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