Ladies and Gents

The Lincoln Park men’s store Guise has moved, expanded, and let the ladies in on the fun. Guise Chic (2128 N. Halsted St.; 773-929-6130), the new joint store, offers clothing, accessories, and a salon for both sexes, under one roof. “We offer styling from head to toe,” says owner Brad Habansky. The 3,800-square-foot store is housed in a former police station. The men’s side has a more contemporary look with minimal décor and stainless steel accents, while the women’s side is warmer, with exposed brick and chandeliers. Habansky, who still does the men’s merchandising, teamed up with new co-owners Heidi Taylor and Jodi Immel, who will handle the women’s selection. Habansky describes the result as a “cooler department store” and says couples like being able to shop together without one or the other sitting bored on a couch. Ladies, look for flattering strapless dresses from former Project Runway contestant Kara Janx ($335), a pink V-neck shirt with ruffles from Amanda Uprichard ($180), and burnt-out cotton tanks ($52) and dresses from Iro, available exclusively at Guise Chic in Chicago. Also find dresses and separates from Charlotte Ronson, Theory, and jeans from William Rast, and Acne. The men’s selection has expanded in the new space, carrying Steve Alan button-down shirts ($160), suits from Duckie Brown, and salvage denim from Organic ($298). Accessories include Gryson bags, J. Lindeberg shoes for men, Tom Ford sunglasses for men and women. The salon, located in the back of the store, offers an individual flat-screen television at every station. Men’s clipper cuts start at $25, and women’s haircuts start at $65. Conveniently, the salon is open Mondays and Tuesdays, when many others in the city are closed.

Top Sales This Week

Shecky’s, the New York transplant shopping event, hosts the Girl’s Night Out event at the Great Hall at Union Station (210 S. Canal St.) on March 12th and 13th from 5 to 10 p.m., with free drinks, beauty treatments, and up to 75 percent off designer merchandise. General admission is $10, or pay $30 for admission and a goody bag. Purchase a group of tickets with girlfriends to receive up to 20 percent off. Advance tickets are required; buy them chicago.sheckys.com.
 
We were sorry to hear the news of yet another boutique closure. Raizy (1944 N. Damen Ave.; 773-227-2221) is closing its doors after three years because its owner Renee Gertzfeld is moving to Los Angeles. Save up to 70 percent off on cosmetics, skincare, and lingerie from never-on-sale brands like Hanky Panky and Le Mystere. Fixtures, chandeliers, and cabinets are also for sale. The store closes its doors March 30th.

The Best of the Rest

  • The Lincoln Park boutique SHE (1024 W. Armitage Ave., 773-880-8061; 483 Central St., Highland Park, 847-926-0150) opens a second store on the North Shore on March 21st. The second store maintains the same East and West Coast style as the original, carrying Zac Posen handbags, Thread Social, and Shelly Steffee. The second location exclusively carries Lewis Cho and celebrity favorite designer Christopher Deane.
  • Pivot (1101 W. Fulton Mkt.; 312-243-4754) hosts a spring cleaning sale from March 13th through 16th, with items marked $15 to $75. You’ll find organic wool jackets for $45, bamboo tops for $25, and sweaters for $75.
  • Andersonville men’s store His Stuff (5314 N. Clark St.; 773-989-9111) opens a second, larger Lake View location at 3162 North Broadway with shoes, clothing, and accessories from brands such as 7 Diamonds, Costume National, and Ted Baker. The grand opening is March 15th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 16th from noon to 6 p.m.; the first 100 customers who make purchases of $100 or more receive gifts with purchase.
  • Macy’s (111 N. State St.; 312-781-1000) kicks off its annual spring flower show, “Floranova,” on March 13th. This year’s Latin theme kicks off with La Celebración from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with thousands of flowers on the State Street side of the first floor and tango and flamenco dancers. On March 14th from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., explore a Latin-themed marketplace and taste samples from local restaurants such as Fogo de Chao, Mambo Grill, and Zapatista.
  • Buy denim for a good cause at Mark Shale (900 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-440-0720) during the Jean Therapy event on March 13th from 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, 20 percent off denim, and learn about the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders. Fifteen percent of sales support the center. Call 312-357-4988 for $18 advance tickets, or pay $25 at the door.
  • Goodforparty.com launches a new monthly fashion event, where the audience determines the theme. The first Fashion Fetish event with the theme “What’s Your M.O.” is March 20th from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Mkt.; 312-733-2222). Readers of the Web site, bloggers, and attendees will determine the next month’s theme. RSVP at goodforparty.com to make the guest list.
  • Embrace boutique and bistro (29 E. First St., Hinsdale; 630-325-1996) has declared March “beauty month,” and accordingly is offering 20 to 50 percent off personal products from brands such as Lollia, Bond No. 9, and Savannah Bee.
  • Take 50 percent off everything in the store at the Mount Sinai Resale Shop (814 W. Diversey Pkwy.; 773-935-1434) on items such as clothing, furniture, jewelry, and furs, March 13th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. All proceeds benefit Mount Sinai Hospital.
  • Lillstreet Art Center (4401 N. Ravenswood Ave.; 773-769-4226) hosts an open house on March 15th from noon to 6 p.m. with free workshops and demonstrations, open artist studios, and food from the First Slice Café. Registration for classes starts March 24th, online at lillstreet.com.
  • River West’s Phaiz (673 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 312-226-9070) hosts an exhibit of custom-created skateboard decks by the artist Juan Angel Chavez; neckwear and necklaces by Rosemary Lee; and collaged furs, fabric scarves, and collars from the designer Backspin. The opening reception is March 14th from 6 to 11 p.m.