanced our discussion that the underlying theme of The Godfather is family, love and loyalty.

We love the immersive experience of our book club and love sharing it will all of you.

Stay tuned for our November book!

We are so happy we live in a world where there are Octobers – the crips fresh air – the burnish glory of fall foliage – the cool mornings, warmth of the sun midday, the chill of evenings.

Alas, summer is over and the holiday season not yet upon us.

Sundresses and sandals are stored away and knee-high boots come out of our closets.

Layers are suggested for days which greet us with, chill, warmth and cold.

What we wear is how we choose to present ourselves to the world - which these days mean it will forever be on social media.

Fall turns us into fashionistas!

We went to one of our favorites in Chicago – Contessa -  for how to dress up what’s already in our wardrobes to ideas for our next big event! And does she have suggestions!

Watch this week’s Dare to be Curious video to get the scoop on Fall Fashion and beyond to holiday parties galore.

The power of a great outfit has the ability to transform your mood and the way you look – remember those phone cameras are recording you for posterity!

“The joy of dressing is an art”

 -designer, John Galliano

A LIFE WELL LIVED

“ I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

Portion of a speech given by Queen Elizabeth on her twenty-first birthday.

She kept her word literally until the day she left us.

A few months ago

our Book Club Babes read Elizabeth & Margaret – the Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters by Andrew Morton.

For that meeting we wore our tiaras and enjoyed a traditional English Tea with a champagne toast to the Queen.

It seemed fitting to say good-by to her with a similar toast of thanks for a lifetime of service to the world.

To honor a life well lived,

eleven women gathered at Sherrill’s on September 19th at 5am to pay our respects and view together the beautiful pageantry with which her nation and the world honored her and said farewell.

This was history in the making

and in sharing it with friends we made memories which will last a lifetime. Expanding our lives and living every day to the fullest and sharing those moments with our readers and viewers is at the heart of Dare to be Curious.

Yes, it was work

and a very long night and early morning - however, there was a sense of accomplishment when the boiled eggs, scones with clotted cream & jam, English Cheeses with biscuits, strawberries with cream, chocolates and pots of coffee and tea were displayed on the table set with our best silver and most royal china

If there was ever any doubt that all the work to share those historical moments were  worth the time and effort those doubts were banished by the appreciation and enthusiasm of all who  shared in the friendship of that morning.

Even more important to Sherrill was a text she received the next morning from her youngest son,  “What year was it when you woke us up for croissants for Princess Diana?  That’s a really strong memory that I have.  Love you!”

Please keep making memoires – they really do last a lifetime.

Sometimes the sequel is as good as the original!

It happened at Movie Night 2 – aptly named for a second Summer Movie Themed Party.

Last year Grease was the focus of the night complete with Pink Jackets for the ladies and a dance off.

This year the full-of-heart comedy gold, The Birdcage, was the theme and wow, did everyone pull out the stops in dressing South Beach Florida crazy!

We are delighted to report that Debi and Sherrill were among the top three costume winners!  Yes, we too pulled out all stops! 

Our flowered headbands –  we did them ourselves and if you would like to know our secrets please contact us – we love to share!

What was really special about the evening was honoring two great icons of the silver screen – Olivia Newton John and Robin Williams.  Sadly, they are no longer with us but their talent lives on in their work.

There were a few tears shed and a great deal of laughter shared which always makes for the perfect party. 

Plus, of course, a balmy beautiful Summers Night.

There are some stories which must never be forgotten.

We feel that way about our Book Club Babes selection of THE DRESSMAKERS OF AUSCHWITZ.

It is the story of 25 young inmates of the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp who were selected to design, cut and sew beautiful fashions in a dedicated salon for elite Nazi women – it was known as the Upper Tailoring Studio.

Working there saved their lives.

It is a powerful chronicle of these women who used their sewing skills to survive – even more powerful was the love and loyalty these women shared.

When asked after their rescue by Allied Troops why they believed they had survived when millions of others perished, their responses were amazingly similar.

Friends.  Faith. Luck.

What struck us were the comments.  “will to live and take care of two sisters,” and “I thought my sister would stay alive and I didn’t want to leave her alone.”

Sisterhood.  Women Supporting Women.

Our setting for this discussion was the extraordinarily glorious garden of one of our blook club members – it was a deliberately sharp contrast to the grim setting of the book.

We celebrated the beautiful power of the inner strength of these brave women..

