Shopping

GQ names best new menswear designers in America

2012-02-23T16:56:52Z

The fashion editors of GQ magazine are hoping to give some attention to up-and-coming talent in the design world.

Six designers were named the Best New Menswear Designers in America, and they will be featured in the April issue of GQ and be given an opportunity to work with Gap to create a limited-edition collection.

Here are the winners, along with GQ's thoughts on their picks. (For longer profiles on the winners, check out GQ's story with photo gallery.)

BLK DNM: Johan Lindeberg's new contemporary luxury brand inspired by downtown New York with a focus on denim.

Ian Velardi: The designer's new menswear collection can be described in three words: timeless, luxurious, and effortless.

Mark McNairy New Amsterdam: Known primarily for his trend-inspiring footwear, this designer's clothing line includes updated Ivy and military staples.

Ovadia & Sons: Brooklyn-bred twin brothers Shimon and Ariel Ovadia offer updated classics in luxury sportswear, tailored clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Saturdays: This surfing-inspired line, designed by owners Morgan Collett, Josh Rosen, and Colin Tunstall, focuses on a clean aesthetic with high-quality craftsmanship, traditional styling, and authenticity.

Yodd Snyder: Inspired by old-school British style and the relaxed cool of Hollywood icons, this designer's collection of American classics is marked by an assured attention to detail.

Shop tax-free this weekend at 900 N. Michigan

2012-02-16T16:37:26Z

If you've been eyeing that J. Crew sweater that just went on sale, this weekend would be a good time to snatch it up.

The 900 North Michigan Shops are hosting their annual Tax Free Shopping Event in honor of President's Day (thank you presidents!).

The event runs Saturday through Monday. More than 40 retailers will offer a 9.5 percent discount (equivalent to Cook County sales tax) to all shoppers. This includes sale items as well.

Retailers include J.Crew, Michael Kors (pictured), MaxMara, Club Monaco, L'Occitane, L.K.Bennett, Solstice Sunglass Boutique, Original Penguin, Mark Shale, Galt Toys & Galt Baby, Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa, and Karen Millen.

Happy shopping!

Denim sale at Urban Outfitters, plus new fun finds for your apartment

2012-01-01T20:23:43Z

Get $10 off all full-priced jeans at Urban Outfitters today, Jan. 1, through Jan. 2.

The sale includes denim for both men and women.

And even though I never make New Year's resolutions for myself (waste of time -- and hopes -- since I never stick to them), be sure to check out the new home line at Urban Outfitters, in case you made a resolution to give your apartment a makeover. The new Duvet covers are a standout and come in gorgeous florals in every shade.

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Brighten up your bedroom this winter with the Paper Flower Duvet Cover, $79-$89 at Urban Outfitters and also comes in grey.

Yvel jewelry at SOFA Chicago this weekend

2011-11-01T17:11:32Z

This weekend is the 18th Annual SOFA Chicago show at Navy Pier. (SOFA stands for Sculpture Objects & Functional Art, in case you were wondering.)

And if you need a quick break from art, stop by the Yvel gallery, which features jewelry very popular among celebrities such as Rihanna, Katy Perry, Scarlett Johansson, Giuliana Rancic, Mary J. Blige, Kim Kardashian and more.

Yvel uses pearls -- combined with 18K yellow, white or rose gold -- in a very modern and glamorous way. White or natural cognac diamonds are often set in the jewelry.

SOFA Chicago 2011 (along with the Intuit Show of Folk & Outsider Art) runs from Friday, Nov. 4 to Sunday, Nov. 6 in Navy Pier's Festival Hall. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 (or $25 for a three-day pass) available online through Ticket Web or at the door.

Skin care, savings and more at sample sale soiree

2011-10-11T17:12:53Z

Re.Stock Shop, a traveling sample sale that pops up in vacant storefronts throughout Chicago, is hosting a VIP Shopping and Skin Care Soiree at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 1047 W. Madison.

First, a quick demo with the experts from Rodan & Fields (the creators of ProActiv). They'll be showing off their new Anti-Age AMP MD system, a line of anti-aging skin care products that were featured on "The Today Show."

After the demo, shop the sample sale to score up to 90 percent off the following designers: Valentino, Jill Stuart, Ralph Lauren/Polo, Tom Ford, Robert Cavalli, Missoni, Objects d'Envy, Albert Makali and more.

Plus, sip cocktails and snack on appetizers while you sift through samples. The event is free -- just RSVP to julie@restockshop.com.

Coupon for 25 percent off at ZBoutique in Flossmoor

2011-09-19T15:35:40Z

Crop P/U Jacket, $59.99 at Zboutique and zboutique.vpweb.com.

Cure your case of the Mondays with a quick stop at the clothing boutique ZBoutique, 3321 Vollmer in Flossmoor.

Just print out the coupon from this link and present it at checkout for 25 percent off your purchase. Offer valid only today, Sept. 19. Store hours today are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ZBoutique offers everything from sexy date dresses to comfy tunic sweaters. For more information, call (708) 647-8700.

