Old Town Gets a Free-Spirited New Bridal Shop

This Week’s Top Story

There are few figures in high fashion who part the seas at Paris boutiques the way Ikram Goldman does. And she’s—gasp—from Chicago, not a fashion “capital” like Milan or New York. This month, Chicago profiles the owner of the world-renowned lacquer-red Huron Street boutique, a woman who singlehandedly made our city a must-go destination in the fashion world.

“When people ask the best stores in the world, it’s Colette [in Paris], it’s 10 Corso Como [in Milan], __and Ikram,” Paper magazine editorial director Mickey Boardman says. Follow the bombastic, big-hearted doyenne from her store’s raucous 15-year anniversary party, to Paris boutiques where store reps fawn before her, __and back: “Ikram Goldman Rules the World.”

Opening

Lovely (lovelybride.com) will open its first Chicago store at 1657 North Wells in October. With 10 national locations, the chain operates as a franchise—so the Chicago outpost, owned by former corporate marketing pro Heather Hyman, will have unique characteristics.

“The Chicago Lovely store really embodies the [city’s] vibe,” says Hyman. “We are both modern and classic, with a touch of Midwestern charm.” She also hints at treats on the boutique’s menu: “It wouldn’t be a Chicago Lovely if doughnuts weren’t involved.”

The shop stocks a selection of gowns from indie labels such as Limor Rosen, Divine, and Ivy & Aster. “We feel so lucky that our brides are adventurous with their bridal style and aren’t afraid to be non-traditional,” Hyman says. “Our designers really embrace the indie spirit, but keep the gowns feminine and timeless.” Gowns at Lovely are marked with Bohemian-style touches—think crocheted lace—and Hyman adds that a “sexier vibe” is trending among Lovely’s free-spirited vibes. “Low backs are here to stay!”

Top Sale This Week

At Elements (741 N. Wells St., elementschicago.com), select accessories are on sale. Items include a star necklace in champagne diamonds (reduced from $1,450 to $1,087) and a leather and ridged-chain bracelet (reduced from $550 to $275).

Pop-Up

Love Emme (loveemme.com) a gift site specializing in apparel and accessories, will host a grand opening for its pop-up shop at 1529 West Armitage Avenue on October 1. Running from 4 to 9 p.m., the event will offer cocktails, catered snacks, and specialty gifts with purchase.

Health and Beauty

Aligned Modern Health (215 W. Superior St., alignedmodernhealth.com) has opened a new location in River North. Housed in a former gallery, the airy, chandelier-studded space offers acupuncture, chiropractic services, and counseling in functional medicine and clinical nutrition.

Spa@TheWit (201 N. State St., thewithotel.com) is raising breast cancer awareness in October with special “pink” services. The limited-time treatments include a 50-minute massage, a body treatment and a manicure/pedicure; 10 percent of each service’s cost will be donated to the Lynn Sage Foundation.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Boodles and luxury interiors brand de Gournay launch design collaboration to celebrate new butterfly themed fine jewellery suite

Boodles are delighted to unveil a new collaboration ‘Papillon by Boodles and de Gournay’; an exciting partnership between two well-loved family owned, British brands; through which the concepts of art, craft and beauty are explored.

Created especially for the occasion, Boodles have designed a stunning new butterfly themed suite of jewellery featuring the finest quality rare, yellow and cognac diamonds; a collection of autumnal treasures that have been incorporated into a bespoke de Gournay wallpaper design. Gilded using precious metal leaf, jewel encrusted motifs are subtly interspersed within a signature de Gournay chinoiserie scene. The design is hand painted using a pearlescent pigment with gilded white gold, silver and 22 carat yellow gold accents on a finely woven 100% silk wallpaper background. Bejewelled butterflies dart between diamond fringed blossom. The edges of the leaves are finely accented with gold and silver which catch the light.

Boodles Director Jody Wainwright, hand selected the exquisite stones that feature within this magical suite of jewellery. Jody commented ‘I was looking for gems that would really say something- capture a mood that could be translated through both the jewellery and the wallpaper design. This particular collection of stones stood out to me due to their subtle tonal variations in colour- they had warmth and a uniqueness that felt fitting for this special partnership.’