Within every sister-friend relationship there is a unique bond.

We feel it at Book Club and wish to share it with all of you.

Little girls with dreams become women with vision” – Unknown

Did you know Illinois has one of the only all girls baseball teams in the country?

We were thrilled to interview the talented girls of Chaneyville Baseball for our YouTube Channel DARE TO BE CURIOUS.

These girls are following their dreams and as one of the parents shared with us – “What these girls are doing is important and breaking barriers and showing girls that they can do anything they put their minds to. 

“Girls can do anything boys can do.”

Assistant Coach Booker Hatcher believes these girls know what they want and are willing to work hard to achieve their goals

He told us what he says to inspire the girls before a game – “You gotta go through fire to get Gold.  Which means it’s not always gonna be easy but the tough time will make you better in life on and off the field.” And inspire them he did!

The girls are heading to Nationals!  It will take place July 20 – 25

If you would like to know more about supporting the dreams of these determined girls please reach out by calling 773-909-5598.

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible!” Audrey Hepburn

We aren’t sure who wrote this but the following totally captures our themed party celebrating love: “True passion is intoxicating and invigorating, soothing and sensuous, magical and mystical, I just thought you should know what you’re in for!”

We have all read articles about how to give a themed party – the themed invitations, the venue, the appropriate music, etc.

So, we all know the elements that makes for a very special party full of everything beautiful and romantic.  The fun is in making it happen!

Our themed party was inspired by our dear friend, Bethany and her fiancé Andrew.  You met Bethany in https://bigbiggerbiggest.life/blog/2022/5/29/women-supporting-women-interview-with-ms-luncheon-honoree-bethany-florek and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8jbdk05vAA and now you will meet Andrew!

Their love story inspired the Engagement Party we are sharing with you on our YouTube channel, “Dare to be Curious.”

We were thrilled that so many friends of “Dare to be Curious” made this party so amazing!

The venue was the sweet and sassy home of Chicago designer, Lauren Lein.  She also designed and hand painted Bethany’s extraordinary outfit for the evening.  You’ve met Lauren before at https://bigbiggerbiggest.life/blog/2021/12/8/holiday-galas-gowns-fabric-trunk-shows-holiday-make-overs-and-much-much-more and https://youtu.be/dGj3TSVhWFA

The outstanding floral arch was created by our beloved Harry from The Garden at Old Irving.  You’ve loved and viewed him many times (see https://bigbiggerbiggest.life/blog/2022/4/6/spring-is-springing-floral-segment-with-our-friend-harry-2 and https://youtu.be/EZHg8_qTNO4) He never ceases to amaze with his talent.

There was dancing, champagne toasts, delicious food from Chicago’s iconic Gene and Georgetti’s, yummy cake and of course, Debi’s Divine Biscotti!

All the elements on those lists of how to do a themed party were in place. Plus, there was that extra special something in the air which marks a night to remember – TRUE LOVE.

“When you’re lucky enough to meet your one person, then life takes a turn for the best. It can’t get better than that.” Actor, John Krasinski

Excitement has been in the air for months in anticipation of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. 

Sherrill witnessed the preparations first hand on her recent visit to England and she remains in awe of the outpouring of affection given to the longest reigning monarch in Britain's history..

The Queen has been loved and revered for the lifetimes of generations since she was born on April 21, 1926.  In 1947, just turning 21, she made her first radio broadcast in which she pledged "I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."

Never were words more prophetic!  

She has reigned for 70 years with dignity and kept that long ago promise made to a nation.

So many books have been written - the world knows she loves her corgis and her horses - she's the only person in the UK allowed to drive without a license - she has family drama which might drive many of us to our knees.  The Crown gave us a glimpse but as writer's we know there is always more to reveal.

It seemed so absolutely perfect to choose ELIZABETH & MARGARET the Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters by Andrew Morton as our June selection for BOOK CLUB BABES, our book club - particularly since Sherrill had "met" Andrew on zoom via another book discussion between authors..  And it seemed absolutely perfect to have our monthly discussion at a Tiara Afternoon Tea.

Please join us as we sip and discuss and reveal what surprised us most about two drastically different women

The following quotes are thought provoking:

"At long last, I know who I am and what I represent ...above all, a woman who is free.  Free to live, to love.  Free to break away."  Margaret Windsor

"When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat: instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future." Elizabeth II

“Above all, be the heroine of your life” iconic writer, Nora Ephron

Over one million people in the US are living with MS. 
One of those facing MS challenges is Sherrill’s beloved daughter in law, Nora
She was diagnosed 20 years ago and at that time her symptoms were mild. Over the intervening years as her symptoms have worsened she has given birth and continued to rear her growing  family with a smile and a positive attitude which inspires all who know & love her.

