WHO Marky Bielat, 33, a native of the Czech Republic, whose mother is a fashion designer and whose uncle a shoe dealer in Europe. She moved to Chicago ten years ago; after selling shoes through trunk shows, she opened a store. WHAT A service-oriented shoe boutique stocking exclusive handmade European wares WHERE 3919 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-248-1500, shoesby marky.com. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.

Bielat works directly with overseas designers (mostly Italian) to custom-make exclusive shoes, maintaining the high style but modifying the sky-high European heels down an inch or two for the U.S. woman. “My customers don’t want to look like everyone else,” Bielat says. “They want people to ask them, ‘Where did you get those shoes?'” Each style is stocked in only six sizes to ensure exclusivity. “Once you get it in that size, it’s gone,” she says. Prices range from $250 up to $1,500 (for python skin shoes).

Find Missoni shoes detailed with the design house’s characteristic prints, as well as Italian brands Baldinini and Kallisté and the Spanish line Pura López. Bielat is the only local purveyor carrying the up-and-coming indie American shoe line Gigi Favela (pictured, a peeptoe pump, $310). Also find a selection of Chicago designer Mark Gill’s purses (from $620), which are made in Italy, and evening shoes adorned with Swarovski crystals.

Sales Check

A roundup of this month’s sales, store openings, and shopping news
by Rebecca Little

HOMEGROWN On a recent trip to the David Weinberg gallery, we stumbled upon the terrariums made by Wicker Park artist Meghan Q. McCook. The 30-year-old starts by building a cage out of copper wire, then blows into it the soccer-ball-size glass. Fill the sphere with succulents, which require little upkeep. From $450. At glashjartaglass.com

THE PRINTERS ROW BOOK FAIR runs June 9th and 10th. Call 312-222-3986 for info.

THE WELLS STREET ART FESTIVAL runs June 9th and 10th. Admission is $5 before 7 p.m., $7 after. Call 773-868-3010 for info.

THE OLD TOWN ART FAIR runs June 9th and 10th. A $5 donation benefits local charities. Call 312-337-1938 for info.

ACTIVE ENDEAVORS (for locations, activeendeavors.com) offers 30 to 50 percent off brands like Tory Burch, Tibi, Lauren Merkin, and Trovata this month.

JOLIE MAISON (640 Central Ave., Highland Park; 847-433-4555) holds a white sale throughout the entire month of June.

LEE ALLISON (1820 W. Webster Ave.; 773-276-7172), a local necktie designer, hosts its annual Father’s Day open house on June 2nd and 3rd, with discounts on ties, bow ties, and shirts.

LESLIE HINDMAN AUCTIONEERS’ vintage couture and accessories auction on June 13th (122 N. Aberdeen St.; 312-280-1212) offers pieces from iconic designers Pauline Trigère and Norman Norell. Visit www.lesliehindman.comfor details.

SHE (1024 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-880-8061), a new women’s boutique, combines casual lines like Mint and Twinkle by Wenlan with high-end brands Michon Schur and Shelly Steffee. Doors open May 31st.

Photography: Selena Salfen