The rooms are truly impeccable and create an air of luxe comfort for the insider traveler, and while we'd love to stay inside and soak up the room's glam, the true fun is found outside. The hotel’s brasserie on the ground floor has become a favorite among Parisians for its soaring ceilings, sleek banquettes, and classic dishes (steak tartare; au bon frites). One floor below the restaurant, Mikado Dancing is a Jazz-era nightclub that the hotel owners brought back to life as a speakeasy-dance hall; it’s open every Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m. We highly recommend their gin tonics, which are crafted with a house gin that is not found anywhere else. Head to the rooftop bar for lunch and views of the Sacré Coeur, a staple of Paris's ode to the past and it's grand future.
Paris truly is the city of lights, and the Pigalle neighborhood’s past comes alive in Hôtel Rochechouart, an oh-so-chic 106-room property on the boulevard Marguerite de Rochechouart, itself a late-night destination and a 1920s hot spot for musicians, intellectuals, and artists. The hotel’s design by Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay of Festen Architecture builds off of that legacy; restored details include the blue mosaic floor in the restaurant and the glass elevator. The classic yet modern rooms are decorated in a fashion that blends the French pastel classics with contemporary flare.
The rooms are truly impeccable and create an air of luxe comfort for the insider traveler, and while we'd love to stay inside and soak up the room's glam, the true fun is found outside. The hotel’s brasserie on the ground floor has become a favorite among Parisians for its soaring ceilings, sleek banquettes, and classic dishes (steak tartare; au bon frites). One floor below the restaurant, Mikado Dancing is a Jazz-era nightclub that the hotel owners brought back to life as a speakeasy-dance hall; it’s open every Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m. We highly recommend their gin tonics, which are crafted with a house gin that is not found anywhere else. Head to the rooftop bar for lunch and views of the Sacré Coeur, a staple of Paris's ode to the past and it's grand future.
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Last summer was all about the “revenge” trip. Just throwing caution to the wind and booking that bucket-list vacation. This year things are looking a little… different. Generally, travel is a bit more expensive than last year – but on the positive side, Americans are also taking way more PTO (the average vacation is longer than it was in 2019). We respect that. In an effort to arm you for your upcoming summer travels, we’ve put together the 8 things you need to know, that’ll help you plan a better trip
1. Tis the season to use your passport. You know what’s hot right now? International travel. International flight searches are up a whopping 42%, it’s not just flights, both hotel searches (+36%) and car searches (+35%) are up for international destinations, compared to last summer. So hop on the trend. 2. Renting a car is probably the only thing you won’t have to splurge on. Trips are an investment – and like the price of eggs, they feel a bit pricier this year. But one bright spot is for rental cars: overall, daily rental rates are down 13% compared to last year. So you can expect to pay less for your ride. To compare, flights and hotels have seen a 35% and 5% increase in cost, respectively. 3. You’re gonna pay a bit more, and you’re gonna be ok with it. That doesn’t mean you can’t use a budget website to hack your way to a great deal. But if we’re looking just at the data, we don’t see any domestic OR international summer flight destinations that have seen a significant drop in airfare when compared to last summer.* So across the board, expect to pay a bit more. (But it’s worth it, promise.) 4. If you’re traveling for a holiday, travel during the week. Put in your PTO. The week of Memorial Day is (one of) the cheapest weeks of the summer to travel domestically. Similarly, the week of Labor Day is one of the cheapest to stay in a hotel in the US OR rent a car internationally.* So when everyone is back to the office on Tuesday, use that as your opportunity to be cool. By Sara Walker
You know that you’re capable of being a top-tier applicant (that’s why you’re here!). You’re the type to take your career ambitions into your own hands—build your network, do your research, rock the interview, and write an awesome thank you note. But then it’s the hiring manager’s turn, and you have to shift gears from proactive to patient. Isn’t there anything you can do? The short answer is, making the switch from “full steam ahead” to “wait and see” mode is the most important step (but more on that later). Read on for a breakdown of the dos and don’t’s while you’re waiting to hear back. Don’t Work Against Yourself As with most relationships, looking interested is good, but looking too interested makes you less desirable. You may think you’re showing your future company that you’re ready to hit the ground running, but if you come on too strong post-interview (think “checking in” to restate your interest less than a week after the interview or double communicating—emailing and then emailing again without a response from the other party), you look less like a candidate they’d be lucky to hire and more like someone who’s anxious to