Nora is the heroine of her story 

Beloved friend, Bethany Florek, is a heroine & an inspiration to us in so many ways
Diagnosed in 2018 after experiencing optic neuritis for the first time, she immediately sought treatment & became involved in the MS Society to help find a cure
At the time of her diagnosis she was in a two month relationship with Andrew.  She immediately informed him of her diagnosis & the challenges   she would face.  Repeatedly she tried to end the relationship. Repeatedly he refused to accept her decision - he wanted to be part of her team  

We are so very happy to announce Bethany & Andrew are now engaged. They are the heroine & hero of their story 

Bethany, we are honored to be on your team - Together for a cure!

Please watch our inspirational interview with Bethany on the day she was recognized by the MS Society for her many contributions 

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right” F. Scott Fitzgerald

And so it goes …. Endless quotes about Champagne… First from Coco Chanel “I only drink champagne on two occasions, when I’m in love and when I’m not.”

To Noel Coward “Why do I drink Champagne for breakfast?  Doesn’t everyone?”

On to Napoleon Bonaparte “I drink Champagne when I win, to celebrate and I drink Champagne when I lose, to console myself.”

And finally, Winston Churchill, who had so many sayings about Champagne it was difficult to choose our favorite but this one did us proud – “Meeting Franklin Roosevelt was like opening your first bottle of Champagne; knowing him was like drinking it.”

Like so many others, whatever the occasion we simply can’t say “NO” to champagne. 

Some call it liquid gold – even those who usually do not drink it, can’t resist the bubbles when it is offered at any gathering.

There is no better place in Chicago to gather which celebrates the bubbly liquid gold than the Champagne Cave, the delightful delectable lower level of the marvelous Marchesa Restaurant.

And no one more delicious to talk about Champagne than our dear friend, Nikki, who presides over the Champagne Cave with her beautiful smile and lilting accent.

She has her favorites – we have ours (Cristal immediately comes to mind) – of course, dear reader, you have your favorites.  Our bet is that if you have not yet decided what glass of bubbles delights your taste buds, Nikki will help you discover it.

As Dom Perignon famously shouted when first taste testing his famous liquid, “Come quickly!  I am tasting the stars!”

Don’t miss our YouTube interview with Nikki discussing the delights of tasting the stars!  And so much more about bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles!

Our motto is “Never Surrender”!

Never has it been more appropriate to say about any entrepreneurial friend than Kathryn Alvera.

Yes, she has been the creative genius behind three other restaurants – however Marchesa was a vision that refused to be denied despite obstacles which might have brought others to their knees.

Her inspiration, Marchesa Casati, an Italian heiress, muse and patroness of the arts in the early 20th Century, was famously quoted as saying, “I want to be a living work of art.”  And she lived out her dream by being inspiration to many all over the world and giving the best parties of the ages in Venice.

Kathryn wanted to give Chicago a restaurant to equal Marchesa’s vision of life.  For years, Kathryn drove past her dream spot for her creation of elegance, good taste, and fabulous food.  Patient, she waited – refusing to take no for an answer – and at last, the day arrived!

She looked at those bare walls, taken down to the studs, in the vintage building and saw the vision which had always lived in her heart.

Over three floors she has created an atmosphere which feels comfortable, warm and inviting by incorporating many personal heirlooms – like her grandmother’s plates, her aunt’s sculptures and much of her own favorite art work.

Marchesa has been the special spot where dreams come true – a proposal in a corner banquette, a birthday, engagement, bridal, baby shower on the wonderful second floor which is the perfect setting room complete with baby grand piano to enjoy music – always the special touch to any occasion.

And the lower level Champagne Cave is beautiful, fun and just a joy to see and be seen dancing the night away.

Kathryn has created her dream and shared it with Chicago.

She is an inspiration to us to do the same!

Will you dare to follow your dream?

Kathryn will share how she made it happen on our YouTube Chanel Dare to be Curious.

Don’t miss it!

“Wanderluster: collector of experiences…Not things” - Unknown 

Honestly, we love to do both!  And why not? Being alive is to experience life - to play with it.

