A Festive Guide to Dublin

Dublin is always a great place to visit but at this time of the year the city comes to life and its energy and joy is infectious, resulting in a fabulous atmosphere that is unique to this celtic city. The traditional Dublin pubs are full of cheer and fun and the shops are full of busy people seeking that extra special gift.  Why not take part in these festivities and also enjoy the culture, hotels and great places to visit in the capital city of Ireland.  Here are some suggestions to help you organise your visit!

Where to Stay

Dublin offers an impressive choice of hotels. Between the very classic and sophisticated hotels to modern and unique places to stay, there are several options to enjoy this magic city and here is one of our favourites;

O'Callaghan Stephen's Green Hotel

For location and service, this Dublin hotel is hard to beat. Combining Georgian architecture and contemporary design, it's next to the Iveagh Gardens and close to Grafton Street’s alluring shops. It has beautifully decorated, spacious bedrooms and relaxed, characterful public rooms including a low-key bar serving all-day food - try the Pie Dish main - its perfect after a crazy afternoon of shopping!

Where to Eat

Foodies definitively need to visit the new addition to the Michelin guide – The Greenhouse. With super taster menus and reasonable prices, you can discover the gastronomy created by the talented and creative chef Mickael Viljanen. All the staff are really attentive in a relaxed and informal atmosphere – and of course, each dish is a delight for the taste buds and eyes.

www.thegreenhouserestaurant.ie

Dawson St, Dublin 2,

Phone: +353 1 676 7015

What to See

Dublin has a rich literary heritage - Beckett, Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde…

The Long Room at Trinity College is renowned for its beautiful, barrel-vaulted roof, under which sits a treasure trove of Irish literature. The room’s dusty shelves are home to an enormous collection of works, including a rare copy of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic and the majestic Book of Kells, a religious manuscript that dates back to 800 AD. The room is also home to a 15th-century wooden harp, which was the model for the emblem of Ireland.

Another “must” visit is to the Guinness factory, home of the famous black beer.

Closed to the outside world for more than a century, this clandestine brew house is now open to the general public, who, for a €6 fee, can come and sample tomorrow’s tipples, as well as beers that will never leave the premises.

Dublin is the perfect city to discover by foot. There are so many beautiful parks, with our favourite being St Stephens Green. There is also a walk that follows the famous Dublin canal, and for those who appreciate fresh sea air – head to Sandymount, its wonderful to walk along the sandy beach when the tide is out.

Where to enjoy a drink

There are dozens of places to taste the famous cool, dark Guinness and all Dublin pubs have something special to offer – here are some suggestions just to get you started. Firstly for music lovers, Dublin pubs offer lively entertainment that rivals any of its European counterparts. Get ready for some great traditional Irish music in authentic pubs like “The Cobblestone” in Smithfields, or “McNeils” on Capel Street. For Food lovers, we recommend the fantastic “Chop House” in the Ballsbridge area. There are also very old pubs like “The Palace” on Fleet Street. Try also “Bowe’s”, a pub for genuine old world charm, also on Fleet Street. Finally, many locals say that some of the best Guinness is served at “Mulligans Pub”, which was originally a “shebeen” or an unlicensed drinking venue. It has been "legal" since 1782, making it one of the oldest premises in Ireland. 
 

Where to shop

Dublin has a large selection of shopping streets but the most famous location is “Brown Thomas” which is synonymous with luxury shopping. This department store can be found on Grafton Street, a pedestrian area close to Trinity College. You will find all major continental and British brands, as well as Irish designers -an upmarket mix of prêt-à-porter and haute couture clothing, accessories and cosmetics.

The sister shop, BT2 is located on the opposite side of Grafton Street and caters to a younger, more fast-fashion clientele. Celebrity chefs Domini and Peaches Kemp are at the helm of Brown Thomas' exclusive 'The Restaurant' which is the perfect pitstop after a busy day of shopping for a drink or a bite to eat.

Finally, seek out the “Sweater Shop for the best selection of Irish sweaters and woollen scarfs and visit the very unique Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. Its located just off Grafton Street, boasting over 40 shops and restaurants, the centre has everything to offer from food, bars, arts and tours to beauty, fashion jewellery and antiques.

Here’s a Stress-Free Way to Wrap Your Holiday Gifts

This Week’s Top Story

So, you still have a ton of presents to wrap. (And—let’s face it—a little shopping to wrap up, too.) Don’t panic. The 900 Shops (900 N. Michigan Ave., shop900.com) has partnered with Kehoe Designs to bring frenzied Chicagoans The Wrap Bar. Now open on the shopping center’s sixth floor, the pop-up space will remain open until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. (Procrastinators, rejoice!) There’s a suggested $3 to $8 donation for each package wrapped, depending on its size, __and all proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois. Plus, while staffers expertly wrap your gifts, you can stow your coat __and charge your phone.

Top Sales This Week

Nordstrom’s half-yearly sale, which takes 40 percent off select goods, starts on nordstrom.com on December 24, and lands in stores on December 26. The sale will run through January 2. Find local stores here.

Ted Baker (1009–1011 N. Rush St., tedbaker.com) has taken up to 50 percent off select merchandise for men and women. Also available online, sale pieces include a rose-print skater dress (reduced from $279 to $167) and an embellished collared dress (reduced from $295 to $177).

Pop-Ups

The Susan Wheeler (susanwheelerdesign.com) pop-up shop (3129 W. Logan Blvd.) is still open through the end of December. The boutique sells eco-conscious jewelry from the local designer, who hand-makes her pieces using 18-karat recycled gold, 18-karat fair-mined gold, and recycled platinum. Shopping for engagement rings? Stop by the shop to scope out a yellow-gold ring studded with green Australian diamonds ($5,335) and a brown diamond ring ($5,654).

Health & Beauty

Here’s a fancy way to put your best face forward for the New Year—and relieve a bit of that lingering holiday stress. The Dana Hotel & Spa (660 N. State St., danahotelandspa.com) is offering a new, 24-Karat Gold Lift & Firming Facial ($250). The service includes a colloidal gold mask that hydrates and firms skin. “Gold energizes the skin, helps reduce the aging effects of stress, imparts a radiant glow, and locks in moisture,” explains a rep for the spa.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Gucci Takes You To The Garden Of Eden

Gucci has delighted it’s admirers with a limited-edition collection created especially for Christmas.  Launched this weekend with an international advertising campaign called "Gucci Gift 2016" the advert is a short, yet beautiful, promotional film which takes inspiration from the biblical story of Adam and Eve.

Referencing the pure and elemental beauty of the natural world, Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele has planted a thriving Gucci Garden where wildlife and flora appear in romantic and colourful prints and as embellishments throughout the collection.

The film, created by the famous artist and director Floria Sigismondi in association with Alessandro Michele, presents the Gucci Gift collection in a fantastical, dream-like garden. Evoking a perfect blend of myth and reality.

Beautiful plants and animals such as tigers, zebras, exotic birds, bees and even a unicorn, all living gracefully in this Garden of paradise. Creating a magical world of natural plenitude in which youthful men and women exist in harmony.

The evil snake also makes an appearance, evoking the temptation of Adam and Eve in the garden - as the same temptation that this range of fabulous Gucci products will give to many shoppers this holiday time! But this is one temptation that any lady will be forgiven to buy.

Barry’s Boot Camp Opens First Chicago Location, Its Largest

This Week’s Top Story

Barry’s Boot Camp (9 E. Erie St., barrysbootcamp.com), the celebrity-adored workout, has opened its first Chicago studio in River North. The hour-long classes—held in an industrial space with vaulted ceilings __and floor-to-ceiling windows—combine treadmill runs with weight training __and resistance exercises. At 7,000 square feet, the Chicago studio is the brand’s largest; the space also holds a lifestyle boutique selling workout gear and a cafe that serves smoothies and snacks.

