A Spa Trip Before the MODA Show: Cowshed in the Soho House

Now that the midterms are starting to wind down and temperature steadily rising (according to weather.com), we have some time (what a luxury!) to chill out and get ready for the MODA winter show.

Beauty in general is a long-term task; however, to boost your confidence right before the show, what is better than a relaxing mani/pedicure, and to splurge a little bit, perhaps even a facial? In the West Loop there’s one spa that I have tried and strongly recommend---the Cowshed in the Soho House Chicago, a British spa brand that has been in town since 1998.

It's a perfect blend of rustic-retro atmosphere, earthy furnishings and chic details:

A hidden gem among the wide range of treatments offered at Cowshed is a 30-minute speedy pedicure. A special derma drill will leave your foot smoother than ever, especially for those wearing heels, mules or sandals, this pedicure plus the add-on 15-minute scalp massage is the perfect beauty treatment.

For guys going to the MODA show, the barbershop Neville offers haircut, traditional wet shave, beard trim and facials too.

After your treatment, you are also welcomed to get some Cowshed products, which are grouped by "moods." Whether you are feeling gorgeous, wild, lazy or grumpy, take in a deep breath, smell the scent and find something that speaks to you. Each line has products that range from skin, body/hair care, essential oil to fragrance. Products include Grumpy Cow Uplifting Bath & Body Oil with red mandarin and grapefruit essential oils, Slender Cow Detoxifying Body Scrub with Dermochlorella (a micro algae that improves skin firmness) and Tamanu Essential Oil, and Knackered Cow Relaxing Room Diffuser. Plan ahead and leave some extra time to go through different "moods!"

For the more adventurous, a helpful website to explore nail salons, spas and hairdressers is Whittel.com , an online marketing start-up based in Chicago area that lists hundreds of local shops. You can read reviews of other users, make appointments and even pay via this website. There's also an app for both Android and Apple.

Come to the MODA show feeling polished and refreshed!

What's your favorite spa treatment in preparation for an event? Let us know in the comments below!