The CHAPPELL Report
By Terrence Chappell

Just To Let You Know Fashion mogul and dedicated philanthropist Candace Jordan toasted the town on December 4 in a private celebration for the success of her much talked about lifestyle and fashion blog, www.candidcandace.com. Held at the Gold Coast's Dismero, the premier Italian boutique brought to 50 E. Oak Street by designer Andy D'Auria, Candace's Candid Cocktail Blog Party's guest list included some of the city's elite. Billy Dec, owner of treasured nightlife destination The Underground and host of NBC-5's 24/7 Chicago, rolled in with fellow host Catie Keogh to shoot the event for their show and to give a nod to Candace's stylish contributions.

"Candace is amazing and people know who she is in Chicago. The world of marketing and communication has truly evolved. It's a great party," said Billy.

Dismero elicits a sophisticated, clinical chic vibe with bright track lights, pure white walls and light-colored tiling, which forces one's eye on the clothing, and more importantly, on Candace's welcoming crowd and her charitable agenda. Ten percent of the store's proceeds will go to her favorite charity, Common Threads, a charity that aims to teach children proper nutrition regimens. Dismero co-owner and personal friend JaDon Mendenhall recalled her memorable first interaction with Candace and of how it only made sense to have her cocktail party at the boutique.

"I fell in love with Candace when I first met her. She comes across as a very strong and self-assured woman," said JaDon.

Guests sipped on a variety of Chardonnays and delicious passed hors d'oeuvres that ventured past the typical cheese and crackers. For some visual candy, people could move over to a plasma screen television that played a picture slide show of other high society events and the who's who that attended. Speaking of stellar attendance, also present was Chicago Sun-Times celebrity columnist Bill Zwecker to help support Candace in her journalism initiatives. He also agreed that Candace knows how to throw a great party.

With electrifying blue eyes, her famous slicked back gray hair and a warm elegance, it was apparent how Candace attracted such a genuine and friendly crowd. Her talent, passion and respect for not only fashion but also her fellow man are contagious and come across in her presence. Not to mention, not too many women can add "Chicago's Playboy Bunny of the year" in 1976 to their list of achievements. In the end, Candace attributes her success to her past experiences as the fashion editor of TCW magazine, a member of the NBC-5 street team, and of course Playboy.

Personal friend and local socialite Joey Majumdar playfully wrapped up Candace and the party: "I think it's a wonderful. In my eyes, she's Miss Chicago. She will always know what's hot."

Terrence Chappell is a freelancer who has written about fashion, nightlife, and other lifestyle related topics for BOI, UR, and various online magazines. He can be reached at BoiEditorial@aol.com.