Chicago restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff can do no wrong. After a glowing success with Gilt Bar, we can now see, be seen, and sip cool cocktails at Maude's Liquor Bar. This very French-inspired bar-resto pays homage to forgotten French dive-bars, while feeding Chicago's lust for great food and even better cocktails. Sip a spot-on Old Fashioned or Smokey Violet Smash, and enjoy one of the most posh French dining experiences in the City. You'll need an outfit as unique as the vibe, so take your cue from Parisian chic and mix it up with a Chicago edge. Work the warm, inviting light at Maude's in a sequined blazer, which is perfect over a versatile graphic tee. Don't forget a slim pair of leggings--a girl's gotta stay warm!--and a motorcycle boot that ups the cool factor in a heartbeat. Cap off your rock-chic look with the perfect dose of liquid liner. Once you get there, we highly recommend dining downstairs among chandeliers and vintage mirrored bar, but don't forget to check out the plush, romantic scene upstairs, too.
Maude's Liquor Bar,
840 West Randolph Street (between Green and Peoria streets); 312-243-9712.
Sequin coat, $64 (was $150), available at Warehouse. Signature tee by Chicago designer Anna Hovet, $30, available through the designer's website. Basic leggings by Vila, $20.69, available at Asos. Vera Wang Lavender Motorcycle Boot, $196.90 (was $395), available at Nordstrom 24 North State Street (at West Calhoun Place); 312-377-5500. Clinique Eye Defining Liquid Liner, $15, available at Lord & Taylor, 4847 Old Orchard Center (near Skokie Highway); 847-677-9000.