I cannot believe we are this.close to the end of another year and gearing up to face the good, bad, challenges+ awesomeness of 2013.

Some of you may be ready to press fast forward to 2013 and one last hurrah to kick 2012 to the curb. New Years Eve is an opportunity to celebrate,bid farewell and usher in the new year in high style. Whether you will be celebrating with a large group at some of the NYE parties listed below, at a small gathering at someone house or doing dinner then church, there’s a plethora of options for your to welcome 2013 in good taste.
THE PREP
Some of us unfortunately have to report to the office that Monday, augh! Either to do some last minute billing, final deal closings or because you didn’t think fast enough to request that day off; the last thing on your mind will be work and the one thing that you don’t want to have to worry about is getting ready to have fun that night. Let me give you some tips on how to look fab and party like the world won’t end…for a night.
Lets start with your beauty regimen, I’ve got a secret for you and its PRETTY QUICK . No really it is, Pretty Quick is an online beauty booking service that’s here to save you from throwing a fit because you can’t get your hair done in time to look banging from head to toe. As someone who works during the day then jetting off to a party or two right after work, Pretty quick is just for you. All you have to do is register, then pick a service and your nearby location and voila! you’ve got yourself a blowout,updo appointment. Seriously give it a go you’ll thank me and gentlemen you can get in on this action too, don’t leave all the fun to the ladies. The best part?!!?! You can earn PrettyQuick Points good towards discounted appointments, free products and gift certificates! 3 steps: I need….I’m available….I’m close to. PRETTY QUICK. I like to call it the uber for beauty services, tell me if you agree.

Now unto your outfit. Ladies and gentlemen, sometimes its best to ring in the new year wearing something new and HOT! The temptation to wear that one black dress or that blazer that’s been your staple for so long will be there but resist it at all cost. City side ladies, stop by SARCA and pick up a hot little number, guys stop by the SAKS FIFTH MEN’S STORE and pick something to look sharp in. Suburb guys and gals, pick something up at NEOPOLITAN. If you were super Santa during this holidays and your wallet’s a bit thin at the moment, no worries head over to Nordstrom Rack or Off 5th(prefer the Northbrook locations but the State St. one is good too). Make a beeline for the clearance racks, I’m sure you will find something with a little patience and a keen eye. Make sure to wear chic but comfortable shoes, don’t be that person-you know the one with no shame that takes their shoes off right in front of everyone on the dancefloor, ew!
THE NIGHT
My friends began asking me what I was doing for NYE about 3 weeks ago to which I didn’t have a response, at the time. Here’s are some choices for you to consider as you finalize your NYE plans.
DINNER
If you haven’t made reservations at this time you might be SOL if you want to go somewhere nice. A bunch of restaurants, even newcomer Del Frisco’s, are fully booked, but based on my experience as a former hostess, if you know the GM/owner at the establishment they can make some things happen 😉 If you don’t feel like going through that either, host a dinner at your place. Small space? perhaps head to a BYOB or host at a friends house and you offer to clean.
PARTY

To say there is an abundance of parties new years eve is an understatement. There are different parties for diff price points and tastes.
Esquire Eve: Esquire Magazine and Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka present ESQUIRE EVE
Where: Chucks Manufacturing at Hard Rock Hotel
Time: 8:30PM-2AM
Cost:$100 (VIP available)
What do I get with this? DJ Chris Masterson with DJ Timbuk2, Premium Open Bar,Appetizer Buffet,Midnight Champagne Toast,Late-Night Snack & Dessert Buffet,Party Favors + more MORE INFO
Cheeky Chicago’s White Night
SLC’s favourite people James Goeke and Megan Taylor are hosting along with Lisa Frame and Raj Sai.
Where: Vertigo Sky Lounge at Dana Hotel
Time: 9PM-
Cost? $125+
What do I get with this? Top Shelf premium cocktails, champagne toast, bites from Argent DETAILS
Platinum Events along with Untitled presents “Chicago Empire 2013”
Where: Untitled 111 West Kinzie Chicago
Time: 9PM-2AM
Cost: $160 and up
What do I get with this? Hosts Candace Jordan and Marcus Riley, performance by Mr. Robotic, Premium open bar,Hors D’oeuvres, Midnight Toasts DETAILS
In Bronzville:
The Presidential Experience” @ Room 43
Where: 1041 E. 43rd St
Time: 9PM-2AM
Cost? $50+ (VIP packages available)
What do I get with this? Champagne toast, 4DJ’s, heavy apps, no open bar unless you buy bottles or VIP Package DETAILS
Entrepreneur’s Eve At the Adler Planetarium
“a night to pay tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of the world’s trail blazers. It applauds those pursuing the American dream and toasts the starters igniting the community around them with ideas, passion and a drive for change. It’s an evening to celebrate and pay-it-forward.” I guess you have to bring bunch of business cards to this?
If you can afford this one go for it, DJ Matt Roan is awesome and based on DJ Dolo’s performance at T Party you will be dancing your a$$ off all night and portion of proceeds will be donated to a charity- H Foundation.
Where: Adler Planetarium 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Time: 8PM-1AM
Cost: $200
What do I get with this? Uber Trolley service, open bar, cigar lounge, casino, DETAILS
An Evening of Opulence: NYE 2013 presented by Genuine Entertainment, Monika Dixon PR at N9NE+Ghostbar
Where: N9NE steakhouse 440 W. Randolph St
Time: 9PM-1AM
Cost: $150
What do I get with this? DJ Madrid, N9NE’s Premium Open Bar,hosts Paul Iacono, Monica Canellis, Phillip Mitchell, passed fare and a decadent dessert buffet DETAILS
STUDIO PARIS IS SOLD OUT EXCEPT TABLE SERVICE
CHURCH
What?!? sometimes some people want to usher in the new year without the parties and craziness
Fourth Presbyterian Church Taizé Service 7:30-9PM Buchanan Chapel
Holy Name Cathedral 6:15PM
Fellowship Missionary Baptist Chicago
City Church 7PM prayer service
New Life Covenant Church
Word to the wise, go out celebrating NYE with minimal expectations. Either sign up for UBER or get a nearby hotel room, please please please no drunk driving or drunk texting while driving. A DUI is not something you want to kick your year off with. Celebrate responsibly, dance like Prince wrote ‘Dirty Diana’ just for you and have fun! SWERVE!

