Canvas tote, $248, at Ann Taylor
 

Who says bigger’s always better? In March, Ann Taylor (anntaylor.com), the go-to store for career women, is moving out of its 10,900-square-foot space on the corner of Ontario and Michigan to cozier digs—half the size—at 600 North Michigan Avenue. The new “concept shop” will have in-store stylists, private shopping events, and a fitting room lounge with a touch-screen for online buys (if a specific item or size happens to be out of stock). “It’s a more intimate experience,” says Andrew Taylor, the brand’s style director.

Cynthia Rowley (810 W. Armitage Ave. and 1653 N. Damen Ave.; cynthiarowley.com) marks down its flower-accented 2012 resort collection by 30 percent from March 9 through March 11.

Don’t let the name fool you: The local wedding showcase Brides, Bubbles, and Bliss—March 7 at Bridgeport Arts Center’s Skyline Loft (1200 W. 35th St.; 773-247-3000, bridgeportart.com)—is groom-friendly, too. Admission (from $28, at bridesbubblesandbliss.com) includes his-and-hers fashion shows, artisanal food samples, cocktails, and meet-and-greets with DJs, invitation designers, and other independently owned wedding vendors.

They’re not technically for brides, but the “intense” and inky dyed-silk frocks French designer Marc Le Bihan made for spring could be edgy alternatives to standard white gowns, says Bonnie Blagg at Robin Richman (2108 N. Damen Ave.; 773-278-6150, robinrichman.com). Le Bihan and fellow Parisian Jean Francois-Mimilla—who crafts improbably feminine jewelry from chains, black leather, and other tough-guy materials—preview their 2012 collections, for 15 percent off, at Robin Richman on March 23 from 4 to 8 p.m.

 

Photograph: Courtesy of Ann Taylor