APRIL

2010

A
+
PURFUMED
LIFE
FRANCIS
KURKDJIAN
AU FRESH
NATURALE BEAUTY
GO BARE SPRING
BASICS
SURVIVOR + CHAMPION
P. 20 ANGELA ROSE
DESIGNER + HUMANITARIAN
P. 26 TYTANIA ROSE WHERE
RUNWAY MEETS REALITY,
STYLE MEETS SUBSTANCE +
HAUTE MEETS HEART

www.meinfocusmag.com
 ME: IN FOCUS
STUDIO SPACE

Our 2,500 sq. ft open

industrial loft space is
perfect for a variety of
creative purposes Including:
photoshoots, exhibitions,
rehearsals, classes and
workshops.

Our studio space offers a

full-length runway, perfect
for any fashion show.

For space rental and custom

inquiries, contact:
christine@meinfocusmag.com

773 935 9888

www.meinfocusstudios.com

A Member of the
Professional
Photographers
of America

STUDIO / Free Parking /Configurable Stage / 12-14 ft. Ceilings

FEATURES
/ One Block From El & / Private Conference Room / Free Wi-Fi
Metra Stops
/ Reception Area / Kitchen Area
/ Skylights Offer Plenty
of Sunlight / Photography Studio / Private Shower Facilities
/ Full Length Runway / Ideal Gallery Space
/ Warm, Industrial Loft / Professional DJ Setup

ME
Space (2,500 sq. ft.)

:IN FOCUS
MAGAZINE + STUDIOS
CONTENTS
6
Scenes: Where Weve Been and What Weve FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Been Doing Since Last Issue Bian Bee Li

7
Calendar: Mother Earth Painting by Tytania Rose
EDITORIAL CREATIVE

8
Under the Tuscan Sun: Fashion Designer Concetta
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Iya Bakare
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Bian Li

Cipriano of Cettina CONTRIBUTORS DESIGN DIRECTOR

Missy LaForge Diana Dittmer
Kerry Sayers

18
Earth Day, April 22: Celebrate in Style with all the
INTERN
Valencia Davis
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Rod Roberts

Green Goodies the City has to Offer CREATIVE CONSULTANTS

PROMOTIONS & Alex Albrecht
EVENTS Ricardo Ford

20
PAVE (Promoting Awareness, Victim
DIRECTOR
Christine Nicholls

Empowerment): Founder and Executive Director ADMINISTRATIVE

Angela Rose Shares Her Story of Survival
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

24
Fitness: Spring into a New Fitness Routine
Ashley Brodarick

26
Tytania Rose: Designer + Humanitarian CONTACTS

ON THE COVER 30
The Nang Fah Project: Saving Tribes, Saving
ADVERTISING
adsales@meinfocusmag.com
christine@meinfocusmag.com
CONTENT
Lisa Mikolajewicz Women with Founder Tytania Rose editor@meinfocusmag.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Our cover model Lisa
goes simple with garden
inspired looks by Cettina. 32
Spring Beauty: Color Basics with Makeup Artist
subscribe@meinfocusmag.com
SUBMISSIONS
submissions@meinfocusmag.com
GENERAL INQUIRIES
Veronica Saucedo info@meinfocusmag.com
Photo by Kayoua Xiong info@meinfocusstudios.com

34
A Perfumed Life: Master Perfumer Francis
www.meinfocusmag.com
www.meinfocusstudios.com

Kurkdjian Shares His Inspirations

38
Jet Set: Second Stop in our Thailand Series:
Chiang Mai Copyright 2010 Me: IN FOCUS/The LB Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. All
text, images, graphics and other materials in this publication and the website are
subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of Me: IN FOCUS/

42
Spring Recipe: Step Into Flair with a Delicious
The LB Group LLC and other respective contributors, affiliates and/or submit-
ters. These materials may not be reproduced, distributed, modified or reposted
to other publications or websites without the express written permission of Me:
IN FOCUS/The LB Group LLC or other respective copyright holders. The photos
on the following pages of this issue, unless otherwise credited, are copyrighted
Recipe for Vanilla Poached Peach with French property of The LB Group LLC and express written permission must be granted
for any usage. Any photos not noted above, and not specifically credited, are
Butter Cake obtained from publicly shared/open license sources and/or databases. The
marks appearing in this publication and/or the website including, but not limited
STYLE ME. to: (i) The LB Group LLC; and (ii) Me: IN FOCUS and its respective logos,
ENTERTAIN ME.
INFORM ME.
INDULGE ME.
44
Buzz: Blogs We Love and Film Review of Our Family
images, emblems, phrases, slogans, designs, and mottos; are trademarks of
The LB Group LLC, its brands and affiliates. The information contained herein is
designed to be as contextual and factual as possible, per our best efforts and
the information and/or resources available and/or provided to us at the time. We
reserve the right, however, to make changes at any time, without notice, in the
INSPIRE ME. Wedding by Chick Flick Reviews editing of the publication therein for clarity, brevity, content, and purpose. Some
EMPOWER ME. links and/or contact information provided in this publication may lead to websites
and/or establishments/businesses by independent third party owners. The

45
information presented therein is the sole responsibility of those independent
For single issue or subscription third party owners. The LB Group LLC and Me: IN FOCUS have no control or
responsibility for the content of independent sites and/or nature of third party
purchases, please visit: establishments/businesses and we provide these links and/or contact informa-
www.meinfocusmag.com/monthly-issues Hot Spots: Places to Go + People to See tion to our readers solely for their convenience.
 EDITORS
LETTER
BIAN BEE LI
SHARES HER THOUGHTS

Dear Readers,

As I write this, Im getting cabin fever.

After the usual harsh Chicago winter,

the sun is out, the temperature is up and
people are coming out of hibernation and
flocking outside. As we enjoy the warmer
weather, we remember how much we ap-
preciate the simple pleasures of Spring- the
greening of the grass, wearing sundresses,
going barefoot in the park, soaking up the
sun, changing our wardrobe, and a livening
of spirits as we look forward to being out-
side and active. These casual comforts are
what we tried to capture in our April issue,
from the Tuscan garden inspired dresses of
Cettina to au naturale beauty hues to the
happy childhood memories and feminine
nuances evoked in the scents of master
perfumer Francis Kurkdjian.

With Earth Day around the corner, we take

time to appreciate our environment as we
check out the many green initiatives around
the city and spotlight the women who are
working hard to make the planet a better
place for other women, from rape survivor
Angela Roses courageous advocacy of
victims of sexual violence to handbag de-
signer Tytania Roses founding of The
Nang Fah Project to help young girls
in Thailand.

