Pretty Bras That’ll Give Even The Most Petite-Sized Gals A Push
We all know about the plight of the buxom when it comes to finding a bra that fits correctly, but what about our smaller-chested sisters? Turns…Read More
Shop It Now7 Fun Finds From A Brand New (All Local) Showroom
These days, you've got a lot to shop for. Mother's Day, Father's Day, and the usual laundry list of birthdays, thank-yous, grad gifts...we could go on. Instead of handing over the usual (expected) present, we have an idea. Head to Bridgeport to visit Small Manufacturing Alliance, a showroom packed with locally made clothing, accessories, presents, furniture, you name it. If you're looking to support resident artists and designers while simultaneously impressing your friends, you need to check this out. Want proof? Click through to see some of our favorite finds.
SMALL, 3219 South Morgan Street (at 32nd Place); 773-837-0145.
em>Photographed by Shani Silver
SMALL, 3219 South Morgan Street (at 32nd Place); 773-837-0145.
em>Photographed by Shani Silver
Store Opening: Spex Eyewear Arrives In Wicker Park
Things are looking up in Wicker Park, literally. Spex eyewear has officially unveiled its Wicker Park location, and this Friday evening they're throwing a Grand Opening party to celebrate. We hear the Coronas will be flowing at this Chicago eyewear institution, and the first 25 guests will receive awesome goodie bags. There will be plenty of tunes from a local DJ, and of course, glasses! Anyone in the market for some new frames should stop by on TGIF before you hit the town (did we mention the free beers). Even if you can't make it, Spex Wicker Park is now officially open for business, so stop in and swap out the spectacles you've had since college for something fresh and chic.
When: Friday, May 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Spex, 1407 North Milwaukee Avenue (at Wood Street); 773-276-2020
Photo: Courtesy of Spex
When: Friday, May 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Spex, 1407 North Milwaukee Avenue (at Wood Street); 773-276-2020
Photo: Courtesy of Spex
Store Opening: Celebrate The Launch Of CB This Thursday
The best part of shopping in the burbs has to be avoiding the crowds and tourists on Michigan Avenue, but unfortunately the worst part is missing out on the high fashion boutiques and department stores that can only be found in the city. Luckily for you, Mallory Ulazek, owner of Chicago's CityBlue boutique, has created a mecca for high fashion that combines the merchandise of city boutique, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Located in Lake Forest, this new boutique is called CB, and this Friday, April 27th from 6 to 9 p.m. you can enjoy an opening soiree with complimentary champagne, horsʼ doeuvres, and a store-wide 15% discount. So next time youʼre considering sharing the Metra with commuters, remember youʼll have CB to shop at and itʼll make your trip a little sweeter.
CB, 662 North Western Avenue (at Western Avenue and McKinley Road); 847-283-8888.
Photo: Courtesy of Bettie Bomb PR
We Love This Just-Released Lookbook From Sofia. Pssst! It's A Video
If you need a little inspiration to start your spring and summer shopping, you've got it. In the video below, shot by local talent Billy Rood, you'll see tons of new warm-weather finds at Sofia, one of our favorite go-to boutiques. We love the idea of a video lookbook, and seeing clothes we love brought to life makes us want them even more. Those ladies in the lookbook? They work at Sofia, and they can help you with all of your styling needs as you shop. In other words, if you want to look as good as the gals in this genius video lookbook, type Sofia boutique into your GPS and get moving. And maybe start growing your hair out, too.
Chicago Welcomes A New Covet-Worthy Wedding Boutique
For anyone involved in the Chicago wedding scene, the name Bella Bleu Bridal conjures the image of the perfect something new. The formerly online-only wedding accessories shop is finally going brick-and-mortar, bringing gorgeous veils and baubles to Park Ridge. Owned by venerable wedding stylist Andrea Novak, Bella Bleu is a perfectly curated haven for brides or bridesmaids-to-be. The store will carry all the high-end brands the company is known for, such as Sarah Gabriel and Cheryl King Couture, as well as offer personalized styling. Unless your dream wedding involves three custom gowns and a Lorraine Schwartz diamond headpiece, we're pretty sure you'll leave feeling like the belle of the ball.
Bella Bleu Bridal, 143 North Northwest Highway (between Cedar Street and Summit Avenue); 847-696-7152.
Photo: Courtesy Bella Bleu Bridal
Now Open: Shop Amaze Home Furnishings At Unison
Part of the drag about shopping for home furnishings is that it's pretty hard to shop locally. Unison is ending that issue with the opening of its Studio+Store. Inside you'll find modern, chic bedding and decor items cleverly curated into shining examples of what they can look like in your own home. (Think Ikea, but much less annoying and without a 30 minute drive). There's just one catch: it's only open on Fridays. Every TGIF from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can shop around this studio/store all you want, but it is closed the rest of the week. Who else is taking a really long lunch this Friday?
Unison Studio + Store, 2000 West Fulton Street (at Damen Avenue); 877-492-7960.