In the midst of Winters long dark days sometimes we must follow the sun to renew our energy.
On our “Dare to be Curious,” YouTube Channel, we share our visits to both Florida coasts and show you our favorite coffee shops, boutiques, local artists, beaches - the whole warm wonderful adventure!

If you can’t get away, take some time for YOU!  Make it all about you wherever you reside

Go off for a day or for a few hours to your favorite Spa. Turn off your computer or television- unless you are watching Bridgerton - if so, then meet -your friends for champagne to debate rather the Duke & Season 1 or the Viscount & Season 2 rules!

Life is full of endless possibilities 

Be Curious & Dare to do…

"It's spring fever.  That is what the name of it is  And when you've got it you want  - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! "  Mark Twain

We want Spring!    

S[ring reminds us to embrace joy & love.  We bid farewell to cold, dark days of winter, and we welcome new beginnings and new possibilities!

Our snowbird friends have returned or will soon start drifting home and what to do to celebrate that reunion?  

Have a floral party!!

We spent an afternoon at The Garden at Old Irving with Harry teaching us how to arrange flowers as we sipped champagne.  It is the [perfect girlfriend "Spring Fling"!

The fragrant Spring blossoms - the laughter as Harry gently but firmly guides our untrained florist eye - the pride and joy as our finished bouquets were surprisingly beautiful - and the pleasure of taking our masterpieces home for our families to enjoy!

The possibilities are limitless for fun - just as Spring is the season of fresh beginnings.

As Frances Hodgson Burnett stated, "If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden."

Is there any better way to spend a Spring day than in a garden?

We think not!!

"The butterfly is a flying flower, the flower a tethered butterfly."  Ecouchard Le Brun

Every Year on March 17th, parts of the world turn green in celebration of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick.

Of course, the parties are big on the Green Isle, HOWEVER, not as big as in the USA.  The big, bigger, biggest St.Pat's party is in Chicago!!!

From dying our river green, to our many parades, to wonderful groups like The Shannon Rovers and The Chicago Garda Pipes and Drums entertaining all over the city we celebrate Irish culture as it deserves.  Trust us, when these groups play Danny Boy or Amazing Grace, there is not a dry eye to be seen!

We love everything Irish but one of our favorite legends is the belief that if we wear green it makes us invisible to leprechauns who pinch anyone they can see! 

So, put on your green, make Debi's famous Traditional Shepherd's Pie and watch this week's “Dare To Be Curious” YouTube channel for the best Bagpipe music Chicago has to offer!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Shepherd’s Pie is always a winner on St. Patrick’s Day!  Your guest will be impressed, love the taste and have seconds!  I usually prepare the pie the day before, refrigerated overnight then bake when guest arrive.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

14 thin organic carrots, sliced in shape of circles

9 celery stalks, diced in moon shape

5 cloves of garlic, crushed

salt to taste

5-pepper blend peppercorns (from Williams Sonoma) – pepper to taste

1 tube of tomato paste

3 pounds of ground lamb

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – or more to taste

½ cup of chicken stock (homemade if you have some)

1 bag of frozen petite sweet peas

Mashed Potatoes:

4 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (peeled, quartered, cooked)

4 tablespoons butter

½ cup heavy whipping cream

1 cup grated Vermont sharp white cheddar cheese

salt to taste

5-pepper blend peppercorns (from Williams Sonoma) – pepper to taste

Directions:

Makes 2 pies

Baking Time: 20 minutes at 400 degrees or 30 minutes at 350 degrees

Cooking Mashed Potatoes:

Get the mashed potatoes going first. In a large pot, add water and salt, add potatoes, boil the water and cook potatoes until tender about 20 minutes.

Once the potatoes are done, drain the potatoes and place them back into pot.  Add butter, heavy whipping cream, mash the potatoes, then add salt, pepper and cheese, continue to mash until smooth. Set aside until lamb mixture is complete.

Sautéing Lamb Mixture:

Add butter and oil to a large skillet on medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, celery 7 minutes, then add garlic for another 3 minutes until tender, season with salt and pepper.

Then add tomato paste and mix.

Add ground lamb cook about 10 minutes.

Add Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock, add peas, taste – then add more salt and pepper if needed.

Transfer mixture to your oven proof baking pie dishes, spread evenly and flatten out.

Then put your mashed potato mix on top of the mixture and again spread evenly, then use a spoon to make peaks so you have a wave effect on the mashed potato, that will brown nicely when baked.