Each workout at Barry’s can burn as many as 1,000 calories, which may be particularly necessary this time of year. (You? Eat too many cookies?) “You should give yourself permission to celebrate and indulge a little over the holidays—but do so in moderation,” says Joey Gonzalez, Barry’s C.E.O. “The biggest mistake people make [during the holidays] is an overall disregard for portion control.” He also shared one of his secret tips for getting through a festive bash without over-indulging: “Pack gum and chew it during appetizer and dessert time.”

Top Sales This Week

Wicker Park boutique Penelope’s (1913 W. Division St., shoppenelopes.com) has taken its first seasonal markdowns. Sale pieces include a French wool coat from A.P.C. (reduced from $575 to $399) and a velvet-trimmed, rose boater hat (reduced from $85 to $65).

Trunk Show Holly & Tanager (hollyandtanager.com), a Chicago-based bag line, will showcase its latest collection at a Mod + Ethico (27 N. Morgan St.) trunk show on Saturday. Running from noon to 6 p.m., the show will feature styles including the Sidekick (starting at $239) and the Ace wallet ($199).

Pop-Ups

TheWit Chicago (201 N. State St.) is hosting a pop-up shop for Foursided (foursided.com) through the end of the month. Stocked with ornaments and holiday cards, the shop also has locally themed accessories such as a Chicago flag necklace ($18).

Thompson Chicago (21 E. Bellevue Pl.) has partnered with Bloomingdale’s (bloomingdales.com) to host a one-day pop-up event. From 2 to 7 p.m., visitors can shop clothing and accessories from Reiss and Links of London. There will also be skincare products, candles, and fragrances from New York brand Malin + Goetz.

Ready for for something completely different? Shop Sensual (shopsensualpopup.com) takes over Humboldt Park gallery Reunion (2557 W. North Ave.) December 16 to 18. Events kick off with a 21-plus, “sensually minded” night market on Friday. Featuring a dozen local makers, the market will offer silky blouses from SilkShaman, jewelry by Morgan Reed, and scented body oils by Giselle Wasfie. Throughout the weekend, the space will also host a workshop and a yoga class.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Your Winter Workout Needs Are Now Covered

This Week’s Top Story

It’s never too early to put down the eggnog __and start working on your New Year’s resolution. (Or, at least, shop like you mean it.) The new NikeLab, now open on the top floor of Nike’s Michigan Avenue flagship (669 N. Michigan Ave., nikelab.com), is stocked with all your winter workout essentials. Look for technically advanced pieces from the new NikeLab ACG Collection, including a “windrunner” with wool-fleece lining __and sneakers that are as durable as hiking boots.

Top Sales This Week

West Town’s hot vintage spot, Dovetail (1452 W. Chicago Ave., dovetailchicago.com) hosts its holiday party—and its last sale of the year—on Friday. Stop by between 7 and 11 p.m. for boozy punch, snacks, and balloon-pop discounts. The store is also stocked with stocking-stuffer type gifts, including unisex perfume ($24) and a sandalwood-scented owl candle ($40).

Trunk Show

Pamela Cohen, the local jewelry designer behind Aviva Rose (avivarosejewelry.com) will showcase her latest collection at Krista K (3458 N. Southport Ave.) on Friday. Current pieces available at Krista K include a diamond-leaf necklace ($825) and a gold crescent necklace with pave diamonds ($1,338). Plus: Krista K has new markdowns on clothing from the likes of Ulla Johnson and Rag & Bone.

Markets

Holidose, the holiday version of Dose Market, returns to Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan) on Sunday. Featuring 100 vendors, the market will offer gift shoppers a range of goods, including jewelry from Lady Fae, cozy winter hats from Loveknitz, and artful wreaths from Cornell Florist. Tickets are available online and at the door. Find more info here.

Randolph Street Market (randolphstreetmarket.com) returns to the West Loop (1340 W. Randolph St.) on Saturday and Sunday. Some 125 vendors will bring a mix of goods, including men’s and women’s fashion, hostess gifts, and vintage holiday décor. Additional perks include free, on-site giftwrapping; there’s also a trolley that whisks guests from Water Tower Place to the market for free.

Health & Beauty

SoulCycle (soul-cycle.com) will open its fourth Chicago-area location in Skokie’s Westfield Old Orchard shopping center (4999 Old Orchard Center) tomorrow. The studio will have 57 bikes, as well as a lifestyle boutique. The opening coincides with the launch date of SoulCycle’s latest athleisure collection, which is a collaboration with the label Free City. Expect zip-up sweatshirts, muscle tanks, and sweatpants; prices start at $68 for the tank tops.

Looking for an ultra-festive holiday ’do? George the Salon (945 N. Rush St., georgethesalon.com) is now offering the 24-carats ritual. The 30-minute service deeply conditions hair with cleansing, oil masks, a double application of shampoo, and even a delicate hair massage. The service on its own costs $50; add a blow-dry for $110.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Christmas Dreams at Printemps

To celebrate Christmas 2016, the windows of Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann are, once again, brought to life with beautiful brands and festive animations.

The famous Parisian department store invites two adorable characters - Jules and Violette to their window displays to bring joy and wonder this Christmas – these magical characters were created in partnership with three featured brands: Jimmy Choo, David Yurman and Bonpoint.

Young visitors to the store are given the opportunity to become the hero of a "Christmas Dream" by lending their faces to any one of the characters in the Printemps Christmas story. This wonderful experience is made possible by using digital and interactive cameras: the characters will change to your face and embark on a marvelous adventure.

Gifting Selection

Christmas inspires creation, and for this many brands have designed exclusive gifts for Printemps, ranging from luxury fashion items and beauty surprises, to divine home accessories and delicious gourmet treats.

Presents can be gift-wrapped with beautiful coloured paper,ribbons, and just the right amount of glitter for a sparkling Christmas. 

You will also find Santa’s grotto, always the focal point for young families, with excited children eager to meet Father Christmas and his helpers.

Printemps create an added feeling of festive spirit this Christmas with choir performances and an exclusive winter market featuring; embroidery, calligraphy and engraving workshops.  

Boutique Noir Gifting Suite

Every year, Printemps open a space called Boutique Noir where you will find a fairy-tale setting featuring snowy fir trees and a large selection of exclusive gifts.

For those who are in Paris over the Christmas period, a visit to Printemps is highly recommended!

Printemps Haussmann, 64 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France

River Island A/W16

For Autumn Winter 2016 River Island creates a new and exciting collection where traditional trends for the season are given a modern makeover offering a fresh and unique approach with a distinctive River Island twist. Opulent fabrics feature throughout whilst flashes of pastel colours break up the moody colour palette of greens, reds, blacks and navy. A broad array of prints from animal, to floral, striped to tartan adds a fun and youthful edge.

The Victoriana inspired DECADENCE is stylish and elegant with a unique and contemporary spin. A dark story of bottle greens, oxblood reds and khakis are contrasted with pastel pink and peach accents. Prints are key, with paisley and vintage florals worn head to toe. Luxe fabrics of faux fur, velvet and lace add texture whilst ruffled layers create volume. Dresses take on a glamorous approach with high necklines, cold shoulders and floaty hems. Leopard print coats and Victoriana blouses are paired with candy pink buckle boots for a feminine feel with a slight 70s influence. For the evening, metallics come out to play in the form of sequins, knee high boots and full length
dresses.
ARISTO PUNK embraces geek chic style with an eclectic grunge element. Unusual colour combinations of earthy tones are mixed with bright yellows and pastels. Textures of frayed tweed, fringing, studs and embroidery add a tough girl dimension to the collection. Outerwear is key with bombers, bikers, shearling lined denim jackets and overshirts worn over A-line mini dresses tocreate a wearable collection for a cool daytime look. Tartan, polka dots and leopard prints are
worn clashed and co-ordinated.
The 90s influenced MODERNIST captures clean masculine dressing with a sporty twist. The bold colour palette of cobalt blue, white and grey are clashed with bolts of orange and red. Chevron colour blocking, asymmetric silhouettes and cut out detailing help to create a modern finish. Tracksuit jackets, crop tops, jumpsuits and bodies provide a youthful element whilst trousers take on a loose fit for a relaxed approach.

