Picasso’s exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago is a glimpse at the many works of the artist unseen and uncharacteristic to the general ideas of his work. He is so well-known for his cubism paintings and sculptures of the human form, the exhibit is a fresh glimpse into his artistic talents across several styles and mediums.

I have been lucky to have experienced the Picasso Museum in Antibes, France where he lived and worked for many years of his life. It showcases him in his working in his studio, as well as some of his fantastic cubism paintings and sculptures. It is fascinating to see the details in every brush stroke on his large canvas paintings.

The Art Institute offered a different look at Picasso’s work, how his work was present in Chicago culture and his influences throughout his career. I loved the series, Bull (1945), which combined his styles of realism and cubism, detail and pure simplicity. This series emulates the exploration of Picasso’s work over his lifetime. One of his early works and one of the first shown to the American art world in the early 1900s was Peasant Woman with a Shawl (1906). I stood for several minuets staring at this piece. The simplicity of her attire, but the angular detail in her face was captivating. Pieces such as this make me wonder how much of other well-known artists we do not see. What is behind their most celebrated works? What led to them? The inspiration and purity behind the work is most enticing.

Picasso and Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

February 20- May 12 2013

Field & Florist: Local and sustainably grown flowers from the Chicagoland area made into beautiful arrangements for weddings, events and weekly deliveries! Each spring, Field & Florist plants a full bloom of flowers in Barrington, IL for their 10 week flower share program. Each share is a weekly delivery of gorgeous flowers, great for your home or for a friends! Visit fieldandflorist.com

Legacy Frameworks: Levi is creating the coolest, most comfortable bikes in town. The owner of Legacy Frameworks has taken the city cycling world to a basic level: comfort, durability, lightness and locally made. Each bike frame has a unique flare that channels cool, classic city living. Visit legacyframeworks.com

Celestial Kitchens: The bunny butt cookies immediately caught my eye! And then, my taste buds… Celeste Dolan is the baker and creative behind these innovative cookie designs, as well as cakes and pastries! Visit celestialkitchens.com

Karl’s Craft Soup: This homemade soup service delivers yummy soup made from the freshest produce and seasonal ingredients. They make soups for all preferences including hearty, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and even for dessert! The vegan Ratatouille was delicious! Visit karlscraftsoup.com

The Paraders: Online vintage store featuring clothing, accessories, lingerie and men’s! Shop by decades or through the Lookbook! Visit theparaders.com and check out the blog at blog.theparaders.com

Milkhaus Design: Always a favorite.. screen printed designs for your home, closet and travels! Visit milkhausdesign.com

Doodlebooth: This was one of the coolest ideas I have witnessed in a very long time! Jana Kinsman has been an illustrator her entire life and will now doodle you and your friends, family, colleagues, etc. at any event! Her doodles are simple, fun and personal! Her doodle portraits of little “Dosers” were adorable! Visit doodlebooth.me

For Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez the message was “soft.” This collection was unusual for Proenza Schouler that is usually live with complex patterns and vibrant color schemes. Not to say that the fabrics and looks were not intricately made and detailed to near perfection… The collection spoke to a strong, sophisticated minimalist defined by subtle edge.

Whether they took the term “soft” to describe the aesthetic of the collection or the literal curved edges of the silhouettes and buttery leather fabric, each look embodied a softness in the coolest way. Muted lilacs and peaches lightened the monochrome palette, while the usual tough look of leather was softened by embroidery and ombre. A perfect balance of what is looking like a very refined turn for the designers. What more could we expect from two of the most inventive designers of the time? The embroidered leather pieces (yes, it is leather) are some of the first made from a new technique of laser cutting and intricate needle piercing. The only question apart from naming a favorite piece is what will they do next?

Images Courtesy of Style.com

This is the store to find unique and spot-on clothing, furniture, jewelry, books and even cosmetics. They carry (in my opinion) the best of the best, usually not seen anywhere else in Chicago. Their precise choices have become favorite additions to my wardrobe and have broadened my knowledge of the quiet talent coming about in the fashion, decor and cosmetic industries.

