This Week’s Top Story

Olivia Palermo, designer and creative director of the lifestyle site oliviapalermo.com, will appear at Nordstrom (55 E. Grand Ave., nordstrom.com) on September 8 at 1:30 p.m.

This will only be the second time Palermo has visited Chicago—and the first time, she was only here for five hours—so she’s eager to pay the city another visit. The jet-setting Palermo has packing down to an art, and says that she wouldn’t leave home without her Rimowa suitcase, candles, and Mophie pack. But this time, she’ll also have her Olivia Palermo + Chelsea28 collection in tow.

The line comprises 23 separates that feature details ranging from suspenders to peplums and pleats. “We loved mixing light, feminine elements, such as ruffles and lace, with leather and menswear-inspired pieces,” says Palermo.

Palermo is well known for her own sense of style, and says that she loves poring over fashion editorials and photos from old Hollywood. But, she doesn’t have to look far to find design inspiration. “I wouldn’t swap wardrobes with anyone because I’ve really worked to make mine work for my lifestyle and body type,” she says. But she does have one style secret that will apply to anyone: “I cannot stress the importance of a good tailor,” she says.

Top Sale This Week

The Gucci store at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago (5220 Fashion Outlets Way, fashionoutletsofchicago.com) is offering an additional 50 to 70 percent off select items through September 6.

Pop-Ups

Need some back-to-school basics? ZipFit Denim (zipfitdenim.com) will open a pop-up shop at TheWit Hotel (201 N. State St.) today. The brand’s stylists will be on site to help outfit shoppers in styles from the likes of J. Brand, DL 1961, and Hudson.

Jax and Debb (1849 W. North Ave., jaxanddeb.com) is also offering discounts on denim. Through the long weekend, shoppers who buy one pair of jeans will get the second one 50 percent off; the summer merchandise is also 50 percent off.

Opening

A Levi’s store opens today at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago (5220 Fashion Outlets Way, fashionoutletsofchicago.com). The shop sells jeans—starting at $39.99—as well as T-shirts and other casual gear for men, women, and children. The shopping center will also debut a newly remodeled Tory Burch store today.

Retail News of the Week

  • Rapha, a cycling apparel and accessories brand, will open a Wicker Park store. Read more.
  • Final Sale, an off-price designer shop, is now open in Lincoln Park. Read more.
  • Chicago retail vacancies are primed to hit a ten-year low. Read more.