#RIVERISLANDAW16
 

Holiday Pop Ups Galore for Fashion-Forward Giftees

This Week’s Top Story

The Tie Bar Holiday Pop Up (thetiebar.com) opens at the Kimpton Gray Hotel (122 W. Monroe St.) today. On the lobby level, the dapper shop stocks the Tie Bar’s latest collaborative collection with Dwyane Wade. You’ll find silk ties in jewel tones, along with colorful bowties __and pocket squares. What makes this pop-up even more enticing? A signature cocktail from the onsite Vol. 39 is available for purchase. The shop is open on Thursdays, Fridays, __and Saturdays through December 10. And while you’re there—if you really want to pamper a special gent—the upstairs Petrosino’s Parlor offers a super-lux straight razor shave.

Top Sales This Week

Rag & Bone (25 E. Delaware Pl., rag-bone.com) is holding a sale in store and online, and discounts are hearty. Men’s and women’s pieces are going for up to 50 percent off. Look for discounted skinny jeans (reduced from $225 to $115), a slouchy baby tee (reduced from $150 to $75), and suede ankle boots (reduced from $495 to $250).

Several Oak Street stores will offer discounts during the Oak Street After Hours (oakstreetchicago.com) event on Tuesday. Running from 5 to 8 p.m., the event lets guests get their “passports” stamped at participating retailers; the more stamps they collect, the more entries they get in the evening’s raffle. (The big prize is a $500 gift card.) Participating shops include Agent Provocateur, which is doling out champagne and gifts with purchase; Madewell, which will take 20 percent off purchases of $125 or more; and Rebecca Minkoff, which will have 15-percent discounts and serve festive cocktails.

Pop-Ups

Local jewelry designer Susan Wheeler (susanwheelerdesign.com), who specializes in ethical pieces made with recycled gold or platinum, is hosting a pop-up shop at the former Butterfat Studios (3129 W. Logan Blvd.) through December. The shop is open Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The “Boss Babe” Pop-Up Shop is open at Block 37 (108 N. State St., blockthirtyseven.com) through January 1. Curated by Lindzi Shanks of The Trendy Sparrow, the temporary shop sells merchandise from local, women-owned businesses including See Song Designs, Vo Yourself, and XO Marshmallow (there’s always room for marshmallows).

ENAZ (enaz.com), a boutique with three suburban locations, has opened a holiday pop-up shop in Lincoln Park (857 W. Armitage Ave.). The festive shop stocks clothing and accessories suited to holiday bashes. Look for goods from local designers such as Rita Ratskoff Designs; ENAZ also has a house label that makes floral tops and cozy knits. The shop is open through December 24, and will hold weekly trunk shows.

Trunk Show

Local jewelry designer Maria Ress, who helms Kastel (kasteljewelry.com), will showcase pieces from her holiday collection at Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave.) on Saturday. The show will take place on the retailer’s first floor from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Look for glittering pieces set with precious and semiprecious stones.

 

Sales and Shopping News

The Best Black Friday Sales and Upcoming Shopping Events

This Week’s Top Story

Fashion Outlets of Chicago (5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, fashionoutletsofchicago.com) hosts its 24-hour Black Friday shopping event starting at 10 p.m. Thursday night. Dubbed “Fashionably Late,” the event will offer discounts at some 130 designer outlets. Need some energy to last all night? DJs Lani Love __and Mother Hubbard will be on hand to spin party tunes.

Top Sales This Week

M2057 (833 W. Washington St., m2057.com) is hosting a seasonal promotion. Starting Friday __and running through Cyber Monday (November 28), the promotion will award $25 in store credit for every $250 spent in store or online. The store is also hosting its fall sale, where items by Maria Pinto include a sheath dress with an A-Line skirt (reduced from $575 to $400) and a bright orange mini-dress (reduced from $295 to $195).

Local women’s designer Anastasia Chatzka, who owns an eponymous boutique (1001 N. Damen Ave., anastasiachatzka.com), will offer discounts on her made-in-Chicago pieces from Friday through Monday. Past collections will be 50 percent off, while current collections will be discounted by 20 percent. The designer will also take 10 percent off custom orders.

Jax & Debb (1849 W. North Ave., jaxanddebb.com) will offer deals throughout Black Friday. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., everything in the store will be 20 percent off. From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., shoppers can buy one piece to get a second at 50 percent off. Clearance will also be marked down by an additional 20 percent all day.

This Friday through Sunday, Sorel at the Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center (4905 Old Orchard Ctr., sorel.com) will take 25 percent off all footwear and accessories and 40 percent off apparel. As an added perk, staffers will dole out free hot chocolate.

Market

The One of a Kind Show (oneofakindshow.com) will return to the Merchandise Mart (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza) December 1 to 4. The show features handmade products from some 600 artists, and shoppers can stock up on everything from accessories to fashion items and handmade soaps.

Opening

2nd Time Around (2ndtimearound.com), an upscale consignment boutique, has opened a Gold Coast location at 43 East Oak Street. The shop stocks pre-owned clothing from labels such as Chanel, Gucci, and Rag & Bone; it also sells shoes, handbags, and accessories. Pieces sell for up to 80 percent off their original retail prices.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Win with Premier Tax Free this Christmas

Enjoyed your recent trip to Singapore? View the offer below to WIN a return trip in 2017 with Premier Tax Free.

To enter the Lucky Draw simply spend a minimum of SGD100 in a Premier Tax Free partner store to receive your eTRS ticket and claim your GST refund, you can then use the Document ID from your eTRS ticket to complete the online entry form.

Lucky Draw Terms and Conditions

The Lucky Draw will be conducted on 9th January 2017.

To participate, complete the online form HERE with the DocID found on eTRS ticket any time from 28th October - 30th December 2016 (both dates inclusive) to be eligible for the draw.

Other terms and conditions apply.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Biondini

Parisians certainly know about this "secret" address as well as all those passionate about shoes and accessories from the most beautiful, luxury brands.

Biondini’s reputation for its eclectic and luxurious selection of shoes is legendary and it has become a go-to destination for handbags, jewellery and accessories in exclusive limited edition designs.

It was in 1985 that Patrick Melloul opened his first boutique at 78 Avenue Champs Elysées. Initially the boutique was intended only for men, but his success was so great that he began to introduce a collection of women's shoes with a single appeal: luxury and glamour.

Today Biondini has three stores in two historic shopping galleries on the Champs Elysées and has concessions in the famous French department stores.

But Biondini's point of difference is undoubtedly the exclusivity and concentration of beautiful brands in one store; Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Burberry, Alaïa Paris, Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Oscar De La Rent, Versace, Valentino ...

Many of the designs stocked by Biondini are not even to be found in the flagships stores of these brands. This exclusivity has been won since Biondini became a must-have address in Paris for those who adore shoes and enjoy an excellent in-store service with experienced and highly competent sales advisors.

Their customers come from all over the world knowing that they will find prestigious brands and an extremely refined selection.

This selection of products ultimately forms the "ideal" closet of shoes that every woman or man should have... From vertiginous pumps to comfortable ballerinas or modern sneakers and moccasins. The accessories follow suit, with some truly unique jewels for grand occasions to everyday luxury backpacks and totes.

Boutique Women's Biondini Paris

78, avenue des Champs-Elysées 75008 Paris

+33 (0)1 43 59 11 59 78

Boutique Women's & Men

26 avenue des Champs Elyses

+33 (0)1 45 62 27 40

Hip Eyeware Company Warby Parker Opens Two New Shops in Chicagoland

This Week’s Top Story

Warby Parker (warbyparker.com), the hip eyewear company, will open two new stores this month. The first shop will open in the Gold Coast (1123 N. State St.) on November 19. Furbished with terrazzo-style floors __and marble-top tables, the space also features a mural depicting local landmarks. The brand—which began as an online store—is known for its affordable eyeglasses __and sunglasses. The new “Editions” collection, which will be available at local stores, also includes items such as glasses cases, lens cloths, and sleep masks. The next store to open will be at Oakbrook Center, so stay tuned for news on that.