leave your current role. It’s not fair, but the rules of human nature apply, and someone who seems desperate suddenly seems less appealing. Need another reason to wait to contact your potential employer? Even if you are a shoo-in, being over-eager will weaken your negotiating stance when it is time to talk terms. If you put too fine a point on wanting to work at this company more than anything in the world, then the company may offer you a lower salary than a candidate it’s trying to entice. Do Respond in a Timely Fashion To be clear, you want to step back from your role initiating communication—which you did when you sent your cover letter and thank you note—and let the company be the party to reach out. However, there is a big—read: catastrophic—difference between letting the interviewer take the lead and deserting the dance floor altogether. Just like you should respond to a request for an interview within 24 hours, if your contact follows up with you (good sign!), be sure to reply within one day (and ideally within a few hours). Going on vacation? Set an away message for your personal email; even consider updating your voicemail message to tell callers you’ll be unreachable. It’s worth it so the company doesn’t think you’ve simply moved on. Don’t Drive Yourself Crazy I was recently waiting to hear back about a position, and I’ll admit it: Every time my email dinged, I frantically checked to see if it was news on the job front—or just another retail advertisement. I’d think about the job before I went to bed, and when I woke up in the morning. That’s not necessarily a bad thing: In part, obsessing over a job is how you know you’re on the right track and applying for a role you’re really passionate about. At the same time, though, you need that proverbial dose of reality—and regularly—so that you’re not crushed if you don’t get the job. Your personal timeline will depend on your circumstances, but if I make it to the final round for any given job, I give myself one week when I’m allowed to think about it non-stop. For an entire week, I don’t apply to other jobs (assuming I don’t have anything else in the works), almost as a show of confidence in myself. For the skeptics who think this means I’ll miss my chance elsewhere, the second part of the one-week rule is that, after a week, I go back to job-hunting business as usual, and pick up right where I left off. Do Move on Graciously Okay, ideally, you hear that the job is yours, and then all you need to do is negotiate your salary and prepare to leave your current role. Another, somewhat more depressing scenario—though one you’ll get through just fine—is that one to two weeks go by and you hear that you didn’t get the job. If this is the case, graciously thank the hiring managers for their time and, if appropriate, ask to be kept in mind for future roles or to stay connected on LinkedIn. Perhaps the hardest scenario, of course, is when an employer who tells you you’re a finalist then follows the “never contact the applicant again and he or she will get we went another way” protocol. (Personally, I prefer when company procedures mimic that of what they’d expect of their employees—being timely and honest—but that’s really not up to me.) So what should you do? How do you know whether a company passed on you or if the hiring process is simply taking longer than expected? It’s OK to send one follow-up email, and from there gauge your contact’s response (if any) and response time, and then reply if appropriate. And if you’ve sent a thank-you note, followed up once, and haven’t heard a peep—well, it’s probably best to keep exploring your options. Waiting to hear back about a job is nerve-wracking. But use the steps above to stay sane—both for yourself and in the eyes of the company. The highly-anticipated release of Bonjour Beau: Monti has been all the rage thus far. The subject matter, 23 year-old physique and underwear model Monti, captured by the talented internationally-recognized Jorge Zavala (@BROMOISH), is shaking the internet by storm. The marvelous photo-story book, which was recently unveiled in Los Angeles, is officially on-sale online and will be in several book-stands throughout the United States this summer. The notable qualities of the book, in addition to the high-res images of outstanding work by @BROMOISH, is the simple essence of the je ne sais quoi of life: the simple beauty of the gym-buff next door.
Boys will be boys, and cupcakes will always be delicious. Well, so long as The Cake Studio makes them. The Cake Studio, a locally-sourced cupcake design and gastronomic wonder, opened its doors in Chicago and has launched, with the help of #PdMModels, one of the season's most-anticipated campaigns: #BoysAndCupcakes. The Cake Studio, one of Chicago's trendiest avenues to get the most-delicious custom-made cupcakes, macaroons, and cakes, is taking Chicago by storm this spring and is collaborating with several fashion powerhouses, including 2(X)ist, Allez Magazine, and Hennessy, to bring savory treats to every household in Chicago, and beyond. The #BoysAndCupcakes campaign, which officially launches this spring, is a campaign to bring awareness to #TCakeStudio's brand new couture concept for macaroons, cupcakes, and cakes. Some of the style-savvy brand's most popular items include double-chocolate caramel cupcakes (featured above) and the velvet rose wedding cake (by order only).