Boodles Head of Design Rebecca Hawkins reflects, ‘when Jody presented this set of stones to the Design Team, they immediately brought to mind an atmospheric image of a Fritillary butterfly delicately seated on a tiny seed head. The late summer mist, the intricacy of pattern and autumnal colours of the wings were perfectly in tune with the mixed lemon, cognac and champagne colours of the precious gems’

Following the jewellery design and creation process, de Gournay designer Jemma Cave took inspiration from the collection, alongside signature jewellery motifs from Boodles archive to depict the wallpaper scene that would tell a story, perfectly representative of both brands.

Hannah Cecil Gurney, director of de Gournay, comments: "It has been a wonderful experience to link two luxury British brands by creating a bespoke hand painted wallpaper design inspired by Boodles' latest collection which also references iconic motifs from the Boodles archives... it was an effortless fit of two like-minded brands committed to artistic excellence and the highest quality"

‘Papillon by Boodles and de Gournay’ will launch in Autumn 2016 when the jewellery and wallpaper designs will be exhibited to clients of both brands through a series of special events and private viewings.

The Top Sales and Shopping Events This Week

This Week’s Top Story

Maria Pinto, the local who has dressed Michelle Obama __and Brooke Shields, just launched her pre-fall collection. Now available at the M2057 Style Studio (833 W. Washington Blvd., m2057.com), the collection was inspired by squares—which have a reassuring quality in a time of uncertainty. “Squares are stable. They’re familiar, trusted shapes that suggest honesty,” Pinto said in a release. “Their right angles represent order, rationality __and formality, but also suggest peacefulness, solidity, security, and equality.” The collection is made using high-tech fabric imported from an Italian mill, and the pieces are machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to pack. The pre-fall collection is available now, and the fall collection will debut on August 15.

Top Sales This Week

Friendly reminder: the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale kicks off at Nordstrom (55 E. Grand Ave., shop.nordstrom.com) today. The sale offers discounts on new fall merchandise for a limited time—think leather jackets from Burberry and Alexander Wang booties—before prices go up again on August 8.

Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave., neimanmarcus.com) is hosting its Last Call Sale. Online, a clearance section offers pieces that are up to 75 percent off. Items include a festival-ready cross-body bag by Zac Posen (reduced from $250 to $105) and a sleeveless printed column gown by Chicago-born designer Cynthia Rowley (reduced from $498 to $122).

Ikram (15 E. Huron St., ikram.com) is offering up to 60 percent off its spring and summer merchandise. The high-end store for women carries labels such as Lanvin and J.W. Anderson.

Sister stores Maje and Sandro are both offering up to 50 percent off on their summer collections. At Maje (70 E. Oak St., us.maje.com), looks include a white biker-style dress (reduced from $410 to $246); at Sandro (102 E. Oak St., us.sandro-paris.com) items include a pink dress with a geometric lace top (reduced from $410 to $205).

Pop-Up

In advance of Grant Park’s megawatt music fest, the Lollapalooza Pop-Up opens tomorrow at a new location: 535 North Michigan Avenue. Open through July 31, the shop will stock official Lollapalooza gear—so here’s your chance to look like you rocked out at the fest, even if you never set foot on its grounds. The shop will also feature a special 25th anniversary collection that includes T-shirts, hats, fanny packs, and skateboards. You’ll also find eyewear from TOMS, and gear for local teams including the Chicago Blackhawks.

Beauty and Wellness

Elite Wellness Center (elitestw.com) and Bystol Performance Center (bpcstrong.com) will host an open house on July 28 at 1200 Old Skokie Road in Highland Park. The event will offer complimentary samples of a range of trending beauty services, including chair massages, organic spray tans, and “cryofacial toning.”

 

Sales and Shopping News

This Week’s Top Sales and Local Shopping Events

This Week’s Top Story

Olivia Palermo, designer __and creative director of the lifestyle site oliviapalermo.com, will appear at Nordstrom (55 E. Grand Ave., nordstrom.com) on September 8 at 1:30 p.m.