Top Sales This Week

Billy Reid (845 W. Randolph St., billyreid.com) is hosting an ongoing sale that takes up to 40 percent off select pieces. Also running online, the sale offers a navy pea coat (reduced from $695 to $549) and slip-on loafers (reduced from $450 to $299).

High-end beauty brand Tatcha is offering 20 percent off its entire website now until November 20. Bestsellers to stock up on include the Dewy Skin Mist (normally $150) and the Ritual Discovery Kit (normally $59), which comes with cleansing oil, enzyme powder, serum, and moisturizer.

Market

Randolph Street Market (1340 W. Washington St., randolphstreetmarket.com) will host three holiday markets in November and December. The dates are: November 19 and 20, November 26 and 27, and December 10 and 11. At the November 19 market, Luxury Garage Sale (luxurygaragesale.com) will be on site with vintage duds and a “styling clinic,” which will teach guests how to incorporate vintage pieces into their existing wardrobes. Each version of the market will feature some 125 vendors and sell everything from vintage fashion and accessories to holiday décor. Find ticket info here.

Opening

Nordstrom (55 E. Grand Ave., shop.nordstrom.com) opens a new, in-store sneaker boutique today. Dubbed Nordstrom x Nike, the shop will sell limited-edition shoes along with sportswear, accessories, tech goodies, and more. On Saturday, the shop will drop 50 pairs of limited-edition Nike Air Max90 shoes with laser-engraved icons inspired by Chicago. On Sunday, the boutique will host the global launch of the Nike Beautiful X Powerful Collection Jacquard, which is the brand’s first footwear collection inspired by female athletes.

Pop-Up

Cuyana (cuyana.com), a San Francisco–based brand, has opened a pop-up shop at 840 West Armitage Avenue. Open through Christmas Eve, the store stocks women’s apparel and accessories. The brand specializes in clean, timeless pieces; its bestsellers include an oversized alpaca sweater ($160) and a cropped wool coat ($395).

 

Sales and Shopping News

Tory Burch New Accessories Boutique

Tory Burch announces the opening of a new boutique in London just in time for the Christmas shopping rush.

The first accessories-only store in the UK will open on 23rd November at Westfield London shopping center, further complementing the boutique on Bond Street which carries the full Tory Burch collection including ready-to-wear and home.

The store’s facade is distinguished by a green awning and brass accents, signature Tory Burch design details. In keeping with the aesthetic of the brand’s stores, the interior has a residential feel. With basketweave floors, chandeliers and oak panel walls offering a neutral backdrop for a sophisticated mix of furnishings in vibrant colours, including teal mohair sofas, blue embroidered pillows and seafoam silk drapes.

A wide assortment of Tory Burch accessories will be available at the Westfield boutique including handbags, shoes, jewellery, small leather goods, watches and eyewear. To celebrate the opening, the boutique will exclusively carry the new Croc-Embossed Mini Backpack crafted in crocodile-embossed Italian leather and inspired by a vintage handbag Tory found in a shop on Portobello Road in London.

New Store Details

Unit 1128

Westfield London

Ariel Way

London W12 7 GD

United Kingdom

Opening 23rd November 2016

Stella McCartney Launches Debut Mens Collection

Stella held a star studded event last Thursday night at the famous Abbey Road music studios in London to launch her first ever mens line.

The collection is made up of pyjama-like shirts and shorts combo's and oversized outerwear. Stella puts a twist on the classic suit with patterned detailing and loungewear is given a fashion upgrade.

Speaking after the presentation, the designer talked about how she felt now was the right time to introduce menswear to her portfolio following mans years of successful womenswear.

She also mentioned that her dad had provided lots of inspiration for the collection and when asked if he would be wearing the new line Stella responded, "He better be..".

Discover Stella McCartney menswear in stores from early 2017.

News taken from Reuters

http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-fashion-stellamccartney-idUKKBN1352R3

Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian and Jane Witherspoon

The Line Opens Luxurious Pop-Up at Waldorf Astoria

This Week’s Top Story

The Line (theline.com) has opened its first Chicago pop-up shop at the Waldorf Astoria (11 E. Walton St.). Styled like a luxurious home, the seasonal boutique showcases home goods, beauty products, __and fashion from labels such as Altuzarra and Calvin Klein Collection. The shop—which will remain open through January 2017—also offers perks like personal shopping, wardrobe styling, __and giftwrapping.

Top Sales This Week

Lifestyle blogger Blair Staky of The Fox & She will host a shopping event at Ann Taylor (600 N. Michigan Ave., anntaylor.com) this evening. Running from 5 to 7 p.m., the “Friends of Ann” event will offer 40 percent discounts on everything in-store, and Blair will dole styling advice. And if that’s not enough for you, there will also be snacks and drinks as well.

Elements (741 N. Wells St., elementschicago.com) will host a three-day flash sale on handbags today through Saturday. The sale takes 20 percent off bags from labels such as B. May, Dragon, and Henry Beguelin.

Trunk Show

Chalk (337 Park Ave., Glencoe, chalkboutique.com) will host a designer appearance and trunk show for Novis on November 17. Named after designer Jordana Warmflash’s grandmother, Gwen Novis Warmflash, the women’s label is known for tailored silhouettes and luxurious fabrics. Check out the Fall 2016 collection here.

Pop-Up

Spa@theWit (201 N. State St., thewithotel.com) will host a pop-up shop through November 28. The shop will sell gift-worthy beauty products, including bath bomb sets from a variety of brands, super-soft socks and baby blankets from Kashwere, and sets of organic skincare products from Eminence.

 

Sales and Shopping News

5% Cashback at Hamleys with PayPal

Choose PayPal as your Tax Refund method in Hamleys, Regent Street and receive your Tax Refund directly into your PayPal account plus an additional 5% cash back on your purchases.

*Only available for Non-EU residents, T&Cs apply.

Customer T&C’s:

1. Customers must be eligible to shop tax free in order to redeem the offer.
2. The minimum qualifying spend to shop Tax Free is £50.
3. To be eligible to shop tax free, customers must be a non EU resident leaving the UK within three months of the purchase being made.
4. The Tax Refund and 5% Cashback will only be processed if tax back forms are filled out correctly, stamped by customs or an authorised 3rd party when leaving the UK.
5. Customers are responsible for providing a valid PayPal email address or the refund and 5% cash back will not be processed.
6. This offer is valid from 7th October to 25th December 2016.
7. The 5% Cashback will only be paid to customers choosing PayPal as their Tax Refund method.
8. The PayPal account in which the 5% Cashback is paid into must be registered to the person named on the Tax Refund form and the payment must be issued to the same account that received the Tax Refund.
9. Customers who cause the payments to be sent to the wrong PayPal account through submitting an incorrect email address either by spelling or in error will lose their cashback and refund as PayPal payments cannot be reversed.
10. The 5% Cashback is non-transferable and no alternative is available.
11. The 5% Cashback will only be received if the issue date of the Tax Refund form is within the promotional period.
12. This offer is only valid on purchases made at the Hamleys Regent Street store during the promotional period stated above.
13. Hospitality purchases within Hamleys are excluded from this offer.
14. If a tax refund and a 5% cash back is issued, the goods in question cannot be returned, they may be exchanged at the retailer’s discretion in the case of faulty or damaged goods.
15. This offer may be withdrawn at any time.

If you have any issues receiving your Tax Refund or 5% cash back please contact Premier Tax Free at customerservices@premiertaxfree.com and provide the following information:

1. Name and email address
2. Date of transaction
3. Tax Free form number (if available)

We do recommend that customers take clear photos on phones of the stamped tax free forms before posting in case of any future complaints.

On Trend: Winter Has Us Seeing Red

Our trendsetters say these crimson accoutrements will be a hit this season.

By Agga B. Raya

Published today at 11:16 a.m.