A few weeks ago I walked in on a brand new collection by TOME, of which I never heard of. TOME is the work of designers Ramon Martin and Ryan Lobo. The duo met in Australia at Sydney’s University of Technology. Lobo went on to work as a stylist in Australia, while Martin worked for Alberta Ferretti and Jean Paul Gaultier in Europe before becoming head of design at Derek Lam. With a great combination of talent, comes great work. I was captured by the pieces right away. Each piece was simple, minimal in form, made from the best of fabric with the perfect pop of individuality.  I was immediately drawn to a Dolman sleeve, tapered shift dress. The fabric is tan, Italian chino, that will wear beautifully. The shape allows it to be worn as a dress or light jacket over denim or silk trousers. The diagonal stitch of the pockets gives it a tailored hint. It is perfect for spring weather and I will probably pair it with tights in the mean time!

Keep a look out for TOME’s new Fall 2013 collection inspired by artist and icon, Georgia O’Keefe!

To see more visit tomenyc.com or space519.com

The Peared is a mix of Grey Goose le Poire, ginger syrup, fresh orange juice, and rosemary complete with a cinnamon ice-cube. It is so smooth, with a little spice, but completely refreshing. Served as a specialty on the winter menu (it is a perfect holiday drink: cinnamon spice and rosemary), I hope it remains all year round. I would love to sit by the fireplaces outside in the spring and summer air.

See the complete drink menu at http://www.Drumbar.com!

Photo of Craig Schoettler: Jennifer Contraveos

Photo of the Peared: Drumbar

Gorgeous Sienna… Bill FREAKIN’ Murray… Miss Hepburn…

Kristen in Victoria Beckham… Mario’s Girls… Cara’s Face (Plus One)

SociaLife Chicago’s Bolaji Sosan interviewed stylist, Shellie Thompson, on her new style endeavour Closet. Wardrobe. You. This company provides wardrobe makeovers, closet revitalization and style expertise. I am Shellie’s assistant and love watching her new company grow! She is going wonderful places!

Visit Shellie’s website at http://www.ClosetWardrobeYou.com

Tonight the Golden Globes opened the award season with a mixed look of modern and Hollywood glamour. I am drawn towards the modern choices, from designers like Dior (Raf Simons) and Alexander McQueen (Sarah Burton). I loved the modern, minimalist Dior silhouettes chosen by Marion Cotillard (always one of my favorites for fashion) and Jennifer Lawrence, with the pop of vibrant reds and oranges. Michelle Dockery’s Alexander Vauthier gown was absolutely ethereal and one of my favorites. I loved the lace cut-out dress Emily Blunt wore from Micheal Kors: pretty and edgy. Both Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson chose edgy looks from McQueen. This look was something different from Kidman’s usual Hollywood glamour looks. I loved the cut-outs of each gown and the gold detailing that is very representative of McQueen. Sally Field chose a draped navy gown by Alberta Ferretti with a perfect fit. Navy is one of my favorite colors for these type of events, classic yet modern. My favorite look of tonight was Anne Hathaway in Chanel. Her dark cropped hair was highlighted by her white Chanel gown and vis versa. She chose minimal jewelry, even with the simplicity of the gown for a very elegant look.

(Getty Images)

We have just received great resort pieces from Alice + Olivia in store, which surrounded me with fruit prints, bright yellows, pinks and blues, and flirty silhouettes! Fun, flirty and girlie is how I have always described the brand by Stacey Bendet. Bendet’s love for retro silhouettes, which formed her brand and its following with her famously flared pants, is still so apparent in the line today. The lemon print is definitely reminiscent of the 1950s, while the amazon floral print nods to the 70s.

I love the lemon print skirt with a navy and white striped shirt or weighted sweater. It balances the flared shape and bright print. The leapord print shorts and blazer are great for mixing with bright colors or matching for a retro look. The fit of the bowtie blazer is phenomenal, the large bow is so sophisticated when set against the high collar. The silhouette reminds me of a military style, LOVE IT! The tweed box blazer is a great transition piece from winter to spring, while the leather cap sleeve dress is edgy, but simply essential. I paired the Milo skirt with the striped Curtis top and the leather collar button down to keep the suede fabric of the Milo skirt looking modern. The slim iris print dress is an easy piece for an outdoor party or beach wedding. The final look is one of my favorites. I love the fit of the flutter shorts, with their leather waistband. They are next on my list to buy! The amazon print top with pleated sleeves is fun for dancing all night! Happy (early) spring!

Visit the Alice + Olivia blog at fortheloveofblog.com

Visit the website or shop online at alicaandolivia.com

By the rock trio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

It’s Blitz! album released in 2009

Singer: Karen O.

Guitarist: Nicholas Zinner

Drummer: Brian Chase