To learn more about The Cake Studio, visit their website and follow the fun on Facebook! Follow #PdMModels and #TCakeStudio on Instagram and hashtag your pics, #BoysAndCupcakes for a chance to win a custom-cake! By Jorge Zavala | Creative Director As Chicago enters the heart of gala and charity event season, there are numerous events across the city, from River North to Highland Park, that raise funds for a worthy cause. However, one event truly stood out this season: Fashion, Compassion, and Cocktails, organized and graciously delivered by Moxie Strategies, one of Chicago's leading events marketing companies. The industry-insider event took place at the Godfrey Hotel in River North on October 29, 2015. The highly-anticipated event, which began promptly with a premier cocktail reception, attracted the attention of business gurus, media insiders, fashionistas, and fashion models, among other notable groups. The soiree benefited the Israel Idonije Foundation, which provides a plethora of programs for empowering children across Chicago, the needy in Africa via Project Africa, and fostering community unity among urban youth and law enforcement via the highly-talked-about program, Shop with a Cop. Additionally, the IIF's All Star Football and Cheer Camp is renowned for its quality work with youth and the program's ability to foster strong leadership skills and confidence in tomorrow's leaders. Moxie Strategies, LLC, the producer of this successful soiree, is known to host some of Chicago's top industry parties. Some of their previous endeavors include The Masked Rabbit and Candyland. The company's events are quite niche, appealing to the upwardly-mobile professional market, giving them unique and effective experiences and opportunities to network with other professionals so as to grow their business endeavors. The company believes that in helping businesses flourish, the local and national businesses, along with Moxie, can better assist those in need. Moxie’s mission is to provide visibility for small businesses and under-served local charitable organizations. Attendees enjoyed an evening of delicious hors d'oeuvres, free-flowing premium champagne, and savory cocktails, which included the I|O Rooftop Lounge's special Moscow Mule. In addition to savory evening elixirs, decadent desserts were provided by some of Chicago's top patisseries and restaurants for attendees to enjoy. This sweet treat, obviously enjoyed in moderation, was a top contender for many guests. Some of Untitled Chicago's dining team was present to showcase their delicious bourbon and southern-inspired delight. Their food was a delight and definitely worth checking out. Fashionistas and models adorned both the stage and the crowd as the who's who industry soiree boasted some of Chicago's most notable individuals within the fashion, lifestyle, and society social-circuit. Glenn Marshall, a current model represented in Chicago, enjoyed a glass of bubbly throughout the evening while working the crowd. Guests, from one side of the rooftop to the other, wouldn't stop discussing the allure of the evening. Top insiders from the industry made their way to the event not just for a wonderful night out, but also for the opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause. Bravo to Moxie Strategies for hosting a top-tier event full of successful marketing opportunities, delish bites, and enticing spirits.
Cheers! We look forward to the next one. by: Tina Ogilvie | Society Editor In Chicago's pursuit to become glocal, the city's nightlife has undergone a series of renovations. Gastropubs like The Dawson, which opened in 2013, have made it their goal to attract a diverse clientele by embracing Chicago's rich history. Their design mirrors the "pioneering, artistic, and straightforward attitude"attributed to William and Henry Dawson. The Dawson Brothers operated one of the U.S.'s most successful fireplace mantle companies during the late 1800s early 1900s. The Dawson maybe be known for its history and architecture, however, PdM had the privilege of sampling a few of their popular cocktails; Buried Alive, Midnite Vultures, and Day Spa. Buried Alive, a mezcal infused cocktail, is the ideal drink for one of Chicago's cold winter days. For those of you that enjoy fresh lavender and gin, Midnite Vultures is the drink for you. Both fragrant and potent, it is an ideal choice immediately after a successful business rendezvous. When you live a busy, stressful life in the city, chances are you don't have the time to spend hours at the spa. Fortunately, this cocktail (Day Spa) is the perfect drink to unwind.