Photo: Colleen Durkin

1. Panther sculpture, $85 for similar, Lost Eras, 1511 W. Howard St.

2. Stilettos, Leather, $745, Christian Louboutin, 58 E. Oak St.

3. Eau de parfum, Tom Ford Jasmin, Rouge, $595, Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan Ave.

4. Champagne flute, Baccarat, crystal, $260, Bloomingdale’s Medinah Home, 600 N. Wabash Ave.

5. Moisturizer, Shiseido, $79, bloomingdales.com.

6. Nail polish, Christian Louboutin, Rouge, $50, Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave.

7. Shoulder bag, Chloé, suede, $1,390, saksfifthavenue.com.

8. Chokers, Luiny, leather, $86 each, localeclectic.com.

9. Lipstick, Christian Louboutin, Rouge, Sheer Voile, $90, us.christianlouboutin.com.

10. Bracelets, Leather __and brass, $170 for bow bracelet (above), $190 for lock bracelet, Salvatore Ferragamo, 645 N. Michigan Ave.

11. Ring set, Iosselliani, 10-karat gold __and brass, $270, localeclectic.com.

12. Brooch and ring, $54 and $85 respectively, Lost Eras.

13. Powder brush, Guerlain, $44, Saks Fifth Avenue.

14. Lipstick, Christian Dior, Rouge, $35, Bloomingdale’s.

15. Nail polish, Yves Saint Laurent, Rouge, $28, Saks Fifth Avenue.

16. Lipstick, Yves Saint Laurent, Rouge Pur Couture, $36, Bloomingdale’s.

17. Lipstick, Rituel de Fille, Fortune Teller, $23, Rider for Life, 1115 W. Lake St.

18. Cuffs, Gage Huntley, brass, $38 each, localeclectic.com.

19. Gloves, Labonia, leather, $165, Saks Fifth Avenue.

20. Eye shadow, Yves Saint Laurent, Scandal Collection, $60, Saks Fifth Avenue.

This article appears in the November 2016 issue of Chicago magazine. Subscribe to Chicago magazine.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Lizzie Fortunato Opens Shop in Space 519

This Week’s Top Story

Space 519 (900 N. Michigan Ave., space519.com) opens its “Fortune Finds” shop-in-shop today. Designed in partnership with Lizzie __and Kathryn Fortunato, the twin sisters behind the chic label Lizzie Fortunato, the shop will showcase handmade jewelry, leather goods, __and other accessories. The sisters will appear at the shop this evening from 5 to 8 p.m., and the pop-up will remain open throughout the weekend. The event marks the first time that Lizzie and Kathryn have brought their “Fortune Finds” concept outside of Chicago, and they will also stock the shop with goods they’ve collected on their international travels—think rugs from Morocco and baskets from Ghana.

Top Sales This Week

St. John (116 E. Oak St., stjohnknits.com) has taken 40 percent off its pre-fall collection. The line’s primary color palette is brown, orange, and blue, and items will be on sale through the end of the year (or while supplies last). Also running online, the sale applies to items such as a double-breasted knit jacket (reduced from $1,695 to $1,017) and a knit sheath dress (reduced from $795 to $477).

Maje (70 E. Oak St., us.maje.com) is hosting a sale in-store and online, offering 50 percent off select styles. Items include a printed dress with tassels (reduced from $325 to $162.50) and a reversible sailor jumper (reduced from $325 to $162.50).

The Denim Lounge (2039 W. Roscoe St., thedenimlounge.com) will celebrate its 20th anniversary by offering 20 percent discounts on its entire inventory tonight, from 5 to 9 p.m. The store offers casual clothing for men and women, and carries labels such as AG and Paige Denim. There will also be cider tastings, hairstyling services by Blown Away, and denim raffles.

Pop-Ups

Combatant Gentleman (combatantgent.com) a men’s fashion brand, will host a pop-up shop at Bloomingdale’s (900 N. Michigan Ave.) starting today. Open through the end of January, the shop will showcase the new Summit Italy collection, which features six new suits and two new blazers.

Hotel Monaco (225 N. Wabash Ave., monac0-chicago.com) hosts its first Neighborhood Pop-Up event this evening from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. In the lobby of the hotel, the pop-up will showcase goods from Wicker Park boutiques, including hat shop Goorin Bros. and vintage clothing and accessories store Kokoroko. The event will be held on the first Thursday of each month going forward, and will reflect different Chicago neighborhoods.

Singer, actress, and dancer Zendaya has launched a clothing line called Daya by Zendaya (dayabyzendaya.com). Check out the collection at the Daya by Zendaya pop-up shop, which is open at Block 37 (108 N. State St.) today through Saturday.

Health & Beauty

A new “Posh Wednesday” series is set to kick off at cocktail lounge Arbella (112 W. Grand Ave.) on November 9. Held on the second Wednesday of each month, the event lets guests get complimentary braids and makeup touchups from finishing salon Goldplaited (goldplaited.com). Arbella will also offer food and cocktail specials, including a dozen oysters and a bottle of sparkling wine for $40.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Choose PayPal as your Tax Refund Method at Hamleys

Choose PayPal as your Tax Refund method in Hamleys, Regent Street and receive your Tax Refund directly into your PayPal account plus an additional 5% cash back on your purchases.

*Only available for Non-EU residents, T&Cs apply.

Customer T&C’s:

1. Customers must be eligible to shop tax free in order to redeem the offer.
2. The minimum qualifying spend to shop Tax Free is £50.
3. To be eligible to shop tax free, customers must be a non EU resident leaving the UK within three months of the purchase being made.
4. The Tax Refund and 5% Cashback will only be processed if tax back forms are filled out correctly, stamped by customs or an authorised 3rd party when leaving the UK.
5. Customers are responsible for providing a valid PayPal email address or the refund and 5% cash back will not be processed.
6. This offer is valid from 7th October to 25th December 2016.
7. The 5% Cashback will only be paid to customers choosing PayPal as their Tax Refund method.
8. The PayPal account in which the 5% Cashback is paid into must be registered to the person named on the Tax Refund form and the payment must be issued to the same account that received the Tax Refund.
9. Customers who cause the payments to be sent to the wrong PayPal account through submitting an incorrect email address either by spelling or in error will lose their cashback and refund as PayPal payments cannot be reversed.
10. The 5% Cashback is non-transferable and no alternative is available.
11. The 5% Cashback will only be received if the issue date of the Tax Refund form is within the promotional period.
12. This offer is only valid on purchases made at the Hamleys Regent Street store during the promotional period stated above.
13. Hospitality purchases within Hamleys are excluded from this offer.
14. If a tax refund and a 5% cash back is issued, the goods in question cannot be returned, they may be exchanged at the retailer’s discretion in the case of faulty or damaged goods.
15. This offer may be withdrawn at any time.

If you have any issues receiving your Tax Refund or 5% cash back please contact Premier Tax Free at customerservices@premiertaxfree.com and provide the following information:

1. Name and email address
2. Date of transaction
3. Tax Free form number (if available)

We do recommend that customers take clear photos on phones of the stamped tax free forms before posting in case of any future complaints.

Dolce &Gabbana New Flagship: A Bridge Between Past and Future

Dolce & Gabbana has opened a magnificent flagship in Milan on the chic via Montenapoleone, the most exclusive street in the capital of Italian fashion. Occupying an entire 19th century Milanese palazzo, without doubt the most imposing and beautiful building on the street.

This creative masterpiece was the vision of both designers Dolce & Gabbana, who contracted no less than five architectural studios to realise their dream: Storage Associati (Milan, Italy), Gwenael Nicolas’s Curiosity (Tokyo, Japan), Steven Harris (New York, USA), Marco Costanzi (Imola, Italy) and Eric Carlson’s Carbondale (Paris, France). The space represents a dialog between two worlds: the energy of the Baroque and the clarity of Modernism.

