Fancy Feet

Making New Year’s resolutions, setting personal goals, finally booking that Mediterranean cruise—these are all ways to put your best foot forward in 2013. May we suggest a more literal approach? Step into the new Christian Louboutin boutique (58 E. Oak St., 312-337-8200, christianlouboutin.com), Chicago’s first freestanding Louboutin outpost. The luxury French retailer recently opened in the renovated Esquire Theatre building, a dual-level, 1,700-square-foot space designed with a “box-within-a-box” concept—the red-soled shopping experience is contained within the store’s mirrored walls. Shoes are displayed like pieces of art, the plush carpet is rolled out in Louboutin’s signature red, and the modern décor is balanced by etched brass tiles and antique tin panels.

The store is currently showcasing the Spring/Summer 2013 collection, which—alongside classic patent pumps and leather peep toes—features spiked embellishments, fluorescent colors, python patterns, and asymmetrical strap details. Men, too, can get in on this action: Studded slip-on sneakers, leather high-tops, and color-blocked loafers take over the store’s second level.

 

Top Sales This Week

Perchance (11 E. Walton St., 773-244-1300; 3510 N. Southport Ave., 773-244-1300; perchanceboutique.com) has begun its semiannual sale, offering increasing discounts (both in-store and online) throughout the month. From today through January 6, all inventory is marked 20 percent off (use online code SALE20); January 7 through 13, 30 percent off (use online code SALE30); January 14 through 20, 40 percent off (use online code SALE40); January 21 through 27, 50 percent off (use online code SALE50); and starting January 28, merchandise is a whopping 60 percent off (use, you guessed it, code SALE60).

Winter items—including a sequin jacket (was $128, now $64) and a pair of turquoise jeans (was $139, now $108)—have been marked down 25 to 75 percent at Riley (1659 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-0101, shopriley.com).

 

The Best of the Rest

  • Men’s retailer Haberdash EDC (611 N. State St., 312-646-7870, haberdashmen.com) introduces a newly expanded barbershop menu featuring classic shave ($45) and haircut ($35) packages. Appointments are recommended; walk-ins are welcome but availability can’t be guaranteed. While you’re at it, check out the store’s sweater sale—prices start at $79.
  • Take an additional 20 percent off all sale items at Madison and Friends and The Denim Lounge (43 E. Oak St., 312-642-6403). Use the code afterxmas to score the slashed prices online.
  • Sofia (100 E. Walton St., Suite 106, 312-640-0878, sofialivelovely.com) has launched its new online shop. Peruse recently discounted items or use code 25OFF to save 25 percent on shoes. You can also nab the shoe deal in-store.
  • North Shore clothing boutique Randoons (962 ½ Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, 847-784-1890, randoons.com) transforms into an indoor sidewalk sale now through January 12. The enclosed bazaar features racks of duds marked 30 to 70 percent off.

 

Relocations

Crafters and knitters, take note: Sifu Design Studio & Fine Yarns (5044 N. Clark St., 773-271-7438, sifudesignstudio.com) leaves Andersonville for a larger storefront in Edgewater. The new shop opens January 7 at 6054 North Broadway Avenue.