Socially-conscious, environmentally-aware,
Photograph by Ricardo Ford, Makeup by Hena Hyder

substantive, casual, fun, flirty, pink, coral,

green, floralApril is all these things and
more. Now Im off to enjoy the sunshine.

Till next time

Be good.

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 5

SCENES
ME: IN FOCUS OUT & ABOUT
& ON THE TOWN!
Where weve been and
what weve been doing since
last issue

BEHIND THE SCENES:

above, far right: Photographer
Kayoua Xiong, Designer
Concetta Cipriano and Model
Lisa Mikolajewicz during the
photoshoot for this issue.

SNEAK PEAK: Plus size model shoot featuring Parisian Master Purfumer Francis Kurkdjian visits Chicago
designer Tennille White. Her widely popular Spring/ and sits down for an interview with Editor Bee Li.
Summer collection was most recently featured on
BETs Rip the Runway.

The Tchaikovsky Ballet Theatres Sleeping Beauty came to the Auditorium

Theatre of Roosevelt University on March 20th and 21.

6 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

STYLE ME.
ENTERTAIN ME.
INFORM ME.
INDULGE ME.
INSPIRE ME.
EMPOWER ME.

www.meinfocusmag.com

S M T W T F S

1 2 3
April Fools International
Day Childrens Book
Day

4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Easter Midwest World Encourage a
Film Festival Health Young Writer
Day Day

11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Tax Slavery
Day Abolishment
Day

18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Earth Shakespeares 18th Annual
Day Birthday Green + Growing
Fair

25 26 27 28 29 30
Hug a National
Friend Honesty
Day Day

Sexual Assault American Celebrate African American Asian/Pacific Community Pets Are
Awareness Cancer Society Diversity Womens Fitness American Service Wonderful
APRIL 2010 Month Month Month Month Heritage Month Month Month
MOTHER EARTH BY TYTANIA ROSE
 PHOTOGRAPHY
UNDER THE
Kayoua Xiong
www.kxphotography.com
TUSCAN SU
CLOTHING
INTERVIEW WITH
Cettina CONCETTA CIPRIANO
www.cettinadesigns.com
OF CETTINA
STYLIST

Concetta Cipriano With dresses made-to-order a

available on her website, Con
HAIR + MAKEUP turning 25 this month, is excit
Veronica Saucedo unveil her Spring/Summer 201
www.veronicasaucedo.com at the end of April
 Concetta
Cipriano

ON A RECENT TRIP TO TUSCANY, I my ankles. As I looked directly forward all

found myself standing before a 16th cen- I could see was the vast greenery of plant
tury classical fountain adorned with statues life, slightly dried and yellowed by the vivid
and beautiful creatures. Figures of women Tuscan sun, yet still amazingly beautiful.
forever immortalized. The structure was Above me was the blue sky as I had never
impeccable. I continued down the path. seen it before. No beginning, no end. Just a
Cream colored pebbles underneath my perfect veil over the beauty beneath.
feet. Now the fountain's running water was
just a faint sound in the background. The It was truly a labyrinth of art. Each corner I
perfect backdrop to what I was about to turned brought more mystery to the next.
see next. Immediately I was captivated by As a stood there in the middle of some-
the colors. Tuscan stone walls wrapped thing so wondrous, my inspiration was
around the garden. Small patches of violet clear. This lavish garden had both structure
and bold yellow flowers brushed up against and softness. I myself in the midst of such

a marvelous place was bringing Modern to

the Classic. Blurring the lines between Old
and New.

My 2010 Spring/Summer Collection was

developed by this experience. With each
piece from this collection, I hope to bring
you the magic I felt as I walked through those
winding paths of that garden in Tuscany.

-Concetta Cipriano, Designer for Cettina

E
UN

and
ncetta,
ted to
10 line

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 9

10 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010
APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 11
 BEE: What inspired you to become a
designer?
CONCETTA: For as long as I can re-
member, I have loved designing and draw-
ing. I remember making clothes for my
dolls when I was still in grammar school.
My mother also sews and when I was
younger, I enjoyed watching and learning
from her. Design is something that has
always been a part of my life. Its some-
thing that I love to do and I cant see my-
self doing anything else.

BEE: What inspires your designs, specifi-

cally the colors and patterns?
CONCETTA: As a whole, my designs are
always very feminine. I always try to create

12 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

 to use that moment or object and recreate entino because I think they make abso-
that same feeling and mood in my line. lutely beautiful clothing.

BEE: Any unique perspective of the in- BEE: Describe your experience entering
dustry being a young designer? the fashion industry. How easy or difficult
was it for you?
CONCETTA: I wouldnt say I get intimi-
dated by any aspects of the industry. Of CONCETTA: I would say it was difficult
course there are some levels of anxiety at first. Right after I graduated from col-
whenever I do something for the first time, lege, I had hopes of instantly working as a
especially when those around you have Chicago designer, but didnt know what to
more experience, but I try not to let that do or where to begin. I was waiting for the
bother me. Everyone starts out somewhere perfect moment to start my line, but it
and stressing only prevents you from mov- never seemed like the right time. Luckily, I
ing forward. quickly realized that opportunities to show-
case my work were not just going to appear
BEE: Who do you look up to in the fash- out of nowhere; I had to go out and find
ion industry? them. I made my samples and tried to get
clothing that would make women feel
involved in as many events as possible and
beautiful with silhouettes that compliment CONCETTA: This is always the most
started meeting a lot of amazing people.
their bodies. As far as the overall aesthetic difficult question for me to answer because
Things just started taking off from there
of each collection, it really depends on there are so many designers that I love and
and got a lot easier.
what inspires me at the moment and time. have enormous respect for. Everyone is so
I also have a background in art, so a lot of different too, so it makes it impossible to
my inspiration comes from art, art history compare. If I have to choose I would say
and nature. I dont think its possible to of course Coco Chanel because she was a
force inspiration for a collection; its some- fashion pioneer, and is one of the most
thing that you just feel. Whenever I come recognizable and well-known womens
across something that strikes me and I designers to this day. As far as current de-
cant stop thinking about it, I know I have signers, I love Oscar de la Renta and Val-

CONCETTAS
INSPIRATION
I have a background in
art, so a lot of my inspi-
ration comes from art,
art history and nature.

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 13

BEE: What lessons are you learning from
the industry?
CONCETTA: Nothing comes easy, and
in order to be successful in this industry,
you need to work hard. On the other hand,
I think the fashion industry is one of the
most exciting and fun industries to be a
part of. I am constantly learning and trying
to work with as many people as I can so I
can from them. Hopefully they will be able
to learn something from me too.

