According to Jaya Subramanian, the only thing traditional about her July 21 wedding to Luke Lizalde was the Catholic ceremony, held at St. James Chapel in the Gold Coast. Afterward — when the party moved to Cafe Brauer at the Lincoln Park Zoo — “it was all about fun.” And appropriately so: Subramanian, originally from Chicago, met Lizalde in Los Angeles in 2009 while doing improv at the L.A. outpost of Second City. Though Subramanian is an actress and Lizalde a graphic designer and illustrator, both picked up improv as a hobby and grew closer while making each other laugh.

Dec. 18: The Second City sets the standard for comedic excellence, so it’s not surprising that when this talented crew decides to raise funds for Onward Neighborhood House, it pulls out a star-studded all-nighter. The marathon benefit begins at 6 p.m. and features 24 hours of nonstop comedy and music from an all-star cast.

Dispatches from our Chicagoan in Hollywood, Liz Crokin on Jennifer Aniston and Fergie’s baby news, and Demi Moore’s meltdown.

The latest shopping intelligence from Sarca, French Market, Jayson Home and Lanvin

What we’re into this week from Coach, Clarins, Erin Gallagher and Sola.

In a city known for spectacular steakhouses, how does a new arrival steal some of the spotlight? Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House seems to have it figured out. After six years of searching for a Chicago location, the Dallas-born concept (which also has outposts in Boston, New York and Las Vegas, among other cities) finally settled on the Oak Street space where the historic Esquire Theater once lived, instantly catching the attention of devoted Chicagoans.

Debi Lilly knows how to party without breaking a sweat. As the creative powerhouse behind A Perfect Event, one of Chicago’s premier event planning companies, Lilly strives to make entertaining easy. And while her clients include megastars like Oprah and publications like InStyle, she considers the young married couple hosting their first dinner party just as important. “The thing I love about my job is inspiring other people to elevate their own entertaining,” Lilly says. “Everyone thinks throwing a party is stressful and expensive. We disagree.”

I had a conversation with my bed tonight.  Being single and writing a blog every night you tend to let your imagination run wild. Here’s what my mattress had to say…

We’re cheersing to Thomas Lauderdale, Myrlie Evers, Nicole Banks, Andrew Walsh Smyth and rachel and Elena Besser this week. Find out why.

The fashion-forward always have a flair for the dramatic, and these Chicago women are taking it literally with eye-catching peplum. The figure-flattering cut ranges from flirty (with bright colors and soft pleats) to formal (with chic fabrics and structured flare). Whatever the occasion, pair peplum with a slim-fit skirt or skinny jeans for the season’s sleekest look. With so many options — including peplum belts — there’s never been a better time to put a little pep in your step.