|
 |
December 5th, 2008
Some people are innately good at holidaying. We try to be, but it’s a façade. Others will wrap, craft, and pioneer their way through the halls and
malls This season is always hectic, leaving us with a feeling like there isn't an extra moment to spare, enough treats to sample or drinks to imbibe. It's craziness wrapped up in red, green, and white (and white and blue), and doused with glittery gold champagne. Better enjoy it while it lasts! (Better yet, enjoy it with us tonight... we're hosting a party! See the Event of the Week for details!) |
||
Chicago Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Like A Rock Star Last week we were cruising down Damen Avenue , listening to T.I.’s latest musical explosion “You Can Have Whatever You Like” when we passed the cutest store we’ve seen in some time. We couldn’t help but take a detour. What we found surprised us… a Bucktown shop where we really could afford to purchase whatever we liked. (Finally!) Enter Bazar, a hip (think: wood floors, exposed brick walls, and vintage tables) and well-presented (organized by clothing type and color) apparel and accessories boutique. Since “celebrity style” is practically our middle name, we cooed over the racks of funky Hazel dresses, couture-esque Ryu skirts, funky Nick and Mo jackets, and boho-chic Free People and Tulle sweaters. We dug the ever-so-attainable casual Billabong purses, the eclectic mix of heels, flats, and boots, and the environmentally friendly Yada winter jackets. Even the kiddies have cool options with a selection of organic Babylon baby tees. Affordable? Check. Hot items? You betcha. The best part? There’s a second location at Lincoln and Paulina. Watch out T.I., looks like we’ll be making our own Top 40 hit. Bazar Apparel |
|
|
| 2 | Fab Finds Hailed as a “teen concept store,” (now we’re really dated!) Frankie’s Lincoln Park boutique puts other overpriced and under-clothed teenybop shops to shame. Frankie’s is stocked with every trend a mini-fashionista could fathom, from double-breasted jackets to long, lightweight cardigans. Lucky for us, the store carries trendy, youthful garb in our size as well. With clothing ranging from a junior’s size 8 to a women’s XL, Frankie’s emerges just in time to dress us for fall and winter. Their Ali Ro dresses and Little Marc Jacobs coats are perfect for the young professional, while tops from LA Made are great for hitting the Chicago night scene. Need a new t-shirt? There’s a graffiti bar upstairs where you can customize your clothing. Stock up on the twin-sets for your favorite teen set, or indulge in some young and fun finds of your own! Frankie’s on the Park |
|
|
| 3 | Free Your Mind From big sister Free People (the brand that totally perfected the upscale cable-knit sweater and boho dress) comes We the Free, an exclusive boutique with only a couple of other locations nationwide. It’s a revolutionary shopping concept: no racks, no cluttered tables in the warehouse-ish space. The clothes are nicely displayed on a magnetic wall, neatly separated and easy to view. Find something you like? Just grab your size from the towering chest of drawers in the back or ask a staffer to fetch it for you. No more sifting, no more digging. Look for hot folk princess-like trends, where everything is a bit looser and a bit ragged. |
|
|
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Foxy Found Art When we get into crazy creative mode, we cut up fash mags and make collages. They become accumulations of lip gloss and crushes we’ve nursed for far too long (um, Brandon Flowers). |
 |
|
| 2 | Bloomin’ Gorgeous |
 |
|
| 3 | Domestic Goddess As soon as winter hits we get all nesty and start fantasizing about baking cookies and simmering homemade soups. Boojiboo to the rescue! This cute Etsy crafter perfectly captures a retro-chic vibe we love while at the same time maintaining modern appeal. |
 |
|
| Event of the Week! | |||
|
Minx Parlor Shoe Sale & Holiday Shopping Soiree What: Minx Parlor, Chicago Picks, and Indigo Studio's |
|||
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | It's a Do! When we finally bit the bullet and bought a car, our world changed completely. Sparkles fell from the sky and sunbeams guided us to all that is imaginable on Division Street. This weekend, browse discounted merchandise and get food and drink specials at Caffe Gelato, Porte Rouge, Pump, and more. Accomplish all your shopping needs in one quick sweep. What: Do Division Holiday Walk |
 |
|
| 2 | Glam Up at Gamma We don’t wanna look like every blonde-haired, blue-eyed Bambi out there. And we are pretty sure you feel the same way! Which is why it’s just cooler and more preferable to shop at specialty boutiques like Gamma Player. Shop their fall items at 30 percent off, and find unique brands like Midnight and Risto Bimbiloski. What: Gamma Player Fall Sale |
 |
|
| 3 | A Bucktown Beaut Bucktown is hands down one of our favorite neighborhoods. We always see something new, or discover a cool shop every time we venture westward. Check out this 10th annual show (billed to be Chicago's largest holiday art show), with crafts and gifts from more than 100 local and national artists! Expect ceramics, photographs, jewelry and more. What: 10th Annual Bucktown Holiday ArtShow |
 |
|
| Want to give everyone you know a gift—without spending any money? Sign them up for www.ChicagoPicks.com! It's free, and you'll seem very hip when you tell them it's from you. | |||
Be sure to visit www.chicagopicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.chicagopicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@chicagopicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Chicago Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
|||
