FEEL THE LOVE: VALENTINES GIFT EDIT

FOR HER

Bottega Veneta: ‘Affair of the Heart’ collection

Crafted from Bottega Veneta’s signature criss-crossed Nappa Leather, this capsule collection features a wallet, pouch and keyring, each featuring a pretty heart motif. Choose from a range of passionate shades.

14 Old Bond St, London W1S 4PP

T: 020 7629 5598

Chopard: ‘Happy Hearts’ bracelet

An absolute Valentine’s classic and a seriously wonderful present, the Happy Heart bracelet is made from 18-carat rose gold and features a large coral heart at one end and a small heart housing one of Chopard's celebrated moving diamonds. If red is too obvious try green, blue or mother of pearl.

15 Clifford Street, London W1S 4JZ

T: 020 7287 8710

Chanel: Rouge Allure lipstick

Bright red lips have been the ultimate seduction tool since time immemorial. The stone-cold classic shade is Pirate, a fabulously deep blue-toned red, but all the Rouge Allure shades are equally striking.

Available at House of Fraser

318 Oxford Street, W1C 1HF

T: 0344 800 3752

Stella McCartney: ‘I Love You’ jeans

This iconic British fashion __brand rarely puts a foot wrong, and these gorgeous pale denim jeans are a case in point. Cut in an absolutely on-trend skinny-leg boyfriend style, the zip fastening features a cheeky ‘I love you’ message. A truly stylish present.

30 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QR

T: 020 7518 3100

Urban Outfitters: Neon Heart light

Neon wall lights are very now and this special design is perfect for Valentine’s day. Make your love abundantly clear with this simple neon light from Urban Outfitters.

200 Oxford Street, London W1D 1NU

T: 020 7907 0800

Agent Provocateur: Amelia Pink/Black slip

Make the lady in your life know just how desired she is with this immaculately created garment. This luxurious heritage-inspired piece is the perfect example of boudoir glamour.

6 Broadwick Street, London W1F 8HL

T: 020 7439 0229

ALLSAINTS: Clay Pink Plait Balfern leather biker jacket

If the lady in your life is not one to be satisfied by the usual champagne and chocolate type gifts then this All Saints dusty pink biker jacket may be the perfect present for her. Not only is it a beautiful symbol of love, but this colour is set to be one of the biggest trends of SS17, so that’s a double win (for you, and her).

240 Regent Street, London W1B 3BR

T: 020 7292 2540

Yves Saint Laurent: La Laque Couture

These beautiful nail lacquers come in a range of tempting colours to suit all tastes, and if you are unsure of the exact shade for your partner, we suggest Rouge Dada for the perfect mix of sophistication and daring colour.

Available at House of Fraser

318 Oxford Street, W1C 1HF

T: 0344 800 3752

Marks and Spencer: Celebration Champagne gift

If you are away from home, or planning to give your gift in the open air, this could be the perfect idea for you. This special gift includes Herbert Beaufort Champagne, Marc de Champagne Truffles and a set of champagne flutes, perfect for sipping al fresco, if you can bear the cold that is!

458 Oxford Street, London W1C 1AP

T: 020 7935 7954

FOR HIM

Daimon Barber: Beard & Stubble Serum

If your man is of the bearded variety, this easily absorbing limited edition serum will go down a treat. Containing nutrient-rich avocado oil and scented with Egyptian mallow, this serum will leave him looking, feeling and smelling fantastic.

Available at Harvey Nichols

109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ

T: 020 7235 5000

HUGO BOSS: Elisha shirt

This narrow cut men’s shirt from HUGO featuring a Kent collar and French sport-man cuffs is the perfect blend of colourful pattern and a demur look. It can be worn equally well under a suit or with a pair of jeans, so now your partner most definitely has a nice shirt to take you out to dinner in.

