A group of girlfriends and I were trying to plan a girl’s night out for a month. We compared calendars, endlessly adjusting the date to accommodate all 6 of our jam-packed, kid-filled schedules. Finally, one of the brilliant women suggested a date just a few days away. Huh. Wouldn’t you know that it worked for all of us?
Sometimes last minute plans are the BEST plans, and the likelihood of actually pulling something together is strangely higher. I have started to gather a few groups of women whose company I truly enjoy, and the only way to keep the momentum going (and experience that feel-good high you get from socializing with people on your wavelength) is to actually get together in person. Here are a few last minute girl’s night out ideas that you can effortlessly pull off this weekend.
Sip ‘N Score- Saturday, March 9th
Coming from the Midwest, specifically Detroit Red Wing territory, I am a major hockey fan. What’s not to like? You bundle up in your cutest pom pom hat, furry vest and leggings while sipping beer and cheering like a maniac if you so desire. I have attended a number of Chicago Wolves games with my kiddos, but this weekend it is time to gather your female friends and hit the ice. On March 9th, they are hosting a Sip ‘N Score event in collaboration with Pinot’s Palette.
The pre-game party package involves two glasses of vino, step-by-step tutorial to paint the Chicago Skyline (including materials) and a ticket to the Chicago Wolves vs. Iowa Wild game! Prices start at around $60 for the whole package, increasing slightly the closer your seats are to the ice. This event has something for everyone- wine, art and sports. It is the perfect Girl’s Night Out and super simple for you to plan. To book, e-mail my friend Becky (Experience Planner Extraordinaire, with the good hair) and she will hook you up. Here is her email address: bpettersen@chicagowolves.com or give her a call on her cell (yes, I am sharing her cell number with you…’cause I know how tough it is to plan something last minute): 818-426-0444.
LAUNCH- Driving Fashion Forward Fashion Show- Sunday, March 10th 4:30pm-7:30pm at Autohaus on Edens
Spring is in the air….kind of. Ok, on Saturday it is supposed to creep near 50 degrees. And there is nothing I love more to ring in spring than a fabulous spring fashion show, especially when it benefits a cause that I am passionate about. LAUNCH is more than just a fashion show- your ticket ($80 GA/$100 VIP) includes appetizers, treats & cocktails from faves like Bent Fork Bakery and Morton’s, incredible auction items and raffle tickets, a stunning runway show with local boutiques, AND voting in the Chicago Fashion Incubator Emerging Designer Competition. Peach Carr is always on site showing her designs and just being her gorgeous, sunny, social self. This is the PERFECT last minute girl’s night out- scope out the spring fashion trends, socialize and sip!
Simply the best part is that this event benefits Humble Design, an organization who furnishes homes for families transitioning from homelessness. I spoke about them this year in a TV segment, and was so overcome by emotion when I heard about the work they do because it is so incredibly important.
Grab tickets here! (You might even catch me there, still trying to grab a sitter 😉
Cosmo Carrie’s- Wednesday through Saturday, 6pm on
I have a core group of girlfriends whom I met at my first job out of college, CDW. We were all newly minted graduates, single and ready to mingle, taking full advantage of the company-sponsored happy hours and our lack of responsibility.
We were also super poor, barely scraping by with our commission-heavy compensation structure. With this limitation, we regularly hosted Sex and the City viewing party sleepovers, complete with Cosmos (and cheese fries…because…22-year-old metabolism).
The Ironside Bar & Gallery (546 N. Wells) opened up a pop-up bar for all of the SATC lovers called Cosmo Carrie’s! Their food and beverage menu is completely inspired by the series, with fan favorites such as the Aiden Shaw Spicy Mezcal Mule or the Classic Carrie Cosmo. They are open Wednesday through Saturday starting at 6pm through March 20th, and reservations are NOT accepted. Throw on your most inspired SATC outfit and get ready to sip a “Steve Brady” or a “Samantha”…and make sure to hydrate with the Bill Kelly special (inside joke for my true Sex and the City devotees).
Chicago Vintage Clothing & Jewelry Show– March 8-9; Friday hours: 3-8pm; Saturday hours: 10am-5pm
I am simply in love with vintage clothing, but some of my favorite vintage stores have closed their doors due to online competition or skyrocketing rent. Who knows. What I DO know is that there is a Vintage Clothing & Jewelry Show this weekend, so grab your fashion-minded friends and head to St Andrew’s Church at the corner of N. Hollywood & Sheridan. They host 50 vintage vendors with a wide variety of fashion from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. PLUS- St. Andrew’s has an array of spinach pies, paninis & desserts made in their kitchen as well as beer and wine. This is a totally unique show, and your chance to score some one-of-a-kind fashion!
Cheers to spending some much-needed in-person time with your friends!