14 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

BEE: What advice would you give aspiring
and emerging fashion designers?
CONCETTA: Be prepared to work hard,
be patient and as clich as it may sound,
dont give up. It isnt always going to be
easy, but if its something you love and are
truly passionate about, it really is worth it.
There are few things better than seeing
your work pay off and your dreams be-
come reality.

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 15

BEE: What is your personal style and how
is it similar or different from what you
design?
CONCETTA: I dont know if I have an
exact style that I stick to daily, although
currently I absolutely love sweaters and
cardigans and wear them almost everyday!
The way I dress really depends on my
mood or how I feel at the time. However, I
have noticed that I tend to wear the colors
or dress similarly to the collection I am
working with at the moment. Each collec-
tion becomes a part of me and my life, so I
think its inevitable that the lines between
my own style and clothing I design for
Cettina become blurred.

16 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

BEE: What are your plans for Cettina in
the future?
CONCETTA: I hope to continue to grow
both in my business and as a designer. So
far, I have mainly been focusing on
womens cocktail dresses and casual
dresses, but I am planning to launch a
more casual separates collection by next
year. I would love to open up my own bou-
tique some day as well.

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 17

 EARTH DAY
APRIL 22

Photograph by Bian Li www.meinfocusstudios.com

Photograph by Bian Li www.meinfocusstudios.com

ALL THINGS ECO

Celebrate in style with
all the green goodies
the city has to offer

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS OBTAINED

FROM COMPANY WEBSITES

Marissa Strassel Design specializes in web

design, branding and strategy for sustainability-
minded, wellness-focused, social change-
making organizations.

www.marissastrasseldesign.com
DO YOUR PART
Every little bit helps! Stay environmentally
friendly by leaving your car at home twice a
week (take advantage of the CTA!). Run your
dishwasher on full loads only, pre-rinse free,
as well as using environmentally friendly
cleansing products such as Seventh Genera-
tion, Arbour Environmental and Buy Green.

www.seventhgeneration.com
www.arbourshop.com
www.buygreen.com

PIVOT BOUTIQUE
CONNECT
Visit this online boutique for the earth
conscious and fashion forward ladies This Wicker Park clothing store was birthed from the
to ensure youre well-dressed for this sustainable street fashion clothing line Nau. Chicago
years Earth Day events. Created in Connect houses collections of innovative wired jewelry
2007, Pivot features more that 50 de- to fashionable organic separates. Appealing to a wide
signers from Lara Miller, Good Society, variety of artistic personas, Connect is owned by three
creative minds: Ian, Mark and Peter who strive to keep
She Bible and others. the origins of Nau clothing alive.
Kate Organic Sasha Dress 1330 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
$65 773 360 1520
www.pivotboutique.com www.connect-chicago.com

18 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

GREENEXCHANGE/VAUTE COUTURE

Actively contributing to Chicagos efforts to become one

of the greenest cities in the nation, Green Exchange is
a concrete loft building of 272,000 square feet with an
expansive capacity to house more than 100 eco friendly
businesses in the city. One of its upcoming vendors,
Vaute Couture is a runway-quality vegan clothing line,
solely using animal free products to produce affordable,
functional green pieces for todays eco-conscious fash-
ionista. Founder Leanne Hilgart created the line in Sep-
tember with a desire to cater to animal lovers every-
where with a knack for fashion by using chic alternatives
to wool, down and fur.

For your green shopping experience, contact:

312 275 3102
www.greenexchange.com

COLORI ECO PAINT BOUTIQUE

Queen of Color Michelle Quaranta founded the eco

paint boutique Colori in 2006, making a life-long dream
of hers a reality. Colori offers 496 handcrafted colors
on a 16 colorant Euro tinting system, all of which are
GREENSKY COMPANY either low or no-VOC paints. Every step from manufac-
turing to production to sampling, stands true to green
ethics and committed to producing as little waste and
This Andersonville eco-boutique was established in pollution as possible. Visit this eco-chic paint boutique
2006, housing an incredible variety of handmade gifts in Bucktown.
and functional items from outdoor furniture to decora-
tive tiles, vases and more. Locally owned by a couple, Sample Color Swatches
Nadeen and Thom, both are deeply rooted in commu- $0.50
nity and not-for-profit organizations. Both are dedicated
to using local, recycled materials to uphold this unique 2243 W. North Ave. #101, Chicago
eco-store. 773 292 0510
www.colorichicago.com
Earthlust Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Contact for pricing

5357 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago

773 275 1911
www.greenskycompany.com

GRASSHOPPER 510
ECO EVENTS
Locally owned by young married couple Jean
From April 17-25, Chicago will be booming with Earth Taylor and Mike Roberts, the idea of this eco-
Day Events in several parks throughout the city. The boutique came from recurring hardships to find
Green Apple Festival will be running from 17-19. An the perfect eco-conscious gifts and products
Earth Day Green Tea Party will be hosted by Morton within the convenience of their own city. Decid-
Arboretum from 1-3pm providing dozens of tasty teas ing mutually to pursue a retail endeavor, the
from around the globe. To wrap up the green week, the couple opened Grasshopper 510 in May 2008.
9th Annual Earth Day wildflower planting session will
be taking place on April 25 from 9-11am, hosted by Rosette Poppy Pillow
North Pond Nature Sanctuary. $74 ~ 18 inch

For more information, visit: 1944 N. Damen Ave., Chicago

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/travel-outdoors/ 773 292 0510
chicago-earth-day-events.html www.grasshopper510.com

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 19

 PAVE
PAVING THE WAY
FOR WOMEN

April is Sexual Assault

Awareness Month. PAVE
Founder & Executive Director
Angela Rose tells her story
of survival

BY IYA BAKARE

PROMOTING AWARENESS,
VICTIM EMPOWERMENT
(PAVE)

Is a multi-chapter national non-

profit organization that uses
education and action to shatter
Photograph by Tom Bluett

the silence of sexual violence

through targeted social, educa-
tional and legislative tactics.
PAVEs work has been featured
on CNN, The Today Show and
Angela in TIME.
Rose
www.pavingtheway.net