180 Regent Street, London W1B 5TW

T: 020 7734 7919

Calvin Klein: Slim Microdot shirt
For the man who likes to keep everything minimalist and classic, this shirt is a stylish staple and great addition to any wardrobe. And if he did not have something to wear for your evening out, now he does.
170 Regent Street, London WC2E 9PA
T: 020 7434 0141

Dolce & Gabbana: Leather iPhone7 Cover with Blues Brothers patch

This is a cute and fun gift for a film or music loving partner. Delicately fashioned by Dolce & Gabbana, the impeccable craftsmanship ensures that every piece is unique.

6-8 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4PH

T: 020 7659 9000

Ralph Lauren: Cantwell Cocktail Shaker

With a touch of the classic Ralph Lauren prospector, this leather saddled shaker gives a nod to a western past where drinks were probably a lot stronger. It stands very nicely alone, and if you are looking for a whole set, there is a range of complementary items to go with this piece.

1 New Bond Street, Mayfair, London W1S 3RL

T: 020 7535 4600

Adidas: Personalised trainers

Everyone likes something unique, so why not try your hand at designing a pair of trainers, especially for your loved one. Choose from a wide range of blank trainers which you can customise in a variety of ways, allowing you to put a very personal mark on your loved one’s present.

www.adidas.co.uk

Vertu: Aster Diamonds Phone

An extravagant present to be sure, but what a statement – choose the red alligator cover to sheathe the handmade mobile phone’s titanium and stainless steel body, embellished with 55 diamonds. It features a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Hasselblad camera and lightening-fast Snapdragon processor among its others.

38 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4QW

T: 020 3205 1123

Gieves & Hawkes: Campari jacket

You can’t leave London without taking away a little tailoring. As if their address didn’t give it away (No.1 Savile Row), first in a street famous for London’s bespoke tailoring practices, their 300-year presence there certainly does. Make a statement at cocktail parties or weekends away, with their Campari red silk, cotton and twill jacket.

No. 1 Savile Row, London, W1S 3JR (and other branches)

T: 020 7432 6403

UNISEX

Tom Ford: Vert de Fleur Eau De Parfum

For all those who don’t believe in being restricted by categories, or if you just wanted to treat yourself, why not sample the delights of Tom Ford’s unisex fragrance line. Why not try embracing the scent of spring with Vert de Fleur, the green notes of the perfume are undercut by an alluring theme of 70's glamour- the perfect way to begin the new season. 

Available at Harvey Nichols

109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ

T: 020 7235 5000

This New-to-Chicago French Facial Promises an Instant Facelift

This Week’s Top Story

Put down the highlighter—this is the real secret to getting that glowfor your Valentine’s Day date. The Peninsula Spa (108 E. Superior St., chicago.peninsula.com) now stocks products from the cult-favorite French skincare brand Biologique Recherche (beauty editors everywhere swear by its P50 balancing exfoliator).

With the new products comes a menu of seven new facials, which incorporate the French brand’s clinical approach to skincare. You won’t find any steam or extractions here. Rather, estheticians use cool water __and chilled masks to de-puff the face __and brighten the skin. They also place an emphasis on lymphatic drainage, which uses manual lifting techniques to get rid of excess fluids. We stopped in to test the Healthy Glow Facial ($200 to $215), and were impressed by how it made the face feel tighter, brighter, and more sculpted. Other treatments include the Second Skin Facial ($300 to $315), which uses electro-spun hyaluronic acid to treat wrinkles in 60 minutes, and the Gentleman’s Facial ($200 to $215).

Bonus: if you stop by the spa with your Valentine, the fireplace-lit lounge is a cozy and romantic place to relax after a treatment.

Top Sales This Week

The Frye Company (1007 N. Rush St., thefryecompany.com) is hosting its Cold Weather Event, which takes 30 to 50 percent off winter essentials. Score Italian leather boots swathed in rabbit fur (reduced from $598 to $399) or knee-high boots lined with fur (reduced from $598 to $299).

