It was a sunny day in September 2005 when I arrived in Chicago for the World of JLO Shop opening and fashion show being held during Chicago's Fashion Week. Just 6 months prior I flew to NYC to meet J.Lo! When I returned to Denver I started extensive research and found tickets were being sold for a charity fashion show being held at Marshall Field's in downtown Chicago. "An Evening with Jennifer Lopez," included a cocktail reception before a fashion show of Sweetface and J.LO lines, and a private shopping after party. How lucky was I going to be to get to see Jennifer twice in the same year? I had to be there.
Fashion show tickets? Check! Flight into the Chicago airport closest to downtown? Check! I was unable to find a hotel within walking distance to Marshall Field's and instead decided to stay in the Chicago Suburbs, 40 minutes from the city. Marriott was gracious enough to provide limo transportation from the airport. Upon my entry into the limo, I browsed the local newspaper and found this souvenir. Jennifer was going to be at the store for an opening going down just hours before the fashion show, which was also open to the public. While staying in the burbs, I traveled downtown by train and made it just in time for the show. Hurrying through crowds, elevators and running up stairs to get to the 6th floor of Marshall Field's and getting seated just minutes before showtime.... it was meant to be.
As I was seated in the first row close to what was the exit of the show, I reached down and scooped up a handful of Swarovski crystals that covered the H shaped runway. The lights dimmed and the music started. A screen flashed images of "JLO Story," which was featured in the Sweetface NYC Fashion Week Show and also shown on the MTV Special, "Beyond the Runway." The models worked the runway as they walked past each other as they turned corners and posed. Those who were not hypnotized by the models looks, the sexy chic garments or the rocking of some hips, could easily follow along in the booklet we were given that listed all garments and a place for notes. After the finale walk, Jennifer came out and made a cameo on the runway. That moment along with others from the show I was sure to capture. Video below.
After the fashion show, all guests were instructed to head downstairs for the shopping after party. Everyone had first pick at all things JLO in the exclusive World of J.Lo Store. The store featured numerous clothing pieces, including shoes and hats, watches, sunglasses,and handbags. As I made my way from rack to rack, table to table and display to display, I was generously offered various delicious decorated bite size cupcakes of pure goodness. All had JLO on them. Wait staff offered dessert treats and Jennifer martini bottled cocktails to me as I tried on sunglasses and the DJ played classic dance jams like "Waiting for Tonight."
Before I made my exit out of the now Macy's, then Marshall Field's on State Street, I was given a J.Lo bag. Inside a free bottle of Live Perfume. With this in hand, I walked back to Union Station to hop the train back to the Marriott in the burbs. I had to nap on the way back. I just didn't have 45 minutes in me. I was on E, but had an amazing time! Chicago is a large city. One day I will make it back. The next day, I left Chi-Town and had already started thinking about what event I would attend next. As I sit here typing this it gets closer and closer to Jennifer's birthday. Happy Birthday Jennifer!!! A.RO LOVE!S JLO!! Flying from Denver CO to see you in concert for the third time in just under two weeks! We will Dance Again! My J.LO Love Story continues.
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