Bake and serve hot…Enjoy!

Contessa Bottega was born to design and to love fashion.

Her mother was a designer and at her knee young Contessa developed a passion for creative design.  She was so intrigued with what made a woman alluring that she developed her own perfume – concocted in her kitchen – which reminded her of her native Greece.  It is still a mainstay in her boutique in Chicago.

            Love what you do and do what you love has always driven Contessa since she opened her first boutique in 1978 at Lake Point Tower.  Growing out of her space, she made the move to fashion forward Oak Street, where she held court for 12 years.

Contessa always follows her dreams which she did when she moved 26 years ago to her slice of fashion heaven at 1 E. Delaware.  There she continues to dress Chicago’s fashionistas.

Designers from Paris, such as Barbara Bui and Edward Achour and young up & coming designers from Spain join other favorites in everything from evening gowns to casual wear – but casual wear with a flair.

Contessa contributes her success to a great eye for new designers and her love of supporting fashion in all its guises

And, of course, as all successful people do – she attributes it to PERSISTENCE.

As Estee Lauder, founder of the iconic fragrance empire stated, “I never dreamed about success, I worked for it.”

So did Contessa.

Chicago Fashion Boutique - Contessa BottegaContessa Bottega

1 E. Delaware, Chicago, IL 1312-944-0981

Be sure to check out our youtube video of us having a fabulous Conversation with Contessa! Conversation with Fashion Icon Contessa Bottega - YouTube

Nothing beats a good old-fashion FASHION WEEK packed with a number of “in person” shows!

Fashion Happenings in 2022 – February 10 to 14 was NY – February 18 to 22 will be London – AND THEN the two jewels in the fashion world – February 22 to 28 Milan – which Sherrill has attended and says “It is truly FAB” and finally March 1-8 the city of lights, Paris.

Names like Herve Leger, Jason Wu, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Temperley London, Erdem, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, Blumarine, Missoni, Gucci, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Dior, Saint Laurent, Balmain, Rick Owen, Hermes, Eli Saab, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and Chanel are a few who will grace those runways.

Here at DARE TO BE CURIOUS we might have a few of those labels in our closets, but we like to shop closer to home, supporting upcoming designers and those we are lucky enough to call friends!

This fashion week we spotlight entrepreneur, friend and designer, Barbara Pizik.

Barbara brought her traveling boutique of carefully curated designers to Chicago many times – as she did to NYC and other fashion forward cities around the country.

When Covid hit – like so many of us – she needed to reinvent herself.

That is when her love of fashion led her to start sketching her own designs.  When she found the right source of cashmere in Nepal – her label, thea -  all hand dyed, and hand done…her new label was born!

This week our YouTube channel, DARE TO BE CURIOUS, visits with Barbara and her rescue dog Thea, for delightful conversation and a preview of her collection.

Great to visit with her and great to now have thea in our closets!

Dare To Be Curious

Love is in the Air

Some call it madness, but we call it love!

Love is a complicated and wonderful thing!

We talked about romance

with a small audience at The Fairmont Chicago during the worst blizzard of the year.   

The power of love

is hard to put into words – but we tried, reading scenes from our romance novels.  The intrepid listened and asked questions – thank you very much!

We were cozy & warm

in the Lodge surrounded by the delicious aroma of chocolate.

To celebrate romance the Fairmont gave us “a taste” of what they plan for their guests who celebrate with them Valentine week and weekend! 

There is a wonderful feeling of sharing when we were hovering over a fondue pot of savory cheese – what to choose?- vegetables or a toast point?  - or both!

We kept sharing with chocolate fondue and the yummy offering of fruits – strawberries were a big favorite – and the brownie bits were even more outstanding dipped in warm chocolate!

There was a break from fondue to enjoy a lavish charcuterie board – while sipping icy cold champagne.

After our spirited discussion of the madness of love in all its glory we ended the evening with a Fairmont favorite – roasting our homemade marshmallows over a tiny fire to make our very own smores.

The evening couldn’t have been fuller of love. 

Our Favorite seat at the Fairmont Lodge…Everytime we go to the Lodge we sit in the Fun Ski Lift Chair….

In appreciation of those feelings, we share this inspiring quote:

“You know it’s love when all you want is that person to be happy, even if you’re not part of their happiness.”  Julie Roberts

We think that says it all.

xoxo

Debi and Sherrill