Looking to add some British flair to your wardrobe? Ted Baker (1009 N. Rush St., tedbaker.com) is offering discounts on select, whimsical styles.

Alice + Olivia (919 N. Michigan Ave., aliceandolivia.com) is also offering discounts on its upbeat, feminine styles.

Markets

Dose Market (dosemarket.com) brings its annual Love Dose to Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan St.) on Sunday. The holiday event will feature some 100 vendors, including dome BEAUTY and jewelry brand Cities in Dust. For brides and grooms, the Dose Trousseau—held next door at The Brass Monkey—lets newly engaged shoppers meet planners, dress vendors, makeup artists, and more.

Pop-Ups

The Tie Bar (thetiebar.com) hosts a Valentine’s Day pop-up at The Gray Hotel (122 W. Monroe St.) this evening from 4:30 to 7 p.m. (You may want to get there on the early side: there’s a hosted wine hour from 5 to 6 p.m.) The shop will showcase items from the Tie Bar’s collaboration with Dwyane Wade, so expect ties in jewel-hued silk, pocket squares, and more.

On February 7, Coach rolled out its Gary Baseman x Coach pop-up shop in five Bloomingdale’s (bloomingdales.com) stores across the country, including the location at 900 North Michigan Avenue. The store showcases pieces from the Coach 1941 Men’s Collection, which were produced in collaboration with contemporary artist Gary Baseman. Look for a tailored jacket printed with wild lilies, a T-shirt with a graphic face that appears to be melting, and a white lambskin jacket printed with the artist’s edgy graphics.

Health and Beauty

The new, Chicago-based grooming brand Oars + Alps (oarsandalps.com) is disrupting the men’s skincare industry. (“Disruptive” is used a lot these days, but hear us out.) First, it offers unique products like a “solid face wash” for men ($14) and a two-in-one face-and-eye cream ($18). There’s also an auto-refill option for customers: The company sends out 30 days worth of grooming supplies, then sends out another set right before the last shipment runs out.

 

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New Sephora store at Forum des Halles in Paris

By Stella Pellisari

Sephora is unique, fun and excessive and has innovated beauty for everyone. A cutting-edge beauty concept with a stunning selection of ultra-inventive brands, available in every price range across. The enormous array of cosmetics, perfumes and beauty products conquers your senses –   all types and tones of colours, exotic scents, glorious creams that caress your skin. The excitement and energy in any Sephora store comes from the pleasure of constantly discovering new things.

So for Parisians and visitors to Paris, the new Sephora store, right in the very centre of Paris, in the well-known shopping centre called “Forum Les Halles” is a very convenient location to stock up on all their favourite beauty products after visiting the nearby museums and shops. The store is located under the main structure of the Canopy, overlooking the gardens and rue Pierre Lescot.

In this new boutique, Sephora brings together its famous in-store services that you find throughout the store : make-up bar, brow bar, hands & nails beauty, eyebrow hair removal, LPG, Skincare bar.

The store is very large, plenty of room, very pleasant and bright ...a real pleasure to try new cosmetics or enjoy the benefits offered for both ladies and men.                                                    

About Les Forum des Halles : topped with the Canopée, it’s the conversion and renewal of an old shopping centre and now a new Parisian architectural symbol. With 150 stores, the Forum des Halles is bigger and more open and benefits from beautiful, natural light.

The Forum des Halles is also a leisure destination with a majestic cinema, swimming pool and gymnasium.

Sephora Les Halles

Forum des Halles, 1 Rue Pierre Lescot, 75001 Paris, France

PHILIPP PLEIN – New Store, New Bond Street

By Stella Pellisari

The Luxury __brand Philipp Plein has opened its first UK flagship at 98 New Bond Street in London.

Designed by architectural firm Claudio Pironi, the shop covers three floors and is a masterpiece of daring and creative interior design, that showcases the great Philipp Plein collection in majestic and opulent style : beehive mirrored walls, logo-splashed carpets and beautifully polished black marble and illuminated glass shelves for all the many products.

