Photo: Courtesy K.Amato

Necklaces by K.Amato come at a deep discount at an annual sample sale this Thursday and Friday.

Accessible Accessories

Kristen Amato, the local jewelry designer behind K.Amato (k-amato.com), holds her annual sample sale, reducing hundreds of pieces to the bargain basement prices of $5, $10, and $15. Find the sale at the Sofitel Hotel (20 E. Chestnut St.; 312-324-4000) on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and at K.Amato’s Lakeview storefront (1229 W. Diversey Pkwy., 312-882-1366) on Friday from noon to 6 p.m.

Handbag hoarders can save up to 90 percent on overstock, sample, and discounted styles from custom bag company 1154 Lill Studio (1154lill.com). The massive sale (1,800 items!) includes shoulder and messenger bags, laptop cases, totes, duffle bags, tablet covers, clutches, cosmetic bags, travel accessories, and more. The two-day blowout is held at the Lill Studio warehouse (1511 W. 38th St.) in McKinley Park on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and bright and early on Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m.

 

Top Sales This Week

The Design Center at the Merchandise Mart (222 Merchandise Mart Plz., 800-677-6278, merchandisemartdesigncenter.com) opens its doors to the public for the annual sample sale this weekend, Friday through Sunday. Find deals of up to 75 percent off on furniture, lighting, rugs, decorative accessories, and more from trade-only showrooms including Creative Visions, Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings, and Noure’s Oriental Rugs.

Co-ed Ukrainian Village boutique Sir & Madame (938 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-6660, sirandmadame.com) continues its Labor Day sale with 50 percent off both full-priced and select sale merchandise (in-store only) through Sunday.

 

The Best of the Rest

  • Try on some new vintage-inspired Warby Parker (warbyparker.com) specs, listen to tunes by local indie rockers BlahBlahBlah, and enjoy food and drinks at Salvage One (1840 W. Hubbard St.) on Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. during the Chicago leg of the Warby Parker Class Trip.
  • Renegade Craft Fair (renegadecraft.com) returns to Wicker Park (along Division Street between Damen and Paulina Avenues) this weekend. Shop jewelry, custom clothing, artwork, and more from vendors like Alapash Home & Terrariums, FoundRe, and The Plaid Pigeon from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
  • After undergoing a major renovation, the Michigan Avenue Bloomingdale’s (900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-440-4460, bloomingdales.com) has unveiled its new look. The first and third floors have been completely revamped and a number of new brands—including Kate Spade clothing; Dana Rebecca Designs jewelry; and La Mer, Nars, and SK II cosmetics—now line the shelves.
  • Shop a vintage trunk show at the gift and accessories store Hazel (1902 W. Montrose Ave., 773-769-2227, hazelchicago.com) on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Browse dealer Alex Hosler’s collection of vintage jewelry, clothing, bowties, handbags, and more and score a few snacks and libations as you shop.
  • Todd & Holland Tea Merchants (7311 Madison St., Forest Park, 800-747-8327, todd-holland.com) holds its annual tea sale with 50 percent off select teas and accessories, starting Saturday and running through September 14. Whether you fancy English Breakfast or Champagne Raspberry, now’s the time to stock up.