Brenda Butler

We're so over minimalism, mediocre wines and spinning. We've moved on to Spiritualism, baby couture and shag rugs. It's all so cool . . . that is, until the next...

The scene: First anniversary benefit of the Gene Siskel Film Center, in Chicago. Cineaste fact: Actually, it's the 30th anniversary of the center, renamed in 2000 in honor of the...

The classic oral-contraceptive dispenser has changed little in 40 years. Indeed, its compact-case camouflage has become so familiar that it has the ironic effect of announcing to anyone who sees...

Ceilings in this architecturally unusual, 8-year-old home at 1202 W. Fletcher St. in the Lake View neighborhood range from 15 to 40 feet high, an indication of the structure's open,...

Barbara Bates' clientele reads like a who's who of African-American celebrities: Oprah Winfrey, Whitney Houston, Michael and Juanita Jordan, Snoop Dogg and Bernie Mac, among others. But in her first...

FAVORITE BAR: The California Clipper [1002 N. California Ave]. I love the 1950s crowd, mixed in with a little punk. FAVORITE JUNK FOOD: Vanilla bean milkshakes. I like chocolate only...

The seventh-floor apartment in the southwest corner of the Gothic-like Raymond Park Co-op Building at 1501 Hinman Ave. looks out over much of Evanston and the tall lakefront buildings on...

Event: The American Cancer Society Women's Board annual spring luncheon and Giorgio Armani fashion show, at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. Honorary chair: Lauren Hutton, who greeted 1,200 guests. A...

On tour promoting his album "8701," the 23-year-old recently performed at the Tweeter Center. Are you satisfied with the album? I could have done more. That's my diary, that's my...

Celebrating: Chicago Sinfonietta's 15th anniversary gala and benefit concert, at the Hilton Chicago. The maestro: Paul Freeman, founding musical director, conducted the orchestra through several selections, including one of his...