Philipp Plein’s stores reflects the explosive nature of the brands fashion shows that feature such unlikely props such as live monster trucks, speeding jet skis, cars and bicycles, and even a full orchestra - So when you visit this store, you will understand the contagious energy that makes this __brand so gripping and unique.

The London store is the latest in a spate of international openings (with 30 more planned throughout 2017) and the new store is a perfect example of Plein's ability to push boundaries in the normally traditional luxury market. One of the first things you notice is the familiar sign of Plein; a huge, floating version of the brand's signature skull, encrusted in crystals.

You will find womenswear and childrenswear on the first floor and accessories on the ground floor, you take the circular staircase down for menswear in the basement. There you'll find the collection endorsed by well-known celebrities like Leo Messi, Justin Bieber and Craig David.

“I am so proud to open this important flagship in one of the world’s most luxurious and cosmopolitan cities," says Plein himself about the new shop. "For me London has always represented the cutting edge in fashion, music and culture and to have my brand present in this grand city is a dream and an honour.”

 

 

PHILIPP PLEIN LONDON

98 New Bond Street, London W1S 1SN, United Kingdom              

+44 207 62 93539             

Choreographer Kevin Iega Jeff Shares His Favorite Things

A Juilliard-trained dancer, Kevin Iega Jeff, 57, expresses himself in movement. But when he’s not stepping to a beat, the artistic director of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater takes solace in stillness. Ahead of the company’s Valentine’s Day–themed performance in Skokie on February 4, the South Shore resident shares where he finds tranquility—and sublime pasta.

My signature style

Simple. I like Simon Cowell: He always wears T-shirts __and pants but looks nice, crisp, __and clean.

Favorite Chicago meal

Pasta shells with salmon from Pizza Capri in Hyde Park.

Best dive bar

Club Escape. It caters to a mix of gay and straight clientele.

Anti-aging secret

I eat a tablespoon of coconut oil every day, and I also put it on my skin.

Store I spend the most money at

Whole Paycheck—I mean Whole Foods. I decided, in my life, the things that I would spend money on are what I eat, travel, and personal care, be it spiritual, physical, or medical.

Local institution I admire most

Studio One’s dance school.

Most romantic place in Chicago

Along the lake in Jackson Park on a summer night.

Best workout

I’m big on yoga. Yirser Ra Hotep is my instructor. He teaches a form called Kemetic Yoga both here and abroad.

App I use the most

Uber. I live on the South Side, and before Uber you couldn’t get a cab.

Words to live by

“It comes with relaxation.”

 

Whiskey & Gingerale candle by Chicago Candle Co.

“On a wintry day, it gives me the sense of being by the fireplace.”
$28, Market by Foxtrot, 2229 N. Clybourn Ave.

Photos: Courtesy of vendors

Powerbeats

“I can talk on the phone, watch movies—they really kill time fantastically.”
$200, Apple Store, 679 N. Michigan Ave.

NikeLab tapered track pants

“Why go through life uncomfortable?”
$200, Nike, 669 N. Michigan Ave.

This article appears in the February 2017 issue of Chicago magazine. Subscribe to Chicago magazine.

 

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This Week’s Top Story

Shopping for bridal gowns can be like a champagne-drenched movie montage. Or, it can be a drag. Luckily, gown designer Ines Di Santo is headed to Chicago for her first trunk show at Ultimate Bride (106 E. Oak St., ultimatebride.com)—and she’s armed with tips for dress hunters.

“Most of us do not live a lifestyle that includes a closet full of evening gowns, so we don’t come into this experience knowing what shape __and style will be the one that allows you to shine,” says the designer, whose local trunk show will take place on Friday __and Saturday. “Encourage your stylist to select a handful of styles for you to try on. Once you find the shape or style that works well for you, you can try additional looks in that category. It will keep you from feeling overwhelmed in a sea of white.”