Photo: Via Unison
Unison Studio + Store, 2000 West Fulton Street (at Damen Avenue); 877-492-7960.
Photo: Via Unison
Keep Your Eyes Open For Three New Spex Locations In Chicago
On life’s grand excitement scale, visiting the optometrist has historically fallen somewhere between
waiting in line at the DMV and going to Aunt Edna’s house. The people behind Spex Eyewear seemed to have picked up on this at some point, and decided to up the fun factor of nearsightedness and astigmatism. In addition to the standard eye-chart tests and corrective lenses, Chicagoland’s chicest chain of optical shops offers an expertly-curated selection of designer frames and sunglasses from lines like Oliver Peoples, Tom Ford, Chanel, David Yurman, and Paul Smith; and the stores’ 17 locations regularly host trunk shows and exhibitions from local artists.
Chicagoans seem to appreciate this model, because Spex is set to launch three additional locations in
the next month: one in Andersonville, one in Roscoe Village and one in Bucktown. Check out the soon-to-be spots below.Spex Bucktown, 1407 North Milwaukee Avenue (between North Wolcott Avenue and West Evergreen Avenue)
Spex Roscoe Village, 2154 West Roscoe Street (between North Leavitt Street and North Hamilton Avenue)
Spex Andersonville, 5408 North Clark Street (between West Balmoral Avenue and West Rascher Avenue)
Photo: Via Spex Eyewear
Will You Go To The New, Glamorous Walgreens? (Yes, Walgreens)
You've probably heard the word that our own native hate-'em/love-'em Walgreens is now Chicago's latest luxury emporium. Yup, in between picking up 'scrips and underarm deodorant at their Loop flagship store on State and Randolph, you can get yourself a fine spread of sushi, or peruse their 700-bottle wine section, or get your nails in their in-store spa. Rather than asking ourselves if there's anywhere else in the world you can pick up lip balm, greeting cards, and a $2,000 bottle of cognac, we're wondering if you will be taking advantage of this rather dramatic upgrade in the pharmacy's services.
Photo: Courtesy of Walgreens
Store Opening: Wolford Brings Luxe Leg-Wear To Michigan Ave
We are thrilled to let you in on a little Chicago gossip: Wolford luxury hosiery is opening on Michigan Ave! This couldn't come at a better time, since we're all stuck in the middle of what-do-I-wear-with-leggings season. Your leg-wear options (and cold weather outfits!) are about to improve tenfold. Wolford's new store will open at The Shops at North Bridge this Friday, so if you were planning a little weekend shopping, add this to the top of your list. The store will carry Wolford's entire collection, including leg-wear, body-wear, lingerie, and swimwear. We hear the space is gorgeous, and can't wait to check it out for ourselves, but until then we're all over this website getting psyched. Is this the first awesome opening of 2012? You tell us! Wolford at The Shops at North Bridge, 520 North Michigan Avenue (at Grand Avenue); 312-327-2300.
Photo: Courtesy of Wolford.
Peek Inside Lakeview's Newest Earth-Lovin' Boutique
If you’re thinking eco-fashion is limited to hemp ponchos and friendship bracelets, a stroll around Lakeview boutique Em Bo may convince you otherwise. Recently opened by owner Heather George, Em Bo (short for Emerald Boutique) is the emblem for sustainable style–artfully selected vintage finds, repurposed jewelry, and 100% eco-friendly clothing lines. From Kuna’s alpaca wool dresses to ecoSkin’s softer-than-silk Sonora corn T-shirts, Em Bo supplies us with stylish everyday wear that has a low impact on the environment. With sustainability sprawling every inch of the store (from custom-made, salvaged wood rolling racks to vintage furniture scored from local antique shops), George aims to combine contemporary clothing with a kind-to-the-earth vibe. Click through for your first peek inside the store, then leave your laptops and head to Lakeview for a dose of eco-chic shopping reality.
Em Bo, 3432 North Southport Avenue (at Newport Avenue); 773-360-1501.
Em Bo, 3432 North Southport Avenue (at Newport Avenue); 773-360-1501.
Not For You! This New Accessories Shop Is All Man
Yes, there is a new boutique opening in town, and no, it is not for you – we get plenty! Haberdash menswear is set to open Haberdash EDC tomorrow, a store focused on seriously suave shoes and accessories for men who give a damn about how they look (or need to).
Wondering what in the world "EDC" stands for? It comes from the military term "every-day carry", referring to small items we carry to be ready for anything. Hot. Since footwear and accessories are the things we love to borrow from our boys the most, we can't say we're anything less than thrilled about this opening. Keep an eye out for brands like The Hill-Side, Tanner Goods, Alden, and all their pals. You're officially one holiday down, so make this the first stop on your checklist for the rest of the holiday season. Celebrate a little you (and your man) time by taking a spin around the newest guy-friendly shopping destination in Chicago.
Haberdash EDC, 611 North State Street (at Ontario Street).
Photo: Courtesy of Zapwater
Haberdash EDC, 611 North State Street (at Ontario Street).
Photo: Courtesy of Zapwater
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