Live music, fashion at Oakbrook Center every Wednesday

2011-07-12T15:23:02Z

If malls and music are two of your favorite things, you should swing by Oakbrook Center at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays for their "Fashion. Music. Be Inspired!" series.

Every Wednesday will be a different fashion show set to live music. Here's the schedule (the names of the fashion shows get funnier as the list goes on):

July 13: Electronic Violin Sonnet with the Modern Day Fashion Forecast show.

July 20: Sinatra Classic Quartet with the Seasonable Social After-5 fashion show.

July 27: Laid-back tunes of the coffee house vibe featuring the Relaxed Approach to Dressing with Style show.

The show takes place from 6 to 7:30 between Macy's and Crate & Barrel.

Expect to see fashion from Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Talbots, Coldwater Creek, Anthropologie, American Apparel, Brighton Collectibles, Pandora, Intimacy, White House l Black Market, Cache, Silver Chic, Harry & David, Wildfire Restaurant, Origins and more.

'Horrible Bosses' premiere: Horrible fashion? You be the judge

2011-07-05T16:30:42Z

It was a sea of shiny, bronzed celebrities -- and Mayim Bialik -- at the L.A. premiere of the new comedy "Horrible Bosses," which opens Friday.

On display on the red carpet were a baby bump, tube dresses galore and a showdown between two matching off-the-shoulder frocks. Let me know what you think:

Jennifer Aniston, always a fan of the little black dress, sticks with her uniform with this simple-yet-stunning Balenciaga number. The dress is a little shorter than she usually sports, evidenced by her strategically placed hands, keeping the short hem in place. Robyn Beck~AFP/Getty Images

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I love "Blossom" as much as the next Gen X girl, but I'm thinking Mayim Bialik's dress was dowdy enough without the addition of Betty White's jacket. Alberto E. Rodriguez~Getty Images

I love a Hollywood actress with some curves, and Jennifer Love Hewitt isn't afraid to show them off in this head-turning, body-hugging dress. So what do you think: Too much? Or not enough? (And should we hope she was just picking up that orange purse to return it to someone else?) Robyn Beck~AFP/Getty Images

Jamie Foxx brought along model Britt Loren, whose tube dress makes Jennifer Love Hewitt's outfit look like a Snuggie. Robyn Beck~AFP/Getty Images

I've always been a defender of Chelsea Handler's style choices, and the talk show host in general, but I can't get behind this metallic number (which brings shiny poles and dollar bills to mind), or the black bra on display. Robyn Beck~AFP/Getty Images

WHO WORE IT BEST? "Modern Family" star Julie Bowen (who always grates on my nerves during interviews) and Bolivian star Carla Ortiz (who I have never heard of) both sported a white, off-the-shoulder, knee-length dress on the red carpet. Who looked best? Or better question, does anyone care? Jason Merritt~Getty Images

Alyssa Milano makes a pretty gorgeous momma-to-be in this off-the-shoulder gown. Jason Merritt~Getty Images

I'm always a sucker for a tie clip and tailored suit, so I'm a fan of this look on Jason Sudeikis. Robyn Beck~AFP/Getty Images

Save $10 at Macy's by helping to provide books for kids

2011-07-05T15:47:33Z

Give $3 to help provide a book for a child, and you'll snag $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at any Macy's from now until July 13.

Your donation will help out the Reading is Fundamental program, which provides books and reading resources to the children in your community who need them. The program's goal is to give 1 million books to kids this summer.

Taking a bite out of 'True Blood' red carpet fashion

2011-06-23T16:12:53Z

Could this be the best-looking cast of any show on TV right now?

The stars of HBO's "True Blood" donned their finest Tuesday night at the L.A. premiere of the show's fourth season. And everyone -- well, almost everyone (I'm looking at you, Brandon Routh) -- looked amazing. Here's a look at some of the highlights. Let me know who you like and who you don't:

It's entirely possible this blog post is just an excuse to run photo of Alexander Skarsgard. The man can't really look bad, let's be honest, but he looks especially yummy in this dark blue suit, accented beautifully with a plaid shirt and soft, quilted tie. Matt Sayles~AP

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Anna Paquin and husband Stephen Moyer shared the red carpet together. Paquin's black dress fits her perfectly, but I'm wondering what sort of superpower she's trying to activate with that gaudy purple bit in the middle. Perhaps the power to go back in time and wear a better dress. Matt Sayles~AP

Rutina Wesley wore my favorite outfit of the evening, a too-cute Farah Khan Alanna babydoll dress. Or maybe I'm just happy to see her smiling -- and not being tortured. Toby Canham~Getty Images

I don't really want to like this, for some reason, but I do. Evan Rachel Wood looks surprisingly feminine and cute in this menswear-inspired outfit. She accented with blood-red suspenders, and her short hair -- though styled a bit like the top of a cupcake? -- looks perfect on her. Toby Canham~Getty Images

Veruca Salt Warehouse Sale this weekend

2011-06-23T15:23:29Z

Boutique shoppers: Make sure to check out the Warehouse Sale at Veruca Salt, 520 N. Kingsbury, this weekend for up to 90 percent off the store's clothing.

