Tis the Season: Pumpkin Ales

We’ve officially prepped our wardrobes. Boots are out. Scarves are on. Face it people, it’s fall in Chicago. While wandering/blowing through the streets today with our pumpkin spice latte in hand, we realized that with the change of weather comes a whole other wardrobe to upgrade. Enter: fall beers.

When it comes to our favorites, we’re pretty loyal here at Delve. But this year we’re going a little outside of our norm. Wrapping up Oktoberfest, we do feel bad steering away from our usual fall faves. But not bad enough. Sorry Mr. Adams, our 2011 seasonal go-to is the pumpkin ale.

While tastes differ slightly depending on the brewing process (some breweries add hand-cut pieces of pumpkins, others use purees, flavorings, etc.), you can count on your favorite seasonal flavors (we’re talking pumpkin plus cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, etc.) to help handhold your taste buds into fall.

See below for Delve’s top picks on pumpkin ales:

• Pumking – Southern Tier Brewing recommends a goblet and an ode to the spirits while sipping Pumking. We suggest, well, a second Pumking.
• Dark O’ The Moon Pumpkin Stout – Stemming from Seattle’s Elysian Brewing Co., this one is for the dark beer lovers. Or the wannabe dark beer lovers, for that matter.
• Dogfish Head Punkin Ale – Brewed with hints of organic brown sugar, this one is well-balanced and highly drinkable. Just how we like it.

Pumped Up Kicks: Nike Event This Saturday

The Chicago marathon is a week away. For you road warriors running it, we wish you: a. good weather and b. a pair of these custom-designed-for-Chicago LunarGlide+3s from Nike. Not only do the shoes deliver superior stability, ultra-soft cushioning and a secure fit, but they are decked out in red, white and blue for none other than the city of Chi.

To see the kicks in person, check out the shoe's launch party this Saturday where Tara D (the designer of the shoe and local Chicago artist) will be on hand explaining her latest creation. If you're lucky (like we were) you may be able to score a pair of your own courtesy of Nike. Details of the event are below.

Where: 2350 N. Clark
When: October 1st 3-5pm
Why: Because we've seen your running shoes, and you need new ones

Trending: Fall Denim

As the days of bare legs are becoming a distant memory, we are now turning our attention to our old friend, denim. While a classic pair of dark skinnies will never go out of style, below are our favorite denim trends for fall in case you are in the market to pick up a new pair (or two, or three...).

(above from left to right)
Coated: An uber sexy look for those who long to have leather jeans, without the cruelty factor

Our Pick: Habitual Coated Skinny Jeans; $240

Jewel Tones: While we loved the look of bright colors for summer, we are now turning our attention to richer shades of denim - think deep olive greens, pinot reds and rich plums.
Our Pick: Joes Jeans Alice Skinny Visionaire; $159 or M2F Indie Skinny Jeans in True Olive; $130

(above from left to right)

Bell: The 70's will never go out of style, ever. Keep them alive by going big with your bell.

Our Pick: Hudson Ferris Flare ; $198

Cord: Nothing screams fall like a pair of Cords. Keep them from looking frumpy by going super skinny in a bold hue.
Our Pick: Topshop MOTO Skinny Cord Trousers; $80

Pattern: Whether it's cheetah or snakeskin, we aren't afraid to get a little wild with our patterns.
Our Pick: Current Elliot Leopard Print Pant ; $198

694 Wine & Spirits Presents: The Shift Series

We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: Delve loves 694 Wine & Spirits. We loved it when it was Juicy Wine Bar, and we’ll continue to love it no matter how many times the name changes. We're not afraid to admit that this love is based loosely on our minor obsession with 694-frequent DJ, LA Jesus, but (that aside) there’s nothing to not like about the River West wine spot.

The newest happening taking place inside 694 is the Shift Series (launched yesterday), a twice-a-month kitchen takeover by Chicago’s favorite chefs. The series is promising chefs with bragging rights ranging from hot-spot restaurants to underground supper clubs, all tasked with creating an unforgettable four-course meal (plus dessert, my sweet-toothed friends). The menu and overall theme is up to each chef, with yesterday’s launch (featuring Chef Marianne Sundquist of In Fine Spirits) theme being a “Last Harvest” dinner, focusing on her favorite sustainable, seasonal foods.

