Something Old, Something New

In four short years, Jil Alberts’s jewelry pieces have graced the pages of style magazines and become a favorite of celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Heidi Klum. Although she sells around the world and domestically at places such as Bergdorf Goodman, she has opened her own studio on the North Shore—Jill Alberts Jewelry (469 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park; 847-681-1630, jillalberts.com)—to offer Chicagoans a chance to see her creations in one space. The store is a mash-up of new pieces, untouched vintage and estate jewelry, but her signature design gesture is turning flea market finds into modern pieces. For instance, she will dress up a vintage cocktail ring with tiny turquoise stones ($495), and she will repurpose broken pins and old lockets and set them onto delicate beaded chains. Alberts’s own jewelry is also beautiful, such as the 18-karat necklace with five diamonds with a woven gold thread chain ($1,750) or the hand-woven earrings that evoke the shape of a calla lily ($1,475). Everyday options include gold and leather bracelets with dangling ties ($335), or a Champagne-tinted freshwater pearl bracelet ($85). Prices range from $100 to $7,000. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment on evenings and Saturdays. The designer hosts Mother’s Day trunk shows on May 3rd and 10th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with 20 percent off purchases. For a personalized gift, bring in a photo to be scanned and placed into a locket.

Top Sales This Week

Luxury bedding company United Feather and Down (414 E. Golf Rd., Des Plaines; 847-296-6610, ufandd.com) holds a semi-annual tent sale on down and down-alternative comforters, mattress pads, and pillows at up to 75 percent off on May 1st and 2nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and May 3rd from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (the linens usually can be found at Pottery Barn, Bloomingdale’s, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and on the beds in luxury hotels). New merchandise is offered at buy one, get the second half off, with discounts of buy one, get one free on seconds and overruns. The first 100 customers each day receive a free pillow with purchase.
 
The Art Institute of Chicago hosts its annual fashion show, with a twist this year. In addition to the runway show, featuring the work of 63 talented budding fashion designers, ticket holders will also be granted a tour of the new studio home at the Louis Sullivan Center (36 S. Wabash Ave., 7th fl.; 312-899-5145). The shows are May 2nd at 2 and 7 p.m.; tickets are $50.
 

The Best of the Rest

  • Shop for jewelry, purses, and other crafts from the local group Chicago Craft Mafia at Hand MAY-ed, which runs May 3rd from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Zola Jones (1944 W. Montrose Ave.; 773-275-1845). Preview the goods at chicagocraftmafia.com.
  • The Junior League of Chicago holds a “spring cleaning” clothing sale on May 3rd of gently used purses, jewelry, and children’s and baby clothing at the Community Center of St. James Lutheran Church (2050 N. Fremont; 312-590-4206). Prices are as marked from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with everything you can fit in a bag for $20 between 3 and 5 p.m. Cash only.
  • Samantha (64 E. Walton St.; 312-951-5383) offers 20 percent off spring and summer clothes and 10 percent off fragrances from L’artisan Parfumeur on May 3rd.
  • The Bucktown boutique Roslyn teams up with non-profit Bright Pink for a “Spring’s Best” fashion show at Climax Lounge (324 W. Chicago Ave.) on May 2nd from 8 to 11 p.m. Preview spring designs from Vera Wang, Erica Davies, and Christopher Deane, all available at Roslyn. Tickets are $35 at bebrightpink.org/events.html in advance, or $50 at the door. Proceeds benefit Bright Pink, which supports young women at risk for breast or ovarian cancer.
  • Robin Renzi, the CEO and designer of Me&Ro (61 E. Oak St.; 312-957-8181) jewelry, visits the store and introduces new one-of-a-kind pieces with precious gems and diamonds on May 3rd from 1 to 4 p.m. Prices on the new collection range $2,500 to $10,170.
  • Luca Luca (59 E. Oak St.; 312-664-1512) holds a fall/winter 2008 trunk show from April 30th through May 3rd.
  • Take 30 percent off the entire spring collection at the one-year anniversary sale hosted by Gamma Player (2035 W. Division St.; 773-235-0755) from May 1st through 11th.
  • House of Sole (1237 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-834-0909) celebrates its one year anniversary from May 2nd through 4th, offering 20 percent off spring and summer footwear.
  • Buy a Canali suit or sport coat through May 15th at Mark Shale (900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-440-0720; 90 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-571-9440; 1240 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, 847-272-3860) and receive a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant Spiaggia.
  • Lillstreet Art Center (4401 N. Ravenswood Ave.; 773-769-4226) opens its “Wall of Cups” show of 40 affordable mugs created by artists on May 3rd at 4 p.m. All mugs are available for purchase; prices range $20 to $60.
  • Newly relocated Zozo for Kids (5137 N. Clark St.; 773-506-6120) celebrates its move to Andersonville with a grand opening on May 3rd and 4th with treats for the kids, and wine and cheese for the adults.
  • Stationery store TT Patton (Ice House Mall, 200 Applebee St., Barrington; 847-277-0073) hosts Nancy Olson, the editor of Stylus magazine, who presents “The History of Writing Instruments” on May 1st at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to practice with inks and quills; register by phone to attend.
  • Fly Bird (719 Lake St., Oak Park; 708-383-3330) celebrates its fourth birthday on May 2nd from 6 to 10 p.m., with raffles, treats, and 25 percent off storewide.