The sale will be up on the 8th floor of the building, but you have to check in at the shop before you can head upstairs.

Hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

As always, if you go, let me know what you find!

Get the scoop on summer fashion trends, win accessories at Gurnee Mills fashion show

2011-06-21T15:14:46Z

Take a much-needed break from the heat this Saturday and pop into Gurnee Mills for a free Summer Fashion Show. You'll find out what's new at stores such as Lane Bryant Outlet, dressbarn, Group USA, Motherhood Maternity, Fan's Edge and Time Factory Watch Outlet.

Shoppers will receive free goodie bags at the event. Plus, sign up for a chance to win prizes such as a women's watch from Movado Company Store, a gift certificate to E'Lan Nails, a watch from Time Factory Watch Outlet, sunglasses, accessories and a gift certificate to Lane Bryant Outlet, free passes to Serpent Safari, and other gifts from Nancy's Travel and Black Market Minerals.

The show begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at the food court at Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand in Gurnee.

Also, be a Gurnee Mills Facebook friend and have a chance to win the Great American Cookout Giveaway.

Cycle and save at Logan Square boutique

2011-06-20T22:44:35Z

Ever wonder what 'B-Girls' in Wolfbait & B-Girls refers too? Could it be "Bike Girls?" From now until July 27, anyone who bicycles to the Logan Square boutique will score 20 percent off any one item.

Woldbait & B-Girls, which sells works from more than 170 Chicago artisans, is at 3131 W. Logan. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday

Score big savings at Re.Stock sample sale bash

2011-06-20T15:30:22Z

Re.Stock Shop -- a sneaky little designer sample sale that travels around Chicago, popping up in vacant storefronts for a few months at a time -- is celebrating its two-year anniversary with a party from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at their current showroom at 1452 N. Milwaukee.

Snack on treats while you score up to 90 percent off fashion and accessories for men and women. The first 50 customers will score goodie bags. This month, designers include Five Crown, Modern Amusement, Alberto Makali, Objects d' Envy, Eva Khurshid, Lewis Cho and Heatherette.

If you can't make the party and still want to check out the savings, you can stop by from now until the end of June. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday).

If you make it there, send me a note to let me know what you found!

Support local designers and hit a fashion or trunk show at the CFI pop-up shop

2011-03-17T05:01:00Z

In today's Shopping column, I previewed the fabulous new Chicago Fashion Incubator Pop-Up Shop, inside the 900 North Michigan Shops. For those of you who have always wanted to support local designers but have never gotten around to it, you really have no excuse now. More than a dozen of Chicago's biggest up-and-coming designers are selling their spring clothing, all in one place, and a lot of it is surprisingly affordable. (I'd say 75 percent of the clothing and accessories are less than $200.)

A quick background on the Chicago Fashion Incubator program, for those who are unfamiliar: For the past three years, the city's Incubator program has mentored
up-and-coming designers, giving them a workspace inside Macy's on State and
helping them start their own businesses. (Think "Project Runway" without the
TV cameras. Or having to make a jumpsuit out of Twizzlers.)

This pop-up shop, which opens today and runs through April 23, features Incubator alumni from the past three years. Hours are: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday through Wednesday.

And to get better acquainted with the designers, make sure to hit one of these trunk shows, fashion shows or meet-and-greets that will be held next door to the pop-up shop:

March 18: noon to 5 p.m. - Kristin Hassan Trunk show
March 19: noon to 5 p.m. - Meet and Greet with Nora del Busto
March 20: noon to 5 p.m. - 2011 DIR Meet and Greet
March 24: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Agga B. Trunk Show
March 25: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Agga B. Trunk Show
March 26: noon to 3 p.m. - Evil Kitty Trunk Show
March 26: 5 to 10 p.m. - Anna Hovet Fashion Show

April 1: noon to 6 p.m. - Dottie's Delights & Miriam Cecilia Manicures & Mocktails
April 2: noon to 5 p.m. - Spring into Glamour and the Future with Evil Kitty
April 3: 1 to 5 p.m. - Anna Hovet Trunk Show
April 3: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Buyer's Brunch
April 7: 6 to 9 p.m. - Kristin Hassan Fashion Show
April 8: 4 to 7 p.m. - Alidade Trunk Show
April 8: 8 to 10 p.m. - Zamrie Fashion Show
April 9: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. -Dottie's Delights Spring Pin Up Photo Shoot Event
April 10: noon to 3 p.m. - Zamrie Trunk Show
April 15: 6 to 9 p.m. - Nonnie Threads Trunk Show
April 15: 6 to 9 p.m. - Miriam Cecilia Fashion Show
April 16: 2 to 6 p.m. - Alidade Trunk Show
April 17: noon to 5 p.m. - Kristin Hassan Trunk Show
April 17: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Nora del Busto Trunk Show
April 21: 6 to 9 p.m. - Killian Gui Informal Presentation