CONFESSIONS OF A SHOE-O-HOLIC

I was six when Prince Charming placed that glass slipper on Cinderella’s tiny foot and the downward spiral of my shoe addiction began. From my first pair of bright white Keds to my latest purchase of Rene Caovilla bejeweled sandals, there is a certain kind of happiness and fulfillment that I can only get from shoes.

Does my obsession come from the belief that my fairy ending will happen if I’m wearing the perfect shoe? Or, is it that regardless of the inevitable fat day or bad hair day, my shoes always look good? I don’t know the answer, but I do know that I am not alone as evidenced by the camaraderie felt among women everywhere for Carrie Bradshaw and her passion for Manolo Blahnik.

What I have come to learn is that there is no cure. I had to admit that I had a problem and acknowledge my weakness and vulnerability. I had to stop sleeping in my new shoes and properly store them in their dust bag and box. It is a daily struggle to limit myself to only those shoes that are truly special. This struggle is what drives my continuous search for that exclusive boutique. For those women that are plagued by the same disease, don’t miss Grace on Damen in Bucktown. The unique styles are sure to make any recovering shoe-o-holic fall off the wagon.Trendsetters will not want to miss a spectacular sale at Grace (located at 1917 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, 773.384.7223) featuring the majority of spring and summer merchandise marked down to 50% off starting this Friday, June 27th through Thursday, July 24th. The boutique will be stocked with incredible deals on exclusive footwear collections from designers like Luciano Padovan (whose signature peep toe pumps were most recently seen in “Sex and the City: The Movie”), Georgina Goodman (London-based line boasts eccentric fashionistas like Kirsten Dunst and Thandie Newton), and Jean-Michel Cazabat (style setting publications like W Magazine and Marie Claire have praised the 25-year-old fashion veteran’s collections).

Guess where this shoe-o-holic will be this Friday?

Mayra Camara
CFO

HAVE A HAUTE HOLIDAY

In past years, thinking of the perfect gifts for those on my list had a tendency to keep me up at night! Was that sweater too unoriginal? Will she know I got it on sale at Kohl’s? Will this tie go with anything in his closet? Luckily, gift giving got easier this year as I turned to the websites of some of Zapwater’s haute-est clients. From that high-maintenance friend to the boyfriend who thinks flannel pajama pants are a “staple” wardrobe item, this list has something for everyone!

Fashionable Femme
She knows how to look fashionable at the beach. She has the perfect matching Burberry scarf and gloves for tromping through the snow. But what will she do in the pouring rain? For the girl who has to look chic at all times, Hunter Wellies from grace shoe boutique in Bucktown are the perfect gift! They come in assorted colors and can be paired with removable fleece linings ($30) to match any outfit. Best of all – they’re affordable at only $98 per pair! When your wardrobe isn’t waterproof, turn to Hunter Wellies to make a fashion statement even when you’re soaked.

Low-Maintenance Lad
He’s never purchased a suit. He can’t tie a tie on the first try….or third. When it comes to fashion, comfort is key for this guy. Luckily, even hoodies can look haute when they’re from TK Men, the designer menswear boutique in Bucktown. Check out the Wool Zig-Zag RVCA hoodie. It’s cotton lined and puts some pop into an outfit with no effort at all. RVCA hoodies are only $112 and come in assorted colors.

Techy
Know a guy who attributes his Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to video game playing? Get him a reservation for a night at the new Hotel Sax Chicago. The completely renovated space, once occupied by the House of Blues Hotel, offers technological amenities like nothing you’ve seen in hospitality. Specifically, the “Studio,” a technology lounge on the sixth floor of the hotel, allows guests to play with XBOX, Guitar Hero, Rock Band and countless other entertainment technologies at no cost at all. A technology butler is present at all times to ensure that no tech needs go unfulfilled!

Trendsetter
For the girl who is always on top of the latest fashions and trends, K.Amato designs will fit her fancy and freshen her look. Jewelry designer Kristen Amato incorporates the trends of the moment into all of her latest designs. All of her accessories are stylish and chic and pair well with any outfit! The Clark necklace, an expandable 15.5-17 inch gold-filled chain with astrological sign pendant, is a favorite this season. All the hottest celebrities are making a statement with these understated pieces. Get this gift today. After all, its in the stars!

These haute picks only represent a handful of what Zapwater clients have to offer. From jewelry to technology, our clients have something for everyone this holiday season. Wishing you a happy holiday and only the haute-est gifts!

Susie Schreiber
Publicist

STEP INTO 2008 IN STYLE

It’s that time again. The countdown to 2008 is upon us! Two of the most rockin' New Years Eve parties in Chicago this year are at Crimson Lounge and NV Penthouse Lounge.

The black-tie bash at Crimson Lounge includes appetizers and a premium open bar from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., plus a midnight balloon drop, party favors and a champagne toast all for $150. The DJ for the evening will be Matt Warren. Table pricing and bottle service packages are available starting at $500. Crimson is located in the lobby of the Hotel Sax at 333 N. Dearborn.

NV Penthouse Lounge includes a premium open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight, appetizers, a DJ and a champagne toast for $150. Also, if you reserve a table for up to six people you can indulge in bottle service packages ranging from $1,100 to $2,000. NV is located at 116 W. Hubbard Street.

New Year's Eve events definitely offer a great excuse for adding a new pair of shoes to your wardrobe. So now that you have the hot spot in Chicago to celebrate, it is time to get the stylish shoes to match and what better boutique to check out then grace located at 1917 N. Damen. Ring in the New Year with fashion-forward style and beautify your feet with dazzling footwear from grace for New Years Eve. Below are my favorite two picks perfect to wear to Crimson or NV:

Luciano Padovan Black Patent Leather BootsPatrick Cox Purple Tiziana Platform Pumps


Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year!

Elizabeth Kujawa
Publicist

A GRACEFUL GATHERING

Hostess Kristi Ryan dazzled in her doo.ri navy bubble dress and Luciano Padovan platform peep toe disco ball pumps (pictured) while she mingled with her guests at the grace shoe boutique grand opening party Tuesday, September 18th. The fashionable guests admired the beautiful and exclusive fall footwear that was hand picked by Bucktown boutique owner Kristi Ryan herself.

Guests sipped on champagne and dined on a delectable selection of J&L Catering’s hors d’oeuvres like chilled cucumber disks with minted chevre and crushed pistachio and the J&L signature curried chicken salad in miniature rice paper baskets.

Footwear fanatics gushed over the Hunter Wellie Rain Boot, which grace carries in 9 bold colors, there is nothing like being trendy in the rain! Another hot seller was the Dusica Duscia knee high riding boot in a caramel color, definitely a boot that would turn heads. One of my personal favorites in the store is the Gwendolyn Carrie glazed fish skin exotic navy pump with a soft almond toe - you cannot go wrong with this sophisticated and stylish shoe. The most remarkable material used in the Gwendolyn Carrie collection is real fish skin leather, which means the shoes are waterproof! I only dream about owning a shoe this outrageously luxurious!

grace is located at 1917 North Damen Avenue, 773.384.7223.

Elizabeth Kujawa
Publicist