ANGELA ROSE SAYS it was a day like could remember distinct details, like distin- didnt believe her and other detectives were
any other day in suburban Chicago in 1996. guishing characteristics of his face and de- assigned to her case.
She sang to herself under the sunny sky tails about the seats of his car, recounts One of the detectives actually recognized
and walked to her car from a day of shop- Angela. After convincing him to release him after he was apprehended, she says.
ping at the mall. Within moments, she was her, Angela says her offender drove her Angelas offender is currently serving a
snatched into a cloud of darkness as an back to the streets near the mall. mandatory life sentence for the crimes he
assailant forced her into a car at knifepoint. I remember him using a handkerchief or committed, which were violations of his
Seconds later, 17-year-old Angela found something when he opened the car door, parole. A unique twist of fate united An-
herself at the mercy of a predator, a repeat which led me to believe he wanted to be gela with people from her attackers past
offender who was already out on parole for careful about getting caught, says Angela. the daughter and sister of his murder vic-
the 1980 rape and murder of 15-year-old Those vivid details aided in her assailants tim and other women he assaulted. These
Julie Angel. capture days later. The detective whom individuals banned together to collect
Although my eyes were taped shut, I Angela initially reported the incident to thousands of signatures during a petition

20 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

Photo courtesy of www.pavingtheway.net

drive, resulting in the passage of the 1998 tion concerning alcohol and assault. justice campaigns. She also worked on leg-
Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act As a college student at the University of islation concerning alcohol and assault.
in Illinois. Wisconsin-Madison, Angela was appointed I wanted to create change on my college
[The process of changing the law] was an Campus Safety Coordinator by the UW campus, she says. Some of the changes
incredibly inspiring experience, recalls Associated Students of Madison. This cata- Angela implemented at UW were creating
Angela. pulted Angela to establish PAVE awareness about date rape in college and
Under the support of former Attorney (Promoting Awareness, Victim Empower- the importance of responsible drinking.
General Jim Ryan, this law allows the state ment) in 2000, a community-based organi- Within a few years, Angelas change grew
to hold sexually violent individuals in cus- zation that works on a social, educational from a community-based organization to a
tody under psychiatric care if they have and legislative scale to raise awareness of multichapter, national non-profit organiza-
been convicted of a previous sexual of- and promote action on sexual violence tion, something she didnt expect to grow
fense, have a mental disorder and are seen through art programs, campaigns, curricu- nationwide. In 2008, PAVEs efforts in
as a threat. Angela also worked on legisla- lum building for communities and survivor Wisconsin led to the state joining the rest

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 21

Photos courtesy of www.pavingtheway.net

of the country by creating a law that af- crimes because they feel intimidated by overcome a variety of obstacles and not
firmed the role of alcohol as an intoxicant their attackers or by the justice system itself. only those that deal with sexual violence.
under the new rape law. Angela adds that men are very active in her
Despite the ongoing work of organizations organization. We need men to be a proac- We cant choose what happens to us, but
such as PAVE, Angela admits the country tive part of the solution, she says. We we can choose our response, says Angela.
still has a ways to go in regard to efforts to also need to focus on the positive aspects,
prevent sexual violence. like what healthy relationships are sup-
This is the most underreported crime by posed to be, which is more beneficial.
far, she says. Angela says this occurs be- In addition to her work for PAVE, Angela
cause sometimes victims are accused of finds an outlet in her singing and songwrit-
lying about attacks, especially when their ing. She is also working on a book, Bound
assailants are people they know. Victims and Beyond, which features the accounts
sometimes decide to not report these of true stories of individuals who have

22 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

ADVERTISEMENT

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 23

 INFORM
ME
YOGA BOOTY BALLET INDIGO STUDIO

FITNESS
You may have heard of this class before, and we can thank
Chicago native Jaclyn Jones for bringing the Hollywood fitness
craze from LA to the Windy City. You get a little bit of every-
thing in this hybrid class, which combines everything from
SPRING INTO A NEW kundalini meditation and hatha yoga poses to hip-hop, jazz,
salsa and ballet dance moves. It uses ABC training - working
FITNESS ROUTINE your abs with yoga, tightening your booty with ballet and shed-
ding pounds with cardio.
JJ likes to start and end her classes with yoga and has her
Get fit quick from the clients state an intention. "People are using the physical prac-
inside out with fun and tice to create more of a personal transformation," she said. A
effective classes offered class good for mind, body, and booty!
at some of the best
fitness studios in town CLASS INFO

Located in River North

BY KERRY SAYERS 312 520 7348
www.theindigostudio.com

NO MATTER HOW MOTIVATED

we try to get into shape in time for
the warmer weather, at some point we start
to get discourage or distracted. The goals
we made just a few short months ago are
out the window. Well, maybe all the
medicine you need is a blah-busting fitness
class that gives you a reason to get up and
get moving again, and our fitness contribu-
tor Kerry Sayers is here with just the right
prescription.

RECESS CHEETAH GYM

If you were one of those girls who used to say your favorite
part of school was recess, then this class is for you. It's time to
play like a kid again! From jump rope to hopscotch, shuttle
runs to dodgeball, this class will make you sweat and give you
an excuse to NOT act your age for a change. When will you
ever get the chance to play tag and crab walk again? Can't
think of any? Then get your heart rate elevated, work your
muscles and go back to school!

CLASS INFO

Locations in Andersonville, Bucktown and Edgewater

773 728 7777
www.cheetahgym.com

24 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

THE BAR METHOD WORKOUT HOT POWER FUSION CORE POWER YOGA

Ever wanted to be a ballerina but didn't have the skills or body The class moves between Hot Yogas static and systematic
type? Well, here's your chance to try something that's the next holds and CorePowers Vinyasa Flow. Students will receive the
best thing, without the blisters on your toes. benefits of a Hot Yoga class with further hip opening, upper
body and core strengthening benefits. The class, taught in a
The Bar Method is based on the technique of Lotte Berk, a room heated to 98 to 100 degrees, will appeal to the tradi-
German dancer who fled the Nazis in the late 1930s and tional Hot Yoga student who is looking to deepen their yoga
came to London with her British husband. After injuring her practice. While all levels are welcome, including beginners, a
back, Lotte got the idea of combining her ballet bar routines CorePower Yoga class is also offered, and postures are dem-
with her rehabilitative therapy to form an exercise system. In onstrated. The flow goes at a slower pace and the room isn't
1959, she opened The Lotte Berk Studio in her basement, as hot.
and since then has ended up with some famous clientele,
including Brooke Shields and Joan Collins.
The bar method promises students lean, firm and sculpted CLASS INFO
bodies by combining isometrics, dance conditioning and the
intense pace of interval training. The results can be dramatic - Locations in the Gold Coast and South Loop
from reduced body fat, better posture, improved muscle defi- 312 829 9642
nition and longer leaner muscles. Students rave about notice- www.corepoweryoga.com
able body changes in a short period of time.