The store marks a new concept in luxury retailing and store philosophy, where breath-taking interior design and layout brings emotion, character, excitement and a sense of magic and curiosity that emphasises the natural beauty of Dolce & Gabbana’s product lines. The colours are soothing and highly symbolic; green marble represents nature and re-birth and briar-wood is a symbol of strength and stability. The lava stone floors remain and are a classic Dolce & Gabbana element. This store will be the model for the refurbishment of their other flagship stores throughout the world.

“We opened our first boutique in Via Montenapoleone: a dream that wasn’t in our initial plans, but it’s a challenge for us, an honour and a responsibility. We saw the store when empty, and we fell in love instantly… we wanted a new boutique, different, strong, but recognizable …”
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

Photo Credits: Alessandra Chemollo

Coach Launches Craftsmanship Bar for All Your Leather Needs

This Week’s Top Story

Coach (625 N. Michigan Ave., coach.com) will launch its Craftsmanship Bar on November 3. The first of its kind in the Midwest, the bar will offer a range of services for Coach’s leather products—think repair, preservation, __and customization. Shoppers can also get their goods cleaned at the bar, free of charge. (Previously, this service had only been available in London, New York, __and San Francisco.) And, there’s plenty of eye-candy while you wait: the bar is flanked with vitrines that showcase vintage Coach bags from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Speaking of decades past, Coach has a vintage auction running online through tomorrow afternoon; check out its rare goods here.

Top Sales This Week

Rebecca Minkoff (rebeccaminkoff.com) is hosting an online sample sale with discounts of up to 75 percent on clothing, bags, and accessories. Items include a quilted cross-body bag (reduced from $195 to $98) and a royal blue satchel (reduced from $395 to $198).

Fabletics will celebrate the grand opening of its Old Orchard store (4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, fabletics.com) by offering 20 percent off all purchases Friday through Sunday. The brand, which was co-founded by actress Kate Hudson, offers workout gear for men and women.

Openings

Mod + Ethico (modandethico.com) is now open at 27 North Morgan Street. The clothing and lifestyle boutique sells items produced in socially and environmentally responsible ways. Look for a made-in-America, cropped leather jacket ($750), a rose-gold feather necklace ($45), and snakeskin ankle booties ($295).

Brilliant Earth (brilliantearth.com), which specializes in responsibly sourced jewelry, is set to open its first Midwest showroom at 34 East Oak Street. The 2,000-square-foot shop, which opens in early November, will offer personalized consultations for shoppers seeking engagement and wedding rings, fine jewelry, and vintage pieces.

Pop-Up

Monica + Andy (monicaandandy.com) will open a pop-up shop at Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Ave.) on November 1. Open through February, the shop will sell clothes, bedding, and accessories for babies and kids. Look out for cute pieces like the cherub baby sweater ($48) and a miniature “moto jacket” made with organic cotton ($58).

Personal Appearance

Karen Fairchild, a member of the popular country band Little Big Town, will appear at Macy’s Water Tower (835 N. Michigan Ave., macys.com) tomorrow. The singer will promote her new clothing line, Fair Child. With all pieces clocking in at under $150, the Nashville-inspired line offers printed metallic leggings, a studded faux leather motorcycle jacket, and a faux fur coat. The first 200 shoppers to make a purchase will be invited to meet Fairchild and snap a photo with her. And though the appearance begins at 5:30, staffers predict that lines will start forming before then.

Market

Randolph Street Market (randolphstreetmarket.com) returns to Plumbers Hall (1340 W. Washington St.) with a “Picks N Treats” theme on Saturday and Sunday. With 125 vendors, this run of the market will feature Halloween décor and fun dress-up items. There will also festive snacks (think taffy apples) and an airbrush-tattoo parlor, housed in a 1963 VW bus, from the Field Museum. Find ticket info here.

Health & Beauty

The ACME Hotel (15 E. Ohio St., acmehotelcompany.com) hosts a pop-up barbershop for Cubs fans (that’s the entire city, these days) tomorrow. Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the shop will be manned by barber Miguel Rosas of New Style Barbershop. Rosas will give guests free Cubs-logo buzz cuts; for $150, he’ll shave an intricate portrait of a Cubs player into your head. Way to top a baseball cap.

 

Sales and Shopping News

FURLA opens new flagship store on rue Saint-Honoré

By Stella Pelissari

The famous Italian brand, FURLA, opened their new flagship boutique on rue Saint-Honoré last month during Paris Fashion Week when the city played host to designers, journalists and fashion buyers from all over the world.

With more than 100m2 of shopping space, the vast store offers an exclusive atmosphere combining the charm and tradition of the past, with their contrasting chic modernity.

The store décor is comprised of neutral, pastel tones mixed with exotic and rare materials such as rosewood, Italian Travertine marble and opalescent glass creating a luminous atmosphere.

"The interiors have been redesigned to offer a more precious, sophisticated look, optimising and adding value to the display area which, besides the handbag segment, highlights the accessories category: footwear, textile products, eyewear, watches and small leather goods", says Alberto Camerlengo, the General Manager of FURLA.

The existing FURLA boutique located at 281 rue Saint-Honoré will be transformed into a Pop-Up store dedicated to the brands collection of products and accessories for men. It will be the first store in Europe for FURLA Men allowing them a unique space designed to perfectly showcase their offering to the male client.

House of Fraser

Founded in 1849, House of Fraser is a British department store on a mission to provide everything your heart's desires for more than 150 years.

From humble Drapery Shop in Victorian Glasgow to an internationally inspirational department store, with over 60 stores across the United Kingdom and Ireland. 

They're so much more than just a house; they're a whole universe, a magical wardobe, full of your favourite things and brands. 

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

River Island

With over 60 years of fashion retailing experience, River Island is one of the most successful brands on the High Street. River Island has nearly 300 stores across the UK, Ireland and internationally which provide the latest trends in fashion across Womenswear, Menswear and Kidswear.

River Island is known for its stylish and affordable product and the unique touches it brings to each collection. Customers love River Island for its great occasionwear, amazing denim and fabulous shoes and bags, as well as being the perfect place to pick up everything you could need to get a complete head-to-toe look. New product is available in-store and online daily and in-store services include ‘Click and Collect’ meaning you can shop the complete collection online, and have your purchase delivered directly to store for your convenience.

www.riverisland.com

Reiss

Design-led, sexy, modern, iconic.  The Reiss philosophy centres on creating and producing directional, design-led men's wear, women's wear and accessories.

Reiss prides itself on an uncompromising commitment to delivering innovative, original products combining exceptional design, quality and value. 

The first Reiss store opened in 1971 selling European-quality men’s tailoring in the city of London. David Reiss, founder and owner, kept his vision alive while developing and diversifying the brand. By 2000, Reiss had put in place its own in-house design team and atelier, securing its design credentials and focusing on expanding its unique offer into a complete range of womenswear as well as menswear and accessories.

Today Reiss is a multi-national fashion retailer with over 90 stores worldwide. The iconic and truly impressive flagship store and headquarters opened in London’s West End on Barrett Street in 2007 in the site that once housed the London College of Fashion.

www.reiss.com.

New Chicago History Museum Exhibit Celebrates a Chicago Couturier

This Week’s Top Story

Chicago History Museum’s highly anticipated exhibit “Making Mainbocher: The First American Couturier” opens Saturday. A Chicago native, Mainbocher (full name Main Rousseau Bocher) was the first American to work as a couturier in Paris. He was known for short evening dresses __and bejeweled sweaters; he also designed the Duchess of Windsor’s wedding dress in 1937, __and had a hand in reviving the corset.

The exhibit tells the couturier’s story with 30 garments displayed alongside photography and fashion illustrations; it also offers videos and oral histories. Here’s the really fun part: an interactive component lets visitors design a virtual garment using Mainbocher’s go-to colors and fabrics. The design is then projected onto a 3-D dress form. For more info, head to makingmainbocher.com.

Top Sale This Week

BCBG MaxAzria Factory at Chicago Premium Outlets (1650 Premium Outlet Blvd., Aurora, premiumoutlets.com) is offering 30 percent off new arrivals—and an additional 30 percent off some select styles—through October 31.

