March 2009: A roundup of this month's sales, store openings, and shopping news. Read more
February 2009: A roundup of this month's sales, store openings, and shopping news. Read more
Needle in a Haystack
Since opening last July in Lake View, the vintage boutique Haystack (2934 N. Broadway; 773-549-1225, haystackvintage.com) has augmented its original stash of antique objects and clothing with a mix of fun items by local designers, such as graphic T-shirts by Isotope (two for $30) and adorable stitched artwork by Jac Jemc from $40. The owner, Phil Tadros, acquired his original stash of goods from a pair of 70 something-year-old twins whom he... Read more

Shop for a Cause

The jewelry designer Sarah Radford of Chic Gems (312-602-2561; chicgemsetc.com) has long supported various charities, including the cancer support agency Imerman Angels and the charity Aid for AIDS. This month, Radford partners with Angela Rose of PAVE, a national non-profit organization founded in 2001 to raise money for victims of domestic abuse. Shop at Chic Gems virtual trunk show online and enter the discount code “pave” through the end of the month to save 10 percent on any jewelry purchase; 20 percent of proceeds will...

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January 2009: A roundup of this month's sales, store openings, and shopping news. Read more

Green Machine

Ever wonder how the green ethos can blend with urban chic? Then check out the new Bucktown gallery and shop 360SEE (1924 N. Damen Ave.; 773-698-6340, 360seegallery.com), a new minimalist space that features one-of-a-kind sculptures and furniture that uses reclaimed materials, such as a coffee table made from the hood of a 1972 Chevy truck. In all, the store showcases the work of 20 artists...

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Decorative Arts

At the end of November, Sonia Barrett, a Wicker Park resident and photographer, launched her handmade jewelry line Damen + Division on the Web at damen-division.com. Barrett’s collection features quirky items such as necklaces made of twisted silk and crimson twine ($125), bejeweled drop earrings (from $40), a skull charm bracelet dotted with gems ($125), and a gold braided headband ($25, now...

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Vintage Modern
The Andersonville home goods haven White Attic opened its second location on Nov. 8th at 1842 North Damen Avenue (773-252-8844, thewhiteattic.com) in Bucktown’s fledgling design district. The owner, Terry Ledford, handpicks primarily vintage furniture with good bones and lovingly reworks them into pieces that are both modern and quirky. Ledford hand paints each piece, usually in creamy neutrals, and adds unexpected touches such as...

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On the Cusp
Womens’ apparel destination Cusp (835 N. Michigan Ave. Ste. 3020; 312-951-2299) opened its sixth national location at Water Tower Place on Nov. 20th. Even though the boutique was founded several years ago as an affordable offshoot of Neiman Marcus, it features well-known designers such as Tory Burch, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Theory. But shoppers will also find promising Read more

One Fish, Two Fish

Founded in 2007 by the husband-and-wife team Mandy and Tal Moise, the Chicago-born clothing brand vfish is known for comfortable styles that are reasonably priced. Recently, the couple opened their Lincoln Park flagship store (2937 N. Clark St.; 312-423-7839), also serves as their atelier and showroom. We love the preppy-chic Tara Jacket ($120) as well as the sleek Ava...

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