Choreographer Kevin Iega Jeff Shares His Favorite Things

A Juilliard-trained dancer, Kevin Iega Jeff, 57, expresses himself in movement. But when he’s not stepping to a beat, the artistic director of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater takes solace in stillness. Ahead of the company’s Valentine’s Day–themed performance in Skokie on February 4, the South Shore resident shares where he finds tranquility—and sublime pasta.

My signature style

Simple. I like Simon Cowell: He always wears T-shirts __and pants but looks nice, crisp, __and clean.

Favorite Chicago meal

Pasta shells with salmon from Pizza Capri in Hyde Park.

Best dive bar

Club Escape. It caters to a mix of gay and straight clientele.

Anti-aging secret

I eat a tablespoon of coconut oil every day, and I also put it on my skin.

Store I spend the most money at

Whole Paycheck—I mean Whole Foods. I decided, in my life, the things that I would spend money on are what I eat, travel, and personal care, be it spiritual, physical, or medical.

Local institution I admire most

Studio One’s dance school.

Most romantic place in Chicago

Along the lake in Jackson Park on a summer night.

Best workout

I’m big on yoga. Yirser Ra Hotep is my instructor. He teaches a form called Kemetic Yoga both here and abroad.

App I use the most

Uber. I live on the South Side, and before Uber you couldn’t get a cab.

Words to live by

“It comes with relaxation.”

 

Whiskey & Gingerale candle by Chicago Candle Co.

“On a wintry day, it gives me the sense of being by the fireplace.”
$28, Market by Foxtrot, 2229 N. Clybourn Ave.

Photos: Courtesy of vendors

Powerbeats

“I can talk on the phone, watch movies—they really kill time fantastically.”
$200, Apple Store, 679 N. Michigan Ave.

NikeLab tapered track pants

“Why go through life uncomfortable?”
$200, Nike, 669 N. Michigan Ave.

This article appears in the February 2017 issue of Chicago magazine. Subscribe to Chicago magazine.

 

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This Bridal Trunk Show Will Have a “Pinch of Spice”

This Week’s Top Story

Shopping for bridal gowns can be like a champagne-drenched movie montage. Or, it can be a drag. Luckily, gown designer Ines Di Santo is headed to Chicago for her first trunk show at Ultimate Bride (106 E. Oak St., ultimatebride.com)—and she’s armed with tips for dress hunters.

“Most of us do not live a lifestyle that includes a closet full of evening gowns, so we don’t come into this experience knowing what shape __and style will be the one that allows you to shine,” says the designer, whose local trunk show will take place on Friday __and Saturday. “Encourage your stylist to select a handful of styles for you to try on. Once you find the shape or style that works well for you, you can try additional looks in that category. It will keep you from feeling overwhelmed in a sea of white.”

Ines will use her trip to Chicago to show off styles from her Fall 2017 collection, which was inspired by something sweet. “For this collection I imagined a beautiful patisserie, [with] polished wood floors, delicate cups of coffee served with a saucer, and gleaming glass cases,” Di Santo says. “You’ll find gowns with delicate vines and petite flowers.  You’ll find some with just a touch of sweetness in their lace overlay.”

If that sounds too sugary for you, don’t worry: “You’ll also find a little pinch of spice.”

Make your appointment by calling Ultimate Bride at 312-337-6300.

Top Sales This Week

It’s time to start stocking up on spring essentials—especially when they’re 40 percent off. Banana Republic (744 N. Michigan Ave., bananarepublic.gap.com) is hosting its “Spring Into Spring” sale in stores and online. Find blush crop-leg pants (reduced from $88 to $58), a jaunty flutter-sleeve top (reduced from $68 to $40), and belted trench sweaters (reduced from $128 to $75) in Merino wool.

AllSaints (46 E. Walton St., allsaints.com)—the street-style, Gold Coast newcomer—has taken an additional 20 percent off its sale items. Find a shearling patchwork bag (reduced from $248 to $208), a quilted leather biker jacket (reduced from $670 to $469), and a perfectly draped, long-sleeve dress (reduced from $215 to $107).

As Coach (625 N. Michigan Ave., coach.com) makes room for its beatnik-inspired spring collection, select winter pieces are on sale. Score shearling-lined booties (reduced from $375 to $187.50), leopard-print sneakers (reduced from $195 to $97.50), and Victorian-inspired heels (reduced from $345 to $169).

Closings

Sorry, sneaker heads: Adidas Heritage Retail Store has closed its outpost at 923 North Rush Street. But, if you’re in the Gold Coast and in the market for some kicks, you won’t have far to walk. Vans (1051 N. Rush St.) is just slightly north, and Adidas Sport Performance (845 N. Michigan Ave.) is still open at Water Tower Place.