Ines will use her trip to Chicago to show off styles from her Fall 2017 collection, which was inspired by something sweet. “For this collection I imagined a beautiful patisserie, [with] polished wood floors, delicate cups of coffee served with a saucer, and gleaming glass cases,” Di Santo says. “You’ll find gowns with delicate vines and petite flowers.  You’ll find some with just a touch of sweetness in their lace overlay.”

If that sounds too sugary for you, don’t worry: “You’ll also find a little pinch of spice.”

Make your appointment by calling Ultimate Bride at 312-337-6300.

Top Sales This Week

It’s time to start stocking up on spring essentials—especially when they’re 40 percent off. Banana Republic (744 N. Michigan Ave., bananarepublic.gap.com) is hosting its “Spring Into Spring” sale in stores and online. Find blush crop-leg pants (reduced from $88 to $58), a jaunty flutter-sleeve top (reduced from $68 to $40), and belted trench sweaters (reduced from $128 to $75) in Merino wool.

AllSaints (46 E. Walton St., allsaints.com)—the street-style, Gold Coast newcomer—has taken an additional 20 percent off its sale items. Find a shearling patchwork bag (reduced from $248 to $208), a quilted leather biker jacket (reduced from $670 to $469), and a perfectly draped, long-sleeve dress (reduced from $215 to $107).

As Coach (625 N. Michigan Ave., coach.com) makes room for its beatnik-inspired spring collection, select winter pieces are on sale. Score shearling-lined booties (reduced from $375 to $187.50), leopard-print sneakers (reduced from $195 to $97.50), and Victorian-inspired heels (reduced from $345 to $169).

Closings

Sorry, sneaker heads: Adidas Heritage Retail Store has closed its outpost at 923 North Rush Street. But, if you’re in the Gold Coast and in the market for some kicks, you won’t have far to walk. Vans (1051 N. Rush St.) is just slightly north, and Adidas Sport Performance (845 N. Michigan Ave.) is still open at Water Tower Place.

Health and Beauty

Getting tired of your workout? There will be plenty of variety at SPENGA (spenga.com), a boutique gym set to open in Glenview later this month. The spot will offer workouts that mash up strength training with yoga and indoor cycling. And if that’s not enough, there will also be aromatherapy and on-site daycare. Keep your eyes peeled for updates.

 

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CHANEL in Chelsea: Cool Sophistication

By Stella Pelissari

Chelsea is one of the most beautiful and affluent districts of London.  Its white elegant terraced townhouses with their immaculately landscaped planted entrances are just a wonder to enjoy. For visitors the charm and traditional image of Victorian England remains almost intact.

It’s also a district full of high end designer boutiques, chic restaurants and upscale clubs.

This is where CHANEL has located one of its recent pop-up boutique’s with a new retail concept providing a homely feel which draws inspiration from Coco Chanel’s apartment in Paris.

The store features ready to wear, leather accessories including a selection of bags made from the finest exotic and rare leathers, as well as a selection of exclusive jewellery displayed in the shop in a truly innovative way.

In the entrance you are welcomed by a series of photographs, the work of its designer Karl Lagerfeld, which gives you the feeling you are accessing an art gallery. The boutique is luxurious but with a minimalist aesthetic that includes walls dedicated solely to bags and shoes.

On the second floor, there's a real focus on accessories, with timeless and classic pieces that share space with the novelties of the season. Again, the way products are displayed is very interactive, with cabinets and drawers that you open and close as if they were your own closets at home!

This store is designed to be temporary, while CHANEL prepares a new store just a few meters away, but without a doubt this is an innovative and unique space, typical of the __brand famous for combining modernity without leaving aside its roots: luxury and Savoir Faire.

CHANEL - BROMPTON CROSS

72-74 Sloane Ave, London SW3 3DZ

T:020 7581 8620