Each cocktail has a unique, exquisite taste and are all highly-recommended. While we didn't have the opportunity to sample the food offerings, we vouch for the cocktails whether you're at The Dawson for an early dinner or fancy a night out with a few girl friends. For additional images from PdM's experience at The Dawson, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you to Madelaine Kukanza and the wonderful folks at The Dawson for a great time. By Jorge G. Zavala | Creative Director The great Miguel de Cervantes was quoted saying, "All sorrows are less with bread." If this is the case, the delectable brunch at Peacock Alley within the renowned Waldorf Astoria New York will transport you to a time when the mind, heart, and soul only knew and embraced joy, grace, satisfaction, and elegance. The Peacock Alley, which hosts one of the most superb brunches in all of New York City (and beyond), boasts a feast that blends the classic with modern sophistication. As you step into the halls of the historic Waldorf Astoria, you can't help but feel the hospitality of the handsome staff and l'air d'etre of one of New York City's most dignified spaces. Peacock Alley, which serves brunch on Sundays from 10am until 2pm (final seating), boasts a heritage of culinary excellence that exceeds expectations. Guests are graciously seated and select an elixir of their choice before engaging in the gastronomic experience. The coffee is bold and flavorful, the jus d'orange is freshly squeezed and divine, but the real experience takes other forms. The Bloody Mary, which is an iconic brunch favorite, takes an entire new level of delicious at Peacock Alley. Generously infused with the right amount of vodka and graced with the freshest tomato juice, black pepper, and Tabasco sauce, this Bloody Mary serves as a "Hello, Good Morning!" to what will become a true culinary journey. The brunch delivers a divine raw bar with caviar, clams, oysters, lobster and shrimp, which is only enhanced by the smoked fish (we encourage the diverse offerings of salmon) and the meat carving stations. Our personal favorites were the clams, caviar, and plump shrimp, which were some of the freshest we've tasted in New York City. If the raw bar or savory variety of seasoned meats were not at the top of a guest's list, one of Peacock Alley's charming cuisiners was ready to prepare an omelet of one's choice, full of fresh and palatable ingredients. Additionally, the best of traditional fare americain, which included buttermilk pancakes and lobster bisque, were also popular among guests. In between savoring the seasoned meats and indulging in the raw bar, we needed to take a moment to observe and truly embrace the ambiance and joie d'etre of the experience. The crowd, which reflected a diverse-array of upwardly-mobile individuals, appeared quite content, perhaps attributed to the fine selection of gourmet desserts. As we were getting ready to indulge in some of sweet delights, a fine gentleman insisted on a second Bloody Mary. With such hospitality (and flavor), we simply couldn't afford to negate the possibility of a second brunch cocktail. This time, the mimosa was the elixir of choice. Attributing the qualities of the mimosa to very fresh oranges and premium champagne, my palate was completely refreshed and ready for both dessert and additional sips. With over 100 gourmet delights to satisfy even the pickiest of dessert connoisseurs, this brunch experience would not be complete with such delicacies. While walking past the chocolate fondue fountain, we overheard an elderly woman describe the desserts on her plate in detail to one of her gal friends. "Everything I've tried (at the dessert bar) is delicious...these little chocolate cakes are some of the best I've tried outside of Paris." Dessert, mimosas, and a beautiful crowd adorned our experience at Peacock Alley. An added charm to brunch was the gorgeous voice of a young painist/chanseur that enchanted guests with her talent. The live performance added an extra dose of appeal that was only heightened by the hospitality of those working diligently to make brunch at the Waldorf Astoria a moment to remember. When in New York, the brunch at Peacock Alley is highly-recommended and PdM-approved. Reservations are a must as this culinary soiree is popular with both locals and visitors wishing to treat themselves to an experience like no other.
