A Goddess by Night
This season, eveningwear embraces the classic flow and drape of Grecian designs—and gladiator sandals bring out the warrior in a woman
Ad Categories: Style
A Cut Above
We canvassed friends and associates in search of Chicago’s top stylists and then sent anonymous “clients” of every hair type to test their skills. The stylists profiled here earned the best ratings.
Sales Check
A roundup of sales, store openings, and shopping news in May 2008
Furniture Sample Sale at the Mart
On the Hunt
Browse furniture, fabrics, rugs, lighting, and home accents, many that are usually available only to the trade, at the Treasure Hunt Luxury Sample Sale at the Merchandise Mart (222 Merchandise Mart plaza, 7th floor; 312-527-4141) on May 17th and 18th. The selection—including samples, one-of-a-kinds, and new merchandise—is up to 75 percent off at participating showrooms such as Betty M (which marked down a chair and ottoman from $7,295 to $3,500), Filsinger, and Oriental Carpet Gallery. You can also bring in floor plans or questions for free…
Plumbers Who Won't Drain Your Wallet
Need a plumber you can count on? Here are 24 of the best in the Chicago area
Earth-Friendly Baby Gear in Andersonville
Kids Need Their Greens
Get ‘em started while they’re young and green your baby at the new Andersonville shop Green Genes (5111 N. Clark St.; 773-944-9250, green-genes.com), a baby store that compiles style and eco-friendliness with its selection of baby clothes, toys, diapers, bottles, and other items. The baby clothes, for example, are made of organic cotton, including a onesie emblazoned with “V is for Vegetables” from WonderToast Organics ($30) or canvas pants for toddlers ($23). You’ll also find PVC-free diaper bags from Kalencom, such as the olive green with an orange design ($85), and other practical items, such as SIGG water bottles, bamboo bowls, and Erbaviva baby soaps, lotions, and…
The Buzz Bin
On May 2nd, students at The School of the Art Institute will present the best runway show in Chicago.
Shopper: Branca
Italian-born interior designer Alessandra Branca will open a 2,900-square-foot concept shop dedicated to her “classic, with a wink” aesthetic
Jewelry Boutique in Highland Park
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…
Junk Food
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Calorie-free Pop Tarts? Hostess cupcakes as big as your head? Sign us up. I was first turned on to Pamela Michelle Johnson’s huge and hip snacks series American Still Life amid the yummy home design finds at Zella Brown in Wicker Park. Get a gander of Jonhson’s work and first major exhibition of this series at The Artist Project at Artropolis this weekend. More than 300 soon-to-be-fabulously-more-famous-names will be showing on the 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart through Monday. To meet the girl behind the goodies and more than a few of her creative friends (don’t miss f2), grab a free pass.
—BARRI LEINER
POPTARTS / 52″x72″ / oil on canvas / 2007
HOSTESS CUPCAKES / 64″x64″ / oil on canvas / 2007