One would be hard-pressed to find a better setting for a party than the colorful, sequin-walled backdrop of a Kate Spade New York store. So when the beloved brand asked us to host a holiday shopping event co-sponosred by Vanity Fair at their Oak Street store in Chicago, we excitedly said yes. Hundreds of Everygirl readers, plus champagne, small bites and a 20% discount? Instant success.

So last Thursday evening, we got all fancied up—even had our hair styled at the blow dry salon, Blowtique—and put on our hostessing caps and colorful bubble-shaped skirts. We arrived at Kate Spade early to place our “Editor’s Picks” tags on items throughout the store to highlight some of our favorite products of the season (similar to what we did at our BHLDN event). You can see the full list of items we chose at our gift guide for Kate Spade.

With more than 300 RSVPs, the store was packed with excited shoppers. It was such a pleasure spending the evening with our friends and contributors, but the best part, no surprise, was getting to chat with Everygirl readers. Fellow Chicagoans who log online every day and pull up this url. Readers who said the site has inspired or touched them in some way. Hearing that was the unexpected gift of the evening. It was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

Thank you to Maura and John of Stoffer Photography for the beautiful photography, and of course, to Kate Spade New York and Vanity Fair.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Happy Holidays from The Everygirl team!

See more photos from the event at Vanity Fair!

alaina kaczmarski danielle moss