For additional images from Prestige du Monde's brunch experience at Peacock Alley, find us on Facebook and Twitter. xo By Emma Wilson | Guest Contributor
The ACT is a college entrance exam that evaluates a student's readiness for college. Through the ACT exam process college admissions boards can judge a student's current level of knowledge, as well as their ability to reason and think logically. The ACT is one of the most important exams in a students educational career, and is a part of most colleges and universities admission requirements. It is also one of the most challenging and can make, or break, a student's chances of getting into a top school. What is the ACT? The ACT is an achievement test that determines a student's current level of knowledge. Students are tested on a variety of subjects, including Mathematics, Science, and English. The test is designed to gauge a student's understanding of these topics, and their ability to apply their knowledge and reasoning skills to a standardized set of questions. It heavily shapes a student's eligibility to enter college and obtain certain scholarships. Scoring The highest achievable score on the ACT is 36. A students score is determined by awarding points for all questions answered correctly. No points are deducted for wrong answers. Each section of the ACT is graded separately, and these scores are averaged to create a composite score for the entire exam. This is your final score, and it is this score that provides college admissions boards with a standard measure of a student's skills in the various areas that have been tested. This test will determine your child's future. Taking the ACT can be a valuable experience for students planning to continue on to college. While the thought of one more exam may seem frustrating at first, the value of the ACT should not be dismissed. With a solid ACT score and a good high school academic history you can face the college admissions boards secure in the knowledge that you are a good fit for their institution. Most students will take the exam 3-4 times: most universities do not super-score your exams, so you are welcome to send the highest of the scores. It is important to seek early preparation for the ACT as the exam weighs heavily on a child's academic portfolio. Some schools weigh the ACT as 35% of a student's portfolio when applying for college while others can weigh the exam up to 78%, depending on the program. Parents and educators alike are encouraged to begin prepping their students as soon as possible, and a private tutor is usually the best approach. Most tutoring and preparation for the ACT ranges between $60-$120 per 1 hour session, based on student needs. The most challenging for students are the English, Reading, and Science sections as pacing and time are a challenge for many students. While we'd like to encourage students to have a well-rounded background for college, the reality is that the ACT will determine a great deal of your student's success in college and the experience truly begins now. Don't wait until it's too late to invest in your child. -- About Emma Emma is an administrator and former educator of 20 years in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She received her master's of education from Northwestern University and has worked with the ACT Board to develop programs benefiting students everywhere. She currently dedicates herself to working with high school students to develop their college-ready skills and preparedness. She lives in Palatine, IL with her husband and dog, Andy. By Tina Ogilvie | Society Editor Photography by Jorge G. Zavala 2015 came to Chicago with a bang. Not to sound overtly cliche, but Siena Tavern, located at 51 W. Kinzie in Chicago's trendy River North neighborhood, delivered more than a NYE soiree. It brought elegance, style, hospitality, and craft-cocktails to a new level. The NYE rendezvous, which began promptly at 9pm, attracted some of Chicago's most notable individuals from the finance, fashion, and business sectors as well as out-of-towners who wanted to celebrate the beginning of a new year with our very own who's who. Party-goers were treated to a full-night of open bar with premium elixir selections, including Grey Goose Vodka, as well as free-flowing champagne for our upwardly-mobile friends to savor while mingling with a posh, insider crowd. Whether you wanted a whiskey sour or indulged in a savory cocktail with Grey Goose Vodka, the options for delight were limitless as Siena Tavern constantly made it a point to ensure guests were partying like it was 2015. This holiday couple was all smiles as they sipped on their savour bonne cocktails and made new friends on New Year's Eve. Friends, both old and new, gathered to celebrate one of the most important holidays of the year at one of Chicago's hottest venues. VIP guests were invited to their personal booths, generous amounts of mixers and gastronomy delights, along with Grey Goose Vodka to keep the night bumpin;. The only challenge guests encountered NYE was deciding which type of elixir to choose from. As one of these fabulous young ladies put it, "New Year's is a time to mingle with your friends but also drink a good cocktail because it's the beginning of something special, a new you for the new year." Fashionistas from both coasts couldn't miss the stylish happenings at Siena Tavern. "We wanted a great cocktail but also an opportunity to welcome the new year with some of the closest people to us." By the time the new year had arrived, guests were more than ready to toast to new opportunities, new friends, and a new set of experiences to come. While champagne was definitely a favorite for the toast, guest continued to indulge in Grey Goose craft cocktails, a whiskey double, and a tequila sunrise, or two. Props to the wonderful staff at Siena Tavern for their diligence and awesome attitude throughout the entire night. If you missed this year's affair at one of Chicago's hottest industry-insider spot, don't panic: they offer plenty of fun throughout the regular season. In 2015, we expect some momentous avenues to continue opening up for Siena Tavern. One of the hottest places to be this past NYE, we anticipate some high-profile developments with some of Chicago's finest ladies (and gents). Happy New Year to everyone at Siena Tavern. We look forward to next year's soiree.
xo. For more images from NYE 2015 at Siena Tavern, "like" us on Facebook. |
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