This will only be the second time Palermo has visited Chicago—and the first time, she was only here for five hours—so she’s eager to pay the city another visit. The jet-setting Palermo has packing down to an art, __and says that she wouldn’t leave home without her Rimowa suitcase, candles, and Mophie pack. But this time, she’ll also have her Olivia Palermo + Chelsea28 collection in tow.

The line comprises 23 separates that feature details ranging from suspenders to peplums and pleats. “We loved mixing light, feminine elements, such as ruffles and lace, with leather and menswear-inspired pieces,” says Palermo.

Palermo is well known for her own sense of style, and says that she loves poring over fashion editorials and photos from old Hollywood. But, she doesn’t have to look far to find design inspiration. “I wouldn’t swap wardrobes with anyone because I’ve really worked to make mine work for my lifestyle and body type,” she says. But she does have one style secret that will apply to anyone: “I cannot stress the importance of a good tailor,” she says.

Top Sale This Week

The Gucci store at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago (5220 Fashion Outlets Way, fashionoutletsofchicago.com) is offering an additional 50 to 70 percent off select items through September 6.

Pop-Ups

Need some back-to-school basics? ZipFit Denim (zipfitdenim.com) will open a pop-up shop at TheWit Hotel (201 N. State St.) today. The brand’s stylists will be on site to help outfit shoppers in styles from the likes of J. Brand, DL 1961, and Hudson.

Jax and Debb (1849 W. North Ave., jaxanddeb.com) is also offering discounts on denim. Through the long weekend, shoppers who buy one pair of jeans will get the second one 50 percent off; the summer merchandise is also 50 percent off.

Opening

A Levi’s store opens today at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago (5220 Fashion Outlets Way, fashionoutletsofchicago.com). The shop sells jeans—starting at $39.99—as well as T-shirts and other casual gear for men, women, and children. The shopping center will also debut a newly remodeled Tory Burch store today.

 

Sales and Shopping News

The Best Sales and Local Shopping Events This Week

This Week’s Top Story

Athene (837 Elm St., Winnetka, athene-shop.com) opened earlier this week. Interior designer Kara Mann helped lay out the airy shop, which is filled with vintage furnishings. The boutique caters to shoppers with on-site seamstresses __and personal shoppers; staffers can also travel to clients’ homes to offer styling __and presentation services.

For as long as she can remember, owner Ashley Quicksilver has been styling family and friends; she, herself, has dabbled in interior design. “But this is my first foray into retail,” she says. “I was inspired to open Athene because I wanted to make it easier for [women on the North Shore] to find casual pieces that fit into their everyday [lives] without compromising on style or taste.” The store stocks women’s clothing, jewelry, and handbags, and represents such lesser-known labels as Rick Owens’ DRKSHDW, Nili Lotan, and Jenni Kayne.

Quicksilver explains that one of her goals is to introduce new or underrepresented designers to the area. “My family travels quite a bit, which provides endless inspiration,” she says. “Depending on where we’re headed, I try to do some research in advance to see if there are any local designers that may have pieces that resonate. I also take special trips to meet with designers I’ve heard or read about.” Another key factor in Quicksilver’s buying decisions is approachability—she wants to make sure that everything she carries is easy to wear, and is “available at price points we feel are fair for the level of sophistication we’re offering.”

This season, some of her favorite items include a midnight suede blazer by RTA ($695), RE/DONE’s deconstructed jeans ($280), and an oxidized silver chain with 18K gold rings by local designer Sarah McGuire ($425). “Our pieces have just the right amount of edge without compromising on comfort,” Quicksilver says. “I think this is new to the North Shore, but offers another solid option for women in the city as well.”

Top Sales This Week

Steven Alan (1659 N. Damen Ave., stevenalan.com) will host its Optical Sample Sale this Friday and Saturday. Glasses and sunglasses will be discounted by as much as 75 percent.