To make matters better, much better, the 694 gurus will be offering up four glasses of paired wines and two hand-made cocktails.

As per usual, scoring a seat to the event is not an easy task. To try and snag one of only 25 seats, email drink@694wineandspirits.com or call 312.492.6620. Cost is $100 per person, and from what we’ve heard, it’s well worth the spend.

*photo via 694 Wine & Spirits

TOMS Debuts Ballet Flats for Spring

Sure we like our heels, but every now and then our feet need a break and when they do, we turn to TOMS for some relief. So you can only imagine how excited we were to learn that the do-good shoe company is releasing a somewhat chicer line of shoes this spring. Ranging from $129-$79, TOMS' new line of ballet flats will be available at retailers nationwide in a variety of patterns and colors. If they are as comfortable as the originals, you can count us in - after all, every pair sold will give a child in need a pair of their own.

Summer to Fall: Transition Pieces

Ahhh leaves changing, apple picking and the return of the leather jacket - we love the change in weather, but let's face it - constantly updating your wardrobe can get a tad pricey. To save us the heartbreak of moving all of our summer items into storage this fall, we asked Chicago stylist Eric Himel his picks for what summer pieces we can keep and wear long into the winter months.

White Pants: Instead of floral tees, pair white pants with rich brown boots and a sumptuous cardiganShorts: Lengthen the life of your shorts with a chic tweed jacket and the "it-shoe" for fall (heeled loafers)

Sandals: You can rock your sandals all throughout winter with a good pair of tights - we love the color blocking contrast of the green tights with the blue dress!

Emerald City

They stole the show on the Emmy Awards red carpet, and we can’t get enough of them here at Delve. Emeralds are the jewel of the moment, and trendy-yet-affordable designer Kenneth Jay Lane has a few pieces we’re dying over. See below for Delve’s top KJL pieces for dressing up, or down, your look.

For Dressing Up










Gunmetal Emerald Cocktail Ring: $167; Emerald teardrop earrings: $150

For Dressing "Down"











Emerald Cocktail Ring: $60; Emerald Button Earrings: $55

A New Delve Fave

Last week, Delve happened upon a new eatery/watering hole that we can’t stop thinking about. Farmhouse, which opened its doors on Chicago Ave. (at Franklin) at the start of September, is a farm to tavern concept, with local seasonal bites, beers and booze, and plenty of them. The food and drink are focused on the Midwest, and the restaurant makes almost everything from scratch. The owners say that they found their inspiration during a trip to Brooklyn’s Prime Meats, thus explaining why their burgers are a-mazing.

Not only does Farmhouse offer a pretty impressive list of craft beers, but they have the food to back it. We opted for the “Classic” grass-fed burger and Wisconsin cheese curds. Well aware that this is an oh-so-bold statement, this was one of the best burgers we’ve had in Chicago. And all while supporting farms of the Midwest? We’ve never felt so good about eating an entire burger. (And fries. And cheese curds.)

The beer list boasts close to 30 craft brews on tap, in addition to about 40 bottled beers. And while this may be a tall order, we do advise that you not focus entirely on the beers. Why, you ask? Because Chicago cocktail connoisseur, Adam Seger, has a hand in the cocktail menu which focuses heavily on “beertails” and gin. Did we mention that they are the only tavern in the country to serve Michigan wines on tap? While we have yet to try the wines, we like the sounds of that claim.

Full beer menu is available here and food can be found here.

We’re not sure what went down on that trip to Brooklyn, but whatever it was, Chicago thanks you.


*photo via Farmhouse Chicago

Trend Roundup: Emmy Awards 2011

With Modern Family sweeping in basically all categories, Delve was able to focus our attention on what really matters: the fashion. Many of our fave Hollywood starlets opted to match the carpet in bold reds. But the trends didn't stop there. With everything from plunging necklines and high slits, to emerald jewels and sparkle (so much sparkle), some of our favorite fashionistas certainly brought their A-game. Elie Saab seemed to be the designer of the year, dressing three of our favorite ladies: Kate, Evan and Emily.