CLASS INFO

Locations in Lakeview and the Loop

773 935 2150
chicago@barmethod.com

HOT BOD CHEETAH GYM WHIPPED EQUINOX

Hot bod is the hottest class going on at Cheetah Gym, and for Who needs a trainer to whip you into shape when you have a
obvious reasons - the promise of a whole body workout. Get class with a name that promises to do just that? This cardio
toned through a variety of techniques and equipment - stabil- class which has recently been introduced to the schedule, is
ity balls, bands, weights, barbells and your own body weight. described as a high intensity workout with short rest, during
Its a hot class, check it out! which students use everything from strength ropes, kettle
bells, weights and body bars to get whipped into shape. No
cutting corners though and get ready to sweat!
CLASS INFO

Locations in Andersonville, Bucktown and Edgewater CLASS INFO

773 728 7777
www.cheetahgym.com Locations in the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park and the Loop
312 254 2500
www.equinox.com

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 25

TYTANIA
ROSE
DESIGNER +
HUMANITARIAN

This month our model

role model is Tytania
Rose, a former model
turned handbag designer
and entrepreneur. She
utilizes her fashion
experience and business
savvy in conjunction with
her creativity to reach
out to women in third
world countries.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY
MICHELE LAURITA WICKMAN

WHEN PEOPLE ASK about her personal

style, an elegant hippie is how fashion
designer Tytania Rose describes it. Inspired
by the embroideries and textures of Thai-
land, the former swimsuit model turned
designer says fashion was always a part of
her life.

I used to draw and make clothes for my

dolls as a little girl, comments Tytania.

FABRIC OF A WO
When I lived in Georgia, my mom used to
buy me Vogue magazines and I would
make clothes from the outfits in them
when I was in sixth or seventh grade. Eve-
ryone thought I was a freak, but nothing
could stop me.

26 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

 SPRING/SUMMER 2010
ACCESSORIES COLLECTION

www.tytania.com

ELEGANT
HIPPIE
Tytanias tribal-influenced ORANGATANG FOLD-OVER
CLUTCH
handbags are created from
a variety of exotic textures
and patterns.

After graduating from college at Parsons

School of Design in New York City where
she earned a double BFA in Illustration
and Animation, Tytania moved to Los An-
geles and fell into modeling.

Modeling had a funny way of finding me,

passing in and out of my life, and I think I
instinctively resisted it, although to this day
I am not so sure why, admits Tytania. I
knew I was interested in clothes and style,
and I felt uncomfortable and unimportant
when I was in front of the camera. I
wanted to have an artistic voice and be CANNES EVENING BAG
involved in creating the scene, not being
the scene. This is more or less how I got
into being a stylist. From there, I went into
textiles, accessories and clothing design.

Through modeling, Tytania formed friend-

ships with makeup artists and photogra-
phers. During this time, she also rediscov-
ered her love for designing, which led to
her decision to design handbags. Tytania
lists the late Alexander McQueen as one of
her role models in fashion designing for his
whimsical ideas that turned commercial
and the late Coco Chanel for how she
changed the way women wore clothing.
She also names Burma leader Aung San
Suu Kyi as an influential figure in her life.

While on vacation in Thailand, Tytania says

SAN GUSME EVENING BAG
she became fascinated with the locals and

OMAN
their culture, including the textures and
embroideries of their country. She discov-
ered although they preserved patterns from
decades prior, the pieces were woven with
a poor quality of thread and fabrics.
I wanted to preserve the patterns and said,
Why not develop this and turn it into
APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 27
 TYTANIAS OWN
ROLE MODEL
The history of the world
shows that people and so-
cieties do not have to pass
BARDOT CLUTCH ZULU CLUTCH through a fixed series in
the course of development.
Human beings the world
over need freedom and se-
curity that they may be able
to realize their full potential.

~Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma Human

Rights Leader

MANINA TRAVEL TOTE

STONETOWN LAPTOP
CAREER BAG

LUGGAGE TAGS

SIRENA DAY BAG

28 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

 SPRING/SUMMER 2010
ACCESSORIES COLLECTION

www.tytania.com

ZANZIBAR CLUTCH EL MOROCCO MINI DAY BAG

Spring/Summer 2010 Ad Campaign

something really cool people in New York,

Chicago or L.A. would want?, says Tyta-
nia. She admits designing accessories was a
segway into creating a clothing line.

In creating a collection, the handbag de-

signer tells us in her own words: gathering FONDA CROSS BODY
ideas and taking photos is a big part, also FLAP BAG
evaluating trends and analyzing the nature
of our world and what we are all trying to
achieve within the times...my last collection
for fall 10 was very 1930s and much more
simple as I felt the depression of the econ-
omy, the need for simplification and eco-
nomical luxury so to speak. Plus the colors
are more subdued and dark as I was feeling
this kind of vibe very strongly, especially
being in Milan which can be very misty and
grey, and a bit depressing. The Spring 10
collection was more inspired by Africa, and
blending it with Italian 1960s-sort of a
Bridgette Bardot goes to Zanzibar...it is
much more colorful and happy as I de-
signed this just before the market fell and
we were acting as if we were all on the Ti-
tanic, fashion-wise. Its always very impor- SIENA TOTE DAY BAG
tant for me to not only pick up on what is
around me as I travel and observe color
palettes and imagery, but also what is hap-
pening politically and financially.

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 29

NANG FAH
PROJECT
SAVING TRIBES, SAVING WOMEN

The Nang Fah Project, founded by Tytania

Rose, is located in Chiang Mai. The project
provides housing, education and employment
for young, underprivileged girls who have
been subject to the Commercial Sexual
Exploitation of Children (CSEC). On site of the
charitable organization is a workshop
employed with local residents and The Nang
Fah Project graduates who are paid under
International Fair Trade Wages. The items
produced in this creative production agency
are eco-friendly, couture quality, highly
influenced by Bohemian, tribal cultures and
Southeast Asian handcrafts. The mission of
The Nang Fah Project is to cease the cycle of
human exploitation, providing education and
opportunity for young women one victim at
a time.
www.nangfahproject.org

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY
OF TYTANIA ROSE

SAVE THE DATE

MAY 27, 2010

Tytania is hosting a wine

and tapas event at the Asia
Society and Museum in New
York City on May 27 in efforts
to raise awareness and funds
to build a training center for
girls in Chiang Mai.

