By Katherine Hajduch & Bridget Maiellaro
We recently stopped by a gathering of Chicago’s Young Republicans, who, between bites of meatballs and sips of wine, dished on Obama, their party’s future, and more Read more
Bridget Maiellaro
By Katherine Lee & Bridget Maiellaro
March 2009: A roundup of this month's sales, store openings, and shopping news. Read more
By Bridget Maiellaro
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Within a month after graduating from the Chicago Fashion Incubator, Chicago native Kate Coxworth, the 27-year-old designer of the Kate Boggiano clothing line, moved her inventory from the 11th floor of Macy’s to Pilsen. Now a studio and retail space, Kate Boggiano (2150 Canal Port Ave., Suite 3A3; 866-388-3501, kateboggiano.com) opened earlier this month and carries a line of shirts, tops, and blouses that focuses on... Read more
Within a month after graduating from the Chicago Fashion Incubator, Chicago native Kate Coxworth, the 27-year-old designer of the Kate Boggiano clothing line, moved her inventory from the 11th floor of Macy’s to Pilsen. Now a studio and retail space, Kate Boggiano (2150 Canal Port Ave., Suite 3A3; 866-388-3501, kateboggiano.com) opened earlier this month and carries a line of shirts, tops, and blouses that focuses on... Read more
By Bridget Maiellaro
Stayin' Alive
Like many businesses this past holiday season, SoKo Fashion (1925 W. Chicago Ave.; 773-592-1089, sokofashion.com) took a hit in sales. As a result, owner Sheri Roney had to make a decision: keep going and possibly take on more debt—or close. Going with the latter, Roney announced her plans to shutter her Ukrainian Village boutique in early February. “If something was gonna happen, it was gonna have to happen fast,” she says. Luckily, the change happened in less than two weeks. “Our inventory was bought out [at 40 percent off] and our sales went... Read more
By Bridget Maiellaro
Spa On
Chicagoans in the northern suburbs have a new destination for spa services—Zaza Salon and Day Spa (1101 S. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 101, Vernon Hills; 847-793-1111, zazasalon.com). “We’re not here to only make you look good. We want to enhance your quality of life,” says co-owner Leo Zarovsky, who opened the salon with his mother, Helen, last December. Zaza features both basic services—such as haircuts and styling (from $55 for ladies, from $30 for men), manicures (starting at $20), pedicures (starting at $36), and spray tanning ($40 for full body)—as well as more intricate... Read more
Chicagoans in the northern suburbs have a new destination for spa services—Zaza Salon and Day Spa (1101 S. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 101, Vernon Hills; 847-793-1111, zazasalon.com). “We’re not here to only make you look good. We want to enhance your quality of life,” says co-owner Leo Zarovsky, who opened the salon with his mother, Helen, last December. Zaza features both basic services—such as haircuts and styling (from $55 for ladies, from $30 for men), manicures (starting at $20), pedicures (starting at $36), and spray tanning ($40 for full body)—as well as more intricate... Read more
By Bridget Maiellaro
Moving On Up
Libertyville’s vintage couture–inspired boutique Kathryn Kerrigan (741 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville; 847-557-5067, kathrynkerrigan.com) recently relocated to a bigger space, increasing its selection of clothing, accessories, and—most importantly—shoes. “We’re a really fun, young brand that has both quality and comfort, ” says the designer, Kathryn Kerrigan. While her clothing and jewelry are made... Read more
Libertyville’s vintage couture–inspired boutique Kathryn Kerrigan (741 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville; 847-557-5067, kathrynkerrigan.com) recently relocated to a bigger space, increasing its selection of clothing, accessories, and—most importantly—shoes. “We’re a really fun, young brand that has both quality and comfort, ” says the designer, Kathryn Kerrigan. While her clothing and jewelry are made... Read more
By Bridget Maiellaro
The Budget Queen
Fashionistas looking for chic clothing, shoes, and accessories for less should visit Glen Ellyn’s newest and smallest boutique, The Queens’ Closet (480a N. Main St., Glen Ellyn; 630-545-0240, thequeensclosetonline.com). “Think Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s coming together, making whoopee, and having a baby with a Target type price,” says the owner, Michael Perich. His 120-square-feet shop offers casual and dressy items for misses and... Read more
By Rebecca Little and Bridget Maiellaro
Five local jewelers whose work makes a statement Read more
By Bridget Maiellaro
Laced Up, Ready to Go
A new addition to the suburbs, Romantika Boutique (711 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling; 847-520-7277, romantika-lingerie.com) may be the perfect destination for Valentine’s Day gifts this year. Romantika carries gifts and accessories, including chocolate shower bars ($8), books on seduction and romance ($5.95 and up), a variety of scented candles ($32), and massage oils... Read more
By Bridget Maiellaro
Kiss Errands Goodbye
Busy Chicagoans can now actually spend their weekends relaxing and their lunch breaks eating with the help of Endeavor Concierge (1732 N. Mohawk St., Suite C and 3200 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 2504; 312-268-0008, endeavorconcierge.com), a new—and relatively cheap—personal assistance business that tackles clients’ time-consuming or stress-filled errands. “We give the gift of time,” says Carolyn Schnuck, co-creator of Endeavor. Her partner, Emily Lytle, adds, “People would prefer to...