C’villeStyle on the road…ChicagoStyle

Fresh from the windy city, my cheeks are still rosy. But I think it has more to do with the inspiration imbued from all the great shops and restaurants discovered while there, rather than the wind chill. Nestled in the well-known Lincoln Park neighborhood is a street called Armitage. Between just four short blocks (from Bissel to Halstead), it’s a shopping jackpot! I was there on business but managed to sneak in a few of these highlights along the way:

Start at Art Effect (934 W. Armitage) which touts itself as a “modern day general store.” Offering a healthy dose of home goods such as plates, mugs, trays, cutting boards, and candles to accessories and gifts like books, pillows, jewelry, clothes, stationery, and more. You really feel like a kid in a candy store here. Read more

Benefit’s Play Stick…another make-up must have!

I can’t believe I’ve not yet written about this make-up must have - Benefit’s Play Stick. Funny name aside, this is one item I’ve tried to go without (we’re no where near a Sephora) but just cannot find an acceptable replacement. I was reminded to post about it when I received an email from Benefit, one of my favorite make-up brands, offering free shipping (enter code JulyFour). So you know I’ve ordered two!

This is one of those items, when it nears the end, I start digging it out with a Q-tip because I can’t spare a smidgen. Especially great for hot weather in the summer, the Benefit Play Stick is a very lightweight stick foundation in a wide variety of shades that blends extremely well into your skin. I’ve yet to find a foundation that looks so natural and feels like you’ve got nothing on.

It does a great job of evening out your skin. When I only need a little evening out or covering up, I use a brush and blend it in with my moisturizer. Instant tinted moisturizer! It also acts as a concealer, so you really can’t go wrong with one of these babies.

You do need to find one that works perfectly with your skin tone or all of the abovementioned benefits won’t happen. To test ‘em out, I’m afraid you have to find a Sephora or major department store.