Kate Spade (56 E. Oak St., katespade.com) is offering 30 percent off on select summer merchandise through the weekend. Items include a bangle printed with citrus fruits (reduced from $78 to $51), a gingham dress (reduced from $298 to $179), and a graphic-print dress with a smocked waistband (reduced from $398 to $239).

Market

Renegade Craft Fair (renegadecraft.com) returns to Wicker Park (Division Street between Damen and Ashland) on Saturday and Sunday. The show will feature goods from some 400 vendors. Look for bohemian clothing from Lost Girls Vintage, flower crowns from Flowers for Dreams, and belts by Beast and Babe. The complete roster of vendors is available here.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Red Door Salon & Spa Gives a Makeover—to Itself

After a two-year rebranding process, The Red Door Salon & Spa (thereddoor.com)—formerly known as Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa—is now booking massages, oxygen facials, __and more.

The spa is still in its home at 919 North Michigan Avenue but has been jazzed up with tiled floors, golden starburst chandeliers, __and other luxe touches. A new Red Door at Work program brings manicures, dry pedicures, and other treatments to local offices and boardrooms. And at the spa itself, there are plenty of new services to indulge in.

Staffers point to the Elizabeth Arden PRO Renewal Facial ($160) as the one to book as the seasons—and skin concerns—change. The service is customized to address individual client’s needs and uses ultra-active ingredients to improve elasticity, texture, and clarity. And don’t worry if you dose off under the cozy blankets on the massage table: a clever add-on service is the $35 blow-dry. In addition to spiffing up clients’ hairstyles, the service rids the hair of any latent facial products and massage oils, leaving patrons no worse for the drowsy hour-or-so in the treatment room.

Top Sales This Week

Reformation (thereformation.com), a sustainable-clothing label, will host a sample sale September 29 to October 2 at Throop Studio (1500 N. Throop St.). The sale will offer discounts of up to 80 percent on items such as jumpsuits, dresses, and t-shirts.

Anne Fontaine (909 N. Michigan Ave., annefontaine.com) is hosting a sale, in-store and online. Items include a tailored crepe jacket with pleated flounces (reduced from $595 to $416) and a pleated sleeveless dress (reduced from $495 to $346).

Markets

Dose Market (dosemarket.com) returns to Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan St.) on Saturday. The theme for this iteration of the fashion-and-food-filled event is Dose Arts, and everything from lingerie to leather and jewelry will be on display.

Randolph Street Market (randolphstreetmarket.com) once again takes over Plumber’s Hall (1340 W. Washington St.) this weekend. The market will feature some 300 vendors selling vintage fashion, furniture, and more.

Trunk Show

Jewelry designer Meredith Marks (meredithmarks.com) will host a trunk show at Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave.) on Friday and Saturday. The event will showcase jewelry inspired by the designer’s travels, including a brushed-silver cuff with a black onyx octagon stone ($2,975) and a rose gold collar with dangling white diamonds ($3,000).

Pop-Up

Children’s clothing brand Monica+Andy (monicaandandy.com) is hosting a pop-up shop at Northbrook Court mall (1515 Lake Cook Rd., Northbrook) through December 31. The shop stocks sweaters, sweatshirts, hats, bottoms, and more.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Fashion Forward: festivals and a giveaway

Spring is in the air, summer is around the corner, and that can only mean one thing—it’s festival season. Whether you’re headed to Bonnaroo, Governor’s Ball or Lollapalooza, we can pretty much guarantee you’ll be adorned in fringe, floral and crochet from head to toe.

So, make your way to Apricot Lane (located in Delray Marketplace, 9169 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach) for all of your festival __fashion needs—and if you mention "festival fashions with apricot lane," you'll receive 20% off your purchase.

We’re also be giving away one of Apricot Lane's fabulous fringe purses on Instagram. Click here to enter to win!

And in case you’re wondering just how festival ready Apricot Lane really is, check out a few items they have in store.

(top: $56, shorts: $66, necklace: $18) 

(top: $32, shorts: $42, necklace: $22)

(romper: $86, necklace: $14)

(top: $32, pants: $38, bag: $62, necklace: $24)

(top: $38, shorts: $38, necklace: $22)