Surprise! It’s August. If you haven’t started upping the ante for summertime fun, you better get cracking. From all corners of the city, we tapped this set of fashionable females who’ve managed to balance a busy fashion career and summer social calendar with ease. This month, G&F is teaming up with luxe Italian handbag brand Furla to see what makes these fashionable females tick when the clock strikes five.

We catch up with some of the top talent of the city’s fashion blogging scene to share what’s in their pre-fall Furla bags and a few of their favorite happy hour haunts. Don’t blame us if you want to cut out of work early to get dolled up and order your favorite cocktail after this reading this—your secret’s safe with us! >>

SHANNON O’BRIEN, CheapFrillsandThrills.com

For beauty guru and budding DJ Shannon O’Brien, dressing to the nines is all in a day’s work. The Humboldt Park-based blogger and makeup artist has a sense of style unlike any other, and her simple site is fresh and always fun.

Prime Happy Hour location—Go!
Three Dots and a Dash—because feeling like you’re on a tropical vacation is never a bad idea. If the great music isn’t enough, the tasty and creative tiki cocktails are sure to put you in a good mood.

How do you go from beauty mogul to carefree social butterfly when 5PM hits?
I also make sure I pack my makeup bag in case I want to change up my makeup and hair. Hair and makeup can change your whole look and it’s a whole lot easier than bringing a change of clothes! 

Happy Hour Anthem?
Any and all Ciara. 

What’s your Furla bag of choice?
I love the Metropolis bag because it is something I could easily carry with me throughout the day with all my crucial items—lip color, cash, phone, id—and pack into my bigger bags while I am working. There is nothing worse than carrying a huge bag during the evening but I love that I could ditch my big bags and still have something to carry around with me that is classic and versatile.

pictured above: METROPOLIS BAG, $398, AT FURLA // YSL TOUCHE ECLAT CONCEALER // ESSIE ROMPER ROOM NAIL POLISH

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AMELIA CANHAM EATON, TheChicagoLifeBlog.com

For Amelia Eaton, her sense of style and adventure spans from what to wear to what to place on your coffee table. With a distinct voice, the Michigan-born blogger is taking the Windy City by storm with fun content that is always right on trend.

Happy Hour go-to?
The perfect post-work stop on a summer day is Barcito. The kegged cocktails are excellent and the appetizers are awesome. But it’s the fun ambiance that keeps me going back.

With a buzzing schedule, how do you keep it together?
I always try to keep my iCalendar as accurate as possible so that when it’s go time I know where I’m supposed to be and when.

Happy Hour anthem?
Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf.

You’re a shapeshifter from day to night—what’s your secret?
Typically I wear either a red lip or eye makeup during the day—not both. However, contrary to some longstanding (and old fashioned if you ask me!) beauty guidelines, at night I like to go for the combo! As long as the look remains clean and classic, I don’t see any reason you can’t have both bold eyes and bold lips.

What’s your Furla bag of choice?
I love the minimal hardware and modern shape. It’s the perfect example of effortlessly transitioning from day to night. The neutral color pallet color says daytime, but the animal print says evening.

pictured above: PIPER BAG, $548, AT FURLA // TOM FORD LIP COLOR IN WILD GINGER

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HELEN BERKUN, Blog.HelenBerkun.com

Sought after for her fun loving and chic sense of style, the multitalented fashion lover, stylist and photographer has her hands in all aspects of Chicago fashion. However, we may be biased: she holds court as G&F’s contributing fashion editor, too!

You’re always on the go—what’s your work life to play life transition like?
If I have an event straight after a shoot or a meeting, I’m usually patting my oily face with some blotting papers, fixing my eyeliner and putting my signature red lips on in the car. Then I do a little shoe swap—typically biker boots for pumps—and I’m ready to roll!

5PM calls. What’s your drink of choice?
I’ll take a tequila with ginger beer, sparkling water, some bitters and basil or mint. I love ginger, basil and mint everything and anything.

Happy Hour anthem?
I am a major Dolly Parton fan and when I hear Jolene I lose my mind!

What’s your Furla bag of choice?
I love red and I love a crossbody. It keeps my hands free to take pictures, instagram and hold my (much deserved!) cocktail. 

pictured above: METROPOLIS BAG, $398, AT FURLA // YSL VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS MASCARA // CHANEL ROUGE COCO IN MAGNOLIA

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NIKIA JEFFERSON, ChiTownFashionista.com

No event is complete with a sighting of Nikia Jefferson. The down-to-earth blogger describes her style as ladylike and classic with a side of eccentricity. We couldn’t agree more.

Your 5PM order?
I’m not a big drinker, nor am I picky. As long as it’s fruity and refreshing, I’m game. Alcoholic or not. 

And where can we find you after work and before your busy night of events?
Current (in the W Lakeshore). The food is good and the cocktails are strong at this newly renovated restaurant. With outdoor seating that gives you an unobstructed view of Lake Michigan, it’s the perfect place to wine and dine al fresco. 

Your Happy Hour anthem?
“Latch” by Disclosure. It instantly puts me in a good mood! If that song doesn’t rock your world, you may need to have your ears checked. 

What’s your Furla bag of choice?
I am here for the Furla Candy clutch! The optional strap takes it from shoulder bag to clutch, making the transition from day to night more seamless.That’s one less thing to worry about when packing my “going out” bag before work. Or in other words, more room for my indecisive self to bring more shoes to switch into.

pictured above: CANDY CLUTCH, $298, AT FURLA // NARS SATIN LIP PENCIL IN LUXEMBOURG // NARS LARGER THAN LIFE LIP GLOSS IN ANNEES FOLLES 

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KELLY CHRISCHILLES, MeetKelandKate.com

From fashion to food, Kelly Chrischilles of Meet Kel and Kate has been making a name for herself for lighthearted content served up sweetly and with an edgy voice.

What’s your skill level when it comes to mixing?
I’m certainly no pro but I make a mean Moscow Mule! I’m also known for having a heavy hand when it comes to pouring champagne or wine!

From day to night, how do you transition your look?
I love colorful, printed dresses and skirts. During the day I tone down my outfit with a pair of nude pumps and then for the evening I might throw on a pair of fun, colorful or strappy shoes. Or I add texture with jewelry and a fun clutch or bag. 

What’s in your beauty bag to go from day to night?
I tone down my makeup during the day but always love to add a fun pop with a bright lip for the evening. I feel like it brings the whole look together and gives you a completed, polished look.  

What’s your Furla bag of choice?
The Globe tote is perfect for me because I tend to always carry a lot with me. Especially when I am going from day to night and there is rarely a time to stop at home before heading to happy hour or going to an event. The neutral color matches just about anything and the calf leather adds texture and more dimension to the overall look. 

And we had to ask Katie Kahn, the other half of Meet Kel and Kate, which bag was her favorite too.
I love the fun metallic hue of the Zizi bag! It’s the perfect way to update my desk to drinks look and goes with everything.

pictured above: GLOBE TOTE, $798, AT FURLA // NARS LIPSTICK IN SCHIAP

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ALL BAGS MENTIONED ARE AVAILABLE AT FURLA, 106 E. OAK STREET
Want more? Join the lovely ladies above for Happy Hour in real time as we host a shopping event for Furla on Thursday, August 7th.