Openings

Zara at Block 37 (108 N. State St., zara.com) has reopened with a new, minimalistic look. New touches include a façade made of transparent glass decked in white, vertical window blades. The store currently has the autumn/winter 2016 collections in stock, and carries items for men, women, and children.

Razny Jewelers (razny.com) will open its fourth location at 109 East Oak Street this fall. At 7,500 square feet, the three-story shop will sell Patek Philippe timepieces. On the second floor, a spacious reception area will host private showings of the timepieces, as well as custom and designer jewelry.

Trunk Shows

Kristin Cavallari will host a meet-and-greet and trunk show at Luxury Garage Sale (1658 N. Wells St., luxurygaragesale.com) on October 26. The designer and TV personality will show off her latest collection of Emerald + DUV jewelry (emeraldduv.com). She’ll also sign copies of her book Balancing in Heels, which will be available for purchase onsite. Space is limited; RSVP to rsvp@boldfacechicago.com.

My Sister’s Circus, which has locations in Highland Park (601 Elm Pl.) and in the 900 Shops (900 N. Michigan Ave.), will host a trunk show featuring fall and winter coats by Lee Andersen. The show will run at the Highland Park location until October 26, then move to the Michigan Avenue store and run until November 1.

Personal Appearances

Barneys (15 East Oak St., barneys.com) is hosting two daytime trunk shows today. From 2 to 4 p.m., shoe designer Tabitha Simmons will meet and greet customers from the shoe salon on the second floor. From 3 to 5 p.m., jeweler Brooke Garber Neidich of Sidney Garber will meet with customers on the first floor.

Market

Le Fair, a shopping event benefitting Kicks in the City, will take place at Rockit Bar and Grill (22 W. Hubbard St.) on October 23. With a carnival theme, the event lets visitors shop collections curated by the local fashion bloggers behind Drunk on Shoes, Red Soles Red Wine, Once Upon a Dollhouse, and Sassy Peach.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Greece: Now even easier to shop Tax Free

The Tax Free shopping minimum spend amount in Greece has changed from €120.00 to €50.00 making now the perfect time to shop your favourite brands on your next visit to Greece.

Spend over €50.00 on the same day in the same store with one of our Premier Tax Free brands and you will be able to reclaim the tax.

Learn more about Tax Free shopping in Greece here.

Chanel: Back To The Future

By Stella Pelissari

Karl Lagerfeld, the design legend who will never grow old. He has always looked to the future to influence his work and displays a legendary talent for capturing the energy of the moment. His curiosity for the latest technological offering is shown in his new collection for CHANEL.

CHANEL: AT THE HEART OF THE DATA CENTER

The new CHANEL SS17 collection is futuristic, digital and tech-electric. Traditional materials - tweed suits, chains, quilted and camellias are given a digital upgrade with electric tones, neon finishes, scanned pixels and wire accents.

The famous Grand Palais of Paris, the CHANEL catwalk of choice, was transformed into a giant futuristic platform.  Models were seen emerging from an immense structure of thousands of stacked computers and electrical wires in bright colours. Dressed in traditional CHANEL jackets and bright baseball caps, mixing haute couture and modern street fashion in perfect harmony.

One of the key elements of the collection were the lingerie inspired dresses, discreetly worn under heavy tweeds. Elsewhere, handbags and accessories came with LED lights and sandals crafted in metallic leather allowing the CHANEL woman to maintain her frenetic pace in chic, informal comfort.                                                          

A classic collection reinvented with an entirely new look for spring, youthful designs for the modern woman, powerful, yet steeped in femininity.

After the show, Lagerfeld said…"CHANEL has always been modern before its time. I have associated the traditional tweed blazers with these modern creatures from the future to say: CHANEL is timeless, CHANEL is immortal".

Dior

Christian Dior's vision has always been ahead of its time, fascinating women with his ability to combine utmost modernity with timeless elegance.

Founded in 1946 by the eponymous designer Christian Dior, today the company designs and retails ready-to-wear, leather goods, fashion accessories, footwear, jewellery, timepieces, fragrance, make-up, and skincare products while also maintaining its tradition as a creator of recognized haute couture (under the Christian Dior Couture division).

From the renowned Bar suit to the grandest evening gowns, the famous Lady Dior bag to the Dior VIII watch and Bois de Rose jewellery, and from the Dior Addict lipstick to the best selling J’adore perfume, Dior's creations constitute an unmatched universe.

Dior is the ultimate symbol of elegance, excellence and luxury. In the 21st Century, Dior continues to define elegance and style with the same audacity that inspired Monsieur Dior when he launched his house.

www.dior.com

Discover Vertu’s Latest Collections

Interested in adding a bit of luxury to your smartphone experience? British luxury phone manufacturer Vertu create some of the finest handsets globally, developing the highest benchmarks when it comes to power, reliability and performance. Their latest collections; Aster Chevron and NST Carbon Sport continue to meet the uncompromising standards and high expectations of its customer base.

Aster Chevron Collection
Crafted from high-quality canvas material, available in pink, blue or black, Aster Chevron is the latest addition to the Vertu Aster Collection. It is a great option for anyone looking for modern and fashionable accessory.

This new handset is a seamless combination of leading technology, exciting services and innovative design, including titanium chassis, sapphire crystal screen and the distinctive chevron pattern inspired by the Vertu logo.

Retail price £3000

NST Carbon Sport
Combining the finest English craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology and exclusive services, Signature Touch is our latest high performance smartphone from the biggest crystal sapphire screen on the market (5.2”), an exceptional 4G global connectivity, a 21 Megapixels camera to its Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 Octa-core processor. 

Add a touch of adventure with this sporty edition wrapped in orange calf. It features satin black PVD sides with polished gunmetal grey highlights in Grade 5 Titanium and satin grey hardened ceramic pillow.

Ceramic pillow that has been sandblasted to prominently reveal a intricate, glossy V logo.

Fine calf leather in sunny bright orange complemented with a black racing strip.

Retail price £10000

Shop Vertu Tax Free

Reiss AW16 Seasonal Overview

For the AW16 collections the Reiss design team looked to a range of cultural references for inspiration.  Menswear looks to the icons and regulars of Studio 54 for inspiration. Colours and fabrications remain light and crisp at the start of the season but as the weather turns fabrics are bolder, shinier and are drawn from a darker colour palette.

The womenswear collection launches with styles that nod to the theatrical works of the 1920s Bloomsbury artists and in later weeks, we see creative influence stem from Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball. Hand-drawn, painterly prints prevail, intricate details adorn fabrications and new techniques are adopted.

New Diorever & Diorama designs for AW16

Jennifer Lawrence, the Dior muse of choice, is back to showcase their latest handbag collection. Dior and Lawrence have a long-standing partnership, with the star fronting the brand's AW15 accessories campaign and being named the face of the Dior Addict makeup line in the spring of last year.

Renowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier was brought in for the photo shoot for this latest Dior campaign featuring the beautiful actress with new versions of the Diorever and Diorama bags. The result is a campaign which is classic, elegant and more captivating than ever!

The Diorama, a must-have classic.

The Diorama collection is a classic line revisited each season, described as the ‘signature bag of the new Dior woman’. Stylish and contemporary "Diorama" is available in a full range of styles, from essential to more sophisticated versions for all occasions.

The Diorever, for a modern woman.

The Diorever appeared for the first time at their Spring/Summer 2016 runway show. Reversible, it reflects a unique style and personality. Its crest-shaped clasp makes a statement as the emblematic signature of the Dior woman. Perfect for every day, this tote adapts to your mood and style and adds an effortless touch of sophistication to any look. Available in a variety of materials and colours, there is a Diorever bag for everyone!

Poiray: Precious Combinations

Among the most legendary French jewellers, Poiray, since its creation in 1975, has established an excellent reputation for their design audacity that provides a welcome alternative to traditional jewellery.

