For the past two years Chicagoans have been waiting with bated breath for the Marc Jacobs Collection store to finish construction and open its doors. On February 25th the rent-a-fence finally came down. Company President and our favorite (former)twitterbug, Robert Duffy was there to unveil the 3,000-square-foot Gold Coast space.

The lavish boutique, situated on the corner of Rush and Walton, is distinguished by a classic revolving door (a personal request from Duffy himself), contemporary blown-glass chandelier, and sleek modern decor. As a bookend to The Elysian, a brand new luxury hotel/condo complex, the store is sure to draw a much different crowd than its Bucktown counterpart, Marc by Marc, though Duffy feels strongly that the haute looks and higher price points of the Collection store will not repel locals. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Duffy sees Chicago and the rest of the Midwest as an untapped epicenter for inspiration and originality. "I think of all the people I know that have come out of the Midwest: Halston, Bill Blass. They go on to other places but there are a lot of people here that are stylish and cool." The same type of influential crowd he believes will be attracted to the store.

That evening, the shop was properly welcomed to town with a fabulous invite-only dinner party. Close to 200 of the city's fashion elite along with the Marc Jacobs execs celebrated with champagne and caviar, followed by a five course meal consisting of foie gras, beet salad, short ribs and more foie gras. A carnivore's delight! An old school photo booth accompanied by a table full of accessories from the Marc Jacobs Spring 09 runway show were on hand to distract diners between courses and capture the memories.

After dinner, attendees were given gift bags filled with Marc swag -- Lola perfume, Travel Bag, Juergen Teller T and macaroons from Elysian restaurant, Balsan -- and shuttled over to River North club, The Underground.

All in all, the event was a success and a smashing way to usher in a store that is sure to make its Marc mark on Chicago. Witness the splendor yourself at 11 E. Walton | Chicago, Il 60611.

 Celebrate the birthday of the City of Chicago with a night of art, music, food and of course, Old Style! "I'm There: A Birthday Celebration for the City of Chicago" is meant to give a celebratory real-time, ground level look at the current state of three pivotal neighborhoods in Chicago—Wicker Park, Wrigleyville and Pilsen. Each neighborhood will be represented visually by a photographer and musically with a DJ from each 'hood.

Each photographer (Clayton Hauck, Kyle LeMere, Nick Haas) and DJ (Kid Color, Baby Magdalene, Pullano) collaborated for this one-night-only event to produce a truly unique and personal journey into their neighborhood and lives as influential artists in the city.

WHO | Chicago Art Department
WHAT | "I'm There: A Birthday Celebration for the City of Chicago"
WHEN |Thursday, March 4th, 2010, from 7 pm to 11pm
WHERE | 1837 South Halsted St.
WHY | To celebrate the birthday of our home, the City of Chicago! Plus, there's cool art and free food and drink.

SPONSORS | Food: America's Dog, 404 Wine Bar, Bleeding Heart Bakery; Drink: Old Style (from 7-8),

Working as Chicago fashion’s answer to Percocet, Poor Little Rich Girls' 2nd Annual Battle of the Boutiques has the cure for what ails you (or your closet, at least).

Hosted by uber-sexy club, Lumen, and B-96’s Showbiz Shelly, the event features six local boutiques (Wolfbait & B-Girls, 2 Sisters, Hubba Hubba, Dress Up Boutique, Re.Stock Shop, and defending champ Le Dress) sending five budget-friendly looks down the runway. When the glam, glitter and gloss settles, a celebrity panel (including ABC 7 News Anchor Karen Jordan, Project Runway contestant Steven Rosengard and Jessica Sedgwick, Fashion Editor for the Chicago Sun Times) and the audience will pick the winner. Expect swag, drinks and choice people watching.

Here’s a preview of what you will see from two of our favorite contenders, 2 Sisters and Wolfbait & B-Girls.

From left to right: WOLFBAIT - Look 1: 
Squasht Reversible Bella Hat, $54. Brazen judy Halter, $68. Belt, $30. Bruiser “Get Me High Waisted” Denim Skirt, $69. Look 2: Brazen judy Bias Cut Wrap Dress $146, Broadstreet Large yellow gold heart necklace $110; 2 SISTERS - Look 1: Layered Ruffle Dress, $184. Look 2: Aqua stud dress, $72

Fashion:
1. Randolph Street's "The Valentine Market"
Saturday and Sunday, February 6 & 7 10am-5pm
The Randolph Street Market continues year round with their first festival this year. Shop from a variety of antiques, clothing, beauty products and more.
Inside Plumbers Hall|1340 W. Washington

2. The Ultimate INC Hot List
Saturday, February 6 1-4pm
Shop INC's Spring 2010 collection and receive 20% off when you shop this event. An INC stylist consultant will also be on hand.
Macy’s on State Street|3rd floor INC department

Music:
1. Explode Into Colors
Friday, February 5 9pm
The experimental rock female trio from Portland head into the Midwest.
Subterranean|2011 North Ave.|$10|17+

2. Dawn Landes & The Hounds
Tuesday, February 9 8:30pm
Indie folk pop Brooklyn based group continues to tour with their new album Sweet Heart Rodeo.
Beat Kitchen|2100 W. Belmont|$10|17+

Culture:
1. Climate Cycle Benefit
Friday, February 5 7pm
Climate Cycle is having an auction to raise funds to install solar panels and implement sustainability education in public schools. The auction line up includes a two-day stay at an eco-lodge, farm dinner for 2, bike tune-ups, jewelry and more.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum|2430 N. Cannon Dr.|$50

2. MCA First Fridays
Friday, February 5 6pm
MCA celebrates every first Friday of the month with live entertainment, cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Wolfgang Puck.
Museum of Contemporary Art|220 East Chicago Ave.|$16