Chicago's Network Of Bloggers Unite At BLOGAPALOOZA, Held 9/24

Come meet the voices behind the city's one-stop-spot for the hottest dialogs on trends, events, news and happenings in Chicago -- ChicagoNow.com. Now's your chance to join the conversation and engage with the blogosphere in person when Chicago's network of bloggers unite on Thursday, September 24 from 5 - 7 p.m., at "Blogapalooza", presented by the new ChicagoNow and The 900 Shops. Complimentary spirits, food and music!

This is a special opportunity for shoppers and followers of these "familiar strangers" to meet Chicagoans' favorite opinion influencers. ChicagoNow bloggers will be stationed within 900 N. Michigan's selected retailers and restaurants, demonstrating their wit, their skills and offering "how-to" advice, along with a DJ, food samples, special values and raffles. Park at The 900 Shops after 4 p.m. on this day, and receive a $6 parking validation ticket from any participating retailer.

Come meet the voices behind ChicagoNow.com at The 900 Shops:

-Ashley Bond of "Body by Bond and David Wallach of "Pace of Chicago" will be giving tips on working out and staying healthy at Equinox (Lower Level);

-Candace Jordan of "Candid Candace," which tracks the trends and talk of Chicago's social scene, will host a swanky soiree with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and other happenings at Montblanc (Level 1);

-Brandon Frein and Arlene Matthews of "Styled in Chicago" will team up with Bloomingdale's. Bobbi Brown cosmetic outposts will be stationed outside (Level 1); and "new" looks created for three candidates will be unveiled, with makeup by Laura Mercier and Freeze 24/7 Skincare, along with a meet & greet and fall fashion presentation (Level 5);

-Sarah Stegner of "Prairie Chefs," which offers an inside look at being a top Chicago chef, will give cooking demonstrations at Williams-Sonoma (Level 2);

-Maya Henderson of "Breath, Body & Balance" will educate guests with yoga and relaxation tips at Lululemon Athletica (Level 3);

-Matt Lo Cascio of "Jay Cutler Superstar" and Julie DiCaro of "A League of Her Own" will meet, greet and talk Chicago sports, treating guests to Macallan Scotch, Joey's Brickhouse's Cheesy Noodle Bar and shoe shines at Mark Shale (Level 3); and for the ladies, Remy Martin Tropicana cocktails (Level 4);

-Susan Cordogan of "Chicago RSVP," will offer wedding etiquette and planning tips with dainty sweets at Genevieve Lethu (Level 4);

-Caitlin Giles of "Wee Windy City" will share with parents the best spots in Chicago to take the kids, while the little ones are treated to face painting, a scavenger hunt for store prizes and cookies in the "Kids Korner," Galt Toys, Oilily, Potbelly, Preggers and Mini Me (Level 5);

-Matt McGuire of "Metromix: The Blog" will join a wine tasting with Alpana Singh, Director of Wine and Spirits for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, host of Check Please and also a ChicagoNow blogger of "What Would Alpana Drink?" sharing her favorite selections and paired with Frankie's Italian fare (Level 5);

-RedEye's Stephen Markley will hold a meet & greet and "Breakfast for Dinner" featuring Bloody Marys and breakfast bites at Oak Tree Restaurant & Bakery (Level 6);

-Jen Weigel of "I'm spiritual dammit" will host a meet & greet with "sakitinis" and appetizers at Baisi Thai (Level 6);

-Theresa Carter of "The Local Tourist" and Atlas Galleries will partner up with mimosas and apps, chatting about Chicago's artful treasures (Level 6); and

-Out and about at The 900 Shops will be Jason Chin of The Improvised Blog doing what comes naturally, improvising; and Monica Dimperio of photo blog Wear Windy City capturing fashion "Chicago-style."

ABOUT CHICAGONOW

ChicagoNow is a local website that features over 70 of the city's best bloggers, including local celebrities and experts. At ChicagoNow, Chicagoans discuss everything ranging from fashion and music to sports and politics. It's also home to the relaunched RedEye website. ChicagoNow is part of the Chicago Tribune Media Group portfolio which includes chicagotribune.com, metromix.com., ChicagoTribune, RedEye, Hoy and Triblocal. www.chicagonow.com

ABOUT THE 900 SHOPS

Anchored by Bloomingdale's, The 900 Shops features 70 luxury retailers on seven levels, including Gucci, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Coach, Club Monaco, J.Crew, Lululemon Athletica, Williams-Sonoma and many more. Over its two-decade residence, The 900 Shops has provided the Magnificent Mile with a diverse collection of luxury lifestyle brands, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining Michigan Avenue as an internationally recognized shopping mecca.