For more details and to RSVP,

please visit the website:
www.nangfahproject.org
 AS A MISSIONARY in Thailand who
rescued girls and young women who were
victims of sex trafficking, Tytania was mor-
tified by the poverty in the country and the
number of children affected by the com-
mercial sexual exploitation of children
(CSEC). These conditions inspired Tytania
to establish The Nang Fah Project in
Chiang Mai, which offers employment for
women in the local community. Employees
work in the accessory design and produc-
tion workshop and are paid under Interna-
tional Fair Trade Wages. She continues in
her own words: I started helping to rescue
the girls, visiting them in brothels and bars
with my partners. I started to really under-
stand that missionary work does not neces-
sarily help them completely, as they needed Local
real skills and real education so they can handmade
Karen Hill
work and get jobs or work privately. It has tribe yarn
been a long time since I started volunteer-
ing-five or six years-and it takes a long time
to get anything started there. Just trying to
understand the mentality and culture is a will jump start things as well. So far I have
big step and takes years. I rented my school worked with helping the girls in Burma
there last year but I have had a very hard who are all tribal women and between 14
time raising funds after the economy took and 20 years old. Close to 90 percent of the
such a dive. I have a big event at the Asia country is unemployed and the tribal peo-
Society in NYC on May 27 which I hope ple are regarded as lesser people so I always
will allow us to finally open our school. I want to help them first. It breaks my heart.
am leaving to go over to Chiang Mai in one I wish I could do more...
month to start a small collection of cloth-
ing with Hill tribe fabrics. I am hoping this

Tytania in Burma
with local girls whom
she has helped teach
sewing and design to
rescue them from the
brothels. This is done
Tytania with board in coordination with her
member Zothansiami partner, Garden of Hope,
Rialte at her orphanage. in Chiang Mai, Thailand

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 31

 STYLE FRESH
ME BEAUTY
WITH MAKEUP ARTIST
VERONICA SAUCEDO

Freshen your look to subtle

spring beauty with soft feminine
tones for eyes, lips and face

www.veronicasaucedo.com

BASICS
FOR SPRING
COLOR PALETTE COVER GIRL
EYE ENHANCERS
Berries & Cream
Yellow/Gold, Peaches, Nudes, ULTA
Pink , Greens $5.49
www.ulta.com

E.L.F
SPRING COLORS
Butter Cream/Wild Wheat
ELF COSMETICS
$3
www.eyeslipsface.com

MAC
SPRING COLORS
Very Violet/Lala/
Straw Harvest/Nanogold
Eye Shadow

MAC COSMETICS
$14.50
www.maccosmetics.com

NYX
TRIO EYE SHADOW
TS5/TS18/TS6
NYX COSMETICS
$8
www.nyxcosmetics.com

MAC
TINTED LIPGLASS
Almondine MAC PIXI
MAC COSMETICS LIPSTICK EYE BEAUTY KIT
$14 Fresh Salmon Muse/Miracle/Mirage
www.maccosmetics.com MAC COSMETICS TARGET
$14 $28
www.maccosmetics.com www.target.com

32 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

 LAURA MERCIER
POWDER
Translucent
$34
www.lauramercier.com

MAC
EYESHADOW
Wedge/Blanc Type/Brule
MAC COSMETICS
GET THIS $14.50
LOOK www.maccosmetics.com

Veronica shares the

secret to achieving MAC MAC
the look for the shoot BLUSH SMASHBOX LIP PENCIL
pg. 8 Peaches BLUSH Soar
MAC COSMETICS Bronze Lights/Suntan Matte MAC COSMETICS
$18.50 $28 $13
www.maccosmetics.com www.smashbox.com www.maccosmetics.com

DIOR
KISS LIPSTICK ESTEE LAUDER
Pink Marshmallow 168 LIPSTICK
SEPHORA Elizabeth Pink
$21 $22
www.sephora.com www.esteelauder.com

MAC MAC
TINTED LIPGLASS LIPSTICK
1-Ember Glow/2-Cultureclash/ 1-Pink Burst/2-Laugh a Lot
CHANEL 3-Hush, Hush Rose 3-Bronzilla
JOUES CONTRASTE MAC COSMETICS MAC COSMETICS
Rose Petale $14 $14
CHANEL www.maccosmetics.com www.maccosmetics.com
$42
www.chanel.com

COVER GIRL
CLASSIC COLOR
Natural Glow/Soft Mink
Natural Shimmer
ULTA 1
$5.69
www.ulta.com

E.L.F
SPRING COLORS
Peachy Keen/Candid Coral/
Tickled Pink
ELF COSMETICS
$3
www.eyeslipsface.com

MAC
2
POWDER BLUSH
Azalea Blossom/
Spring Shine/Ripe Peach
MAC COSMETICS
$25
www.maccosmetics.com

NYX
POWDER BLUSH
Natural/Sand/Peach/
Silky Rose
NYX COSMETICS
Blush

$6
www.nyxcosmetics.com
Lips

NYX
MOSAIC POWDER
Latte
NYX COSMETICS
$9
www.nyxcosmetics.com

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 33

A PERFUMED
LIFE
MASTER PERFUMER
FRANCIS KURKDJIAN

An afternoon with the creator of

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris
BY IYA BAKARE

Francis realized his passion

for scents at age 15. With the
creation of his first scent, Le
Male, for Jean Paul Gaultier
at age 25, Francis spent the next
15 years creating some of the
top-selling scents for numerous
fashion houses including Yves St.
Laurent and Narciso Rodriguez.
With the successful launch of his
own line in 2009, Maison Francis
Kurkdjian Paris, Francis made a
visit to Chicago, where we sat
down with him to learn about
his passion.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian is available at

Neiman Marcus
www.neimanmarcus.com
 FEMININE
INSPIRATIONS
Like his own line, Francis
finds inspiration in women
whom he feels embody
timeless elegance and nat
ural sophistication, inclu-
ding Audrey Hepburn and
his friend, the great French
actress Catherine Deneuve.
Francis says his current
femme du jour is actress
Julianne Moore. Its the
red hair, he admits.

FRANCIS HIMSELF CONVEYS com-

fort, much like his fragrances, which are
created to remind us of the great joys and
simple pleasures in life. Creativity flows
nonstop because hes an idea factory as he
pulls out his cell phone to record an idea
for a new fragrance during our interview.

He was taught classic is not a dirty word

by Narciso Rodriguez. Inspired by Audrey
Hepburns legendary role in Breakfast at
Tiffanys, Francis says his line of fragrances
for women aim to define what luxury is.

My luxury is about detail and about whats

necessary to make it happen, he shares.

His cotton wick candles that burn his em-

blem, the zinc packaging inspired by the
beauty of Parisian rooftops and the per-
sonal notes in each product reveal Franciss
eye for detail. The zinc packaging on the
top of his candles also symbolizes the lift-
ing of ones soul.

