Size matters: Why you're a 10 in one store and a 6 at another

The involuntary -- and let's admit it, totally irrational -- glee shoppers feel over sliding into a teenier-than-expected size is also the reason many brands take part in a little fashion magic called "vanity sizing."

Casual cashmere taken seriously

There really hasn't been a time when Debra Hayburn wasn't thinking about fashion. As a kid, the cashmere designer used to cut out and reclothe the models in the Sears catalog.

Blazing in the sun

Treat yourself to a modest midsummer update, whether a suit, sandals or a sassy straw number.

Lips show their colors

Big news, makeup mavens: Our vintage friend the lipstick is strutting her way back to our kissers in a bevy of cool, creamy nudes and corals.

9 ways toward younger-looking skin

No one likes looking older . . . which is why we spend billions of dollars every year on over-the-counter products, prescription creams and fillers, and, most drastically, cosmetic surgery. Do any of these actually work to reduce the signs of aging?...

Self-tanning products have come a long way

The deleterious effects of self-tanning products — streaky brown or Oompa-Loompa orange skin — have faded considerably over the past couple years, due in large part to advances in formulations and delivery methods that make a DIY tan...

Downtown rooftop patios can stay open later

Downtown rooftop gardens and outdoor patios will be able to stay open an hour later on weekdays under a trial program the Chicago City Council approved today.

Pinkberry frozen yogurt chain opens first location in Chicago

Pinkberry, the Los Angeles-based frozen yogurt chain focused on tangy frozen yogurt in finite flavors and fresh fruit toppings, opens its first Chicago location Thursday in what was once Berry Chill’s flagship location at 635 N. State St. ...

What are Illinois' five favorite farmers markets?

So, what are Illinois' five most beloved farmers markets?

Frequent fliers would pay for faster airport security checks

U.S. air travelers already pay to check bags and buy onboard snacks, among other charges. But would they pay to avoid those long airport security lines?

Dead passengers can't use a flight credit

Q: I recently booked a flight on Expedia from Dallas to Midland, Texas, with my wife. She died before we could make the trip. I canceled her ticket and applied for a refund through Expedia, the online agency through which I had booked the ticket.

American Express points -- transfer or keep?

If you're sitting on a batch of American Express "Membership Rewards" points, two key deadlines are approaching: July 31 is the last date you can transfer points to British Airways with a 50 percent bonus and Sept. 30 is the last date you can...

How to handle picky eaters

To fight the good food fight with the kids, we offer a list of tips that can promote mindful eating.

Is ex spoiling the kids with gadgets?

How to intervene when your ex-husband lets the kids play on gadgets for hours.

Shedding some light on a child's fear of fireworks

One of your kids is terrified of fireworks but you don't want the whole family to skip Fourth of July festivities. What to do?