Insider's Picks: Maria Ponce

"Stylist Tracy Podesta gives the best haircut in town."

"They play Sex and the City episodes on high-def, and have the best, brand-new massage pedi-chairs."

"Ambra Salon & European Spa for bikini. Dana does the most painless Brazilian in five minutes."

"I love the The Peninsula Spa, but I recently shot the interior for the new spa that is opening this month at the Elysian hotel (11 E. Walton, 312-646-1310), and I can't wait to spend a day there—it is breathtaking!"

"The Barneys New York makeup department! Shu Uemura is my favorite."

"I'm guaranteed to find something special that no one else in the city will have for a night out."

"Forever 21, for basics like leggings and T-shirts, and for super-trendy clothes that are only suitable to wear once or twice."

"Blake, particularly when they are having a sale!"

"It has the best art and photography book selection in the city, and some of the most fun, mod gifts."

"The Andersonville neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago has a ton of amazing stores, but the best one by far is Brimfield. In addition to stocking unusual items, the owner reupholsters antique furniture herself."

"They have a flea market once a year, where they sell old film/vintage cameras—they're like pieces of art to me."

"Bistro Campagne is my favorite French bistro in Chicago—they use organic ingredients and have an amazing wine list."