the it Girl Rules blog: January 2013

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Restaurant Review: Little Goat

It Girl Fam,

I recently found myself in the West Loop of Chicago around 10pm on a school night STARVED and wasn’t sure where to go. I stopped by a popular sports bar on Randolph, but my heart sank when I was told that the kitchen was closed. The bartender was nice enough to recommend Little Goat, which was just a few blocks away. I had not heard of it, but my friend did. Apparently, it's Stephanie Izard's latest venture. She is Executive Chef of the well-known Girl and The Goat restaurant.

There’s nothing little about this place. The diner-style restaurant sits on the corner of Randolph and Green and seems to take over most of the block. Then there’s this enormous spinning neon goat sign at the very top of the restaurant. You literally couldn't miss Little Goat if you tried.

Thankfully, we arrived after the dinner rush and got seated at a cozy booth right away. The layout reminded me of the diners that I frequented when I lived in the northeast, but was way more pristine and sophisticated. The prices are super-reasonable also. The BBQ Pork Sammich (sandwich) was calling me y’all, so I ordered it and completely enjoyed it. My friend ordered a Korean inspired dish called Kimchee & Bacon & Eggs & Pancakes Asian Style Breakfast Tasty Thing. It was a mouthful literally and figuratively. There were only crumbs left on my friend’s plate, so I have to assume it was great also.

We had a very pleasant experience at Little Goat. I will absolutely be back. The food and service were outstanding, but I would be remiss if I didn't shout out the soundscaping. No, there wasn't a deejay but the background music took our experience to the next level. The playlist included hits from Ginuwine, Dre & Snoop, Joe, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Busta Rhymes, Montell Jordan, and A Tribe Called Quest, just to name a few.

If you’re looking for a late-night bite or an upscale diner experience, then definitely check out Little Goat.

Below are a few photos.

Enjoy!

Tamika
itgirlrules.com

My BBQ Pork Sammich was crazy.

View of main dining area

Dining counter with a view directly into the kitchen

Julie, the coolest waitress ever

Full bar in the back

A full bakery was back there too.

They supply treats for both Little Goat and Girl and The Goat.

Rubs and spices for sale - across from the bar

Looking forward to coming back for breakfast!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Fashion Line Review: VIPE Women's Fitness Apparel

Happy 2013, It Girl Fam!

Many of us have fitness on our list of New Year’s resolutions, so I wanted to share with you a relatively new line in women’s fitness apparel called VIPE (aka VIP Exercise). I recently had the opportunity to meet the CEO and designer of VIPE, Marlies Korijn, and view her Spring 2013 line. She’s super-cool and has an impressive background. Not only is Marlies a former field hockey star and an exercise scientist, but she’s also from the Netherlands.

Designed for women by a woman, the line is stylish, sophisticated, and very functional. VIPE’s high-quality wicking fabric is proprietary and contains no polyester, which means no piling! I like that. Marlies takes every opportunity to accentuate our beautiful curves while minimizing the trouble areas that most women are self-conscious about. Her loose-fitting tanks conceal any challenges you may have around your midsection. Seam placement throughout the line has a slimming effect and the rise in the back of the pants, capri tights, and shorts are higher. Who doesn’t like a little extra coverage back there? Two thumbs up on the high-rise!

There are other practical features worth highlighting. The jacket zippers can lock in place and you’ll find reflectors strategically designed on each garment. Her line also accommodates any MP3 player with hidden pockets some of the tanks and bottoms and a hidden hole in the jackets comfortably conceal the wires of your ear plugs. I should add that the line offers lots of layering and mix-n-match options. The primary colors in the line are white, black, pink, and green.

The Spring 2013 line hits select boutiques this February. Click here for a full listing of boutiques. You can learn more about VIPE at thevipe.com

Thank you Taylor and CRC the invitation.

Below are some VIPE pix.

Enjoy.

Tamika
itgirlrules.com

Marlies Korijn, CEO of VIPE

Accelerate Cover Up on Marlies & I'm wearing the Cardiac Woven Packaway Jacket.

This model is wearing my favorite pieces of the entire line -
the White Vigour Terry Jacket & Pant.

I probably would wear this white jumpsuit everywhere but the gym. It's too cute.

The Accelerate Cover Up Jacket.

There's a ton of detail which the camera doesn't capture like the headphone hole underneath the collar and the thumbhole in the cuffs. (Marlies is also wearing this jacket above.)