Health and Beauty

Getting tired of your workout? There will be plenty of variety at SPENGA (spenga.com), a boutique gym set to open in Glenview later this month. The spot will offer workouts that mash up strength training with yoga and indoor cycling. And if that’s not enough, there will also be aromatherapy and on-site daycare. Keep your eyes peeled for updates.

 

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CHANEL in Chelsea: Cool Sophistication

By Stella Pelissari

Chelsea is one of the most beautiful and affluent districts of London.  Its white elegant terraced townhouses with their immaculately landscaped planted entrances are just a wonder to enjoy. For visitors the charm and traditional image of Victorian England remains almost intact.

It’s also a district full of high end designer boutiques, chic restaurants and upscale clubs.

This is where CHANEL has located one of its recent pop-up boutique’s with a new retail concept providing a homely feel which draws inspiration from Coco Chanel’s apartment in Paris.

The store features ready to wear, leather accessories including a selection of bags made from the finest exotic and rare leathers, as well as a selection of exclusive jewellery displayed in the shop in a truly innovative way.

In the entrance you are welcomed by a series of photographs, the work of its designer Karl Lagerfeld, which gives you the feeling you are accessing an art gallery. The boutique is luxurious but with a minimalist aesthetic that includes walls dedicated solely to bags and shoes.

On the second floor, there's a real focus on accessories, with timeless and classic pieces that share space with the novelties of the season. Again, the way products are displayed is very interactive, with cabinets and drawers that you open and close as if they were your own closets at home!

This store is designed to be temporary, while CHANEL prepares a new store just a few meters away, but without a doubt this is an innovative and unique space, typical of the __brand famous for combining modernity without leaving aside its roots: luxury and Savoir Faire.

CHANEL - BROMPTON CROSS

72-74 Sloane Ave, London SW3 3DZ

T:020 7581 8620

Switch Up Your Workouts and Wardrobe for the Winter

This Week’s Top Story

Pardon us for asking, but how’s that New Year’s resolution going? If you’re already getting overcrowded-gym fatigue (look, it’s just what happens in January), you’ll be glad to know that Pilates ProWorks—a 3,100-square-foot fitness studio—opens a new Chicago outpost on February 2.

At 765 West Adams Street, the spot serves up Pilates classes with a twist. The schedule includes MatBox—which blends yoga, mat Pilates, __and kickboxing—with barre classes __and TRX. And if you get hooked, you can keep up on the road: the company has 15 studios, with locations in San Francisco, Miami, Minneapolis, and more.

Top Sales This Week

Rag & Bone (25 E. Delaware Pl., rag-bone.com), the New York brand that’s best known for its classically tailored basics, is offering select styles for up to 50 percent off. For women, there’s a peppy red varsity jacket (reduced from $895 to $625) and a long, military-inspired vest (reduced from $650 to $325). Men’s offerings include a classic pocket tee (reduced from $95 to $50) and a slim overcoat (reduced from $895 to $625).

For steals on more contemporary gear, hit Intermix (40 E. Delaware Pl., intermixonline.com). The trendy shop has discounts on a blouse with a built-in choker (recued from $265 to $219) and party-ready, metal fringe earrings (reduced from $298 to $269).

The sales continue on Michigan Avenue. At Ermenegildo Zenga (645 N. Michigan Ave., zegna.com) pieces from the winter collection are up to 40 percent off. Men can pick up leather blousons (reduced from $4,795 to $2,877), tweed jackets (reduced from $1,995 to $1,197), and suede Chelsea boots (reduced from $395 to $237).

Brooks Brothers (brooksbrothers.com) is offering up to 60 percent off select menswear pieces and women’s accessories. Preppy styles include Saxxon Wool crewneck sweaters (reduced from $148 to $59) and a hinged, tiger-eye cuff (reduced from $348 to $139).

If you’re brunching in Wicker Park on Saturday, stick around for the winter blowout sale at Jax and Debb (1849 W. North Ave., jaxanddebb.com). Running from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the event will offer discounts of up to 60 percent on the boutique’s casual, contemporary styles for men and women. There will also be drinks, snacks, and (literal) blowouts from Kelly Cardenas Salon.

Pop-Up

TheWit Hotel (201 N. State St.) will host the Model Atelier (shopmodelatelier.com) pop-up through the end of February. Catering to women who are 5-foot-9 or taller, the store stocks clothing that flatters tall frames. Fun fact: The brand was founded by Robin Harris, a six-foot-tall designer who’s also a former model.

Health and Beauty

Is Civello (civello.com) trying to say something about our messy gym ponytail? Tonight, the local salon will host a pop-up at Pure Barre’s Lincoln Park location (2058 N. Halsted St., purebarre.com). From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., stylists will offer “workout-ready hairstyles”—think buns or elaborate braids—to guests coming and going from barre class. We suggest getting styled on the way out, then hitting up happy hour.

