Gals' Guide is teaming up with Banana Republic for a stellar Spring Fashion event on May 4 (details to RSVP will be posted soon). In the meantime, we need to begin coordinating 10 models to work the Banana Republic runway for us. This isn't just a gal event, we need guys, too! Would you like to join us? If so, here are the details!

1. We are looking for 7 women and 3 men

2. You'll need to be available for a fitting (possibly two) before May 4. On event day, we'll need you to be available at 5 pm (for hair and makeup, of course!) and stay until 9:30 pm.

3. To be considered, please become a Fan, then place a comment on our wall. Tell us why YOU should be one of the 10!

4. This is about the clothes, so models need to fit into the following size ranges: Women, 0-12 Men, 30-36 waist and 38-44 chest

5. Please apply by April 4! 

6. Questions? Contact Leslie at tallredchicago at yahoo dot com

Spread the word and stay tuned for RSVP deets!

Good for you, I’ve been in Chicago since 1998 and can give you a good sense of what an alderman does and how it can benefit you AND you do NOT need to OWN a home to take advantage of how an alderman can service your local needs. So, let’s get to brass tacks, shall we?

The city of Chicago is broken up into 50 wards. Wards are basically boundaries that split up the city in a manageable fashion. Each ward is ‘managed’ by an alderman. These aldermen make up the City Council and report up to the Mayor. Following so far? Ok, cool.

Now, the alderman handles everything from reviewing a new developer’s proposal, new business license to installing a stoplight if the neighbors demand one. An alderman also deals with neighborhood issues like parking meters, garbage and safety.

Each alderman has an office (historically, ‘donated’ by a real estate developer, which saves some aldermen rent) with a small staff. What continues to be a mystery to some is how the staff gets paid in some wards. With a salary of over $100,000, I’m not sure if the alderman has to pay their staff from this budget OR if the city provides separate salaries to these folks.

YOU, the citizen of the ward have the right to contact your alderman at ANY time. Most folks don’t do this because they don’t know. At the same time, if certain wards aren’t equipped to handle all of the requests ofthe residents, things fall off the map (I’ve seen this first hand). If a certain ward doesn’t have the support staff to answer your emails, things won’t get done.

Whether you want to contact your alderman’s office or not, it’s very handy to get to know who they are, where they are located and how to reach someone. Here is a link to all Chicago aldermen, by ward.

Photo by Jodola

If you love sequins, lace, spandex, and feathers then you do not want to miss out on this special event. Also, if you’re still searching for the perfect Halloween costume, then set your calendar for this event. This month, for the first time in 53 years, Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet Dance Troupe will open its costume vault to the public. There will be over 200 costumes, for men and women, with prices starting at just $25.

The preview sale reception and silent auction will start at 5:30pm on Tuesday, October 27^th (A $20 donation is suggested).  Set reservations by going to www.Joffrey.org or calling (312)-386-8979.

The public sale begins the next day at 8am, on October 28^th. I will be attending this bright and early. If you see me, say “Hi” and I’ll give you a high-five. You better get there early, or else someone else (ie. me) will David Blain all the good pieces. You don’t want to miss out!

If you happen to miss out on this awesome event, but you would still like to learn more about this company, then take a free tour! On the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, the Joffrey will host a tour at noon. For reservations, simply call 312-386-8912. If you happen to like what you see, then take a FREE dance class! The Official School of Joffrey offers a free dance class on the third Sunday of every month. To reserve your place, call 312-386-8910.