See below for Delve's top trends from the 63rd annual Emmy Awards:

Hot Hues: Red and Navy











From left to right (click to enlarge): Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan, Kate Winslet in Elie Saab, Minka Kelly in Dior and Emily Blunt in Elie Saab

Emerald Jewels









From left to right (click to enlarge): Sofia Vergara in Lorraine Schwartz jewels (dress by Vera Wang) and Rashida Jones in Van Cleef & Arpels jewels (dress by Alberta Ferretti)

Sparkles & Glimmer












From left to right (click to enlarge): Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab and Cat Deeley in Monique Lhuillier

This Just In: Restaurant Edition

A few new happenings on the Chicago restaurant scene are causing a bit of buzz. See below for a breakdown on today's nosh-worthy news.

You’ve likely seen this beast of a building taking over the corner of State and Illinois for quite some time now. And tomorrow, Cantina Laredo (pictured) is finally opening its doors to a haven of guacamole, mini tacos and tequila. We hear the upstairs is complete with retractable walls (this is in addition to the patio, mind you), so we suggest making your way there within the next week to enjoy the final days of nice weather.

New York-based City Winery is working on contracts to open its second location on West Randolph (at Racine). What we love most? They’re promising a heavy focus on live music. Crain’s is reporting that the winery will be equipped with a 5,000 square-foot outdoor wine garden to accompany the tasting room and concert hall inhabiting the inside.

We’ve seen a lot of action in and around Millennium Park lately, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. III Forks, one of the nation’s 100% exclusively USDA prime steakhouses announced that it will open its doors at the Village Market (just north of Millennium Park) in early October. This location will source locally grown ingredients, from Lake Superior Whitefish and poultry from Gunthrop Farms, to Wisconsin-crafted cheeses and vegetables from nearby farms. The wine selection is upward of 300 bottles, and they’re promising an impressive selection of single malt scotch and vodkas.

Photo via UrbanDaddy

Fashion's Night, Done Right

Showing that Chicago’s fashion star is on the rise, last night’s FNO was in full force all over the city. Delve was fortunate enough to be invited by Chicago Magazine and the Shops of Northbridge (home to our favorite destinations Nordstrom’s, Stuart Weitzman, Le Dress and Sephora, among many others) to do some style spotting and gift-giving throughout the night. The below style stars stole the show and walked away with a pretty little gift-card to further complement their wardrobe (as did we, cha-ching!). Check out our favorites from the evening:

Click on image to enlarge

Who: Kelly from Logan Square Why she rocked it: We loved her cozy fall look, taking a soft maxi and bright scarf and toughening it up with some mike and chris leather

Who: Stephanie, Lincoln Square Why she rocked it: Although it looks as good as new, Stephanie is rocking all vintage (right down to the sparkly clutch and pointy shoes we couldn’t get enough of)

Who: Tina Why she rocked it: Tina looked classically polished in a Louis de Garma dress, vintage bag and topshop shoes

Who: Tim and Brikena, Norway Why They Rocked it: The evening’s cutest couple, we loved everything about Brikena’s look from her boho fringe bag to her cute accessory boyfriend, unfortunately both were made in Norway

While the evening’s style was on-par, what really stole the show was this hair-DO found on a lovely MAC makeup artist. Wondering how she got the look? She did it herself with a bottle of bleach and get this, Manic Panic Hot Pink Hair Dye – take that LC!Special thanks to Shops of 900 and Chicago Blogger Network for such an awesome evening!

#FNO

Ah, Fashion’s Night Out. The one night where fashionistas everywhere (literally everywhere: Japan, South Korea, Turkey…you name it) unite under one common theme: fashion.

Here to help navigate your way through Chicago’s FNO happenings, Delve is offering up our top picks for unleashing your inner vintage goddess, and celebrating in style.

Sarca & Luxury Garage Sale: Looking to celebrate all day? Sarca and Luxury Garage Sale are joining forces for what they’re calling a ‘modern meets vintage’ showcase. 710 N. Wabash. 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sofia Vintage: Swing into 72 E. Oak for a preview of M2f’s Fall collection while enjoying bites by Sunda and cocktails by Olmeca Altos Tequila (a Delve fave). 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

900 Shops: Stop by the 900 Shops for the Fame, Fashion & Flavor show, featuring the one and only Mr. Brad Goreski. 900 N. Michigan. 6-9 p.m.

