Behind Closed Doors

Designer Basia Frossard talks about the line of women’s clothing that she recently launched in her East Village studio.

Fashion Forward for Spring

As I write this for our second issue of Chicago Fashion, it is an almost-balmy 55-degree day in the middle of January-a rare gift. My thoughts turn to spring and expectations of lingering walks along the lakefront, of espresso at an outdoor café fragrant with lavender blooms. I look forward to exchanging layers of cashmere … Read more

Sole of a New Store

A Good Sole We understand that there are die-hard shoe fetishists out there who are willing to endure sky-high heels at any cost, financial or podiatric. We applaud your commitment. But for the rest of us shoe lovers who are less willing to suffer for fashion, check out the new South Loop boutique House of … Read more

Something New in Old Town

New Kids in Old Town Newcomer Uri (1445 N. Wells St.; 312-475-9002) carries a selection of casual designer wear from old favorites such as Alvin Valley (look for the label’s chocolate brown trouser short for $150), along with brands that are hard to find elsewhere in the city. These include Ardistia, a New York brand, … Read more

Style Sheet

  SOFT TOUCH Tan leather and cashmere pack a fashionable wallop in the gym or at home (Brunello Cucinelli boxing gloves, $450, and cashmere jump rope with leather handle, $195 at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores). TOPLESS This life-size ceramic egg holds just enough earth (and seeds) to start a tiny desktop garden (Egglings, $8.95 … Read more

Wine and Flowers, Together

A Vision in Red (or White. Or Rosé.) Finding a hostess gift just got a whole lot easier. Although A.Vision  (910 N. Damen Ave.; 773-227-5700, avisionchicago.com) has been in its current location as a wedding and corporate event planning company for more than two years, it just opened a retail store within the space. The … Read more