The new Foulard Watch

For this winter, Poiray offers a new way to wear its watches: wrapped by a foulard scarf around the wrist. The collection was designed by the charming and artistic Inès de Parcevaux, who has created square silk scarfs that are easily mounted on each watch, Again, Poiray has been able to create an almost endless choice of watch colours that will certainly appeal to artistic types who like to create their own custom look. It may be a sophisticated silk scarf or bandana in cotton, in neutral colours or festive patterns to revive the classic winter look. The choice is almost endless, a constant invitation to create your own personal style.         

www.poiray.com

Valentino and Oscar de la Renta Are 80 Percent Off

This Week’s Top Story

The Gilt City Warehouse Sale returns to the MCA Warehouse (1747 W. Hubbard St.) October 14 __and 15. The popular sale stocks fashion from ultra high-end brands like Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, __and Derek Lam—and goods are discounted by up to 80 percent. Score tickets for the sale here.

Top Sale This Week

Twelve local boutiques will participate in a warehouse sale at Mazi Dance Studio (1564 N. Damen Ave.) on Saturday. The sale will feature below-cost inventory from shops like Penelope’s, Study Hall, Moon Voyage, and Milk Handmade. Find more information here.

Opening

Chalk (chalkboutique.com), the highly regarded Evanston boutique, has opened a second location. The new Chalk is at 337 Park Avenue in Glencoe. The shop offers women’s clothing, shoes, and jewelry from mix of established and emerging designers.

Trunk Show

Jewelry designer Dahlia Kanner (dahliakannerstudio.com) will host a trunk show at Virtu (2035 N. Damen Ave., virtuchicago.com) on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Health & Beauty

Spa Week (spaweek.com) returns October 17 to 23. The promotion offers $50 treatments at citywide spas. This time around, offerings include facials and body treatments at The Red Door Salon & Spa as well as a French-wine facial with sound-wave treatment at Elizabeth Adam Salon and Day Spa.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Bella Boutique 14th Anniversary

When we find a local boutique we love, there’s no going back and we’re so excited that we have a forever fashionable home at Bella Boutique Boca, located in the Boca Center! If you haven’t noticed on social media, we’re obsessed with everything they have in their store. The owner, Christina Poulos, is on top of the latest and greatest __fashion trends in the industry. Bella literally has something for everyone, ranging in pieces that compliment every body type, sense of style and price point. If you’ve seen us out #OnTheScene, chances are we’re decked out in Bella.

As we were shopping, it was brought to our attention that Bella Boutique would be celebrating their 14th anniversary in October! Yes, 14 years in business! Definitely something to celebrate. In true LLScene fashion, we're all throwing a party to celebrate! Join us TONIGHT Friday, October 14 from 6-9pm for a night of bubbly, bites, shopping, discounts, brow bars, lashes, makeup touch ups & surprises!

Where: Bella Boutique Boca

5050 Town Center Cir Suite #230, Boca Raton, FL 33486

Phone: (561) 393-3883

RSVP: info@ll-scene.com

 

Until then, check out their adorable store in the Boca Center shopping plaza. Hope to see you all there! 

The latest Diorever & Diorama designs for AW16

Jennifer Lawrence, the Dior muse of choice, is back to showcase their latest handbag collection. Dior and Lawrence have a long-standing partnership, with the star fronting the brand's AW15 accessories campaign and being named the face of the Dior Addict makeup line in the spring of last year.

Renowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier was brought in for the photo shoot for this latest Dior campaign featuring the beautiful actress with new versions of the Diorever and Diorama bags. The result is a campaign which is classic, elegant and more captivating than ever!

The Diorama, a must-have classic.

The Diorama collection is a classic line revisited each season, described as the ‘signature bag of the new Dior woman’. Stylish and contemporary "Diorama" is available in a full range of styles, from essential to more sophisticated versions for all occasions.

The Diorever, for a modern woman.

The Diorever appeared for the first time at their Spring/Summer 2016 runway show. Reversible, it reflects a unique style and personality. Its crest-shaped clasp makes a statement as the emblematic signature of the Dior woman. Perfect for every day, this tote adapts to your mood and style and adds an effortless touch of sophistication to any look. Available in a variety of materials and colours, there is a Diorever bag for everyone!

Louboutin Beauty from Head to Toe

Christian Louboutin again shows his admiration for the feminine universe as he returns to surprise us with the launch of his first Fragrance collection.

In 2014, the shoemaker extraordinaire caused a stir in the beauty world by presenting an exclusive collection of nail polishes, quickly followed by a highly desirable line of lipsticks.

This month, Christian Louboutin further cements his role in the world of cosmetics, by unveiling three irresistible fragrances, conceived as an expression of the different facets of Louboutin‘s women.

Trouble in Heaven is a mysterious and enveloping essence that combines Iris, Patchouli and Oriental Amber for a bold and opulent result.

Bikini Questa Sera is a warm fragrance, both exciting and sensual. The Tuberose and Jasmine notes are designed to evoke the intensity and heat of the sun on a woman’s skin.

Finally, Tornado Blonde is described as the scent of desire, a subtle blend of Red Rose, Violet and Blackcurrant that expresses both the romantic and adventurous spirit of a woman.

The bottles were designed in collaboration with British architect Thomas Heatherwick, and are equally beautiful as the incredible footwear created by Christian Louboutin himself. They feature a dynamic and sensuous allure, in a play of light that leads us to imagine that the bottles are moving.

Available in Christian Louboutin stores now.

The Rush University Fashion Show Celebrates 90 Years

This Week’s Top Story

The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center hosts its 90th Annual Fashion Show on October 13—the longest continuously running charitable fashion show in the country.

To mark the milestone, the women have moved the show to the United Club at Soldier Field, which is fitting in light of the evening’s beneficiary: the Road Home Program at Rush, which provides mental health services for veterans __and their families.

The venue is also large enough to hold the 800-some guests organizers expect for a night that includes a cocktail reception, a fashion show, __and an after-party.

The show—which serves as the evening’s centerpiece—will feature designs from local boutiques such as Chalk, Space519, and the Lake Forest Shop. Designers such as Adam Lippes, who will be in attendance, will also show off their fall 2016 collections. And in a fun twist on a typical fashion show, models include prominent community members and their children.

For more information, click here.

Top Sale This Week

Have a slice of deep dish in honor of designer Rebecca Minkoff—her Chicago boutique is now open at 106 East Oak Street. The brand is also offering fresh markdowns on pieces including a quilted cross-body bag (reduced from $355 to $238) and a fold-over clutch decked with tassels (reduced from $245 to $164).

Opening

Ministry (ministry.co) is now open at 900 North Michigan Avenue. The third-floor shop has a unique “work/shop” concept—it provides Wi-Fi, tables, and work supplies in addition to officewear for men and women.

Trunk Show

Neapolitan Collection (neapolitanonline.com) will host a trunk show featuring fashion designer Adam Lippes and jewelry designer Lisa Coolidge Roberts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 12. Ten percent of all sales will benefit the Rush Medical Center.

In-Person Appearance

Canadian shoe designer Ron White (ronwhiteshoes.com), whose creations have been worn by the likes of Matt Damon and Katie Couric, will appear at Van Maur at Yorktown Center (145 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard) on October 8. White will be in the women’s shoe department to showcase his fall 2016 collection from noon to 4 p.m.

Health & Beauty

Petrosino’s Parlor is now open at the new Kimpton Gray Hotel (122 W. Monroe St., grayhotelchicago.com). The full-service salon and spa offers haircuts and color, as well as straight-razor shaves, massages, and pedicures. If you book a haircut with owner Ralfino Petrosino ($250), you’ll get to sit in a 1930s barber chair he refers to as the “Gatsby Station.”

The Spa at Dana Hotel (660 N. State St., spaatdana.com) is the first local spa to offer cryo-therapy facials. New services incorporate “CooLifting,” a technique that uses a spray of carbon dioxide, hyaluronic acids, and botanicals to hydrate skin and smooth out wrinkles.

 

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