The Shops at North Bridge: Delve will be style-spotting at The Shops at North Bridge tonight with some of our fave style bloggers. Pop in for style tips from Chicago Magazine's Fashion Director, Stacey Jones. 520 N. Michigan. 6-9 p.m.

Full list of Fashion’s Night Out events is available here.

TopShop Arrives in Style

Thanks to their three-story window covers and customized truck roaming around town this week, unless you have been hiding under a rock, you know that TopShop is opening in Chicago on Sep 8. Well, the big day has finally arrived and tomorrow the doors open to us mid-westerners hungry for a taste of Brit-approved fashion. Not one to make a quiet entrance, check out what the retailer has in store for its Chicago Debut this weekend:

• Freebies - The store is handing out a free limited edition Rule Brittania vest, when you spend over $100 in-store
• Makeover Madness - The girls from Kelly Cardenas Salon will be on-hand in-store giving out complimentary makeovers
• Shop to a Beat- They've enlisted the city's hottest DJs to spin while you shop over the weekend
  
• Winner's Circle - Enter in-store for a chance to win your own VIP fashion moment. Winner will get flown to London with a friend, put up in a hotel, given tickets to the Topshop Unique show at London Fashion Week, complete with Topshop shopping spree.
  

Booze News

Delve caught wind of a few happenings in the world of Chicago imbibing today, so we, being the non-stop givers that we are, wanted to pass along.

Starting today, and continuing every Tuesday in September, mk The Restaurant is offering 50% off all of the wines in their cellar. That’s right, all of them. Why, you ask? mk says it’s solely based on their philosophy: wines are to be tasted, not wasted. We couldn't agree more!

Our friends at Refinery 29 filled us in on a boozey little secret. Did you know that at Sable Kitchen & Bar’s brunch, you can get a flight of three gin-based martinis for $10. Goodbye hangover, hello day party.

Last but (certainly) not least, we come bearing the news of a new mixology bar heading to town in October. Barrelhouse Flat (coming to LP) is owned by Stephen Cole, a former master mixologist at Violet Hour. And yes, in true Violet Hour fashion, there will be punches involved.

Salud!

Uncle Karl Arrives at Macy's

The recent trend of designer department store collaborations continues to roll -- and this time it's bigger than ever.

Known for dressing our girls Blake, Kiera and Diane, Karl Lagerfeld is now designing for your everyday guy and gal at Macy's. This cost conscious collection is perfect for fall with faux leather and tweed in clean lines and dark colors that are just so Karl. It's as though the fashion gods are shining down on us (and our wallets).

Forget about that Labor Day cookout, we'll see you at Macy's!

Henri Bendel Returns to Chicago

As we steadily go down the list of reasons we no longer need to fly to New York (Pinkberry, Madewell, Topshop) here comes another one. The one and only luxury retailer Henri Bendel will be making its home on the Mag Mile. Opening this December in Water Tower (across the street from its former home at 900 N. Michigan) the store returns to the windy city since its doors closed in '98. Just in time for holiday shopping, Chicagoans will be able to stock up on one-of-a-kind accessories, from designer handbags to Bendel's bespoke line of chic jewlery. If that's not a Christmas miracle, we dont know what is!

Weekend Recos: Labor Day Edition

So close, yet so far away. As we head into the final day before the extended holiday weekend, Delve is equipping you with a pocketbook of fool proof to-do’s. No surprise here, the entire list seems to evolve around music, dancing and cocktail’ing.

• North Coast Music Fest: We said it before and we’ll say it again, the North Coast Music Fest just might be the best way to close out your Summer. Check out Delve’s top picks for Friday-Sunday festing.
• Diplo at The Congress: Dance away the weekend’s indulgences with a trio of Diplo, Zeds Dead and French electro man Sebastian.
• Craft Brewing: Two options this weekend for craft brewing include a 1st Anniversary Party at a Delve fave, Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar from 4 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, featuring Half Acre, Three Floyds, 5 Rabbit and Dogfish Head; and a La Trappe Beer Brunch at SmallBar (Fullerton) from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• 33rd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival: Over 45 acts on five different stages will be crowding Millennium Park and Grant Park with Jazz enthusiasts.
• “What’s Happening!” at Longman & Eagle: Another dance party to add to your weekend list, this one is outside in the lot next door to L&E and includes a pig roast and jams from the Windy City Soul Club.