I want to bring back harmony and create a EDP Lumire Noire femme
Photograph Courtesy of Mary Jane Kevlin, Laforce + Stevens

bridge of all the scents that surround you, I love the association of the words Lumire and
he says. Its not about my ego or the Noire (Light and Black), an attraction and repul-
product; its about the user. sion. A black hole lit with the image of a mysterious
perfume that attracts until it provokes self-
abandon. It is the idea of two opposing powers that
In his line, Francis says every scent has a unite to create a whole that relates, at its turn, a
story. His Aqua Universalis fragrance is new story. The mention of this duality is imposed
inspired by the emotion of clean. Francis as an obvious fact, like the emblematic blend of
Rose and Patchouli.
engulfs himself in every aspect of his work,
which led to one of his fragrances, APOM, Olfactory Description
an acronym for A Piece of Me. This fra- Lumire Noire for Women:
Eau de Parfum - natural spray 2.33 fl oz
grance is evocative of the colors and fla- Spiced Rose (cumin, hot pepper) Patchouli
vors of the Mediterranean. Narcissus

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 35

 Franciss recent cologne fragrances, Co-
logne Pour le Matin (or Cologne for the
Morning) and Cologne Pour le Soir
(Cologne for the Evening), are inspired by
his parents and the scents of a peaceful
awakening after sleeping in and the scents
of evening time with a loved one in front
of a fire. Francis says his cologne line is
also a tribute to tradition.

Inspired by his niece, Francis created a line

of scented bubbles called Agathes Bub- Les Bulles d Agatha
bles. Francis says each scent (cold mint, cut Our House loves children. Agatha is six years old.
grass and pear) represent the discovery of Agatha touches and smells everything. Agatha is
Papiers Encens fragrance while playing because scents re- curious about all things that surround her. Thus,
for Agatha, I have created a collection of scents to
mind us of fond memories and often times help discover the world of fragrance while playing.
Incense Papers recreate the tradition of burning
papers. One can light them and let them be con-
bring us back to our childhood. Twist, blow, marvel! First opus of perfumed bub-
bles, a series of green notes in simple fragrances:
sumed. But one can also slide the paper strips into
drawers or armoires, or into luggage to bring a bit Its about bringing happiness into some- Les Bulles dAgathe: Pear 45 fl oz
of home along on a trip. ones life, he says. Les Bulles dAgathe: Cold Mint 45 fl oz
Pull box with 20 perfumed strips for burning avail- Les Bulles dAgathe: Cut Herbs 45 fl oz
able in three varieties: Nature is a central theme to Francis in not
Aqua Universalis Incense Papers: Bouquet of only his fragrances, but also in the packag-
White Flowers ing of his products. The packaging is both
APOM Incense Papers: Orange Flower
Lumire Noire Incense Papers: Rose recyclable and biodegradable.

My house is a fragranced approach to life

24/7, he adds.

Gamme lessive parfmante + adoucissant

A Water for all uses, for everything and everyone: for

all things for all days. A scent that creates an olfac-
tory connection that crosses between skin and fabric;
between sheets and air; between large and small;
between men and women.

Olfactory Description
Bergamote and Lemon from Sicily White
Bouquet
(Lily of the Valley and sweet mock orange) Light
and Musky Wood

Laundry Washing Liquid, concentrated and

perfumed (20 washings) 33.33 fl oz
Laundry Washing Liquid, concentrated and
perfumed, dark colors (20 washings) 33.33 fl oz
Fabric Softener, perfumed 33.33 fl oz

36 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

 Photograph Courtesy of Mary Jane Kevlin, Laforce + Stevens

www.franciskurkdjian.com

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 37

38 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010
LEFT/ Hmong girls on temple grounds RIGHT/ The golden Chedi of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

JET SET CHIANG MAI,

THAILAND
The second stop in our
Thailand series.

L Over 400 miles to the

north of Bangkok, Chiang
Mai is a historical city
located in the hills of
northern Thailand. Full of
ancient temples, lush
tropical jungles and a
more temperate climate,
Chiang Mai is a great
destination to explore.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY BIAN LI


40 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010
 
LEFT/ TOP + BOTTOM: Within the grounds of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep RIGHT: The famous painting elephants at Maesa Elephant Camp in the lush jungle of Chiang Mais Maesa Valley
 SPRING RECIPE

STEP INTO VANILLA POACHED PEACH

WITH FRENCH BUTTER CAKE

FLAIR VANILLA POACHED PEACH FRESH RASPBERRY COULIS

2 cups water 2 cups fresh raspberries

WITH FINESSE CUISINE 1 cup sugar (1/2 lb) or 1 3/4 cups frozen , thawed
1 vanilla bean, split 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
8 peaches, split and ends removed 1/2 to 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
Nothing captures the splendor
of the warm weather better than
a bright and luscious peach served Place the water, sugar and vanilla bean in Pure raspberries, lemon juice, and 1/2
atop a rich French butter cake a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat cup confectioners sugar in a food proces-
with a touch of fresh cream or until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sor. Sweeten with confectioners sugar to
raspberry coulis. sugar has dissolved, remove the vanilla taste (up to 1/4 cup more). Force through a
bean and scrape the inside of the bean into fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding
the liquid. Add as many peaches to the pan seeds. Dont be tempted to make this sauce
www.finessecuisine.com as it will hold without piling or crowding, and too sweet. It will be a fine contrast to the
poach over a low simmer for about 8 min- sweet poached peaches and the rich butter
utes or until the fruit is soft. Remove the cake. Chill for up to 3 hours.
peaches and finish poaching the remainder
RECIPE COURTESY OF of the fruits. When done, place the peaches
EXECUTIVE CHEF GUY MEIKLE
in a glass baking dish, cut side down. Pour
PHOTO COURTESY OF the vanilla syrup over the peaches and
PRESIDENT/OWNER JON WOOL refrigerate until chilled for up to 8 hours.

42 ME: IN FOCUS APRIL 2010

 BEVERAGE PAIRING

Spring is the time of year associated

with romance and soaring spirits.
There is nothing more magical than a
FRENCH BUTTER CAKE first warm breeze, the sweet song of
a robin or the fragrance of blooming
hyacinth. We invite you to sip this
1 ounce instant dry refreshing cocktail and enjoy the
1 teaspoon + 1 1/4 cups granulated extra hours of sunshine.
sugar, divided
3/4 cup lukewarm water
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cold salted butter SPRING SUNRISE
1 egg yolk, beaten RUBY RED COCKTAIL

