06/26/07

Bold Move

It's Good to Go Gray
When Laura Schoch launched the Winnetka staple Gray seven years ago, she specialized in neutral basics-hence the boutique's name. Over time, her inventory evolved into a more colorful mix of casual pieces, from summery dresses to flowing tops. Now, Gray is evolving further: Schoch has shuttered the Lake Forest shop and opened a new Old Town location in the former Etre space (1361 N. Wells St., 312-573-0750). Expect a familiar aesthetic, featuring soft tees from Krisa in punchy colors like salmon and lime green ($69), and a V-neck dress from T-Bags in a San Tropez-style print ($203). More structured items include a seersucker blazer from Cynthia Steffe ($320), Billy Blue trousers ($272), and a silky empire top from...

Posted at 07:43 AM in Sales Check | Permalink | Comments (0)

06/19/07

Like the bar? Shop the store

Before You Rock, Shop
Lakeview Manufacturing Co. (952 W. Newport Ave.; 773-857-3525) is the new retail arm of Lakeview Broadcasting Co., the squeaky clean hipster bar in Lake View. The store sells rock inspired clothing such as T-shirts from Clandestine Industries, the fashion line from Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, who also designs the rotating uniforms for the bar staff. "So many people asked where they could get the uniforms that I realized I was stupid if I didn't open a store," says owner Stephen Westman. The store's selection includes a slew of T-shirts from local lines like 426 Brand, Royale, DITC, and Lying Laundry (priced from $15 to $50) and an odd assortment of accessories, such as Wentz-designed flip flops and jewel-encrusted...

Posted at 08:21 AM in Sales Check | Permalink | Comments (0)

06/12/07

Surf's Up!

Get Beachy
North Center newcomer Stellar 26 (4164 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-388-2626) has a beachy aesthetic, drawn from owner Carrie Ligman-Bowers's childhood in South Haven. Comfortable cotton dresses, such as a red strapless number by Free People ($118), print headbands from Haley Handmades ($18), and cute tank tops ($25) all have a summery feel. For women, there are polos from Original Penguin ($65), capri-length jeans from Roxi ($39.50), and denim from Raven (around $200) and Genetic. The men's selection includes comfortable items such as cargo shorts, camp shirts from Quicksilver, and T-shirts from Mojowear ($28 to $38). The shop also carries really cute baby clothes from O'Cali (like a tiny tank top with Bob Marley screened on the front...

Posted at 07:40 AM in Sales Check | Permalink | Comments (0)

06/06/07

Summer Livin'

Festival Season is Upon Us Again

Shopping, like everything else when the weather turns warm, has moved outdoors:

Eschew musty old bookshops for the 23rd Annual Printers Row Book Fair, which offers endless-seeming rows of vendors along Dearborn Street between Congress Parkway and Polk Street peddling new, used, and antiquarian books (as well as pleasing oddities like the old printing letters we found last year). The fair runs June 9th and 10th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 312-222-3986 for more information.

Then, try some art. The 58th Annual Old Town Art Fair, the oldest juried outdoor art fair in the country, happens on June 9th and 10th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. You can look at and buy paintings,...

Posted at 12:00 AM in Sales Check | Permalink | Comments (0)