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
View the current fashion trends
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
A roundup of this month’s sales, store openings, and shopping news
What’s behind the boom in luxe retail?
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
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
Sapphires give a girl’s best friend a mood of limitless mystery—think of the ocean, the sky, seductive azure eyes.
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
Everybody Was Kung Fu Dancing Fusion is an overused buzzword these days, with inconsistent results. But here’s a combo that actually works: The troupe Chicago Dance Crash pairs Shaolin kung fu with contemporary moves. Imagine the athleticism of contemporary dance and the energy of a kung-fu flick-without any bad dubbing. The troupe’s current production, Tiger … Read more