2 oz. Dark Rum

Sprinkle the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar 1 oz. Mint Simple Syrup
over the warm water and allow the yeast 1/2 Ruby Red Grapefruit
to dissolve for 5 minutes. Stir the flour into 1/2 Blood Orange
the yeast mixture until it forms a smooth, 1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
thick dough.
Garnish
On a lightly floured surface, roll and stretch
Fresh Mint Sprig
the dough into a large rectangle, about 9-
Grapefruit Twist
inches by 13-inches. Dot the surface with
1/4 cup of the cold butter and sprinkle it
with 1/4 cup of sugar. Fold the dough into
Juice the grapefruit and blood
quarters. Repeat the rolling and folding
orange and strain. Combine all
process again, three times.
ingredients over ice and shake
Preheat an oven to 350F. Once the dough vigorously. Pour ingredients, ice
is folded into quarters the last time, fit it into and all, into frozen rocks glass.
a greased 9-inch round baking pan. Brush Garnish with sprig of mint and
the surface of the dough with the egg yolk, twist of grapefruit.
sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar,
and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes, until it
turns golden brown.
Allow the butter cake to cool in the pan for
10 minutes, run a thin, offset spatula or
knife around the edges of the cake, and
remove the cake from the baking pan. Let
cake cool slightly.
To serve, cut the cake into eight pieces
or use a cookie cutter to cut out rounds.
Drizzle or pool raspberry coulis on plate,
place cake off center, place peach half Finesse Cuisine shares your love of
against cake. To create an over the top fine dining, your passion for entertaining
presentation, top peach with edible gold and your appreciation of exquisite ser-
leaf and free form spun sugar. Edible gold vice. Whether serving an intimate gath-
leaf is available from fine candy making ering or organizing a grand gala, we
supply stores. create an event specific to your needs.
Our unwavering focus from menu plan-
ning to event production is meticulously
designed and flawlessly executed to
produce the most customized event
imaginable.

1332 N. Halsted St., Suite 305, Chicago

312 280 9999

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 43

 BUZZ
FILM

America Fererra Lance Gross Forest Whitaker Carlos Mencia Diana Maria Riva Regina King

OUR FAMILY WEDDING

BY CHRISTINE CAPUTO

aaaa

This romantic comedy will have you laughing likely to accept one another and can easily They both realize that when you marry some-
throughout and is truly an enjoyable gem. Our make this wedding celebration a disaster. Brad one, you truly marry the entire family!
Family Wedding embraces the concept of (Forest Whitaker) and Miguel (Carlos Men- I loved the blending of these two worlds coming
family and the culture that come with it. This is cia) battle over the wedding details while Lu- together and it made for some pretty laughable
a feel good film that incorporates the celebra- cias mother (Diana Maria Riva) is fantasizing stereotypical concepts. The acting was picture
tion of two cultures and the ability to laugh at about making this her perfect wedding. Angela, perfect and I think America Ferrera is my new
the differences. played by the beautiful Regina King is Brads favorite! My fellow chick flick reviewers also
Lucia (America Fererra) and Marcus (Lance best friend and lawyer and seems to be the enjoyed this movie, but I feel it should be noted
Gross) are a newly engaged couple with their only level headed one out of the bunch. that it may be targeted and more enjoyed by an
whole lives ahead of them. Theres just one Although there are ups and downs, the families audience within marriage range.
problem: now they have to tell their par- learn to accept their differences and laugh at
ents. When Lucia and Marcus announce the the craziness of the whole ordeal. Lucia and From our friends at:
good news to their parents at dinner, they soon Marcus live out their dream wedding and be-
realize that their two egocentric fathers are not come enmeshed in each others family culture.
Photos courtesy of Jake Caputo, Chick Flick Reviews

BLOGS
ENTERTAINMENT
HEALTHY LIVING
BLOGS WE LOVE

Tips and helpful insight on how to live healthy in all aspects Enriched with info on movies, music and pop culture
of life
http://www.ivillage.com/healthy-living/health http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/
FOOD
FASHION

An awesome fashion blog with detailed how-tos for An interactive food blog website with recipes and
the stylistically educated fashionista restaurant recommendations for meat eaters and
vegetarians alike
http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/ http://www.seriouseats.com/
HOT SPOTS
DAYTIME HANGOUTS +

A y
NIGHT TIME HAUNTS

D
Places to go, people to see

MANNYS DELI
Known city-wide for their signature corned
beef sandwiches, Manny's Deli stays true
to its original family roots and recipes since
1942. Located on South Jefferson Street,
Manny's Deli has a wide variety of delicious
original entrees, as well as selections for
those who are calorie conscious. Drop in
six days a week to see what great flavors
have been celebrated in Chicago for over
THE BLUEBIRD half a decade. A favorite of President
Obama!
This easy going neighborhood lounge is
ideal for a mid-week hangout or a low key 1141 S. Jefferson St., Chicago aaaa
weekend outing. Its hip interior decor em- 312 939 2855 Editors
phasizes rawness, from exposed wood and www.mannysdeli.com Pick
brick, to the skeletons of salvaged light
fixtures, to the muted colors of displayed
artwork in simplistic black frames. Indulge
in an array of menu options, including over
50 handcrafted beers, an incredible wine
list, as well as light eats and entrees to
accompany well-made drinks.

1749 N. Damen Ave., Chicago

773 486 2473
www.bluebirdchicago.com

SIMONES
JOY YEES NOODLES
This Pilsen bar and grill is lively, vibrant
and unique in more ways than one. The Joy Yee's is one of Chicago's staple Asian CAF SELMARIE
heterogeneous dcor consists of columned food eateries with an extensive menu of
seating with booths woven from old seat generously portioned, unique, creative and The felicitous Caf Selmarie was estab-
belts, as well as high school chemistry traditional Asian dishes, all at an affordable lished in 1983 by a chance meeting of two
table tops adorned with graffiti. The dining price. Opening its first location in Evanston neighborhood bakers, Jeanne Uzdawinis
menu offers goodies ranging from Sweet in 1993, Joy Yee's has come a long way, and Birgit Kobayashi. Over 20 years later,
Potato and Portobello fries to Stuffed En- with several locations throughout the Chi- this Lincoln avenue cafe offers dozens of
crusted Peppers and Blackened Tuna cago area today. Joy Yee's prides them- seasonal, signature dessert pastries, up-
Steaks washed down with an extensive selves on being the first of its kind to offer scale lunch and dinner entrees, as well a as
selection of draughts, wines and signature Tawaiinese style bubble teas in the Mid- fitting beer, wine and drink list. Stop in on
cocktails. DJs daily. west. Saturday and Sunday mornings for brunch.

960 West 18th St., Chicago 2159 S. China Place, Chicago 4729 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
312 666 8601 312 842 8928 773 989 5595
www.simonesbar.com www.joyyee.com www.cafeselmarie.com

APRIL 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 45

Coming Soon
ME: IN FOCUS Bridal Issue
June 2010

Photographer: Bian Li www.meinfocusstudios.com

ME
:IN FOCUS
MAGAZINE + STUDIOS