Closings

Diesel (shop.diesel.com) has closed its store at 923 North Rush Street. A sign in the window encourages brand fans to shop online, where—p.s.—a sale is currently offering 50 percent off select pieces.

On the Mag Mile, Cole Haan—formerly at 673 North Michigan Avenue—has closed. But, you can still find discounts on its footwear at its outlet store at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago (5220 Fashion Outlets Way, stores.colehaan.com).

 

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Samsonite New Opening's

Located in Clérigos, Porto and Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon, two of the most chic shopping areas in Portugal, Samsonite has opened two new stores with the aim to provide to their customers a sophisticated shopping experience offering unique products and a truly personalised service.

The new stores have been designed in collaboration with RAAD architects with the aim of combining the unique historical features of the buildings with innovative design and modern touches that are reflective of the Samsonite brand. Quality manufacturing is part of the Samsonite heritage and this is evident through the look and feel of their new store locations.

Visit one of these special shopping locations on your next trip Portugal to purchase your new season luggage and travel accessories.

 

Celebrate Chinese New Year with Jurlique

Renew, Rejuvenate, Celebrate

Happy Chinese New Year! This year, Jurlique invite you to celebrate the spirit of renewal by sharing the gift of their NEW Iconic Rose Collection with the ones you love.

As fans of the bestselling Rosewater Balancing Mist and Rose Hand Cream know, these luxurious products indulge your senses as you hydrate your skin, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and renewed.

To recognise this importany time of year they have created a NEW Iconic Rose Collection to celebrate the spirit of renewal that lies at the heart of this very special time of year.

Featuring the signature Rosewater Balancing Mist and Rose Hand Cream, this gorgeous gift set makes the perfect New Year gift for family and friends. Available for a limited time at the Flagship Store on Oxford Street and online at jurlique.co.uk.

Our NEW Iconic Rose Collection includes:

Rosewater Balancing Mist 50ml: The worldwide #1 bestseller! This beautifully scented facial mist is infused with precious Rose extracts to leave your skin feeling refreshed, hydrated and renewed.
Rose Hand Cream 40ml: Rich in hydrating Rose extracts and our unique blend of pure, concentrated botanicals, this rich cream deeply hydrates to leave your hands feeling soft and smooth.

Iconic Rose Collection RRP £38 | Value £51

Available in their flagship store in Oxford Street, London only.

London City Guide

By Stella Pelissari

London is a magical city and arguably the most cosmopolitan capital in Europe.

And as the writer Samuel Johnson said in 1777: " …When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”.

The food! The people! The energy! The architecture! The fashion! The stores!  Everything is so exciting… You have so many things to choose from including museums, parks, shops, bookstores, monuments, pubs, restaurants ... so how about some tips?

WHAT TO BUY

If you want to purchase souvenirs, look no further than Lock & Co., the famous hat store in Mayfair, or cosmetics, creams and even vitamins from Boots, a traditional English breakfast tea from Fortnum & Mason, great value quality clothing & cashmere from Marks & Spencer, a tie from Dunhill or a typical English rose soap from Santa Maria Novella…

WHERE TO EAT

Make your way to the bohemian Soho district of London. It’s a great place to discover, always very lively, full of energy and with a thousand gourmet options for all tastes and budgets... We would recommend these authentic eateries;

Hoppers

With a fantastic range of Sri Lankan dishes in the heart of Soho, you will love Hoppers from the first tasty mouthful. They don't take reservations, so get here early – and enjoy this experience.

Address: ‪49 Frith Street | Soho, London W1D 4SG

Barrafina

A bustling, Barcelona-style tapas restaurant serving delicious food on the original small-plates.  Make sure you try the runny-centred tortilla and the carabineros (large bright red prawns).

Address: 26-27 Dean Street | Soho, London W1D 3LL

Cafe de Paris

Fantastic cabaret and dining experience, and at the same time for a very reasonable price. The place is really gorgeous inside and you could almost imagine being in Paris.

Address: ‪ 3-4 Coventry Street, London W1D 6BL

Bob Bob Ricard

Bob Bob Ricard, the iconic Soho restaurant, serves a luxury English and Russian menu to its eclectic clientele in London's most glamorous all-booth dining room…

Address: 1 Upper James St, Soho, London W1F 9DF

WHAT TO SEE

Museums… London is well known for its rich culture and most museums are free. But two are really impermissible: The Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum.

After your visit, do not hesitate to visit the boutiques of each museum. You will be overwhelmed by the fantastic selection of products. Most of their gift selections are exclusively made and inspired by pieces you have seen in the museums, and they make great presents to bring back home.

Victoria & Albert Museum - ‪Cromwell Road | South Kensington, London SW7 2RL

British Museum - Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG