Trying to find that perfect and perfectly fitting swimsuit can be painful, but it doesn’t have to be.

We asked some local fashion experts about cool looks for a hot summer day at the beach, and got good news for shoppers.

For one thing, says …

Elegant musical evening benefits Ars Viva

Rarely do we have a chance to experience a true musical salon, an intimate performance of small pieces that charm and delight us. Yet that is exactly what happened at Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park the evening of April 30, when some top area …

Celebration raises $110,000 for Holy Family Villa Expansion Project

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, along with Holy Family Villa and the Bishop Lyne Residence, hosted “An Evening to Honor Bishop Timothy J. Lyne” on April 13. Bishop Lyne was presented with the Holy Family Caritas Sanctae Familiae Award in recognition of his …

Delta Delta Delta send gifts, messages to soldiers

Twelve members of the Chicago Northwest Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Delta Delta gathered at the home of member Janeen Winnike of Long Grove on April 9 to make cards, write messages on signs and fill care packages to send to our soldiers. They received …

‘Animals around the Whirl’ raises $1.24 million for Brookfield Zoo

The Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society, in partnership with the Society’s Board of Trustees, hosted the 32nd annual Whirl at Brookfield Zoo on April 20. The theme for this year’s black-tie fundraiser was “Animals around the Whirl,” which highlighted the Society’s legacy of …

New ways to exercise your fashion sense

Style is not your first thought when you head to the gym, pool or your favorite running track.

But the world of fashion has been making inroads into the athletic apparel industry, which is showing up as numerous lines of luxe exercise merchandise.

Of course …

Tall Grass Beef Benefit sends 70 kids to camp

The Happ Inn in Northfield, along with owners Al and Suzy Friedman, hosted an evening in support of Staddle Camp at Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming, on May 28. Co-hosted along with Bruce and Beth White, camp founders, and journalist-turned-rancher Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra, …

‘Party at the Clarke’ raises $45,000 for Art Center

Evanston Art Center’s 26th annual spring benefit “Party at the Clarke” took place on May 18. The art-loving public had and opportunity to view and bid on paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics, sculpture, prints and other artworks donated by more than 120 leading Chicago-area artists. Two …

“A Night on the Red Carpet” raises $20,000 for Park Ridge Civic Orchestra

One hundred fifty guests attended “A Night on the Red Carpet” held March 2 at Café La Cave, Des Plaines. The event raised $20,000 to support the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra. The evening featured cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, raffle and dancing.

Changes afoot: Bright, bold shoes for summer

“Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally.”

That wisdom — no surprise — comes from Christian Louboutin, famous shoe designer with those infamous red soles.

He’s right. Who doesn’t stand taller in a great pair of heels? No pun …

Philanthropy a Lehman family affair

It’s always a thrill when someone is honored by a major charity or organization.

But when consecutive generations are awarded for their combined effort, something special is going on.

Such was the case on May 2 when three generations of the Lehman family of Wilmette …

Fine foods, wines help fight blindness

Now in its 12th year, the Artistry of Wine is a much-anticipated wine-tasting event created to further a great cause.

At the event, hosted by the Chicago chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, more than a dozen restaurants and wineries from around Chicago and the …

American Cancer Society Discovery Ball raises $2.1 Million

Nearly 900 guests and volunteers gathered on April 27 for the 7th annual American Cancer Society Discovery Ball at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago. The evening raised $2.1 million for cancer research. More than 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds were generated from …

MYA marks 20 years with musical dreamscape

Let’s be careful how we use the word “amazing.” It is applied to so many subjects that it has nearly lost its power to — well, amaze, so that when something truly amazing comes along, we are at a loss for words.

Midwest Young Artists …

Haven gala supports hope and help for homeless

Ending homelessness may be a gray area, but supporting Lake County Haven’s Black and White Gala on April 13 was a good start.

Hosted annually by the Haven Women’s Auxiliary, the dinner and dancing event at Ravinia Green Country Club in Riverwoods raised much-needed dollars …